Chrome Soft

[WouldRatherBePlaying]

Much positive feedback on this ball, therefore it is destined to have Callaway change it's name within a year (or two) leaving everyone trying to figure out their new equivalent.

[DaveyGolf]

[quote name='WouldRatherBePlaying' timestamp='1425001631' post='11036601']
Much positive feedback on this ball, therefore it is destined to have Callaway change it's name within a year (or two) leaving everyone trying to figure out their new equivalent.
[/quote]

Very true, sadly.

[playa]

With a couple more rounds under my belt I am even more impressed with this ball. I have got over the driver issues and am hitting this as long and straight as any ball. The big difference between this and any other ball is within 50 yards of the green. The ball stops quicker on chips and pitches than any other ball, noticably. This gives me more confidence to really throw it right up to the pin, which in turn has taken some of the pressure off when standing over delicate chips, knowing I can be agressive and get it to stop quick. Other standout feature is the durability. This ball just doesn't scuff. Current ball has been in play 3 full rounds and still good enough to play, no scuffs. Even my Ping i3 pw with square grooves hasn't scuffed it. This will be my ball til I can't buy it anymore.

[IHFN]

I will say that while it was very short for me off the tee, I will try it again when the weather gets better and warms up. I did buy a dozen so I figure I should try them out again. I'm always in search for the perfect ball. I still love the TP Black more than anything really. The Nike RZN black and Wilson Staff FG Tour are pretty similar to it these days.

[DFinch]

Played side by side with Chrome+ and SS, the main difference was chip/pitch spin. Not as much as Chrome+, slightly more than SS. It's closer to SS than the +. I wish it was closer to the +. It is, however, definitely more durable than the +.

Driver and iron distances were indistinguishable between models.

It's a quality ball but nothing magical. I'll work my way through the dozen I have in the early season and I'm sure it will be fine. The bite of the + on short shots has spoiled me, though.

[Bunkersarebigcups]

[quote name='playa' timestamp='1425099066' post='11045559']
The ball stops quicker on chips and pitches than any other ball, noticably.
[/quote]

Compared to other balls in the prize/target group category or even compared to premium tour balls such as Pro V, Fg Tour, Tour Preffered etc.?

[jons1]

lets be honest... this was a ball made for slow swing speeds that accidentally got traction with better players because it felt soft. Most pros would want more spin around the greens.

[lewisgl]

[quote name='golfpros1' timestamp='1425140090' post='11047211']
lets be honest... this was a ball made for slow swing speeds that accidentally got traction with better players because it felt soft. Most pros would want more spin around the greens.
[/quote]

Seems like Callaway (and others) is trying to develop a golf ball that will work across different swing speeds and still be soft and good around the greens. The Chrome Soft seems to be a ball that is getting closer to accomplishing that. Some folks with higher swing speeds seem to like this ball quite well, and some not so much, same goes for slower swing speed players. . I think that most pros might want a little more spin around the greens than the CS provides, and might be why the pros are having the compression tweaked to 75 or 80, but no doubt a pro can do pretty well with the retail version once he gets used to how it reacts around the greens and so forth. Seems that more compression will allow the golfer to keep his wedge shots down more and with better spin.

[ZBigStick]

[quote name='lewisgl' timestamp='1425143590' post='11047491'][quote name='golfpros1' timestamp='1425140090' post='11047211']
lets be honest... this was a ball made for slow swing speeds that accidentally got traction with better players because it felt soft. Most pros would want more spin around the greens.
[/quote]

Seems like Callaway (and others) is trying to develop a golf ball that will work across different swing speeds and still be soft and good around the greens. The Chrome Soft seems to be a ball that is getting closer to accomplishing that. Some folks with higher swing speeds seem to like this ball quite well, and some not so much, same goes for slower swing speed players. . I think that most pros might want a little more spin around the greens than the CS provides, and might be why the pros are having the compression tweaked to 75 or 80, but no doubt a pro can do pretty well with the retail version once he gets used to how it reacts around the greens and so forth. Seems that more compression will allow the golfer to keep his wedge shots down more and with better spin.[/quote]

Ya gotta love what happens with marketing in a year. A Premium Ball line that only talks about Swing Speed and classifying golfer. Speed Regime. One year later, a ball that changed the ball. Low Compression for Everyone!!

