Callaway Paradym Drivers - 2023 Forum Review

[StrokerAce]

1 hour ago, Caddie1966 said:

The review is well written and the pics are great.  Thanks.  I’m considering this as a replacement to my 2017 Titleist 917D2.  It’ll be a tough one to replace as it is the best club in my bag but seeing your improvement is giving me food for thought.  

Thanks! Glad you liked it. I’m always self conscious about pics of myself but figure I’m too old for that any longer!

Hope you find a driver that works for you. That 917D2 has big shoes to fill

[GolfSpy_BEN]

@Invader Zim 315 @StrokerAce @azstu324 @cksurfdude

 

Well done gents! I thoroughly enjoyed reading each of your reviews! Admittedly, after I bought the Paradym fairway woods and saw some success with them, it made me curious if you guys would come to similar conclusions regarding the big stick. The time, effort, and care you each invested in your reviews is a credit to you all and shows in the work. Thank you for all the hard work, it is appreciated!

[StrokerAce]

40 minutes ago, Ben Joest said:

@Invader Zim 315 @StrokerAce @azstu324 @cksurfdude

 

Well done gents! I thoroughly enjoyed reading each of your reviews! Admittedly, after I bought the Paradym fairway woods and saw some success with them, it made me curious if you guys would come to similar conclusions regarding the big stick. The time, effort, and care you each invested in your reviews is a credit to you all and shows in the work. Thank you for all the hard work, it is appreciated!

Thank you Ben, for taking the time and effort to read the reviews. It means a lot to each of us that our efforts to provide thoughtful and meaningful information to the community does not go unnoticed. 
#TeamParadym

[cksurfdude]

So .. anyone have anything UNflattering to say about the reviews .. and are there any questions that may not have been covered..?

[StrokerAce]

5 minutes ago, cksurfdude said:

So .. anyone have anything UNflattering to say about the reviews .. and are there any questions that may not have been covered..?

If you were to change one thing about the club what would it be and why?

[cksurfdude]

1 minute ago, StrokerAce said:

If you were to change one thing about the club what would it be and why?

For me it's the lie angle. Probably me being a little shorter at just under 5' 7" may magnify it, so next likely adjustment is to shorten the shaft a bit (and get a different grip).

Even with the flat adapter it still appears a little toe-up to me...

 

[Invader Zim 315]

47 minutes ago, StrokerAce said:

If you were to change one thing about the club what would it be and why?

For me it's just this dang rattle with a point of origination that I can't seem to find for the death of me!  I mentioned this in my review but it gives me concerns for the longevity of this driver, especially since it's kind of a "First Gen" of this chassis system (I've always been wary of buying the first generation of any product).  I just never once heard a rattle with my M1.

 

What I will point out too, on the contrary:

I think my favorite part with the new gloss finish is that there still is the little piece of Matte Crown that separates it from the face.

It was by far my biggest gripe with the Rogue, as the contrast between the crown and face felt so sharp.  I like a head shape that subtly transitions (Cobra drivers come to mind), and this sliver provides that illusion for me.  Something I hope Callaway continues with. 

 

[StrokerAce]

19 minutes ago, Invader Zim 315 said:

For me it's just this dang rattle with a point of origination that I can't seem to find for the death of me!  I mentioned this in my review but it gives me concerns for the longevity of this driver, especially since it's kind of a "First Gen" of this chassis system (I've always been wary of buying the first generation of any product).  I just never once heard a rattle with my M1.

 

What I will point out too, on the contrary:

I think my favorite part with the new gloss finish is that there still is the little piece of Matte Crown that separates it from the face.

It was by far my biggest gripe with the Rogue, as the contrast between the crown and face felt so sharp.  I like a head shape that subtly transitions (Cobra drivers come to mind), and this sliver provides that illusion for me.  Something I hope Callaway continues with. 

 

Yeah - a 600 dollar driver shouldn't be rattling and might be worth contacting @GolfSpy BOS who could get in contact with the OEM. That was very helpful and quick for me with my shaft issue.
I wonder if you could fully remove the sliding weight and use compressed air to blow inside in case there is a tiny pebble or something in there?
 

