This is Golfer Geeks’ Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond Driver Review.
Summary: The Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond driver has ample distance, more forgiveness than you think, launches easier than other low-spin drivers I’ve tested, plus sounds and feels good while doing it. Better mid handicappers should give it a try too.
In this review of the Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond driver, I discuss my experience with the club, unique features and benefits, as well as customer reviews and potential alternatives.
- Solid sound & feel
- Surprisingly forgiving
- Easy to launch high
- Good distance
- Not in love with the cosmetics
Club Tester
Jamie
- Average score: 85.9
- Handicap: 8.3
- Reviewing Clubs Since: 2015
- Right/Left-Handed: Right-handed
- Typical ball flight: Baby draw
- Golf ball: 2024 Chrome Tour X
- Swing speed for this test: NA
Driver Specs
- Loft setting: 10.5
- Shaft type: Project X HZRDUS Smoke IM10 60g
- Shaft flex: Stiff flex
How We Tested
Wes performed the main testing (the data you see below) on the 2nd hole of our golf course. We used premium Titleist ProV1x left-dash golf balls and the Garmin R10 launch monitor to collect data.
I took the Ai Smoke Triple Diamond on the course for four rounds of golf.
Performance Review of the Ai Smoke Triple Diamond
Category | Grade |
---|---|
Looks | A |
Sound/Feel | A |
Distance | A |
Forgiveness | A |
Flight/Playability | A |
Value | A |
Looks: (A) The basic head shape is unchanged from the Paradym. I prefer the dark blue crown color of the Paradym over the gray for the Ai Smoke. But, this thing REALLY grew on my once I started hitting it.
Sound/ Feel: (A) Best of the Ai Smoke models for me. Soft, solid, and muted – exactly how I like it.
Distance: (A) Plenty for me. Minor mishits got minimal punishment.
Forgiveness: (A) Surprisingly forgiving. Really surprising. The best low-spin driver I’ve hit.
Flight / Playability: (A) Beautiful medium-high ball flight, and either straight or a baby draw was the norm. Again, not what I’m used to from low spin Callaway drivers.
Value: (A) ~$599 – Expensive, just like all the others.
Overview & Why Consider It
The Ai Smoke Triple Diamond is the Callaway driver is the low-spin option for better ball strikers off the tee.
I’m hot and cold off the tee, but even in my hot times, I stay away from low-spin drivers except for testing.
I don’t know how or why, but this Triple Diamond was very hittable for me throughout my testing.
- It’s long and has a nice sound and feel.
- More forgiving than I expected
- It launched nicely, and I didn’t have to work to get my normal trajectory.
- I dig the 450cc head. I could tell it was smaller, but it’s in no way intimidating.
Why consider the Ai Triple Diamond: It’s the rare low-spin driver that doesn’t make you work to hit it well. It launched easily for me and kept me playable the entire time I tested it.
Our Experience with the Ai Smoke Triple Diamond
I played a LOT of golf with the Triple Diamond.
Simply because I enjoyed it so much. The other drivers I was tested got slightly neglected in the process…but not much.
I didn’t even give it a warm-up on the range. The first strike was on the first tee, and it was right down Broadway.
That trend continued for all my 4 rounds with the Triple Diamond.
I hadn’t felt that comfortable with a driver since testing the Darkspeed X – another superb driver.
I liked it from the get-go. Mediocre drivers should give it a try.
Who is the Ai Smoke Triple Diamond for?
Low handicaps: (Yep) Would be an awesome driver for you.
Mid handicaps: (Maybe) I think you can play it if you’ve got a decent driver swing. (Be sure to test before you put your money down)
High handicaps: (No…most likely) You’ve got more forgiving drivers to choose from.
Potential Alternatives
The Cobra Darkspeed X is my other favorite driver of 2024. It’s also ~$50 cheaper. (full review coming soon)
The
We still like the Paradym from last year. It plays similarly to the Triple Diamond but maybe a touch less forgiving. (strange, I know)
Primary Rating:
4.9
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Primary Rating:
4.8
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Primary Rating:
5.0
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~$549 new
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~$599 new
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~$499 new
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Description: Similar distance & forgiveness. Movable sole weights to adjust launch and spin. |
Description: Similar distance & forgiveness. No adjustable sole weights. |
Description: Similar distance & forgiveness. Better sound and feel on center contact. Not as good on off-center hits as the Ai Smoke Max. |
Pros:
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Pros:
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Pros:
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Cons:
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Cons:
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Cons:
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Similar distance & forgiveness. Movable sole weights to adjust launch and spin.
- Superb Sound & Feel
- Long & Forgiving
- Looks great at address
- Plain cosmetics
Similar distance & forgiveness. No adjustable sole weights.
- Long & Forgiving
- Superb Sound & Feel
- Premium Looks
- Not a significant upgrade over the Stealth 2
Similar distance & forgiveness. Better sound and feel on center contact. Not as good on off-center hits as the Ai Smoke Max.
- Flat Out Gorgeous
- Superb Sound & Feel
- Solid, Long & Forgiving
- Pricey
Customer Reviews
95% of buyers would recommend the Ai Smoke Triple Diamond to a friend. It has an average rating of 4.8/5 out of 55 reviews at callawaygolf.com.(1)
Not many complaints, but sound and not being as long as they thought it should be stood out.
Final Verdict
This driver is playable for elite low handicappers to better mid handicaps – which surprised me.
- It’s got ample distance.
- More forgiveness than you’d think.
- Great sound and feel with center contact – best of the Ai Smoke series.
My #1 suggestion is to get your hands on it before you buy. Either at your local golf store or take advantage of Global Golf’s Utry trial program. I use it and recommend it.
Thanks for checking out our Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond driver review and let us know how they work for you.
- Solid sound & feel
- Surprisingly forgiving
- Easy to launch high
- Good distance
- Not in love with the cosmetics