Callaway Paradym Drivers - 2023 Forum Review

[CFreddie]

27 minutes ago, GolfSpy_APH said:

Worth the review even if it is just for the shaft!

Exactly! I’m pretty excited to try out the Ventus!

[Rob Person]

That is awesome!  And yes, Pappas.Pete definitely had an insane amount of giveaways! Look forward to your review 

[jbern]

On 1/17/2024 at 8:44 PM, CFreddie said:

Hey MGS - I just received my Paradym in the mail and thought I'd post a "mini-review" in this thread!  Some background - I won a SM contest over the holidays (thanks Pete Pappas on X) and was able to select any model / shaft / grip combination in the Paradym stable.  

Introduction: Please see link in signature to my intro on the 2023 Cobra Challenge  

Given I'm pretty happy with my Cobra Aerojet, this meant the Paradym has a stiff challenge ahead.  Regardless, I'm pretty pumped to try out this club, based on the pretty positive reviews in this thread (great job again @cksurfdude, @Invader Zim 315, @StrokerAce, @Samuel09152, and @azstu324!)

Fitting: First things first - I needed to try out different models and shaft options, so after calling around, I went with a local Edwin Watts, as they had all three models, and a pretty wide selection of stock & custom shafts.

Unfortunately, I didn't snap any pictures (I was too excited), but the results were pretty impressive.  I started out with the Paradym X at 10.5*, which I've read is the most "forgiving" and probably the closest to my current gamer (AJ Max).   Starting with two stock options (Hzrdus Silver & Ventus Blue Non-Velocore), I immediately noticed some positive trends in spin & dispersion, but nothing really different from my gamer with ONE exception - the X accentuated my draw, my natural shot shape, too much and nearly all of my shots were offline (without adjusting my aim direction).  Knowing the X is draw-biased, this wasn't surprising, but it was interesting to see just how much it affected my "good" shots. 

Moving on to the standard Paradym, my fitter made a couple distinct adjustments - first off, he put me in a 9* head, suggesting that it might help a bit more with spin & launch angle (most of my drivers in my AJ are pretty high as is) and he moved the heel weight to the "fade" position on the back of the club (note - the weight rail is only on the standard Paradym).  In addition, my feedback on shaft feel was that both options felt a bit "muted", and I generally prefer a shaft with a bit more feel / snappiness.  With this, he put me in the standard Ventus Blue (w/ Velocore) to try.  Within 1-2 shots, I knew I was getting closer to ideal - spin & launch were much more favorable (low 2000s and launching at 12*) and I was achieving even better carry distance (averaging 10ish yards more than my AJ Max).  In addition, my dispersion was MUCH better with the weight adjustment, hitting a very minimal baby draw each and every time.  

However, before I packed it in, my fitter suggested trying out the "TR" version of the Ventus Blue, saying it would give a bit more "snappiness" in the middle of the shaft.  After switching out, he was right (again) as the feel was more than ideal, without sacrificing any of the gains seen in the original VB.  

Note - I had the opportunity to try out the Triple Diamond version, but knowing my proclivity for sub-par ball striking (at times), I decided it was worth to get a little bit more forgiveness and stay with the standard Paradym.  

All-in-all, my final build specs were as follows:

- Paradym at 9* (neutral collar)

- Ventus TR Blue 6S

- GP Tour Velvet Mid-Size (no wraps)

Unboxing: After a short wait (10 days), it has arrived!!!  Based on the previous reviews, I was bracing for a damaged box, but it looks like everything arrived intact!

Some initial thoughts:

- I agree with the other testers...the headcover must go.  Its just a bit too much for my liking, but thats an easy switch out

- While most drivers are adjustable, its a bit strange that Callaway doesn't include an adjustment tool (especially for a $500+ club).  

- Regardless of these two knocks, the club is absolutely beautiful - Callaway knocked it out of the park with the colorway and design.  

Thats all for now - I'll plan to update this post after I get to the range and do a side by side comparison with my AJ.  

Thanks!

Awesome giveaway victory! That's nice that you were able to go to a fitting to get things dialed in a bit before making your decision on which one to go with! I'll be following along with your comparison to the AJ Max.

[cksurfdude]

@CFreddie WOW!!! What a great, great win!!!

And wow you've got an excellent fitter, too .. they really took care of you.

Excited to hear how it works for you on the course...

Edited January 19 by cksurfdude

[CFreddie]

Quick update on my "unofficial" Paradym testing:

- Look / Feel / Sound are completely different between models - I attribute most of this due to the Ventus.  Initial numbers point to a much lower launch and (assumed) drop in spin, which is helping me push the ball out a bit further.  

- Was able to get in 9 holes recently - hit 5/6 FIR, which seems like a big improvement in overall performance.  One interesting observation on course (and on range) - my ball flight has typically been a slight draw, but I'm fading the ball with the Paradym (stock rail & collar settings here).  

- This is going to be a TOUGH decision - my AJ has already improved my driving ability, but early results from the Paradym have pushed it a bit further.  Still need a bit more time with the Callaway before a final decision is made...

[Rob Person]

2 minutes ago, CFreddie said:

Quick update on my "unofficial" Paradym testing:

- Look / Feel / Sound are completely different between models - I attribute most of this due to the Ventus.  Initial numbers point to a much lower launch and (assumed) drop in spin, which is helping me push the ball out a bit further.  

