Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke MAX Driver vs Paradym X
Disclosure: Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which can provide compensation to me at no cost to you if you decide to purchase.
In this article, I'm going to share my honest Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke MAX vs Paradym X driver comparison in detail from an amateur golfer's perspective.
I'll be comparing these two head to head on categories like appearance, sound, feel/forgiveness, distance, and accuracy.
Stay tuned for the end where I share which driver I felt stood out, and my overall recommendation on which you should buy and why.
Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke MAX vs Paradym X Price Compared
At the time of this article, the Paradym Ai Smoke MAX driver is available brand new for $599.99, and the Paradym X can be found brand new for $399.99 now! (see below).
Pre-owned Paradym Ai Smoke MAX drivers can be found for as low as $489.99 on Global Golf, link in next section below.
Pre-owned Paradym X drivers can be found in the price range of $319.99 to $379.99, depending on the options.
I recommend using the Global Golf link below if you are interested in trying out a driver for a few weeks at a low cost ($35), at which point you can return the driver or decide to keep it if you like it. The return process is seamless, as a return shipping label is provided with the order.
I use it often, and if you decide to keep the driver, the $35 will be deducted from the purchase price. It's great to test the drivers out for a few weeks and play some rounds.
Order HERE for the LOWEST PRICE AVAILABLE
(Do NOT pay retail):
Disclosure: These links may give us a commission, at no extra cost to you, which helps us continue to run the website 🙂
Appearance
The design team at Callaway definitely went out of the box a little bit with the Paradym Ai Smoke MAX driver in comparison to it's Paraxym X predecessor.
The Ai Smoke MAX, to me, looks more like a toyish design. I don't like the gray and smoke they added the shape seemed a but like a duckbill. I was not impressed with the updates made over the Paradym line.
I just think the Paradym X look classier and, at a much cheaper price, looks more expensive.
Winner: Paradym X
Sound
As I noted in my Callaway Paradym X review, that driver has a classic Batman style "thwap" to it, which is a very stable volume on contact.
I felt the sound of the Ai Smoke MAX was a step down from the Paradym X, and was a bit dull and boring. This may also have to do with the feel, which will be touched on below, but overall there was nothing overly exciting or electric about the sound.
Winner: Paradym X
Feel/Forgiveness
One thing that can't be mistaken is that Callaway makes great clubs in terms of forgiveness. The Ai Smart Face on the Ai Smoke MAX has all their new mini sweet spots, and you get great results off almost all of the face. The Paradym X is also extremely forgiving, and based on my experience, on par with the Ai Smoke MAX.
Where they differ by a large margin is in the feel. When I hit with the Paradym X driver, it was absolutely electric off the face and I just kept wanting to hit more and more balls.
Unfortunately, with the Ai Smoke MAX, whether it was the sound contributing to this feeling or not, the ball just didn't feel great off the face overall. It felt boring, even though the performance is very solid, was disappointing in that area for me.
Winner: Paradym X
Distance
Interestingly enough, with distance, when I hit the Paradym X, my driver swing was not as improved as it was when I hit the Paradym Ai Smoke MAX.
However, when I hit the Ai Smoke MAX, I used a stiff flex shaft (when I should be using regular flex) which impacted my swing speed/contact, so I would say it was a fair fight either way.
In terms of numbers, I got pretty similar numbers with both, with average total yards being just over 236 with both drivers.
There is no doubt that either one of these Callaway drivers will improve your game in the distance department, and not disappoint your overall game.
Winner: Tie
Accuracy
They were both pretty consistent. I would say you can't go wrong with either when you are lookin to hit fairways, and this is helpful given the solid forgiveness of both drivers.
MAYBE the dispersion is a bit tighter with the Ai Smoke MAX, however you will probably see a negligible difference in your game and should not be swayed from the Paradym X.
Winner: Tie
Overall Winner: Paradym X
The Paradym X was just SOOOO much more fun to hit with than the Ai Smoke MAX driver. The performance of both drivers is very comparable, however there are just more inviting features of the Paradym X that I gravitate towards.
If I can make a more compelling argument, if the Callaway Ai Smoke Max and Paradym X drivers were the same price, I would have no second thought of paying for the Paradym X and adding it into my bag.
This makes the Paradym X an amazing value at such a discount, in my eyes.
If I had to purchase one today: Paradym X
Order HERE for the LOWEST PRICE AVAILABLE
(Do NOT pay retail):
Disclosure: These links may give us a commission, at no extra cost to you, which helps us continue to run the website 🙂
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Ai Smoke MAX better than Paradym X?
This is obviously a very subjective question, but after hitting both for a long period of time I am very confident that as a beginner, high handicap, and every mid handicap golfer, you just get more bang for your buck in the Paradym X driver.
My suggestion is to try them both out, definitely use Global Golf to have them for a few weeks, and decide for yourself.
Is Forgiveness Similar Different Between the Ai Smoke MAX and Paradym X Drivers?
The forgiveness is advertised as better with the Ai Smoke MAX, however, I did not see much difference at all when actually hitting with them and I think, for the cost, the Paradym X would be great value to put in your bag as a beginner, high handicap, or even mid handicap amateur golfer.
How We Test and Our Methodology
Golferperformance.com is a 100% independent publisher aiming to provide tips to improve your golf game and bring more relatable equipment reviews after first-hand club testing.
At Golfer Performance, we personally purchase the products we test, ensuring that our reviews are not influenced by any company or manufacturer. This commitment to independence guarantees the integrity of our opinions and decisions.
After purchasing the products, we conduct hands-on testing in our Trackman studio and/or out on the course to report statistical performance and a first-hand feel for each product.
Jeff K is our resident expert and author. He has 20+ years of experience playing golf and solving swing problems that everyday golfers deal with, bringing his game to mid-handicapper status and shooting scores in the low-to-mid 80s.
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Disclosure: Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which can provide compensation to me at no cost to you if you decide to purchase.