Callaway Elyte TD and TD Max spin comparison

[paulmtalleyjr]

Does anyone have any info/experience on this or where I could find some? All I seem to find is reviews but doesn’t talk numbers and Lowest vs. Lower per the website doesn’t help much. 
 

My AI Smoke TD got a crack and they are out of stock so they are sending me my choice of Elyte heads. I went to PGA Superstore and Edwin Watts and neither had the TD Max available to hit. 

My numbers were good w/ the TD. Avgs = 154 Ball Speed, 12.3 Launch, 2650 Rpm, 262 Carry, 282 Total.
 

My interest w/ the TD max is the forgiveness, but Spin and Launch are an issue for me. The Ai Smoke TD was the 1st 10.5 I’ve played since I first got fitted w/ the FT5 13.5 deg years ago, before the TD I played several Ping 12 degs. I’m hoping I could gain some forgiveness and launch and not gain too much spin.

 

Thanks in advance for any help!!

[dmeeksDC]

I have the Elyte TD Tour Draw and it spins less than the Smoke TD Max. I can tell by where my drives are on the golf course I play all the time. Seeing drives about 10 yards longer with the Elyte than I was getting with the Smoke TD Max. This new TD driver lineup is really something. Supposedly the Tour Draw is the lowest spinning Callaway head. But I’ve seen no knucklers, plenty of spin to stay in the air. 
 

Also not seeing draw bias. It’s more that it does not have fade bias. It simply feels easy to square up and hit straight. Yesterday I was hitting drives right down the middle, very straight, maybe falling barely left or right. Has some heft to it too. I love the head shape and how it feels to swing. Sounds so solid. I didn’t think there would be much difference but I am seeing it and this head is amazing, a better fit for me. No reason for me to try the Elyte TD Max because the TD Tour Draw is quite forgiving on mishits. 

[getitdaily]

I can only outline elyte td vs smoke td max...

 

I'm a +cap and hit driver very, very consistently...

 

Elyte td with heavy weight back is nearly identical to smoke td max with heavy weight forward. Ballspeed, launch, spin, directional control...nearly identical. 

 

I don't believe elyte td max changed much from smoke td max. Elyte td is a very, very good driver. It is wild with heavy weight forward tho. 

 

Neither will be a bad choice. 

[jetro110]

Check out Made for the Range on Instagram he did a comparison with these. His testing had a pretty high spin differential between TD and TD Max, 700ish if I remember correctly. I asked if that was accurate or just a sloppy batch of hits he said it 400-500ish rpm higher in average. 

[scratchswinger]

I tested both the Triple Diamond and TD Max extensively with a variety of shafts, ultimately settling on the Ventus Black 7X before dialing in the weight and hosel settings. Despite trying multiple configurations, we couldn’t get the TD Max to match the ball flight and consistency of the TD. I’ll need to pull my exact numbers, but the Max consistently produced noticeably more spin—I'd estimate an increase of around 400–600 RPM. That’s to be expected, though, given the design. The Max has a more elongated profile and a noticeably shallower face, which naturally promotes higher spin and launch. As a higher-spin player, I would need an 8° Max head to achieve similar performance to the 9° TD.

[awtryau89]

I tested the Elyte TD Max vs my Smoke TD Max and the Elyte was much higher on spin. The regular TD was on par with my Smoke Max TD. 

Edited April 19 by awtryau89

[mitchdoc]

On 4/18/2025 at 9:02 PM, awtryau89 said:

I tested the Elyte TD Max vs my Smoke TD Max and the Elyte was much higher on spin. The regular TD was on par with my Smoke Max TD. 

We give more details and comparison of the new versus the old triple Diamond max? I have the smoke version and was very happy with it and I'm wondering if there are any performance gains to be had? I also had the standard smoke Max head and I'm just traded it in towards the new model because I did see about a 3 mile to 4 mph ball speed increase while hitting it more consistently straight

[MerryTex]

On 4/18/2025 at 8:02 PM, awtryau89 said:

I tested the Elyte TD Max vs my Smoke TD Max and the Elyte was much higher on spin. The regular TD was on par with my Smoke Max TD. 

For me, it also seems like TD is more in line with Smoke TD Max. 

[PitchPlease]

Trying to resurrect this old thread and see if anyone has any updated thoughts on these two models?

 

I want to take advantage of the Callaway 2X trade in going on right now. I have the Ai Smoke Max and it just seems to spin too much. I realize that delivery, shaft, etc plays a huge part in this but just trying to get a general sense. I can demo the core and regular TD models locally, but can't find TD Max or TDTD to try out. The blend of forgiveness + spin reduction that Callaway advertises on the TD Max sounds ideal, but I've heard that maybe the TD Max spins more than prior generation and that the regular TD is more forgiving than prior.