I like the wrapround on the face as well. I wonder what it would look like with a matte finish like the G series from Ping?

[Invader Zim 315]

@azstu324 @cksurfdude @StrokerAce Those tester badges look pretty 

[azstu324]

6 hours ago, Invader Zim 315 said:

For me it's just this dang rattle

If you have a shop that you regularly go, they may be able to spray some rattle stop inside the head. Normally the clubs get a spray at the factory. It's a spray glue that never fully dries and it should help keep things like metal shavings, dried glue, etc, from making noise inside the club head. 

You may even be able to find some on the ol interwebs 

This is only to rule out the rattle being something trapped inside the head. 

 

[cksurfdude]

Something I may have forgotten to mention in my review...

* Ball speed on mis-hits

The face on this driver definitely maintains a lot of the ball speed generated on off-center hits!

..was reminded of this my last round where my tee game was hahaha subpar and the ball was headed right a lot, but still got punched out there a ways (well .. until the ball found tree branches and got knocked down into the rough... )

[StrokerAce]

2 hours ago, cksurfdude said:

Something I may have forgotten to mention in my review...

* Ball speed on mis-hits

The face on this driver definitely maintains a lot of the ball speed generated on off-center hits!

..was reminded of this my last round where my tee game was hahaha subpar and the ball was headed right a lot, but still got punched out there a ways (well .. until the ball found tree branches and got knocked down into the rough... )

That was a major difference between this driver and others I've played before. 

There have been several drives where I didn't think I hit it well and was genuinely surprised how far it went.

[Invader Zim 315]

Haven't been able to play since the test ended for a number of reasons.

Distance must make the heart grow fonder because I really want to hit the Paradym again soon

[TylorJudd]

3 minutes ago, StrokerAce said:

That was a major difference between this driver and others I've played before. 

There have been several drives where I didn't think I hit it well and was genuinely surprised how far it went.

I can attest to this as well. The Paradym keeps the pedal down all the time. Callaway really got something good with these drivers! 

The Paradym TD really opened my eyes to a lot of things. The carbon chassis allows me to swing faster, no brainer, but without extra effort. When I first received it, I swing super easy and it would go 320 with no issues. I had it set up with a HZRDUS smoke black gen 2 with the 14g at the back  and they really performed well together. I broke that shaft and Callaway sent back a Gen4 Black. I was not ok with this shaft, but after a few weeks, it felt like the driver just "broke in". Now it's back, I have found at 45.5, it's a tougher beast to control, even at my 6'4" frame. I choke down a touch and all is good again. The feel of the face is unlike anything I've ever experienced, so flush and pure. Very responsive of your mishits, and feedback is precise. This driver got me over 30 yards over my X2 Hot. I went with 10.5 and set it down to 9.5. The Paradym certainly wants to launch quite low. I agree that the head over is the worst part but the aesthetics are second to none. The marbled carbon is breath taking and the crown looks like a blue snake skin in the light. The smaller head is completely unoticeable and I love the clean look at address. This driver is automatic. I foundisses off the heel to be absolute bombs, but the toe is much less forgiving and let's you know immediately.

I'm contemplating pairing it with a Ventus Blue TR, as I think they are a match made in heaven!

[azstu324]

Just to echo the last couple comments about the consistency all around the face. The Paradym TD is no exception. The spin maintenance is really fantastic on less than perfect strikes. 

I made a comment in my other thread that I probably need to repeat here. When struck really well, the Paradym (at least the TD) seems to have an extra gear. It's finding the sweet spot every time that seems to be the tricky bit. 

[GolfSpy_APH]

Ok officially actively looking for a used Paradym. I have shafts to put into it, but it's time.

The cobra will get further play and trials, but it did seem shorter than the ping g430 and less forgiving.

[GolfSpy_KFT]

Awesome job on the write ups, guys! A friend of mine recently traded in a TSr3 for the Paradym and is loving it. Hitting it further and with better dispersion. Has me really wanting to try one, but gonna stick with the H2H of my TSi3 vs. the Cobra Aerojet Max I am still testing post Cobra Challenge. Seems like Callaway overall just killed it with clubs this year from irons to woods.

