It wasn’t so long ago that had you said one of the most anticipated Callaway releases of the new year would be golf balls, you’d have gotten some very interesting reactions. However, in 2022, that is precisely the situation.
Since the inception of Chrome Soft, Callaway has been on a meteoric rise in the golf ball segment the likes of which we have never seen in terms of grabbing market share. While one might think that 2021’s craziness could potentially slow that momentum, it did the exact opposite. With two Major Championships and an Olympic Gold Medal, Chrome Soft was the hottest golf ball on the planet.
While other companies may decide to just “run with it” for another cycle, Callaway has been priming up for this release, they have said, the next evolution is all about “Precision Technology”.
2022 Callaway Chrome Soft Family
Callaway refers to themselves as an “unrivaled tech enabled golf company”, and with the advent of A.I. and a plethora of other technology firsts in the industry, no one can argue that point. When it comes to golf balls, the investment has been well beyond substantial to live up to that moniker. By spending over 50 million dollars, they have revolutionized their manufacturing facilities and the 2022 version of Chrome Soft is utilizing their newest tech, 3D X-Ray.
While altering and evolving the core, cover, and aerodynamic properties of the entire lineup is definitely a part of the story, the bigger tale to be told is what Callaway calls “Concentricity Offset”. In the simplest terms, yes, this is about ensuring things are centered, but not just the core, rather the 3D X-Ray and its high-definition imagery means Callaway can now check every single layer of their golf balls to ensure manufacturing specs are hit to within 1/1000th of an inch.
This is important because internal testing showed Callaway that the same ball, if offset, can have a multitude of different reactions off the face depending on its orientation, we are talking 2.7 MPH, 2.1° launch, and 1200 RPM of spin differences. Now, obviously, on the course we can’t look at the ball and align it every single shot because we can’t see the inside, so Callaway has taken their evolution to a level no other golf ball manufacturer has with 3D X-Ray and are trying to eliminate all the variables…except for our crazy swings.
This is why you will notice Callaway pushing “Precision Technology” everywhere this year, it may not fix our swings, but it will increase the potential for consistency.
2022 Callaway Chrome Soft
Now don’t worry Callaway fans, first thing is first, the company is adamant that soft feel, which put this golf ball on the map, is still well intact, but now with more ball speed and thus more distance potential.
The CS remains a 3-piece design which now uses a new “Hyper Elastic SoftFast Core”. While alarm bells would normally go off when a company changes the core, this new technology used Cross Linking which basically means the core responds better to strain (impact) at higher speeds allowing it to generate more energy, but without altering feel or touch.
The new Chrome Soft also features a new aerodynamic dimple pattern to help with longer carry and lower drag. Testing from the company points to about 0.5 MPH increase in speed off the driver while dropping spin in that club as well as the 7i.
2022 Callaway Chrome Soft X
The most played Callaway ball on Tour, they admit that their players were on them to not change a thing, after all, we all know by now this ball is the reason Jon Rahm came to Callaway. Not to mention, the CSX might have been the fastest golf ball on the market, so why would you change anything? Because better is always better.
The 2022 Chrome Soft X is still a 4-piece design, and according to the company, it is even faster than it was thanks to the same Cross Linking technology which was used in the CS being present here in the new Hyper Elastic SoftFast Core. Add new aerodynamics to play stronger into the wind, and the testing has indicated there to be no spin change while adding about 0.7 MPH ball speed off the tee.
The longest might have just gotten longer. However, it is important to note that at lower speeds, this Cross Linking in the core means that it performs just like its predecessor, meaning no loss of greenside feel, precision, or spin.
2022 Callaway Chrome Soft X LS
While it’s a mouthful to say, the CSX LS has been an eye opener for a segment of golfers who just generate more spin than is necessarily optimal for their games, and while they’re obviously a smaller segment than the other two balls address, this design is what gives Callaway one of the most complete Tour Caliber golf ball lineups on the market.
The LS also uses the new Hyper Elastic SoftFast Core along with Tour influences for the aerodynamic pattern in its 4-Piece design like its siblings in the lineup do. The big difference here is an all-new cover material which Callaway developed specifically to address the one knock on the original version by some, greenside control.
