First Look: Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Ti 340 Mini Driver
11 Jun 2024
by Todd Mrowice of AmateurGolf.com
see also: Equipment Reviews
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When driver heads hit their size limit of 460cc, club manufacturers were left dissecting every possible aspect of the club to find a statistical advantage over the competition. So, the idea of going smaller might not make sense to some golfers, but Callaway is giving reason to consider scaling back. The new Paradym Ai Smoke Ti 340 Mini Driver is making its debut while also making an impression on better players.
Why go mini?This mini-driver isn’t for the masses. However, that doesn’t mean all handicaps shouldn’t consider this style of driver. For tour pros, Callaway developed the Ti 340 because fewer players were using their 3-woods for approach shots due to increased length off the tee. In fact, the 3-wood was being utilized more as a club to use on the tee box. The more compact setup became fairway finders but lacked in total distance due to higher loft.
The Paradym Ai Smoke Ti 340 could serve the same purpose for amateur players who struggle from the tee. This shorter, more compact club creates a smaller margin of error.
“It’s really all about that consistent distance, especially off the tee, when we consider players looking at a challenging tee shot,” said Callaway Product Manager Paul Winterhalter.”This is something that they are really going to need to get into play.”
Let’s also not forget, this isn’t Callaway’s first go around at bridging the gap between driver and 3-wood. In 2013, Phil Mickelson famously brought his X Hot “Phrankenwood” to Augusta National and played quite well with it.
Specs
A standard Paradym Ai Smoke driver model measures 45.75” and has a 9—or 10.5-degree head (adjustable).
The Paradym Ai Smoke 340 Ti Mini Driver measures 43.75” with 11.5 and 13.5-degree heads. It will come with a 4g weight at the front and a 12g weight in the back of the driver. If you prefer less spin and a more piercing ball flight, you can swap those weights to accomplish your ideal launch.
“At the amateur level, you’re going to find that the club is easier to swing and easier to hit straighter because of that shorter shaft being able to square it up and control it a little bit more,” said Nick Yontz, Advanced R&D Manager.
“And then, at the same time, you might be a player who struggles to hit their 3-wood with such a small head size, whereas the larger 340cc volume on this head does create more forgiveness compared to your current 3-wood off the tee.”
Shaft
The stock shafts available in the Paradym Ai Smoke 340 Ti are the Project X Denali 50 reg, 60 stiff, and 60 x-stiff, in addition to the Project X Cypher Women’s 40g.
Pricing and Availability
This new mini driver is ready for pre-order today over at callawaygolf.com. You’ll also find it in your local golf retailers beginning on June 27th for a price of $449.99.