Regardless of whether you put their balls into play, it would be foolish to diminish the effort Callaway puts into innovation in the golf ball space. They’ve come a long, long way in a short time. Making inroads in this market segment is insanely difficult, and many of the David’s have settled for battling amongst themselves instead of toppling Goliath. Still, great products with great messaging succeed more often than not, and Callaway’s 2024 Chrome Tour line looks promising.
Though Chrome Soft, and its variations, has been a strong performer for the company, Tour feedback inspired Callaway to embark on a bold “cover to core” transformation of their premium golf ball line in 2024. Most evident is the lack of the word “Soft” in either of the two flagship lines’ names. Yes, Chrome Soft does still exist, but it’s a variation of the Chrome Tour Line, or possibly even an alternative to it, rather than the other way around. This is a big deal. “The Ball that Changed the Ball” has become synonymous with what we know about Callaway golf balls, and this change indicates the company is ready to make their next big step forward.
While companies regularly emphasize one or two improvements to their golf ball lines in a given year, all indications make it seem like the Chrome Tour is a completely new ball altogether. Just look at what Callaway is saying here: New core, new inner mantle, new outer mantle, new cover formulation, new aerodynamics, new player number and side stamp, and finally a new, more unform paint application process. With all these changes, the company is leveraging highly advanced technology at every point in the design and manufacturing process. While it seems AI weariness may be setting in with some consumers, its application in things like aerodynamics has opened up possibilities that weren’t available even a few years ago.
Key Innovations
Hyper Fast Soft Core
Central to the Chrome Tour line (see what I did there?) is an all-new, Hyper Fast Soft Core. The hyperbolic name aside, this entirely new rubber system is designed to deliver more speed, and it succeeds at that according to figures provided by Callaway. The goal is for every layer to be compressed on every full shot, promoting ideal spin rates through the bag while providing all-important feel.
However, at its core (there I go again), the Hyper Fast Soft Core is there to provide ball speed, and even more specifically, driver ball speed. The new base polymer and other ingredients give Chrome Tour more ball speed for all three new products. With feel being as important as it is to the world’s most elite players, the key was maximizing this speed at a preferred or desired compression level.
Seamless Tour Aero
Seamless Tour Aero is, again, a complete reimagination of the Callaway golf balls’ aerodynamic properties. Each ball has been given a unique aerodynamic pattern that matches the individual launch properties of each ball to optimize ball flight.
What Callaway learned from observing Tour staff was that if a ball’s launch conditions (imparted by the aerodynamic properties of the dimples) didn’t fit into ideal flight windows for the type of ball they played, players would start manipulating launch conditions or making non-ideal adjustments. A simple example of that would be a player choosing a ball that offered too little spin with their irons just to hit their ideal launch window with driver.
Callaway developed an in-house Computational Fluid Dynamics tool (the picture above shows it in action) that not only enabled their engineers to visualize airflow around the entirety of the ball, but also down to each individual dimple. This also allows the company to visualize aerodynamics for the entirety of the ball’s flight, from the highest speeds at impact to the eventual slowing that occurs near landing.
This led to an industry-first dimple pattern that combines Callaway’s familiar Hex design with discretely placed round dimples. It provides flight stability from start to finish, unique to each ball for a variety of conditions. Callaway also leveraged their partnership with Top Golf for technology that allows them to accurately track the entirety of the balls’ flight in real-world conditions, validating lab results with over 10,000 shots.
High Performance Tour Urethane Soft Cover
Key to improved spin and feel is the all-new High Performance Tour Urethane Cover, which Callaway says is not only their softest-ever cover formulation but is also softer than what their main competitors are producing.
The company had to figure out how to take advantages of the benefits a softer cover provides, increased and more consistent spin, for example, while maintaining low driver spin. Feedback from Tour staff has been positive, with comments centering around the new cover’s softer feel, lower launch, and increased spin on wedge shots. This benefit trickles down to iron swings as well, as more surface contact results in more consistent spin rates from swing to swing, dialing in both distance control and lateral dispersion.
All these technologies roll into Callaway’s concept of Precision Technology and their desire to offer the most consistency possible with each golf shot.
Chrome Tour Review
Simply put, Chrome Tour is the face of the 2024 Callaway line. It’s designed for the better player that likes a slightly softer feel. It has roots in a Tour-only prototype that Callaway describes as a “softer, more penetrating-flight version of the Chrome Soft X”. If we are simplifying what the Chrome Tour is, that description gets pretty close, though it doesn’t bring the speed gains into the discussion. Callaway found that many Tour players valued softer feel around the green and a more penetrating flight than what the Chrome Soft X offered, and they wanted to fill that hole in the market.
