It wouldn’t be a release cycle from Callaway without irons and hybrids. As a brand, they have always been incredibly successful in both categories, but under talked about is the way things have evolved to blend and provide their target audiences with options in the bag. This year with the new Paradym Ai Smoke lineup, that is no different.
Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Irons Review
While the Paradym Irons were a definite success for Callaway last year, this year’s iron release, though also under the Paradym umbrella, are different in a few ways. Foremost, these are not Paradym replacements, instead, they take aim at replacing the Rogue ST irons. More than that, they are implementing Ai Smart Face as well as a better overall differentiation across the three models.
Every single iron face across all three designs is using an industry first Ai Smart Face design that utilizes Callaway’s “Swing Code” that is based upon over 250,000 swings of actual golfers from fitting centers. This is such a story because it allows them to create three unique iron designs, each aimed as a unique type of golfer and the typical swing styles that they possess. In the past, these things have always been done by robots and a standard swing path, not so much a real world one.
All of that has allowed Callaway to now tweak everything via changes to the face, thanks to being able to run tens of thousands of simulations per face via AI, they can do things that were never before possible, even so far as creating what seems like multiple sweet spots across the face. In fact, there is more topography on the face than ever allowing them to really control and manipulate the iron launch and spin independent of loft.
Beyond the Ai Smart Face, there have been adjustments to lofts (weaker in two models) and adding 1/4 inch to the longer clubs in the sets. Add in a redesigned dynamic sole with pre worn leading edge similar to what we saw in the latest Apex iron release, and you have three irons aimed at the “core” golfer out there who need specific performance in a confidence inspiring package.
Paradym Ai Smoke Irons Review
The Ai Smoke is the most compact of the three irons in the lineup and though it is a modern hollow body design, it looks to be the replacement for the previous Rogue ST irons. Not only does that carry with it a confidence and pride aspect in the back with a slightly thinner sole, but it packs in all the benefits of a hollow body.
These are a distance focused iron for golfers who slot in that 135+ yard 7i range, and according to Callaway even those well beyond that range could potentially benefit from the longer distance, steeper angle of descent, and better downrange dispersion.
The Paradym Ai Smoke Irons will be available in 4-P, A, G, S.
Paradym Ai Smoke HL Irons Review
Where the Ai Smoke irons seek to hit that modern hollow cavity category, the HL are a design focused fully on creating all the launch possible. That is a reason for them being a cavity back design with moderate offset and a slightly larger overall profile. This is all about MOI and forgiveness while maximizing the carry potential.
To do this, the Ai Smart Face in the HL’s have been created with the Swing Code specifically to add launch and spin, adding 750+ RPM compared to the standard Smoke irons. On top of that, the lofts have been taken weaker (2 degrees in the 7) but that is possible thanks to the increased efficiency of the face, otherwise adding loft simply would have shortened the irons distances.
Like its Ai Smoke siblings, the Ai Smoke HL irons will be available in 4-P, A, G, S.
Paradym Ai Smoke MAX FAST Irons
Finally, the MAX FAST irons are all about speed, just as the name indicates. These are aimed at golfers with very slow swing speeds who need speed more than anything else to help optimize their potential carry. The Ai Smart Face implementation here is focused on launch and spin as well, by using the specific swing code for this type of golfer Callaway is claiming two more degrees of launch and anywhere from 500-600 RPM more spin than the HL’s.
The MAX FAST irons will be available in 5-P, A, G, S.
Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Hybrids
Accompanying the iron release is, of course, a full contingency of hybrid options as well. With the Paradym hybrid release we saw a much more player driven style of size profile, but like the irons, the Paradym Ai Smoke hybrids are more aimed at the more forgiving Rogue ST style. That isn’t to say that these hybrids won’t fit a wide range of golfers, as there should be something for everyone.
Just like the rest of the Paradym Ai Smoke releases, the hybrid too are showcasing the new Ai Smart Face powered by the previously discussed “swing code” with 80,000 lines of unique code that they have developed via captured amateur golf swings to be able to dial in each hybrid in the lineup to a specific audience. Don’t worry though, the Tungsten Speed Cartridge is alive and well in all three models.
Paradym Ai Smoke Hybrids
The Ai Smoke hybrid is slightly larger than the standard Paradym but maintains much of the same overall shaping. This one is aimed at players with average to higher swing speeds who want to maximize their distance and improve dispersion.
Callaway is offering the Paradym Ai Smoke hybrids in 3 through 6 options, both RH and LH.
Paradym Ai Smoke HL Hybrids
The Ai Smart Face looks to shine in the new HL model which most will classify as a more oversized type of shape. Interestingly, although the overall profile is larger, the face depth is actually shallower both to help blend with the HL irons in performance as well as simply maximizing distance and launch with tighter dispersion.
