Bryan,

I only use the Vokey wedges and just picked up my first Sm5 last week (52 degree -08), I have always used the chrome wedges which are very durable.  Just clean your club after each shot with a towel and it should last a long time!

I prefer the darker finish.  It does show some wear,  but it is much better in the bright sunlight.

The Chrome will last the longest, The Black is a raw finish and will rust over time.

My experience is that the Tour Chrome finish "shows" the least amount of wear from play and rattling around in the bag. A buddy has a 52, 56, and 60 each in a different finish and the chrome looks the least worn, followed by the gold, with black coming in last.

I'm using tour chrome and it's holding up well through 6 months.

good question for the OP, the chrome is the most durable....however every finish looks and feels different IMHO.

Chrome and Gold Nickel are both platings and will wear equally.

The black finish is an oxide and it will wear over time.

Personally I much prefer the look of the black finish

I just picked up my first Vokey today - 58 degree 08 in the gold finish and it looks great - don't think you could go wrong with any of the finishes.  Gold & chrome will probably show less wear, but the black stands out very nice.  Get one of each!

I have the tour chrome and they are great. 

I use the chrome on my SM4, and i've had it for a little while already and have had absolutely no rust or deterioration. I do always like to clean it after each shot. It did not rust for me after hitting it once in the sand and forgetting to clean it. The chrome  truly is a great finish and i recommend it.

I recently bought a set of V5 nickel plated wedges (my 3rd set of Vokeys).  After 1 session on the range the finish appears to be eroding.

Tour Chrome is the most durable finish