75 y/o, 16 handicap….needed more launch so game improvement clubs was my target. Tried many of them. Got extremely disappointed by Titleist series T-350,200 ( mixing ) even if it was my choice no1 on paper. Finally ended up Callaway Smoke Ai Paradym HL, shafts Cypher 50 gr graphite. Very happy with my choice. With the 7 iron… finally launch is there…ball speed improved by nearly 5 mph + backspin gained 1,000 for 4,378 avg , dispersion is right there and descent angle averaged 40, heights gained 10 feet. Launch angle average 20. Distance where 8 yards longer carry. Lie & loft = standards ie) 7iron at 30* ….no jacked loft here. Good clubs but try different shafts at the fitting ….huge differences.
Hi ErEf! Thanks for watching and more importantly thank you for sharing your own experience! I really hope people watching this video take the time to read it as I think you’ve proven EXACTLY what these irons offer and the value of the HL version! Sounds like a perfect set up for you and some great gains! Most importantly it sounds like these will help you to enjoy your golf more and that sounds brilliant! All the best! 👍🏼
This should answer any questions people might have between the differences between the two. Job well done Luke. In case your viewers are interested, those shafts are designed to provide a high launch and high spin. The numbers 95 and 85 indicate the approximate weight of each model, and they're considered a lightweight steel shaft. How did they feel during the swing and through impact? Thanks.
Hi Petro! Absolutely spot on and great extra info on the shafts worth sharing! Thank you! I find with these game improvement irons the heads are heavier so without a lighter shaft it would feel really heavy but the combo of heavier head and lighter shaft helps generate a bit more clubhead speed for me! I must admit I do like it with most brands when I test them! But that’s very personal perhaps? 👍🏼
Another great analysis. I especially liked how you took your time to describe the difference in the numbers, but most pleasing was watching you strike the ball with both clubs. I am also a regular flex guy, (72 yo, 12 index). I got plenty of height with the standard Smoke Ai irons, but the stock Project X Cypher 2.0 shafts in 5.5 were too stiff. I returned the Smoke Ai irons, but will reorder with Tensei Blue shafts. Thanks for confirming I don't need the HL. The sound of these irons is very solid, not clacky like the Apex 21s. Cheers!
Thank you so much for watching my video and for your kind words! Also thank you for sharing your own experiences with these irons! It will be really useful to other people watching the video! Have a great day! All the best! 👍🏼
Totally agree about the looks. They are all relatively slim. Just started gaming the Max fasts as I need the lighter shafts. Plus they come with weaker lofts
@@weekendtourpro I am very happy with them. I had a fitting and was recommended v light shafts. Now I love them, however very few manufacturers provide irons with them
@@weekendtourprogreat, easy to hit. Thought the PW and gap w were a bit too explosive at first but kept them in the bag and now use them all the time around the green.
Hey Luke great video. I am a little late to this party but I bought the Mizuno 245's and realized after I need a little more forgiving club. I am torn between the HL and the Max Fast models. I do need more forgiveness and launch, but also lighter club is better. As far as I can tell the only difference in the HL and the Max Fast is the Max Fast only comes with the 40 gram shaft which is lighter. You can custom the 40 gram shaft also in the HL, so other than that are there any differences in the 2 heads?
Hi Bruce! Thanks for watching and for your question. To my knowledge the heads on the Max Fast are slightly lighter as well as the lofts being marginally weaker (about 1 degree) which combined with that lightweight graphite stock shaft creates an all round lighter package. However like you say, you can get a graphite shaft option in the HL’s at the same overall swing weight as the Max Fast and that slightly stronger loft (which is still good for a game improvement iron!). I think both will be forgiving and if your speeds are close to mine I don’t think you’ll need or want the Max Fast. However if your 7 iron Carry is under 140 yards with a modern lofted club then perhaps it’s an option! I’m not that fast and not that strong but often find when irons get to a Swing Weight of C9 (instead of D1 or D2) it really throws my timing and sequencing off and I lose any potential benefits… but that could just be me! Hopefully that helps?
@ thanks for the response!! My driver is 80-85 and 7 iron we’ll hit about 140 with current clubs. 245s also have 30 degrees on 7 iron. To be sure u feel the HL would be better. I think the lofts on regular Smokes too strong and I need better launch.
