Callaway manufactures some of the best golf equipment on the market, and when it comes to drivers, they consistently produce top-performing models that stand out among competitors. Whether you’re searching for premium options or game-improvement clubs, Callaway offers a range of drivers that rival the best in the industry, including some of the best TaylorMade drivers and Titleist drivers.
Over the past three decades, Callaway has introduced iconic drivers, from the legendary Big Bertha to the innovative Mavrik series. Recent releases such as the Epic Speed, Rogue, and the impressive Paradym and Ai Smoke ranges continue this tradition, providing high-performance options that cater to golfers of all skill levels.
Which models rank as the best Callaway drivers? Our meticulous testing of numerous models over the years has led us to identify the cream of the crop in Callaway’s lineup of best golf drivers. In this guide, we’ll navigate you through the standout offerings from Callaway’s lineup, offering insights into how each club can elevate your performance.
Our reviews include comparisons to older models and competitors within the current lineup, ensuring you can make an informed decision that best suits your game. Whether you’re a Tour pro, a mid handicapper, or a beginner, our recommendations aim to assist you in finding the perfect driver for your needs.
And if Callaway isn’t your preferred brand, don’t worry – we’ve also curated guides for other leading manufacturers, including our picks for the best Ping and Cobra drivers.
Best Callaway Drivers
Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max Driver
Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max Driver
Introducing the Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max Driver: a standout choice in the premium driver category, boasting exceptional performance and an upgraded aesthetic appeal.
With its innovative sliding weight feature located at the back, this driver offers unparalleled versatility, allowing for easy customization of flight patterns to suit individual preferences.
Pros
Great range of C.G. adjustability
Rounded head shape
Surprisingly low spin rate
Cons
It is very close in performance to the Triple Diamond model
After the resounding success of the original Paradym family from Callaway, 2024 sees the launch of the Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke family. The first model to discuss here is the Ai Smoke Max, which is the standard head of the three, and there are a few fundamental changes to mention.
Starting with the looks, we were pleased to see the new grey colorway when we first put it down. It blends so much better with the grey banner strip, creating a clean aesthetic that, from a visual perspective, places it among the best drivers on the market. Callaway has also improved the shelf appeal with the smoky graphic pattern.
In terms of the tech story, Callaway’s tagline with this product is ‘Sweeter From Every Spot.’ Essentially, this means a bigger effective hitting area, a concept it has created by advancing its Ai Smart Face technology, using swing dynamics from thousands of real golfers.
This information has then been inputted into its A.I. system. It has produced a new face, which Callaway says creates micro deflections across various points of the striking area, producing multiple sweet spots!
But how did the Max perform? Well, the forgiveness was impressive. We hit a lot of balls with the Max, so we inevitably missed the center on occasion, but when we did, we were pleased with the results. While there was good feedback on the strike location, it was in no way unpleasant, and the dispersion, even from my most questionable hits, was reassuringly tight.
Sound and feel were not worlds apart from the original Paradym, which is no bad thing, but – if anything – we found the Ai Smoke felt a touch livelier off the face. Overall, the Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max is perfect for excellent flight adjustability and natural playability.
Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond Driver
Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond Driver
Presenting the Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond Driver: a standout choice in low spin drivers. Offering a perfect blend of aesthetics, sound, feel, and ball data sets a new standard in its category. While the evolution from the original Paradym TD may spark debate, its undeniable performance speaks volumes, making it a compelling option for discerning golfers.
Pros
Super robust and low-spin flight
The new grey colorway looks fantastic
It felt a touch more playable than the original Paradym TD
Cons
The face sits a fraction open, which won’t appeal to slicers.
Moving on to the Triple Diamond model in the Ai Smoke driver range, this head is for the better players, much like the Paradym TD model. However, there are a few noticeable changes between the two drivers. The grey finish and smokey pattern on the sole continue from the Max’s head and look fantastic.
