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Callaway · Driver · 2024

Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max

3 reviewers

The takeaway

Forgiving driver, high launch and carry.

They agree

  • +Forgiving heel to toe
  • +Long carry, high launch
  • +Ball speed retention off-center

The knocks

  • Spin drops on mishits
  • Can launch too high

Buy it ifyou want forgiveness and carry

Skip it ifyou already launch it high

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The verdicts.

2nd Swing Golf

Master fitters, Trackman-heavy testing

Loved it

very very forgiving

A very forgiving modern driver with excellent ball speed retention on heel and toe strikes and higher launch than the vintage ERC.

+ the facts · 3 pros
  • +Very forgiving heel to toe
  • +Excellent ball speed retention off center
  • +Higher launch and carry

For: Golfers wanting forgiveness and consistent distance

Full review · top pickWatch the review

National Club Golfer

UK magazine, hands-on club testing

Liked it

in terms of distance it's probably one of the really strong performers

Her favourite of the Ai Smoke line, familiar and long but loses spin on off-center hits.

+ the facts · 3 pros · 2 cons
  • +227 yards carry average
  • +familiar comfortable profile
  • +high flight, low-ish spin
  • spin drops off on off-center strikes
  • gray look less liked than last year's blue

For: Players who liked last year's Paradym and want a mid-line option.

Head-to-headWatch the review

The Average Golfer

Real-world gear for regular golfers

Mixed

we've lost 13 yards in carry between that and the Big Driver

Longest carry of the three but launched very high, lost control on course and was only slightly longer than the mini driver, so the extra length did not translate to confidence off the tee.

+ the facts · 2 pros · 3 cons
  • +Longest carry of the three clubs
  • +Highest launch
  • Lost control with it on course
  • Only marginally longer than the mini driver
  • Longer shaft did not add much club head speed

For: Golfers confident with a full driver who want maximum carry

Head-to-headWatch the review