Review: Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke irons

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By James Tait Published: 4 January 2024
min read

Golf is hard enough as it is, so why not make it easier with the Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke irons?

Who are they for?

Golfers looking for a bit more distance and forgiveness - particularly if you are someone who struggles to get the ball in the air.

bunkered rating

PROS

  • Incredibly forgiving
  • Consistent distance
  • Explosive speeds
  • Fairly priced

CONS

  • Strong lofting may make wedge gapping awkward

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Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke irons review

Hollow-body irons are perfect for speed, distance and forgiveness, and with Callaway’s new AI Smart Face you’ll get the consistency you are looking for in the Paradym Ai Smoke range.

The First Look

Hollow-body irons can often be be bulky, but you’re not going to find that with the new Paradym Ai Smoke range.

The topline is easy on the eye, framing the ball nicely at address, and it certainly doesn’t scream game improvement iron.

The shaping is great, and they are going to look great in the bag with the slightly thinner sole than we’re used to.

The Paradym Ai Smoke irons are Callaway's best yet. (Credit: Callaway Golf) |

The Paradym Ai Smoke irons are Callaway's best yet. (Credit: Callaway Golf) |

The Paradym Ai Smoke irons are Callaway's best yet. (Credit: Callaway Golf) |

The Paradym Ai Smoke irons are Callaway's best yet. (Credit: Callaway Golf) |

The Paradym Ai Smoke irons are Callaway's best yet. (Credit: Callaway Golf) |

The Paradym Ai Smoke irons are Callaway's best yet. (Credit: Callaway Golf) |

The Tech

Just like the rest of the Ai Smoke range, we see the Ai Smart Face used in these irons.

This will help deliver optimal launch, consistency, and distance not just on off-centre strikes but on the full mishits as well.

There are three models in the range. The standard Ai Smoke model has stronger lofts with a hollow body construction for extra speed, distance, and consistency, while the Ai Smoke HL has a cavity-back design with weaker lofts to keep the ball in the air for longer, and the tungsten weighting produces a low, deep CG for a high launch and more distance.

Then we have the Ai Smoke Max Fast, which features the same tech as the HL but is designed to help golfers increase their swing speed and launch. This model features more loft and lightweight components, including a 40-gram shaft, to ensure an easy, high launch.

The bunkered Verdict

After hitting the Ai Smoke and HL models, I really did enjoy what these irons had to offer.

The Ai Smoke felt amazing and produce a lovely sound, particularly when I caught one. I did find them easier to work from left to right and right to left, and even found they were quite easy to flight as well. The distance was impressive, and the ball speeds were quick and hot off the face. I did mishit a couple, but when I did found it wasn’t massively detrimental to distance or dispersion.

The HL option is – as the name suggests – so easy to get the ball in the air. The cavity-back design and top line at the address looks great and it felt effortless getting the clubface back to square. For someone who struggles to get the most out of their ball flight, the HL will help you get the height you need with minimal effort. Its a great option for better launch, more distance, and a more consistent dispersion.

If you’re a higher handicapper, or have a slower swing speed, and you’re looking for more speed and keeping the ball in the air longer, then the Max Fast model is going to be the best option for you.

Keep an eye on the bunkered YouTube channel for more on the Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke irons. In the meantime, here’s my review of the driver:

The Details

RRP: £899 (steel shafts), £999 (graphite shafts)
Pre-sale: January 12
On-sale: January 26

The Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke range

• Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke driver review

• Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke fairway woods review

• Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke hybrids review

• Callaway Chrome Tour golf ball review

If you liked my Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke irons review, make sure you check out the bunkered YouTube channel!


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James Tait is bunkered’s Gear Editor. Want to know how the latest Callaway driver, Vokey wedge or Scotty Cameron putter performs? He’s the guy to ask. Better yet, just watch his videos on the bunkered YouTube channel. One of the biggest hitters in the UK, James also competes on the World Long Drive circuit and is a descendent of former Amateur champion Freddie Tait.

Gear Editor

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