@BruceOglevie No problem! I always steer clear of saying that club A would definitely be better for a person than club B as I don’t think I’m qualified to do that but what I can say for sure is that I think you’re looking at two clubs that seem to tick what you’re looking for and which I think are highly likely to perform very similar based on the information you’ve shared! If you want certainty then the only way you’d get that is by testing both side by side sadly! Sorry I can’t give you that definitive answer!
@@weekendtourpro also going to try the QI 10 HL to be sure. Weird question but do you think when getting fitted bringing the ball you use is “ overkill “. I mean I use softer balls like Vice Pro Air or even 2 piece sometimes. The ones they have usually high compression Titleist or Callaways.
@BruceOglevie absolutely! It’s your fitting - make sure you get the most out of it and all your questions answered and any doubts removed! In my experience any good fitter will talk to you about your golf ball and how it may be helping or hindering you and how the ball and clubs together need to match your swing to deliver optimal results! In all my testing of golf balls, I find that more budget friendly options with lower compression ratings launch and go higher but spin lower! This gives a bit more distance but at the sacrifice of a little bit of control! But that’s what most of us need!
Your numbers are so similar to mine! Very interesting to watch your tests! PS! You should try the Ping i530 with graphite recoil shafts! So easy to play, and gives you alot of extra speed and length. Keep up the great work, mate! 🙂👏
Thanks Torbjørn! I’ve got the i530’s on my list to test soon! Should be filmed in the next few weeks! Good to hear we have similar numbers! That’s the purpose of the channel - to show the average golfer! 👍🏼
I got fitted for both. Had very similar numbers as you. Hit the regular smokes with a 18 launch angle and the HL at 20. Bought the reg smokes and played them today and felt like they didn’t go as high as I wanted and now I feel I bought the wrong ones. Do you think you could still shape shots with the HL? That’s why my fitter recommended the smokes, so I could grow with them more.
Hi Steve! I think the reduced spin naturally makes it harder to shape the HL vs. Regularly but it’s certainly not impossible. Although what I would say is bar the odd recovery shot do you want to be shaping the ball lots?!? If that’s important to you then I’d guess the regular smokes make this easier but ultimately your delivery (face to path) dictates shot shape more than any club can! 👍🏼
@@weekendtourpro that was the thought I had after playing them. Even out of the rough I’m rarely trying to shape anything other than a slice around trees. I had an average 20 launch, 4900 spin, and 152 carry with a 7i. Feel like I need to call Callaway now.
@s1esteve was the 4900 spin off a mat or the grass? Worth remembering you usually get about 1000rpm more off the grass! What ball did you test with too? Could a spinner ball also give you something more? All options to consider! 👍🏼
Hi John! I think there are a lot of great value options that deliver similar results in last years models! The advances are subtle year on year but you often get a 20-30% discount! So my advice would be to look at those options! However If you’re looking at this year’s clubs then Mizuno JPX923 Hot Metal HL are about £100 a set less and Wilson DynaPower are £300 cheaper! Two great options! 👍🏼
@@weekendtourpro the Wilson clubs were the first I thought of, also the Cleveland. Finding them here in Thailand is the problem. Thank you for your advice.. Keep the reviews coming and try to get the Inesis 900 ball. Another ball I am about to try is from Qatar, the Jayllah JG 3X.
You kept commenting about the amazing height of the HL, but your data shows it was 2.7ft higher. That seems so insignificant that it would be hard to notice. Do you think the simulator numbers are wrong?
Hi timb24! I don’t think any of the launch monitor data was wrong and I agree that the differences between these two specific irons weren’t hugely significant so I think it’s a little case of feel vs real and why I always like to offer the data walkthrough to ensure I’m not skewing anyone’s thinking with my own first impressions in the bay but calling out what the data shows! I therefore think it was the launch and the height together in the bay which whilst not significant in reality must have felt it at the time! The other reason I was probably excited at the time by the AI Smoke HL is that I don’t hit the ball that high and whenever I test with my own 7 iron on the channel, it’s always about 75-78ft of peak height and lower launching (despite being a weaker loft than both these irons). So when I see test something that does launch and go high I do tend to get a little excited by it! Haha! I hope that helps! And thank you for watching my channel and for your question! 👍🏼
The other thing about that number is the arc of the flight. A high/longer arc is going to seem higher to watch vs. a ball flight that is more "V" shaped in its trajectory.