Marketing aside, I like the ball and look forward to trying the Tour version if ever available, or what ever improvements they think they can make.

[DaveyGolf]

Anywhere within 50 yards (it's hard to generate excessive spin in that range) on very firm greens, I can play this ball to roll out a bit, or have it stop incredibly fast. I played a 4 ball yesterday and was able to tell my playing partner accurately every time I was going to scramble so that he could be fearless over every putt. I scrambled 14 times if you consider short 3rd shots on par 5s. I had a shoddy driving day, but scored us nearly every point and we won 4 up against players who were playing flawlessly. I have well above average short game, but it's hard to claim this ball is lacking around the green.

[lewisgl]

[quote name='ZBigStick' timestamp='1425150913' post='11048219']
[quote name='lewisgl' timestamp='1425143590' post='11047491'][quote name='golfpros1' timestamp='1425140090' post='11047211']
lets be honest... this was a ball made for slow swing speeds that accidentally got traction with better players because it felt soft. Most pros would want more spin around the greens.
[/quote]

Seems like Callaway (and others) is trying to develop a golf ball that will work across different swing speeds and still be soft and good around the greens. The Chrome Soft seems to be a ball that is getting closer to accomplishing that. Some folks with higher swing speeds seem to like this ball quite well, and some not so much, same goes for slower swing speed players. . I think that most pros might want a little more spin around the greens than the CS provides, and might be why the pros are having the compression tweaked to 75 or 80, but no doubt a pro can do pretty well with the retail version once he gets used to how it reacts around the greens and so forth. Seems that more compression will allow the golfer to keep his wedge shots down more and with better spin.[/quote]

Ya gotta love what happens with marketing in a year. A Premium Ball line that only talks about Swing Speed and classifying golfer. Speed Regime. One year later, a ball that changed the ball. Low Compression for Everyone!!

Marketing aside, I like the ball and look forward to trying the Tour version if ever available, or what ever improvements they think they can make.
[/quote]

Funny how the marketing works! Will be interesting to see what Callaway's next move will be on golf balls. I am pretty darn satisfied with the Chrome Soft as it is right now, but maybe Callaway will tweak it and try to make it a little better, but can't change it too much or it lost it's identity if that makes any sense.

[lewisgl]

[quote name='DaveyGolf' timestamp='1425162763' post='11049299']
Anywhere within 50 yards (it's hard to generate excessive spin in that range) on very firm greens, I can play this ball to roll out a bit, or have it stop incredibly fast. I played a 4 ball yesterday and was able to tell my playing partner accurately every time I was going to scramble so that he could be fearless over every putt. I scrambled 14 times if you consider short 3rd shots on par 5s. I had a shoddy driving day, but scored us nearly every point and we won 4 up against players who were playing flawlessly. I have well above average short game, but it's hard to claim this ball is lacking around the green.
[/quote]

That was some very nice scrambling for sure. I wouldn't go as far as saying the ball is lacking around the green, but just have to get used to how it reacts on different shots, and if one is very good with the short shots he should get even more spin out of it. It spins pretty decently for me, even though it tends to jump off fairly hot off a short wedge shot, which is something I need to get used to (haven't played the ball a lot yet). I haven't tried hitting any low skidder type shots with it yet but expect it will work okay for those, although it doesn't seem to stop quite as quickly as a B330S or Pro V1 or similar, which normally isn't a big problem.

