The Callaway Supersoft is usually the top choice for beginners and value-minded golfers.
However, Callaway’s Chrome Soft offers precision and spin that may help more golfers than you’d think.
Read on to learn the results of our testing from a PGA professional, Brendon Elliott, as he and I share which ball is best for you so you don’t waste money on a ball that won’t help your game.
Contents
Callaway Supersoft vs Chrome Soft Specs Table
| Specification | Callaway Supersoft | Callaway Chrome Soft |
|---|---|---|
| Layers | 2 | 3 |
| Compression | 38 | 72 |
| Cover | Ionomer (Less durable, softer feel) | Urethane (More durable, higher spin) |
| Driver Spin | Lower (Reduced spin for straight flight) | Low (Optimized for high launch and distance) |
| Wedge Spin | Limited (Lower spin rates) | High (Enhanced control and feel around the greens) |
| Cost | $22.99 per dozen | $47.99 per dozen |
| Who it’s Best For | Beginners and high handicappers | Skilled players seeking precision and durability |
Compare the Supersoft vs Chrome Soft compression ratings against other popular balls with our chart.
Differences between Callaway Supersoft and Chrome Soft
- Compression: The Supersoft has a much lower compression rating (38) than most premium golf balls, contributing to its softer feel and less spin, which benefits golfers with slower swing speeds.
- Material: The Supersoft features an ionomer cover, which is less durable but offers a softer feel. In contrast, the Chrome Soft has a urethane cover, providing higher spin rates and better control around the greens, which is essential for a precise short game.
- Performance: The Supersoft is engineered for straight ball flight and distance with reduced spin, which is ideal for those with slow swing speeds. The Chrome Soft, however, provides higher spin and superior control, suited for advanced players with higher swing speeds.
- Price: The Supersoft is more budget-friendly, generally priced around $24.99 per dozen, making it an accessible soft ball option. The Chrome Soft is a premium golf ball at about $41.99 per dozen, reflecting its tour-like performance and high-quality construction.
If you’re new to buying the right golf balls, our PGA Professional will walk you through a process how to get the best ball for your game.
Callaway Supersoft
- Pros: Lower spin, straighter flight
- Cons: Less durable, limited wedge spin
Callaway’s Supersoft, known as one of the best Callaway golf balls for beginners, leverages its ultra-low compression core to promote low spin and straighter flights—ideal for players with moderate swing speeds. Its soft Trionomer cover and Hex Aerodynamics provide a soft feel with reduced drag and enhanced lift for longer carry and distance.
Generally, I am not a fan of ionomer covers, as they are not as durable as their urethane counterparts. My point was proven with the Supersoft, as I couldn’t hit more than 30 shots before I started to notice scuffs and damage.
Supersoft’s design makes it an excellent choice for those prioritizing comfort and straightforward performance, particularly golfers who benefit from a distance ball that minimizes the complexities of spin management in their approach shots and putts.
These balls can work well for seniors, but check out some other low compression balls for older golfers in our full post.
Callaway Chrome Soft
- Pros: High spin, durable cover
- Cons: Higher cost, less forgiving
Callaway’s Chrome Soft stands out with its advanced dual SoftFast core infused with graphene, optimizing energy transfer for high launch and low spin off the tee. This ball is designed to achieve longer distances with more control, thanks to its thin urethane cover that enhances spin and feel around the greens.
The tests I conducted found that the Chrome Soft launched at 31 degrees and generated nearly 1000 rpm more in backspin than the Supersoft. On average, my wedge shots stopped dead, and I could not ask for anything more around the greens.
Ideal for skilled players, the Chrome Soft combines performance with durability, making it a top choice for those seeking precision and resilience in their golf ball.
If you’re not sold on either, check out the best golf balls this year.
My Experiences Testing Callaway’s Supersoft & Chrome Soft
- Testing Location: I’ve used them on the range, golf course, and in the practice short game area at Wekiva Golf Club in Longwood, FL.
- Weather and Wind Conditions: Cool by Florida standards at 68 degrees and Windy
- Turf Conditions: Firm
- Green Speed: Roughly a 9.5 on the Stempmeter
- My Handicap: Roughly a 6
- My Swing Speed: 98 mph with driver
- Tester: Brendon Elliott
Callaway Supersoft Review
To evaluate the Callaway Supersoft, I started by hitting shots from our wedge range to assess its performance from 120 yards and closer. I also tested it in our short game practice area and played several holes to experience its behavior with various clubs and shot types. While the Supersoft isn’t a premium ball, it holds its own better than many other two-piece options. Its cover mimics a premium ball, though it doesn’t quite match the responsiveness around the greens or off the tee.
The Callaway Supersoft performs well off the driver, effectively reducing sidespin, but it lacks the explosive distance some other balls offer. This makes it suitable for higher handicappers seeking forgiveness and a softer feel. Overall, I’d rate the Callaway Supersoft a 7.5 out of 10.
Callaway Chrome Soft Review
I conducted tests across multiple areas to gauge the performance of the Callaway Chrome Soft under various conditions. First, I struck several shots from our wedge range to evaluate performance from 120 yards and closer. Then, I moved on to our short game practice area to see how it handled chips and putts. Finally, I played a few holes to test the ball across a broader range of shots and with different clubs.
The Chrome Soft performed solidly—it’s reasonably long off the tee and provides a good feel around the greens. However, it didn’t match the feel and distance I typically achieve with my go-to Srixon Z-Star XV. For golfers with slower to moderate swing speeds seeking a soft ball that still delivers a respectable distance, the Chrome Soft could be an excellent choice. I’d rate it 8.5 out of 10.
Alternatives
1. Callaway Superhot
This ball was built to amplify your ball speed while offering superb spin control. Its aerodynamic design minimizes drag and promotes higher flight.
These features help you achieve longer carry and distance from tee to green. The Superhot is finished with a trionomer cover, softened for heightened spin and control on the greens.
You can get Callaway Superhots for $29.99, and they come in white, matte yellow, and matte red. Note that boxes contain 15 instead of the conventional dozen.
2. Chrome Soft X
Chrome Soft X can be described as a modern tour ball. It offers a maximum distance for lower handicappers. Like the Chrome Soft, this ball contains a large, soft fast core and a high-speed dual mantle system designed to increase your ball speed and distance.
The soft urethane cover gives the ball a soft feel, creating low ball spin on longer shots while maintaining high spin and control around the green.
This ball is for the traditionalist and is available only in white. If its performance features tickle your fancy, be ready to pay $47,99 for a dozen.
- Callaway Supersoft vs Superhot; Tried & Tested For You
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Nick is the founder of GolfSpan and an avid golfer. He's not quite a pro but has over 15 years of experience playing and coaching golfers worldwide. His mission is to bring the golfing community a better experience when it comes to choosing the right golf gear and finding the right setup for your game.
