Callaway Supersoft vs Chrome Soft: Head-to-Head Comparison

A beginner recently asked me which golf ball they should choose between the Callaway Supersoft vs Chrome Soft.

I was relieved that they had picked a suitable option rather than looking at a Pro V1 or Titleist TP5.

In this post, I break down the features, benefits, and downsides of both golf balls, and I’ll explain which suits low, mid, and high handicappers. You’ll notice that the Supersoft is a simple distance golf ball, and the Chrome Soft is a premium ball containing multiple layers.

Main Differences Between The Callaway Supersoft and Chrome Soft

Construction

Callaway Chrome Soft golf balls carry a 3-piece construction compared to the basic 2-layer supersoft. You’ll notice that the Chrome Soft bears the added bonus of an ionomer mantle that sits between the cover and the core.

Callaway engineers employed the mantle to support the SoftFast core, which boosts ball speed and lowers spin on long shots. As a result, mid to fast swingers produce optimal distance.

Contrary to the complex structure of the Callaway Chrome Soft, you have the simple 2-piece design of the Supersoft. It consists of a soft compression core for optimal spring off the clubface, as well as an ionomer cover. You’ll find that these golf balls are affordable and suit slower swing speeds.

Cover

The other clear difference between the Callaway Supersoft golf ball and the Chrome Soft is their covers. You’ll see the Chrome Soft sports an ultra-soft urethane cover, and the Supersoft balls are protected by a durable Dow Paraloid Impact Modifier.

I noticed that sharp wedge grooves bite deeply into the urethane cover on a Chrome Soft ball, generating an elevated spin rate. Conversely, the 2-piece Callaway Supersoft ball provided minimal greenside spin, reducing my short game control.

Compression Rating

You’ll find that the Callaway Chrome Soft carries a higher compression rating than the Supersoft, thanks to its complex construction. Although there is limited information by Callaway on the former’s rating, we know it fits into the mid-compression category. As a result, it best suits moderate to high swing speed.

Contrarily, the Supersoft boasts an ultra-low compression score of 38. You’ll notice the golf ball springs off the clubface on long shots, generating consistent ball speed and low spin. In addition, the added spring assistance works for beginners and high handicappers in dire need of increased ball velocity.

Price

Comparing the price tags of these balls provide a stark comparison. On the one hand, there is the Chrome Soft, a premium golf ball priced in the league of a Titleist Pro V1 or TaylorMade TP5. On the other hand, a dozen Supersofts are more than half the cost.

Astute amateur golfers will opt for the more affordable Supersoft to avoid burning a deep hole in their wallets. A low handicapper or aspiring professional is better positioned to use the premium Chrome Soft golf balls. You’ll find that they can justify the spending and are less likely to lose a box in one round.

Wedge Spin

With all their positives, distance balls are a non-starter around the green. The low-spinning Supersoft golf balls provide limited control and hop-and-stop landings, making it difficult to judge your shot.

Conversely, the soft urethane cover that adorns the Chrome Soft produces a high spin off the grooves to stop rapidly on approach.

Pros and Cons of The Callaway Supersoft

Pros

Low Driver Spin

You’ll see that the Callaway Supersoft golf balls contain a Paraloid hybrid impact modifier cover designed to produce lower driver spin. Reduced long-game spin prompts controlled ball flight and boosts forward momentum for maximum carry distance and roll off the tee.

If you generate excess spin off the tee, you risk ballooning your shots and producing an aggressive descent angle. As a result, your ball lands softly and provides limited forward roll costing you total distance.

In my case, the Supersoft provided a 3200 rpm spin, marginally higher than my average. However, it is still relatively low for setup.

Ultra-Low Compression

Supersoft golf balls feature ultra-low compression, providing maximum spring assistance off the clubface for rampant ball velocity. I find this helpful for slow swing speeds who struggle to consistently strike high-compression balls.

The added spring you enjoy at impact prompts accelerated velocity and elevates your golf ball high and long for maximum carry distance.

Straight Flight

You’ll find that the combination of low spin and Hex aerodynamics encourages straighter ball flight to restrict the impact of wayward shots. Besides promoting direct flight, the dimple pattern ensures low drag to elevate your launch for optimal trajectory and improved accuracy.

Entry Level Price

Arguably, the best feature of the Callaway Supersofts is their entry-level retail price that works for the average golfer. A dozen balls retail for more than half the price of the Chrome Soft range.

Durability

Despite its basic 2-piece construction, I found that the surlyn covers on these golf balls are highly durable and can withstand a beating. Even after several trips into the sand trap and striking the hard ground, the ball cover remained intact and unscathed.