The main audience here is the more moderate swing speed golfer, though with such a wide variety of options (4 through 8, RH and LH) there is a large fitting potential.
Paradym Ai Smoke MAX FAST Hybrids
You guessed it, the MAX FAST hybrids like all their Paradym Ai Smoke counterparts are focused primarily on speed. The name of the game here is making the most forgiving Ai Smart Face possible while also creating the lightest possible setup, notably going with a fixed hosel unlike the other models. The MAX FAST is also the most shallow faced of the three, also possessing a flatter overall shape/profile which is another design trait aimed at maximizing speed.
The MAX FAST hybrids will be available in 4-8 options but are RH only.
The Details
With Ai Smart Face all over the place and a clear focus on creating irons and hybrids that blend together to give golfers not only more options in their set makeup, but options that are designed for their real world swing traits, the Paradym Ai Smoke lineup is a robust one. Sure, the drivers and fairways will collect most of the initial buzz, but the core designs present here will appeal to the average golfer extremely well.
The irons are paired with True Temper Elevate 85 and 95 shafts in steel, while the graphite options in the irons and hybrids are the Mitsubishi Eldio (Women’s), Mitsubishi Tensei Blue White (Light), and PX Cypher 2.0 (L, R, S).
Both the irons and hybrids will begin presale on 1/12/24 and hit retail 1/26/24 with the hybrids priced at $279.99 and irons $999.99 (7 Piece Steel) or $1,099.99 (7 Piece Graphite).
[QUOTE=”Nasdamus, post: 12243691, member: 9414″]
I know it was talked about a little while ago, but what are people’s bag makeups looking like? I’m thinking D, 3w, 5-PW, AW, 50, 54 and 58. With putter that leaves me one slot where right now I carry a 5w and a 4h. My 5w is like 215-220 and 4h is 200-205. 4h is probably better out of rough situations that 5w and good for punch outs etc.
[/QUOTE]
I went with
Driver Max D 10.5
3W HL
Then a long gap to
7W
5 hl Hybrid
6hl Hybrid
7 hl – AW 54,58 putter
I like having at least a couple of hybrids in the bag to help where the woods can’t
[QUOTE=”JonD, post: 12249606, member: 5907″]
Yeah I figure there’ll be some gapping work on both sides of this set once I settle in. Specifically concerned about the wedges here so far. I think I’ll probably go 5-AW, see how it shakes out and adjust accordingly. If I can drop one of my two hybrids this definitely becomes a non issue.
[/QUOTE]
I’ve been trying to figure this out too but like better options at the top of the bag, So you’ll go AW (46*) then to your 54*?
[QUOTE=”Nasdamus, post: 12249710, member: 9414″]
I’ve been trying to figure this out too but like better options at the top of the bag, So you’ll go AW (46*) then to your 54*?
[/QUOTE]
That’s what I’m thinking for the initial purchase. If it doesn’t gap well, then I’ll have to figure out if I go set GW or specialty wedge. My current set goes 48 to 54 and I don’t have any gapping issues there. I’m probably overthinking all of this.
[QUOTE=”Nasdamus, post: 12243691, member: 9414″]
I know it was talked about a little while ago, but what are people’s bag makeups looking like? I’m thinking D, 3w, 5-PW, AW, 50, 54 and 58. With putter that leaves me one slot where right now I carry a 5w and a 4h. My 5w is like 215-220 and 4h is 200-205. 4h is probably better out of rough situations that 5w and good for punch outs etc.
[/QUOTE]
Would the 4H leave a better gapping to the irons for you but leave a larger gap to the top then? It’s such a tough call to make.
I’ve always wanted a 15th club so I could swap depending on the par 5’s and lengths of par 4’s that day and make the call before the round.
[QUOTE=”brians, post: 12249831, member: 44109″]
Would the 4H leave a better gapping to the irons for you but leave a larger gap to the top then? It’s such a tough call to make.
I’ve always wanted a 15th club so I could swap depending on the par 5’s and lengths of par 4’s that day and make the call before the round.
[/QUOTE]
I think so. Right now at the top i have 40, 45, 50 then 54/58. These would be 37, 42, 46, 50 then 54/58. My bottom of bag is D then 3w which is 230-235. I have a 5w then 4h now, so one of them have to go (or swap both to a 3h).
[QUOTE=”Nasdamus, post: 12249966, member: 9414″]
I think so. Right now at the top i have 40, 45, 50 then 54/58. These would be 37, 42, 46, 50 then 54/58. My bottom of bag is D then 3w which is 230-235. I have a 5w then 4h now, so one of them have to go (or swap both to a 3h).
[/QUOTE]
Swapping for a 3h would take care of the cutting out a club conundrum.