The new strip on the Smoke TD remains a lot more parallel to the top edge, which, again, looks a lot neater to me than the original Paradym Triple Diamond, where this tapered away more dramatically.
Moving onto the technology, the moveable weight track on the Max has gone, but the Ai-designed face remains, and this is where we see a significant improvement from the original Paradym. On well-struck shots, ball speed, launch, and spin numbers were identical to its predecessor, with good hits producing meager spin numbers and an extreme, penetrating ball flight.
However, with the original T.D., we felt it was a driver you needed to be at your best with. Any mishits were punished fairly severely for me, which is often the case with many of the best drivers for distance. However, the Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond gave me more peace of mind.
Some of our poorer strikes (which come predominantly out of the heel) weren’t punished too harshly from either a ball speed or directional point of view. Additionally, the smoke has a notable fade bias thanks to the slightly open face angle at the address.
Admittedly, from a feel and sound point of view, we didn’t notice any dramatic change from the Paradym Triple Diamond original, which we were delighted with as we had become a fan of the muted thud it produced.
Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max D Driver
Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max D Driver
Introducing the Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max D Driver: an exceptional choice for golfers searching for a draw-bias flight and maximum launch. Boasting effortless elevation and remarkable forgiveness on off-center strikes, it’s designed to make every shot count. The sleek grey crown adds a visually appealing touch, enhancing performance and style.
Pros
The new color looks great
Incredibly easy to launch
The sound and feel are superb
Cons
Mainly only aesthetic improvements from the predecessor
The Max D in the latest Ai Smoke range from Callaway is most comparable with the Paradym X from last year with its high MOI and slight draw bias, but there are some apparent alterations the brand has made to improve the head.
Starting with the looks, the grey finish and excellent pattern design on the sole aids shelf appeal greatly, in our opinion. The head is also highly confidence-inspiring with a substantial overall footprint, which Callaway has achieved by stretching it outwards in all the right places.
This presents a genuinely larger-looking head than the 460cc it actually is, and the stretching backward has allowed Callaway to increase the MOI in the quest for stability.
The A.I. technology continues here, and along with the stretching of the club head, a rear weight has also been strategically placed to increase MOI further and create a draw bias. What were the results of this in testing? Well, the forgiveness of this model is off-the-charts good. Rarely have we found a driver so easy to get off the ground.
This could be an absolute game-changer for the correct category of player. It is one of the most user-friendly drivers we have ever picked up. If you need help with launch and spin, this is a must-try.
Callaway Paradym Driver
Callaway Paradym Driver
It introduces the Callaway Paradym Driver: a remarkable fusion of power and forgiveness. Delivering a lively feel upon impact, it offers golfers an exhilarating experience with every swing. Plus, its eye-catching new aesthetics will turn heads on the course, adding an extra layer of appeal to its impressive performance.
Pros
Premium, high-tech aesthetics
Lively feel through impact
An impressive mix of speed and consistency
Cons
Not a giant leap forward over the previous generation
Over the last few years, golfers have become accustomed to Callaway’s use of recurring product names. Epic and Mavrik have become familiar names among the options the brand is producing. However, for 2023, the California-based brand unveiled a new look for its latest product range, the Paradym.
Styled as the ‘paradigm in performance,’ this range of clubs was exciting when released thanks to their stunning new aesthetics and brilliant technology, making this one of the most forgiving drivers on the market.
There has been a significant shift in what’s on offer from the brilliant Rogue ST Max driver. For the first time, engineers have done away with any titanium in the clubhead, introducing a 360º carbon chassis. That helps to save weight around the club and makes it more forgiving.
We loved the feel this offered, with the Paradym also using brand new Jailbreak technology and an A.I. Optimized face for more excellent downrange dispersion and ball speeds.
We loved how playable it was, and the ball felt very hot off the face of the club. Compared to the Rogue ST Max, the club was very long and easy to hit, which is a vital point to note. Without having to swing the club too hard, we could clock up consistently straight drives with reasonable distance.
