Review: Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke driver

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By James Tait Published: 4 January 2024 | Updated: 8 January 2024
min read

Callaway has made huge changes for its four new models of the Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke range. And it's paid off.

Who's it for?

Golfers who want a premium forgiving driver which is packed with incredibly impressive technology.

bunkered rating

PROS

  • Much more forgiving across the face
  • Faster ball speeds
  • Which means longer drives
  • Four head options from which to choose

CONS

  • Lack of colour options

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Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke driver review

Not only are Callaway a world away from 2022’s Paradym in terms of aesthetics, a lot has changed internally. Say goodbye to Jailbreak and hello to AI technology. But has this huge move paid off? Let’s find out…

The First Look

What stands out straight away is the grey carbon finish on the crown and the blue sole weights. It’s a bit different from the crowns that Callaway has had in the past as they’ve usually been darker. They still have the 360 Carbon chassis, but the big story is not what you see with the naked eye, but what’s under the bonnet.

Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond driver sole. (Credit: Callaway Golf) |

Paradym Ai Smoke Max driver sole. (Credit: Callaway Golf) |

Paradym Ai Smoke Max D driver sole. (Credit: Callaway Golf) |

Paradym Ai Smoke Max Fast driver sole. (Credit: Callaway Golf) |

Paradym Ai Smoke driver face. (Credit: Callaway Golf) |

Paradym Ai Smoke driver crown. (Credit: Callaway Golf) |

Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke driver headcover |

The Tech

Callaway has replaced the Jailbreak technology with an what they’re calling the “Ai Smart Face”. This features what Callaway calls “swing code”, which has taken data from 250,000 swings and input into a supercomputer. This then delivers 50,000 face options.

The new Artificial Intelligence-inspired face features micro deflection points across the face, which are essentially mini sweet spots, to give you better speed, consistency, and distance – especially on those off-centre hits.

Elsewhere, the 360-carbon chassis has been redefined and is 15% lighter with a stronger titanium structure to help improve launch and forgiveness.

The bunkered Verdict

You can watch my full Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke driver review in the player below, or over on the bunkered YouTube channel.

There are four new models in Callaway’s Paradym Ai Smoke range – the Triple Diamond, Max, Max D, and Max Fast.

When testing the Triple Diamond, I found the dispersion and distance was really impressive, especially when moving the 14-gram weight forward. You get remarkable speeds out of the Paradym Ai Smoke driver, and the dispersion is very tight. This makes it ideal for a mid- to low-handicapper looking for fast ball speeds and with added forgiveness across the face.

I loved the Max model, and with its adjustability you can really dial in and straighten out that ball flight so you get the CG placement where it’s ideal for your swing. A great option for players of all levels looking for a perfect combination of distance and forgiveness.

And if you are tired of hitting that big cut, the Max D model is here to help. With a larger profile at address, this high-MOI driver is ideal for players wanting to straighten out their left to right slice. The rear weight will help stabilise the head and increase launch making it more forgiving and easier to hit.

While I am yet to hit the Max Fast, its high MOI and a generously stretched profile at address will best suit senior players with slower swing speeds and looking for easy launch. From a fixed hosel and rear weight, the Max Fast will be a go-to model for lightweight, easy-to-swing performance.

The Details

RRP: £569
Pre-sale: January 12
On sale: January 26

The Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke range

• Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke fairway woods review

• Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke hybrids review

• Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke irons review

• Callaway Chrome Tour golf ball review

If you liked my Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke driver 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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