It’s such a risk/reward club though…
[QUOTE=”Nasdamus, post: 12249966, member: 9414″]
I think so. Right now at the top i have 40, 45, 50 then 54/58. These would be 37, 42, 46, 50 then 54/58. My bottom of bag is D then 3w which is 230-235. I have a 5w then 4h now, so one of them have to go (or swap both to a 3h).
[/QUOTE]
I don’t worry about gapping much at the top of the bag, ie; Driver, 3wd, and maybe even the next club. It’s just not really relevant to my game.
I want them to go as far as possible, in most scenarios, and TBH, distances at the top of bag are less consistent overall.
Ordered and played the HL irons for two rounds. I’m a bit disappointed. My Rouge ST max irons feel better and for me perform better. Same shaft. FC 80 Steelfibers.
the smoke hybrid has a really pleasing crack to it when testing tonight
[QUOTE=”Landy, post: 12242398, member: 21078″]
Ok I went back to hit the Smoke AI’s and now I see what everyone is saying. I guess the first time just wasnt in the groove.
Came back home and pulled the specs of my Paradym from my Callaway fitting and ordered a set of Smoke AI’s and adjusted to -1/2″ on the long irons and – 1/4″ in the short irons as the Smoke is a longer iron.
Plus took advantage of the 50% trade-in with Callaway. The new set will be here Thursday!
[/QUOTE]
They’re here…
OK they arrived last night. Will hit them this weekend. But I noticed I didnt order the GW, but just the AW. Need to order the GW today in order to help with the gapping. The AW is 46 and my Jaws wedge is a 56/12 so I need that 50* GW.
Glad I listened to everyone here and made the switch from the Paradyms. These do look much better at address(helloooo ball…). Sorry the Honeymooners.
Great feedback! What do you think of the Dart 105 F4 ? Is that what you had in your Mizuno’s? I am down to final shaft decision. I currently have Modus 105s with a 7i swing speed of 91-92mph. I can’t find a 105x anywhere to test with the Callaway’s, nor can i find a Dart 105 which have been recommended.
[QUOTE=”Nasdamus, post: 12252692, member: 9414″]
Great feedback! What do you think of the Dart 105 F4 ? Is that what you had in your Mizuno’s? I am down to final shaft decision. I currently have Modus 105s with a 7i swing speed of 91-92mph. I can’t find a 105x anywhere to test with the Callaway’s, nor can i find a Dart 105 which have been recommended.
[/QUOTE]
My Mizunos (and all my irons prior) were Recoil 95 F4’s. I’ve been a Recoil player for a long time so the move to the Dart 105’s have been easy. I like the Dart’s because at a slightly heavier weight they help me square/time the head better at impact than the 95’s did. My lazy swing can get quick and the 95’s didn’t help at all with dispersion and the few lazy or rushed swings with the 105’s have produced better results. Plus [USER=47008]@DannyLe[/USER] has seen me play and his recommendation were the 105’s so I’ll listen to the wizard and be happy
[QUOTE=”JonD, post: 12252693, member: 5907″]
Sounds like a pretty good initial range session! Have to agree with you about the sound/feel. I hit these indoors, and switched them out between two different sets of mizunos, as well as some pings, titleist, etc. I was expecting that “harsher” cast/hollowbody feel and it just wasn’t there. They weren’t as dense feeling as the Pro 245s but they still felt great, and I feel like the sound is amplified a bit when you’re hitting indoors. I was seeing a 1/2 to full club on my Apex 21s with the 7I on the monitor. If that carries to the course I’ll have some adjusting to do, but that’s a great problem to have.
Called my order in this afternoon. Due to some backorder issues I ended up with the Modus 120s. Rep said they should take about a week which is perfect. Can’t wait to get these in hand.
EDIT: After trade in I’m only out a little over $400, which is crazy good. If you’re on the fence about these and have trade-in clubs you’re not going to get a much better deal than they’ve got going right now.
[/QUOTE]
Yeah the feel/sound caught me off guard and pleasantly surprised me.
I moved off the Hot Metals because of the feel/sound so that gives you an idea of where I’m coming from. The 50% trade in helped make the move for sure
I’ve been in a real slump with my iron play (my crappy swing, not the equipment), and finally started striping them today. I don’t have a lot of clubhead speed and have trouble getting a high trajectory to hold greens on approach shots, the Ai Smoke HL irons are a huge help – I was launching nice high iron shots today and finally starting to explore their distance potential. We had to deal with a little wind later in the round, and my iron shots were high enough without ballooning and dropping out of the sky.
The feel on well-struck shots is addictive. I didn’t hate my Mavrik irons I was previously playing, but the HLs feel more “plush” (for lack of a better word) on impact. Feedback is good – you know immediately whether you hit the sweet spot or not. The AI Smart Face offers forgiveness when you miss the center, but you can definitely feel and hear the difference.
