Callaway Jaws MD5 Raw Wedge

While it’s possible that autumn will bring some larger, more compelling releases, the fallout from COVID-19 has transformed 2020 into the year of the wedge (and not much else).

TaylorMade introduced the custom MyMG2 Wedge program. Vokey Wedge Works was about a month and a half behind schedule with its first special release of 2020 and, this week, Callaway is extending its flagship wedge franchise with the release of the Jaws MD5 Raw Wedge.

About the Callaway Jaws MD5 Wedge

Kudos to Callaway for keeping it simple. The name tells you most of what you need to know. It’s still a Jaws MD5 wedge, which means you get every bit of the technology that came with the original release last fall but now it’s available with a raw finish, which basically means no finish at all.

As you probably know by now, a raw wedge is going to rust but to its credit, Callaway isn’t contributing to the myth that rust adds spin.

It doesn’t.

Instead, Callaway is saying you should expect the raw version of the MD5 to offer the same high and consistent spin as the finished versions, with the low-glare look many tour players prefer.

That’s perfectly reasonable.

The requisite disclaimer is that an unplated (raw) wedge will typically wear faster than a finished version. Tour pros get their wedges for free; you probably don’t. Just something to consider.

While the Jaws MD5 raw offering isn’t available for every MD5 SKU, with options ranging from 50 to 62 degrees, raw is available for a good bit of the existing lineup. As is unfortunately typical, left-handed golfers get fewer options.  52-, 56- and 60-degree S Grind wedges are your only choices in the raw model. As my mother says, you’ll eat it and you’ll like it.

If it’s any consolation (and I bet it’s not), nobody gets a raw W Grind.

Two New Loft/Grind Combinations

The Jaws MD5 Raw wedge story isn’t merely about the finish. You also get two new loft/grind options to consider.

Previously, the X Grind – a high-bounce, wide-sole wedge with heel, toe and trailing-edge relief – was available in 58 and 60 degrees only. Given the utility of the grind, it makes sense to extend the offering to cover sand wedge lofts as well. To that end, the raw version is available in both 54  and 56 degrees.

The other new option in the Jaws MD5 Raw family is a high-loft (58 and 60 degrees), low-ish bounce (eight degrees) T Grind. Callaway says its implementation of the T Grind offers a crescent sole, a slightly thicker topline and a higher center of gravity. That last bit typically gets you lower launch with more spin and exactly the sort of trajectory better players are looking for from their higher-lofted wedges.

It’s likely not a coincidence that the new grinds were added on the same day. Paired together, the X/T combo could work for a player looking to mix a versatile high-bounce sand wedge with a low-bounce lob wedge to handle tight lies.

As we’ve said before, the course doesn’t care if you’re a digger, a driver, or a slider. Invariably, there will be times when you don’t have a choice so it’s a good idea to assemble a set of wedges that will allow you to hit whatever shot the course gives you.

Callaway Jaws MD5 Wedge – Availability and Pricing

The Callaway Jaws MD5 Raw Wedge is available in 50 degrees (S Grind), 52 degrees (S Grind), 54 degrees (S and X), 56 degrees (S and X), 58 degrees (S, X, T), 60 degrees (S, T, X) and 62 degrees (C Grind) for right-handed golfers.

Lefties are limited to 52 degrees (S Grind), 56 degrees (S Grind) and 60 degrees (S Grind).

The retail price for the Callaway Jaws MD5 Raw Wedge is $159.99. Availability begins June 4.

For more information, visit Callawaygolf.com.