Callaway’s new JAWS MD5 wedges, designed for more spin

Callaway has officially launched its new JAWS MD5 (Mack Daddy 5) wedges to replace the previous Mack Daddy 4 wedges that continue to be used by top players on the PGA TOUR. With its updated line of JAWS MD5 wedges, which are named after wedges in the company’s history, Callaway has made updates to enhance the look, feel and performance compared to its predecessors.

When it comes to wedges, spin is king. To increase spin compared to the Mack Daddy 4 wedges, Callaway’s Chief Wedge Designer Roger Cleveland and the company’s R&D team developed wedge grooves on the MD5 JAWS wedges that have a tighter edge radius and more severe side-wall angles. These grooves are milled into the faces of the wedges, which are made from 8620 carbon steel.

The new groove designs combine with the familiar groove-in-groove technology from Callaway that places three raised “micro-ridges” between the visible grooves; this creates more contact points with the golf ball, thus increasing friction and creating more spin. Callaway says that the JAWS wedge grooves are most effective from 80 yards and in.

Due to the emphasis on high spin, Callaway brought back the JAWS name from a 2009 wedge release, called X Series JAWS wedges, which were also designed by Roger Cleveland and promoted greater spin rates.

With its JAWS MD5 wedges, Callaway extended its lineup to include more grind options. Matching its MD5 name, the new wedge lineup will now have five different grind options: C (54-60 degrees), Low W (58 and 60 degrees), X (58 and 60 degrees), S (46-60 degrees) and High W (50-60 degrees).

The all-new Low-bounce W grind was developed as result of TOUR player feedback; it has a wide sole but low bounce, with increased sole taper and heel relief. This grind is designed to allow golfers to play more shots around the green but still get the benefit of a wide sole on full shots.

Also, the classic C-grind has been updated to increase versatility by reducing the bounce angle, widening the middle of the sole and increasing heel relief.

From a looks perspective, the lower-lofted wedges (46-52 degrees) will have a more compact profile than the higher-lofted wedges (54-60 degrees). Callaway says this progressive shaping blends better with the short irons from a player’s set. Additionally, the new wedges will continue to have the four medallion ports on their back cavities, a design that has become a recognizable aesthetic of Callaway wedges.

The JAWS MD5 wedges will be available for custom stampings in Callaway Customs with 10 different color zones and medallions, including new emoji symbols. They will come stock with either True Temper Tour Issue 115 steel shafts or Project X Catalyst 80 graphite shafts, and they come with a Lamkin UTx black-and-blue grip.

Available in both Platinum Chrome and Tour Grey finishes, the JAWS MD5 wedges will sell for $159.99 each. Pre-sale starts on September 13, and the wedges hit retail on September 20.