Tsr2 vs Callaway AI smoke max drivers

[smvolkma]

I currently am playing the TSR2 driver and really like it.  With that said, I’m wondering if anyone has compared the Callaway Ai smoke max?  Thanks!

[philly2kuk]

I tested the tsr 2 vs the paradym last August in my fitting but not the new version. The callaway was longer in my test but we couldn’t get the dispersion right. The titleist was marginally shorter but much better dispersion.

[getitdaily]

I've hit the tsr2. I play the paradym.  Have not hit the ai smoke max.

 

Loft for loft, Tsr2 is going spin a bit more and will have slightly higher spin std deviation. 

 

However, both are going to be pretty forgiving...maybe a slight edge to tsr2.

 

Unless you're spinning tsr2 above 2800 consistently, the only reason to change would be aesthetics and boredom.

[PuffyC]

I recently hit them head to head during a fitting and the TSR2 blew the Paradym AI Smoke Max out of the water. Not saying the Callaway is bad, just that the TSR2 was better for me. I struggle with too much spin and the TSR2 spun less, was straighter, felt better, and went significantly further. It was such a difference I thought it had to be a fluke so I hit a few again towards the end and it played out the same. At 9* it was actually my top driver so that and a Diamana GT shaft is what I went with. FWIW, the Cobra Darkspeed was second with the Qi10, Paradym, and Ping G430 bringing up the rear. Your results can and probably will vary.

[Landy]

Anyone else have any feedback on this?

[Lumberjack627]

Tested the tsr2 and the Ai smoke max. Ai smoke won in distance, spin, and dispersion for me. Going to be ping g430 10k or the Ai smoke that I game this year. 

[Masterhacker]

I bought an ai smoke max and it's a really light driver head.  weighs in at 184 grams.  I can't seem to get a feel for it but I've been thinking about ordering some heavier weights or something for it.

[shaolingolfer]

3 minutes ago, Masterhacker said:

I bought an ai smoke max and it's a really light driver head.  weighs in at 184 grams.  I can't seem to get a feel for it but I've been thinking about ordering some heavier weights or something for it.

You bought it new?  That is very light.

[GeauxGolfLSU]

Maybe not what the OP was asking, but I was fitted for a TSR2 in January 2023 and played it most of the year. Threw in a TSR4 with the heavy weight in the back toward the end of last year and alternated it vs the TSR2 through early March of this year. Played both in 10° cranked up to 11.5° as I struggle with low launch.

 

Bought an Ai Smoke ♦♦♦ 3 weeks ago, and it blows both of those drivers away for my swing. Playing it at 11.5° as well, but could probably get away with 10.5°. I launch it really high but with low 2000s spin and it just goes forever. I am over the moon with how this driver has performed for me the last 3 weeks. Played a course that I play a lot yesterday after work for the first time with this driver, and was in places I've never been (in a good way) with the driver on at least 3 different holes. It's amazingly consistent and is one of the main contributors to my handicap dropping 2.5 strokes over the past 3 weeks. Driving it well and setting myself up with shorter irons or wedges sure makes the game a lot easier.

 

So don't be afraid to take a look at the ♦♦♦ even if you think it wouldn't suit you.

 

 

[Rosco1216]

I played the tsr2 all last year and now the ai smoke max. Loft for loft they are basically identical in forgiveness, spin(smoke max fractionally lower) and speed(smoke max fractionally faster). Difference is the ai smoke launches 2-3* higher. 

[sshadow2]

I have both. The AI Max is now my primary while the TSR2 is in my backup bag. I find the AI Max gives me consistently less spin, more forgiveness, tighter dispersion , and off-center hits retain ball speed better. The slide weight is also effective and I'm able to straighten out my fade a bit more than just the collar on the TSR2.

 

Although, I'm not fully committed on the Denali Black shaft I have, I had already determined the TSR2 was moving out of my bag in the first 10 mins of my fitting (same ball as I use). On the course, I became even more sure of my decision. Great driver!

 

Before the AI Max, I thought the TSR2 was the best driver I ever had. And I'm always getting the latest driver.

Edited April 3 by sshadow2

[pollock21]

6 hours ago, Masterhacker said:

I bought an ai smoke max and it's a really light driver head.  weighs in at 184 grams.  I can't seem to get a feel for it but I've been thinking about ordering some heavier weights or something for it.

I had a similar issue with my paradym. Reached out to Callaway and they replaced it under warranty. Give their CS a call. 

[pollock21]

5 hours ago, jmill200 said:

Funny you both mention that bc I had the same thing occur with my AI Max. It came to me weighing in the mid 180’s. Had to add a heavier weight just to get it to a reasonable playing weight. 