Hi Gary. I’d say both the Paradym and the Ai Smoke are evolution rather than revolution, so whilst you might see some minor improvements I don’t think it will be anything crazy that would make you think you have to upgrade! I think the Ai Smoke are perhaps a little more forgiving but that’s a subjective assessment rather than me having anything scientific to base that on… if you’re considering it and want piece of mind then perhaps a fitting with a Callaway rep could help? I hope that helps! All the best! 👍🏼
Good vid again Luke 👍👍...never really.understood the packaged up irons OEMs make along with the driver ..not sure they sell well and the price drops offs are crazy ... Think there are so many other better offerings out there ..and is you say proper fit and they maybe decent ..but not for me mate
Hi Pete! Yeah it does seem to be the new ‘trend’ doesn’t it? To create a ‘family’ of clubs! The only negative I see is that I think a two year cycle gives enough time to demonstrate a bigger leap forward! Like you say, lots of great value to be had from the previous years sale prices - it’s one of the reason some of my videos do better 9-12 months after the clubs are released! People watching the video when the new ones come out to get the value! 👍🏼
I hear you Pete! I think for me that would be a concern but I think I’m not the target market. There will be golfers who struggle to get the ball airborne who will LOVE what these offer them! 👍🏼
![เปิดบ้าน โคตรสวย ป๋องกพล รู้จักตั้งนาน เพิ่งรู้ว่ารวย!!! l [Nickynachat]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/tmgCF_2HfYI/mqdefault.jpg)
75 y/o, 16 handicap….needed more launch so game improvement clubs was my target.
Tried many of them. Got extremely disappointed by Titleist series T-350,200 ( mixing ) even if it was my choice no1 on paper. Finally ended up Callaway Smoke Ai Paradym HL, shafts Cypher 50 gr graphite.
Very happy with my choice. With the 7 iron… finally launch is there…ball speed improved by nearly 5 mph + backspin gained 1,000 for 4,378 avg , dispersion is right there and descent angle averaged 40, heights gained 10 feet. Launch angle average 20. Distance where 8 yards longer carry. Lie & loft = standards ie) 7iron at 30* ….no jacked loft here.
Good clubs but try different shafts at the fitting ….huge differences.
Hi ErEf! Thanks for watching and more importantly thank you for sharing your own experience! I really hope people watching this video take the time to read it as I think you’ve proven EXACTLY what these irons offer and the value of the HL version! Sounds like a perfect set up for you and some great gains! Most importantly it sounds like these will help you to enjoy your golf more and that sounds brilliant! All the best! 👍🏼
This should answer any questions people might have between the differences between the two. Job well done Luke. In case your viewers are interested, those shafts are designed to provide a high launch and high spin. The numbers 95 and 85 indicate the approximate weight of each model, and they're considered a lightweight steel shaft. How did they feel during the swing and through impact? Thanks.
Hi Petro! Absolutely spot on and great extra info on the shafts worth sharing! Thank you! I find with these game improvement irons the heads are heavier so without a lighter shaft it would feel really heavy but the combo of heavier head and lighter shaft helps generate a bit more clubhead speed for me! I must admit I do like it with most brands when I test them! But that’s very personal perhaps? 👍🏼
Superb, really enjoyed watching that.
Hi Ron! Thanks for watching and for such a kind comment! All the best! 👍🏼
Another great analysis. I especially liked how you took your time to describe the difference in the numbers, but most pleasing was watching you strike the ball with both clubs. I am also a regular flex guy, (72 yo, 12 index). I got plenty of height with the standard Smoke Ai irons, but the stock Project X Cypher 2.0 shafts in 5.5 were too stiff. I returned the Smoke Ai irons, but will reorder with Tensei Blue shafts. Thanks for confirming I don't need the HL. The sound of these irons is very solid, not clacky like the Apex 21s. Cheers!
