Systems and methods are disclosed for an improved utilization of parity within a data storage device, and manufacturing methods thereof. In some embodiments, a data storage device can implement an improved codeword redundancy process that can be utilized for data storage locations which were not previously scanned for defects. In some embodiments, a data storage device can implement an improved codeword redundancy process to store write data to a data storage location without having to perform a read operation prior to storing the write data to the storage location. The improved codeword redundancy process can include various methods of storing or updating an outer code codeword for the data to be stored.