Last year Callaway launched the latest iteration of the Chrome Soft and Chrome Soft X golf balls. Immediate feedback from golfers on the THP Forum suggested that both balls were high in performance to go along with the tech story. Today a third member of the family is here called the Chrome Soft X LS (CSX LS).
Despite what is mentioned around the internet, distance is not just pure speed. That is one component of what you are looking for in a golf ball to create maximum length and consistency. Spin, launch angle and a number of other factors are included in this equation as well. For many golfers, choosing a ball starts at the green and works backwards, and while that equation works just fine, the difference between golf balls with full swings differ quite a bit (we saw 10 yards with an 8 iron). We tested this out in a recent video you can find here.
The Callaway golf ball line was already fairly robust, and at the top of that lineup was the Chrome Soft and Chrome Soft X. On one end of this two ball spectrum you have low spin off the tee and solid speed and spin around the green, while on the other end of the spectrum you have one of the fastest golf balls on the market that is also higher in spin. Enter Chrome Soft X LS.
The Chrome Soft X LS is a 4-piece single core construction that is in some ways a compromise between the two. Although compromise is probably not the right word since there were no compromises used to create the CSX LS. What this offers is speed. Very fast speed while also maintaining low spin.
Large SoftFast core was designed to deliver high speeds, but not just with the driver, throughout the bag. The mantle layers are fairly unique in that the inner mantle is quite soft, while the outer mantle is more firm and together they create…you guessed it, SPEED! The CSX LS is then wrapped in a very thin urethane cover that in our testing is pretty darn durable.
As faster swinging golfers search for distance without the increase in spin, the CSX LS delivers that, yet makes no compromises around the green. Is low spin and distance throughout the bag necessary for everybody? No. In fact, many golfers will fit squarely into Chrome Soft or Chrome Soft X in the Callaway lineup. This third option is best suited for better players that are looking for spin reduction on full swings, especially with longer clubs such as off the tee, without losing control green side.
For those that wonder about the usage breakdown, it goes something like this. Chrome Soft is the number one selling tour ball from Callaway. Chrome Soft X is their most used ball on tour. While Callaway expects most tour pros to stay with Chrome Soft X, the initial conversion to CSX LS by a few has already taken place. Marc Leishman, Akshay Bhatia and Wesley Bryan all have made the switch to the lower spinning option.
Which one of the three options is best suited for you? Give us your thoughts below.
The Details
In Stores: March 18th, 2021
Cost: $47.99
Options: White, Triple Track and Yellow with Triple Track
[QUOTE=”Tywithay, post: 9852601, member: 14378″]
Found a dozen white to try out ?
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I was going to ask you where but then saw the sticker. Do they have very many?
[QUOTE=”shanewu, post: 9853118, member: 38120″]
I was going to ask you where but then saw the sticker. Do they have very many?
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They were fully stocked from what I could tell.
Was hoping the buy 3 get one deal going on right now included this ball, unfortunately it’s just standard CS/CSX in that deal
[QUOTE=”BuckNasty, post: 9853165, member: 48132″]
Was hoping the buy 3 get one deal going on right now included this ball, unfortunately it’s just standard CS/CSX in that deal
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I was thinking the exact same thing! A little bummed but I’ll probably pick up a couple more dozen.
So just did some home putting with these and they feel fantastic off the putter. Feel pretty much identical to the CSX. This makes me super happy! Now if I can just get the results I’m hoping for off the driver and longer clubs this ball is going to be money. I’ll stock up over the next 8 months so I have them lol. Although, I do have a bunch of the CSX still but you can never have enough balls!
[QUOTE=”ttucliffhanger, post: 9854676, member: 40538″]
Feel pretty much identical to the CSX
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Interesting! I found them to be slightly harder/clicky compared to the CSx. Not in a harsh way or anything, just a little different. Like I knew which ball was which. Though I could see them so that could just be perception. If I putt blind, who knows if I would be able to tell anything lol
[QUOTE=”Muchmore18, post: 9854853, member: 56094″]
Interesting! I found them to be slightly harder/clicky compared to the CSx. Not in a harsh way or anything, just a little different. Like I knew which ball was which. Though I could see them so that could just be perception. If I putt blind, who knows if I would be able to tell anything lol
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What putter were you using. The clickiness might have something to do with that. I was using a Strokelab Ten. I only rolled a few putts with them, so nothing long term, just initial assessment and I didn’t have the CSX right there beside it. It was just from remembrance. I didn’t have a lot of time. I will put the two side by side this weekend when I have more time. I have drill so there will be times when I am not doing anything at home since we are teledrilling and I will get another assessment and report back.