With a universal desire to be both faster and longer, Callaway’s data indicates they’ve managed to succeed at besting their competitors on paper. The Chrome Tour approaches Chrome Soft X levels of speed, with a softer feel and flatter ball flight.
Chrome Tour X
Chrome Tour X is both Callaway’s fastest golf ball and highest spinning option. Though it carries forward the ideas that made Chrome Soft X so popular, the new core design enabled Callaway to best the driver ball speeds seen from what they claim was already the fastest ball on Tour. They believe that in addition to the performance benefits, knowing you are playing the fastest ball on the market is the ultimate confidence builder.
In addition to the tangible speed gains, Callaway is reporting that the new cover and overall formulation of the Chrome Tour X led to a noticeable gain in greenside spin. Using the 50 yard wedge shot as a metric, they are reporting over 300 rpm more spin than their nearest competitors.
Chrome Soft
Callaway’s goal with the Chrome Soft was take one of their most loved products, primarily designed for “aspirational” players, and improve it without taking away any of the things that made it so popular to begin with. While the speed gains they report aren’t as overtly impressive as what we’ve seen with Chrome Tour and Chrome Tour X, Chrome soft still manages to lead its segment.
Callaway looked towards Seamless Tour Aero to optimize distance with the Chrome Soft. By raising peak height, they managed to not only increase carry distance, but optimize the flight characteristics to provide more total distance. It should maintain the same low spin with driver as previous generations, with a slightly higher peak height.
Color Options and Visual Technology
It would be hard to dispute the notion that Callaway leads the industry in Visual Technology options. They offer a robust number of choices, ranging from standard white, to 360 Triple Track, to TruTrack, and finally the still-popular Truvis. In addition to the options seen above for the Chrome Tour line, Callaway will be introducing a couple new visual options to their lower-priced lines. ERC Soft will be available with what they are calling 360 Fade and SuperSoft will have a Splatter 360 option in 2024. SuperSoft will also be featured in a number of special edition designs throughout the year that will be worth keeping an eye out for.
Details
Callaway summarizes their Chrome Tour line by saying, “From cover to core, Chrome Tour is the new gold standard Tour ball for better players who want the best in distance and feel. Every detail has been optimized including a new core, inner mantle, outer mantle, and cover formulation. Chrome Tour is engineered for outstanding performance with exceptional speed, consistent flight, incredible spin, and greenside control.”
Make sure to follow along on the THP forums in the coming weeks as our forum members and participants in the 2023 Grandaddy, amateur golf’s greatest event, will have feedback to share.
- MSRP $54.99/dozen
- Available 2/2/2024
- More information at www.callawaygolf.com
Good stuff!!
I’ve been so excited for this release!! I’ve been loving them on course and there’s some really interesting changes. Here’s some thoughts and data on some of it for me and I can’t wait to hear the Grandaddy guys’ stories about their experiences with them and the testers that recently got theirs.
[MEDIA=youtube]dQVFeb0EaVw[/MEDIA]
They’re really good. From the speed to the feels to the aero. If I was a competitor, I’d be worried!
THE BALL
special special stuff here!
That Chrome Tour ball is freaking amazing!!! Look at the new alignment aids on the Triple Track!
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[QUOTE=”OldandStiff, post: 12046645, member: 53737″]
Good stuff!!
I’ve been so excited for this release!! I’ve been loving them on course and there’s some really interesting changes. Here’s some thoughts and data on some of it for me and I can’t wait to hear the Grandaddy guys’ stories about their experiences with them and the testers that recently got theirs.
They’re really good. From the speed to the feels to the aero. If I was a competitor, I’d be worried!
[/QUOTE]
The aero performance is what won me over quickly.
I had a tendency with the LS to flutter too much at apex, and the Chrome Tour has solved that. Now to decide between tour and tour x!
This is a great piece, Hawk!
[QUOTE=”Mmaynard11, post: 12046651, member: 19877″]
That Chrome Tour ball is freaking amazing!!! Look at the new alignment aids on the Triple Track!
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Triple Track Dagger!!!
I have three rounds with mine.
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[QUOTE=”xThor, post: 12046657, member: 19092″]
The aero performance is what won me over quickly.
