Some Love for the Paradym X Driver

[Jut]

I'm a decent golfer, but I've chronicled my issues with getting off the tee with the big stick in some other threads.  I've gone the 3W and mini-driver routes, but have routinely made it a point to get the 'right' driver in the bag.  I've gamed them all.  This year alone I've tested or bagged the TSR3, TSR2, Aerojet, Aerojet LS, Paradym TD, G430 Max, G430 LST, Stealth 2 Plus, and Hell, probably some others that I don't even remember.  My problem is not unique, I don't have a super high swing speed (approx. 95-100), but I generate too much launch and spin, thus I gravitate towards lower spin models.  These work great for me on Trackman or at the range, but I miss the forgiveness during actual rounds.  I had some great driving rounds with the Paradym TD (heavy weight front at times and back at times) and with the Aerojet LS, but then other rounds I struggled majorly with consistency. 

 

What I've discovered is that instead of looking for my unicorn (low spin to maximize distance coupled with uber forgiveness), I'm better off giving up some length to keep the ball in play.  In comes the Paradym X.  Normally, this isn't a driver that would even be on my radar, but after seeing how it tested on another site and seeing some positive reviews from folks like Shiels, I decided to give her a go.  I change clubs more often than underwear, so take this with a grain of salt, but I've been really impressed after a handful of rounds.  Misses are MUCH more playable.  Spin and launch are a bit higher than "optimal", but I'm not losing too much distance compared to the lower spin models.  Very important to me also, sound and feel are AMAZING (better to my ears than even the Paradym TD).  I'm alternating between the HZRDUS Black 4G and the Mitsubishi MMT and seeing great results with both (set at either 8* or 9*).  She's not as pretty as the TD, but I've gotten used to her bigger footprint.  Overall, I'm pretty darn happy right now with the driver and that's a big step!  Long story short, if your struggles are similar to mine, give the X a few swings when you get the chance.  

[Sleeky_D]

Thanks for the info! I’m sort of in the same boat but have gone through some swing changes and don’t get as high of spin numbers. I’m with you, though, in that I’m more interested in consistency than the occasional long ball. Just wondering if you tried the standard paradym and if so how they compare? I have a driver fitting next month and am trying to do some research beforehand 

[Jut]

26 minutes ago, Sleeky_D said:

Thanks for the info! I’m sort of in the same boat but have gone through some swing changes and don’t get as high of spin numbers. I’m with you, though, in that I’m more interested in consistency than the occasional long ball. Just wondering if you tried the standard paradym and if so how they compare? I have a driver fitting next month and am trying to do some research beforehand 

The standard Paradym, ironically, is one driver I did not test.  I fell for the reviews, which in general, stated that the X was testing better overall than the standard model.  Silly of me, but that does leave me another option if the X doesn't pan out....  🙂  

[dcdavis25]

I love the Paradym X!  My game off the tee was really struggling until I put this in the bag.  I tested the PDX extensively against Stealth 2 Plus and TS2 both on the course and GC Quad.  While it won't win any long drive competitions, it has saved me so many shots on the course.   My issue is low launch despite having decent swing speed (107-110mph).  I ended up getting it in 12 degrees with a strong cog paired with a Ventus TR.  I turn it down to 10 degrees to open the face angle a bit.  It has been a game changer for me.  

[Sleeky_D]

3 hours ago, Jut said:

The standard Paradym, ironically, is one driver I did not test.  I fell for the reviews, which in general, stated that the X was testing better overall than the standard model.  Silly of me, but that does leave me another option if the X doesn't pan out....  🙂  

Fair enough! I just recently started hearing of the hype. Definitely adding it to the list to try before my official fitting

[dmeeksDC]

Does that driver launch high? Are you guys going for the 9 degree or 10.5 heads? I typically play 10.5 and adjust as needed but if the driver is a higher launcher I go to the 9. 

[black bnr32]

Agreed with OP.  I hit this thing well.  I’d probably buy one if it came in 8 degree, but the launch and spin are just still too high with the 9.  

 

I was surprised with the lack of draw bias.  I can still feel it, but it seems to go much straighter than the max heads of past years.  Something about it just allowed me to consistently come square through impact, rather than spraying it left and right like the triple diamond.

Edited May 24, 2023 by black bnr32

[third-times-a-charm]

This is how I felt with the rogue st max TC last year - and it’s still in the bag.

[Tiptx1122]

I was going through some issues with my driver as well struggled with being consistent off the tee until I picked up the Stealth 2+ as I have a premium shaft as it matches just perfect for me, not only am I getting a tight dispersion I’m getting plenty of distance something I wasn’t getting with the paradym X or with the ping G435. I hit the Rogue ST Max D better last year with more accuracy then I hit the paradym X this year.