Thank you so much for watching my video and for your kind words! Also thank you for sharing your own experiences with these irons! It will be really useful to other people watching the video! Have a great day! All the best! 👍🏼
Totally agree about the looks. They are all relatively slim. Just started gaming the Max fasts as I need the lighter shafts. Plus they come with weaker lofts
Sounds great Paul! How are you getting on with them?
@@weekendtourpro I am very happy with them. I had a fitting and was recommended v light shafts. Now I love them, however very few manufacturers provide irons with them
@@weekendtourprogreat, easy to hit. Thought the PW and gap w were a bit too explosive at first but kept them in the bag and now use them all the time around the green.
Hey Luke great video. I am a little late to this party but I bought the Mizuno 245's and realized after I need a little more forgiving club. I am torn between the HL and the Max Fast models. I do need more forgiveness and launch, but also lighter club is better. As far as I can tell the only difference in the HL and the Max Fast is the Max Fast only comes with the 40 gram shaft which is lighter. You can custom the 40 gram shaft also in the HL, so other than that are there any differences in the 2 heads?
Hi Bruce! Thanks for watching and for your question. To my knowledge the heads on the Max Fast are slightly lighter as well as the lofts being marginally weaker (about 1 degree) which combined with that lightweight graphite stock shaft creates an all round lighter package.
However like you say, you can get a graphite shaft option in the HL’s at the same overall swing weight as the Max Fast and that slightly stronger loft (which is still good for a game improvement iron!).
I think both will be forgiving and if your speeds are close to mine I don’t think you’ll need or want the Max Fast. However if your 7 iron Carry is under 140 yards with a modern lofted club then perhaps it’s an option! I’m not that fast and not that strong but often find when irons get to a Swing Weight of C9 (instead of D1 or D2) it really throws my timing and sequencing off and I lose any potential benefits… but that could just be me! Hopefully that helps?
@ thanks for the response!! My driver is 80-85 and 7 iron we’ll hit about 140 with current clubs. 245s also have 30 degrees on 7 iron. To be sure u feel the HL would be better. I think the lofts on regular Smokes too strong and I need better launch.
@BruceOglevie No problem! I always steer clear of saying that club A would definitely be better for a person than club B as I don’t think I’m qualified to do that but what I can say for sure is that I think you’re looking at two clubs that seem to tick what you’re looking for and which I think are highly likely to perform very similar based on the information you’ve shared! If you want certainty then the only way you’d get that is by testing both side by side sadly! Sorry I can’t give you that definitive answer!
@@weekendtourpro also going to try the QI 10 HL to be sure. Weird question but do you think when getting fitted bringing the ball you use is “ overkill “. I mean I use softer balls like Vice Pro Air or even 2 piece sometimes. The ones they have usually high compression Titleist or Callaways.
@BruceOglevie absolutely! It’s your fitting - make sure you get the most out of it and all your questions answered and any doubts removed! In my experience any good fitter will talk to you about your golf ball and how it may be helping or hindering you and how the ball and clubs together need to match your swing to deliver optimal results!
In all my testing of golf balls, I find that more budget friendly options with lower compression ratings launch and go higher but spin lower! This gives a bit more distance but at the sacrifice of a little bit of control! But that’s what most of us need!
Your numbers are so similar to mine! Very interesting to watch your tests! PS! You should try the Ping i530 with graphite recoil shafts! So easy to play, and gives you alot of extra speed and length. Keep up the great work, mate! 🙂👏
Thanks Torbjørn! I’ve got the i530’s on my list to test soon! Should be filmed in the next few weeks! Good to hear we have similar numbers! That’s the purpose of the channel - to show the average golfer! 👍🏼
Thanks Luke!
No problem Rich! Thank you for continuing to support the channel! 👍🏼
I got fitted for both. Had very similar numbers as you. Hit the regular smokes with a 18 launch angle and the HL at 20. Bought the reg smokes and played them today and felt like they didn’t go as high as I wanted and now I feel I bought the wrong ones. Do you think you could still shape shots with the HL? That’s why my fitter recommended the smokes, so I could grow with them more.