I had a tendency with the LS to flutter too much at apex, and the Chrome Tour has solved that. Now to decide between tour and tour x!
[/QUOTE]
It’s so tough to decide. I was surprised they changed the aero but it’s been cutting through the cold wind like butter. I loved the LS, but I get that this direction suits more people and I’m confident I’ll be in one of them again this year.
Yeah the new TT alignment has me kinda thrown. Subtle change but I tolerate it so much better.
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Been using the Chrome Tour for a bit now and it took what I liked about Chrome Soft X LS and made it feel so much better.
[QUOTE=”xThor, post: 12046658, member: 19092″]
Triple Track Dagger!!!
[/QUOTE]
I like the appearance much better than the squared off version.
[QUOTE=”baylrballa, post: 12046671, member: 52381″]
Yeah the new TT alignment has me kinda thrown. Subtle change but I tolerate it so much better.
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I’m a big fan. Triple Track 360 is the king for me, but dagger is a close follow
Man I have been waiting for this to pop up. Was selected to test and here is what I came up with. I’ve played a round with each the tour and tour x and then tested them.
2024 Chrome Tour
[LIST]
[/LIST]
#ChromeTour #TheNewGoldStandard
2024 Chrome Tour X
[LIST]
[LIST]
[/LIST]
[/LIST]
Did Survey for Callaway that was sent to do on the cardstock. Final results.
[LIST]
[/LIST]
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Can’t wait to get my hands on 5he Chrome Tour.
New Callaway balls!! My write up will be a little less in depth than the rest of the guys since I didn’t get to play any rounds with them and have just been putting and chipping indoors. No need for me to write down all the tech either since the article has that covered and the guys will have more to say as well.
As you can see, the Chrome Soft X and Chrome Soft X LS aren’t around anymore. While the Chrome Tour isn’t a DIRECT replacement for the LS, that’s what everyone is going to take from these and Callaway knows that. One of the biggest complaints of the CSX LS was that while it worked out for people (me included), it still felt a little clicky and wasn’t quite spinny enough around the green. Like I said, Callaway didn’t directly replace the LS with the CT (their words were this was a Chrome Soft X dot coming to retail which was a ball a lot of their staff not in the CSX were using), but those that chose the LS as their ball are getting everything that they might have thought was lacking in the past ball.
Off the putter, I’ve tried to get a sound profile between the Tour and the LS. While the videos don’t do it total justice, you can hear the CT is slightly less audible. That translates even more in the actual feel of the ball. CT is the perfect “softness”l coming off the putter. Not total clickiness but not a marshmallow either. And depending on the face of your putter, you may be able to feel it even more. Both of these videos were taken from the Ai-One DW. But the feel is even more noticeable off my Toulon Chicago. If anyone wants sound videos from that, just let me know. But trust me when I say that if you were looking for a ball softer than the LS off the putter, you’ve absolutely found it. Off of wedges you can feel it as well. I’m only chipping, but this ball is going to be the one for me this year!
Chrome Tour
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Chrome Soft X LS
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I know I mentioned it in the Grandaddy thread during the presentation but they’ve thought of the smallest details on the reintroduction of their tour balls. From the color of the ball and wanting it to be whiter than what they used to do, as well as changing the font and color ever so slightly on the numbers. Nothing was left the same. Those may seem like details that don’t overly matter, but it shows a commitment to improvement, no matter how small it may seem.
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The final thing they changed visually was the Triple Track lines and I think it’s an absolute home run. Each side of the TT lines is now a pointed tip instead of the flat tip they used to be. Again a super small change, but one that will make it even easier than it already is to line up putts.
CT
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CSXLS
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I truly can’t wait to get these out on the course this year. This sounds like the dream ball and this entire line should be an absolute WINNER based on what I was hearing from the guys while they were playing a few weeks ago and while we’ve been talking about them privatly. I know there will be some tech questions that we will be able to further elaborate on or any other questions THP may have. And I’m sure I will be the least in depth post we have since I didn’t get to play actual golf with them. But I and the team are here for anything you guys have. Fire away!
[QUOTE=”OldandStiff, post: 12046669, member: 53737″]
It’s so tough to decide. I was surprised they changed the aero but it’s been cutting through the cold wind like butter. I lived the LS, but I get that this direction suits more people and I’m confident I’ll be in one of them again this year.
[/QUOTE]
I can confidently say I’m going to do a thorough ball fitting to decide between tour and tour x.
