Callaway MD4 Wedges Review
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What we say...
Callaway’s Mack Daddy 4 Wedges were among our highest spinning of 2019
The Callaway Mack Daddy 4 wedges set the brands high standard for wedge performance by combining innovative performance technologies with premium components. It’s the finest collaboration yet between industry legend Roger Cleveland and Callaway R&D, and was influenced heavily by Tour Pro input.
Replacing the MD3 wedge, the new Callaway Mack Daddy 4 Wedge boasts enhanced spin thanks to groove-in-groove technology and micro-positive surface texture, as well as four sole grind options which are designed to help with different short game styles and course conditions.
Callaway also say their latest Mack Daddy 4 wedges, which come in two colour options (platnium chrome or black matte) have a ‘pure feel’, due to the combination of soft carbon steel, precise CG locations and crisp turf interaction.
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Callaway MackDaddy 4 Wedge Review: You should know
New micro-positive protrusions between each face groove gives the Mack Daddy 84 contact points to grab and grip the ball at impact. An extra “nip it” 16th groove closer to the leading edge maximises spin especially on shorter shots. Callaway say loft optimised grooves give consistent spin for full shots and more aggressive control on higher lofts to maximise control out of the rough and around the green.
Do rusty wedges really spin more? Click here
Callaway MackDaddy 4 Wedge Review: We say
Micro protrusions on the face mean there’s 84 contact points to grab and grip the ball at impact, and it’s this sort of tech that meant the MD4 was among our highest spinning wedges of 2019. It would have forced its way into our top five, but two testers were less keen on the head shape (may not be an issue for you), feeling the toe was very rounded (between the grooves and edge of the face) so there’s lots of space to draw and distract the eye. Our test pro reckoned the MD4 had a lovely balance, though, which translated to very consistent numbers between shots.
Do older wedges really spin less? Click here
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Callaway Mack Daddy 4 Wedges: Key Features
➤ New Groove-in-Groove Technology for More Spin
Callaway’s proprietary Groove-In-Groove Technology combines a unique suite of features to provide more shot-stopping spin. The main grooves are saw-cut and horizontal milled to precise tolerances.
The lower lofted wedges (52degree and below) feature a 20D groove for consistent spin on fuller shots, while the higher lofted wedges (54degree and above) feature an aggressive 5D groove for maximum control out of the rough and around the green.
Why we use a Foresight GC Quad launch monitor
The 16-groove configuration includes their extra “Nip-It” groove near the leading edge for added control, especially on short shots. The Micro-Positive surface roughness, milled into the flat parts of the face, features three raised micro-ridges, extending the length of the hitting area, with micro-grooves between the ridges that help grab the ball’s cover to increase spin significantly on a variety of shots.
This combination of grooves plus micro-grooves provides 84 different contact points to grab the cover. All Mack Daddy 4 grooves are 100% inspected with a digital stylus and special software to ensure the tightest tolerance within the USGA rules.
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➤ Callaway Mack Daddy 4 Wedges: Tour-Inspired Shaping
The Callaway Mack Daddy 4 is the most rigorously tested and Tour-validated wedge the brand have ever offered. According to Callaway, Roger Cleveland’s tireless work on Tour refining shapes, soles, grinds and camber led to a more compact shape, straighter leading edge, tighter leading-edge radius and slightly more offset, compared to previous MD3 wedges that the new MD4 weges replace. The tight radius makes it easy to make clean contact on tight lies for maximum spin and control.
“Tour pros like only a subtle amount of leading-edge radius,” said Roger. “In the Mack Daddy 4 we gave them enough to make a performance difference while still pleasing the eye.”
➤ Four Grind Options
The C, S, W and New X MD4 wedges are available in four grind options, each with generous camber from heel to toe for smooth turf interaction and solid feel.
● Mack Daddy 4 C Grind: Increased relief, especially at the heel, making it easier to play shots with the face open. Ideal for medium-to-shallow attack angles and/or firm course conditions. 8degree bounce.
● Mack Daddy 4 S Grind: Medium-width sole with slight chamfer at the back and moderate heel relief to keep the leading edge low through impact, promoting solid contact on open-faced shots. 10degree bounce.
● Mack Daddy W Grind: Sole is wider at the center and toe and narrower at the heel, with moderate heel relief and generous front-to-back camber. That prevents digging without increasing bounce, and keeps the leading edge close to the turf at impact. Great for open-faced shots. More versatile than our previous W Grind. 12degree bounce.
● Mack Daddy New X Grind: The newest grind features a narrow, high-bounce crescent sole, with the low point near the front. Excellent for moderate-to-steep attack angles and medium-to- soft course conditions. 12degree bounce.
➤ Uniquely Satisfying Feel
Wedge feel is the product of several variables: CG location, sole, head material, finish, shaft and grip. Callaway say they have carefully considered all of those elements, including the soft 8620 carbon steel head and Platinum Chrome or Matte Black finish. Their system of four weight ports and milled aluminum medallions allows Callaway to position the head’s CG progressively upward in the Callaway Mack Daddy 4 wedges as loft increases for solid feel on every shot.
The Dynamic Gold Tour-Issue 115 shaft and premium Lamkin UTx grip further enhance feel. These elements, combined with precise turf interaction from our bounce/grind options, give the MD4 the most satisfying feel we’ve ever accomplished in a wedge.
There is also the most ever available bounce lofts in a Callaway wedge in the MD4’s, with 21 loft-bounce combinations, including nine available lofts (46°, 48°, 50°, 52°, 54°, 56°, 58°, 60° and 64°). Choose between two premium finishes: Platinum Chrome, for an elegant, satin-like appearance; and Matte Black, for a sleek, non-glare, Tour-inspired look.
Callaway say: “The New Standard for Wedge Performance Overall, MD4 wedges set a new and higher standard in performance and appearance. Shape, feel, spin, control, versatility, finish and detailing have all been elevated to the highest level we’ve ever achieved.”