[TylorJudd]

1 hour ago, azstu324 said:

Just to echo the last couple comments about the consistency all around the face. The Paradym TD is no exception. The spin maintenance is really fantastic on less than perfect strikes. 

I made a comment in my other thread that I probably need to repeat here. When struck really well, the Paradym (at least the TD) seems to have an extra gear. It's finding the sweet spot every time that seems to be the tricky bit. 

That extra gear is so true, and its a deep gear. It's mishits are longer improvements than previous models, and for me personally, when I get the dead centre, Phew hopefully I'm not walking that round honestly though it certainly seems that the Paradym TD has a little more emphasis on shaft pairing as I wouldn't give Paradym TD complete plug and play, more like a couple specific requirements for launch conditions. God help your group if you find them though!

[azstu324]

42 minutes ago, TylorJudd said:

God help your group if you find them though!

Not a total brag on my part... Okay maybe just a little bit , but I've always been the more consistent and longer hitter of the groups that I play with. What's really sweet is when I have one that was just so outlandishly long and we all get down the fairway to where we think the ball landed and find nothing.. everyone's looking and then a guy says.. hey is that your ball way up there? And it's another 50 yards down the fairway.

Then everyone makes jokes about steroids or superhuman powers. That's fun

[GolfSpy_BOS]

2 hours ago, azstu324 said:

Just to echo the last couple comments about the consistency all around the face. The Paradym TD is no exception. The spin maintenance is really fantastic on less than perfect strikes. 

I made a comment in my other thread that I probably need to repeat here. When struck really well, the Paradym (at least the TD) seems to have an extra gear. It's finding the sweet spot every time that seems to be the tricky bit. 

 

2 hours ago, GolfSpy_APH said:

Ok officially actively looking for a used Paradym. I have shafts to put into it, but it's time.

The cobra will get further play and trials, but it did seem shorter than the ping g430 and less forgiving.

 

2 hours ago, Jnoble89 said:

Awesome job on the write ups, guys! A friend of mine recently traded in a TSr3 for the Paradym and is loving it. Hitting it further and with better dispersion. Has me really wanting to try one, but gonna stick with the H2H of my TSi3 vs. the Cobra Aerojet Max I am still testing post Cobra Challenge. Seems like Callaway overall just killed it with clubs this year from irons to woods.

 

1 hour ago, TylorJudd said:

That extra gear is so true, and its a deep gear. It's mishits are longer improvements than previous models, and for me personally, when I get the dead centre, Phew hopefully I'm not walking that round honestly though it certainly seems that the Paradym TD has a little more emphasis on shaft pairing as I wouldn't give Paradym TD complete plug and play, more like a couple specific requirements for launch conditions. God help your group if you find them though!

 

Y'all need to cut this crap out, ok. 

I'M HAPPY WITH MY EPIC MAX LS.

I'M HAPPY WITH MY EPIC MAX LS.

I'M HAPPY WITH MY EPIC MAX LS.

 

[SVCRATES]

I need one!

[GolfSpy_KFT]

15 minutes ago, GolfSpy BOS said:

 

 

 

 

Y'all need to cut this crap out, ok. 

I'M HAPPY WITH MY EPIC MAX LS.

I'M HAPPY WITH MY EPIC MAX LS.

I'M HAPPY WITH MY EPIC MAX LS.

 

[Vegan_Golfer_PNW]

Love the reviews from everyone. I am hoping Callaway keeps the learnings from the paradym on their future offerings. I am a callaway homer for woods and likely will get fit for them sometime down the road (although you never know  )

[funkyjudge]

2 hours ago, GolfSpy_APH said:

Ok officially actively looking for a used Paradym. I have shafts to put into it, but it's time.

The cobra will get further play and trials, but it did seem shorter than the ping g430 and less forgiving.

It’s an excellent driver, and you cannot have mine. Besides, I wouldn’t want to ship it to Switzerland.

[IndyBonzo]

Not an official reviewer, but playing the Paradym TD, and I wholeheartedly agree with the reviews here.  

I played in a scramble yesterday, and thanks to the Paradym had the best driving day of my life.  11/14 fairways hit, which has *never* happened for me.  (Never even close, although it has been getting better and better with the Paradym.)  Wish I could bottle that and keep it for non-scramble rounds.  Driver had long been the worst part of my game -- now it's the best.  Such is golf.  I think the Paradym driver is pretty amazing.  