I didn’t like the LS especially around the greens, which is why I’ve switched to the CSX. I have a few rounds with each of these, and can say the Tour X is in the lead right now, but I wanna give the Tour more time. It’s impressive
More thoughts to come over time, as well as some data, but the spin from the X is crazy impressive. It’s immediately noticeable in a big, big way for me.
ooh. Lots of new in there. Really like what I’m reading there. The aerodynamics modeling and dimple changes are very interesting. It’s amazing how they can do that. Definitely gonna be giving these a try this year and see what I end up liking.
I cannot wait to talk more about these!!! I was a little late in receiving mine since I was out of town. Will have some good information tomorrow evening after getting some good numbers. Here’s some pictures to hold over haha
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I plan to dig in some more tomorrow when I can. Gotta get ready for bed and spend a little time with the kiddo but wanted to get my notes/thoughts from the testing on here tonight.
[QUOTE=”JB, post: 12046673, member: 3″]
Been using the Chrome Tour for a bit now and it took what I liked about Chrome Soft X LS and made it feel so much better.
[/QUOTE]
As someone who loved the X LS, that’s a powerful statement. I like it and will order a dozen!
[QUOTE=”xThor, post: 12046706, member: 19092″]
I can confidently say I’m going to do a thorough ball fitting to decide between tour and tour x.
I didn’t like the LS especially around the greens, which is why I’ve switched to the CSX. I have a few rounds with each of these, and can say the Tour X is in the lead right now, but I wanna give the Tour more time. It’s impressive
[/QUOTE]
I’ve been comparing them non-stop for a little while now andI still can’t decide! If I was fitting me it would be a no brainer on the numbers (X), but the Chrome Tour has been great on course. Surprising but not. And it does feel nice. I think it will be insanely popular and I’m just really excited for everyone.
I rant about people ranting about durability in the other vid, and things can and do happen
[MEDIA=youtube]jwL6-2NPTBA[/MEDIA]
but I’ve always played one for 5 rounds when I’m not hitting it off the junk.
Also I remember posting in the Grandaddy thread that EVERYONE would have a ball they like looking down at. It was a reference to this picture that we saw during the presentation. All those spots with a ball are what will be available AT RETAIL…the empty spots will eventually be available on Callaway. Literally no OEM offers the options that Callaway does.
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[QUOTE=”JB, post: 12046673, member: 3″]
Been using the Chrome Tour for a bit now and it took what I liked about Chrome Soft X LS and made it feel so much better.
[/QUOTE]
I switched to the CSX LS over the summer and really liked the performance and feel. I’m looking forward to trying these.
[QUOTE=”JB, post: 12046673, member: 3″]
Been using the Chrome Tour for a bit now and it took what I liked about Chrome Soft X LS and made it feel so much better.
[/QUOTE]
Welp, it looks like Chrome Tour will be taking over for my X LS ball meow, and I liked that ball very much.
Ooh, I like the line changes!
I was selected as a tester too. My initial thoughts after three rounds , one track man session and short game practice. My normal ball is prov1
CTx
Spins a ton off irons and wedges
Feel is very similar to the prov1x
A little shorter for me off the irons compared to prov1 and new tp5
I did enjoy playing it and could easily play it as my go to ball.
CT
For me slightly lower ball flight off driver
Similar distance off irons to prov1
Not quite as soft and spinny
I need more time with this ball as I think it would be the better fit
[QUOTE=”Muchmore, post: 12046741, member: 56094″]
Also I remember posting in the Grandaddy thread that EVERYONE would have a ball they like looking down at. It was a reference to this picture that we saw during the presentation. All those spots with a ball are what will be available AT RETAIL…the empty spots will eventually be available on Callaway. Literally no OEM offers the options that Callaway does.
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Custom truvis. :unsure:
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Does it get any more beautiful than a properly marked Chrome Tour?
Loved this ball. The driver and golf ball were maybe the biggest standouts for me at the Grandaddy. It has some serious sauce on and around the greens. I’m excited to share more thoughts here.
[QUOTE=”xThor, post: 12046706, member: 19092″]
I can confidently say I’m going to do a thorough ball fitting to decide between tour and tour x.
I didn’t like the LS especially around the greens, which is why I’ve switched to the CSX. I have a few rounds with each of these, and can say the Tour X is in the lead right now, but I wanna give the Tour more time. It’s impressive
[/QUOTE]
I got to play the CT for two rounds. It is farther and very impressive into the wind. Driver it excels and irons are consistent. I didn’t get the check around the greens that I expected. I was able to adjust and thinking it was conditions as much better the second round. Do want to try the x s as soon as possible.