[DaveyGolf]

[quote name='lewisgl' timestamp='1425164098' post='11049433']
[quote name='DaveyGolf' timestamp='1425162763' post='11049299']
Anywhere within 50 yards (it's hard to generate excessive spin in that range) on very firm greens, I can play this ball to roll out a bit, or have it stop incredibly fast. I played a 4 ball yesterday and was able to tell my playing partner accurately every time I was going to scramble so that he could be fearless over every putt. I scrambled 14 times if you consider short 3rd shots on par 5s. I had a shoddy driving day, but scored us nearly every point and we won 4 up against players who were playing flawlessly. I have well above average short game, but it's hard to claim this ball is lacking around the green.
[/quote]

That was some very nice scrambling for sure. I wouldn't go as far as saying the ball is lacking around the green, but just have to get used to how it reacts on different shots, and if one is very good with the short shots he should get even more spin out of it. It spins pretty decently for me, even though it tends to jump off fairly hot off a short wedge shot, which is something I need to get used to (haven't played the ball a lot yet). I haven't tried hitting any low skidder type shots with it yet but expect it will work okay for those, although it doesn't seem to stop quite as quickly as a B330S or Pro V1 or similar, which normally isn't a big problem.
[/quote]

As with putting, I've worked on finesse with this ball. If I try to strike the ball instead of swing through it, it gets extra pop. It's a different ball, to say the least, but the changes it's forced me to make have been worth a whole lot.

[DaveyGolf]

[quote name='lewisgl' timestamp='1425164098' post='11049433']
[quote name='DaveyGolf' timestamp='1425162763' post='11049299']
Anywhere within 50 yards (it's hard to generate excessive spin in that range) on very firm greens, I can play this ball to roll out a bit, or have it stop incredibly fast. I played a 4 ball yesterday and was able to tell my playing partner accurately every time I was going to scramble so that he could be fearless over every putt. I scrambled 14 times if you consider short 3rd shots on par 5s. I had a shoddy driving day, but scored us nearly every point and we won 4 up against players who were playing flawlessly. I have well above average short game, but it's hard to claim this ball is lacking around the green.
[/quote]

That was some very nice scrambling for sure. I wouldn't go as far as saying the ball is lacking around the green, but just have to get used to how it reacts on different shots, and if one is very good with the short shots he should get even more spin out of it. It spins pretty decently for me, even though it tends to jump off fairly hot off a short wedge shot, which is something I need to get used to (haven't played the ball a lot yet). I haven't tried hitting any low skidder type shots with it yet but expect it will work okay for those, although it doesn't seem to stop quite as quickly as a B330S or Pro V1 or similar, which normally isn't a big problem.
[/quote]

The only huge adjustment I've had to make has been on the low spinner shot, really. The ball really wants to play high when I squeeze it down. I can still knick it fairly low and it will spin like crazy, but not quite as low as I'm used to. But as long as it still gets the ball close, I can't find a reason to complain yet.

[playa]

[quote name='DFinch' timestamp='1425106393' post='11045877']
Played side by side with Chrome+ and SS, the main difference was chip/pitch spin. Not as much as Chrome+, slightly more than SS. It's closer to SS than the +. I wish it was closer to the +. It is, however, definitely more durable than the +.

Driver and iron distances were indistinguishable between models.

It's a quality ball but nothing magical. I'll work my way through the dozen I have in the early season and I'm sure it will be fine. The bite of the + on short shots has spoiled me, though.
[/quote]
As I posted in another thread, the CS definitely doesn't have quite the bite of a.chrome plus, but for me that's a good thing. The CS seems to land softly without over relying on spin to get it to stop on chips and pitches, which for someone like me means more consistency. With the chrome plus if I really nipped it it eould bite too quickly and end up short, or if I tried to fly it aggressively and didn't catch it perfect it would run out past the pin. For me the CS has a much smaller difference between good and not so good contact. I am much more confident flying the ball to the pin, knowing it won't run way past if I get it less than perfect contact. It allows me to be mlre aggressive and has resulted in mucb better up and down stats for me. Certainly doesn't spin as much on wedges and short irons either, but doesn't run out much either and probably has the same sort of lower margin for error that it has on chips, sometimes the ridiculous spin that impresses your playing partners hurts more than helps your score.

[vwgolfer]

It's a nice ball. It's not a game changer.