This new softer cover in cooperation with the new core has increased the ball speed, but also managed to increase spin around the greens while lowering it elsewhere. Testing shows almost 1 MPH of added ball speed while dropping off over 100 RPM’s from the driver and 7i.
The Details on the full lineup
Availability: 1/28/22
Price: $49.99
Options: Standard, Triple Track, Truvis
[QUOTE=”jbb2388, post: 11710914, member: 67726″]
Without knowing your spin numbers it would be hard to choose. Esp when the eye test is not showing you any convincing evidence. I personally found CS to be much softer and shorter than CSXLS. I see you’re in Canada. Any chance there is a Golf Galaxy close by? Ball fittings are $20 and you can try out all three callaways head-to-head and go home with the sim data. I have been testing all six top balls from Callaway and Titleist for the last few months. Did two ball fittings at GG and got some great data. Check out the vid below from Johnny W on all three balls. I found it pretty interesting while I was wondering the same things you are. I also attached some robot ball test data from the mygolfspy guys from 2021. Not sure what to think of these guys in general but its hard robot data so I guess it can be somewhat useful. They tested every ball at slow, medium and fast swing speeds with driver, 8i and wedge. I captured the mid swing speed because it was closer to mine with the five golf balls I was interested in. I hit driver pretty close to you at around 97mph. I don’t know it any of this helps but something to chew on. 🙂
[MEDIA=youtube]BQUFzJ2ZgpY[/MEDIA]
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One of those things you posted has some good info.
The other I would call hot garbage, but that would be being cruel to hot garbage.
[QUOTE=”JB, post: 11710945, member: 3″]
One of those things you posted has some good info.
The other I would call hot garbage, but that would be being cruel to hot garbage.
[/QUOTE]
Yeah I’ve read some not so good things about hot garbage so I take it with a grain of salt. I mean, how hard is it to screw up a robot ball test? :LOL:
[QUOTE=”Just_Brad, post: 11710936, member: 9473″]
Thanks for that.
Sadly, no Golf Galaxy here, only Golf Towns or mom & pop stores.
It is the main problem I have being in the middle of no where. There just isn’t access to the data that I crave to make a more informed decision.
[/QUOTE]
Here’s my thread from my most recent GG ball fitting. It came down to CSXLS and left dash for me. I didn’t have the opportunity to test CS and CSX but I’m considering another fitting. No brainer for $20
[URL unfurl=”true”]https://www.thehackersparadise.com/forum/index.php?threads/thoughts-on-golf-galaxy-ball-fitting-data.8955083/[/URL]
Thursday afternoon I played 18 holes using the CS XLS. I’ve never really played it before but I’m running down the lines of each offering to see which is the best fit.
Initial thoughts were it didn’t seem to roll as far as the CS but it went higher and flew further then with the CS.
—-putting felt just like with the CS. They both sound (feel) solid.
The back 9 at this course had 3 par threes. Three for three on sticking them. That never ever happens. 3 pars enroute to my best 9 in…maybe ever?
I’m a straight ball hitter with a slight draw and not much height on the shots. Is the extra height thing real on these?
I’ll find out soon because there’s no way I’m not trying them again next round.
[SIZE=7]XXXXXX[/SIZE]
This freaking ball so awesome. I ran out of work to get 9 in, car to tee type situation. The sound, the feel, flight, I love it all. First hole, bombed a 344 yard drive. Played a few par 3s into the wind and flighted the ball and it performed so good, not ballooning or anything. My wedge shots into the greens were just awesome as well. But my favorite drive today was into the wind and hit a tree and it still went 337. Can’t wait for the new version of this to come out so these go one sale and I buy them up.
[QUOTE=”Kmench, post: 11718896, member: 56250″]
[SIZE=7]XXXXXX[/SIZE]
This freaking ball so awesome. I ran out of work to get 9 in, car to tee type situation. The sound, the feel, flight, I love it all. First hole, bombed a 344 yard drive. Played a few par 3s into the wind and flighted the ball and it performed so good, not ballooning or anything. My wedge shots into the greens were just awesome as well. But my favorite drive today was into the wind and hit a tree and it still went 337. Can’t wait for the new version of this to come out so these go one sale and I buy them up.