[QUOTE=”ttucliffhanger, post: 9854940, member: 40538″]
What putter were you using. The clickiness might have something to do with that. I was using a Strokelab Ten. I only rolled a few putts with them, so nothing long term, just initial assessment and I didn’t have the CSX right there beside it. It was just from remembrance. I didn’t have a lot of time. I will put the two side by side this weekend when I have more time. I have drill so there will be times when I am not doing anything at home since we are teledrilling and I will get another assessment and report back.
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Used the Toulon Chicago as well as an OG White Hot. I had them both side by side and was able to putt them back to back multiple times so that may be the difference. Can’t wait to hear your thoughts when they are side by side!
I actually had a box of Chromesoft X buried in the closet so I rolled some with both. I can definitely hear a little difference with my gamer. No hard ball feels bad to me with that putter though, so I pulled out the M Craft, aka the Popper, and can definitely still hear the LS as a little louder, but I don’t think it’s bad at all personally. Wouldn’t even phase me as someone who plays high compression.
OH, need to do another vid/sesh with it alongside the new TP5x. brb lol
I honestly don’t know if I can tell a difference in hand or ear between the LS and ’21 TP5x. Not even in playback. So that pretty much confirms that it wouldn’t bother me at all. More curious to get them out on course and feel them off irons now.
[QUOTE=”OldandStiff, post: 9855490, member: 53737″]
but I don’t think it’s bad at all personally.
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Yeah it definitely isn’t bad at all. If you already like the sound of the CSX, this won’t be a deal breaker
[QUOTE=”Muchmore18, post: 9855529, member: 56094″]
Yeah it definitely isn’t bad at all. If you already like the sound of the CSX, this won’t be a deal breaker
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Exactly. At least off putters. If you’re as bored out of your mind as I am in the rain, here’s a wonderfully bad video of the sound differences to kill 11 seconds of your day. :p
[MEDIA=youtube]DNb3t7KquHs[/MEDIA]
[QUOTE=”OldandStiff, post: 9855553, member: 53737″]
Exactly. At least off putters. If you’re as bored out of your mind as I am in the rain, here’s a wonderfully bad video of the sound differences to kill 11 seconds of your day. :p
[MEDIA=youtube]DNb3t7KquHs[/MEDIA]
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I can notice it there. Like I told [USER=56094]@Muchmore18[/USER] I hadn’t did them side by side, but the LS has a higher pitch, but nothing crazy. Looking forward to rolling them side by side this weekend at home since I have drill.
I got my hands on a box of the X LS in yellow Triple Track. Call me smitten. I was playing in a very stiff wind and this ball held its flight path very well. It feels fine off the putter. It stops great around the green. I believe it is longer than the standard X for me. I thought I had a ball chosen for this year, but this one is going to make me rethink my decision. If Callaway was offering the buy 3 and get 1, there is no doubt that I would go with this one.
I put these in play today. Windy as heck so I won’t judge distances with that much nature influence and variation, but I did have a couple thoughts while playing. For a high spin wedge person, they spin fine. I check stopped a couple pitches/chips on a dime with them greenside. One too much. I had one 3/4 58* that [I]didn’t[/I] rip, which was surprising in the moment. I think most everything else I play would have at least a little on that one, so there might be a little in that, but it’s too early to say. There was wind. Went nowhere and that was fine.
Distances seemed good. Nothing crazy, but again, wind. Felt fine off putter and the Epic Speed. Firm, but fine. Nice even. I like firm. With irons though, I could definitely hear it clicking. Need more time when it’s not windy and I’ll bounce between it and the TP5x to get a better comparison, but there were a couple that definitely leaned left dash-y to my ears. It was weird, because left dash sounds like a nigtmare off of everything to me. Only noticed it in the irons though. Definitely a different pitch with the Apex Pros. No real feel for spin in the mid-irons in the ripping wind today, but I plan to hit a few in the morning. It’s the mid irons where the low spin balls usually get me.