[QUOTE=”Muchmore, post: 12046741, member: 56094″]
Also I remember posting in the Grandaddy thread that EVERYONE would have a ball they like looking down at. It was a reference to this picture that we saw during the presentation. All those spots with a ball are what will be available AT RETAIL…the empty spots will eventually be available on Callaway. Literally no OEM offers the options that Callaway does.
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[/QUOTE]
I’ve been expecting some initial barking about the yellow stuff, and have prepared responses for those inevitably whiny b*itches! ?
There’s [I]so[/I] many options. No one can offer everything.
[QUOTE=”blazinden, post: 12046757, member: 52080″]
Welp, it looks like Chrome Tour will be taking over for my X LS ball meow, and I liked that ball very much.
[/QUOTE]
It will take one round before you completely jump over if you are a LS user. They got the feel right, got the spin right and gave us a bit more speed.
Does the Chrome Tour X launch higher than the CSX?
Thoughts on the new Chrome Tour line of golf balls…
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Callaway has been making strides in all areas as a company the last few years. One area that stands out is sometimes overlooked by golfers and an area that if you ask some is the most important part of the bag…The Golf Ball! This year Callaway is releasing The New Gold Standard with three main versions (Chrome Soft, Chrome Tour, and Chrome Tour X). The answer to the question is the Chrome Soft going away is now know. It is not and it is only getting better.
Callaway is invested in the notion that they have created the most advanced ball the world has ever seen. What the world will see is a golf ball that has a Hyper Fast Soft Core, using a rubber compound that delivers faster ball speeds, a seamless Tour Aero dimple hex pattern and a high performance tour urethane soft cover, providing improved performance and spin consistency. All of this has been achieved while keeping the same feel that we expected from Callaway.
The process that Callaway has developed is mind blowing with them capturing over 100 million proof points during the development and testing of the new Chrome Soft and Chrome Tour lines at their Chicopee facility. All three lines were developed independently of each other. With that being said there will be a ball out there for everyone and that is what I am excited about it.
A high level breakdown of the three new lines before diving into my thoughts/opinions of the version I put into play.
Chrome Soft – This ball will be the lowest spin and have a soft compression feel focused on aspirational players in search for a tour quality ball. This isn’t the Chrome Soft of 2023.
Chrome Tour – This ball will deliver less than moderate spin and a more than moderate compression feel geared at better players seeking distance and feel. Callaway states that the Chrome Tour will be the lead horse in the new line of golf balls.
Chrome Tour X – This ball will be the highest spinning and have a firm compression feel geared towards the best players seeking speed and the ultimate in control. Several tour pros have already committed and provided feedback on this line.
At the Grandaddy, which is hosted by Callaway Golf & THP (you can learn more and read about the 2023 journey here) [URL]https://www.thehackersparadise.com/forum/index.php?threads/live-update-thread-–-the-2023-grandaddy-of-em-all-with-callaway-golf.8958078/[/URL] I put into play the Chrome Tour TT (Triple Track) ball over two days of competition at The Hideaway.
Initial Thoughts:
Appearance:
On first view I immediately noticed a different hue on the ball than previous years. Some will say that it appears more white, but I notice a slight bluish tint. During our conversation Callaway shared that they changed the font of the number and are using a deeper red. Great adjustments in my opinion. For those using the TT version you will noticed that the alignment aids have been changed and have a pointed end versus squared off as in previous versions. This is a welcomed change for me as from a visual perspective it provides a finite point to line your eyesight to. The pointed alignment aid provides me of a mindset of forward movement than just being a dead end. You will also see a change in the dimple pattern. To my eye we see a combination of hex and circular dimples that look less rigid as the 2023 version CSX LS. Same soft feeling urethane cover as previous models.
Font / Color:
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TT Alignment Aid:
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Feel:
There is a certain feel that I’ve come accustomed to over the last year playing the Chrome Soft line of golf balls. It is a great feeling to know that Callaway listens to feedback from their consumers and strive to deliver that same feeling and sound when releasing new products. For those interested the feel of all clubs remained the same for me (Driver, Irons, Wedges and Putter).