[QUOTE=”mikeg_74, post: 12252761, member: 15992″]
My Mizunos (and all my irons prior) were Recoil 95 F4’s. I’ve been a Recoil player for a long time so the move to the Dart 105’s have been easy. I like the Dart’s because at a slightly heavier weight they help me square/time the head better at impact than the 95’s did. My lazy swing can get quick and the 95’s didn’t help at all with dispersion and the few lazy or rushed swings with the 105’s have produced better results. Plus [USER=47008]@DannyLe[/USER] has seen me play and his recommendation were the 105’s so I’ll listen to the wizard and be happy
Yeah the feel/sound caught me off guard and pleasantly surprised me.
I moved off the Hot Metals because of the feel/sound so that gives you where I’m coming from. The 50% trade in helped make the move for sure
[/QUOTE]
Official Ponder Mode:unsure:
Love the Recoil Dart 90s I have. My miss is left so I wonder if the 105s would help in that regard. So do you think you would be a 1/2 club better than the Hot Metals also?
Between my deceased brothers clubs and my own. With the 50% trade-in, I think it would be a wash, Including a couple of hybrids:)
[QUOTE=”BigMac, post: 12252821, member: 3386″]
I’ve been in a real slump with my iron play (my crappy swing, not the equipment), and finally started striping them today. I don’t have a lot of clubhead speed and have trouble getting a high trajectory to hold greens on approach shots, the Ai Smoke HL irons are a huge help – I was launching nice high iron shots today and finally starting to explore their distance potential. We had to deal with a little wind later in the round, and my iron shots were high enough without ballooning and dropping out of the sky.
The feel on well-struck shots is addictive. I didn’t hate my Mavrik irons I was previously playing, but the HLs feel more “plush” (for lack of a better word) on impact. Feedback is good – you know immediately whether you hit the sweet spot or not. The AI Smart Face offers forgiveness when you miss the center, but you can definitely feel and hear the difference.
[/QUOTE]
What kind of flight differences are you seeing between these and the Mavs?
[QUOTE=”Golfever, post: 12252830, member: 11044″]
Official Ponder Mode:unsure:
Love the Recoil Dart 90s I have. My miss is left so I wonder if the 105s would help in that regard. So do you think you would be a 1/2 club better than the Hot Metals also?
Between my deceased brothers clubs and my own. With the 50% trade-in, I think it would be a wash, Including a couple of hybrids:)
[/QUOTE]
Tough to say on the Hot Metals. I didn’t play them long enough and my 921 Forged were giving me 140-145ish 8i distances. The 7i I could push to 160 and the Smoke 7i today was routinely hitting 160 no problems and going further on center strikes. I think the extra weight the 105’s offer are helping me with dispersion if anything.
[QUOTE=”Muchmore, post: 12252842, member: 56094″]
What kind of flight differences are you seeing between these and the Mavs?
[/QUOTE]
Higher launch and peak height, and steeper descent angle with the HLs. The Mavs were lofted a couple degrees stronger, and the CG is also lower in the HLs.
[QUOTE=”BigMac, post: 12252848, member: 3386″]
Higher launch and peak height, and steeper descent angle with the HLs. The Mavs were lofted a couple degrees stronger, and the CG is also lower in the HLs.
[/QUOTE]
I know you said you were struggling with a swing, but how’s the distance comparing?
[QUOTE=”Muchmore, post: 12252851, member: 56094″]
I know you said you were struggling with a swing, but how’s the distance comparing?
[/QUOTE]
They’ve been playing about 1/2 to 1 iron shorter for me, but as it’s warming up and I’m striking them better the distance is pretty comparable.
I wasn’t after “longer” irons, per se – I don’t even care if I have to club up to hit my distances. What I was after was being able to get them in the air. The greens I mostly play are rock hard and not receptive, so unless you can bring a ball in pretty high you’re not going to hold them, and the HLs do a lot better job of it than the Mavs did.
As a bonus (and something else I was trying to accomplish!), the decreased offset on the Smoke HLs (about half of what it was on the Mavriks) has also helped get rid of my pulls. The pull was my biggest miss with the Mavs, it’s not a problem with the Smoke HLs unless I just put a bad swing on them.
[QUOTE=”BigMac, post: 12252853, member: 3386″]
They’ve been playing about 1/2 to 1 iron shorter for me, but as it’s warming up and I’m striking them better the distance is pretty comparable.
I wasn’t after “longer” irons, per se – I don’t even care if I have to club up to hit my distances. What I was after was being able to get them in the air. The greens I mostly play are rock hard and not receptive, so unless you can bring a ball in pretty high you’re not going to hold them, and the HLs do a lot better job of it than the Mavs did.
As a bonus (and something else I was trying to accomplish!), the decreased offset on the Smoke HLs (about half of what it was on the Mavriks) has also helped get rid of my pulls. The pull was my biggest miss with the Mavs, it’s not a problem with the Smoke HLs unless I just put a bad swing on them.
