Club Test 2011: Callaway X Series JAWS Wedges CC

From Golf Magazine (May 2011)

Callaway X Series Jaws CC
Category: Wedges
We tested: 52°/10°, 52°/12°, 54°/12°, 54°/16°, 56°/12°, 56°/16°, 58°/0°, 58°/8°, 58°/13°, 60°/0°, 60°/8°, 60°/13°, 64°/12° with True Temper Dynamic Gold stiff-flex shaft

Key Technologies: Forged carbon-steel head, designed by Roger Cleveland, provides sweet feel. It has 21 tightly spaced "Tour CC" grooves for max spin and control under new USGA rules.

OUR TESTERS SAY: One of the few forged models in the test provides plenty of spin and a pleasing feel.

PROS
PLAYABILITY: Heavy weight makes sand shots a breeze; sole works very well from soft lies and rough; high flight and ample spin from fairway help shots stop quickly.

DISTANCE CONTROL: Fairway shots are very predictable, particularly those from 100 yards and in; solid response makes it fairly easy to judge greenside shots.

FEEL: Slightly heavier head swings with little effort; impact sensation is firm and pleasing with plenty of feedback.

LOOK: Appealing, antique-like (slate) finish makes the ball stand out; friendly head shape; leading edge squares nicely.

CONS
Some prefer a softer impact feel; tightly-packed groove design looks strange at address to a handful of testers.

$120, graphite

From Golf Magazine (ClubTest, April 2010)
We tested: 52° loft/12° bounce, 56°/16°, 58°/13°, 60°/13° with True Temper Dynamic Gold steel shaft

Company line: "We design 'Mack Daddy' grooves at the maximum conforming depth and width for shot-stopping spin and control so you can take aim from any lie. The 'C-Grind' sole has relief in the heel, toe and trailing edge. The sole contour allows you to lay open the face while keeping the leading edge low."

Our Testers say:
PROS: Among the leading wedges tested; good shots slam on the brakes; very consistent performer; dependable control from any lie; offers real playability; shines around the green, balls spin and stop on halfwedge shots; repeatable flight; most applaud the blend of traditional and high-tech look.

CONS: A minority could use more distance forgiveness; a few panelists prefer a more straightforward visual package.

$120

The new JAWS wedges, like their predecessor X Forged wedges, come standard with a C grind along the sole. This means that some of the bounce (the flange that dips below the level of the leading edge) in the heel and toe areas has been removed to create a C-shape along the bottom of the club. This process makes it easier to open the face and use the clubs effectively from tight lies.

From Golf Magazine (January 2010)
Famed wedge designer Roger Cleveland used the firm's X Prototype irons to inspire the shape and styling for X Series Jaws wedges. The heads are forged from soft 1020 carbon steel and feature big, aggressive "Mack Daddy" (MD) grooves for added spin. Its "C-Grind" sole contour allows you to lay it open while keeping the leading edge low. Available in chrome or dark vintage finish.

From The Shop Blog (September 2009)
Like previous X Forged wedges, the JAWS models will feature Phil Mickelson-inspired Mac Daddy grooves, which Cleveland says are as large and sharp as USGA rules allow.

"The capacity of the grooves, the width, is the max," Cleveland said. That helps to wick away moisture and debris, which should help the groove edges bite into the ball more effectively for increased spin.

Professional golfers and elite amateurs who attempt to qualify for events like the U.S. Open will not be allowed to use wedges with Mac Daddy or other high-spin groove patterns starting on Jan. 1, 2010. Weekend players, however, can use wedges like the Callaway X Series JAWS until 2024, even during rounds played for handicap purposes.

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