 

If helpful, my numbers are typically 110-112 club speed but that is increasing as I continue to speed train (115 on trackman last night). Ball speed upwards of 160. Stock AoA 0-1* up and 12-13* launch, draw shot shape. I do like to tee down and hit a squeezy cut on tight holes that launches at 7-8* and runs out longer. Spin feels like the problem though where even on good strikes I'm >3000 and average is 3300-3600. Feels like I should try to knock that down <2800 or so.

 

Shaft-wise I have the Ventus Blue+ 6X, which I was originally fit for in the old Paradym core, which just seemed to spin less. Recently, I was fit for a TM R7 Quad with Tensei Black 7X, so might try the 6X version in the driver as well to knock some spin down.

[paulmtalleyjr]

All I can say is that the TD was around 300 rpm's less for me than the TD Max.

[Ty_Guy]

19 hours ago, PitchPlease said:

Trying to resurrect this old thread and see if anyone has any updated thoughts on these two models?

 

I want to take advantage of the Callaway 2X trade in going on right now. I have the Ai Smoke Max and it just seems to spin too much. I realize that delivery, shaft, etc plays a huge part in this but just trying to get a general sense. I can demo the core and regular TD models locally, but can't find TD Max or TDTD to try out. The blend of forgiveness + spin reduction that Callaway advertises on the TD Max sounds ideal, but I've heard that maybe the TD Max spins more than prior generation and that the regular TD is more forgiving than prior.

 

If helpful, my numbers are typically 110-112 club speed but that is increasing as I continue to speed train (115 on trackman last night). Ball speed upwards of 160. Stock AoA 0-1* up and 12-13* launch, draw shot shape. I do like to tee down and hit a squeezy cut on tight holes that launches at 7-8* and runs out longer. Spin feels like the problem though where even on good strikes I'm >3000 and average is 3300-3600. Feels like I should try to knock that down <2800 or so.

 

Shaft-wise I have the Ventus Blue+ 6X, which I was originally fit for in the old Paradym core, which just seemed to spin less. Recently, I was fit for a TM R7 Quad with Tensei Black 7X, so might try the 6X version in the driver as well to knock some spin down.

 

Hard to give an exact answer. Generally both will spin less than the Max model.

 

The lowest spin setup will either be TD Max with weights reversed (4 in rear, 12 in front) or the TD. TD Max with standard weight setup will probably spin a little higher than base TD but have more forgiveness. I see about 400 less spin when I reverse the weights.

[rsballer10]

20 hours ago, PitchPlease said:

Trying to resurrect this old thread and see if anyone has any updated thoughts on these two models?

 

If helpful, my numbers are typically 110-112 club speed but that is increasing as I continue to speed train (115 on trackman last night). Ball speed upwards of 160. Stock AoA 0-1* up and 12-13* launch, draw shot shape. I do like to tee down and hit a squeezy cut on tight holes that launches at 7-8* and runs out longer. Spin feels like the problem though where even on good strikes I'm >3000 and average is 3300-3600. Feels like I should try to knock that down <2800 or so.

Are you seeing 3300-3600 on your stock shot, or the squeeze cut? If that's your stock shot, then spin definitely should come down. Ball speed seems a touch low for that swing speed as well. I'd demo the triple diamond and see if spin goes down, and ball speed goes up. If you don't like the shot shape, go TD draw. If you need a touch more spin, go for the TD Max and know you can move the heavy weight forward if need be.

 

Also consider lofting down if you need spin reduction as well. I have a couple of driver heads I use, and the weight forward/LS type head is great when I'm swinging well. But a core head lofted about 1 degree lower than an LS gives similar launch conditions and higher ball speeds on mishits.

[phizzy30]

Elyte TD MAX was 200-300 rpm more spin than AI Smoke TD MAX when I tested them.  

[PitchPlease]

5 hours ago, rsballer10 said:

Are you seeing 3300-3600 on your stock shot, or the squeeze cut? If that's your stock shot, then spin definitely should come down. Ball speed seems a touch low for that swing speed as well. I'd demo the triple diamond and see if spin goes down, and ball speed goes up. If you don't like the shot shape, go TD draw. If you need a touch more spin, go for the TD Max and know you can move the heavy weight forward if need be.

 

Also consider lofting down if you need spin reduction as well. I have a couple of driver heads I use, and the weight forward/LS type head is great when I'm swinging well. But a core head lofted about 1 degree lower than an LS gives similar launch conditions and higher ball speeds on mishits.

 

Yes, that's the spin I'm getting on my stock shot. I was able to demo Elyte core and TD last night and both were spinning much less than gamer. TD was 8* model, launching in a good window and ~2000-2200 spin. Elyte was 9* head but -1* and spinning ~2600-2700.