 

The head looks too stretched out where the Stealth 2+ looks more compact and feels nicer. I’m not say the paradym is a bad driver cause it’s not, it just didn’t perform as well as I’d hoped. 

Edited June 1, 2023 by Tiptx1122

[black bnr32]

Hey @Jut, how does the spin compare between the X and the G430 max?  Any difference in draw/fade bias?

 

I think we need to find 8 degree “max” type heads.  Or maybe find a tour adapter that can loft lower than 1 degree.

[Jut]

49 minutes ago, black bnr32 said:

Hey @Jut, how does the spin compare between the X and the G430 max?  Any difference in draw/fade bias?

 

I think we need to find 8 degree “max” type heads.  Or maybe find a tour adapter that can loft lower than 1 degree.

Spin and launch were actually very similar (ironically, I spun the G430 Max less than the G430 LST).  For some reason, I had trouble controlling the Max (I had the Ping 2.0 Tour Black in it) and it doesn’t sound / feel nearly as solid as the X.  

[realmfg]

Fantastic driver.  I play two drivers in my bag and both have the X on them.  I don't find it draw biased at all.  Typically a nice high straight flight or a slight fade.  Have hit some high bombs with it.

[Jut]

9 hours ago, Jut said:

Spin and launch were actually very similar (ironically, I spun the G430 Max less than the G430 LST).  For some reason, I had trouble controlling the Max (I had the Ping 2.0 Tour Black in it) and it doesn’t sound / feel nearly as solid as the X.  

I agree that an 8 degree head would be nice, but knocking the 9 degree down and then playing it with a lower spinning, lower launching shaft seems to work pretty well.  This HZRDUS Black 4G is definitely the best version of the HZRDUS line that I've played.  I have it in my TSR2 fairway wood and hybrid also.  It does the job, but retains really good feel.  

[bluedot]

I read the testing on the Paradym X, then hit it vs the “regular” Paradym, and the numbers  on my Flightscope were really good.  I got the X with the Ventus Blue shaft (not velocore) and it has been really great; actually better than I had hoped.  
 

Really, I can’t say enough good things about this driver.

[Jut]

I've settled on the 9* head playing at 8* with the Mitsubishi MMT 60S shaft.  So far, so good!  

[NoTalentLefty]

Made my Paradym into an X. Moved the 9 degree to 10 and put it to the draw setting. Not sure if it works that way but on the back 9 I started to pound the ball for my number 2 pencil arms on a 225 lb man. 

[Rbsiedsc]

On 5/24/2023 at 6:12 PM, third-times-a-charm said:

This is how I felt with the rogue st max TC last year - and it’s still in the bag.

I always worry about max heads being too spinny. Wasn’t the case for you?

[third-times-a-charm]

9 hours ago, Rbsiedsc said:

I always worry about max heads being too spinny. Wasn’t the case for you?

Nope. Consistent 24-2600RPM for me.

[WristySwing]

I may be biased, but Callaway has hands down the best driver this year.  I really thought Titleist was going to take the crown as the shop I was at sold a bunch of them, and then the Paradym released.  It's a weird day not walking in and seeing at least 10 Paradym drivers waiting to be shipped out and/or built.  Its fast, straight, and feels fantastic.

Edited June 1, 2023 by WristySwing

[SollyinGA]

I have a buddy who plays this driver. His swing is one of the ugliest that I have seen in person.
 

He usually results to a huge banana ball off the tee, but since he has started using the X (12 degree), he has much less curve and gets more in play. It’s only good for about 200-220 at best, but he’s happy.
 

I guess it’s easier to buy a new driver than taking a lesson and working on your game.

Edited June 1, 2023 by SollyinGA

[SwooshLT]

Got one round with X 10.5....I'm normally a short hitting controlled cut kinda guy but with this , I can aim much straighter and not worry about losing it left( I'm a lefty) .....next round is Tuesday and I'll have more to add 

[Phil Major]

I agree! My handicap is mostly based on Driver, other clubs in my bag are very good to my game. My driver need consistently to put balls in play. I have been exchanging many drivers which don't fit me. Drivers are long and more challenge for me. Paradym X has little offset that helps me to hit straighter drives. Be sure to find right shaft to reduce spiny and side spins. Be sure to test Paradym X!

[_Switty_]

Anyone playing the X with 115 swing speed or more? I love high MOI driver's and was thinking of putting a ventus blue 7x in it. Too spinny? Thoughts?

[black bnr32]

Loft down and have at er.  Kinda wish an 8 degree head existed 

[aceofclubs]

I just picked one of these up

based on some solid reviews. For those who have tried it, does it sound reeeeally muted off the face? Its like a marshmallow, can’t really tell where i hit it at times. 
Granted im coming from a Epic Speed Max LS which is kind of more of a tingy whack than a dull thud. 
 