[NevinW]

I bought a dozen and played with it this weekend. I found it to be very good around the greens and putting with it feels fine to me. I hit several irons that were struck very solid and high but landed and rolled over the green with no pitch mark to be found. Spin off full irons seems minimal. It feels good but very soft sounding, My playing partners noticed it immediately. It is easily 10 yards shorter off the driver than my regular B330RX but goes straight. It is a good ball but I plan on going back to my Bridgestone.

[playa]

[quote name='NevinW' timestamp='1425390286' post='11067367']
I bought a dozen and played with it this weekend. I found it to be very good around the greens and putting with it feels fine to me. I hit several irons that were struck very solid and high but landed and rolled over the green with no pitch mark to be found. Spin off full irons seems minimal. It feels good but very soft sounding, My playing partners noticed it immediately. It is easily 10 yards shorter off the driver than my regular B330RX but goes straight. It is a good ball but I plan on going back to my Bridgestone.
[/quote]
If you couldn't find a pitch mark I would guess the greens were very hard and were the main factor in bouncing over the back. I initially had driver issues but have since hit them long and straght so probably just having a bad day when I first used them. I agree they aren't super grippy on full shots but for me the superior shirt hgame performance and durability more than make up for it. No ball will give you everything you want, there are always comlromises. These fit my brief perfectly but not for everyone.

[tbowles411]

[quote name='playa' timestamp='1425411451' post='11069685']
[quote name='NevinW' timestamp='1425390286' post='11067367']
I bought a dozen and played with it this weekend. I found it to be very good around the greens and putting with it feels fine to me. I hit several irons that were struck very solid and high but landed and rolled over the green with no pitch mark to be found. Spin off full irons seems minimal. It feels good but very soft sounding, My playing partners noticed it immediately. It is easily 10 yards shorter off the driver than my regular B330RX but goes straight. It is a good ball but I plan on going back to my Bridgestone.
[/quote]
If you couldn't find a pitch mark I would guess the greens were very hard and were the main factor in bouncing over the back. I initially had driver issues but have since hit them long and straght so probably just having a bad day when I first used them. I agree they aren't super grippy on full shots but for me the superior shirt hgame performance and durability more than make up for it. No ball will give you everything you want, there are always comlromises. These fit my brief perfectly but not for everyone.
[/quote]
Agreed on all counts. There was an adjustment period for me. I was used to the C+. I knew what it could and could not do. I knew my ball flight was just as good with both balls, but it didn't spin as much as the C+ on short game shots, but it was fine when I was gaining almost a club's distance. I could go into a shot with less club and increase my accuracy. Where it really shined was the limiting of side spin off the driver face. That sold it. I'll keep both balls, but I won't hesitate to use the CS.

[GrAvEL_eXpReSs]

this ball is a marshmallow off the tee considerable difference in distance compared to the SR2. I will stick with the SR2.

[DaveyGolf]

[quote name='GrAvEL_eXpReSs' timestamp='1425414322' post='11070005']
this ball is a marshmallow off the tee considerable difference in distance compared to the SR2. I will stick with the SR2.
[/quote]

It's weird, having played the C+ and then SR3 over the past two seasons, I expected to feel like the CS was too soft off the tee as well, but I found it to feel exactly the same. The sound is a little different off the driver face(a little muted), which I prefer, but it feels as solid to me as C+. I wonder if it's a swing speed issue that is causing all these vastly different reactions?

[addage]

I really like this ball, with one exception - about 1 out of every 5 shots with the driver comes up significantly shorter than it should, even when I think I hit it solid. All other aspects are great - feel, iron and short game spin, distance off all other clubs, etc. I wonder whether it's just too low spin for me off the driver unless I catch it perfectly. I intend to do further testing, but if I continue to see the same results, I'll be going back to the Pro V1x (and bear the higher cost of that ball .....)

[MBBG]

I have 3 dozen of them but haven't played them since the fall what with winter and all. Been hitting them in the sim alongside one of my old standby the 2012 white XV.

I absolutely love the feel of the XV when pured off driver or irons but it's definitely firmer on misses. The CS feels amazing off the irons and wedges but has a "just missed it" feel off the driver for me I can't put my finger on that I didn't really notice when playing them last fall but shows up when hitting them in the sim side by side with other balls.

