There is no denying that we have seen a dynamic change in Callaway when it comes to their golf balls, and not just the fact that they have held the #2 spot since 2015 or that they have two of the top 5 selling golf balls on the market. No, we have seen Callaway truly invest in their golf ball manufacturing from top to bottom, as well as their design intent.
One of the easiest places to see this intent is with the ERC Soft. In 2019 the company carved out a starring role in what has become one of the most booming segments of golf balls with the ERC, but in 2021 they are looking to take a strong hold over it by designing something that truly fits how this segment of golfers play the game.
2021 Callaway ERC Soft
The company line for this one is that the ERC Soft is Callaway’s longest golf ball with soft feel, but the focus is much deeper than that. They have entered this golf ball cycle with a clear focus on the golfer and ensuring they are not just producing a variety of price points but having something for everyone as well.
This is a ball that focuses in on the mid-low handicap golfer who wants maximum distance off the tee and irons, but also is a more straight-forward target in front of you player who benefits from higher launch with straight distance that allows them to keep control into and around the greens. This segment is the fastest growing in golf balls, with some fierce competition brewing, but Callaway wants to change the dynamic of what type of product is available in this realm. No, the 2021 ERC Soft is not a urethane golf ball, but the reality is, few in this segment really and truly benefit from urethane. Instead, more comes from consistent and easy distance as well as a softer feel.
Make no mistake the ERC Soft is built for speed. Starting with the High Energy Core combined with the High-Speed Mantle, the engine to the golf ball is one of maximum ball speed generation meeting high resilience and a soft feel. But the big change to the new ERC is in the cover.
This ball uses a proprietary hybrid ionomer cover consisting of two key ionomers being combined with DOW Paraloid Impact Modifier made by DOW Chemical. This is what allows for Callaway to create what they are calling a “highly versatile” multi-material construction. This has led to the generation of faster speeds from the previous iteration, and not just that, it allows them to make a unique ionomer cover that is soft, but also exceptionally durable and extremely fast. In fact, Callaway’s testing shows 3.9 yards longer than the previous iteration.
Combined with Triple Track Technology, the ERC Soft is a golf ball which is designed specifically for how this segments type of golfer plays the game. From needing to maximize distance, relying on easy launch, and playing the more straight-forward strategy, it is a golf ball that checks a lot of boxes.
The new ERC Soft will release on 2/25/21 with a price of $34.99 and come in White and Yellow Triple Track models. Plan on checking it out? Be sure to jump into the conversations here as well as the THP Community and let us know just what you think!
The ERC is a really strong ball in the mid price category.
The ball doesn’t spin like the higher priced Chrome Soft. However, has a fantastic cover that feels very soft yet durable. I have always been a fan of the Triple Track. I use the Triple Track off both the tee and green.
Thats good to hear. I really enjoy triple track and and mid-price ball curious so here we are.
I also seem to enjoy swinging with the face open to path which means I don’t enjoy losing $ on the course. I’m also not one that really plays those checking chips shots, I’m much more of pick a spot and trajectory to let it roll out. So when I couple those together I’m curious how these will perform. And if it doesn’t work out I’ll stock up on Chrome Soft LS and call it a day.
I got to test a sleeve when they first introduced the latest version and have been playing them consistently. They are longer off the tee and irons than what I had previously played (Snell MTB Black), are durable and spin more than the 1st iteration and spin well enough for me. I do think it is more a $29.95 ball than $34.95, but I can live with that difference for the performance I am seeing.
Half were the ERC soft. A few thoughts:
1) Clearly there are financial benefits for me to playing this ball compared to ChromeSoft given how I was feeding the fishes today.
2) More importantly, I didn’t really noticed much difference in performance for how I play the game.
Will report back after I play a full round exclusively with the two sleeves I have left.
There was plenty of stopping power for me, even a thin 5 iron stopped within a few feet.
I can’t speak to how well it works for throwing in a low nipper pitch, but that shot isn’t in my game and felt my chips and pitches had above average stopping power for me.
#LFG!!!
The yellow was awesome in overcast skies, and Triple Track is legit.
This mirrors my experience. For how I play short game shots around the green or, which does not include that one hop stop type shot, I was unable to notice much difference in spin and these have plenty of stopping distance for approach shots
I think they really have something with this ball and cover.
I am. I’m a big fan. With triple track, performance for me, and cost it kinda sits in a sweet spot of what I need from a ball.
If I could clean up my tee game I would possibly game something Chromesoft to get a little more grab around the green but outside of say 30 yards this ball does everything I’m looking for.
I‘ve felt the same and loaded up on several dozen to hopefully get me through next year.
But what if new is better?
It usually is.
Then I will be really happy in 2024 assuming it still offers triple track ?
Or just play more golf and be full send off every tee to burn through the stash quicker ?
Q-STAR Tour is a urethane cover and the ERC is a firmer cover. ERC will feel slightly softer on full swings to most people and offer a bit less spin on full shots.
That mirrors my experience with those two. I played the Srixon almost all of last year, and the ERC a lot this year.
I would add that as a player with not a lot of iron spin, I didn’t notice a difference holding the green with 6-9i and only a little difference (more spin) with the wedges.
The ERC cover was more durable if you hit cat paths or trees a lot.
My skill level probably isn’t good enough to notice all the differences but to me they seemed quite a bit alike in feel and spin holding the greens. Neither back up for me when going for the green but neither seems to run out too far. I like the ERC quite a bit better because I seem to get better distance with both driver and irons. The ERC will be the ball I use in 2023.