[Invader Zim 315]

On 6/5/2023 at 12:29 PM, Invader Zim 315 said:

3.  Forgiveness Across The Face
I missed a couple drives left and right pretty bad, I will be completely honest.  None went OB, but 4 were in the rough and the fifth was in the fescue.  However, unlike with my M1, none of these went below 240 yards.  And I missed some, like, really badly.  Low heel strikes badly.  Yes, they still tailed right, but they still got out there and I'll consider that a win.  Hopefully I can dial in the new shaft and find the center a bit more.

I remember this being one of my biggest initial takeaways - the thing just manages your poor swings really well.

[azstu324]

1 hour ago, IndyBonzo said:

Not an official reviewer, but playing the Paradym TD, and I wholeheartedly agree with the reviews here.  

I played in a scramble yesterday, and thanks to the Paradym had the best driving day of my life.  11/14 fairways hit, which has *never* happened for me.  (Never even close, although it has been getting better and better with the Paradym.)  Wish I could bottle that and keep it for non-scramble rounds.  Driver had long been the worst part of my game -- now it's the best.  Such is golf.  I think the Paradym driver is pretty amazing.  

@IndyBonzo did you end up plugging that MP5 into the TD? I can't remember if that's the direction you went. 

Thinking I may have missed the boat on getting one of those 

[IndyBonzo]

4 hours ago, azstu324 said:

@IndyBonzo did you end up plugging that MP5 into the TD? I can't remember if that's the direction you went. 

Thinking I may have missed the boat on getting one of those 

Yessir, I did.  Effortless just like we want . . .

Last one here:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/354806387000?hash=item529c1bd138:g:fmEAAOSwY75kbmQS&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAA4HoxqJWrCixC5ZRxwpUHwghjWiEdV1Pp9jkLb%2FxH0AcCNG0VtS3qEk2B3gThesPIQM5g5zSLHfDcDl7%2BD8Yl2eWkbertgVCMhNLTUZKFWJCsmL2iEDMPl5wpllcwYOEFmJzj%2FEikfr3MZF4XeqPwggxx3ez8PiV9TSGowwOy%2BlJDdhBoG0dUiMGbMjnmrBQPwatABotWnrAHzzYmiCvlvJAvoLDDykhnAbkKRCOMMvavnqqvN4aZrhJ4sgi6WHGbnx6t274ALlF73wME7NBmmZ%2BiaLHIZZSdVtbbcExiI2G3|tkp%3ABk9SR8a5j5uzYg

I found a few more L flex on eBay also.  Not much online.  I was looking for another JIC.

[tdroma98]

On 5/23/2023 at 3:52 AM, Invader Zim 315 said:

I trust this driver when it's in my hands, and I’m comfortable taking it out of the bag to use. I think for us mere mortals, that’s just about all we could hope for.

 

Great reviews of the Paradym Driver @azstu324 @cksurfdude @Invader Zim 315 @StrokerAce. 

Enjoyed all your assessments & evaluations.  @Invader Zim 315 great comment:  "I trust this driver when it's in my hands...".  That is so true!  Like @cksurfdude I've had the Paradym X driver since late April and love the club! One of the best drivers I've ever hit and certainly noticeably better than the PXG 0211 Driver I traded for the Paradym X.  The Callaway Rep was right concerning the Hzrdous Black shaft.  
Agree with all your comments concerning no setting wrench included with the NEW driver.  You'd think for $559 they would include a wrench!  
One disagreement I have is with the head cover, I do like the Paradym Head cover, it is snug fitting.
Overall, all your evaluations are spot on! Great job Guys! 

[cksurfdude]

Ok this happened...

.. + ..

.. = ..

Got a new tip on the GPLB (had been on an 0311XF) and took it to the course yesterday .. ("practice with it first", you say? ..harrumph ) .. so yeah the first few shots were a little shaky but after that, when I slowed down and caught it nicely, started launching it - had a few best for me yet drives on a few holes

So looks like a Kai'Li Blue 50-R may be getting listed in B/S/T ...