Seems to fly high and straight so i think i will just have to get used to the sound/feel. 

[Mojo66]

On 5/24/2023 at 7:40 PM, Jut said:

I'm a decent golfer, but I've chronicled my issues with getting off the tee with the big stick in some other threads.  I've gone the 3W and mini-driver routes, but have routinely made it a point to get the 'right' driver in the bag.  I've gamed them all.  This year alone I've tested or bagged the TSR3, TSR2, Aerojet, Aerojet LS, Paradym TD, G430 Max, G430 LST, Stealth 2 Plus, and Hell, probably some others that I don't even remember.  My problem is not unique, I don't have a super high swing speed (approx. 95-100), but I generate too much launch and spin, thus I gravitate towards lower spin models.  These work great for me on Trackman or at the range, but I miss the forgiveness during actual rounds.  I had some great driving rounds with the Paradym TD (heavy weight front at times and back at times) and with the Aerojet LS, but then other rounds I struggled majorly with consistency. 

 

What I've discovered is that instead of looking for my unicorn (low spin to maximize distance coupled with uber forgiveness), I'm better off giving up some length to keep the ball in play.  In comes the Paradym X.  Normally, this isn't a driver that would even be on my radar, but after seeing how it tested on another site and seeing some positive reviews from folks like Shiels, I decided to give her a go.  I change clubs more often than underwear, so take this with a grain of salt, but I've been really impressed after a handful of rounds.  Misses are MUCH more playable.  Spin and launch are a bit higher than "optimal", but I'm not losing too much distance compared to the lower spin models.  Very important to me also, sound and feel are AMAZING (better to my ears than even the Paradym TD).  I'm alternating between the HZRDUS Black 4G and the Mitsubishi MMT and seeing great results with both (set at either 8* or 9*).  She's not as pretty as the TD, but I've gotten used to her bigger footprint.  Overall, I'm pretty darn happy right now with the driver and that's a big step!  Long story short, if your struggles are similar to mine, give the X a few swings when you get the chance.  

Greetings from Rainy South west Ireland, I've similar issues as you, though my swing speed is even slower at around 75 to 80 due a lot to rotator cuff injury, went last week for driver fitting with the Ping G430 in mind, tried them all in fitting Cobra Dark TM , but the Paradym X shone bright then any, distance improved swing speed and consistency were better than I could dream of, expected to be fitted into very light shaft but new Tensei AV 2blue 55g Reg was the one that worked , it'll be my first Callaway driver , now the wait of 3 weeks for it to arrive, 

[thewzrdharry]

On 5/24/2023 at 2:40 PM, Jut said:

I'm a decent golfer, but I've chronicled my issues with getting off the tee with the big stick in some other threads.  I've gone the 3W and mini-driver routes, but have routinely made it a point to get the 'right' driver in the bag.  I've gamed them all.  This year alone I've tested or bagged the TSR3, TSR2, Aerojet, Aerojet LS, Paradym TD, G430 Max, G430 LST, Stealth 2 Plus, and Hell, probably some others that I don't even remember.  My problem is not unique, I don't have a super high swing speed (approx. 95-100), but I generate too much launch and spin, thus I gravitate towards lower spin models.  These work great for me on Trackman or at the range, but I miss the forgiveness during actual rounds.  I had some great driving rounds with the Paradym TD (heavy weight front at times and back at times) and with the Aerojet LS, but then other rounds I struggled majorly with consistency. 

 

What I've discovered is that instead of looking for my unicorn (low spin to maximize distance coupled with uber forgiveness), I'm better off giving up some length to keep the ball in play.  In comes the Paradym X.  Normally, this isn't a driver that would even be on my radar, but after seeing how it tested on another site and seeing some positive reviews from folks like Shiels, I decided to give her a go.  I change clubs more often than underwear, so take this with a grain of salt, but I've been really impressed after a handful of rounds.  Misses are MUCH more playable.  Spin and launch are a bit higher than "optimal", but I'm not losing too much distance compared to the lower spin models.  Very important to me also, sound and feel are AMAZING (better to my ears than even the Paradym TD).  I'm alternating between the HZRDUS Black 4G and the Mitsubishi MMT and seeing great results with both (set at either 8* or 9*).  She's not as pretty as the TD, but I've gotten used to her bigger footprint.  Overall, I'm pretty darn happy right now with the driver and that's a big step!  Long story short, if your struggles are similar to mine, give the X a few swings when you get the chance.  

My situation is identical to yours. Thanks for sharing this. 
 

I play off 16, currently game a Cobra Radspeed XB 10.5° in regular shaft and I can’t keep my spin below 3500 to save my life. My thinking is a Paradym X 9° in stiff could be my answer to lowering spin and maintaining forgiveness. Based on your testing do you think I’m better off sticking with 10.5° and just switching to a stiff shaft?