Callaway Ai Smoke Max D vs TaylorMade Qi4D LS
The Callaway Ai Smoke Max D and TaylorMade Qi4D LS represent two distinct takes on driver design. Callaway's offering falls slightly behind with a 8.2/10 overall vs 8.7/10 for TaylorMade's entry. But overall scores don't tell the full story — the real differences show up in the category-by-category breakdown below.
Score Comparison
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Forgiveness
A clear advantage for the Callaway Ai Smoke Max D in forgiveness: 9.5/10 vs 7.8/10 for the TaylorMade Qi4D LS. The 1.7-point gap represents a meaningful difference you'll likely notice on the course. Callaway Ai Smoke Max D's 9,300 MOI provides solid stability.
Distance
A clear advantage for the TaylorMade Qi4D LS in distance: 9.6/10 vs 8.4/10 for the Callaway Ai Smoke Max D. The 1.2-point gap represents a meaningful difference you'll likely notice on the course. Key tech like Carbon Twist Face 2.0 drives the TaylorMade Qi4D LS's speed numbers.
Feel & Sound
A clear advantage for the TaylorMade Qi4D LS in feel & sound: 9.2/10 vs 8/10 for the Callaway Ai Smoke Max D. The 1.2-point gap represents a meaningful difference you'll likely notice on the course. The TaylorMade Qi4D LS's 450cc head produces a confident, full-bodied sound.
Adjustability
A clear advantage for the TaylorMade Qi4D LS in adjustability: 9/10 vs 7.4/10 for the Callaway Ai Smoke Max D. The 1.6-point gap represents a meaningful difference you'll likely notice on the course. The TaylorMade Qi4D LS offers 4-degree loft sleeve for fine-tuning.
Value
The TaylorMade Qi4D LS edges the Callaway Ai Smoke Max D 7.2 to 7 in value, but the 0.2-point gap is virtually identical in practice. You won't feel a real-world difference between these two here. At $600, the TaylorMade Qi4D LS is priced in line with flagship competitors.
Specifications
| Spec | Callaway Ai Smoke Max D | TaylorMade Qi4D LS |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $599 | $600 |
| Year | 2024 | 2026 |
| Head Size | 460cc | 450cc |
| Lofts | 9°, 10.5°, 12° | 8°, 9°, 10.5° |
| Adjustable | Yes | Yes |
| MOI | 9300 | 8400 |
| Key Tech | Ai Smart Face, Forged Carbon Composite, Triaxial Carbon Crown | Carbon Twist Face 2.0, Infinity Carbon Chassis 2.0, Qi Core 2.0 |
Which Should You Buy?
If you want maximum forgiveness
Go with the Callaway Ai Smoke Max D. Its 9.5/10 forgiveness score means more consistent results on off-center strikes compared to the TaylorMade Qi4D LS's 7.8/10.
If you want maximum distance
The TaylorMade Qi4D LS has the edge at 9.6/10 vs 8.4/10. Its design is optimized for ball speed and carry distance.
If you're on a budget
The TaylorMade Qi4D LS at $600 scores 7.2/10 for value — better than the Callaway Ai Smoke Max D's 7/10 at $599.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: Callaway Ai Smoke Max D or TaylorMade Qi4D LS?
The TaylorMade Qi4D LS scores higher overall at 8.7/10 vs 8.2/10. It wins on distance, feel and sound, adjustability, value. The Callaway Ai Smoke Max D is better for forgiveness. The best choice depends on your priorities and handicap level.
Is the Callaway Ai Smoke Max D more forgiving than the TaylorMade Qi4D LS?
The Callaway Ai Smoke Max D is more forgiving, scoring 9.5/10 compared to 7.8/10 for the TaylorMade Qi4D LS. It offers excellent stability on mishits.
Which is better value: Callaway Ai Smoke Max D or TaylorMade Qi4D LS?
The TaylorMade Qi4D LS ($600) scores 7.2/10 for value vs 7/10 for the Callaway Ai Smoke Max D ($599). Despite the price, it delivers strong performance per dollar.