Although you likely already knew that Callaway was the number one driver in golf for 2023, you may not have realized they achieved that same ranking in fairway woods with their Paradym lineup as well. As such, the task to keep pushing the envelope can be a daunting one because there is a fine line of firepower and playability that has to be walked.
Last time around, it was done via the integration of Forged Carbon, but this time things are being kicked up a notch not only in terms of those materials, but also the entire concept of what a face design in a fairway can be.
Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Fairways
If you have read our release on the Ai Smoke drivers from Callaway, then you’ll not be surprised when we tell you that the fairway woods are also not simply a sequel. Just because they carry the Paradym name on them doesn’t mean there aren’t some significant changes, in fact, Ai Smart Face might be the most significant change we have seen from Callaway in their AI era.
One thing you absolutely have to admire about the companies who are creating the best fairway woods out there is that they all treat them as their own thing. Gone and dead are the days of just trying to take what you put into the driver designs and put it into fairways. A good example of that is when Callaway took their newly created AI “Swing Code” which utilizes “Real Player Swing Dynamics” of 250,000+ recorded swings from fitting centers and studios to create 80,000 lines of custom code and applied it to their fairway designs.
That code is the key to the creation of Callaway’s new “Ai Smart Face” which uses radically outside the box topographic designs created for each model uniquely using the real swing and path tendencies of actual golfers as opposed to a perfect path robot. What they saw immediately was that although the specific traits like speed, path, and face angle were as expected for each model, the strike locations for golfers in fairway woods were drastically different than with driver.
Overall, strikes were much lower on the face according to the data, which makes sense as most amateurs tend to get steep with fairway woods. This combined with the various swing traits are what lead to the implementation of four different fairway heads (MAX, MAX D, MAX FAST, and Triple Diamond) for the Ai Smoke release, each with an Ai Smart Face to optimize the clubhead for the needs of that golfer type.
However, there are still other design changes worth noting. Namely, the implementation of Forged Carbon in the Paradym fairways was a huge catalyst to their success in what it allowed for discretionary weight shifting in the design. One thing that Callaway knew could take things even further was if they could do away with the two support structures on the sole of the fairway between the Forged Carbon. They turned to their dedicated “Composite Engineering Team” and found a solution with a Forged Carbon application and chassis that no longer needs those beams for support.
That change freed up 24 grams of weight, of which 12g was moved back to increase launch and the other 12g shifted to the Tungsten Speed Cartridge which was the unsung hero of the Paradym release. That added weight forward has made for higher launch with less spin, according to Callaway. Everything adds up to the belief that the Paradym Ai Smoke fairways are still incredibly long, but are now also more accurate downrange than ever.
Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke MAX Fairways
The flagship design which the biggest number of golfers should end up in, the MAX is the do it all offering in the lineup. It is aimed at the golfer with mid-speed with a moderately down, but not crazy, angle of attack combined with slightly out-to-in swing path. The Ai Smart Face is tuned also for a somewhat consistent strike pattern that ranges from the low heel to high on the toe.
Callaway is making the MAX model available in 3, 3HL, 5, 7, 9, 11, and also Heavenwood options.
Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke MAX D
Those looking for a true draw designed fairway should look this way as the MAX D checks that box. The swing code implementation here is the golfer who has a strike pattern all the way from heel to toe with most occurring low on the face. Typically, the slower speed player has a definite out-to-in swing path and battles a hard downward attack angle and open face at impact.
The MAX D will be offered in 3, 3HL, 5, and 7 wood models.
Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke MAX FAST Fairway
As with the drivers, it is nice to see Callaway essentially bring what has been the STAR release that occurs later in the year out at the same time as the main lineup. That is precisely the target of the MAX FAST which aims at golfers who fight the same strike tendencies as the MAX D but need more speed than natural draw bias.
The MAX FAST will come in 3, 5, 7, and 9 wood options.
Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond Fairway
Don’t worry, Callaway isn’t about to have a fairway release without the Triple Diamond. Geared at the player who finds the center of their fairway woods most of the time at higher swing speeds and a neutral path, this remains the “workable” and “players” fairway of the bunch. It is important to note, that because of the smaller shape and deeper face, the sole of the Triple Diamond is not Forged Composite like the others, but instead steel. It does still utilize the Triaxial Carbon crown, however.
