Callaway's new Paradym hybrid has been designed for both versatility and control thanks to a mid-sized head and new Batwing and Cutwave technology.
The brand have promised to shift the paradigm with their new range of metals in 2023, and so far we've been pretty impressed with their driver and fairway offerings.
Can the hybrids follow suit? I put both the Paradym and Paradym X Hybrids to the test - here's how the standard model got on...
The Tech
Callaway say that the Paradym Hybrid can help you to generate more distance thanks to a Tungsten Speed Cartridge. Using this high-density tungsten allows them to push the CG low and more forward in the head, which results in lower spin with more speed.
The AI Designed Jailbreak, now with Batwing Technology, provides more stiffness in the perimeter of the head, whilst still allowing the face to flex for high ball speeds across the face.
A high-strength 455 Face Cup is also designed with the help of AI technology to optimise ball speeds and improve the consistency of spin rates across the face.
Each hybrid model and loft features a unique AI pattern, which is designed to enhance performance into that particular head.
A new Cutwave Sole has been introduced to help the head cut through the turf more easily, particularly from thick rough, with added camber on the leading edge helping to improve turf interaction.
Callaway says that this shape makes the Paradym the most versatile hybrid range that they have ever created.
Callaway Paradym Hybrid Review
Looks and Feel
Like the rest of the Paradym range, the hybrid looks fantastic in terms of design and when you put it down by the ball, putting it right towards the top of the list when it comes to the best looking products on the market.
I'm not a fan of this year's headcovers as I think that they're a bit tacky, but you can always switch these out for something you'd prefer.
It features a shiny crown instead of the matte finish from the Rogue ST of last year, which I usually don't prefer but it looks smart in this case. The hybrid has a more low-key design compared to the striking look of the fairways and drivers, but I still liked it.
There's a large footprint down by the ball despite being the so-called 'standard model', but there was little to no offset which should broaden its appeal to elite golfers as well as mid-handicappers.
Callaway don't do a Pro hybrid in the Paradym range this time around, like they did with the Rogue ST Pro, but I could still see good players using this model.
The hybrid delivers quite a reassuring whack at impact, although not quite as loud as the Paradym X which sounds more tingy to me.
Performance
I tested the 21 degree 4-hybrid and started off by collecting some data using the Flightscope Mevo+ launch monitor.
I was really impressed by the numbers that the Paradym produced. Callaway hybrids always seem to produce plenty of distance for me and this one was no different - an average of 197 yards carry (with a longest of 205 carry) with a 21 degree 4 Hybrid is right at the top end for me.
One thing that did surprise me a bit was how low the hybrid launched and flew, particularly given the large head shape. It produced a peak height of just under 59ft on average which was lower than expected, probably due to the fact that the spin rate was down at an average of 3100rpm with a number of shots dipping under 3000.
Whilst I enjoyed the distances it provided, I do wonder if this detracts slightly from the whole point of a hybrid launching high and landing softly into greens for me.
Out on the golf course this theme seemed to continue, with the ball being easy to launch and forgiving but just not climbing up particularly high into the air. I did manage to get a fair amount of run-out on a couple of tee shots, even despite the relatively soft conditions.
If I was going to seriously consider using this hybrid then I'd have to do some more testing when the greens get a little firmer to see whether my shots would have any chance of holding the green.
I was very impressed with both the forgiveness and consistency of this club, as proven when I hit three tee shots on the 13th hole at Bramall Park GC, and all three finished within just a few yards of each other.
The Paradym was also very easy to hit from a variety of lies - the new Cutwave sole probably isn't quite as good as Cobra's Baffler rails but it's still really impressive and I enjoyed hitting it even from wet rough and some different lies on the fairway too.
I always worry that hybrids are going to be too draw-biased but I was actually glad to see that the Paradym was workable in both directions.
Callaway Paradym Hybrid Verdict
The new Paradym Hybrid is long, forgiving, easy to hit and looks great, continuing on the same kind of theme I have seen from Callaway hybrids since I tested the Epic Flash a few years back.
It will set you back £299 which puts it at the top-end of the hybrid market, but it's a well-rounded club that will cater to a large range of golfers and doesn't have too many weaknesses besides the slightly low launch. I was impressed.
Would I Use It?
I would be tempted as I love the look and I was impressed by the distance, but as I mentioned earlier I'd have to test whether my ball was going to be able to stop on the greens.
Who Is It Aimed At?
Any golfer could easily use this golf club and get plenty of benefit from its performance too. There's plenty of distance and forgiveness but the neutral design also means that it should be suitable to better players as well as mid to high handicappers.
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Callaway Paradym X Driver Review
Callaway Rogue ST Max Hybrid Review