Callaway's Paradym range has taken the golfing world by storm so far this year, mostly due to the fact than Jon Rahm has already won four times in 2023 with his Paradym Triple Diamond Driver.
Whilst the irons have not quite causes the same kind of stir, as they aren't used by any of the Tour players, Callaway are promising that they will offer golfers plenty of distance with a premium forged feel.
So is it really a 'Paradym shift in performance'? Sophie tested the standard Paradym irons earlier this year and was impressed with their looks and distance, and I got my hands on the more forgiving Paradym X.
The Tech
The Paradym irons use Callaway's AI computer technology to optimise a high-strength Forged 455 face, which they say has produced the most powerful forged iron face ever. The AI ensures that every face has the optimal design for more speed, higher launch, and increased spin consistency.
The Hollow Body design features a Speed Frame construction which adds more stiffness to the body, as well as supporting the Face Cup. This is said to stabilise a thinner face, increasing ball speeds.
The forged face and Urethane Microspheres deliver a soft-feel and premium sound which golfers desire.
The Paradym X irons have a couple of unique features, including up to 79g of external and internal tungsten weights which are placed to enhance launch conditions and ball speeds on mishit shots.
There's also a thicker topline and more forgiving sole on the Paradym X compared to the standard Paradym, while a pre-worn leading edge is designed to get through the turf for more forgiveness.
Callaway Paradym X Irons Review
Looks and Feel
The Callaway Paradym X Irons have a distinctive rounded design, typical of the Callaway brand. The large blade length is perfect for golfers seeking extra confidence at address.
The navy colourway is a nice addition to the range, although I'd say the standard Paradym irons have a slightly smarter design with neater logos and black lines.
The irons look big down by the ball, which may take some time to get used to if you are not familiar with Callaway's design. There's a pretty chunky topline and a reasonable bit of offset as you move into the longer irons.
For me they feel exactly as a strong distance iron should off the face, they are powerful and strong with a real zip, making it seem even easier to launch the ball.
During testing, these irons provided a big confidence boost, even in chilly and windy conditions, with a strong, fast flight, even when hitting into the breeze.
Performance
I tested the Paradym X Irons using the Flightscope Mevo+ launch monitor at Prestbury GC. I was expecting plenty of distance with an easy launch and I wasn't disappointed.
The 7 iron produced an average carry distance of just a shade under 169 yards, thanks to a loft of 27.5º which is 1.5º stronger than the standard Paradym.
Distance irons like these can sometimes be inconsistent in their yardages as you can get some shots that spin low and launch high, resulting in huge distances. With these irons the difference between the longest and shortest shots was around 13 yards which is actually pretty impressive.
The irons also produced spin rates of nearly 5800 rpm which is higher than I was expecting considering the strong lofts, while the average peak height of 87.6 feet meant that I was pretty confident that the ball would stop when landing on the green.
Out on the course, the main thing that struck me was how easy it was to hit these irons far and straight. The lofts are undoubtedly strong but it was fun to feel like I had plenty of distance at my disposal.
The fear with chunky irons that are offset is that they are going to go left but I was impressed by the performance and found that I was still able to hit a fade with my iron shots pretty easily.
The wider sole also helped with a bit of turf interaction to help you out even if you catch it a bit heavy, and whilst the rough wasn't particularly thick when I did my testing, I could still feel the clubhead getting through the grass pretty easily.
I found that the irons performed better when going full-out with my iron shots rather than the more fiddly half-shots, these irons just seemed to suit more of a simplistic approach. But considering they are aimed at high handicappers this maybe isn't surprising. If you're just wanting to get the ball up in the air and with plenty of distance then this is exactly where they excel.
Launching the the ball just felt so easy and it was fun to see every shot flying high and far, and there was plenty of forgiveness even if you don't quite strike it right.
The long irons were really easy to hit and should provide lots of confidence for golfers who might usually struggle in this department.
Callaway Paradym X Irons Verdict
The Callaway Paradym X Irons are among the fastest, longest and easiest to hit irons I have tested. If any high handicappers were asking me for a recommendation to make their life easier when it comes to iron play, I'd definitely recommend them.
This year's model look great, the performance was consistent and they did everything that Callaway suggested that they would.
Yes, they are big and chunky but they were workable in terms of shot shaping and the spin rates and stopping power were both better than I expected too.
I really enjoyed testing these irons, even in cold and windy conditions, and they do look after you on the golf course. All this goodness doesn't come cheap though, but if you're willing to part with well over a grand in cash for a set of 7 irons then they should definitely be on your shortlist.
Who Are They Aimed At?
Any high-handicapper who struggles with ball-striking, distance or launching the ball consistently. They make the game easier, which is exactly what irons like this are designed for.
Would I Use Them?
The irons are a bit chunky for me, and I'd prefer something which gives you the option for a bit more workability. I did find it great fun to hit them though.
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