The Triple Diamond will be offered in 3, 5, and 7 wood models.
The Details
While all initial eyes will be on the new drivers to see if they can deliver on surpassing what was the most successful release of 2023, they will soon fall to these Paradym Ai Smoke fairways in a very similar fashion. There is a lot to live up to, but if the Ai Smart Face implementation delivers, then Callaway might not just maintain their #1 played tally but extend it.
Standard shaft options will consist of the Mitsubishi Eldio and Tensei Silver for the MAX FAST drivers as well as the Mitsubishi Tensei AV Series Blue, Project X Cypher 2.0, and Project X Denali Black for the rest of the clubheads. The entire lineup will be available for pre-sale on 1/14/24 with product hitting retail on 1/26/24 and will be priced at $349.99.
Here we go!!! Yes!!!
ball speed monsters! I’m actually hitting these farther than my Paradym TD 3w and 5w, so went 3hl and heave wood.
The driver is gonna get lots of love, but I’m so incredibly impressed with these FW’s in the fittings I did last month.
Really like the look of these, cannot wait to hear the feedback on them.
There’s a chance a 5 or 7 of the max gets added to the bag. I really liked the Paradym fairways, but it’s hard to ignore the tech that’s gone into these.
The TD 7 has a serious shot at my bag this year. It’s such a great option and people have been begging for it. Got to hit these and it always surprises me they don’t get more love in my area.
I didn’t really expect to be in the market for a FW but reading this part [I][B]”AI “Swing Code” which utilizes “Real Player Swing Dynamics”[/B][/I] of 250,000+ recorded swings” makes me pause. My Mavrik Max 3+ has been such a good club for me I can’t imagine not having it in the bag, but my leap to the Paradym driver led to some impressive gains, I can only imagine going from the Mavrik line to this one will prove the same gains.
[USER=50153]@Doubleb21[/USER] my 3w might be in trouble.
[QUOTE=”OldandStiff, post: 12046715, member: 53737″]
The TD 7 has a serious shot at my bag this year. It’s such a great option and people have been begging for it. Got to hit these and it always surprises me they don’t get more love in my area.
[/QUOTE]
So what club does it replace? Long iron, hybrid?
[QUOTE=”smgoldstein, post: 12046753, member: 4509″]
So what club does it replace? Long iron, hybrid?
[/QUOTE]
I’m done with the UT. Done! I’m going player irons to a certain point and then going immediate and rapid progression of forgiveness and ease.
[USER=56094]@Muchmore[/USER] should my 5w be worried?
Ai Smoke 3W Max HL
[ATTACH type=”full”]9234121[/ATTACH][ATTACH type=”full”]9234122[/ATTACH][ATTACH type=”full”]9234123[/ATTACH][ATTACH type=”full”]9234125[/ATTACH][ATTACH type=”full”]9234126[/ATTACH][ATTACH type=”full”]9234128[/ATTACH][ATTACH type=”full”]9234129[/ATTACH][ATTACH type=”full”]9234130[/ATTACH][ATTACH type=”full”]9234132[/ATTACH]
Know it’s cosmetic but the way the gray on the crown transitions behind the hosel looks off. Will be really interested in hearing the GDX crew’s comments on these as they seem to have a lot of speed.
[QUOTE=”blazinden, post: 12046766, member: 52080″]
[USER=56094]@Muchmore[/USER] should my 5w be worried?
[/QUOTE]
Yes, when you have [USER=24739]@vgolfman[/USER] standing next to you on the range saying these may be his favorite fairways ever, you listen. He’s not saying that to press, he’s not saying it on video. He’s saying it just talking to you for fun. Commit
Deeper face on the TD? I can’t wait to see this in person
Maybe the club I am most excited about from Callaway’s new releases is the Ai Smoke fairway wood. The fairway wood might be the most difficult club to hit, and it seems like finding one that fits your game is a challenge.
To me, Callaway faced the same challenge with the fairway as they did with the driver: how do you improve upon a successful product that was launched just a year go? How do you make it stand out?
For starters, the Ai Smoke has a 360* carbon chassis and a tungsten speed cartridge, which saves 24g. 12g of that has gone up front to help with higher launch and lower spin and 12g in the back for higher MOI.