[/QUOTE]
Love this man!!
[QUOTE=”BigMac, post: 12252853, member: 3386″]
They’ve been playing about 1/2 to 1 iron shorter for me, but as it’s warming up and I’m striking them better the distance is pretty comparable.
I wasn’t after “longer” irons, per se – I don’t even care if I have to club up to hit my distances. What I was after was being able to get them in the air. The greens I mostly play are rock hard and not receptive, so unless you can bring a ball in pretty high you’re not going to hold them, and the HLs do a lot better job of it than the Mavs did.
As a bonus (and something else I was trying to accomplish!), the decreased offset on the Smoke HLs (about half of what it was on the Mavriks) has also helped get rid of my pulls. The pull was my biggest miss with the Mavs, it’s not a problem with the Smoke HLs unless I just put a bad swing on them.
[/QUOTE]
That offset, or lack of, really surprised the heck out of me with the HL and Smoke irons. I assumed there would be a lot more offset on the HL, and the difference between the two is actually pretty small.
So, something happened this morning, and it surprised the heck out of me.
I started lessons last week to address the path issues I was having (that were creating a big ugly hook), working on turn, and working on impact, but I will try not to have this devolve into a lesson post.
Trying to keep the lesson drills in mind, I went back this morning to hit balls on the GC3, and see if it had taken. PW, 8i, and the majority of 7 iron shots, more wanting to grab data, create better contact, and not worry so much about distance. Proper grip, keying on turn, and wanting to keep the ball straight-ish, this happened:
For Reference, Previous Personal Best 7 iron Numbers: (disclaimer, I am a slower swinger, and with my previous clubs 7 iron total I would hope for 150 yds)
Ball Speed: 106.7 mph
Carry: 154.7 yds
Total: 168.8 yds
April 24 Personal Bests?
Ball Speed: 113 mph
Carry: 160.8 yds
Total: 180.1 yds
I had 9 balls in the session with Ball speeds higher than the previous PB of 106.7 mph. The new PB of 113 mph was definitely an outlier, with the other PB balls being more of a 108-109 mph normal.
1 hr of instruction. Thats all I put into it. Working on turn 3 times this week at home, and the lesson…. and things jumped.
Really excited now, and encouraged, to keep up the work and see how I can keep improving. The best part of all this? That big hook was gone, with a more normalized/consistent ball flight coming back again!
[QUOTE=”Just_Brad, post: 12252864, member: 9473″]
That offset, or lack of, really surprised the heck out of me with the HL and Smoke irons. I assumed there would be a lot more offset on the HL, and the difference between the two is actually pretty small.
[/QUOTE]
Yep, both heads look great at address.
I was looking at the HL’s but I was giving up distance with them compared to the regular Smoke. Launch both he same with the Tensei White 75.
The hybrid continues to be an absolute star for me. First Callaway hybrid in a couple of releases that is not only the longest I have tested, but might be the most forgiving. Danny took mine for a bit at Shaft Up and said “best Callaway hybrid ever”.
[QUOTE=”JB, post: 12257053, member: 3″]
The hybrid continues to be an absolute star for me. First Callaway hybrid in a couple of releases that is not only the longest I have tested, but might be the most forgiving. Danny took mine for a bit at Shaft Up and said “best Callaway hybrid ever”.
[/QUOTE]
That speaks volumes. It’s pretty cool how many legit options Callaway has across the board with long irons, UT, UW, and hybrids.
[QUOTE=”JB, post: 12257053, member: 3″]
The hybrid continues to be an absolute star for me. First Callaway hybrid in a couple of releases that is not only the longest I have tested, but might be the most forgiving. Danny took mine for a bit at Shaft Up and said “best Callaway hybrid ever”.
[/QUOTE]
Definitely forgiving, and just wants to fly straight. I can swing it with confidence that I’m not going to hook it clear into the next state, unlike some other hybrids I’ve played in the past.
[QUOTE=”BigMac, post: 12257194, member: 3386″]
Definitely forgiving, and just wants to fly straight. I can swing it with confidence that I’m not going to hook it clear into the next state, unlike some other hybrids I’ve played in the past.
[/QUOTE]
This is me too. I can hit it as my 205 club. But I can also hit it 185 if I want that nice high ball flight. It’s really versatile as a hybrid for me
The irons…. Oh my, I feel like I forgot the performance of these things. I have well, let’s be charitable and call it “an inconsistent swing”. These irons just keep grinding and performing regardless of the swing I put on them.
Consider – the PW. My usual pitching wedge distance is 100-110. What I wanted from Smoke irons is consistent 115-120 distance. Great gapping with the other wedges and my 9i.