 

For the TD, carry/total were good but it was leaking a bit on me. The Tour Draw seems like it would help with that, but ultimately decided to order the TD Max. You mentioned ball speed, think optimized equipment can help but clearly ball striking is part of it. Just felt like the TD Max would be more stable and forgiving for me, and hopefully spin is in between the core and TD. I also like the look of bigger head + glossy top best. Excited to play with the weights and see if I can dial it in.

 

EDIT - my testing was with my gamer Ventus Blue+ as well, but ordered it with Tensei Black (which I've hit a few times) so can see how spin is with each.

Edited July 23 by PitchPlease

[dmeeksDC]

6 hours ago, Ty_Guy said:

 

Hard to give an exact answer. Generally both will spin less than the Max model.

 

The lowest spin setup will either be TD Max with weights reversed (4 in rear, 12 in front) or the TD. TD Max with standard weight setup will probably spin a little higher than base TD but have more forgiveness. I see about 400 less spin when I reverse the weights.

I agree with this. For me the Elyte TD Max spins a little more and the standard Elyte TD offers a little more ball speed. There are always trade offs. The CG on the TD Max is a bit deeper than on the TD, hence the slightly higher MOI/forgiveness, but the tradeoff is  standard TD may also offer a 1-2 mile uptick in ball speed. Cool Clubs found the standard TD launches lower than the TD Max or the TD TD. 
 

They make the point that the ball speed difference is small and likely is from the lower launch, but many players may take that in exchange for better control. You also can put a heavier weight in the front port of the TD Max to see if that brings any benefit. 
 

The bigger question for me has been whether to play the 9 degree or 10.5 head, swinging at 103. Could definitely play the 9 in the TD Max with its 1 degree higher launch. Standard TD is a closer call so I am pondering that head in 9 degrees lofted up 1 degree. In terms of looks I give a slight edge to the classic look of the standard TD but they both look nice. I played the standard Paradym TD a few years ago set at 9.5 degrees and I hit that one really well. Loved that head shape. 

 

 

 

[jeffrey r]

4 minutes ago, dmeeksDC said:

I agree with this. For me the Elyte TD Max spins a little more and the standard Elyte TD offers a little more ball speed. There are always trade offs. The CG on the TD Max is a bit deeper than on the TD, hence the slightly higher MOI/forgiveness, but the tradeoff is  standard TD may also offer a 1-2 mile uptick in ball speed. Cool Clubs found the standard TD launches lower than the TD Max or the TD TD. 
 

They make the point that the ball speed difference is small and likely is from the lower launch, but many players may take that in exchange for better control. You also can put a heavier weight in the front port of the TD Max to see if that brings any benefit. 
 

The bigger question for me has been whether to play the 9 degree or 10.5 head, swinging at 103. Could definitely play the 9 in the TD Max with its 1 degree higher launch. Standard TD is a closer call so I am pondering that head in 9 degrees lofted up 1 degree. In terms of looks I give a slight edge to the classic look of the standard TD but they both look nice. I played the standard Paradym TD a few years ago set at 9.5 degrees and I hit that one really well. Loved that head shape. 

 

 

 

 

I play the Elyte TD Max in 9* at +1/N, and it launches in a terrific window for me. I don't have numbers, only on-course performance. But it is straight and long, and rarely an issue with too low of a launch.

 

I gather that the higher spin on the Elyte TD Max is the primary reason that I prefer the heavier weight in the front rather than the back. There is still plenty of forgiveness with the lighter weight in the back. Though I do go 9g/7g for a balanced performance, rather than say 14g/2g in either direction. YMMV.

[JoeFrigo]

On 7/22/2025 at 10:59 AM, PitchPlease said:

Trying to resurrect this old thread and see if anyone has any updated thoughts on these two models?

 

I want to take advantage of the Callaway 2X trade in going on right now. I have the Ai Smoke Max and it just seems to spin too much. I realize that delivery, shaft, etc plays a huge part in this but just trying to get a general sense. I can demo the core and regular TD models locally, but can't find TD Max or TDTD to try out. The blend of forgiveness + spin reduction that Callaway advertises on the TD Max sounds ideal, but I've heard that maybe the TD Max spins more than prior generation and that the regular TD is more forgiving than prior.

 

If helpful, my numbers are typically 110-112 club speed but that is increasing as I continue to speed train (115 on trackman last night). Ball speed upwards of 160. Stock AoA 0-1* up and 12-13* launch, draw shot shape. I do like to tee down and hit a squeezy cut on tight holes that launches at 7-8* and runs out longer. Spin feels like the problem though where even on good strikes I'm >3000 and average is 3300-3600. Feels like I should try to knock that down <2800 or so.

