Callaway Chrome Soft X Review

The Callaway Chrome Soft has arrived and it is hoped at Callaway that it will build on the recent success of the Chrome Soft franchise. In this review Golfshake members Kevin Paver and Rob Treanor put the Callaway Chrome Sof X to the test. 

What Callaway say: 

We recently caught up with Callaway to talk through what is new to the Callaway Chromesoft X Ball in 2018. 

Feel

Mel Davies (11 Handicap) -I have now used the Chrome Soft X for my last 36 holes. Doesn’t seem as soft as the normal

Rob Treanor ( 6 Handicap) - For me, I wouldn't categorise the X as a particularly soft ball based purely on feel as it is outperformed by many other balls on the market; chiefly it’s twin brother! The contact off the club is decent and the sound is ok, but it isn't a category leader in this department.

Kevin Paver (14 Handicap) As the 'firmer version of the Chromesoft family, Chromesoft X absolutely delivers on that

Performance

Mel -  As with the Chromesoft I feel it’s gojng a bit further than I would normally hit a ball. 

Rob - Wow, this ball performed extremely well in the air! It was consistently long from the tee and the ball generated a lot of backspin on iron shots into the green giving good distance control. After close encounters with sand and bark, the cover was still in very good shape after 36 holes.

Kevin - I haven't tried the X version before, so was keen to see how different it was. This is definitely the better players ball that Callaway have aimed for.

Pros

Mel - Straighter Ball flight with these and also judging pitch and chip shots better

Rob - I was genuinely surprised how much distance the Chromesoft X achieved on off-centre hits which really was impressive and will be an advantage to many mid-handicap golfers like myself for whom a bit of forgiveness is important.

Kevin - Firmer feel, less spin and more distance

Cons

Mel - I could not really identify any. 

Rob  - If your requirement in a ball is a silky-smooth feeling at impact then the X probably won't be top of your shopping list. I hit some beautiful shots with this ball but it wasn't quite as long or as satisfying to hit as the ball I normally play.

Kevin -  For me, I didn't like the feel as much as the Chromesoft as it felt a little too firm, but I imagine the better players with a faster swing speed would really like them.

In Summary

Mel - As with the Chrome I would recommend to anyone. The Chrome soft X is particularly suited to those that like a slightly firmer ball but wants control around  the green.

Rob - Callaway are developing a reputation as innovators in the golf ball space and it is interesting to see a new hi-tech material added to the construction process. This ball will help a lot of golfers and I would be happy to play it on a regular basis because of the enhanced distance on less pure strikes. Another option worth considering is pairing this ball with Callaway's Truvis covers, which have an old school football-like pattern. As well as being good fun they help improving golfers to learn about the spin of a golf ball in and around the green which will help lead to better shot making.

Kevin - A great ball, but maybe suited to a better player who prefers the firmer feel around the green. 

Golfshake user ratings: 

8/10