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
Really good results for me.
View attachment 9006758View attachment 9006757
86% fairways with some big numbers! Well done!!
Wow, does it get any better? Nice.
I go back and forth between this and Chrome Soft, but lean this way myself.
I had a regular CS in my bag and hit an extra shot with it just to feel that same round and I’m finding myself preferring the firmer feel. I used to be the complete opposite and didn’t like a firm ball, but this one I don’t feel is overly firm. Really like it. I will be going back and forth between it and the regular CSX this year.
I agree there. It doesn’t feel overly firm.
Looking forward to more thoughts on the comparison.
Definitely be putting it and the regular CSX head to head this summer. Just gotta get my swing fixed so I can really give some accurate data. I have started sliding causing my hips to thrust forward. It has been bad the last 5 or 6 rounds. I know what to do to fix it just gotta get busy. Haha.
It was in the 50’s last night and the Greens were not hold anything because they were so hard.
I hit a 7i in to a green and thought for sure it roll off as I’m sure we all have seen.
This shot with the LS, bounce twice and stop with a little roll. That ball had some spin on it.
Will be putting in to play for a full 18 on Saturday/Sunday.
My best driving day of the year was with these and the last two rounds were above average driving days for me.
I will need to order a few things before a golf weekend at the end of June anyway, so assuming my usual site has them in stock I will order a dozen at that time
Still don’t mind the sound or feel.
Irons were a little unpredictable too. Could have been partly from unfamiliarity, but I couldn’t seem to nail down exact longer distances into elevations and gentle breezes on the back. Would take more practice and the right courses to make work. There were a few that really stood out as a tough match on flight and spin windows. Haven’t noticed any real performance benefit into wind with it, personally. Doesn’t sound good off the Aped Pros to me.
Still thinks it’s pretty good greenside for a ball dedicated to lower spin. It checks pretty well on little shots imo. No issues with durability for my game that I’ve noticed.
I would say my experience using LS this weekend is the same:
Sound and Feel is fine for my ears
Driver – Might not be a fit – too little spin
Irons – Unpredictable – Like I don’t get enough spin to stop them close enough to "Pin Hunt" ( I have to figure some roll)
Wedges – That’s where this ball shines for me – Just checks up so nicely..
I’ve enjoyed playing them however once this dozen is finished – it’s back to V1X since I have them in "Inventory"
Callaway mentioned on their instagram that they weren’t real but you never know
I’m really interested to hear how they work for you too. You’re one guy I always think of when friends and I are talking about these balls. I really think you’re gonna like ’em.
I don’t really struggle with my spin being too low. For example, when I went to Titleist ball fitting, they fit me into lower spin ball. But if I were choosing, I would take a longer tee shot with shorter irons into green versus higher spin on long irons. I have hit 6 irons with this ball that stopped great. I am not hitting a ton of greens with my 4 or 5 iron regardless of the ball I use.
I have about $50 of shop cred burning a hole in my pocket. May need grab a doz.
View attachment 9015702
Do you fear putting the Cowboys star on there, that you will have great hope and fade quickly in the round?
Like, did you really need to make the state of my game this public?!?
Its pretty much my go to right now. Low spin off the tee and plenty fast.
Reminds me that I need to reload since I think I only have a sleeve or so left.
Continues to impress more each time I bring it out! Especially the short game with pitch and chip shots. I’ve alternated with the X on some practice rounds and don’t see any tangible difference in spin so it’s doing its job very well.
It’s also an absolute rocket off the tee of course and just goes with the irons!
hmm, like too hard?
was thinking about giving these a go when current supply runs out.
Edit: found the post in the other thread. That’s interesting cause I couldn’t play the prior year CS due to feeling like a marshmallow. maybe will just try a sleeve before a big order then.
All personal preference and desired performance but just surprised me obviously. CS and CSX LS are pretty far apart on the spectrum, so it definitely won’t feel like a marshmallow. It’s a really good ball for the people it fits. A lot of people here play it. It’s always nice to try a sleeve first instead of a bunch for me. I hate having a ton on hand, so I end up giving them away if they’re not for me when I do.
ball of choice, and it’s not close for me. Fits me well, and does everything I need it to.
How are you liking the green side spin?
I’m always willing to take them off your hands…
View attachment 9020422
Very Tigeresq of you with this shot! haha All joking aside, I have done this before, not intentional, but it has happened a few times.
I play the D7 Forged and the LS are noticeably more clicky than the CS and a bit more than the CSX but they’re not to the level of a 2019 TP5x or a Left Dash. I’d say that they’re definitely playable and are mitigated by forged clubs especially. The balls are absolutely heroic in the wind and in warmer weather I’d have no problem playing them. Generally though, I prefer the CSX for every-day play.
I have also noticed that the CSX-LS balls seem to get through the wind much better. Previously the TP5x was my go to on windy days but the LS ball has taken that space for me.
I play the TP5 as a gamer. The LS definitely cuts wind better and is downright pleasant compared to the 2019 tp5x. That thing feels like a rock.
When it’s blowing I tend not to worry as much about distance, but rather just keeping the ball on the fairway or in reasonable play. I can’t remember a time where I had a wild slice or hook with the LS that wasn’t blatant user error.
Driver seemed good and lower spin.
I just returned two dozen of the CSX for the LS. After my last round, I’m completely sold.
golf balls are hard for me to know if what I am feeling is real or just that day, but I remember absolutely loving this ball off the tee.
this shop mostly apecializes in apparel and custom carts; the only balls I saw available were titleist and Callaway, so worst case I pay the $40 for some sim time and stick with my current balls. I will also take some others I have in the garage: snell mtbx black, prior gen srixon xv, vice pro. They had every chrome soft there and all titleist if I want to look at ERC/AVX.