Here’s what I’m seeing…
[ATTACH type=”full”]9255084[/ATTACH]
Solid 115 into a green after a good drive. A GIR and look at birdie which I couldn’t quite get to drop and settled for a par
[ATTACH type=”full”]9255085[/ATTACH]
Another great shot – this one actually went a few yards too long and left me a tricky downhill putt that I left a bit short being nervous of the slope. Still , a solid par.
These irons are special for me. I know I can control them and get the distances I need to get birdie looks and hold the green!
I’m setting similar things to [USER=53516]@Bryndom[/USER]. The Ai Smoke irons are proving to be quite the perfect iron for me. I have been taking lessons. Even in that short time, my coach has really helped me improve my contact. Im getting higher ball flight and gaining control of my path & face. As a result, im seeing Chrome Tour golf balls do things that blow my mind.
Yesterday on 18. slight breeze at our backs. I ripped a drive that was so close to perfection. I just left the face open, instead of “wiping the table” to create the draw. So I took a drop on a level stop on the line. My GPS told me it was 150 to the back. about a 145 pin. I pulled my 9i. Shotscope has that as my 143 total club. So with the breeze I thought I could carry bunker.
Well…..I hit probably the best 9i of my life. Massive high launch ball that hand maybe 1 yard of draw. tracking directly at the flag. It completely flew the green, just catching the back slope and into the water. So I’m left with well. my score is bad. but my goodness….how is it possible that I can hit a 155 carry 9i with correct apex!
Ai Smoke Irons. Give them a try!!
[ATTACH type=”full”]9255271[/ATTACH]
Have an appointment tomorrow for a “Callaway Performance Fitter”. Holding out hope to try these with the Modus 105x or the Dart 105 F4, so far no go at Golf Galaxy, PGASS or even the local fitters. to be honest though, the modus 105s i have now are smooth so may just stay. Liked the idea of something a little heavier and a little stiffer though. I tried the 120x but didn’t like the 120 profile. Also not a fan of the 105 s300 or 120 s300. Will see how it goes and what they have to try. I know i’m not a fan of the elevate or much of the KBS stuff.
[QUOTE=”mtbloco, post: 12260992, member: 53632″]
I’m setting similar things to [USER=53516]@Bryndom[/USER]. The Ai Smoke irons are proving to be quite the perfect iron for me. I have been taking lessons. Even in that short time, my coach has really helped me improve my contact. Im getting higher ball flight and gaining control of my path & face. As a result, im seeing Chrome Tour golf balls do things that blow my mind.
Yesterday on 18. slight breeze at our backs. I ripped a drive that was so close to perfection. I just left the face open, instead of “wiping the table” to create the draw. So I took a drop on a level stop on the line. My GPS told me it was 150 to the back. about a 145 pin. I pulled my 9i. Shotscope has that as my 143 total club. So with the breeze I thought I could carry bunker.
Well…..I hit probably the best 9i of my life. Massive high launch ball that hand maybe 1 yard of draw. tracking directly at the flag. It completely flew the green, just catching the back slope and into the water. So I’m left with well. my score is bad. but my goodness….how is it possible that I can hit a 155 carry 9i with correct apex!
Ai Smoke Irons. Give them a try!!
[ATTACH type=”full” alt=”1712592618418.png”]9255271[/ATTACH]
[/QUOTE]
Definitely a lot of confidence in your swings there as you weren’t shy getting after it with the water very much in play.
[QUOTE=”erock9174, post: 12263866, member: 7797″]
[ATTACH type=”full” alt=”IMG_9981.jpeg”]9255650[/ATTACH]
[/QUOTE]
Those irons don’t say ping
[QUOTE=”erock9174, post: 12263866, member: 7797″]
[ATTACH type=”full” alt=”IMG_9981.jpeg”]9255650[/ATTACH]
[/QUOTE]
Some of these things are not like the others! How do you like the irons?
[QUOTE=”ddec, post: 12263882, member: 782″]
Those irons don’t say ping
[/QUOTE]
True… at the end of the season will be more telling as some form of Ping ‘G’ iron always creeps back into the bag 🙂
[QUOTE=”Bryndom, post: 12264054, member: 53516″]
Some of these things are not like the others! How do you like the irons?
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Just got them today. Only one range sesh in, but initial impressions:
Looks/Aesthetics –
Down by the ball I really like them. I have played the G425 or G430 irons for the better part of 3 seasons and they look fine to me from the 8i down on which is in that 3mm range. The 6i and 7i though has always given me fits when lining up to the ball as they are in the 4-5mm range.
The 6i on the Smoke HL is 4.1mm and 7i is 3.4mm which is fine on both.
Topline is fine, not too wide, not too thin. Just right for the class of iron it falls into.
Sole is 1″ wide which falls in line with most GI irons out there.