Sold some shafts today, so ordered me 2 more dozen of these today.
Ok, so did some more at home putting tests with these side by side the 2020 CSX today and here are my findings/results. The LS is just a tad firmer than the CSX. Very very minor though. I had said they are almost identical before but I would just update with they are very very similar in feel, with the LS being a smidge firmer. The LS does have a smidge of a higher pitch than the CSX, but again very minuscule. I will say the LS feels so much better than the left dash ProV1. Excited to get this ball out to the course!
I’ll be putting these in play tomorrow for the 1st time. Currently using the CS due to temps being below 50°. Tomorrow will start sub 50° but should be above by about hole 5 or 6. Really looking forward to seeing how they perform with the new lineup. MaxLS at 47”, Apex21 Combo and how they feel of the Palm Beach.
So first impression is pretty darn good ball. 2 hour frost delay this morning, ugh. Used CS for 1st 5 holes. Put CSxLS in play from 6 on in. Approach shots and around the green a clearly better ball for me. Feel and performance better all around.
Off the tee, paired with the MaxLS will still need some more experimenting. No loss of distance over CS, but no discernible increase either. Will turn the driver up a ° or 2 and see how it goes. Flight a tad low for my liking. Love the feel of this ball off the Apex21 pros.
I was surprised to see that my course brought in Callaway balls this year! Haven’t in the past and they had the LS! Will get some in the future.
Just played this ball in the tech studio and came away pretty darn impressed. Speed stayed consistent with the X, which to me was one of the fastest balls on the market previously. Definitely lower spin on full swings and overall a pretty good experience.
[QUOTE=”JB, post: 9862258, member: 3″]
Just played this ball in the tech studio and came away pretty darn impressed. Speed stayed consistent with the X, which to me was one of the fastest balls on the market previously. Definitely lower spin on full swings and overall a pretty good experience.
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Great to hear. Willing to give it a try. Can you compare side by side vs the XV?
[QUOTE=”ToddJ027b, post: 9862266, member: 9006″]
Great to hear. Willing to give it a try. Can you compare side by side vs the XV?
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Waiting on a few more XV and then I am happy to. The biggest thing for me with the LS, is anything in and around the green had virtually no difference in spin than the X. As we move further away, the spin decreased a bit, so that is a win for someone steep like me.
[QUOTE=”JB, post: 9862283, member: 3″]
Waiting on a few more XV and then I am happy to. The biggest thing for me with the LS, is anything in and around the green had virtually no difference in spin than the X. As we move further away, the spin decreased a bit, so that is a win for someone steep like me.
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Thanks. That’s what I want in a ball, and why I like the XV. That’s why I’m curious. I want… Less spin on full short irons, so I appreciated your tests and comments. Thanks!
Played this ball all weekend. Really impressed. More and more securing its place as the ball of choice for 2021.
I’m splitting a dozen of these with a buddy to see how they work for my game. I’m pretty excited to see what they offer compared to the CSX that I’ve enjoyed.
[QUOTE=”KEV, post: 9862404, member: 36767″]
I’m splitting a dozen of these with a buddy to see how they work for my game. I’m pretty excited to see what they offer compared to the CSX that I’ve enjoyed.
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Ill be curious about your thoughts.
[QUOTE=”JB, post: 9862258, member: 3″]
Just played this ball in the tech studio and came away pretty darn impressed. Speed stayed consistent with the X, which to me was one of the fastest balls on the market previously. Definitely lower spin on full swings and overall a pretty good experience.
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What is your driver loft. I found same with greenside spin and approach shots. Driver trajectory seem a tad low. Going to go +1 or 2 and see what happens. Was playing at 9°
A sleeve of these should be on its way to me for some testing. With any luck, I get them this week and put them in play Saturday.
[QUOTE=”shanewu, post: 9862816, member: 38120″]
A sleeve of these should be on its way to me for some testing. With any luck, I get them this week and put them in play Saturday.
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They are a good ball, I just need to tinker with my driver. I’ll be able to do some tinkering tomorrow.
Played the CSX-LS over the weekend and even though my ball striking was a mess the ball did very well in the windy conditions. It performed very well in the short game. Chipping and putting were very solid.
Well I played this ball a bit last time I played the course I did today, and played it a bunch today.
