Welcome to GOLF.com’s ClubTest Proving Ground, where Jonathan Wall, the Managing Equipment Editor, and Ryan Barath, the Senior Equipment Editor, along with a team of GOLF writers and editors, evaluate the latest innovations and cutting-edge technology in golf equipment both on the range and the course.

In the 2024 ClubTest, the staff members were paired with the newest equipment from various manufacturers to offer genuine insights to potential club buyers, based on their firsthand experiences testing the new clubs.

TESTER: Josh Berhow (Managing Editor) | Handicap: 14.1

THE OBJECTIVE: To discover a forgiving iron that improves mishits without compromising distance.

OVERVIEW: During my initial visit to the Ely Callaway Performance Center last year, I had the opportunity to explore the new Paradym line and was fitted for high-performance gear, including a driver, 3-wood, and 5-wood. The 5-wood quickly became a favorite due to its impressive distance and high launch characteristics. Incorporating a hybrid into my bag also added versatility from challenging distances.

Upon my return to the ECPC in November, I tested the latest offering from Callaway—the Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke line, which was recently launched. While my colleague Tim Reilly extensively covered the Ai Smoke drivers, fairway woods, and hybrids, I will delve into my experience testing the Ai Smoke irons line, along with a brief overview of the new Odyssey Ai-One and Ai-One Milled putters.

THE FITTING EXPERIENCE: Once again, guided by Gerritt Pon, a senior club performance analyst for Callaway, I encountered challenges with shanks initially. Despite the initial struggles and the need for adjustments indicated by my ball flight, I eventually found my rhythm and proceeded with the fitting.

My Customized Equipment

Irons: The Paradym Ai Smoke line consists of three sets: Ai Smoke, Ai Smoke HL, and Ai Smoke Max Fast. While these sets are geared towards game improvement, they are not limited to high handicaps. Even low handicappers can benefit, especially from the Ai Smoke set. The Ai Smart Face technology across the entire Ai Smoke line, developed based on swing data from numerous golfers, ensures maximum distance and tighter dispersion. The new Dynamic Sole Design enhances forgiveness and contact.

The Ai Smoke Max Fast is targeted at players with slower to moderate swing speeds, aiding those looking to regain lost distance due to reduced swing speed. On the other hand, the Ai Smoke HL is designed for moderate to average swing speeds, focusing on higher launch and forgiveness. Although these irons launched high, they are tailored for players who require that specific ball flight.

The Ai Smoke set, suitable for players with average-to-fast swing speeds, particularly stood out for me. These irons excel in providing more distance and tighter dispersion for players who naturally hit high shots, offering forgiveness even on off-center hits.

The contemporary hollow-body profile of the Ai Smoke, with a slightly longer blade length and thinner topline, instilled confidence at address. This set emerged as the top choice for me, embodying an aspirational profile that combines aesthetics with performance.

“This is the aspirational profile in the lineup,” remarked Brian Williams, Callaway’s VP of R&D. “It has a thinner sole and topline for a clean hollow-body look that we’re seeing players gravitate towards these days.”

The Ai Smoke irons will be released for purchase on Feb. 9.

Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Custom Irons

Price: $142.86

Featuring Paradym Shift Construction, these distance irons combine a Forged 455 Face with the all-new Speed Frame, delivering exceptional length and feel in a single club.

Putter: Although not part of the formal fitting process, I explored the new Odyssey Ai-One and Ai-One Milled putters at the ECPC. Leveraging Artificial Intelligence, these putters offer an expanded sweet spot and an enhanced insert to reduce ball-speed losses on off-center strikes. The Ai-One putters include a grooved urethane layer with an aluminum backer, reminiscent of the White Hot models, while the Ai-One Milled insert is constructed from titanium, paired with a milled stainless steel head for a premium feel.

Among the designs, the Ai-One #7 CH and the Ai-One #7 S caught my eye, with the latter’s slant shaft aligning better with my visual preferences during setup. As a player with an arc putting stroke, these putters with toe hang suited my game style. The navy blue finish added a touch of luxury without being overly flashy, making it the most aesthetically pleasing putter in my collection.

Most designs from the Ai-One and Ai-One Milled lines were introduced in November, with a few set to be available for purchase in February.

For more golf insights and updates, you can reach out to Josh Berhow, the managing editor at GOLF.com, via email at [email protected].