The grooves should perform better out of wet and rough conditions to maintain spin on approach shots but on clean positions, it wont change too much.

I tried a 48° SM4 over my 49° DCI 990 pitching wedge and I actually lost 5 yards, likely due to the heavy shaft. The SM4 had the stock shaft (DG400?) and the DCI 990 has an FCM rifle 6.0 shaft. I returned the vokey after 1 round and verification from a third party launch monitor.

My suggestion, go into your local box retailer and demo their 48 next to your pitching wedge. A lot of them will actually have great satisfaction guarantee policies, so you can probably just buy one and put it through real world tests before you decide to keep it.

Get fitted for your wedge and make sure that the shaft matches the shafts in your set.  Depends on bounce as well.  Again, you really need to get fitted.  Don't just go into a store and pick up a 48* SM4 and hit it because it is on sale....try the new SM5s....they have a lot of possibilities and are worth taking the time to test drive them.........good luck and fairways and greens.... 

It is a bit of a toss up.  The PW works better in some situations and the Vokey in others.

I played briefly with a Vokey 48-06 (bent to 47) in place of my AP1 PW (bent to 46).  About a 5 yard diff in range.  It was generally better around the greens and for pitching.  When I set the loft back to stock, the gap was 10 yards.  The PW worked better for me on full swing shots and longer pitches, plus it worked better for long bunker shots in soft sand (I get the ball up in the air better; the 48 tends to dig in soft sand).

What I ended up doing is exchanging the 48-06 for a 50-08 (bent to 49).  I use the PW from 100-120 (depending on my choke down) full swings, 60-80 for full pitches.  For the 50, full swings are 75-95 (depending on choke down) and full pitches are 50-70; half swing pitches are 40-50. 

A 46* Vokey is closer to a PW.  Because it spins more, there is still about 5-10 yards vs an AP1.  If you are using MB, CB or AP2, this should be almost a drop in replacement.

The 48 will stop the ball better vs a PW.  Pitching distances are about equal between an AP1 PW and Vokey 48.

I play a 50-08 1* strong, first because of the shorter shaft and heavier swingweight.  I also have it set up with a shaft length of 35 1/4" and same lie angle as my 54-11 so the swingweight ends up about D3.5 (the 48 in stock length is D3).  About a 10 yard diff in pitch shots vs the PW but close to 20 vs the PW in full swings (I also have mastered choking down 1/2" on the PW for the in between shot at 105-110).

Hey Bubba, what is your take on this situation......

Hi everyone, 

There have been some very good comments on this question. Thank you for all of the participation.

When it comes to deciding between a Vokey and an AP1, or any iron model, it comes down to what the golfer needs the club for. Vokey PW's do not have the same MOI as an AP1 or 2, and thus do not go quite as far. With that said, they offer workability and a different look and feel compared to our current line of irons. I don't think it's possible to say one flies straighter or will be easier to hit close, I think it's more important to determine what you want out of the wedge. If you want a little more forgiveness and a club that will gap better to your 9i, I would stick with the AP1. If you want a wedge that is more workable, try the Vokey.

As always, it is best to see a local fitter, but keep this information in mind. 

Let me know if you have any other questions.

Bubba

Playing AP2's, if I bend the stock 46 1 degree weak will it increase the bounce?  I would like to switch from a 4 wedge to 3 wedge setup (which has me considering a 48 vokey and then a  54 and 60).   Thanks. 

Hi Steve, 

Yes, if you bend your PW from 46 to 47 you will effectively add 1 degree of bounce. 

Let me know if you have any further questions. 

Take care,

Bubba