By Michael Cooney
Hey golfers, introducing the newest range of Chrome Tour, Chrome Tour X & Chrome Soft from Callaway. Let’s right dive into the technology behind the ball, then my results testing them. I should note from the start that when testing I am basing it on my biases and tendencies, with my normal preference a ball that spins more around the green rather than potentially going a little farther. Also, I tend to launch the ball a little on the low side which I don’t mind because we know how windy golf can be in Melbourne all year round. Please keep this in mind.
Let’s begin with the x’s and o’s from all the balls! The Chrome Tour, Chrome Tour X and the Chrome Soft balls have been designed to create exceptionally fast ball speeds through its new Hyper Fast SoftCore. The core is engineered for better players who want the best balance of long distance and soft feel. The difference in the balls include 3- and 4-piece balls, offering differing spins around the green, workability in shot shaping and the ability to launch the ball in the certain angles. We are really spoiled for choice!
Now for my results. I tend to start the ball testing process from around the green, first hitting the most simple and basic shots and then progressing to the harder shots. Around the green I really enjoyed all three, however the ball that stood out was the Chrome Tour X. It’s the ball that spins the most around the green, which I prefer, but I was really impressed in how I could launch the higher and lower lofted chips and pitches.
Moving to the longer game and it was harder to split the difference between the Chrome Tour X and the Chrome Tour. Again, how lucky are we with manufacturers like Callaway producing such amazing quality? Now let’s mention the Chrome Soft, but I just couldn’t get enough spin with my driver and irons. That is my tendency to launch it lower so although this ball isn’t for me, if you are a golfer looking to knock some flight off and spin a little less, I would absolutely recommend this ball for you.
To the Chrome Tour X and this is the ball for me! This ball provided the appropriate amount of spin around the green hitting the same shot and then transitioning into the longer game. I could spin the ball more and launch it higher. Something I have never really thought about but will most definitely put a high priority on is testing a new ball and driver together. When I tested this ball, I also had the pleasure of testing the new Callaway Ai Smoke. Why should you do this? I did this by pure coincidence but to the fitter from Callaway’s surprise, he couldn’t believe the consistency in the spin rate. I never got below 2145rpm and never above 2541rpm and let me assure you, I was hitting it all over the face! I was able to get another 12m carry, which is wild! This combination of ball and driver is now how I will test going forward and something that will walk straight into the bag.
RRP: $94.99 a dozen
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