More speed and a higher flight—that’s what the Paradym Ai Smoke Ti 340 Mini Driver offers, resulting in softer landing off the tee helping to ensure shot accuracy off challenging tee shots. Specifically designed with a shorter shaft and smaller club face, the Paradym Ai Smoke Ti 340 Mini Driver is built to consistently deliver accurate shots in both length and dispersion. The company is also promoting the Paradym Ai Smoke Ti 340 Mini Driveras a first— accomplished using real player data and advanced machine learning to revolutionize the tee game of recreational players. “We’re now five years into using AI and machine learning and we’ve fed all those years of swing data into this,” says Nick Yontz, Callaway’s Manager of R&D Innovation.
So why have mini-drivers becoming so popular in recent years? Yontz says there’s a couple of reasons for the increase in interest. Firstly, tour pros have been gravitating to something they can hit for distance off the tee, but also work into a fade or draw. Modern drivers, on the other hand, often hit a singular, almost straight shot.
KEY TECHNOLOGIES
Real Data
The Paradym Ai Smoke Ti 340 Mini Driver can deliver driver-like performance, even with the launch of a fairway wood, by using swing dynamics from thousands of real golfers. Key metrics used consist of the golfer’s swing speed, club delivery, and face orientation before impact with the ball.
Adjustable
Building on top of these innovative features, Callaway has provided golfers with the choice to adjust the front and back weighting for optimal launch and spin numbers. A quick flip of the 4g (gram) front weight and 12g rear weight will lower spin and produce a more stinger-piercing ball flight. During windy days where low-ball flights and controlled spin are required the TI 340 has your back.
Is It For Me?
The mini driver is more than just a 3-wood with more loft, says Yontz. “We see a lot of people interested in it because it uses a shorter shaft than a driver, but offers more distance than a 3-wood,” he explains. By making the head almost double the size of what we see in typical 3-woods, the average player is more confident with a mini driver than they are with a standard fairway wood. That, coupled with the ability to readily move the ball off the tee either right or left, makes this a weapon that works for both strong players, and mid-handicap golfers alike.
I’ve always struggled with driver. At 68 with a 14 handicap, my short game has saved many rounds. I purchased the AI Smoke mini in 11.5 regular shaft and have played 2 rounds. I use the mini as a driver and not from the fairway! Many suggest that you’re giving up 10 to 15 yards by using a mini driver. That has not been my experience. I have not seen any distance lost by going to this club.
I am far more comfortable looking over the mini than a driver and if that makes me the target audience, great! Because of the mini, my cap is trending in the right direction.