2018 Callaway Chrome Soft Ball

We test the 2018 Chrome Soft and Chrome Soft X out on the course over a number of rounds

2018-chrome-soft-web
Golf Monthly Verdict

The 2018 Chrome Soft ball is ideal if you want that premium level of performance through the bag without the premium price tag.

Reasons to buy
  • +

    A very soft feel but without sacrificing short game control or long game performance.

Reasons to avoid
  • -

    The soft feel wont be to everyone's taste.

Why you can trust Golf Monthly Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

Callaway Chrome Soft Ball Review - We test the latest Callaway Chrome Soft and Chrome Soft X out on the golf course over multiple rounds to asses performance

2018 Callaway Chrome Soft Ball Review

Aimed At The Chrome Soft is aimed at golfers who want a ball that offers both driver and iron performance as well as a soft feel and short-game control.

Key technology A new graphene Dual SoftFast core has allowed for a thinner outer core and a larger inner core to enhance the ball’s speed and reduce long-game spin for more distance. A new urethane cover means the feel has been made softer. You can read more about it here. The Chrome Soft also comes in an X version for faster swingers to maximise distance. A yellow Truvis Chrome Soft option will be available from 19th July this year.

GM Review

chrome-soft-testing-web

Long Game The long-game performance of the Chrome Soft was excellent, even with our above-average swing speed. Distance was comparable to more expensive premium models from other brands, the flight was stable and the spin was low off the tee.

Short Game The Chrome Soft doesn’t just feel soft on chips and pitches, arguably softer than most in the premium/tour ball category, but it grips noticeably on the second bounce with a nice low flight when you catch it cleanly.

RELATED: Best Golf Balls 2018

Overall The price of tour-calibre, premium golf balls is only going one way (up) but in the Chrome Soft, Callaway has created a ball that performs in all areas of the game and for most swing speeds for less than £40 a dozen.

This is no mean feat, considering the infusion of graphene and the improved urethane cover, and it is more than comparable to balls considerably more expensive than those in and around its price point. It lives up to its name of feeling soft, which most people will enjoy, and has the short-game control to match. But more noteworthy is the fact that the long game performance, especially off the tee, hasn’t been compromised.

The spin is low and the flight stable and strong enough to cater for different clubhead speeds. Fast swingers are likely to see better driver and iron performance from the X version but without losing out on spin around the greens.

Joel Tadman
Technical Editor

Joel has worked in the golf industry for over 12 years covering both instruction and more recently equipment. He now oversees all product content here at Golf Monthly, managing a team of talented and passionate writers and presenters in delivering the most thorough and accurate reviews, buying advice, comparisons and deals to help the reader find exactly what they are looking for. So whether it's the latest driver, irons, putter or laser rangefinder, Joel has his finger on the pulse keeping up to date with the latest releases in golf. He is also responsible for all content on irons and golf tech, including distance measuring devices and launch monitors.


One of his career highlights came when covering the 2012 Masters he got to play the sacred Augusta National course on the Monday after the tournament concluded, shooting a respectable 86 with just one par and four birdies. To date, his best ever round of golf is a 5-under 67 back in 2011. He currently plays his golf at Burghley Park Golf Club in Stamford, Lincs, with a handicap index of 3.2.


Joel's current What's In The Bag? 

Driver: Titleist TSR3, 9° 

Fairway wood: Titleist TSR3, 15° 

Hybrid: Titleist TSi2, 18° 

Irons: Ping i230 4-UW

Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM8, 54°. Titleist Vokey SM9 60° lob wedge, K Grind

Putter: Evnroll ER2V 

Ball: 2023 Titleist Pro V1x