Ball Flight:
During my two rounds with playing the Chrome Tour I noticed that even with a light breeze ball flight was not impacted. During my two rounds at the Hideaway I felt my spin was cut down from previous versions of the Chrome Soft line, most importantly the CSXLS from last year. Apex on iron and wedge shots were inline to what I was seeing as well. Over the next year I will dive in to more data points as I test these on my Launch Monitor. For those that will gravitate towards the 2024 Chrome Soft ball, Callaway noticed during testing an increased Apex of almost 2 yards!!! That is huge in my opinion that want a ball that lands softer on the green allowing the ball to stop faster.
Green Interaction:
All amateur golfers look for spin and stopping power around the green. On several shots I noticed just that from varying distances. The ball would typically check and either take two hops and spin or stop on a dime. For me generating spin on green side shots doesn’t always happen as I tend to flip the ball due to a lot of wrist action. Even when that occurred the Chrome Tour would stop fairly quick. If you want the ball to roll out, fear none as it was apparent Callaway took everything in to account.
Durability:
As consumers we look for value, tech and durability. How often do you find yourself hitting all your shots on the green stuff? I know that I do not and tend to look for a golf ball that can stand up against the rigors the golf club, cart paths, trees, sand and other objects can impart on the surface. Over my two rounds at the Hideaway I found myself coming into contact with these surfaces and did not notice any markings on the cover. This is a good thing because if I see a scuff or marking on the golf ball I will tend to take it out of play. This will be an area of focus as I go through my testing this year.
Overall Thoughts:
The Chrome Tour is going to be an area that I focus on that in the long term will improve my scoring. The increased ball speed, in turn will relate to more distance across the board. However ball speed and distance is not the area that I am most excited about…that is the spin consistency and interaction with how the ball interacts with shots into the green. The feel is a quality that you often don’t think about with the ball. This quality shines as I like a soft feeling golf ball that will work for me as I don’t have a very fast swing speed. The durability will be a key factor as well for me as I want to be able to use the golf ball for more than a single round. Get excited folks as the Chrome Tour ball is going to turn some heads.
A few more thoughts…
These will be available approximately around 2/2/24
Pricing increased from the previous line to $54.99
These will be available in retail stores:
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For those disappointed about the missing versions of the various lines…don’t worry as every line is available online at Callaway Golf!!! That is huge if you ask me…right [USER=9473]@Just_Brad[/USER] ???
Every ball goes through a very intense inspection process before being packaged for retail. Callaway takes it a step further, each sleeve of golf balls comes with a QR code that can be scanned should you feel the ball isn’t performing or feels weird. Call Callaway support and they will ask you to scan that QR code and they can review the details for that batch of balls. Now that is over the top and the motto of Callaway not releasing something until they know it’s right!
Let me know if you have any questions and get ready for “The New Gold Standard” in golf balls.
Let me know if you have questions
[QUOTE=”Muchmore, post: 12046741, member: 56094″]
Also I remember posting in the Grandaddy thread that EVERYONE would have a ball they like looking down at. It was a reference to this picture that we saw during the presentation. All those spots with a ball are what will be available AT RETAIL…the empty spots will eventually be available on Callaway. Literally no OEM offers the options that Callaway does.
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[/QUOTE]
This is exciting and I want to emphasize that they plan to fill those empty boxes buying direct. Maybe not at release, but soon. I have loved TruTrack and the idea of yellow TruTrack and Yellow TT360 makes me giddy.
[QUOTE=”baylrballa, post: 12046763, member: 52381″]
Custom truvis. :unsure:
[/QUOTE]
TruTrack is taking over for truvis as a whole. So Custom Truvis will be more like what we see now with the limited offerings is how I understood it.
[QUOTE=”JB, post: 12046776, member: 3″]
It will take one round before you completely jump over if you are a LS user. They got the feel right, got the spin right and gave us a bit more speed.
[/QUOTE]
They will definitely be in the bag for WWGC at Briggs.
[QUOTE=”OldandStiff, post: 12046770, member: 53737″]
No one can offer everything.
[/QUOTE]
Yeah, but Callaway is offering everything
[QUOTE=”Mmaynard11, post: 12046782, member: 19877″]
Thoughts on the new Chrome Tour line of golf balls…
[ATTACH=full]9234120[/ATTACH]
Callaway has been making strides in all areas as a company the last few years. One area that stands out is sometimes overlooked by golfers and an area that if you ask some is the most important part of the bag…The Golf Ball! This year Callaway is releasing The New Gold Standard with three main versions (Chrome Soft, Chrome Tour, and Chrome Tour X). The answer to the question is the Chrome Soft going away is now know. It is not and it is only getting better.
