FIRST LOOK: Paradym Ai Smoke MAX Triple Diamond
21 May 2024
by Todd Mrowice of AmateurGolf.com
see also: Equipment Reviews
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It was looking like Callaway would coast through the rest of 2024 with the largest share of the driver market in the bag. To be clear, it still looks that way.
Today, however, Callaway further distanced itself from the field by adding another model to its Paradym family with the Ai Smoke MAX Triple Diamond.
This new model aims to bridge the gap between some of the better players and give even more options to those looking for optimal ball striking from the tee box. Let’s take a look at the Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke MAX Triple Diamond before it arrives in a golf shop near you on June 7.
The Family
It’s important to remember what models are already in line for Callaway to better guide you to the Paradym that fits your game.
Ai Smoke MAX: Fits the widest range of players and should be considered the “standard” in the Ai Smoke family.
Ai Smoke MAX D: Similar to the standard MAX, this model has a draw bias so it helps alleviate those wicked slices.
Ai Smoke MAX Fast: This model is all about shedding weight and gaining yards. Best suited for seniors or those looking for a very light driver.
Ai Smoke Triple Diamond: Intended for the better player. This model features a more player-preferred shape and is lower in spin.
Ai Smoke MAX Triple Diamond Features
This new big stick from Callaway is designed to fall between the Ai Smoke MAX and the Triple Diamond, if you hadn’t gathered that from the name already. This love child takes a lot of the forgiveness and distance from the MAX and blends it with the tour workability of the Triple Diamond, which we recently saw Xander Schauffele use to win the PGA Championship.
The standard Triple Diamond is at 450 cc, and typically going to a full 460 cc results in increasing some spin and losing some of the ability to shape shots. Callaway has managed to go to 460 cc with the MAX Triple Diamond without yielding too much in the workability department.
“With the Triple Diamond MAX, we have a little bit less face progression compared to the Triple Diamond,” said Nick Yontz, Advanced R&D Manager for Callaway Golf. “What we’ve seen through our testing is that this driver plays incredibly neutral. It can be played by players that want to draw the ball, want to fade the ball. It does have a touch more spin which can help a player that wants to draw the ball, they don’t have to worry about the quicker hook that dives too much.”
The 10g and 4g weights located on the sole will allow the better player to fine-tune even further. These weights can be adjusted, so the player who wants to increase ball speed and lower spin can place the 10g weight near the face and the 4g weight at the rear.
Speaking of the face, the Paradymm Ai Smoke MAX Triple Diamond shared the same concepts as all of the other Ai Smoke drivers. Ai Smart Face was designed using data from thousands of golfers and hundreds of thousands of golf swings. The data led to a face that is forgiving in all the right places.
Components and Specs
With a driver that's a bit of a “tweener” between other models, it’s important to find the right shaft that won’t tip the scales to being closer to the MAX or the Triple Diamond. That’s why Callaway has matched the Ai Smoke MAX Triple Diamond with the Denali Project X Blue. This shaft is a little more friendly as far as mishits go, but will still be a satisfying feel for players chasing small misses and big distance.
The Ai Smoke MAX Triple Diamond will be available in 9 and 10.5-degree heads and will retail for $599.99.
Important Dates
If you’re interested in the Paradym Ai Smoke MAX Triple Diamond, Callaway will begin taking pre-orders on May 28. Your first opportunity to see them in shops in your town will be on June 7. For more information, visit callawaygolf.com.