Kris McCormack takes us on a deep dive with the Callaway Elyte Triple Diamond Max driver. Is the TD Max right for you? Read on.
Kris McCormack/GOLF
The Callaway Elyte driver line has something for everyone. Need proof? Previously reserved for Tour-access only, Callaway gave us a taste of the Triple Diamond Max with the limited release in the Paradym Ai Smoke family. That release was extremely well received by the masses and left us wanting more.
With the introduction of the Elyte family, Callaway has been continuing to turn heads in the fitting bays and on the course. The TD Max is built on a similar 360 Carbon Chassis as the standard TD but bumps up the footprint from 450cc to a full 460cc to add a touch more forgiveness. It’s also equipped with the new Ai 10X Face, which has shown great results during GOLF’s ClubTest with True Spec, during player testing and on major tours around the world.
Callaway Elyte Triple Diamond Max Custom Driver
Precision Meets Forgiveness
Designed specifically for tour, the Elyte Triple Diamond Max model is played by those who desire a touch more spin and forgiveness but still prefer the shape and workability of the Triple Diamond model.
The TD Max blends the footprint of Elyte (460cc) with the shape and performance characteristics of the Triple Diamond model.
Game-Changing Technologies of Elyte
Shaped for Speed: The all-new Elyte Triple Diamond Max shape provides enhanced aerodynamics for elite speed throughout the entire golf swing.
Thermoforged Carbon Crown: This aerospace grade carbon fiber enables a low CG for optimal launch and spin.
Ai 10x Face: Our most advanced Ai face to date, the new Ai10x Face enhances speed, spin, and dispersion across the entire face.
When I first started my own testing with the Ai Smoke TD Max, I instantly appreciated the higher launch and spin. Likewise, the shape of the head and the right biased start line. The Elyte TD Max is showing me those same positive tendencies but also offering me an average of 1.8 mph more ball speed.
Is it workable?
Speed is great but the down-range dispersion has also been consistently tighter. Hitting the Smoke TD Max next to the Elyte TD Max, the Elyte was averaging an impressive 3 yards of deviation with my carry yardage, with all 15 shots moving to the right of the target line. The Smoke TD Max was more neutral with the start direction but not as consistent at producing a fade ball flight.
As someone who hates seeing a left miss, the Elyte was looking like the magic wand I had been missing in my bag.
How’s the spin?
Callaway has created a “Tour” shaped head that doesn’t skimp on the spin and hits the ball through a higher window than the standard Elyte TD or the additional new Elyte TD Tour Draw. From my testing, I saw roughly 300 rpms more spin than the other TD models. Compared to the Smoke TD Max, I saw a slightly smaller separation with around 200 rpms of additional spin.
Living in the low launch and low spin player category, I will take all the added spin I can get.
Who is the Elyte TD Max for?
If you are someone who prefers a more traditional shape, clean visual at address, fights a pull or a hook and needs a little extra launch and spin, the Elyte TD Max could be your weapon of choice off the tee for 2025. This could also be your driver of choice if you have had previous success with the Triple Diamond family and are looking for a more forgiving upgrade.
As always, I highly recommend getting fit or doing your own testing with each of the available models. If you are ready to pull the trigger and upgrade your long game, you can’t go wrong with the new TD Max. Bombs away!
Building on a career that has spanned more than 20 years in the golf industry, McCormack has spent the last six years of his career serving as the Vice President of Tour and Education for True Spec Golf. During that time, he curated the training program for the True Spec fitting staff and pushed for more continuing education curriculum. As well as managing their Tour department and building relationships with a multitude of OEM partners. Prior to joining the True Spec team, McCormack worked with several of the industry-leading manufacturers as a Master level Fitting Professional. In addition to being an instructor and partnering with the Golf Channel Academy as a lead instructor and brand-agnostic Fitting Professional. He has also worked with R&D teams to assist in product design, testing, and development for a variety of gear releases. He is a golf enthusiast and lives in the gear space!