[/QUOTE]
I picked up 2 dozen CSX on sale last week. I ?? this golf ball.
2 dozen Chrome Soft incoming! 1 dozen Tru Track, 1 dozen Triple Track.
Hopefully these last for a bit!
I’m going to take a time out while playing here to make sure I’m mentioned 1,038 times how good the CSX LS is. I’ve been testing some other balls lately, and this ball.. ohh it just shines under tough conditions. So good.
[QUOTE=”Jiffypop, post: 11722629, member: 17254″]
I just bought these at lunch today.
I want to see if I like it better than the Prov1x & B’stone B X balls.
The ProV1x performs just fine, but I hate the sound/feel.
The B’stone launches a bit low for me nowadays.
I am hopefully these will do the job.
[/QUOTE]
I found it to be better than the PV1X, it was flying farther than it on drives and that was the biggest difference I found with it. It is better in the wind than it too I believe. Going into and around the greens they are very similar I think.
The CSX LS has become my favourite of the lineup. It launches a bit lower from the tee, but stays much straighter on mishits than CSX. And it still spins like crazy, in a good way, with irons and wedges.
I’m all in
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Orange Truvis ??
[ATTACH type=”full”]9202213[/ATTACH]
[QUOTE=”Jiffypop, post: 11722629, member: 17254″]
I just bought these at lunch today.
I want to see if I like it better than the Prov1x & B’stone B X balls.
The ProV1x performs just fine, but I hate the sound/feel.
The B’stone launches a bit low for me nowadays.
I am hopefully these will do the job.
[/QUOTE]
The big differences will be on irons the LS will spin a bit less, but spin [I]more [/I]on wedge approach. The B X is good but doesn’t have the same wedge approach spin either.
[QUOTE=”Jiffypop, post: 11723847, member: 17254″]
OK. This will be really interesting.
I can spin the B’stone X ball really well. Even from like 60 yds. away. Like 1 short bounce and stop. If there is a small ridge it’ll come back too.
Add to this that my course will be soft, as in you’ll see footprints kind of soft.
I’ll be using my Forged TEC irons, so I hope the iron spin doesn’t drop off too much.
I’ll find out in 6 hours.
The last time I played the Cally X LS ball was the previous model in a CHILI Open in November. I think it was 2021. Might have been 2020.
It was 50-55* that day & wet and the ball was like a rock.
At the turn, our 5th hole, I went in the clubhouse and bought standard Chromesofts to finish the round.
If today goes “bad”, I’ll try these again with my Apex 2019 irons.
[/QUOTE]
The B X gets better as it gets closer to greenside. It’s the fuller wedges where it doesn’t shine. And yeah the previous LS wasn’t near as good as this one.
$44 from Amazon…
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Now what to do with 2 dozen prov1x left dash :unsure:
[QUOTE=”jbb2388, post: 11723953, member: 67726″]
Now what to do with 2 dozen prov1x left dash :unsure:
[/QUOTE]
I’m in the same boat, have 1.5 dozen of PV1X I need to get rid of
[QUOTE=”jbb2388, post: 11723943, member: 67726″]
$44 from Amazon…
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[/QUOTE]
Thank you for the heads-up. I wanted to try tru track so I’ve got a dozen inbound
[QUOTE=”jbb2388, post: 11723943, member: 67726″]
$44 from Amazon…
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I saw that price at retail also. Dicks had them at 44.99 when I stopped in last week.
Today was my first day messing around with Tru Track.
I have primarily been a Triple Track user since it came out. I like the alignment confidence boost it gives me on the greens.
Truvis, as much I enjoy the overall look, and fun designs, on the greens I have never thought it aided with alignment at all, at times making it more difficuly for me to align properly (or thats what I think).
