Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Vs Callaway Rogue ST Max Driver
Is newer really better? I tested the brand new Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke driver against 2022’s Callaway Rogue ST Max driver to find out.
Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Driver Overview
“The Paradym Ai Smoke driver features a 360° carbon fiber head, sliding track weight and the all new AI-designed Smart Face technology.”
The Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke looks very forgiving with a modern, rounded head. The “smoke” graphics on the sole look a bit awkward; but the crown looks clean and isn’t a distraction.
The Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke plays ridiculously long and produces really good ball speeds even on mis-hits thanks to the multiple sweet spots produced by the Smart Face design.
The Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke driver is available for $600.
Callaway Rogue ST Max Driver Overview
“The Rogue ST Max features a 26g tungsten weight cartridge, jailbreak speed frame, and triaxial carbon crown.”
I actually liked the looks of the ST Max a bit more than the Paradym Ai Smoke.
The ST Max had a cleaner look at address and framed the ball really crisply. However, it didn’t play as long as the Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke.
The ST Max produced more spin off the tee which hindered its overall distance.
In the end, it carried an average of 7.5 yards less than the Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke on average. The Rogue ST Max driver currently retails for $400.
“At least in terms of distance, the Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke driver represents a major upgrade from the Rogue ST Max.”
Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Driver
In 20 Words or Less
“Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max has better speed across the face and a more solid internal frame. A Big Upgrade.”
Callaway Rogue ST Max Driver
In 20 Words Or Less
The Callaway Rogue Max ST offers accessible distance for players of nearly all skill levels.
Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max Driver – First Impressions
“The Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max was instantly light and fast.”
I fell into a groove with it pretty quickly and found that I could use the entire expanse of the face and still find the fairway.
In fact, I had to work pretty hard to hit the ball heavy or thin enough to produce a significant decrease in ball speed.
The launch was pretty much where I like it: in the 10.5-12 degree window. And I found that I could work it just a bit lower or higher without much effort.
The performance of the Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max has me really excited about what the entire Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke line and how to technology carries over between the range.
Callaway Rogue ST Max Driver – First Impressions
After our first swing with the Roge ST Max, we were very impressed by how solid and satisfying it felt.
Part of the solid feel comes from the internal bracing bars that are more laterally expansive to provide body support both horizontally and vertically. That, coupled with the titanium low-profile body bracing make for an exceptionally solid driver with a nice, comfortable and low center of gravity.
The Callaway Rogue ST Max also features an adjustable hosel for fine-tuning your shot shape.
The Rogue ST Family
The Rogue ST Max is the only one with a 26 gram tungsten weight. The Rogue ST Max D, Rogue ST Max LS and Rogue ST LS have either 23 gram or 20 gram weights. The Rogue ST LS was the most workable of the bunch and produced the lowest spin off the tee.
Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max Selling Points
- Sliding track weight
- Full carbon filter chassis
- Internal titanium bracing
- AI-designed face
- Lightweight performance
Callaway Rogue ST Max Selling Points
- 26 grams of rear tungsten weighting
- High launch
- SS22 face
- Adjustable hosel
- Highest MOI
- Unrivalled Stability
- 4 Flavors
Who is the Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max for?
“The Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max continues the legacy of forgiving drivers suitable for mid and high handicappers.”
The main benefit here is distance. When I swung out of my shoes, I was adding 10+ yards to my G430 Max driver distance. And it doesn’t take much to stay out of the rough because the face and body are designed to stay ridiculously stable on all kinds of mis-hits.
Callaway has really upped their game in terms of forgiveness so I have no reservations about saying that the Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max is a great starting point for high handicappers.
Every golfer would benefit from the near-instant distance boost this driver provides and its sheer reliability off the tee. The Max will be used by most golfers but the Triple diamond is also available for the Elite players.
The Paradym Ai Smoke is a big upgrade from the Paradym and is definitely in the running for best driver of 2024.
Distance: 98/100
Accuracy: 95/100
Forgiveness: 96/100
Feel & Control: 94/100
Overall Score: 98/100
Who is the Rogue ST Max Driver for?
The Rogue ST Max would be great for any player seeking more distance off the tee.
The Rogue ST Max is certainly long and versatile which would meet the demands of high to low handicap players.
Callaway Rogue ST Family of Drivers
Rogue ST Max LS
Even with a large footprint the ST Max LS still manages to be the most workable driver in the family.
Rogue ST Max D
The rogue ST Max D is a very forgiving driver and one that would be very helpful to anyone dealing with a slice thanks to the internal draw bias.
Rogue ST LS
The Rogue ST LS is the driver for mid to low handicap players. It doesn’t have the same forgiveness features but it produces low spin and has a lower shot trajectory.
Distance: 95/100
Accuracy: 93/100
Forgiveness: 94/100
Feel and Control: 95/100
Overall Score: 94/100
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