Callaway is invested in the notion that they have created the most advanced ball the world has ever seen. What the world will see is a golf ball that has a Hyper Fast Soft Core, using a rubber compound that delivers faster ball speeds, a seamless Tour Aero dimple hex pattern and a high performance tour urethane soft cover, providing improved performance and spin consistency. All of this has been achieved while keeping the same feel that we expected from Callaway.
The process that Callaway has developed is mind blowing with them capturing over 100 million proof points during the development and testing of the new Chrome Soft and Chrome Tour lines at their Chicopee facility. All three lines were developed independently of each other. With that being said there will be a ball out there for everyone and that is what I am excited about it.
A high level breakdown of the three new lines before diving into my thoughts/opinions of the version I put into play.
Chrome Soft – This ball will be the lowest spin and have a soft compression feel focused on aspirational players in search for a tour quality ball. This isn’t the Chrome Soft of 2023.
Chrome Tour – This ball will deliver less than moderate spin and a more than moderate compression feel geared at better players seeking distance and feel. Callaway states that the Chrome Tour will be the lead horse in the new line of golf balls.
Chrome Tour X – This ball will be the highest spinning and have a firm compression feel geared towards the best players seeking speed and the ultimate in control. Several tour pros have already committed and provided feedback on this line.
At the Grandaddy, which is hosted by Callaway Golf & THP (you can learn more and read about the 2023 journey here) (insert link), I put into play the Chrome Tour TT (Triple Track) ball over two days of competition at The Hideaway.
Initial Thoughts:
Appearance:
On first view I immediately noticed a different hue on the ball than previous years. Some will say that it appears more white, but I notice a slight bluish tint. During our conversation Callaway shared that they changed the font of the number and are using a deeper red. Great adjustments in my opinion. For those using the TT version you will noticed that the alignment aids have been changed and have a pointed end versus squared off as in previous versions. This is a welcomed change for me as from a visual perspective it provides a finite point to line your eyesight to. The pointed alignment aid provides me of a mindset of forward movement than just being a dead end. You will also see a change in the dimple pattern. To my eye we see a combination of hex and circular dimples that look less rigid as the 2023 version CSX LS. Same soft feeling urethane cover as previous models.
Font / Color:
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TT Alignment Aid:
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Feel:
There is a certain feel that I’ve come accustomed to over the last year playing the Chrome Soft line of golf balls. It is a great feeling to know that Callaway listens to feedback from their consumers and strive to deliver that same feeling and sound when releasing new products. For those interested the feel of all clubs remained the same for me (Driver, Irons, Wedges and Putter).
Ball Flight:
During my two rounds with playing the Chrome Tour I noticed that even with a light breeze ball flight was not impacted. During my two rounds at the Hideaway I felt my spin was cut down from previous versions of the Chrome Soft line, most importantly the CSXLS from last year. Apex on iron and wedge shots were inline to what I was seeing as well. Over the next year I will dive in to more data points as I test these on my Launch Monitor. For those that will gravitate towards the 2024 Chrome Soft ball, Callaway noticed during testing an increased Apex of almost 2 yards!!! That is huge in my opinion that want a ball that lands softer on the green allowing the ball to stop faster.
Green Interaction:
All amateur golfers look for spin and stopping power around the green. On several shots I noticed just that from varying distances. The ball would typically check and either take two hops and spin or stop on a dime. For me generating spin on green side shots doesn’t always happen as I tend to flip the ball due to a lot of wrist action. Even when that occurred the Chrome Tour would stop fairly quick. If you want the ball to roll out, fear none as it was apparent Callaway took everything in to account.
Durability:
As consumers we look for value, tech and durability. How often do you find yourself hitting all your shots on the green stuff? I know that I do not and tend to look for a golf ball that can stand up against the rigors the golf club, cart paths, trees, sand and other objects can impart on the surface. Over my two rounds at the Hideaway I found myself coming into contact with these surfaces and did not notice any markings on the cover. This is a good thing because if I see a scuff or marking on the golf ball I will tend to take it out of play. This will be an area of focus as I go through my testing this year.
Overall Thoughts:
The Chrome Tour is going to be an area that I focus on that in the long term will improve my scoring. The increased ball speed, in turn will relate to more distance across the board. However ball speed and distance is not the area that I am most excited about…that is the spin consistency and interaction with how the ball interacts with shots into the green. The feel is a quality that you often don’t think about with the ball. This quality shines as I like a soft feeling golf ball that will work for me as I don’t have a very fast swing speed. The durability will be a key factor as well for me as I want to be able to use the golf ball for more than a single round. Get excited folks as the Chrome Tour ball is going to turn some heads.