It is not for that course. ? Not that many are, or it was expected to be. It’s kind of the ultimate ball tester. The greens are rock hard and fast, and playing a harder ‘low spin’ ball had an undeniable and undesired effect on outcomes on approach. A little bit more release can turn into a [I]lot[/I], in a hurry there. I’m not used to having 50′ putts on wedges I land where I want to. There was something about how it bounced on the greens. Could hear and see that it was a little different.
Like I said in my initial impressions, I think it spins fine. Greenside appears good. Like it on the putter. It seems to do what it’s designed to do. And those things are pretty useful to a lot of people. I’ll play through the sleeve I have open, but I’m not sure it’s for me. Definitely not at that course.
[QUOTE=”OldandStiff, post: 9865615, member: 53737″]
Well I played this ball a bit last time I played the course I did today, and played it a bunch today.
It is not for that course. ? Not that many are, or it was expected to be. It’s kind of the ultimate ball tester. The greens are rock hard and fast, and playing a harder ‘low spin’ ball had an undeniable and undesired effect on outcomes on approach. A little bit more release can turn into a [I]lot[/I], in a hurry there. I’m not used to having 50′ putts on wedges I land where I want to. There was something about how it bounced on the greens. Could hear and see that it was a little different.
Like I said in my initial impressions, I think it spins fine. Greenside appears good. Like it on the putter. It seems to do what it’s designed to do. And those things are pretty useful to a lot of people. I’ll play through the sleeve I have open, but I’m not sure it’s for me. Definitely not at that course.
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I was actually going to put them in play this Friday but the greens are super hard and fast and after hearing this I may hold off for this week and use the sleeve of MTB-X I have.
Got a sleeve today thanks to [USER=56094]@Muchmore18[/USER] so I will try them out on Saturday.
[QUOTE=”ttucliffhanger, post: 9865621, member: 40538″]
I was actually going to put them in play this Friday but the greens are super hard and fast and after hearing this I may hold off for this week and use the sleeve of MTB-X I have.
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Is it a tournament? Will you lose money to or be mocked by your friends for your spin? :LOL:. If not, go for it man. It’s a game, and it’s gonna be a different/better/worse fit for everyone differently. To me that sounds like the perfect place to see if it plays for you. That’s why I used it where I did today. It seems long, too, so bang away and see what the benefits vs. drawbacks are for ya!
[QUOTE=”OldandStiff, post: 9865615, member: 53737″]
Well I played this ball a bit last time I played the course I did today, and played it a bunch today.
It is not for that course. ? Not that many are, or it was expected to be. It’s kind of the ultimate ball tester. The greens are rock hard and fast, and playing a harder ‘low spin’ ball had an undeniable and undesired effect on outcomes on approach. A little bit more release can turn into a [I]lot[/I], in a hurry there. I’m not used to having 50′ putts on wedges I land where I want to. There was something about how it bounced on the greens. Could hear and see that it was a little different.
Like I said in my initial impressions, I think it spins fine. Greenside appears good. Like it on the putter. It seems to do what it’s designed to do. And those things are pretty useful to a lot of people. I’ll play through the sleeve I have open, but I’m not sure it’s for me. Definitely not at that course.
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Would this ball be a big winner on wet soft golf courses?
[QUOTE=”MattyD-MPLS, post: 9865638, member: 51852″]
Would this ball be a big winner on wet soft golf courses?
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I’ve liked it on the ones I’ve played. It carries nicely, and seems to do well in the breeze. I really do like a firm ball, and I spin my short irons and wedges extremely well, so it’s been typical outcomes. On those courses I’ve had no issues.
[QUOTE=”OldandStiff, post: 9865632, member: 53737″]
Is it a tournament? Will you lose money to or be mocked by your friends for your spin? :LOL:. If not, go for it man. It’s a game, and it’s gonna be a different/better/worse fit for everyone differently. To me that sounds like the perfect place to see if it plays for you. That’s why I used it where I did today. It seems long, too, so bang away and see what the benefits vs. drawbacks are for ya!
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True. I like your logic. Not a tournament. I have a couple of those next month. First place, the greens are prestine right now. It’s at the Jack Nicklaus course near me. My other one at end of April I’m looking forward to but not at the same time. The course has punched the greens the Tuesday before our tournament the last 3 years.