For that reason, it got the nod as one of the best golf drivers we tested in 2023, thanks to its visuals, stunning performance, and feel off the tee.
Callaway Paradym Triple Diamond Driver
Callaway Paradym Triple Diamond Driver
It introduces the Callaway Paradym Triple Diamond Driver: a stellar choice that lives up to its promises. With a sleek and compact design at the address, it offers a more traditional look and feel than others in its range.
Pros
Premium looks
Traditional, compact appearance at the address
Impressive distance gains over the previous generation
Cons
Not as forgiving as the other options in the range
If you’re a confident ball-striker looking for a workable driver, Callaway’s Triple Diamond version of the Paradym is a viable option for you. To begin with, it has a 14g back weight, which can be positioned in the front for even lower spin and maximum workability.
What’s more, it has a 450cc clubhead and, although it is the more compact version, which will be different from everyone’s tastes, it still has those traditional looks that we’ve gotten to know and love from the brand. We loved the yardage gains and felt this was one of the best golf drivers for distance.
During our testing sessions, we found those impressive yardages came from the lower spin rates the club produced, which led to more excellent carries than what we were getting on the Rogue S.T.
It is essential to say that we did lack some consistency with this club; we were not as straight with each shot as we were with the standard model, which will be a huge consideration if you’re a low handicap player looking to keep the ball in play.
It might not be one of the most forgiving drivers, but out of the center of the face, there aren’t many better clubs on the market that will give you the same power and control.
Callaway Paradym X Driver
Callaway Paradym X Driver
It is introducing the Callaway Paradym X Driver: a stunning blend of aesthetics and performance. With its sleek design and exceptional functionality, this lightweight driver offers speed, forgiveness, and consistency on every swing. It’s the perfect choice for golfers seeking that wow factor.
Pros
Likely to experience additional overall distance versus your current driver
Control of direction should be maintained
Excels at reducing a slice
Arresting looks and feel
Cons
Some may want a louder, more powerful sound.
As with the standard Paradym driver, this club oozes class thanks to its carbon blue clubhead. It offers a premium look and plenty of shelf appeal thanks to its glossy sole plate and superb crown. The noticeable difference between this club and the standard Paradym is that it doesn’t come with the golden, adjustable weight on the heel.
The weight at the back of the X is still adjustable and adds to the stretched-out head profile, making this club look more inviting to hit at the address. That weight also helps to add a bit of draw bias to each shot, which we benefitted from, and I think less-experienced players prone to slicing the ball will, too!
We were lucky enough to get a complete custom fit for this driver, something we think you should do too (here’s why!), and we felt the distance on offer here was impressive. It will be a real game-changer for those who struggle to get a lot of speed on the ball, which will help them make long par 4s much shorter and bring the green into a scoring position on par 5s.
This is one of the best drivers for slow swing speeds, as it certainly felt hot off the clubface and was very accurate, too!
We felt it was straightforward to get the ball up in the air and were confident ripping through tee shots with a lot of power, knowing that we’d still send the ball in the direction we wanted. Our slice was absent, too, thanks to the draw bias on the club. While it comes at a hefty price, this is a value-for-money option for those looking to improve their game that’ll help you cut your handicap right down.
Callaway Rogue ST Max Driver
Callaway Rogue ST Max Driver
Introducing the Callaway Rogue ST Max Driver: a game-changing blend of stability, consistency, and competitive distance. Designed to cater to a diverse range of player types, it will captivate golfers seeking top-notch performance.
Pros
More premium look versus Mavrik
Better sound and feel compared to Mavrik
Produces very stable ball flight
Cons
Unnecessary clock graphic design on the crown
The Rogue S.T. family of drivers was released in 2022 to replace the Mavrik range and was included on our Editors Choice Awards list for 2022. The Rogue ST Max is the option that will suit the broadest range of golfers as it extends its use of A.I. to optimize its Flash Face for launch, spin, and ball speed.
