Callaway Chrome Soft Golf Ball Review: An Honest Opinion
Callaway golf ball enthusiasts, rejoice! The new 2024 Callaway Chrome Soft golf ball has hit the market, and it has a lot of people talking. As an avid golfer and equipment junkie, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on these beauties and put them through their paces. After several rounds and countless range sessions, I’m ready to share my thoughts on how they stack up against previous models and the competition. Does it live up to the hype of delivering Tour level performance for average golfers? Find out in our honest Callaway Chrome Soft golf ball review.
Callaway Chrome Soft Specs
- Compression: 75
- Layers: 3 piece (core, mantle and cover)
- Cover material: Urethane
- Feel: Soft
- Spin: Medium
- Workability: Medium
- Launch: High
- Distance: Average/long
Spin
The 2024 Chrome Soft produces just the right amount of spin for those looking for balanced performance. It spins less than premium Tour golf balls such as the Callaway Chrome Tour, Titleist Pro V1 or TaylorMade TP5. The numbers on the launch monitor back this up through the entire club range.
Off the tee, I noticed a significant reduction in side spin compared to the 2022 model. I still hit some small slices but with the reduced side spin the damage was not that bad. Around the greens, however, the ball bites and pulls up well, especially on full wedge shots. Chip shots that used to release now stop on a dime, giving me much more confidence in my short game.
Chrome Soft golf balls offer similar spin characteristics to the TaylorMade Tour Response and Titleist AVX which is my usual golf ball.
Control
If you’re a golfer who likes to shape shots, the Chrome Soft gives you some ability, however, it is limited. The new Chrome Soft offers more control than it’s predecessors in my opinion. You can work the ball both ways with ease without overdoing it. The Callaway Chrome Soft suits golfers who want control over their golf ball but do not have the elite skill and ability to shape shots like a pro.
Feel
This is where Chrome Soft golf balls really shine! No matter what shot you’re attempting on the golf course this ball provides a consistent soft feel.
Callaway has somehow managed to make the Chrome Soft even softer than before, without sacrificing performance. The feel off the clubface is butter-smooth, especially with irons and wedges. Putting with this ball is a dream; it rolls true and provides excellent feedback on both long and short putts. If you’re a feel player, you’re going to fall in love with these.
With a compression rating of 75 the Chrome Soft is ideal for average swing speeds. However, it is very versatile and suits a wide range of swing speeds.
Flight Trajectory
One of the first things I noticed with this new Chrome Soft is its high ball flight. Compared to my usual Titleist AVX it soars to a very high apex before returning to earth. This is great news for golfers who struggle with getting the ball airborne. Despite the higher launch, it maintains a strong, penetrating flight that cuts through the wind admirably. I’ve gained a few yards on my drives and approach shots, thanks to this optimized trajectory.
Distance
Thanks to their hyper fast soft core Callaway golf balls are putting up some very impressive ball speed figures. When struck sweetly off the tee the Chrome Soft launches like a missile. This high ball speed and it’s high flight certainly help it carry a long way. I wouldn’t say the distances are game-changing, however, you won’t be disappointed with it falling short.
Forgiveness
Let’s face it – we all have our off days. That’s where the Chrome Soft’s forgiveness comes into play. It is the main reason you’d select this golf ball over a higher spinning Tour ball.
With the Callaway Chrome Soft, mis-hits don’t seem to stray far offline. I’ve noticed a tightening of my overall dispersion patterns after two full rounds with this ball. It’s like having a little insurance policy in your golf ball, giving you a bit more room for error without severely punishing your scorecard.
It is not as forgiving as 2 piece golf ball such as the Supersoft. However, if you’re looking for more performance than a 2 piece ball it provides you with a happy medium.
Visual Tech
When it comes to visual tech, the triple track is my favorite of all the alignment aids out there. I find it very helpful when aligning shots on the tee and the green. It’s obvious and easy to use without being distracting. The Chrome Soft comes in various colors to suit your style and visual needs.
Comparing to Previous Models
So, how does the 2024 Chrome Soft compare to previous models? In short, it’s an improvement across the board. The advances in spin control, workability, and flight characteristics are noticeable and meaningful. While the 2022 version was no slouch, this new iteration takes everything up a notch.
Is it worth upgrading? If you’re a serious golfer looking for a balance between performance and forgiveness, then absolutely. The improvements, while subtle in some areas, add up to a significant overall enhancement in your game.
That said, if you’re a high-handicapper or casual player, you might not notice all the nuances that make this ball special. But hey, that’s no reason not to treat yourself to a premium ball that could help shave a few strokes off your game.
Conclusion
The 2024 Callaway Chrome Soft is a winner in my book. It offers an excellent blend of distance, control, feel, and forgiveness that will benefit golfers of all skill levels. Whether you’re a scratch player or a weekend warrior, this ball has something to offer you. It’s certainly a mid handicapper ball but it’s so versatile it’ll suit so many different types of golfers and skill levels.
So why not give it a try? Head to your local pro shop, grab a sleeve, and see for yourself what all the fuss is about. Your golf game (and your playing partners) will thank you.