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And before anyone thinks I’m dogging on them, I did hit what’s surely a personal best off the tee today with it. ^ Actual drive. You can see there’s kind of a dry line in the satellite photo where you go over and downhill a bit, but that actually happened today. The tees are backed up against the property fence and the goal is always to carry over that crest. Which I/it did, and obviously got good roll. So that was awesome.
And then that wedge in didn’t hold for ****. :LOL:
Well, a little bummed. Not going to get to take these to the course tomorrow as planned. Father-in-law asked me for my help and it’s supposed to rain all day and then get into some heavy rain tonight, so course will probably be a sopping mess and then rain Saturday and Sunday. Maybe next week.
The Chrome soft is one of my go to balls. Looking forward to trying to new version
Was going to play these for a few holes today in the muck, but a drive got squirrelly on me right off the bat. Don’t think they’re going to be a fit for me. Really curious to hear how some of you guys do with them this weekend that want some spin reduction. That drive was moving like a left dash. There could be serious benefits in there for the right players.
Played this ball today in some really strong winds. I gotta say, it held up really well in the conditions! It was able to fly straight, hold certain lines and not balloon out of control with the higher lofted clubs (one 7i shot non withstanding). I even had one rip back a couple feet with a 9i today so spin isn’t an issue when you need it. It pierces through the wind pretty darn well.
It does have its issues like any ball if you put an uncontrolled swing on it, but I’m all in on the LS for the year!
Let’s try this again. Tee time for this Friday afternoon. Weather will be sunny and around 55*. Going to take the kiddo out for her first round of 2021, so should be a good time to test it out. This will also be the first time out with my Mav Max fwy woods after they have been reshafted to a heavier/stiffer flex. Excited to see what this ball does with both them and the EPIC LS.
I used these on a par 3 course Saturday in windy conditions and these did very well in the wind. I’m going to do further testing between them and the 2020 CSX as one of these will be my ball this year
So got a little time with these today. I will say I’m super impressed. Love the feel through the entire bag. On the first hole I hit a long drive and straighter than usual. I was 50 yards shy of the green where as I’m normally 75-100 out from the blue tees. I played the whites today which were 20 yards forward, due to temps and wind. It was high 30s when I tees off. Winds were so bad I was clubbing up 2 clubs and still coming up short, but either way I loved the feel of this ball off the driver, fwy woods, irons, wedges and putter. Now my game was absolute garbage today but the good shots were fantastic with this ball. Didn’t really notice a difference around the green either. I did swap between this, the Snell MTB-X and the 2019 CSX TT. It felt closer to the Snell, but was firmer than the 2019 CSX. Didn’t have any of the 2020 CSX to put side by side but this is a great ball at first impression. Would like some time with it in some warmer temps to see what kind of engine this thing has under the hood.
Picked up a box of yellow TT today
Plan is to put these in play tomorrow and compare to the regular CS I normally play.
I played this ball today, second round with it. I typically play prov1x or prov1. The Callaway seems lower on drives but similar or slightly longer distance. Irons are similar . I’m typically a high spin player on chips, actually too high, so this ball works well with its lower spin. Not crazy about the feel. However I’m intrigued enough to keep playing it for awhile.
Ok, so, I got tagged to test these balls and I was honored to do so. I just haven’t been able to play until today. I didn’t put them in play until I was A. Comfortable with my swing and B. Sure I wouldn’t lose them immediately off the tee ?
I played the ball for a few holes on the back 9 today. First of all, I’mplaying my first round since October. So, I’m in no place to tell anyone it this ball is longer or not. Off the driver, it was definitely as long as the csx and zstar xv I was cycling between.
Off the wedges on partial shots, the ball seems to hold just as well as the csx. But, we’re dealing with spring greens. So, to be determined.
Now, something I can say without a doubt. Off the irons, this thing seems to launch significantly lower than anything else I play (csx, zstarxv, prov1x). Early results would say probably to a fault. At least for me. But, obviously, it’s my first round, and I’m an inconsistent amateur. So, time will tell how it goes long term.
Today, I put the yellow Triple Track version in play. Off the putter, I don’t think it feltsignificantly firmer than the pv1x that I directly tested it against. That is off of the new TT Ten putter. Will probably take my Toulon out next time.