Tru Track though? Has the solid black alignment line on it, flanked by the graphics on the side. I dig it. When you hit a putt tru, it looks absolutely amazing the roll that gives immediate feedback if you struck it properly.
I took 6 putts from about 15 ft away on the practice green today, here are the final three after I set up my monopod to capture the roll.
[MEDIA=youtube]UHzxe-LW_p8[/MEDIA]
Needless to say, I am putting these in play tomorrow. Hopefully I can get anywhere close to the same results
[QUOTE=”Just_Brad, post: 11730041, member: 9473″]
Today was my first day messing around with Tru Track.
I have primarily been a Triple Track user since it came out. I like the alignment confidence boost it gives me on the greens.
Truvis, as much I enjoy the overall look, and fun designs, on the greens I have never thought it aided with alignment at all, at times making it more difficuly for me to align properly (or thats what I think).
Tru Track though? Has the solid black alignment line on it, flanked by the graphics on the side. I dig it. When you hit a putt tru, it looks absolutely amazing the roll that gives immediate feedback if you struck it properly.
I took 6 putts from about 15 ft away on the practice green today, here are the final three after I set up my monopod to capture the roll.
[MEDIA=youtube]UHzxe-LW_p8[/MEDIA]
Needless to say, I am putting these in play tomorrow. Hopefully I can get anywhere close to the same results
[/QUOTE]
You willl. Trust and roll
Got a sleeve of ChromeSoft X LS to test against the Chromesoft I’ve been using all year, and put them in play during my last 9 hole round. Off the tee I played both the CS as well as the X LS. I played both par 3’s with both, and some approaches with both, to get a good comparison.
Off the Tee with driver: I was getting comparable distances and dispersion. On one hole I hit both of them really well, and the CS has the X LS beaten by 2-3 yards. So I think from an off the tee perspective, the distance gained or lost is negligible. I hit the ball overall very well with driver, and I can’t say one is better than the other, from a how far and how accurate did I hit it. They are both good.
On Approach: The feel of each off irons and wedges for both is good, nothin discernible. Distances were both comparable, and with a few yards of each other, other than a hole or 2 with some bad misses, which was all on me. I did notice, on one par 3 where I hit each, that the X LS checked up more than the CS. I hit each shot very similarly, and the X LS checked up about 3 yards, where the CS rolled out about 5 yards. This was the only discernible difference I saw on the course.
I do want to get both in a SIM sometime this winter to check data points, and will bring that back when I do. But overall, I’m happy with the CS, and will continue to play the X LS along side it, when time on the course allows.
Got my tru track for the weekend!
However [USER=19461]@JasonFinleyCG[/USER] what kind of precision technology packed this box? ?[ATTACH type=”full”]9203532[/ATTACH]
[QUOTE=”outlawx, post: 11736570, member: 74252″]
Got my tru track for the weekend!
However [USER=19461]@JasonFinleyCG[/USER] what kind of precision technology packed this box? ?[ATTACH type=”full” alt=”IMG_5300.jpeg”]9203532[/ATTACH]
[/QUOTE]
if I ever make it through my current inventory, these will probably be what I try next
[USER=19461]@JasonFinleyCG[/USER] just wondering if anything similar to the Srixon Divide would be possible with Callaway!
[QUOTE=”MattyD-MPLS, post: 11736915, member: 51852″]
[USER=19461]@JasonFinleyCG[/USER] just wondering if anything similar to the Srixon Divide would be possible with Callaway!
[/QUOTE]
That would be interesting. I would certainly try it out!
[QUOTE=”shanewu, post: 11736904, member: 38120″]
if I ever make it through my current inventory, these will probably be what I try next
[/QUOTE]
Rolled them today on the green…love it frames better than triple track
thanks again [USER=67726]@jbb2388[/USER]
[QUOTE=”outlawx, post: 11736570, member: 74252″]
Got my tru track for the weekend!
However [USER=19461]@JasonFinleyCG[/USER] what kind of precision technology packed this box? ?[ATTACH type=”full” alt=”IMG_5300.jpeg”]9203532[/ATTACH]
[/QUOTE]
He actually talked about this with Dan on Off the Course
[QUOTE=”jdtox, post: 11744314, member: 5944″]
I see it was already mentioned but these balls at $44.99 at retail is a great price!
