What do you look for in a golf ball? Is it distance? Soft feel? Accuracy? Maybe a urethane cover?
Undoubtedly, you are sitting there nodding your head “YES!”, just like the hopeless golfing addicts which we all are, so, what if I told you that Callaway has a ball which checks all those boxes?
What if I told you it is only $39.99? Do I still have your attention?
Well, what if I told you that ball was the ERC Soft?
2023 Callaway ERC Soft
Now, before you accuse me of trying to pull one over on you, sit back and see why the newest iteration of the ERC Soft does, in fact, check all those aforementioned performance traits off of the list. You see, while on the internet, we golfers tend to believe to have a golf ball that offers all of those things then you absolutely must use a “Tour” style golf ball, but there is much more to it than that.
When ERC Soft came onto the scene Callaway was looking to establish a foothold in what was the fastest growing segment for golf balls. The goal was to produce a ball which would not just fill a hole for them at the sub forty dollar realm, but one that also brought a soft feel, higher launch, straight distance, and control around the greens. The ERC Soft did that, quickly gaining popularity among the golfers who represent the biggest portion of the bell curve.
All of that said, although golfers have enjoyed the soft feel and extreme distance through its two iterations, some feedback fell into questioning just how different it was performance wise from others in the lineup at a lower price point, like the SuperSoft. Yes, the ERC Soft is a three-piece compared to the SuperSoft’s two, but there was something in the equation missing to really set it apart not just among other Callaway golf balls, but this segment as a whole. They believe they have done that now.
Don’t fret, the soft feel and extreme distance is still packed into this three-piece design, it might actually be longer. Callaway started with the core and brought their Hyper Elastic SoftFast Core over from Chrome Soft. This was done because the technology in that core works on a molecular level to increase the resiliency of the material by activating more cross-sections. That resiliency means even more speed potential without any sacrifice of compression or feel changes.
The High Speed Mantle keeps the energy transfer between layers efficient, and that is what ties the SoftFast Core together with what is sure to be the most eye catching improvement, the implementation of Callaway’s new GRIP Urethane Coating on the Hybrid Cover. This coating is focused purely on wedge performance and has a higher “elongation point” (how much stretch it can take before breaking) which quite literally keeps the ball on the wedge face longer to increase spin with a flatter trajectory as well. How much spin? Callaway is claiming around 400 RPM more than the previous version of the ERC Soft, which is a massive increase.
You wanted differentiation? It would certainly appear that Callaway was listening. If that wasn’t enough though, they are also bringing the ERC Soft REVA to market in 2023, which is the same impressive design, but with its unique purple and charcoal colorway for the Triple Track which comes standard on both versions.
The Details
The 2023 Callaway ERC Soft is aimed at the golfer who wants more distance, softer feel, and any extra spin around the green they can get. With the implementation of the new GRIP Urethane, hitting stores on 1/27/23 at $39.99, this golf ball might just take that segment by storm and increase Callaway’s golf ball market share surge even more.
Are you the type of player who could benefit from what Callaway is bringing to the table with the 2023 ERC Soft? Let us know why, or why not, on the THP Community or in the comments below!
[QUOTE=”El Rayo X, post: 11295998, member: 12075″]
TM’s Tour Response stripe is now $42.99…!
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Just picked up 7 dozen balls. 5 types. Gonna have a ball fitting personally. ERC, AVX, E12, Tour B RS, Duo,
I had a box of ERC Revas in my hand today. But I currently have too many golf balls, so I put them back ??
I sure do like that purple and gray triple track though
My 2 dozen of 23 ERC (yellow) came in yesterday. I might play on Friday and try them out. Normally, I’m a Chromesoft guy, but I’m willing to check this ball out!
Really looking forward to trying this ball! I have always been a Cally ball fan, since I started playing this game. Played the old Cally Diablo, and then the SS, which is such a good ball for high cappers, seniors, etc.. Need to step up my game, and get some “better control” on approach shots, and chips around the green. My CBX2’s do a nice job with the 2-piece ball I play. Bet it will be even better with this new iteration on the ERC! Looking forward to getting on the course, after I stop at the store to get me some ERC’s…
[USER=72342]@drb1956[/USER] take a peep in here!
[QUOTE=”hadi05, post: 11441963, member: 50784″]
[USER=72342]@drb1956[/USER] take a peep in here!
[/QUOTE]
What am I peeping at? I read that whole thread. Am I missing something? Sorry..
I’m going to put these in play this weekend, looking forward to comparing them to the ChromeSoft and Tour B RX.
[QUOTE=”drb1956, post: 11442032, member: 72342″]
What am I peeping at? I read that whole thread. Am I missing something? Sorry..
[/QUOTE]
Just wanted you to see the thread. 😉
I was looking at these today. I’m thinking the yellow TT would be good for me. I will try them at some point in the season.
They are in the bag and ready to launch! Hopefully the ’23 version is just as good as the prior ones.
[QUOTE=”Bernoulli, post: 11442123, member: 42734″]
I was looking at these today. I’m thinking the yellow TT would be good for me. I will try them at some point in the season.
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I like a yellow ball…
How are folks enjoying these?