The Ai Smoke has four different models: the Max, Max D/Max Fast, and the Triple Diamond.
In Callaway’s testing, the AI Smoke Max is 3 yards longer than its predecessor and 7% tighter downrange dispersion.
The Max D/Max Fast is 2 yards longer with 7.5 more draw, which Callaway’s data confirms most golfers need.
The Triple Diamond is 4.5 yards longer and 4% tighter downrange.
These numbers may not sound like much, but for someone like me who used the Paradym TD all of last year and hit it really well, these are real improvements.
I do not have the specs to confirm this, but to my eye, the new Ai Smoke TD appears slightly taller than the Paradym TD. I cannot remember the last fairway wood I had immediate success with, but there was no feeling it out period with the Ai Smoke. I do like the color scheme; it’s not bold and bright so it’s not distracting. It looks like a high-end fairway.
Again, this is all anecdotal, but while I hit the Paradym TD well and it was an absolute bomber, I did have a fear that there was the potential of a punishing miss with a bad swing. I don’t have that fear with the AI Smoke. I don’t know how far off center my misses were and I know I am not flushing it every time, but contact feels solid and consistent more so than the Paradym TD.
I hit the Ai Smoke 6 times off the tee in competition and hit 50% of the fairways. One miss was right and 2 were left. On the right miss, I should not have hit the 3w because the fairway pinched in so much it was a tiny target. On the two left misses, I overcompensated worrying about trouble on the right and found the fairway left. Those two misses were playable and fine.
The biggest ask I have from a 3w is that I feel confident with itthat when I need to find a fairway and keep it in play off tee. The AI Smoke delivers in that regard. I struggle when I swing defensively. I felt like I could take a good rip with the Smoke, and it would just go straight.
What really got me hooked was the sound/feel of the Smoke TD. It is intoxicating. I am going to out go out on a limb and say it is my favorite sounding/feeling FW I’ve ever hit. I am not very good with describing sound/feel, so I apologize. It’s not loud and it’s certainly not harsh. Maybe an odd comparison, but it feels like you are compressing the ball on a flushed iron shot.
I was fit into the Smoke TD 15* lofted down to 14*. I wanted to play the 3w shorter than standard, so I believe it plays 3/4 of an inch short. Adjustments were made to keep the swing weight correct. Shaft is the Ventus Black TR 8x.
Please fire away with questions.
I hit the 3w three times today and found the fairway on all three. Love this club.
[ATTACH type=”full”]9234161[/ATTACH]
That’s a lot of weight savings.
Ai Smoke TD on top. Paradym TD on the bottom.
[ATTACH type=”full”]9234163[/ATTACH]
[ATTACH type=”full”]9234164[/ATTACH][ATTACH type=”full”]9234165[/ATTACH][ATTACH type=”full”]9234166[/ATTACH]
[QUOTE=”xThor, post: 12046643, member: 19092″]
ball speed monsters! I’m actually hitting these farther than my Paradym TD 3w and 5w, so went 3hl and heave wood.
The driver is gonna get lots of love, but I’m so incredibly impressed with these FW’s in the fittings I did last month.
[/QUOTE]
These fairways are special.
The fairway was a HUGE surprise for me. I have for the last several years, played a 5W in my bag. I truly have hit the 3W historically like absolute crap, but the 5W had the right combo of length and loft to really work for my game. I went into the fitting expecting a 5W and we started there. I had zero issues with the Smoke 5W and was seeing my normal distances from it (about 200 yards). Alexis and I were trying to figure out how to gap with the driver, and we tried UWs (nope, they were shorter than the 5W, though a joy to hit), then we tried the Super Hybrid (absolutely nope, I chunked the absolute stuffing out of that…. it was thoroughly embarassing!). After a few swings, she suggested I try a 3W.