[/QUOTE]
i’ve been taking full advantage of that pricing.
[QUOTE=”jdtox, post: 11744343, member: 5944″]
I’ve had a wandering eye lately, thinking about finding my way back
[/QUOTE]
[media=giphy]BjHIjM2YFC3rEUaMrw[/media]
[USER=19461]@JasonFinleyCG[/USER] I did something this year that everyone says you should do but don’t really do.
I picked CSX to play earlier this year and except to burn some PXG and CS at a couple of golf weekends, I’ve played the 2022 CSX exclusively all year.
Think it’s really made a difference in my game and might have been my best equipment choice of 2023.
The ball meshes with my putter face and I have fantastic sense of feel on the greens.
[QUOTE=”Iceman!, post: 11744347, member: 32688″]
[USER=19461]@JasonFinleyCG[/USER] I did something this year that everyone says you should do but don’t really don’t
I picked CSX to play earlier this year and except to burn some PXG and CS at a couple of golf weekends, I’ve played the 2022 CSX exclusively all year.
Think it’s really made a difference in my game and might have been my best equipment choice of 2023.
The ball meshes with my putter face and I have fantastic sense of feel on the greens.
[/QUOTE]
I’ve done the same with Chrome Soft this year, and been really happy with it. Feel is perfect for me, and performance is great from tee to green.
I’m really liking the 360 triple track for putting. I don’t think I have ever putted this well as the last few weeks.
I need to track down some more they are kind of hard to find.
Little bit of a repost however I put in to play CSX “Plain Janes” meaning no putting alignment aid except the normal Chrome Soft tagline and arrows.
Just didn’t like it. I have gotten so used to TT or Tru-Track that I now need the alignment aid.
So much that I was playing in a 2 day tournament over the weekend and went out and bought a dozen CSX-LS USA Tru-Track.
TBH, I really couldn’t tell the difference between CSX and LS.
Figured with the ground being damp in the mornings this time of the year and not really getting any roll from the Driver, less spin might give me some added distance.
Got to play with the CSX Triple Track a week ago then yesterday play the TruTrack a little bit… I Enjoyed playing the Triple track and using it for putting. I like the CSX, I am trying to figure out if the CSX gives me too much spin. I need to get some more CSX LS and compare them. I like the looks of the Trutrack but I think I like the more minimalistic look of the regular triple track.. the Tructrack might have too much going on for my liking.
I have not played a yellow Chromesoft X LS for 36 holes. It still looks brand new. I have never seen this level of durability
[QUOTE=”hedley_lamarr08, post: 11784496, member: 37622″]
I have not played a yellow Chromesoft X LS for 36 holes. It still looks brand new. I have never seen this level of durability
[/QUOTE]
I have not been playing the yellow ones. Been playing the USA Tru Track. The durability is really good.
I’ve been impressed with how it handles the wind and love the low spin on irons.
[QUOTE=”hedley_lamarr08, post: 11784496, member: 37622″]
I have not played a yellow Chromesoft X LS for 36 holes. It still looks brand new. I have never seen this level of durability
[/QUOTE]
I love playing the yellow more for some reason lol
[QUOTE=”Briton G, post: 11784501, member: 63796″]
I love playing the yellow more for some reason lol
[/QUOTE]
The leaf turn and fall is creating some issues but I’m happy with them. Strong flight and really quick to stop.
[QUOTE=”Iceman!, post: 11744347, member: 32688″]
[USER=19461]@JasonFinleyCG[/USER] I did something this year that everyone says you should do but don’t really don’t
I picked CSX to play earlier this year and except to burn some PXG and CS at a couple of golf weekends, I’ve played the 2022 CSX exclusively all year.
Think it’s really made a difference in my game and might have been my best equipment choice of 2023.
The ball meshes with my putter face and I have fantastic sense of feel on the greens.
