Face tech in Paradym vs. AI Smoke

[me05501]

Callaway promoted the O.G. Paradym as having an AI-designed face that improved "downrange dispersion" but they didn't emphasize it all that much. 

 

With the AI Smoke they're talking mostly about the face design and how it improves forgiveness on off-center hits. 

 

I'm curious if anyone knows whether the face tech is the same or different between these generations. 

[me05501]

Sorry, my thread got moved from another section and I think it fell off the front page without anyone seeing it. 

 

Any ideas? 

[third-times-a-charm]

Callaway has had variable face thickness - like almost ALL OEM do now - since back in the Mavrik line IIRC. Every year it has a new iteration or 'upgrade'. How much of an upgrade it is - is up to the end user. The Paradym from 2023 had IMO a very good version of it, but according to Callaway's 2024 marketing the new version has a larger leap than the last few years in the face tech. Empirically some tests and reviews have said it is providing good levels of spin and speed retention away-from-center but I am not sure if anyone has specifically tested the 2023 vs 2024 paradym models. Someone can correct me on that if i'm wrong, though. I would think that would be a no-no from Callaway for reviewers to stay in their good graces (as there are normally 'review club' stipulations) but who knows.

 

Personally as currently a 14HCP I dont see a difference and I'm sticking with my Paradym tour for now.

Edited March 27 by third-times-a-charm

[phizzy30]

The biggest difference between the two is that AI Smoke is more forgiving toe side in that spin doesn't drop nearly as much so that my ugly duck hook now becomes a more manageable hard draw that actually stays in the air.  I saw similar ball speeds across the face from both heads. 

[me05501]

On 3/27/2024 at 3:09 PM, phizzy30 said:

The biggest difference between the two is that AI Smoke is more forgiving toe side in that spin doesn't drop nearly as much so that my ugly duck hook now becomes a more manageable hard draw that actually stays in the air.  I saw similar ball speeds across the face from both heads. 

 

Cool. I’m not a high speed player in the first place. My Paradym TD 10.5 will definitely work for me through one more season. 

[03trdblack]

On 3/27/2024 at 1:58 PM, third-times-a-charm said:

Callaway has had variable face thickness - like almost ALL OEM do now - since back in the Mavrik line IIRC.

 

Callaway has incorporated variable face thickness (VFT) into its drivers for almost a quarter century, dating back to the Big Bertha Steelhead Plus in 2000.

[third-times-a-charm]

2 hours ago, 03trdblack said:

 

Callaway has incorporated variable face thickness (VFT) into its drivers for almost a quarter century, dating back to the Big Bertha Steelhead Plus in 2000.

I believe you are correct. I think I was thinking of 'AI face' which is their fancy way of saying 'computer-iterated (AI) VFT based on strike data'.

[03trdblack]

15 minutes ago, third-times-a-charm said:

I believe you are correct. I think I was thinking of 'AI face' which is their fancy way of saying 'computer-iterated (AI) VFT based on strike data'.

 

Ahh gotcha! AI face started with the Epic Flash series and has been evolving since then. 

[Gr8Balls]

On 3/27/2024 at 12:09 PM, phizzy30 said:

The biggest difference between the two is that AI Smoke is more forgiving toe side in that spin doesn't drop nearly as much so that my ugly duck hook now becomes a more manageable hard draw that actually stays in the air.  I saw similar ball speeds across the face from both heads. 

Don't you dare say that.

 

We had a baby 3 months ago and I've had my head in the sand regarding the new equipment this year.  

 

Although I'm only playing in the garage sim these days, I've been hitting driver really well - best in my life... except the occasional toe quacker with the paradym 💎💎💎

 

It can come off with like 1300rpm at times and go absolutely nowhere lmao.

 

Time to start looking for a head and justify it later somehow 😶‍🌫️