Nope, again issues with the swing and the ball just skipped off the ground, I just couldn’t get it in the air. Finally, she brought out the 3HL and said “trust me”. This club is the fairway I’ve been looking for. I am able to elevate it easily and got my missing 12 yards from the 5W! Definitely something for folks to try and get fit into if they struggle with a 3W
[ATTACH type=”full”]9234178[/ATTACH]
[ATTACH type=”full”]9234179[/ATTACH]
[ATTACH type=”full”]9234180[/ATTACH]
[ATTACH type=”full”]9234182[/ATTACH]
[QUOTE=”mtbloco, post: 12046791, member: 53632″]Ai Smoke 3W Max HL
[ATTACH type=”full”]9234121[/ATTACH][ATTACH type=”full”]9234122[/ATTACH][ATTACH type=”full”]9234123[/ATTACH][ATTACH type=”full”]9234125[/ATTACH][ATTACH type=”full”]9234126[/ATTACH][ATTACH type=”full”]9234128[/ATTACH][ATTACH type=”full”]9234129[/ATTACH][ATTACH type=”full”]9234130[/ATTACH][ATTACH type=”full”]9234132[/ATTACH][/QUOTE]
Goodness those all look so nice!!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Let me tell you 3 wood has always been the strongest club in my bag and mercy I don’t think that changes with this guy. 3 Wood AI Smoke Max Tensei black shaft stiff 75. Freaking Rocket launcher. This sucker is gonna make 250-60 yard shots scary because it’s gonna go way too long!! The forgiveness is straight up shocking. Top it? It’s a heat seeking missile that’s in play. Chunk? Probably still going 210-220 and in play. Hook and slices? Very likely in play. Mind boggling.
I sit here and think of how good my TSR 3 wood was in 2023 and yet just WOW. Everytime you step in with a shot with this guy you honestly feel confident. If you don’t have a 3 wood in your bag this club will change your mind. This club will shrink holes and if you aren’t a confident driver this will be an absolute weapon for you. This 3 wood is gonna keep you on the course and put you in some great spots.
[ATTACH type=”full”]9234160[/ATTACH][ATTACH type=”full”]9234162[/ATTACH]
[QUOTE=”jayronmillz10, post: 12046884, member: 77566″]
Goodness those all look so nice!!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
[/QUOTE]
the feel and sound is great too. really easy to elevate.
[QUOTE=”Bryndom, post: 12046883, member: 53516″]
The fairway was a HUGE surprise for me. I have for the last several years, played a 5W in my bag. I truly have hit the 3W historically like absolute crap, but the 5W had the right combo of length and loft to really work for my game. I went into the fitting expecting a 5W and we started there. I had zero issues with the Smoke 5W and was seeing my normal distances from it (about 200 yards). Alexis and I were trying to figure out how to gap with the driver, and we tried UWs (nope, they were shorter than the 5W, though a joy to hit), then we tried the Super Hybrid (absolutely nope, I chunked the absolute stuffing out of that…. it was thoroughly embarassing!). After a few swings, she suggested I try a 3W.
Nope, again issues with the swing and the ball just skipped off the ground, I just couldn’t get it in the air. Finally, she brought out the 3HL and said “trust me”. This club is the fairway I’ve been looking for. I am able to elevate it easily and got my missing 12 yards from the 5W! Definitely something for folks to try and get fit into if they struggle with a 3W
[ATTACH type=”full” alt=”IMG_8923.jpeg”]9234178[/ATTACH]
[ATTACH type=”full” alt=”IMG_8930.jpeg”]9234179[/ATTACH]
[ATTACH type=”full” alt=”IMG_8932.jpeg”]9234180[/ATTACH]
[ATTACH type=”full” alt=”IMG_8927.jpeg”]9234182[/ATTACH]
[/QUOTE]
that was nearly the same conversation I had with Alexis! I hit the 19 UW as well as my current 5W. She handed me this and then said….get that 5W out of your bag.
[ATTACH type=”full”]9234209[/ATTACH]
[USER=19877]@Mmaynard11[/USER]
[ATTACH type=”full”]9234214[/ATTACH]
THE PREZ!
[ATTACH type=”full”]9234216[/ATTACH]
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 12047013, member: 1579″]
THE PREZ!
[ATTACH type=”full” alt=”IMG_5567.jpeg”]9234216[/ATTACH]
[/QUOTE]
Hi chip!
I think I found the FW that finally kicks the heavenwood from my bag.
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 12047007, member: 1579″]
[USER=19877]@Mmaynard11[/USER]
[ATTACH type=”full” alt=”IMG_5564.jpeg”]9234214[/ATTACH]
[/QUOTE]
My man!!! Love it!
A TD 7w, can’t wait to try that.