[/QUOTE]
Great decision
Afraid to play my latest Chrome Soft — don’t want to lose any …
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[QUOTE=”CorvetteGuy, post: 11786728, member: 60563″]
Afraid to play my latest Chrome Soft — don’t want to lose any …
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[/QUOTE]
It’s ok to lose the blue ones ?
[QUOTE=”JasonFinleyCG, post: 11786694, member: 19461″]
Great decision
[/QUOTE]
Hey Jason ?
Maybe not this December but hope to see you one December ??
I’m loving the CSX LS, I started the season with the CSX, but the LS holds wind and lessens sidespin on long shots better, but still spins plenty on shorter shots. It’s my pick going forward.
[QUOTE=”CorvetteGuy, post: 11786728, member: 60563″]
Afraid to play my latest Chrome Soft — don’t want to lose any …
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[/QUOTE]
I get that. Those look great side by side.
Quick review on the switch I made to Chrome Soft Triple Track.
I switched from Prov1’s and could not be happier with what I’ve found in the Chrome Soft. I does everything I can do with a ball. It’s stops about a foot away from where it hits the green and I trust that and have confidence it knowing it will stop where I’m trying (hoping) to land the ball.
The alignment of TT is unmatched. Both the colors of the alignment and the fact that it’s three lines just makes it very easy to align the ball with where I want it to be. It’s got the spin I’m looking for around the green, I can add more when I want to or not.
Distance is not something I worry about, it’s as long as anything I’ve ever hit. I’m more concerned with performance and I’m happy that this ball has that down pat.
Last round out with the CS was a blast! The ball was working off the tee, on approach, but especially on short chips. It was early morning, and very wet/dewy. I was able to pull the string on the CS with my 58*, making it stop where I wanted. Really, really impressive considering the conditions. This performance around the green helped me get close enough for 2 birdies, both of which were within 6 feet, as well as an overall 58% up and down. I’ve gotten a bit more aggressive with these short chips, and the proximity was been really good. For reference, I’m at 42% Up and Down for the year, but since I made the change I’m at 52% since making the change. But really, the CS does it all for me tee to green!
[QUOTE=”Jtubb17, post: 11817916, member: 68843″]
I’ve been playing the Chrome Soft X LS for about a year and it’s been real good for me. Earlier this week i went out for a round and grabbed a sleeve of Chrome Soft because I forgot to bring more with me. I really enjoyed the soft feel and noticed a little straighter ball flight off the tee. Driver is where i really struggle so this was a nice site. I picked up some more and played a round with them today. I drove the ball and the irons have a little more spin that I was looking for. I’m gonna keep playing them for awhile.
[/QUOTE]
I was seeing similiar distances with the X LS and CS off the tee, but I prefer the CS everywhere else. Feel is better, and I like the spin a get on approach and greenside too. Enjoy playing them!
Been a great year for me to figure out what golf ball I want to play, and best suits my game.
I started the year in the Chrome Soft as I was rebuilding my strength, and started working in the Chrome Soft XLS, which was my gamer until around May, then I started switching to the Chrome Soft X to get some extra spin around the greens. And I just haven’t looked back.
The additional spin and slightly lower flight with the CSX has really worked for my game, especially short game.
I was fortunate to try a few tour balls this year, the Chrome Soft X• (between X and LS) and while I liked it off the tee, greenside needed a bit more spin for my liking.
The Chrome Soft X?? might be my favorite ball I ever used, and it spins way more than the regular X, but it’s super difficult to get any of those balls.
But ultimately I have settled in very nicely with the Chrome Soft X in the 360 Triple Track. Great feel still everywhere and enough spin on the greens that I can attack the pin more aggressively. And that alignment technology is so freaking easy for me to use, and I love seeing the lines on a pure roll.
I’ve been playing CSX-LS the last month as the weather has gotten colder and the ground softer.
I’m seeing some longer distances which is good however I feel like I’m sacrificing on my short game.
To me, LS doesn’t have the short game spin of “X” and for someone that leans on getting up and down, I have to have stopping power.
I’m guessing we have a new ball coming in 2024 and I’ll be going back to CSX when it is available.