WE TRIED IT! Callaway Ai Smoke | Inside Golf. Australia’s Most-Read Golf Magazine as named by Australian Golfers

By Michael Cooney

In the ever-evolving world of golf technology, where innovation meets precision, Callaway has once again pushed the boundaries with their latest release – the Ai Smoke series. 

Embodied with cutting-edge artificial intelligence, the new Callaway Ai Smoke drivers, fairway woods, and hybrid model promise to elevate your game to unprecedented heights. A harmonious fusion of design brilliance and computational prowess, setting a new standard for performance on the fairways, Callaway’s Ai Smoke series is poised to revolutionise your golf experience, delivering unparalleled distance, accuracy, and control.

As we delve into the heart of the Callaway Ai Smoke series, where groundbreaking technology and artificial intelligence seamlessly converge to redefine golf performance, at the forefront is the world’s first Ai Smart Face™, meticulously crafted through the analysis of real player data. Drawing insights from the swing dynamics of thousands of golfers, the innovative Swing Code captures crucial parameters such as swing speed, club delivery, and face orientation, moments before impact. The result? An optimised driver performance that not only unlocks exceptional launch conditions but also ensures a remarkable downrange dispersion, setting the stage for an entirely new chapter in the realm of golf innovation. As we unravel the intricacies of this AI-driven masterpiece, it becomes clear that Callaway has set a new benchmark for precision and proficiency.

The ingenuity of the Ai Smart Face technology extends beyond traditional boundaries, introducing a paradigm shift in performance dynamics. Micro deflections, activated upon impact, play a pivotal role in optimising launch and spin, particularly on off-centre shots. This revolutionary feature ensures that the driver transcends the limitations of a centralised sweet spot, creating multiple sweet spots across the entire face, with the Ai Smoke series adapting to each swing with unparalleled precision.

Complementing the advancements in the Ai Smart Face, Callaway engineers have redefined the structural backbone of the Ai Smoke series with a 360° Carbon Chassis. This chassis now facilitates enhanced weight distribution, unleashing a powerful combination of strength and lightness. The incorporation of an internal titanium support structure results in a 15 per cent reduction in chassis weight, a claim substantiated by comparison with the Paradym ‘23 driver. This redistributed mass strategically contributes to the head, optimizing launch conditions and bolstering forgiveness. The result is a driver that not only looks sleek but, more importantly, offers a tangible performance upgrade.

Venturing onto the golf course with the Callaway Ai Smoke drivers was an experience that exceeded even my expectations. With a few warm-up swings, I eagerly took on the Ai Smoke Triple Diamond and the Ai Smoke Max Driver, both featuring a 10.5 loft. Admittedly, it was challenging to approach the evaluation with an unbiased perspective, considering the stellar reputation of the Callaway Paradym and the captivating allure of online images.

Opting to maintain consistency with my current driver’s MITSUBISHI KAI’LI WHITE 60-gram x flex shaft, I also experimented with the standard PROJECT X DENALI BLACK 60-gram x flex shaft. As I sent numerous balls downrange with both configurations, a few notable observations came to light.

 Firstly, the Ai Smoke series demonstrated a remarkable enhancement in distance, particularly with centred strikes. Witnessing an additional 12-metres in carry with well-centred shots was undoubtedly impressive, but what caught my attention was the driver’s ability to elevate my performance on less-centred strikes, granting an extra three-meters of carry. This attribute speaks volumes about the Ai Smart Face technology’s impact, ensuring consistent performance across the face and turning potential mishits into more manageable outcomes.

Secondly, the spin rate remained a consistent highlight throughout my session. Regardless of the strike’s precision, the driver’s spin rate never dipped below 2084rpm or exceeded 2438rpm. This steadfast control over spin adds a layer of predictability to each shot, fostering confidence in the club’s reliability under various swing conditions.

Beyond the numbers, the driver’s aesthetic appeal further heightened the overall experience, instilling confidence at address. The Ai Smoke’s remarkable ability to maintain optimal spin rates, launch conditions, and consistent distance across the face positions it as a standout performer.

Transitioning from the impressive performance of the Ai Smoke drivers, the breakthroughs in technology continue with the Ai Smoke Fairway Woods, promising a paradigm shift in fairway wood performance. The Ai Smart Face™ technology, a cornerstone of this range, stands as a testament to Callaway’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of design. Drawing insights from thousands of actual player swings, the Ai Smart Face is meticulously crafted to optimise launch and spin, effectively expanding the sweet spots across the entire face.

The innovation doesn’t stop there. Enter the Triple Diamond Fairway Wood, a masterclass in advanced construction within a sleek, workable shape, engineered with a deeper face and a compact, player-preferred design, tailored to meet the discerning tastes of more advanced players. The strategically placed grooves extending across the face not only contribute to the aesthetic appeal but also guide the eye towards a neutral-to-fade biased shot, catering to the preferences of players who demand precision and control.

What truly sets the Triple Diamond Fairway Wood apart is its ability to deliver a penetrating ball flight with low spin, making it an ideal choice for players seeking optimal control. The inclusion of a steel sole and a forward weight screw adds to the wood’s versatility, facilitating the desired trajectory for golfers who demand precision. Moreover, the adjustable hosel empowers golfers to fine-tune the trajectory, ensuring a personalised fit for their swing preferences. As we delve into the Ai Smoke Fairway Woods, it becomes evident that Callaway has created a range that promises to elevate fairway wood performance.

As someone who has long carried a 7-wood, finding a club that seamlessly combines a pleasing address position with ample loft has often been a formidable challenge. The Triple Diamond Fairway Wood, however, effortlessly meets this criterion, providing a visual and functional delight that resonates with golfers like me. The club’s aesthetic appeal, coupled with its ability to hold substantial loft, imparts a sense of confidence at address. Using the Ai Smoke Fairway Wood almost feels like unlocking a secret weapon on the course – a club well-balanced and visually appealing.

Breaking away from tradition, I’ve ventured into uncharted territory with the Ai Smoke Hybrid, a club that has fundamentally transformed my approach. Historically, I’ve steered clear of hybrid clubs, primarily due to the challenge of finding one that caters to my preferences for diverse shot flights. Playing the majority of my golf in Melbourne, where adapting to varied conditions is a constant, the need for a hybrid capable of delivering both higher, softer shots and lower, penetrating flights has always been a priority. Enter the Ai Smoke Hybrid.

Offering versatility, the Ai Smoke Hybrid grants me the freedom to effortlessly execute high, soft floating shots or dial it down for flatter, lower flights, adapting seamlessly to the demands of different courses, weather conditions and especially when facing longer par 3s and 4s, where precision and control are paramount. During the chilly Melbourne winters, where conditions can be unpredictable, knowing I can confidently manipulate the trajectory adds an extra layer of assurance.

In essence, the Ai Smoke Hybrid has emerged as a game-changer, not only meeting but surpassing my expectations. As the Ai Smoke series continues to redefine standards, the hybrid stands out as a testament to Callaway’s commitment to providing golfers with tools that not only perform but also empower them to elevate their game.

In conclusion, the Ai Smoke series, transcends the boundaries of conventional golf equipment, ushering in an era where artificial intelligence seamlessly integrates with player preferences. Whether it’s the driver, fairway woods, or hybrid, or the Smoke Ai Iron which will be tested and reported on in an upcoming issue, the Ai Smoke series is a testament to Callaway’s dedication to pushing the limits of technology and to empowering golfers with tools that not only meet but exceed expectations.

RRP:  Ai Smoke Driver – $1,069.99
RRP:  Ai Smoke Fairway Woods – $629.99
RRP:  Ai Smoke Hybrid – $499.99