Titleist Vokey SM10 vs Cleveland CBX4 ZipCore:
Which Is Better in 2026?
Updated February 2026 · 8 min read
The Titleist Vokey SM10 wins this matchup.
The Vokey SM10 is the superior wedge for skilled players who demand precise spin control and shot-making versatility. The CBX4 ZipCore is the better choice for mid-to-high handicappers who want forgiveness from the sand and rough without sacrificing too much spin.
Skilled players who want the most versatile wedge with maximum spin
Mid-to-high handicappers who need forgiveness in their wedge game
Distance & Ball Speed
Distance control — not raw distance — matters in wedges. The SM10's Spin Milled grooves deliver the most consistent spin rates in the business, making distance control predictable and repeatable. The CBX4 ZipCore produces reliable spin too, but with slightly less variation between clean and grassy lies. For full wedge shots, the CBX4 actually launches slightly higher and may carry a few yards farther due to its wider sole helping thin strikes.
Forgiveness
The CBX4 ZipCore wins here. Its cavity-back design with a wider sole glides through sand and rough more easily than the SM10's traditional blade design. High handicappers who struggle with wedge contact will see immediate improvement switching to the CBX4. The SM10 demands more precise contact — you earn your good shots, but you also earn your bad ones.
Feel & Sound
The SM10's forged carbon steel construction delivers pure, precise feedback. You feel exactly where you hit it on the face, and the spin response is directly proportional to your strike quality. The CBX4 is solid-feeling but more dampened — consistent regardless of strike location. Tour players and low handicappers overwhelmingly prefer the SM10's feedback.
Adjustability
The SM10 comes in 23 loft/bounce/grind combinations, giving fitters extraordinary flexibility. The CBX4 is available in fewer configurations but covers the essential options. If you have specific turf conditions or shot-making needs, the SM10's grind selection is unmatched.
Price & Value
The SM10 at $179 and CBX4 at $149 put the Cleveland as the value pick. For golfers who won't fully leverage the SM10's precision, the CBX4 delivers excellent spin and forgiveness at a lower price. But for sub-10 handicappers, the SM10's performance justifies the $30 premium.
Specs Comparison
| Spec | Titleist Vokey SM10 | Cleveland CBX4 ZipCore |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $179 | $159 |
| Rating | 4.7/5 | 4.4/5 |
| lofts | 46°–62° | 46°–60° |
| grinds | 6 options (F, S, M, K, L, D) | 2 options |
| material | Forged 8620 carbon steel | Cast 431 stainless + ZipCore insert |
| finish | Tour Chrome, BV, Raw | Satin, Black Satin |
| spin | 10/10 | 8/10 |
| versatility | 10/10 | 7/10 |
| feel | 9/10 | 7/10 |
Pros & Cons
Titleist Vokey SM10
Pros
- ✓ #1 wedge on Tour for a reason
- ✓ Six grind options for any condition
- ✓ Maximum spin with Spin Milled grooves
- ✓ Incredible versatility around the green
Cons
- ✗ Premium price per wedge
- ✗ Grooves wear with heavy use
- ✗ Requires fitting to get right grind
Cleveland CBX4 ZipCore
Pros
- ✓ Most forgiving wedge in class
- ✓ ZipCore technology for spin
- ✓ Cavity-back design helps mishits
- ✓ Good value
Cons
- ✗ Less spin than forged options
- ✗ Limited grind choices
- ✗ Better players may want more workability
Who Should Buy Which?
Choose the Titleist Vokey SM10 if...
The SM10 is for single-digit handicappers and anyone who practices their short game regularly. If you hit 50+ pitch shots per round and want maximum control over spin and trajectory, the SM10 is the industry standard.
Choose the Cleveland CBX4 ZipCore if...
The CBX4 ZipCore is ideal for 12+ handicappers who want better performance from sand, rough, and tight lies without needing tour-level strike quality. It's also a smart choice for casual golfers who don't practice wedge play extensively.
Our Verdict
The Vokey SM10 is the superior wedge for skilled players who demand precise spin control and shot-making versatility. The CBX4 ZipCore is the better choice for mid-to-high handicappers who want forgiveness from the sand and rough without sacrificing too much spin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which wedge spins more, the Vokey SM10 or CBX4 ZipCore?
On clean, flush strikes from the fairway, the SM10 generates more spin due to its tighter groove tolerances and premium face milling. From the rough, the CBX4's ZipCore technology helps maintain spin better. The SM10 has higher spin potential, but the CBX4 has more consistent spin across varying conditions.
What bounce and grind should I get in the Vokey SM10?
For most golfers playing on average-firmness turf: 56° with M grind (medium bounce) for your sand wedge, and 60° with S grind (low bounce) for your lob wedge. Softer conditions favor higher bounce (F grind), while firm/links conditions favor lower bounce (L grind). A professional fitting is highly recommended.
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