Last year Cally was first company ever to be #1 driver, fairway, and putter in unpaid play on Tour
[QUOTE=”MSEASU, post: 12047032, member: 46570″]
A TD 7w, can’t wait to try that.
[/QUOTE]
Do NOT sleep on standard 7W
[QUOTE=”mtbloco, post: 12046983, member: 53632″]
that was nearly the same conversation I had with Alexis! I hit the 19 UW as well as my current 5W. She handed me this and then said….get that 5W out of your bag.
[/QUOTE]
Yeah, she was kinda like “what are you doing?” with me :ROFLMAO:
[QUOTE=”War Eagle, post: 12047025, member: 6727″]
I think I found the FW that finally kicks the heavenwood from my bag.
[/QUOTE]
you can even get a Ai Smoke heavenwood
Nick McInally up talking tech
[ATTACH type=”full”]9234220[/ATTACH]
[QUOTE=”ddec, post: 12047046, member: 782″]
you can even get a Ai Smoke heavenwood
[/QUOTE]
Even better!
I love my paradym. I was pretty certain it was safe. Now… not so sure..
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 12047049, member: 1579″]
Nick McInally up talking tech
[ATTACH type=”full” alt=”IMG_5568.jpeg”]9234220[/ATTACH]
[/QUOTE]
Love that guy! He is awesome!
[QUOTE=”ddec, post: 12047046, member: 782″]
you can even get a Ai Smoke heavenwood
[/QUOTE]
I need pics of [USER=9473]@Just_Brad[/USER] ’s.
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 12047013, member: 1579″]
THE PREZ!
[ATTACH type=”full” alt=”IMG_5567.jpeg”]9234216[/ATTACH]
[/QUOTE]
Man I would love to be there right now!!!
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 12047040, member: 1579″]
Do NOT sleep on standard 7W
[/QUOTE]
7W vs Heavenwood?
[QUOTE=”Templet0n, post: 12047058, member: 53139″]
I love my paradym. I was pretty certain it was safe. Now… not so sure..
[/QUOTE]
its not safe. Even you miss the center. With Ai Smoke….you get sweet spots all over the face!
[QUOTE=”mtbloco, post: 12047069, member: 53632″]
its not safe. Even you miss the center. With Ai Smoke….you get sweet spots all over the face!
[/QUOTE]
Sweet face.. love it.
[QUOTE=”War Eagle, post: 12047051, member: 6727″]
Even better!
[/QUOTE]
I’m tempted
Let’s just say I struggle with fairway woods. The 3w Max D Ai Smoke is so easy to hit and I was seeing at least 3-5* more launch which resulted in more distance. I did not find myself in many positions where I put the club in play at the Grandaddy, but when I did the club delivered!
[QUOTE=”ddec, post: 12047072, member: 782″]
I’m tempted
[/QUOTE]
Looks like Heavenwood options are offered in the Max line. I’m not upset about that at all.
[QUOTE=”Mmaynard11, post: 12047077, member: 19877″]
Let’s just say I struggle with fairway woods. The 3w Max D Ai Smoke is so easy to hit and I was seeing at least 3-5* more launch which resulted in more distance. I did not find myself in many positions where I put the club in play at the Grandaddy, but when I did the club delivered!
[/QUOTE]
That max line has my eye!
[QUOTE=”Mmaynard11, post: 12047077, member: 19877″]
Let’s just say I struggle with fairway woods. The 3w Max D Ai Smoke is so easy to hit and I was seeing at least 3-5* more launch which resulted in more distance. I did not find myself in many positions where I put the club in play at the Grandaddy, but when I did the club delivered!
[/QUOTE]
now tell me, would you normally try a D fairway wood if you went to test out some clubs?
[QUOTE=”Joshnoble01, post: 12047063, member: 53518″]
I need pics of [USER=9473]@Just_Brad[/USER] ’s.
[/QUOTE]
Lol, I do too.
I still haven’t seen it. It was unavailable, and they subbed a Paradym Heavenwood.
Right now my gear is still in transit…. somewhat MIA at this point, it may be in there, but still a possibility it isn’t. We’ve been told that missing items will ship as soon as they are available.
There will be pics though. As soon as I get it in hand! And surely more thoughts to follow on it!