Callaway has been one of the best drivers on all major professional tours over the last few years and the Paradym range is not different, the question is does the Paradym driver cater for all skill levels? The answer is yes, the Paradym X driver is the answer. With the high launch, low spin and incredible forgiveness the Calaway Paradym X driver is a great choice for mid to high-handicap golfers as well as beginners.
The driver is slightly too high spinning for me as my swing speed is too high, however, I could tell it was super forgiving. Let’s dive into some details below.
Key Features of the Callaway Paradym X:
Looks
Callaway’s Paradym X driver range stands out in terms of aesthetics. The navy colorway is not only different but also unique in the golfing landscape. At address, the two-tone carbon crown, with a metallic grey rim closest to the ball, enhances alignment, making it easy to line up your shot.
The head’s size and shape are confidence-inspiring, suitable for both seasoned players and high handicappers. It provides a substantial surface area, which can be reassuring for those less confident with their driver. Additionally, the presence of offset should assist golfers who struggle with a slice.
Sound & Feel
The Callaway Paradym X driver offers a distinctive impact sound that is neither too loud nor obnoxious. It strikes a balance with a poppy “thwack” sound of average volume and mid-pitch. The sound consistency is impressive, making it difficult to distinguish pure strikes from mis-hits.
In terms of feel, the Paradym X driver delivers a solid experience through the hands. The added stability means that your hands will provide most of the feedback. The driver’s stability is a significant advantage, although it may require attention to precisely locate your impact point.
Control & Forgiveness
The Paradym driver excels in forgiveness. Despite variations in strike locations, it consistently delivers tight dispersion. The ball speed is also a standout feature, with every shot near the centre of the face producing excellent smash factors. Even off-centre strikes maintain impressive ball speeds, making it appear as if you consistently hit the sweet spot.
Three key technologies contribute to this forgiveness. First, the 360° Carbon Chassis redistributes weight to optimize distance, thanks to the absence of titanium in the body. Second, the lighter AI-designed Jailbreak system enhances ball speed on off-centre hits. Lastly, AI-driven club face design enhances speed across the entire face while minimizing dispersion.
If you are looking for control over forgiveness then you should potentially be looking at the other drivers in the Paradym range. The Paradym X driver is so forgiving it may be difficult at times to play an intentional draw or fade, and even a low shot at times. If you just want to make solid contact with the ball and are not worried about shaping the ball, then the Paradymx driver could be the best option for you.
Performance
During testing the Paradym X driver delivered impressive results. Despite including a couple of mishits, the carry distance was a few yards further than the previous year’s model, with good strikes up to 10 yards further. While the launch and spin rates were slightly higher, resulting in a slightly lower carry distance than optimal, it’s a minor trade-off considering the driver’s characteristics. This could have been down to my swing speed being too high for this model. The Paradym LS model is much better suited to my swing.
Value for Money
The Callaway Paradym X driver offers a premium golfing experience, but it comes with a relatively high price tag of £599. While it may not be considered a budget-friendly option, it provides excellent value for golfers seeking top-notch performance, forgiveness, and aesthetics in a driver. The combination of advanced technologies, impressive ball speed, and straighter shots justifies the investment for those looking to enhance their performance off the tee.
Who is the club for:
The Callaway Paradym X driver is an ideal choice for mid to high handicappers who prioritize consistency in launch and ball flight and aim to combat a persistent slice. The driver’s forgiveness and draw bias make it a valuable asset for golfers looking to simplify their game off the tee. However, potential buyers should be aware that it falls into the higher price range for drivers.
The Pros & Cons of the Callaway Paradym X Driver
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Impressive forgiveness and consistency | The muted feel might not provide instant strike feedback |
| Strong ball speed, even on off-centre hits | Alignment challenges for some due to offset |
| Aesthetic design that instils confidence at address | Priced relatively high |
| One of the longest drivers on the market |
Our rating of the Callaway Paradym X:
Distance: 9.4/10
Feel & Control: 9.1/10
Accuracy: 9.4/10
Forgiveness: 9.2/10
Total: 9.4/10
Our final thoughts on the Callaway Paradym X
The Callaway Paradym X driver lives up to its billing as the largest, most forgiving, and draw-biased driver in Callaway’s range. With its confident head shape and ease of launch, it’s suitable for a broad range of golfers. The Paradym range’s design is exceptional, and the numbers it produces are impressive. While it may not constitute a complete paradigm shift, it offers improvements in looks, performance, and feel compared to previous models.
With an RRP of £599, it’s not a budget option, but the premium design and performance justify the investment for golfers seeking to simplify their game off the tee. Whether you’re an experienced player or a high handicapper, the Callaway Paradym X driver is an incredible driver, that can potentially help your performance off the tee.
