Callaway Elyte Irons vs Ai Smoke Irons

Thanks for checking out Golfer Geeks’ comparison of the Callaway Elyte irons vs Ai Smoke irons.
I’m an avid golfer, an 8-ish handicap on my way to a 2 (been a 5.6), and a frequent tester of golf clubs and equipment since 2015. 

In this comparison of the Callaway Elyte and Paradym Ai Smoke irons, I discuss my experience with the clubs, unique features and benefits, and my recommendations on who should play which set.

Callaway Elyte Irons

Elyte irons are the follow-up to the Paradym Ai Smoke irons.

They’re somewhere between standard game improvement irons and player distance irons.

Callaway says they’re designed to be long and accurate for golfers with average or better swing speed. (Guess I qualify)

Callaway did a bunch of work to make them more attractive to players, and to add more game improvement features while they were at it.

• Improved sound and feel and more ball speed with the new Speed Frame construction.
• Better turf interaction for more forgiveness with the tri-sole.
• Consistent ball speed, consistent distance, and tighter dispersion with the AI 10X face. (Think more predictable for better scoring)

I had fun playing the Elyte irons, plus they’re the best looking irons I’ve tested for 2025.

You can read my full review here.

Elyte Iron Specs

Club	Loft	Lie	Length
5	22*	61.25*	38.5″
6	25*	61.875*	37.875″
7	29*	62.5*	37.25″
8	33*	63.125*	36.625″
9	37*	63.75*	36.00″
PW	42*	64*	35.75″

7-iron Launch Monitor Data

Club Speed	Ball Speed	Carry Distance	Vertical Launch	Peak Height	Spin
83	116	181	17*	78 ft	3857

Performance Review

Category	Grade
Looks	A
Sound/Feel	B
Distance	A
Forgiveness	A
Flight/Playability	A
Value	B+

Customer Reviews

8 reviews in and an average rating of 5 stars. 7 of 7 reviewers would recommend Elyte irons to a friend.₍₁₎

Callaway Ai Smoke Irons

Like the Elytes, the Ai Smokes are designed to be long and accurate and work best for players with average or better swing speed.

Whereas the Elytes have Ai 10x Face, the AI Smokes have AI Smart Face.

The blades are hollow-body and longer than Elyte blades. Instead of tri-sole, the Ai Smokes have a pre-worn leading edge and variable bounce to help with turf interaction.

I’ve got zero complaints about the way they played.

Flushed shots were awesome and my standard toe mishits got most, if not all, my distance during my rounds.

You can read my full review here.

Paradym Ai Smoke Club Specs

Club	Loft	Angle	Length
4	19*	60.375*	39.125″
5	22*	61*	38.5″
6	25*	61.625*	37.875″
7	28*	62.25*	37.25″
8	32*	62.875*	36.625″
9	37*	63.5*	36″
PW	42*	63.75*	35.75″

7-iron Launch Monitor Data

Club Speed	Ball Speed	Carry Distance	Vertical Launch	Peak Height	Descent Angle
78.5	115.8	178.1	14.8 *	60.7 ft	31.9*

Performance Review

Category	Grade
Looks	B+
Sound/Feel	B-
Distance	A
Forgiveness	A
Flight/Playability	B
Value	A+

Customer Reviews

4.5 average rating out of 135 customer reviews. 88% of buyers would recommend to a friend.₍₁₎

• Complaints are all over the place. From shipping to scratches on clubhead, to disappointment with performance, to feel.

Are there big differences between Elyte & Paradym Ai Smoke Irons?

Yes…Two three things:

1. Improved cosmetics. Elyte irons are gorgeous. Images online don’t do them justice.
2. Improved sound and feel. Still on the “clicky” side. But, better.
3. They launch higher and are a splash longer.

Looks – Elyte Irons…by miles.

The Ai Smokes aren’t bad looking irons, it’s just the Elytes or on a different level. I didn’t appreciate that looking at images online. They really pop in person.

Sound/Feel – Elytes

Many, if not most, game improvement irons sound and feel clicky. There are exceptions…Elytes aren’t that. But the sound and feel are less clicky and better than Paradym and Paradym Ai Smoke irons.

Playability/Ball Flight/Accuracy – Elyte Irons

Again, I like the way the Ai smokes play. High and straight by default, but you can flight them down and turn them if that’s part of your game.

The Elytes launched higher on average for me, but I could take distance off, flight them down, and turn them right to left for my standard baby draw.

Forgiveness – Draw

I assume the Elytes are slightly more forgiving, but I had similar results with both on mishits.

Distance – Elytes, if only a little.

The numbers bear this out. The Elytes were a few yards longer on average for me.

Value – Ai Smoke Irons

Elyte irons – ~$150/club
Paradym Ai Smoke irons – ~$114/club

Final Verdict

Elyte irons are better than Paradym Ai Smoke irons. Not a ton, but better.

• Better launch and carry.
• Better, (MUCH) better, looks.
• Better sound and feel.

But, it comes at a cost. $36/club more, to be specific.

Should you upgrade if you own the Ai Smoke irons?
Not if you’re happy with your current set.

Don’t own either and…

Want the better set and don’t mind paying? Get you some Elyte irons.
Aren’t that picky and like a good bargain? Go for the Paradym Ai Smoke irons.

My #1 suggestion is to test both sets before you buy. Either at your local golf store or take advantage of Global Golf’s Utry trial program. I use it and recommend it. 

Thanks for checking out my comparison of the Callaway Elyte irons vs Ai Smoke irons.