Main points
- That Smoke Max: This model was praised for its high forgiveness, consistent performance and ability to maintain distance even on off-center shots. Testers appreciated the elegant and modern appearance of the driver, noting that it inspired confidence in the address.
- That Smoke Triple Diamond: Ideal for more skilled players, the Triple Diamond version offers lower spin, workability and a more penetrating ball flight. Testers admired the address driver’s traditional yet powerful look, which appealed to those who appreciate classic driver styling with a performance edge.
- That Smoke Max D: Tailored for one-piece golfers, the Max D version’s bias pull technology effectively helped testers guide their shots. The Max D’s aesthetics were also well received, with testers noting that its design didn’t emphasize the bias-pull nature too much, making it visually appealing.
About Callaway He Smoke Drivers
Callaway is known for its innovative approach to golf club design, and the Ai Smoke series exemplifies this with its AI-driven technology. The series includes models tailored for specific needs, such as maximizing forgiveness, improving shot control and correcting ball flight issues. Each driver is designed to deliver superior performance while maintaining the brand’s commitment to quality and aesthetic appeal.
Aesthetic attraction and first impressions
Callaway Ai Smoke drivers impressed testers with their sleek and modern designs, adding confidence at address.
That Smoke Max:
Berg Ryman rated Max “High-end design”, accentuating its matte black crown and subtle stretch assist. He remarked,
“It’s one of those clubs that looks strong even if it’s sitting still.”
He Smokes Triple Diamond:
TylorJudd loved Triple Diamond’s “The classic pear shape with a modern twist,” WHEREAS RickM71 noted,
“It’s a great-looking driver – understated but clearly focused on performance.”
He Smokes Max D:
both EasyPutter AND JAYER38 appreciated Max D’s clean and functional look. EasyPutter said,
“It doesn’t scream ‘draw bias’, just a nice club,” AND JAYER38 added,
“It’s simple, effective and inspires confidence.”
Testers agreed that the AI Smoke drivers not only performed well, but also looked the part, enhancing their overall experience on the course.
Shaft selection and fit
Choosing the right shaft is critical to optimizing the performance of any driver, and the Ai Smoke Series testers were careful in their shaft choices. Each tester focused on finding a shaft that matched their swing speed, desired ball flight and overall feel.
That Smoke Max:
Berg Ryman chose a shaft that complemented the Max’s forgiving nature, choosing one that offered a mid-launch and mid-spin profile. He found that this setup provided a good balance between distance and control, allowing him to maximize the driver’s forgiving characteristics.
“I went with a shaft that matched the driver’s focus on forgiveness, and it was a great fit. The mid-release profile helps me get the ball in the air with ease and I’m still seeing great distance.”
He Smokes Triple Diamond:
Both testers chose shafts that emphasized low spin and a more penetrating ball flight to match the Triple Diamond’s characteristics. TylorJudd went with a stiffer shaft to take full advantage of the driver’s maneuverability, while RickM71 opted for a shaft that offered a bit more feel to ensure control over shot shaping.
TylorJudd noted,
“The stiffer shaft really pairs well with the Triple Diamond’s low-spin design. It’s perfect for hitting those piercing shots that cut the wind.”
RickM71 added,
“I wanted a shaft that gave me a little more feedback, and the one I chose really complements the accuracy of the Triple Diamond. It’s a great match to control my ball flight.”
He Smokes Max D:
For the Max D, both testers chose axles that promoted a slightly higher launch to counteract the driver’s natural pull bias. EasyPutter opted for a lighter shaft to help increase swing speed while JAYER38 chose a shaft with a softer tip to further increase the drag effect.
EasyPutter common,
“I went with a lighter shaft to help increase my swing speed and it was a great choice. The combination of shaft bias and driver pull has really helped me get more distance and keep my shots on target.”
JAYER38 remarked,
“The softer tip on my shaft works well with the design of the Max D, giving me a little more help turning the ball. It has made a noticeable difference in reducing my lot.”
Feedback during the course
The on-course performance of the Ai Smoke drivers was a major talking point among testers. Each model demonstrated its strengths in real playing conditions, reinforcing the drivers’ reputation for delivering in key areas such as distance, accuracy and playability.
