Callaway Supersoft vs Chrome Soft: Head-to-Head Comparison

Recently, a beginner asked me which golf ball to choose between the Callaway Supersoft and Chrome Soft.

I was relieved they chose a suitable alternative to looking at a Pro V1 TP5 or Titleist TP5.

In this post, I break down the features, benefits, and downsides of both golf balls, and I’ll explain which suits low, mid, and high handicappers. You’ll notice that the Supersoft is a simple distance golf ball, and the Chrome Soft is a premium ball containing multiple layers.

 

There are two main differences between Chrome Soft and The Callaway Supersoft

Construction

Callaway Chrome Soft golf balls have a 3-piece construction, as opposed to the 2-layer supersoft. You’ll notice that the Chrome Soft bears the added bonus of an ionomer mantle that sits between the cover and the core.

Callaway engineers used the mantle to support SoftFast’s core, which increases ball speed while lowering spin on long shots. The result is that mid to fast swingers can achieve optimal distance.

Contrary to Callaway Chrome Soft’s complex structure, the Supersoft is a simple 2-piece design. It has a soft compression core that provides optimal spring off of the clubface and an ionomer covering. You’ll find that these golf balls are affordable and suit slower swing speeds.

Cover

The Chrome Soft and Callaway Supersoft golf balls have a distinct difference in their covers. You’ll see the Chrome Soft sports an ultra-soft urethane cover, and the Supersoft balls are protected by a durable Dow Paraloid Impact Modifier.

I noticed that the urethane covers of Chrome Soft balls were pierced by sharp wedge grooves, which resulted in a high spin rate. I was less comfortable with the 2-piece Callaway Supersoft balls because they provided little greenside spin.

Rating of compression

You’ll find that the Callaway Chrome Soft carries a higher compression rating than the Supersoft, thanks to its complex construction. Although there is limited information by Callaway on the former’s rating, we know it fits into the mid-compression category. It is best suited for moderate to high swing speeds.

Contrary to popular belief, the Supersoft has a 38-point compression score. You’ll notice the golf ball springs off the clubface on long shots, generating consistent ball speed and low spin. For high handicappers or beginners, the additional spring assistance can be a great help.

Price

These balls are very similar in price. The Chrome Soft is a premium ball priced in the same range as a TaylorMade TP5 and Titleist Pro V1. A dozen Supersofts cost more than half that.

To save money, skilled amateur golfers will choose the Supersoft to keep their pockets full. The Chrome Soft golf balls are more suitable for aspiring professionals or low handicappers. You’ll find that they can justify the spending and are less likely to lose a box in one round.

Wedge Spin

Distance balls, despite all their positives and many other advantages, are not a good choice for the green. The Supersoft golf balls, which are low-spinning, offer limited control and hop-and stop landings, making them difficult to judge your shot.

The Chrome Soft’s soft urethane covers produce a high spin of the grooves, causing it to stop quickly on approach.

Pros and cons of The Callaway Supersoft

Pros

Low Driver Spin

You’ll see that the Callaway Supersoft golf balls contain a Paraloid hybrid impact modifier cover designed to produce lower driver spin. A reduced long-game spin encourages controlled ball flow and boosts forward momentum to ensure maximum carry distance and roll off of the tee.

Excessive spin off the tee can lead to ballooning of your shots and an aggressive descent angle. Your ball will land softly and provide limited forward roll, which can reduce your total distance.

My Supersoft spin speed was 3200 rpm, which is slightly higher than my average. It is still a good setup speed.

Ultra-Low Compression

Supersoft golf balls have extremely low compression and provide maximum spring assistance to the clubface, allowing for high ball velocity. This is great for slow swing speeds and those who have trouble striking high-compression balls.

The additional spring at impact increases your golf ball’s velocity and propels it high for maximum carrying distance.

Straight Flight

You’ll find that the combination of low spin and Hex aerodynamics encourages straighter ball flight to restrict the impact of wayward shots. The dimple pattern promotes direct flight and increases your launch velocity for optimal trajectory.

Entry Level Price

The Callaway Supersofts’ best selling point is their affordable retail price, which works for the average golfer. The cost of a dozen balls is more than half that of the Chrome Soft range.

