BATTLE: Callaway Ai Smoke vs Callaway Elyte

drivers

Are drivers actually getting any better?

Callaway AI Smoke vs. Paradym Elite – And a Surprise Throwback

With Callaway’s ever-expanding lineup of drivers, it’s tough to know which model truly stands out. In this video, Mark puts the spotlight on the Paradym Ai Smoke and the new Elyte, testing both thoroughly, as well as throwing in a wildcard: a vintage Ping G10 driver that delivers a jaw-dropping performance twist. Is the newest always the best? Let's find out...

What Mark Says

"They’ve both got that classic Callaway shape, they sit really nicely behind the ball, but I just really like the Elyte. The matte finish, that kind of Batman-style top; it’s just cleaner, a bit more understated compared to the shinier Ai Smoke. The carbon barely pops through, and I like that. Ai Smoke looks good too, don’t get me wrong, it just feels a bit "louder" in comparison.

Feel-wise, there’s not much between them. They both feel great off the face. Callaway have absolutely nailed the sound since bringing Ai into the mix. If you made me choose purely on looks, I’d lean toward the Elyte, but performance-wise...they’re basically the same. Honestly, I don’t see any real difference in numbers that would make me say one’s better than the other. And wait until you see what happens when I bring in the third "special guest" club..."

Inside the Review: A Step-by-Step Breakdown

1. Visual Design and Finish

Elyte: Matte crown with subtle carbon detailing; clean, neutral look at address.
Paradym Ai Smoke: Shiny crown with prominent carbon weave; flashier by comparison.

2. Sound and Feel

Both drivers sound solid and feel great at impact.
Callaway’s Ai face tech delivers consistent, satisfying acoustics.

3. Adjustability and Weighting

Ai Smoke: Features a sliding weight track.
Elyte: Ditches the track for three fixed weight ports aimed at optimized CG and improved aerodynamics.

4. Technology Overview

Both clubs feature Ai-designed faces.
The Elyte refines the Ai data further, with shape tweaks for reduced drag and more potential clubhead speed.
Both heavily use carbon for weight savings and better mass distribution.

5. Performance Data

Metric	Ai Smoke	Elyte	Ping G10 (Surprise Club)
Clubhead Speed	111.4	112	111.7
Ball Speed	164.3	164.7	165
Launch Angle	10°–12°	10°–12°	10°–12°
Spin (RPM)	2,285	2,363	~2,500+
Carry Distance	280 yds	279 yds	282 yds

The Surprise Club

The big reveal? A Ping G10, pulled from the archives (and off eBay), not only held its own; it beat both modern Callaway drivers in ball speed and carry.

Mark notes:

"This club can’t be adjusted or custom fit like the new ones, but I tweaked my delivery slightly to get the best out of it, and it matched up really closely. If you fit yourself to this old thing, it can still do a job. It’s not a knock on the Callaways; they’re both excellent. But it is a reminder; don’t expect the new club to save your game. It’s still on you."

Final Thoughts

If you're in the market for a new driver, both the Ai Smoke and Elyte deserve a test. They're premium, tech-loaded, and feel fantastic. But if you're hoping one will be miles better than the other; it’s not happening. Mark prefers the Elyte for its looks, but the performance numbers don’t justify an upgrade if you’re already gaming something solid.