About this Review: This review is my honest opinion of the golf balls, which I purchased with my own money in February of 2021.

My take

The Callaway Chrome Soft X is a competitor to the Titleist ProV1x. These are X versions with a firm cover for faster swing speeds. The ball is designed for mid to low handicappers. This is a good ball and does everything golfers want a premium ball to do. But do I like it better than the ProV1? Let’s find out.

About the golf ball I own

• Model: 2020 Callaway Chrome Soft X
• Color: White

About me

• Average score: 78
• Handicap: 6
• Experience: 19
• Right/Left-handed: Right-handed
• Typical shot shape: Straight to fade
• Typical trajectory: Medium
• Club swing speed: 102 mph with driver

Test conditions

• When I bought this: February 2021
• Days tested: Approximately 90 days
• Where I’ve used it: Golf courses around the Orlando, FL, area
• Weather and wind conditions: Sunny, hot, and humid
• Turf conditions: Primarily dry, occasional dampness
• Green speeds: Average to quick greens

How it performs

What I was looking for

I was looking for a ball that cost less than the Titleist ProV1x but would still give me most of the benefits. The Callaway Chrome Soft X is a leading competitor in the elite ball world, where a few spins can make the difference between having a trophy at the end of the round or watching someone else get it.

Why I chose this golf ball

I decided to get this ball because I had already played the TaylorMade TP5, the other competitor to the Titleist ProV1x. In addition, some big-name players use this ball on tour, so I wanted to see how it would be on the course.

What I love about it

• Distance: This ball has good length. This ball is for golfers with higher swing speeds. Callaway has invested a lot of money into its new manufacturing plant. Its newest technology, the dual SoftFast core, is used to increase ball distance.
• Feel: The X version of this Callaway has a more rigid feel than the regular Chrome Soft. It feels crisp when putting, but I think it is a harder ball. This is a personal preference because some golfers like the harder-feeling cover on the ball. The Dual-Mantle system by Callaway is made to have the ball explode off the clubface. I enjoy the softer feeling of golf balls.
• Durability: The ball lasts three rounds before it needs replacing. There aren’t many scuffs, and it still looks pretty new. Most golf balls, in my experience, last about two rounds before scuffing appears.
• Color: The Callaway Chrome Soft x comes in white or yellow with a glossy finish. I like shiny better than matte at the moment. Who knows if that will change in the future, but this ball stays traditional with the glossy finish.
• Other: I like the crisp sound while putting. It gives me feedback on how I hit the putt. Usually, I’m not too fond of a harder ball, but in this situation, it is good to hear it because of the more rigid shell.

Issues I’ve encountered

• Green Spin: The ball around the greens is respectable, and I have had a few good shots, but I don’t entirely trust that it will check as quickly as I would like when I hit it correctly.
• Other: When using a driver, there is a higher spin. Other golf balls I’ve used have less spin, and it’s confirmed when I use a simulator—just something to be aware of if someone hits the ball with a high trajectory.

Best shot with this golf ball

On the 17th hole, I found myself in some thick rough about 135 yards away on this dogleg right par 4 on a windy day. I had a tree slightly in my way on the right side of the hole. A proper fade would work to get to the green, but I was in the rough with a lie low into the grass. My gut told me to use a 9-iron and hold on strong to fade the shot through the thick grass. But, at the last second, I decided on the 8-iron instead and gave it extra cushion in case I didn’t get all of the ball.

Once I committed, I went and just swung without thinking about the swing too much. It flew out very fast, but the ball went up into the air and landed very softly four feet away from the flag. I couldn’t believe the ball turned out so high. The 8-iron was the right club. I smiled all the way to the green.

Value for the money vs. other options

Is this golf ball a good bang for the buck? Even though it costs more, I still believe the Titleist ProV1x is a better ball. But this ball does more for the money than the TaylorMade TP5. I think the Srixon Z Star XV is an excellent, less expensive option.

Final verdict

This golf ball is made for the low to mid handicapper and is an option to consider for less money than some competitors. It’s a premium-level ball that can bring fun to your game. Enjoy the round!

Check in with a Golf Expert at Curated.com and see if they think this ball will work for your game.