Durability

Despite the basic 2-piece construction, I found the surlyn covers for these golf balls to be extremely durable and can withstand a beating. Even after multiple trips into sand traps and striking hard ground, the ball cover remained intact.

Cons

Limited Greenside Spin

The biggest problem with a distance golf ball? It lacks short-game spin. These balls are designed to fly straighter, further, and have lower spin overall. You’ll notice this hampers your ball from conjuring up a drop and stop landing for greater control.

Not recommended for high swing speeds

Low compression Supersoft is not recommended for high swing speeds. You may create excessive spin and lift. You’ll see that these features cause your golf ball to begin its descent earlier than intended, resulting in a loss of carry yards.

 

The Callaway Chrome Soft: The Pros and the Cons

Pros

Rapid Speed

The Callaway Chrome Soft increased velocity, resulting in an average of a mile per hour more. On a typical day, I could generate 134 mph in ball speed. But the Chrome Soft made it more than 135 mph.

The Hyper-Elastic SoftFast Core with Precision Technology provided me with an extra ball speed. The precision technology kept the driver spinning at bay and maintained ball speed.

Low Driver Spin

The Chrome Soft’s driver spin is extremely low, allowing you to control your apex as well as your forward roll. I achieved a significantly lower rate of revolutions per minute using this golf ball, below 2700 RPM.

Low handicap golfers should appreciate the lower spin rate as it induces piercing balls flight.

Flexible Hyper-Elastic Core

A 2-piece distance ball’s core is designed to maximize energy transfer, allowing for high ball speed and low spin in long games. The Hyper-Elastic Core adds spring to high-impact hits and increases friction on short-game hits.

As a result, you’ll find that the ball explodes off your driver’s clubface, generating escalated zip. To increase spin and control around greens, short iron and wedge shorts will keep the ball on the clubface for longer.

Higher Wedge Spin

To protect the inside of the Chrome Soft, engineers at Callaway chose a soft urethane covering. The cover was able to react perfectly to the sharp grooves of my lower lofted clubs, resulting in increased spin and allowing me to attack the flagstick.

I normally produce 9500 rpm backspin using a wedge. However, the Chrome Soft exceeded that by 200 rpm. I found the Chrome Soft to be very consistent and gave me control around the green.

Cons

Retail Price Expensive

The Chrome Soft, like any premium ball has a high cost tag. This makes it unaffordable for many average golfers. If you are a high-handicap player or have a tendency to lose your dimples on the links, it is not logical to spend a lot of money on golf balls.

Moderate compression

While moderate compression is great for high and middle-swing speeds it is not ideal for beginners or seniors who are slower. Golfers who use the slower speedometer might have difficulty producing enough clubhead and ball speed in order to properly launch it high and far.

 

Which ball goes further?

Chrome Soft traveled more with my medium swing speed. I averaged 272 yard of carry and gained approximately 14 yards on the turf. The SuperSoft, on the other hand, landed at 268 yards and then rolled an additional 11 yards to make it total 279 yards.

The Chrome Soft’s gradual lower ball flight, combined with its low spin rate and high ball speed, resulted in a remarkable driver distance.

 

Which ball is the easiest to hit?

The 38-compression supersoft is much easier for average golfers to hit. You’ll find that it offers exceptional spring off the clubface to maintain your ball speed and produce a high and long launch.

 

Which ball is cheaper?

The Callaway Supersoft wins the prize for being the cheapest of the two. You’ll see that the 2-piece Supersoft distance ball is more than half the price of a dozen premium Chrome Softs.

 

The Final Verdict

The Supersoft vs Chrome Soft review proved that both balls are excellent. Both serve different purposes. The 2-piece Callaway Supersoft balls are more suited for slow swinging high handicappers because of their low spin, rapid pace, straight flight and optimal distance.

Chrome Soft golf balls, on the other hand, are more suited for high-swing speeds and tour-like performance. They are long-flying off the tee, and spin high on green. Their premium price tag makes them perfect for low handicappers or aspiring professionals.

Callaway Supersoft Rating: 87/100

Callaway Chrome Soft Rating: 91/100

11/03/2023 11:09 am GMT