 

Shaft-wise I have the Ventus Blue+ 6X, which I was originally fit for in the old Paradym core, which just seemed to spin less. Recently, I was fit for a TM R7 Quad with Tensei Black 7X, so might try the 6X version in the driver as well to knock some spin down.

I havent tried multiple Callaway heads but i can compare the Elyte TD Max to Qi35 core, new Wilson DYNAPWR Carbon, DS Adapt X and LS.

 

Spin wise:

 

Wilson - 1900

DS Adapt LS - 2150

Qi35 - 2200

DS Adapt - 2400

Elyte TD Max - 2700 (weight in back)

 

 

However, Elyte TD Max was 2mph faster ball speed than every other head. I know everyones different and can see different numbers but in my opinion TD Max probably is not what you're looking for. For me however as a low spin player I'm really enjoying it

 

Edited July 23 by JoeFrigo

[PitchPlease]

@JoeFrigo cool data points, thanks for sharing! I'm going to experiment with weight placement and lower spinning shafts but we will see. Much of my bag is TM and my wife plays a full bag of TM including Qi35 and she loves this new model. I hit my buddy's Qi35 LS with Ventus Black 7X and that thing was a monster. So if this experiment doesn't work out that might be the direction I will go.

[rsballer10]

19 hours ago, PitchPlease said:

For the TD, carry/total were good but it was leaking a bit on me. The Tour Draw seems like it would help with that, but ultimately decided to order the TD Max. You mentioned ball speed, think optimized equipment can help but clearly ball striking is part of it. Just felt like the TD Max would be more stable and forgiving for me, and hopefully spin is in between the core and TD. I also like the look of bigger head + glossy top best. Excited to play with the weights and see if I can dial it in.

I bet you can't go wrong with either. The TD max makes sense for the reasons you mentioned, and you can always move the weight forward to kick spin down a touch. If you can dial in the TD max to 2,200 to 2,400 spin I think you'll have a winner.

[dmeeksDC]

On 7/23/2025 at 2:14 PM, jeffrey r said:

 

I play the Elyte TD Max in 9* at +1/N, and it launches in a terrific window for me. I don't have numbers, only on-course performance. But it is straight and long, and rarely an issue with too low of a launch.

 

I gather that the higher spin on the Elyte TD Max is the primary reason that I prefer the heavier weight in the front rather than the back. There is still plenty of forgiveness with the lighter weight in the back. Though I do go 9g/7g for a balanced performance, rather than say 14g/2g in either direction. YMMV.

Thanks for this. I think I am about to go back to a Callaway driver — I think mainly because I am so comfortable with them. Will be either the TD or TD Max, but I am leaning toward the TD Max 9 degree.
 

I do love the look of the 450cc TD, but it’s hard to beat the TD Max in terms of overall performance and forgiveness for my gamer relative to practice time. 

[JoeFrigo]

On 7/23/2025 at 1:27 PM, PitchPlease said:

@JoeFrigo cool data points, thanks for sharing! I'm going to experiment with weight placement and lower spinning shafts but we will see. Much of my bag is TM and my wife plays a full bag of TM including Qi35 and she loves this new model. I hit my buddy's Qi35 LS with Ventus Black 7X and that thing was a monster. So if this experiment doesn't work out that might be the direction I will go.

Im a diehard TM fan and order the new woods every year no matter what. Qi35 LS had some really fast speeds but was super low spin for me. Last time I hit it was back in February so admittedly that's not when my swing is the greatest. I have a standard Qi35 9* and thats why ive played all year so far. I love the feel of it and the color of the crown but the larger head puts me off. 

 

I much prefer the look of the TD max at address over the Qi35. If Qi35 was normal looking then I would not have even looked for another driver

[PitchPlease]

I got my Elyte TD Max yesterday and was able to hit it in a Trackman sim last night. My swing and delivery was just awful, so going to go back tonight. Cherry picking the data for a few of the good shots (i.e., good smash, AoA) the spin looks decent ~2600. That was with my Fuji Blue+ shaft. Didn't try the Tensei Black yet because I had that shipped with grip loose in box so I can build it up to my preference. That might help knock some spin off too.

 

The TD or TD TD would probably be even better for spin, but I thought this head was extremely forgiving which I need. I was striking it so bad, either heel side and thin. Still was able to shoot +1 on simulated 18 with most balls in the fairway because this thing is so forgiving.

 

On a separate note - does anyone have any take on alignment with drivers that don't have an aid on topline? I think one problem last night was that I had a tough time lining up the club and am considering sharpie-ing some lines or putting some vinyl tape on top to help. I've mostly played Callaway core or Titleist drivers that have some type of aid.