The only knock I have is the chrome finish Callaway uses. I am just not a chrome guy. To me it cheapens the look of the iron.
When I got them into the bag, I was kind of underwhelmed with the bag appeal. They kinda reminded me of those new Launcher Max irons at a quick glance. Maybe its the blue font.
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Performance –
I bought these mainly because I like the stock shaft option 85g Elevate. As an on again off again steel or graphite guy I have always felt that graphite shafts in that 70-90g range lacks the kick i prefer to feel in a shaft. Yet whenever I have tried or gamed 80-85g steel shafts I tend to hit the irons well. The Elevates definitely has a pronounced ‘kick” through the ball and I liked the nice and high ball flight. Also I like to turn the ball over and this combo did that with ease.
One area I thought these do an exceptional job with is the low groove thin strike. The ball flew higher than it should have. So props there.
Sound/Feel – For a cavity back club it did a decent job on sound and feel. A soft click is how I would describe it. When you centered it up it definitely had a more pleasing feel than when caught toe or heel side.
Definitely looking forward to getting them on the course.
Tonight I will measure Swing weight and loft to see how Callaway did there on the build.
[QUOTE=”erock9174, post: 12264140, member: 7797″]
True… at the end of the season will be more telling as some form of Ping ‘G’ iron always creeps back into the bag 🙂
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well enjoy these…looking forward to hearing your feedback and how long they stay in the bag for.
9i Review !
Recently, I put up some numbers with the PW for the Smoke and how it fit into my gapping and where I found a lot of use for it. Moving on to the 9i
[B]What I Want[/B]
My desired characteristics on paper ar
– 130 to 135 yards in distance
– precise control of distance and spin
– forgiveness across the board
[B]What I Got[/B]
Distance ? Check
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130 yards to below the pin and a look for birdie….
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Perfect distance control with another birdie look (I need to convert these one of these days!)
All in all – perfect distance
Forgiveness – exactly what I’m looking for, able to hit a bit of a stinker but not get a flier or a block. I’ve gotten much better at shaping the irons and getting a nice draw when I need but the default here is straight
Spin control – on point, I know I can hold a green even attacking it with a 9i over 100 yards out
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These are really solid irons for me and definitely holding up in my irons for this bag!
Starting to think the LINQ black 100 F5 is going to be needed to keep the ball down a little with this monster.
[QUOTE=”Nasdamus, post: 12261353, member: 9414″]
Have an appointment tomorrow for a “Callaway Performance Fitter”. Holding out hope to try these with the Modus 105x or the Dart 105 F4, so far no go at Golf Galaxy, PGASS or even the local fitters. to be honest though, the modus 105s i have now are smooth so may just stay. Liked the idea of something a little heavier and a little stiffer though. I tried the 120x but didn’t like the 120 profile. Also not a fan of the 105 s300 or 120 s300. Will see how it goes and what they have to try. I know i’m not a fan of the elevate or much of the KBS stuff.
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Had a great experience with a Callaway fitter today with these. He was really good and we tried about 10 shafts varying from 105-120’s and in Stiff and Extra Stiff. I currently game p790s with Modus 105 stiff and a 7i swing speed around 90, so on the border.
After all was said and done, the iron that really was the best for me was the Elevate 115 stiff. It just felt effortlessly for me. He did not have a Dart 105 though (I did swing a 90 and loved it but would need more weight). Really thinking through which way to go but excited to get these ordered. Interested in the Darts due to some elbow soreness / tennis elbow flareups the past couple of years.
They look great at address, are more forgiving than the p790, spin higher and really help me with gapping from the 9i up through the wedges. The fitter did recommend picking up the 50* GW to replace my 50* T24 since I use it more for full swings.
[QUOTE=”Landy, post: 12251331, member: 21078″]
They’re here…
OK they arrived last night. Will hit them this weekend. But I noticed I didnt order the GW, but just the AW. Need to order the GW today in order to help with the gapping. The AW is 46 and my Jaws wedge is a 56/12 so I need that 50* GW.
Glad I listened to everyone here and made the switch from the Paradyms. These do look much better at address(helloooo ball…). Sorry the Honeymooners.
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OK GW ordered! Can’t wait…these irons are insane. Can’t begin to share how pleased I am to have traded my Paradyms for these. At least for me. Paradyms are great but the Smokes do kick it up a notch…
[QUOTE=”Landy, post: 12265290, member: 21078″]
OK GW ordered! Can’t wait…these irons are insane. Can’t begin to share how pleased I am to have traded my Paradyms for these. At least for me. Paradyms are great but the Smokes do kick it up a notch…
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Let us know your thoughts once you get them on the course!
Just got a UPS notification that these will be delivered tomorrow. Hoping the rain holds off or I get a good enough break to to hit them before I leave town this weekend. When I talked to the rep he said that they should be done in about a week, but I didn’t expect to see them this quick.