Hi Steve! I think the reduced spin naturally makes it harder to shape the HL vs. Regularly but it’s certainly not impossible. Although what I would say is bar the odd recovery shot do you want to be shaping the ball lots?!? If that’s important to you then I’d guess the regular smokes make this easier but ultimately your delivery (face to path) dictates shot shape more than any club can! 👍🏼
@@weekendtourpro that was the thought I had after playing them. Even out of the rough I’m rarely trying to shape anything other than a slice around trees. I had an average 20 launch, 4900 spin, and 152 carry with a 7i. Feel like I need to call Callaway now.
@s1esteve was the 4900 spin off a mat or the grass? Worth remembering you usually get about 1000rpm more off the grass! What ball did you test with too? Could a spinner ball also give you something more? All options to consider! 👍🏼
@@weekendtourpro 4900 was off mats with a prov1x I believe not sure about the ball. I use left dashes or vice pro plus mainly
Wish manufacturers would stop messing with lofts. All marketing its crazy. Ever wonder why you cant hit your new 7 iron, its cause its at 5
Great video Luke. HL would be the one I think would be better for me. Just out of my price range . Is there any club that may give similar results?
Hi John! I think there are a lot of great value options that deliver similar results in last years models! The advances are subtle year on year but you often get a 20-30% discount! So my advice would be to look at those options!
However If you’re looking at this year’s clubs then Mizuno JPX923 Hot Metal HL are about £100 a set less and Wilson DynaPower are £300 cheaper! Two great options! 👍🏼
@@weekendtourpro the Wilson clubs were the first I thought of, also the Cleveland. Finding them here in Thailand is the problem. Thank you for your advice.. Keep the reviews coming and try to get the Inesis 900 ball. Another ball I am about to try is from Qatar, the Jayllah JG 3X.
You kept commenting about the amazing height of the HL, but your data shows it was 2.7ft higher. That seems so insignificant that it would be hard to notice. Do you think the simulator numbers are wrong?
Hi timb24! I don’t think any of the launch monitor data was wrong and I agree that the differences between these two specific irons weren’t hugely significant so I think it’s a little case of feel vs real and why I always like to offer the data walkthrough to ensure I’m not skewing anyone’s thinking with my own first impressions in the bay but calling out what the data shows! I therefore think it was the launch and the height together in the bay which whilst not significant in reality must have felt it at the time!
The other reason I was probably excited at the time by the AI Smoke HL is that I don’t hit the ball that high and whenever I test with my own 7 iron on the channel, it’s always about 75-78ft of peak height and lower launching (despite being a weaker loft than both these irons). So when I see test something that does launch and go high I do tend to get a little excited by it! Haha! I hope that helps! And thank you for watching my channel and for your question! 👍🏼
The other thing about that number is the arc of the flight. A high/longer arc is going to seem higher to watch vs. a ball flight that is more "V" shaped in its trajectory.
How do these compare to the mavariks
Hi Gary. I’d say both the Paradym and the Ai Smoke are evolution rather than revolution, so whilst you might see some minor improvements I don’t think it will be anything crazy that would make you think you have to upgrade! I think the Ai Smoke are perhaps a little more forgiving but that’s a subjective assessment rather than me having anything scientific to base that on… if you’re considering it and want piece of mind then perhaps a fitting with a Callaway rep could help? I hope that helps! All the best! 👍🏼
Good vid again Luke 👍👍...never really.understood the packaged up irons OEMs make along with the driver ..not sure they sell well and the price drops offs are crazy ... Think there are so many other better offerings out there ..and is you say proper fit and they maybe decent ..but not for me mate
Hi Pete! Yeah it does seem to be the new ‘trend’ doesn’t it? To create a ‘family’ of clubs! The only negative I see is that I think a two year cycle gives enough time to demonstrate a bigger leap forward! Like you say, lots of great value to be had from the previous years sale prices - it’s one of the reason some of my videos do better 9-12 months after the clubs are released! People watching the video when the new ones come out to get the value! 👍🏼
Luke who picks up those lovely new balls 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤯🤯🤯
Very fortunate that the Driving Range is attached to the studio so the ball collection team do it! 🤣🤣
God the HL are into orbit 🤣🤣 imagine into the wind 🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯
I hear you Pete! I think for me that would be a concern but I think I’m not the target market. There will be golfers who struggle to get the ball airborne who will LOVE what these offer them! 👍🏼
Player dependent