It is one of the best golf drivers for mid-handicappers and offers up bags of shelf appeal thanks to its stunning head design. We loved the black and gold colorway on the glossy clubhead, with the stunning 11.5g tungsten weight positioned at the club’s rear helping to improve spin, launches, and ball speed consistency.
During our testing sessions, it produced a very stable flight, and the sound and feel were improvements over the outgoing Mavrik models. It also had a very neutral trajectory in comparison, but we could still draw and fade each shot if we wanted to – even with the semi-draw bias built into the club.
Overall, the flight was much more stable and curved offline, much less when we missed the middle of the face. Down at the address, the Rogue ST Max has a new matte crown that combines nicely with the face, looking flatter and lighter in color, making it more visible and, therefore, more accessible to align.
Callaway Rogue ST Max LS Driver
Callaway Rogue ST Max LS Driver
Introducing the Callaway Rogue ST Max LS Driver: a fusion of classic shaping and cutting-edge ball speed technology. Delivering remarkable distance off the tee, it exudes power and precision with every swing.
Pros
Consistently high ball speeds offer impressive distance
The attractive, compact shape of the address
Improved sound and feel
Cons
Slightly higher spinning than we were expecting
Designed to offer low spin within a high MOI head for greater forgiveness, the L.S. features the same technologies as the Callaway Rogue ST Max, aimed at those confident, fast-swinging golfers off the tee. The number that stood out during our testing was the raw ball speed.
At 168mph, this was one of the fastest drivers we have ever hit. That translates to some stunning yardages off the tee, making this one of the best golf drivers for distance.
Interestingly, we did hit some shots off center, but they didn’t cause a massive drop-off in ball speed, which again makes this a very forgiving club and helped to reassure us that we’d never stray too far off the track. Ultimately, this is both a very playable and a very long driver.
It offers hugely impressive distances and comes in a shape that will attract those searching for a classic, compact look down behind the ball.
Callaway Rogue ST Max D Driver
Callaway Rogue ST Max D Driver
Introducing the Callaway Rogue ST Max D Driver: a draw bias powerhouse that seamlessly complements its S.T. family counterparts. Effortlessly launching and controlling the flight, it excels at keeping your shots on target, particularly guarding against the right side of the course.
Pros
Confidence-inspiring look at the address
Powerful sound and feel
Comfortably aids a draw shape
Cons
Sits slightly closed at the address, which won’t suit all golfers
Down at the address, the Rogue ST Max D has the same matte crown as the rest of the range and the same clock-style graphics. The face looks flatter when placed against the ball, which helps open up the face on impact and makes the club seem more forgiving, making this one of the Best Driver for High Handicappers.
The Rogue ST Max D also has the most extended profile from front to back to inspire maximum confidence and an inviting shape behind the ball.
We also enjoyed drawing bias weights in the heel, which will help beginners who tend to slice the ball avoid the right-hand side of the course. There is some offset to be seen here, but it is well hidden. Moreover, the sound and feel on offer here were also awe-inspiring, with the Max D delivering excellent ball speeds that we’ve become accustomed to with the other Rogue S.T. drivers.
It also delivered around 300-600 more rpm than the standard model while launching higher. That’ll appeal to higher handicap golfers who need more assistance getting the ball in the air off the tee.
Callaway 2023 Big Bertha Driver
Callaway 2023 Big Bertha Driver
Introducing the Callaway 2023 Big Bertha Driver: a visually captivating addition to the esteemed Big Bertha franchise. True to its heritage, this driver packs a powerful punch, delivering substantial gains off the tee while aiding slicers in keeping their shots in play.
Pros
Superb distance
Draw-bias technology works
Hot, powerful feel
Very forgiving off the face
Cons
The glossy crown will not be for all tastes.
A stunning addition to this fantastic list of drivers, the new Callaway Big Bertha driver is a lovely and forgiving club that will help intermediate players hit the ball longer and straighter. It matches up to the performance of some of the best golf drivers while delivering excellent forgiveness and a lot of power off the tee.
