We did this last year, and it received a ton of fun questions, so let’s get back at it again. This time its Paradym, and although there are TOUR-specific heads (two extra, to be clear) this year specifically, the amount of Tour Exotics actually in play is VERY slim. When it’s usually 15-20%, this year it’s more like 5%.
So this will serve as an update to what we did last year with the same user guide intro below…
Enjoy!
After receiving HUNDREDS of questions on what “other heads” we carry for our TOUR staff, I felt now was a good time to explain each head so any speculation can rest.
DISCLAIMER: YES, we have TOUR-specific heads for our staff. WHY? Well, for one, these are the best players in the world, and some require a level of nuance that most of us mere mortals don’t need. The other reason is to support a particular shot shape, spin window, etc. Keep in mind that TOUR players hit the middle of the face SUBSTANTIALLY more than weekend amateurs do. US weekend or avid golfers need SPEED, FORGIVENESS, and STABILITY. On TOUR, that’s still true, but it’s also making sure that a draw (for example) launches at the right number, flies out of the exact window the player with the correct spin, and the MISS is relatively consistent. That type of nuance requires some adjustments, and we offer it. On the performance trailer, we have a driver head to accommodate ANY player that walks thru the door. True Story.
Every OEM has TOUR head/s, whether optically adjusted, CG adjusted, smaller, heavier, lighter, spin more, etc. The difference is we actually talk about ours AND offer them in many forms, IE, Paradym TD.
It also needs to be said that many of our staff across the globe play RETAIL heads. For example, our European Tour Staff have multiple Paradym Std heads in play, and YES, that means the one without the weight up front.
If there is one stark difference, our TOUR heads have thicker/heavier faces. The reason, simply, is durability. TOUR players hit thousands of balls and hit the same spot on the face repeatedly. That level of consistency requires sustainability, ESPECIALLY if the player is in a Driver that they LOVE. The last thing Jon Rahm wants is to get into May/June and crack the face of a driver that he has been successful with. Trust me; he played the same Rogue ST TD LS (his favorite driver of all time) all year in 2022.
So, NO. Tour heads are not faster, juiced up, or filled with Unicorn sprinkles. In all honesty, they start slower than the heads you see in the store.
NOW WE GOT THAT OUT OF THE WAY
Let’s break down each Tour Head.
DRIVERS:
- The + heads are higher-lofted versions of the stated loft. For example, 9+ will laser at 9.75 as opposed to 8.8 or 9.2. Why? It’s more of a face angle thing to allow players to not to have to change face angle to achieve a higher loft or vice versa. For example, Xander plays a 10.5@9.5 because he wants a 9.5 loft with an open face. Conversely, a player might want a 9.5 head that sits squarely, so we would pivot him to a + head.
Paradym TD (At Retail) (Neutral CG, Low/Mid Spin, Mid Launch, 448CC) 8.5, 9, 9+, 10.5, 10.5+
Notes: VERY low spin with the heavy weight forward and becomes a HIGH MOI TD piece when the heavy weight is back.
Notable Users: Rahm, Xander, Kirk, Hadwin, Molinari, KH Lee
Kellen Watson (Callaway Performance Rep): “Since its debut not long ago, the Triple Diamond has had its share of evolution. Sure, we have altered the topography of the face, aesthetics, look, and material we used in construction, but essentially the model size and shape have remained unchanged. One of the differentiations from last year’s offering is that we melded the Rogue ST Triple Diamond with the Rogue ST Triple Diamond LS. This allowed us to combine the great features of each into an essential “Goldilocks” driver. With this combo, we could create a more versatile driver that spanned more of the field of players. When a driver allows us to make very small tweaks to create larger changes, that is a fitter’s dream. The materials used to create the Paradym Triple Diamond and the features of yesteryear make this driver a drawer’s dream, a fader’s undaunted weapon, and a shot shaper’s utility belt.”
Paradym TD S (Tour Only) (Neutral CG, Mid Spin, Mid Launch, 420CC) 8.5, 9, 9+, 10.5, 10.5+
Notes: Shot shapers head.
Notable Users: Burns, Min Woo Lee, Si Woo Kim
Kellen Watson (Callaway Performance Rep): “Look, look, and look. When you give players choices, the first choice is shape. Shape obviously relates to size, face depth, subtle lines, face angle, etc. The Triple Diamond S head lends itself to a player that likes more of a traditional pear shape. In comparison to the Triple Diamond, when tested with the same loft, weight setup, etc., the S head will spin 100-200 RPM more with the ability to shape shots easier due to a small decrease in MOI.”
Paradym STD Tour (Tour Only) (HIGH MOI, 9, 15 or 21G Slider in the rear, Neutral CG, Low Spin, 460CC, Longer Heel to Toe than TD, Shallower face, weight in front) 8.5, 9, 9+, 10.5
Notes: The most fade-biased of the bunch, moving the weight to the heel, actually neutralizes the CG and doesn’t make it draw-biased. As you can imagine moving the weight out toward the toe makes it quite a fader.
Notable Users: McNealy, Van Rooyen, Noren
Kellen Watson (Callaway Performance Rep): “The Tour Standard head is a continuation of the Rogue ST Max LS and its tour-only relative, Max LS T. There are still some players at the PGA Tour level that prefer a larger footprint in a driver head, and we like to be able to offer that.”
