I would suggest that the grooves of your SM5s are probably worn a bit and a new set with sharp grooves would be some benefit, having said that I treated myself to a pair of SM8s this year, not used them a great deal due to lockdown etc. but I put a pair of SM6s back in my bag to use through the winter months to keep the SM8s in better condition, and to be honest I don't find much difference in them.
Maybe that's why some of the staff pros are still using SM7s, even they don't seem to jump to every latest club that Titleist launch, even when they get them free and to some degree their earning potential depends on it!

The question I propose to you is how long have you played with your sm5 wedges? That leads to the condition of your grooves in your current wedge setup. If there is a significant wear on your grooves I would think you want to look at changing. Jordan Spieth was on a video on this site and he indicated he changed out his wedges quite often during a season. And yes I know he gets his clubs for free but it tells you how much importance he puts on the grooves of his wedges.

The SM6 started playing with the COG (Center of gravity) in the Vokey wedges. Something the SM5 didn't have.

By now the SM8's have it down pretty good by pushing the COG forward which gives you a better MOI.

There have been a few more sole grinds added since the SM5 for better short game shot making, depending on surface hardness & lie types to help you with more shot making ability around the green which will help lower your score.

Try and find a Titleist Thursday fitting in your area and hit the new SM8, if you like the SM5 then the SM8 will really surprise you on feel at impact.


Hope this helps

DM

I just got rid of my SM5s and plan on getting some SM7s. From what I’ve seen/read, there’s not much difference in the 7s and 8s, so it’s worth saving $40 a club for me.

Hello,

I switched from the sm6s to the sm8s. I’ve noticed some good changes. Little more spin around greens. Not sure how used your wedges are but would believe you would see a big notice when changing

Brent

I love my SM8's. Even though the 5's are a really good wedge, you can can't go wrong with an upgrade to the 8's.

Just retired my SM6's for SM8's and I'm really impressed. Besides having sharp grooves again, the 8's feel more solid on full fairway shots and seems easier to flight the ball. I believe the refined design indeed has benefits. I am playing the same lofts and grinds as before, so there was no real learning curve, aside from needing to throw the ball a little further on pitch shots because of the fresh grooves. I say go for it!