Visually, it doesn’t stray too far from the aesthetics of the Great Big Bertha driver, but it comes with a red and black colorway that gives it a premium feel that certainly puts it up there as one of the best-looking drivers around.
Having taken this out for several testing rounds, we were confident that this driver would help players prone to slicing the ball hit their shots straighter. It has a built-in draw-bias weighting system enables you to add a right-to-left shape to your shots.
The impressive feel offers a solid ‘crunch on impact.’ While it was shorter than many of the best drivers for distance, it held its own against some premium models, including the TaylorMade Stealth 2, regarding its yardages. Its large clubface makes it a forgiving golf club that sends the ball long and far, even on mishits.
Callaway Big Bertha B21 Driver
Callaway Big Bertha B21 Driver
Introducing the Callaway Big Bertha B21 Driver: a must-try model for golfers grappling with a slice. Designed to straighten out ball flights without compromising distance, it’s a game-changer for those seeking improved accuracy off the tee.
Pros
It feels fast off the face
Adjustable hosel means you can get fully dialed in
Cons
An offset look will only suit some visual tastes.
A driver explicitly aimed at those who slice the ball, the BB21 is one of the best anti-slice drivers for 2022. This driver provides distance and forgiveness and allows the ball to travel down the fairway rather than across it, as many slicers experience. The beauty of this driver is that it comes with all the premium technology found on Callaway’s latest drivers.
The larger A.I. Designed Flash Face SS21 has super strong, heat-treated TA-15 titanium, which allows for the complex face architecture required to promote optimal speed, forgiveness, and spin characteristics. At address, the generous amount of offset and oversized clubhead inspires confidence, and the loft adjustment in the hosel allows you to add or take away loft, depending on your preference.
If you slice the ball a lot, we’d recommend adding more loft to the club to increase backspin. This driver has the most offset in this list, which is obvious from the address; it’s a personal preference for whether you’ll like this look. Either way, it’ll help stop a dreaded slice, making it one of the best high-handicap drivers.
Callaway Big Bertha Reva Women’s Driver
Callaway Big Bertha Reva Women’s Driver
Introducing the Callaway Big Bertha Reva Women’s Driver: meticulously engineered with cutting-edge technology, this driver empowers women golfers to achieve consistent drives with enhanced accuracy and distance.
Pros
Large, ultra-forgiving face
Cutting-edge aesthetics
Cons
Unorthodox shapes may put some off.
A model featured in our best golf drivers for women guide, the main aim of the Reva is to help women hit longer tee shots and find the fairway more often. Callaway has engineered an oversized clubhead with internal draw bias weighting to achieve this.
By incorporating Callaway’s Jailbreak technology, which helps make the clubface more efficient, two internal bars stiffen the body to allow the face to flex more. At the same time, the lightweight crown permits weight to be redistributed for higher MOI.
Additionally, the advanced design of the clubface means there’s a greater area to promote faster ball speeds, so even shots that aren’t riddled will still travel a long way. In testing, I loved the driver’s look and feel because it inspired confidence and was also incredibly easy to launch. Accuracy and distance were also right up there, along with some of the best golf drivers for women I have also tested.
How do we test drivers?
The first thing we should mention is our overall testing ethos at Golf Testers, which is to put all products through a rigorous testing procedure to give you crucial insights into how they perform, how they compare to their predecessors, and where they stack up about the competition.
As such, we regularly attend product launches and meet with the manufacturer’s R&D experts to understand the new technology.
The first port of call to test golf clubs is usually the indoor simulator at Foresight Sports, where the team can test in a controlled environment using premium balls and the GCQuad launch monitor. We then conduct outdoor testing mainly at West Hill Golf Club, a course in Surrey with excellent practice facilities.
To be more specific, our equipment specialists have hit most drivers on the market in testing, practice, and competition play and deduced that the above models are the most forgiving models available right now.
