Expert Comparison: Titleist Vokey SM9 Jet Black Wedge vs Callaway Jaws Raw Plasma Black Wedge

Published on 02/13/2024 · 5 min readCompare Titleist Vokey SM9 Jet Black Wedge and Callaway Jaws Raw Plasma Black Wedge. Get expert insight below!
Nick Warren, Golf Expert
Jason Starkey, Golf Expert
Bill S, Golf Expert
Contributed By Golf Expert Nick Warren, Jason Starkey, Bill S, Kyle Emery, Dave Anderson and others

VS

 

Side by side comparison

Most recommended
Titleist Vokey SM9 Jet Black Wedge
Callaway Jaws Raw Plasma Black Wedge
Price
$149.00
17% off
$149.99
17% off
User rating
5(4)
4.21(24)
The Curated Take

Best for players seeking consistent performance and excellent spin on the green.

Best for players looking to improve their short game with exceptional spin control and feel.

Gender
Men's
Men's
Used (Y/N)
No
No
Club Type
Wedges
Wedges

In the world of golf, wedges are the unsung heroes that can make or break your game. Today, we're comparing two heavyweights in the wedge world: the Titleist Vokey SM9 Jet Black Wedge and the Callaway Jaws Raw Plasma Black Wedge. Both are top-tier wedges, offering exceptional playability, feel, and spin control. However, they cater to different types of players and conditions. The Vokey SM9 is a versatile option with endless bounce and grind options, making it a favorite among traditionalists. On the other hand, the Callaway Jaws Raw is a spin beast, offering maximum spin on full shots and chips, making it a favorite among players looking for high spin rates. While both wedges are excellent choices, your personal playing style, course conditions, and preference for feel and aesthetics will ultimately determine which one is the winner for you.

The Titleist Vokey SM9 Jet Black Wedge is a versatile option that stands out for its endless bounce and grind options. This wedge is designed to benefit individual players and their swing, whether they're steep, shallow, or a bit of both. The combination of the bouncing grind options and the spin milled face makes any shots around the green achievable.

The SM9 is also known for its traditional, clean look at address. It has very little offset and sits low to the ground, inspiring confidence, especially on riskier shots like flop shots around the green. This aesthetic appeal has made it a favorite among players who have stuck with Vokey for over 10 years.

The Vokey SM9 Jet Black Wedge is also known for its forward center of gravity, which optimizes ball flights, accuracy, and forgiveness. The Vokey R&D team has raised the height of the center of gravity in the higher lofts, promoting lower, more controlled ball flight.

However, it's worth noting that while this wedge is a favorite among many, it does have a heavier feel to it and the grip tends to wear.

The combination of Vokey's endless bounce options and the spin milled face are going to really make any shots around the green achievable. So anyone that's played a traditional wedge regardless of what brand, throw the Vokey in the mix, SM9 definitely worth a try.

Nick Warren
Golf Expert

The Callaway Jaws Raw Plasma Black Wedge is a spin beast. It's designed with a raw face and the most aggressive groove milling from Callaway to date, producing 30% more spin than the previous version. This high level of spin is great for one hop and stop shots, high spinning flop shots, and full shots into the green.

The Jaws Raw Plasma Black Wedge also stands out for its aesthetic appeal. The black plasma finish is sleek-looking and reduces sunlight glare. Over time, the raw finish of the club face will rust, which may not appeal to all golfers but does help to reduce glare.

This wedge also features tungsten inserts in the back of the head, enhancing the feel of the club. However, because these wedges are cast rather than forged, they can feel somewhat clunky and lack the soft, buttery feel that some golfers prefer.

Despite these minor drawbacks, the Callaway Jaws Raw Plasma Black Wedge is a fantastic all-around players style wedge that offers maximum spin on full shots and chips.

The Callaway Jaws RAW Plasma Black Wedges are absolute spin machines. Between the RAW face, offset groove in groove, and steeper groove angles, these produce 30% more spin than the previous version. Great for those one hop and stop shots, high spinning flop shots, and full shots into the green.

Jason Starkey
Golf Expert

Similarities

Both the Titleist Vokey SM9 Jet Black Wedge and the Callaway Jaws Raw Plasma Black Wedge are top-tier wedges designed for serious golfers. They both offer exceptional playability, feel, and spin control, making them excellent choices for improving your short game.

Both wedges also offer a variety of bounce and grind options, allowing you to customize your wedge to your swing and the conditions you typically play in. This versatility makes both wedges suitable for a wide range of players and conditions.

In terms of aesthetics, both wedges feature a sleek, black finish that reduces glare and appeals to many golfers. They both also have a traditional, clean look at address, inspiring confidence in your shots.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both wedges are excellent choices, they cater to different types of players and conditions. The Titleist Vokey SM9 Jet Black Wedge is a versatile option that's ideal for traditionalists who prefer a wedge with endless bounce and grind options. It's also a good choice for players who prefer a heavier feel and don't mind a grip that tends to wear.

On the other hand, the Callaway Jaws Raw Plasma Black Wedge is a spin beast that's perfect for players looking for high spin rates. It's also a good choice for players who prefer a wedge with a raw face and aggressive groove milling. However, it may not be the best choice for players who prefer a soft, buttery feel, as it can feel somewhat clunky due to being cast rather than forged.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When it comes to versatility, the Titleist Vokey SM9 Jet Black Wedge takes the cake with its endless bounce and grind options. However, for spin control, the Callaway Jaws Raw Plasma Black Wedge is the clear winner with its raw face and aggressive groove milling.

In terms of aesthetics, it's a tie. Both wedges feature a sleek, black finish that reduces glare and appeals to many golfers. They both also have a traditional, clean look at address, inspiring confidence in your shots.

Finally, for feel, the Titleist Vokey SM9 Jet Black Wedge comes out on top. While the Callaway Jaws Raw Plasma Black Wedge offers enhanced feel with its tungsten inserts, it can feel somewhat clunky due to being cast rather than forged.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Titleist Vokey SM9 Jet Black Wedge and the Callaway Jaws Raw Plasma Black Wedge are top-tier wedges that offer exceptional playability, feel, and spin control. They both have their strengths and weaknesses, and the best one for you will depend on your personal playing style, course conditions, and preference for feel and aesthetics.

If you're a traditionalist who prefers a versatile wedge with endless bounce and grind options, the Titleist Vokey SM9 Jet Black Wedge is a great choice. However, if you're looking for a spin beast that offers maximum spin on full shots and chips, the Callaway Jaws Raw Plasma Black Wedge is the way to go.

In the end, the best wedge is the one that helps you improve your short game and gives you the confidence to make those crucial shots around the green. So whether you choose the Titleist Vokey SM9 Jet Black Wedge or the Callaway Jaws Raw Plasma Black Wedge, you're making a great choice. Happy golfing!

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