Looking forward to spring thaw to continue outdoor testing. Will probably use the CS while it's still cool this spring then switch over to my stash of 2012 XVs when it warms up.

[Pinger89]

For the first time in a long time it looks like Callaway is sticking with a line of golf balls in the Speed Regime series. That will remain their premium golf ball offering. May they have finally turned the page on their ways? May the Chrome Soft be around for quite a while now? The Supersoft is remaining as their inexpensive option as well this year, and the Superhot is replacing the X2 Hot line. Maybe they finally took the hint that if you make something people like, you probably shouldn't completely change it 6 months later.

[bcflyguy1]

[quote name='Pinger89' timestamp='1425606961' post='11087011']
For the first time in a long time it looks like Callaway is sticking with a line of golf balls in the Speed Regime series. That will remain their premium golf ball offering. May they have finally turned the page on their ways? May the Chrome Soft be around for quite a while now? The Supersoft is remaining as their inexpensive option as well this year, and the Superhot is replacing the X2 Hot line. Maybe they finally took the hint that if you make something people like, you probably shouldn't completely change it 6 months later.
[/quote]

I think the Chrome Soft is going to have staying power, not so sure about the Speed Regime line. SR is a fine product that just hasn't sold that well.

Data from Dicks SG and Golf Galaxy is showing that the Chrome Soft is outselling the ProV1 and ProV1X [b]combined[/b] in their stores. Also, Chrome Soft is outselling both ProV1 and ProV1X across all retail outlets. Been a very, very long time since that was true of any ball daring to compete with the champs.

Callaway is pretty geeked about the way Chrome Soft has been embraced. They haven't had a product make splash like this since the OG 2 Ball putter.

[btewks]

Played in some fairly firm greens today. Chrome Soft was running out a bit more than I wanted/needed. Switched to RZN black and things were much more under control. I like it... But we'll see.

[jons1]

Wait 6-12 months, the chrome soft plus will come out with a new cover to improve green side spin while maintaining the low compression soft feel. Just watch.

[playa]

[quote name='bcflyguy1' timestamp='1425609136' post='11087267']
[quote name='Pinger89' timestamp='1425606961' post='11087011']
For the first time in a long time it looks like Callaway is sticking with a line of golf balls in the Speed Regime series. That will remain their premium golf ball offering. May they have finally turned the page on their ways? May the Chrome Soft be around for quite a while now? The Supersoft is remaining as their inexpensive option as well this year, and the Superhot is replacing the X2 Hot line. Maybe they finally took the hint that if you make something people like, you probably shouldn't completely change it 6 months later.
[/quote]

I think the Chrome Soft is going to have staying power, not so sure about the Speed Regime line. SR is a fine product that just hasn't sold that well.

Data from Dicks SG and Golf Galaxy is showing that the Chrome Soft is outselling the ProV1 and ProV1X [b]combined[/b] in their stores. Also, Chrome Soft is outselling both ProV1 and ProV1X across all retail outlets. Been a very, very long time since that was true of any ball daring to compete with the champs.

Callaway is pretty geeked about the way Chrome Soft has been embraced. They haven't had a product make splash like this since the OG 2 Ball putter.
[/quote]
I think yhey should ditch the SR line and bring back the chrome plus. The chrome plus and chrome soft would cover all bases. The soft is a great ball for most players, but for those who want more greenside spin and a firmer ball the plus is a better fit. I think the soft and plus would titleist a real run for their money.

[ZBigStick]

[quote name='golfpros1' timestamp='1425754560' post='11097489']Wait 6-12 months, the chrome soft plus will come out with a new cover to improve green side spin while maintaining the low compression soft feel. Just watch.[/quote]

I hope so! Two CS options would be great!

I think many will see how good the SR2 and SR3 are when they finally drop in price.

[sui generis]

Walked nine on an empty golf course in Savannah this afternoon. 65 degrees with 10 knots of wind from the east. Played two balls, the Chrome Soft and the Supersoft, on every shot all the way around. I couldn't tell the difference. Geezer swing.