How To Choose The Best Callaway Drivers
You’ve likely pondered whether investing in a new driver could enhance your game. While navigating the world of big sticks may seem daunting, there are vital considerations to consider before making a purchase. We’ve outlined some crucial factors below to guide you through this decision-making process.
1. Size
Determining the ideal size for your driver is paramount. We recommend attending a club fitting session to ensure you select the correct size and length tailored to your needs. Additionally, contemplate the size of the club head. Are you seeking a giant head for added confidence, akin to models in our best drivers for high handicappers guide, or do you prefer a more compact design suited for experienced players?
Forgiving drivers typically feature slightly larger clubheads, offering a larger clubface and footprint. When testing drivers, pay attention to your impact points on the clubface. Many forgiving drivers are engineered to deliver consistent performance regardless of the impact location, empowering you to make an informed decision based on firsthand experience.
2. Forgiveness
Consider the level of forgiveness each driver provides. The most forgiving drivers enable you to consistently strike the ball down the middle of the fairway, irrespective of impact location. Opting for a driver with a built-in draw bias can further assist in eliminating a slice.
3. Style
Confidence is often intertwined with equipment aesthetics. A visually appealing driver can instill a sense of assurance and elevate your mindset on the course. With many drivers boasting glossy and matte finishes, finding one that exudes shelf appeal is key.
4. Weight
Weight distribution plays a significant role in forgiving drivers. Many brands prioritize placing weight toward the back of the head to enhance forgiveness and launch. Consider whether this feature aligns with your preferences, as some models offer alternatives without rear weighting. Drivers with weight positioned towards the heel facilitate better launch angles and longer carries by lowering the center of gravity.
5. Adjustability
Modern drivers often feature movable weights and adjustable settings, catering to various preferences and play styles. Models like the Titleist TSi2 offer extensive adjustability options, ideal for those who enjoy experimenting. Conversely, simpler models like the Ping G425 Max provide a more straightforward approach for those uninterested in customization.
While this guide showcases remarkable options, our rigorous testing has produced definitive guides on the best golf drivers for distance, budget-friendly drivers, and beginner-friendly drivers. Explore these resources to find the perfect club for your game!
Frequently Ask Question
What Callaway drivers do pros use?
The preferred choice of many professional golfers on Tour is the Callaway Paradym Triple Diamond. Renowned players like Jon Rahm and Xander Schauffele opt for this driver, highlighting its popularity and performance among elite competitors.
What Sets Callaway Drivers Apart?
The Callaway Paradym stands as the brand’s flagship driver series. Within the Paradym lineup, there are distinct variations:
- The Paradym serves as the standard model,
- The Paradym X caters to those seeking a draw bias,
- And the Paradym Triple Diamond targets individuals desiring a low-spinning option.
Which Callaway Driver Offers the Most Forgiveness?
The Callaway Paradym X stands out as the most forgiving Callaway driver for golfers seeking maximum assistance with their tee shots. Our assessment reveals it is among the most forgiving drivers on the market.
What loft driver is best for me?
The ideal loft for your driver hinges on your swing speed and the desired ball flight. Generally, lower-lofted drivers are more challenging to master.
- A lower loft can be advantageous for those with faster swings, allowing them to unleash power and elevate the ball effectively.
- Conversely, individuals with slower swing speeds may benefit from a slightly higher loft to aid in launching the ball off the clubface.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Callaway stands out as a beacon of innovation, quality, and performance for golf drivers. Through meticulous engineering and cutting-edge technology, Callaway has consistently produced drivers that empower golfers to achieve their best game.
Whether it’s the forgiveness of the Mavrik, the Epic’s speed and distance, or the Rogue’s precision, Callaway drivers offer a diverse range of options to suit every player’s needs and preferences. With a legacy of excellence and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of design, Callaway remains a trusted name for golfers seeking the best in driver performance.
So, when considering the best Callaway drivers, one can confidently rely on their reputation for excellence and innovation to enhance their game.