That Smoke Max:
Berg Ryman reported that Ai Smoke Max excelled on the course, especially in his ability to forgive mistakes. He found that even on days when his swing wasn’t at its best, Max kept his drives in play, reducing the number of times he found himself in trouble off the tee.
“Along the course, Max has been a lifesaver. I can swing with confidence knowing that even if I don’t hit it perfectly, I’ll still find the fairway more often than not.”
He Smokes Triple Diamond:
both TylorJudd AND RickM71 highlighted Triple Diamond’s exceptional shot control and shaping abilities. On the course, they found it easy to execute different types of shots, whether they needed to hit a par, fade or keep the ball low. The driver’s low spin and penetrating flight were particularly effective in windy conditions.
TylorJudd common,
“Triple Diamond really shines when you need to shape your shots. I was able to hit a variety of shots depending on the situation and the driver responded beautifully every time.”
RickM71 agreed, adding,
“This driver is a workhorse on the course. It’s perfect for those days when you need to control your ball flight and keep the ball in play in tougher conditions.”
He Smokes Max D:
ABOUT EasyPutter AND JAYER38the drag design of the Ai Smoke Max D made a noticeable difference in their ability to control their drives. Over the course, both testers saw a reduction in the roughness of their parts, leading to more stable and playable discs.
EasyPutter remarked,
“The Max D has really helped me stay on the freeway more often. My part has become much less problematic and I have seen a good increase in my driving accuracy.”
JAYER38 echoed this sentiment,
“It’s not just that Max D diminishes my share; it’s also giving me more confidence on the tee. I’m not worried about losing the ball on the right, nearly as much as I was before.”
General likes and dislikes
What they liked
Forgiveness:
Testers praised the Ai Smoke Max and Max D for their forgiving nature, noting that these models allowed them to maintain distance and accuracy even on off-center shots.
Distance and speed:
In all models, the Ai-driven face technology was credited for producing impressive ball speeds, resulting in longer swings. Testers consistently reported improved distance compared to their previous drivers.
Control and workability:
That Smoke Triple Diamond was noted for its ability to shape shots, making it a favorite among top players looking for precise control over their drives.
Aesthetic appeal:
All testers appreciated the stylish and modern design of the Ai Smoke drivers. The understated use of color and clean lines contributed to a professional look that appealed to a wide range of players.
Sound and feel:
Testers enjoyed the sound and feel of these drivers when hitting, especially with the Ai Smoke Max, which provided a solid and satisfying feel that increased confidence in the swing.
What they didn’t like
Forgiveness (Triple Diamond):
The Triple Diamond, while excellent for control, was noted to be less forgiving than the Max models. Testers cautioned that this model may not be the best fit for players with disabilities who need more forgiveness for mistakes.
RickM71 observed,
“The Triple Diamond is fantastic for control, but definitely not as forgiving as the Max. If you miss the sweet spot, you’re going to lose some distance.”
Equalization Bias (Max D):
Some testers felt that the draw bias on the Max D could be a little too aggressive, potentially leading to a kick if not managed carefully.
EasyPutter mentioned,
“The draw bias is huge, but there were a few times when I ended up shooting the ball because the bias was stronger than I expected. It’s something you have to adapt to.”
Adjustability:
Some testers expressed a desire for more adjustment options on the Ai Smoke Max and Max D models, especially in terms of loft and weight distribution, to further improve their performance.
Conclusion: Tailored to your needs
The Callaway Ai Smoke Series offers a variety of drivers designed to cater to different types of golfers. Whether you’re looking for maximum forgiveness with the Ai Smoke Max, precision and control with the Ai Smoke Triple Diamond, or spot-on correction with the Ai Smoke Max D, there’s a model in this lineup that can elevate your game.
Testers were impressed by the drivers’ overall performance, including their distance, accuracy and customization potential. While there were some minor gripes regarding forgiveness and fit, the Ai Smoke drivers are a solid choice for players looking to improve their driver and take their game to the next level.
You can find the full testers’ insights, photos and reviews here: Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Drivers Forum Member Review.
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