A few more thoughts…
These will be available approximately around 2/2/24
Pricing increased from the previous line to $54.99
These will be available in retail stores:
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For those disappointed about the missing versions of the various lines…don’t worry as every line is available online at Callaway Golf!!! That is huge if you ask me…right [USER=9473]@Just_Brad[/USER] ???
Every ball goes through a very intense inspection process before being packaged for retail. Callaway takes it a step further, each sleeve of golf balls comes with a QR code that can be scanned should you feel the ball isn’t performing or feels weird. Call Callaway support and they will ask you to scan that QR code and they can review the details for that batch of balls. Now that is over the top and the motto of Callaway not releasing something until they know it’s right!
Let me know if you have any questions and get ready for “The New Gold Standard” in golf balls.
Let me know if you have questions
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TLDR j/k.
Seriously, when I asked the question in presentations about offerings, it was more out of curiosity. Assuming certain models would have/should have definitely been available…..
And then [USER=19461]@JasonFinleyCG[/USER] bombs us with “all versions shown that don’t show an X in the graphic, are available though callawaygolf.com”
Mind blown. But I still want a red Chrome Soft or Chrome Tour!!!
[QUOTE=”jdtox, post: 12046734, member: 5944″]
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Yes how cool is that. The video we saw while at the Grandaddy of the pros talking about the New Gold Standard was awesome.
[QUOTE=”Muchmore, post: 12046741, member: 56094″]
Also I remember posting in the Grandaddy thread that EVERYONE would have a ball they like looking down at. It was a reference to this picture that we saw during the presentation. All those spots with a ball are what will be available AT RETAIL…the empty spots will eventually be available on Callaway. Literally no OEM offers the options that Callaway does.
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When we heard that minds were blown! The extra mile that Callaway goes is crazy.
I’m torn on this. CSX has been the ball I want that spin. I also want the 360 triple track which only appears to be ChromeSoft.
Going to need to give them all an on course try.
[QUOTE=”Muchmore, post: 12046741, member: 56094″]
Also I remember posting in the Grandaddy thread that EVERYONE would have a ball they like looking down at. It was a reference to this picture that we saw during the presentation. All those spots with a ball are what will be available AT RETAIL…the empty spots will eventually be available on Callaway. Literally no OEM offers the options that Callaway does.
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Wait so 360 TT will at some point be an option from Callaway on CTX? This makes my day if true
This part from the article is what excites me.
“A simple example of that would be a player choosing a ball that offered too little spin with their irons just to hit their ideal launch window with driver.”
This has been my battle with the CSX LS. I love that off the tee but don’t get enough spin on irons & hybrids. CSX gets me too much spin off the tee. I cannot wait to try these balls out!
[QUOTE=”GolfFest, post: 12046812, member: 20124″]
I’m torn on this. CSX has been the ball I want that spin. I also want the 360 triple track which only appears to be ChromeSoft.
Going to need to give them all an on course try.
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360 TT will be available on all balls direct from Callaway. The graphic shows just what’s available at retail
[QUOTE=”GolfFest, post: 12046818, member: 20124″]
Wait so 360 TT will at some point be an option from Callaway on CTX? This makes my day if true
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Yes sir!
[QUOTE=”Mmaynard11, post: 12046651, member: 19877″]
That Chrome Tour ball is freaking amazing!!! Look at the new alignment aids on the Triple Track!
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I am really going to try to make Triple Track a thing this year haha
It won’t happen, but damnit I’m going to try. [USER=24739]@vgolfman[/USER] would be proud.
[QUOTE=”Canadan, post: 12046842, member: 2320″]
I am really going to try to make Triple Track a thing this year haha
It won’t happen, but damnit I’m going to try. [USER=24739]@vgolfman[/USER] would be proud.
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For so long I was against it, but I gave in. It made sense now every other golf ball I see looks awkward!
I think you need to make [USER=24739]@vgolfman[/USER] proud!
I am excited to get more time with these this weekend. I was able to play one round with the Tour X and liked what I saw. Plenty of stopping power and impressive distance off the tee. I am going to try the Tour to start my next round and super excited given the initial thoughts in comparison to the X LS.
Great article [USER=1193]@Hawk[/USER]!
I see some expensive ball testing in my 2024 future