I really didn’t want to spend my own money to make it right, then again I’m stubborn like that. CS said it was way too lite and the return was super easy. They shipped me an in stock complete club and I just had to swap heads and ship mine back in the same box with a prepaid label. 

[Masterhacker]

21 hours ago, Masterhacker said:

I bought an ai smoke max and it's a really light driver head.  weighs in at 184 grams.  I can't seem to get a feel for it but I've been thinking about ordering some heavier weights or something for it.

yes, Shaolingolfer, I bought it brand new at my local golf shop.  I thought it seemed very light too

[robin_w]

I'm currently using it but don't feel it's light, just my $0.02 as a mid-handicap.

[Pepperturbo]

On 1/30/2024 at 2:56 AM, smvolkma said:

I currently am playing the TSR2 driver and really like it.  With that said, I’m wondering if anyone has compared the Callaway Ai smoke max?  Thanks!

Interesting, your signature says TSI3?

 

My 2 cents.  I, too, been playing TSR2 since it was introduced, and really like it.  Just got back from a golf trip and found most FIR, so still a happy camper.  Though I must admit, the fairways I missed were due to an atrocious 4 club wind in puss. 

 

I f you like your driver, why would want to look at another?  Kind of like, you love your wife, but want to consider another woman, cause that dang grass is mighty green on the other side of the barbwire... LOL  I understand a new driver shaft, but don't see how a new driver head would improve your green grass happiness factor. LOL

 

 

[Hawkeye77]

I just did about 4 weeks ago. 
 

I’ve used TSR2 since last summer - best driver I’ve had in a long, long time. 
 

Tested against the new Smoke just for the heck of it. No gains with the Callaway and the sound/feel was off putting. I played the original Paradym before the Titleist and it was fine but better feel and performance with the Titleist so I switched. 

[JourdanM]

Long time tsr2 user, but it behaved poorly last week so I took an AI smoke max out from the pro shop yesterday.

 

My goodness, it looks, sounds, and feels like absolute trash compared to the titleist, but it performs. Found a sweet spot just toe side of middle that produced some seriously impressive distance and accuracy. With some settings tinkering, it seems like it could be a beast.

 

considering grabbing one, I think its potential could outweigh how bad its aesthetics and feel are. 

Edited Thursday at 03:10 PM by JourdanM

[SuperDave]

TSR all the way with the right shaft.  Hands down better!!

[Tom7]

Had my first driver fitting in 6-7 years a few weeks back. I've always played Ping but really forced myself to ignore brand/aesthetics/etc. as much as possible.

 

It came down to the TSR and AI Smoke Max for pure performance and consistency. While the TSR felt better on my really good swings, AI Smoke was a mile ahead in distance, dispersion tightness, forgiveness on bad swings, you name it.

 

I don't like Callaway in general and don't fall in love when I look at the clubhead. But I can hit the 1st tee cold, put a terrible swing on the ball, and I'm still certain I'm in play with good distance. Couldn't pass up that kind of confidence. AI Smoke Max is just a performance beast.

[SeaIsland]

On 4/2/2024 at 4:19 PM, GeauxGolfLSU said:

Maybe not what the OP was asking, but I was fitted for a TSR2 in January 2023 and played it most of the year. Threw in a TSR4 with the heavy weight in the back toward the end of last year and alternated it vs the TSR2 through early March of this year. Played both in 10° cranked up to 11.5° as I struggle with low launch.

 

Bought an Ai Smoke ♦♦♦ 3 weeks ago, and it blows both of those drivers away for my swing. Playing it at 11.5° as well, but could probably get away with 10.5°. I launch it really high but with low 2000s spin and it just goes forever. I am over the moon with how this driver has performed for me the last 3 weeks. Played a course that I play a lot yesterday after work for the first time with this driver, and was in places I've never been (in a good way) with the driver on at least 3 different holes. It's amazingly consistent and is one of the main contributors to my handicap dropping 2.5 strokes over the past 3 weeks. Driving it well and setting myself up with shorter irons or wedges sure makes the game a lot easier.

 

So don't be afraid to take a look at the ♦♦♦ even if you think it wouldn't suit you.

 

 

Same here. Played the 9* TSR2 w/Ventus Blue 5S and loved it. Tested/fitted into the 10.5* AI Smoke TD with the TR Red 6S and no comparison. The Cally was/is 10 -15 yards longer on the monitor; 20 yards longer on the course. Bought the 3 TD and the 7TD (waiting for them to arrive... built the 7W like a 5W).