FAIRWAY WOODS:
Paradym (At Retail) 3+, 3, 3HL, 5, 7, 9, 11, HW: Low profile head with a low/mid spin and high launch profile. Neutral CG.
Paradym TD ADJ/Bonded (ADJ at retail) 3+, 3, 3HL, 5, 7: Low launch and Low Spin with more of a deeper/player’s shape vs. Std.
Paradym TD T (Not at retail) 3, 3HL, 5: Similar DNA to Epic Speed T and Rogue ST T, extra camber in the sole for turf interaction, neutral CG, Low/Mid Spin)
Conclusion…
Pretty cool stuff, if I do say so myself. I hope this answers all your questions and, if nothing else, gives you a gearhead rabbit hole to venture down.
Our Tour heads are quite fascinating subjects to study, and as I learn more about the “why” from R&D, the more I discover that, like F1 or any sport at an elite level, it’s in the wonderful details that the magic happens. Would it be cool for the general public to access all of these? Sure. It would be cool…..but that’s it. Just cool.
I love that we offer some of it to the golfing public because there is definitely a place for it, and the response has been there.
But the best players in the world need something a lil different; trust me, I walk with these players every week. It’s different.
This ain’t no hobby, folks.
Now….Let the questions FLY!!!!
Rob
April 9, 2023 at 11:47 am
I guess I’m still trying to understand how the faces are slower and thicker in the tour heads and yet there is a picture in the article of a head that has a CT rating of 252. That’s so close to upper limit of the legal tolerance limit that I don’t know how that could not creep above the limit quickly. I’d expect the tour heads to start somewhere around CT236 in order to stay within the 257 limit.
Johnny Wunder
April 9, 2023 at 5:50 pm
I only know what I see from testing, Retail VS Tour. Tour always starts out 3-4 MPH Slower vs Retail
scott
April 13, 2023 at 12:43 pm
Thanks for the info. That is a drastic number in all honesty. So is it safe to say the constant use of the tour heads adds 3-4 mph’s by when it is all said and done? Hypothetically, if retail heads were out on tour, how long do you think it would take for them to fail testing? I just feel like 3-4 mph’s slower would be something players would look at vs. comfortably of a gamer. Thanks.
Joe
April 9, 2023 at 5:04 pm
Still trying to defend your blatant lie before release about no in your specific heads. As you said you “walk with them every week” so you knew damn well that you were lying by choice or by force.
Either way you lost all credibility. I don’t even watch episodes of TXG, who I love, when you are guest.
Your word is something you shouldn’t have traded off for such a cheap price.
You’ve completely lost any credibility on golfwrx and that takes some effort.
Johnny Wunder
April 9, 2023 at 5:31 pm
Not really. I don’t speak to anything on our truck until I know they will go in play. This isn’t politics it’s golf clubs so per your comment on my credibility with WRX I’m ok with that. I report things when I feel it’s necessary and has a story to it. The fact that forum peeps are outraged that the best players in the world have access to different heads isn’t my concern. We are the only company that actually discusses our tour parts, frequently and with context.
You taking shots at my character is on you. It’s golf. Golf clubs. Fun. We aren’t curing cancer.
Joe
April 11, 2023 at 8:06 am
No they are outraged that you knowingly lied about it.
I didn’t take a shot at your character, you sold that when you decided that your credibility meant nothing to you and went right out there and lied.
Discussing your tour equipment and knowingly lying about it is not really discussing it now is it.
As far as golfwrx ( not a fan of it BTW but it has massive reach) most people of course were “outraged” because they knew you were lying because of course there would be tour heads. There always is but you chose to lie about it for marketing purposes. Thats YOU putting your character in question.
I’m sure the people there who have been supportive of the company that pays your wages will be happy to know how you really feel and that lying is just business as usual.
It’s just golf sales, right?
Johnny
April 12, 2023 at 4:58 am
Outraged is a strong word as I have now read the threads. Folks can call me a liar all they want if they that’s how they feel. My job is to report info when necessary and has depth/weight and real context to it. If we have/heads being tested as ideas that’s all they are at the time. Simple as that.
Once again I’m not going to report something as fact until I know a certain product will go in play and stay in play. Otherwise it’s a prototype. Most of our staff is in the TD head which can be purchased at retail right now.
If the WRX forums are “outraged” because I didn’t report and give them every last detail on heads that were being tested and even more heads the avg golfer can’t utilize or even buy…what purpose does that serve.
Keep in mind that we are the only OEM that reveals any of this info. We mark and show different heads on Tour. So it’s easy to spot a new one.
I like how I do my job and grateful I get to do it.
Paul
April 10, 2023 at 10:25 am
Wow, how obtuse to call out the character of someone they’ve never met. Way to take the high road J Dub, I find your tour content to be fascinating and appreciate everything your doing. Thanks for brining us along for the ride!
Joe
April 11, 2023 at 8:08 am
Do you have to meet someone to call out their character when there actions are right in front of you?
The answer of course is no but feel free to keep up the drooling.
Shawn
June 9, 2023 at 5:01 am
Wow what is wrong with the world nowadays. I’m grateful to have someone like JWonder give insights in Callaway’s little stashed secrets. Take the info with whatever amount of salt you want to toss on but you’re not even paying for this and yet the likes of ‘Joe’ attacks it like his life depended on it. Such a sad individual.
Johnny Wonder, thank you for your site and content. And kudos to responding the way you have.