We all get excited about the longest golf driver of the year. In this Head2Head, we’ll compare the Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max D (the longest) with the Krank Formula Fire Pro.
Distance
The Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max D had a distance rating of 9.4/10 versus 5.5 for the Krank. To determine these ratings, we look at key distance parameters like ball speed, carry yards and total yards.
The Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max D outperforms the Krank Formula Fire Pro with an average total distance of 255.44 yards compared to just 240.07 for the Krank. This means you can expect, on average, 15 yards of extra distance with the Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max D.
Astonishingly, the Paradym Ai Smoke’s carry distance was 241.38 yards, a yard longer than the Krank’s TOTAL distance.
Accuracy
If a driver can’t be long, then it better be straight, right? Unfortunately, the Krank Formula Fire Pro still fell short in the accuracy department. It had a straight shot percentage of 38.2 percent, almost 10 percentage points less the Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max D (47.7). As a result, the Callaway received a score of 7.2 for accuracy compared to the 5.4 of the Krank.
The Callaway is a draw-biased driver, which should make it more accurate than a non draw-biased club but some golfers don’t prefer the look or setup of a draw-biased club at setup. In the 2024 test, however, testers said things like, “Head shaping is great given the “draw bias” design” and “Stellar balance, very workable, distance is solid, and sits great given it is a draw bias.”
Forgiveness
In the forgiveness category, the Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max D and the Krank Formula Pro Fire had their closest race. The Callaway Paradym AI Smoke has a score of 8.4 with a 7.9 for the Krank.
What’s the bottom line? The Krank may be forgiving on mishits but there’s room for improvement in terms of consistency and distance in your shots.
Value
The Callaway Paradym AI Smoke Max D retails for $599.99 and the Krank Formula Fire Pro retails for $549.99. We probably don’t need to get into an in-depth analysis of which is the better value, right?
Bottom Line
Fifteen yards is a lot of distance to lose off the tee. In terms of how it will impact your approach shot, you’ll hit 1.5 to two clubs less into a green. For the distance, versatility, looks and feel that the Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max D offers, it’s the better purchase of this head-to-head matchup.
Callaway versus Krank: Which is right for you?
Who is it for?
✅ Someone looking for more distance. This is the longest driver of 2024.
✅ The golfer who tends to leave the face open. As workable as the Callaway Paradym AI Smoke Max D is, it’s still a draw-biased driver that helps straighten out your slice or unwanted fade.
Who’s it not for?
❌ If your standard miss is a hook, stay away from any draw-biased drivers.
❌ Players who don’t prefer the look of a draw-biased clubhead.
Who is it For?
✅ Golfers who want forgiveness. The Krank performed highest in the forgiveness category with a score of 7.9.
✅ The golfer looking for lower launch. If your launch angle tends to be too high, you may find some luck with this driver.
Who’s it not for?
❌ Any player looking to maximize distance.
❌ Golfers looking for the best value when analyzing performance for the price.
Looking for more detailed info on drivers? Check out our Best Drivers of 2024.
Keene Ferrer
11 months ago
How much did Callaway pay you? Your boat is scientific as a cinder block