The ERC fade is currently my favorite golf ball. I’ve used it now two tournaments in a row. It feels good off the tee box but it feels GREAT green side. The putting lineup markings are really good visually. I might get tomatoes thrown at me, but I might like it better than the TT!
It doesn’t have a ton of bite on the green, but it stops pretty quickly, which for a bump and run is priceless.
I know I mentioned this before in the ERC fade specific thread but it is so so so very easy to find. I don’t get into a lot of trouble on the course, but with a cartner, in a tournament, I get a bit nervous about not finding the ball. This gets spotted a mile a way by everyone in the group. Takes the pressure off almost completely. Played the full 18 with one ball as a result.
[QUOTE=”fuffle master, post: 11280727, member: 47863″]
While I may be a lunatic golf guy to some, I am more of if it works for me I am good to go. If the coating is good enough and I save 10-15 that sounds good to me.
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Same price as Maxfli Tour, which HAS a urethane cover…
I found one of these on the course today. Two chips stopped quicker than the earlier holes I played with the OG ERC. It was enjoyable until I lasered one into the heather trying to reach a green in two.
I think I need to go shopping tomorrow…
I have been playing recently with the prior version of the ERC Soft. I like its performance. I’m going to try the 23 version next.
[QUOTE=”Bernoulli, post: 11686763, member: 42734″]
I have been playing recently with the prior version of the ERC Soft. I like its performance. I’m going to try the 23 version next.
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If at times you’ve wanted just a touch more spin around the green from my limited sample size you’ll likely enjoy. I’m excited to give them a run.
[QUOTE=”Scooby45, post: 11686891, member: 62865″]
If at times you’ve wanted just a touch more spin around the green from my limited sample size you’ll likely enjoy. I’m excited to give them a run.
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That’s my hope. I really like how the prior version performs. A little more greenside spin would be great.
I’ve been playing the last version of the ERC Soft and like it quite a bit. Have a dz. of the ’23 model in the wings.
I was bummed they raised the price, but such are the times we’re in ( thanks Brandon 😡 ).
I’ve been playing the old ERC, OG Tour Response and Maxfli Tour S and find them all pretty similar, with the MF being the softest feel, But I think I’m going ERC when the current stash is exhausted.
I like the feel of the ERC soft. Definitely very similar feel to the chrome soft. I noticed ERC seems to roll out a bit more than the chrome soft on the greens with the same stroke power. If you don’t want to risk your chrome soft all the time this is definitely a good ball to use instead.
[QUOTE=”PharaohHB, post: 11702541, member: 60146″]
I like the feel of the ERC soft. Definitely very similar feel to the chrome soft. I noticed ERC seems to roll out a bit more than the chrome soft on the greens with the same stroke power. If you don’t want to risk your chrome soft all the time this is definitely a good ball to use instead.
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I find the same, they’re very similar in feel. I have a few ERC Soft in my bag that I use when I don’t want to possibly sacrifice a Chrome Soft, and the difference in feel is almost imperceptible.
Picked up a dozen. Excited to compare to the OG. Hope to sneak out for nine tomorrow
[QUOTE=”Scooby45, post: 11705049, member: 62865″]
Picked up a dozen. Excited to compare to the OG. Hope to sneak out for nine tomorrow
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Wasn’t able to get nine in but did spend some time chipping and a touch of putting. Mind you it was only 20 minutes but I didn’t notice anything markedly different when comparing the ‘23 to the OG side by side. That said, I’m not a robot so it veey well could be my variance in strike is overriding any spin gains. It was also on short chips which won’t likely show much anyway I wouldn’t think. Will have to get on course to see.
Big fan of the sharp point on the new triple track though. Just seems to being a bit of focus to the swing and cleaner overall look.
After getting in numerous rounds I can definitely say this a very solid ball if you want to keep off the premium price. My irons,woods and wedges in particular have benefitted. You don’t get significant roll out on approach shots into the green. You can really stick shots. Strikes don’t feel particularly hard but not so soft you feel like you lose compression. While putting took a bit of adjusting the three line really is helping with accuracy.
[QUOTE=”PharaohHB, post: 11730696, member: 60146″]
You don’t get significant roll out on approach shots into the green. You can really stick shots.
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I was able to throw some darts Friday and I’ve been told I’m not a particularly high ball hitter.
Had a few of these spin back a foot or so from the pitch mark today and it seems like it was checking up maybe a touch quicker on the chips. It was enjoyable to get that little bit extra.
[QUOTE=”Scooby45, post: 11730709, member: 62865″]
I was able to throw some darts Friday and I’ve been told I’m not a particularly high ball hitter.
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They definitely have some real stopping power. Yesterday I hit a 245 out of rough and it stopped 4 ft from the hole. Wild.
No real way for me to confirm, but it certainly seemed like I was getting a bit more check again tonight compared to the last model.
Also took a second putt when my buddy threw me his ball. Not having triple track was a bit unsettling. Really enjoying the added point on it.
Anyone else gaming these? I am seeing a bit more check inside of 30 yards which is fun. Really like the Reva colorway with the hints of purple and the charcoal.