Callaway Sent Me Their New Paradym Ai Smoke Max Driver: First Impressions

2024 has already introduced a few of the new drivers that will enter the market this year, and Callaway’s newest iteration of the Paradym is backed by artificial intelligence to make it perhaps their most hyped-up driver to date.

Luckily, Callway has already gotten the Paradym Ai Smoke Max in my hands, and the generous reps at the company had it to my house in just three days, and that’s with a snow day where not even Amazon would get my recently-ordered espresso scale to me on time.

Callaway’s Paradym Ai Smoke Driver: What You Need To Know

I'm truly excited to give the new Paradym a shot. I have played TaylorMade's Stealth, the 2022 version, for the last two seasons. Last year, I won a Paradym in a two-man simulator league, but I had been hitting my Stealth so well since I bought it, that I really did not want to make a change. I still truly do not want to take the Stealth out of the bag, but if I said I didn't regret selling my Paradym on eBay last year, I'd be lying.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Luckily, Callaway was awesome enough to shoot me the Ai-backed driver for 2024, and as it is rainy, cold, and disgusting outside currently, I am only good enough to give first impressions from a visual standpoint currently. To be frank, it seems like enough for a piece on what to expect out of the box.

My First Thoughts

The two things I truly liked the most taking it out of the box are the glossy clubhead and the weight of it. One thing I did initially enjoy about the Stealth was the matte finish on the top of the clubhead, which was different from every driver I had in the past. 

However, it's definitely been some time since I've used something that offers the shiny look, and it is refreshing. It certainly varies from player to player, but that was something I really liked looking down to.

Additionally, the weight of the club feels excellent. I was fitted for the HZRDUS Silver 60g last year when I won the Paradym in the simulator league, but Callaway sent me the new driver with the Mitsubishi Tensei AV Blue 65, and it feels rather whippy. However, both shafts are rated with Medium Spin and Launch profiles, so I suppose I'll give it a shot.

Here's what they sent me on the spec sheet:

What I'm Expecting

One thing I am truly hoping for is more forgiveness out of this Paradym Ai Smoke than I get in the Stealth. When I hit my Stealth in the center of the clubface, look out. I've hit both of my record drives with the Stealth: 337 and 331, but I am an average 260-270 hitter. 

I definitely struggle with consistency out of my driver, though, as do most amateurs. I truly hope that the slider options and customization that the Ai Smoke offers are where I get some additional help. I liked that about the Paradym last year.

One reason I've stuck with the Stealth is the sound. Call me crazy, but I don't want my drivers sounding like a Little League bat, no matter what. I like the solid, compact, and muffled sound of the Stealth, which is just badass in all aspects.

I am hoping for this out of the Ai Smoke Max, and if my memory serves me right, I will get that.

What My Plans Are

Initially, my idea is to take both the Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max and the TaylorMade Stealth to the sim, hit a lot of balls with both, and compare. I will consider numbers, but more than anything, I want to see what feels better, because nothing is worse than stepping up to a ball and feeling a lack of confidence.

Then, I want to get this thing out on the course as soon as I can. I play a course close to my house very often and I am super familiar with how the Steatlh performs there. Hitting fairways and feeling speed and launch off the clubface will ultimately be my deciding factor in which one makes it into the bag.

But more than anything, I also want the readers of this article to give me some suggestions. What do you want to know about the Paradym Ai Smoke Max? Be sure to get in touch with me at [email protected], on X @KlenderJoey, or on Instagram @KlenderGolf.