- Was able to get in 9 holes recently - hit 5/6 FIR, which seems like a big improvement in overall performance.  One interesting observation on course (and on range) - my ball flight has typically been a slight draw, but I'm fading the ball with the Paradym (stock rail & collar settings here).  

- This is going to be a TOUGH decision - my AJ has already improved my driving ability, but early results from the Paradym have pushed it a bit further.  Still need a bit more time with the Callaway before a final decision is made...

Will making adjustments to the shaft settings allow you to bring that fade back to center more?

[CFreddie]

2 hours ago, Rob Person said:

Will making adjustments to the shaft settings allow you to bring that fade back to center more?

Good question- I’m going to try to adjust the back weight first. If that doesn’t straighten it out, I may try the collar as well. 

[cksurfdude]

5 hours ago, CFreddie said:

Good question- I’m going to try to adjust the back weight first. If that doesn’t straighten it out, I may try the collar as well. 

Yes.. test out one adjustment at a time!

For me, I found moving the back weight did have a noticeable effect on feel & balance of the head and on the ball flight.

[Samuel09152]

Updated a little bit about what has been going on, will get more data to yall shortly! THANK YALL! 

[Samuel09152]

NEW UPDATE!! Getting pictures up here tonight! 

[TylorJudd]

On 1/28/2024 at 1:15 PM, Rob Person said:

Will making adjustments to the shaft settings allow you to bring that fade back to center more?

If this is a TD we’re talking about, the 14g at the back is almost a must. I haven’t found this pairs crazy well with “low/low” shafts if you’ll call them that. I also play a 10.5 instead of the 9. This thing also throws rockets off the low and high face. 
 

The heel plays a predictable fade each time, the toe is no go territory.

[CFreddie]

Update incoming on my "mini-review" - spoiler alert, we have a new (driver) leader in the clubhouse, but the AJ will be on deck just in case 

[cksurfdude]

6 hours ago, CFreddie said:

Update incoming on my "mini-review" - spoiler alert, we have a new (driver) leader in the clubhouse, but the AJ will be on deck just in case 

Great news! Enjoy those new-found bombs!! 

[Javs]

I’m on a roll. Purchased the new PXG’s woods and hybrids, new PXG putter, new Odyssey AI putter and last night wait for it:

PARADYM AI SMOKE TRIPLE DIAMOND 

Qty: 1

Club : Driver 

Gender : Mens 

Hand : Right 

Loft : 9° 

COG Type : STANDARD 

Shaft Material : Graphite 

Shaft Type : Project X Denali Black 60 Graphite 

Shaft Flex : XStiff 

Length : - 1/4 in 

Grip : Golf Pride - New Dec Chevron Black/Blue (55g)

[Josh Parker]

8 hours ago, Javs said:

I’m on a roll. Purchased the new PXG’s woods and hybrids, new PXG putter, new Odyssey AI putter and last night wait for it:

PARADYM AI SMOKE TRIPLE DIAMOND 

Qty: 1

Club : Driver 

Gender : Mens 

Hand : Right 

Loft : 9° 

COG Type : STANDARD 

Shaft Material : Graphite 

Shaft Type : Project X Denali Black 60 Graphite 

Shaft Flex : XStiff 

Length : - 1/4 in 

Grip : Golf Pride - New Dec Chevron Black/Blue (55g)

You will have enough for a small golf shop soon.  Can't wait to hear your thoughts on the new AI Smoke

[Javs]

4 hours ago, Josh Parker said:

You will have enough for a small golf shop soon.  Can't wait to hear your thoughts on the new AI Smoke

I do have a closet full of clubs. I should have a driver, wedge and putter sale!

[Josh Parker]

4 minutes ago, Javs said:

I do have a closet full of clubs. I should have a driver, wedge and putter sale!

If only they were lefties. 

[Javs]

35 minutes ago, Josh Parker said:

If only they were lefties. 

Wish they were and you could have pick of the litter

[TylorJudd]

17 hours ago, Javs said:

I’m on a roll. Purchased the new PXG’s woods and hybrids, new PXG putter, new Odyssey AI putter and last night wait for it:

PARADYM AI SMOKE TRIPLE DIAMOND 

Qty: 1

Club : Driver 

Gender : Mens 

Hand : Right 

Loft : 9° 

COG Type : STANDARD 

Shaft Material : Graphite 

Shaft Type : Project X Denali Black 60 Graphite 

Shaft Flex : XStiff 

Length : - 1/4 in 

Grip : Golf Pride - New Dec Chevron Black/Blue (55g)

It’s hard to believe that Callaway could have improved on the Paradym but the AI Smoke sure seems like it’s going to be the real deal!

I decided to add some lead tape to the Paradym TD a few weeks back, coupled with Tour AD shaft and results were impressive. Consistently impressed with the driver everytime I use it

[Javs]

2 hours ago, TylorJudd said:

It’s hard to believe that Callaway could have improved on the Paradym but the AI Smoke sure seems like it’s going to be the real deal!

I decided to add some lead tape to the Paradym TD a few weeks back, coupled with Tour AD shaft and results were impressive. Consistently impressed with the driver everytime I use it

I will let you know