CALLAWAY AI SMOKE
Callaway’s 2023 Paradym driver put them back on track, as the previous models had started to lose ground against the competition, but last year’s model reset the high standard we come to expect from the manufacturer that brought us the Big Bertha.
Their Paradym Triple Diamond head was the best performing driver we tested in 2023 in terms of carry and overall distance. Therefore, we couldn’t wait to see how the updated Paradym Ai Smoke compared.
As you can probably guess from the name, artificial intelligence plays a big part in the new Ai Smoke range, with the driver’s new smart face being the main storyline. The newly designed face has been created using real player data and machine learning in order to create a variety of sweet spots across the face.
Combined with adjustable perimeter weighting and a lighter, stronger carbon chassis, I was expecting the changes to focus on forgiveness and launch not just distance gains.
The Models
There are four heads to choose from. Players with swing speeds sub 100mph will normally fit into the Ai Smoke Max, though players in that category looking to combat the dreaded slice might be better suited to the Max D and the low spinning Triple Diamond for higher swing speeds. The Max Fast completes the line up and is designed for players that need a lighter club to raised their swing speed to boost overall distance.
The Looks
Making a club standout isn’t all about performance. Brands need a marketing story to distinguish themselves from others, as a black 460cc driver can quickly look like every other driver. The Ai Smoke, as you can guess by the name, has gone with a smoke blue carbon urban camouflage look and I’m sure it might not be to everyone’s taste, but address I like how the flat carbon top line meets the gloss carbon crown. The only thing I would remove is the Ai Smoke branding that shouts at you from just behind the neck. Thankfully it’s not on the top of the crown, but it does remind me of my childhood when I use to put go fast stickers on my bike or even my first car.
The face and technology advancements
I’m sure you have seen the Ai Smoke advert and how Callaway is showcasing the increased yardages across the face compared to the 2023 head. They claim that is down to micro deflections that are activated at impact. I’ve no idea what that means either. Just the AI software has been updated to make the face more efficient. Though I believe the advancements is due to the stiffer, lighter and stronger carbon chassis. By adding an internal titanium support, the chassis is 15% lighter and that has allowed the Callaway engineers to redistribute the weight in the head to improve both the forgiveness and launch.
Performance Test
Max Triple Diamond
Swing Speed (MPH): 105.2 105.4mph
Ball Speed (MPH): 154.3 152.8mph
Spin (RPM): 2,415 2,075
Carry (Yards): 262 264.2
Total (Yards) : 275 283
Verdict
As expected, both were more stable at impact and dispersion was tighter than last year’s model and the Triple Diamond spun the least. The shock was the Max head. For players that have a sub 100mph swing speed, launch is critical and the Max delivers on that front, but the surprise was the efficient spin rate. With the head set at 10 degrees paired with a stock stiff shaft it was launching around 13 degrees with a spin rate not exceeding 2500rpm. Normally, I would expect that set up to see the ball balloon and stall in the air due to the spin climbing way above 3,000+ rpm.
The Triple Diamond was the outright winner in terms of distance and remains the longest club I’ve tested to date. The dispersion was not as tight as the Max and to get the most out the club I need to be on my A game in terms of swing speed. The ball speed average was also greater on the Max, as the Triple Diamond is not as forgiving from strikes low on the face.