Cons

Limited Greenside Spin

The biggest downside of a distance golf ball is the lack of short-game spin. These balls are built to fly straighter and further, leading to lower spin overall. You’ll notice this hampers your ball from conjuring up a drop and stop landing for greater control.

Not Ideal For High Swing Speed

Finally, I do not suggest high swing speeds use the low compression Supersoft, as you may generate excess spin and lift. You’ll see that these features cause your golf ball to begin its descent earlier than intended, resulting in a loss of carry yards.

Pros and Cons of The Callaway Chrome Soft

Pros

Rapid Ball Speed

The Callaway Chrome Soft prompted amplified velocity off the face, providing an extra mile per hour on average. On a standard day, I generated 134 mph ball speed, and the Chrome Soft pushed it beyond 135 mph.

I found the added ball speed stems from a Hyper-Elastic SoftFast Core and Precision Technology. The core increased energy transfer at impact, while the precision technology maintained ball speed and reduced driver spin.

Low Driver Spin

Another long-game advantage the Chrome Soft provides is the exceptionally low driver spin to control your apex and forward roll. I produced substantially fewer revolutions per minute with this golf ball, reaching below 2700 rpm.

Lower handicap golfers with higher swing speeds should appreciate the reduced spin rate, as it induces piercing ball flight.

Versatile Hyper-Elastic Core

The core in a 2-piece distance ball is built to maximize energy transfer for rapid ball speed and low spin in your long game. However, the Hyper-Elastic Core produces added spring on high-impact strikes while enhancing friction on short-game hits.

As a result, you’ll find that the ball explodes off your driver’s clubface, generating escalated zip. Conversely, the ball stays on the clubface longer on short iron and wedge shorts to boost spin and control around the green.

Higher Wedge Spin

Callaway engineers selected a soft urethane cover to protect the inner workings of the Chrome Soft. I felt the cover react flawlessly to the sharp grooves on my weaker lofted clubs resulting in escalated spin and enabling me to attack the flagstick.

Usually, I produce 9500 rpm backspin with a wedge, and I found the Chrome Soft exceeded it by 200 rpm. Overall, I enjoyed the control and consistency it afforded me around the green.

Cons

Expensive Retail Price

Like any premium ball, the Chrome Soft carries a high price tag which rules it out for many average golfers. Purchasing expensive golf balls makes no sense when you are a mid or high-handicap player and frequently lose dimples around the links.

Moderate Compression

Although moderate compression suits high and mid-swing speeds, it is not suitable for slower-swinging seniors or beginners. Golfers tapping the slower end of the speedometer may struggle to produce sufficient clubhead and ball speed to optimally launch it high and long.

Which Ball Goes Further?

I found that the Chrome Soft traveled further with my medium swing speed. I averaged 272 yards of carry and gain approximately 14 yards along the turf. Conversely, the SuperSoft landed at 268 yards before rolling an additional 11 yards, totaling 279 yards.

Gradually lower ball flight on the Chrome Soft, coupled with its low spin and high ball speed, led to tremendous driver distance.

Which Ball is Easier to Hit?

The 38-compression Supersoft is far easier to hit for the average golfer. You’ll find that it offers exceptional spring off the clubface to maintain your ball speed and produce a high and long launch.

Which Ball is Cheaper

The Callaway Supersoft takes the prize for the cheaper of the two. You’ll see that the 2-piece Supersoft distance ball is more than half the price of a dozen premium Chrome Softs.

The Final Verdict

Ultimately, the Supersoft vs Chrome Soft review showed that both are exceptional golf balls. However, they serve different purposes. Slower swinging high handicappers are better suited to the affordable, 2-piece Callaway Supersoft balls, thanks to their low spin, rapid speed, straight flight, and optimal distance.

On the contrary, the Chrome Soft golf balls are better suited to mid and high-swing speeds looking for tour-like performance. They fly long off the tee and spin high on the green. However, their premium price tag makes them ideal for low handicappers and aspiring professionals.

Callaway Supersoft Rating: 87/100

Callaway Chrome Soft Rating: 91/100

11/06/2022 10:29 pm GMT

Matt Stevens

Matt Callcott-Stevens started playing golf at the age of 4 when Rory Sabattini’s father put a 7-iron and putter in his hand. He has experienced all the highs and lows the game can throw at you and has now settled down as a professional golf writer. He holds a Postgraduate in Sports Marketing and has played golf for 28 years.