About this Review: This review is my honest opinion of the driver, which I tested for 6-7 days in January of 2023.

My take

The Callaway Paradym Driver is a total game-changer. Its mix of carbon allows it to redistribute weight in all the right places. They hit the nail on the head in their mix of distance and forgiveness. The Wishbone jailbreak allows for serious distance and for it to be stretched over the whole face, making this ideal for a wide array of skill levels. Shaft choices will allow for the heads to be paired with several options making sure there is an option for the top-tier pro to the day #1 beginner.

About the club I tested

• Model: 2023 Callaway Paradym Standard Driver
• Loft setting: 9, 10.5
• Shaft type: Kali White, Speeder
• Shaft flex: Stiff, X-Stiff

About me

• Average score: 76
• Handicap: 3.7
• Experience: 25 years of playing golf
• Right/Left-Handed: Right-Handed
• Typical ball flight: High
• Golf ball used: 2022 Chrome Soft LS
• Club swing speed: 110

Test conditions

• When I tested the club: January 2023
• Days tested: 6-7
• Where I’ve used it: Course, driving range
• Weather and wind conditions: Rainy, windy, sunny, chilly

How it performs

What I was looking for

I was invited out to Callaway’s launch event of the Paradym Line in El Secundo, California, to check out all their new clubs. (The launch party was BANANAS.) I was not on the hunt for a new driver, but after testing, this driver went straight into the bag.

Why I chose to test this club

I tested this to see how it stacks up next to the new drivers this season. New clubs always promise increased distance and accuracy, and I wanted to put those claims to the test. This driver is in my bag now.

What I love about it

• Distance: The distance is phenomenal. I was using the TaylorMade Stealth + and gained distance using the Paradym Standard.
• Forgiveness: Great forgiveness. The carbon chassis allows for a lighter overall driver and redistributes weight making it Callaway’s most forgiving and accurate driver.
• Feel: Feels great. Very smooth from start to finish, and the feel of the face is very appealing.
• Sound: Great sound. One knows the “one,” right? The one where it sounds like a hollow hand clap from the gods. I have had issues with the sound of Callaway before, especially in the Epic Max LS, but the Paradym has really exceeded expectations.
• Adjustability: Adjustable weight and hosel allow for a huge amount of customization. This sets itself up for any golfer.
• Shaft Feel: There are a lot of shafts available, but the HZRDUS Black that comes stock feels great. Very smooth through the backswing and explosive through contact.
• Shaft Performance: A lot of shaft options ensure there is an option for all golfers. Ventus Blue TR is the smoothest shaft option with the best performance.
• Aesthetic Appeal: This grew on me. I wasn’t sure how I would like the blue, almost like a bowling ball. But it looked very cool and modern once I saw it in person. And the headcover is awesome.
• Launch Angle: This was one of my favorite characteristics. I loved the launch of the standard head. I am a highball hitter and felt like this brought it down to optimal levels.

Issues I’ve encountered

• Workability: More forgiveness usually means less workability. If someone wants workability, then the Triple Diamond is the model to look into.
• Spin: If someone is looking for a lower spin, the Triple Diamond is a good model to consider. Spin will likely increase with the standard model due to the CG (center of gravity).
• Grip Feel: Standard grip is a little slick. I would get one of the other choices as I do not wear a glove, and it feels like it will wear out quickly.

Best shot with this club

I had trouble with the launch, low launch, and push right. But, as soon as I changed the loft from 9 to 10, the ball launched incredibly well, and I piped one right down the middle on a short par 4. I had a nice up and down for birdie.

Value for the money vs. other options

It is one of the more expensive drivers on the market, coming in at around $600. While this is a lot to pay for a driver, Callaway has got a lot of things right. Performance is better than both the Stealth 2 (distance and forgiveness) and the Aerojet (dispersion and spin rates).

Final verdict

The Callaway Paradym is the driver to beat this season. While I am not usually a Callaway guy, this driver is hands down the best of the 2023 class. With its three models and many customizations, I will be recommending it to most, if not all, of my clients looking for a new driver this season.