[QUOTE=”Scooby45, post: 12250334, member: 62865″]
the smoke hybrid has a really pleasing crack to it when testing tonight
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I found myself thinking of this again today when pondering that part of the bag. I think I need more time with these. Nothing wrong with chasing feel right?
The more that I have been hitting these, on a sim mind you, I question if I am getting a descent angle that is going to allow me to hold greens.
I was at like 40*, which I was ok with, now with 7 iron I keep seeing things in the 33-35*… and it is starting to worry me lol.
I need to get on a course badly, too much staring at numbers, and not enough seeing a ball hit a real green to make an accurate observation on what is happening.
So..,, I love the look at address they are a bit smaller than my Apex21, they have been a little tougher to get used but getting there. I’m thinking the Dart 90 F3 are not as good of fit as they were in the Apex. Might try a steel shaft to see if there’s a difference, the dart seem to be a little late at the tip area. The hybrid 5 is a wonderful experience, have not been a fan in the past. More range time and course time coming.[ATTACH type=”full”]9255915[/ATTACH]
[QUOTE=”Just_Brad, post: 12265716, member: 9473″]
The more that I have been hitting these, on a sim mind you, if I am getting a descent angle that is going to allow me to hold greens.
I was at like 40*, which I was ok with, now with 7 iron I keep seeing things in the 33-35*… and it is starting to worry me lol.
I need to get on a course badly, too much staring at numbers, and not enough seeing a ball hit a real green to make an accurate observation on what is happening.
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I am the same. I have been to the range a lot, but I need to get to the course to see what is really happening. There is a huge difference between my course’s range balls and a Chrome Tour
The 3 hybrid made a few appearances in my 9 hole rva meeting yesterday. It seems to be me stay out of trouble club. I’ve used it off the tee just for an easy shot to find the fairway with good distance as well my “need a good recovery shot with plenty of distance“ club. Particularly yesterday after a pretty horrible slice into the rough off the tee it hacked it out to about 120 to allow a green light for the green to salvage the hole. For me it just feels easy and a very safe club to fall back on.
[QUOTE=”Just_Brad, post: 12265716, member: 9473″]
The more that I have been hitting these, on a sim mind you, I question if I am getting a descent angle that is going to allow me to hold greens.
I was at like 40*, which I was ok with, now with 7 iron I keep seeing things in the 33-35*… and it is starting to worry me lol.
I need to get on a course badly, too much staring at numbers, and not enough seeing a ball hit a real green to make an accurate observation on what is happening.
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yeah 33-35* with a 7i is lets just say pushing it. I would expect a decent amount of bounce and rollout. With a 6i or more you’d be looking at bouncing everything on to hold the green.
I know at my last fitting I was swinging a 7i around 70 mph…so 140 ish carries and the fitter wouldn’t put me anything that didn’t get at least 70′ in apex and at least 40* descent angle. I watch AskGolfNut on Youtube and he will often do 90mph, 80 mph and 70 mph iron swings and most irons these days with the draw he plays, he says he wouldn’t go past a 7i because at 70 mph that usually means around a 138-141 carry, around 3800-4100 spin and a 40* descent angle.
The only iron he has tested this year at 70 mph that he said he would consider playing the 6i was the Smoke HLs/Max Fast irons. And perhaps the 923 HM HL’s (iirc).
Had a chance to measure and check my Smoke HL’s. I always like to check my iron sets because, I have seen some wonkiness going on in my last couple of sets I have owned. Callaway did a pretty darn good job.
Lengths were all spot on standard specs. I like now that Callaway states the finished length vs length to end of the shaft. The butt cap on the grip can vary a bit so this takes the guesswork out. I like when they say a 7i measures 37.5″ and that is what you get on the bench ruler.
Also the lofts were on spec too.
The only slight variance I found, was in the swing weight, but it was very minor (all were either on spec or within 1 pt).
They were all supposed to be D1 with the stock steel 85 shaft and I came up with:
6 – D1
7 – D1
8 – D0
9 – D0.5
AW – D0
PW – D1
SW – D1
[QUOTE=”rogt, post: 12265758, member: 4632″]
So..,, I love the look at address they are a bit smaller than my Apex21, they have been a little tougher to get used but getting there. I’m thinking the Dart 90 F3 are not as good of fit as they were in the Apex. Might try a steel shaft to see if there’s a difference, the dart seem to be a little late at the tip area. The hybrid 5 is a wonderful experience, have not been a fan in the past. More range time and course time coming.[ATTACH type=”full” alt=”IMG_6645.jpeg”]9255915[/ATTACH]
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What were you seeing from the Darts that you felt weren’t the best for you? I tried some Darts but they had more of a tendency to balloon on me when we were doing the fitting, I just couldn’t control the height.