Years ago I swore by the Callaway Hex Red ball. Loved it. Back then it was very long and still had a great amount of spin. If you are familiar with that ball, you know I just dated myself. I haven’t played many Callaway Golf balls since then, until the 2020 Chrome Soft. Let’s take a look.
Construction
Chrome Soft is a 4-layer ball. Layer one is a large “dual core” which is infused with Graphene. The core contributes to higher launch and lower spin, primarily for driving and distance. The outer core is thinner and firmer, and reinforced with Graphene. This layer promotes more spin with shorter clubs like wedges, while also increasing the ball’s durability.
The outer layer is extremely thin and made from Urethane. Urethane is the magic material found in 99.9% of “Tour” balls. “Tour” represents balls which have the specs that professional tour players demand. The Urethane cover is where most of the control in the short game comes from, and iron spin that stops the ball quickly on the greens, or even spins it back.
The ball’s aerodynamics are achieved through Callaway’s six sided “hex” dimples. The aerodynamics decrease drag, increase launch angle and increase distance.
On The Course
On the course the Chrome Soft is a joy to play. The ball compresses very easily and gives the golfer a feel of total control with the driver. It is easy to feel where the ball hits the driver face and easy to control shots in terms of launch angle and draw/fade.
Iron shots are a joy with the Chrome Soft. Distance control is consistent and dependable. The ball stops quickly, even with longer irons.
The short game is perhaps the strongest area for the Chrome Soft. Chips, pitches, runners, flops all respond fantastically. The ball can grow some serious teeth when clipped just right around the greens. It’s fun to hit that 1-2 bounce pitch which bites instantly, right at hole-high.
Final Thoughts
The Callaway Chrome Soft is a fantastic ball in all performance areas; distance, control, short game spin, and putting feel. I strongly recommend giving them a try.
Fall has arrived in grand fashion here in northern Utah. In a heartbeat we went from unbelievably hot to needing fall gear. I’m happy to have some styling new fall gear from Callaway Apparel to fight off the cold, wind and rain (soon to be snow). Let’s take a quick first look at the 2019 Men’s Weather Series from Callaway Apparel.
Men’s Swing Tech 1/4 Zip Waffle Fleece
Mens Swing Tech Outlast Midlayer 1/4 Zip Pullover
1/4 Zip Jacket
I’ll be posting my full review of the Men’s Weather Series very soon, pre-Black Friday so stay tuned!
I’ve been gaming the Callaway Apparel Men’s Dual Action 1/4 Zip Pullover Sweater on and off the course for a few months now. This is a terrific sweater which is extremely comfortable. Let’s take a look.
Key Features
- 100% Polyester
- Insulated thermal fabric creates a barrier between you and cold weather
- Weather-repellent fabric creates a barrier of lightweight protection to resist wind and water
- UV Block UPF 50 protects you against the sun’s ultraviolet rays
- Callaway Tour Logo on chest
- Callaway Chevron Logo on center back
- Fleece Fabrication Machine Washable Imported
- Available in BIG & TALL
Standard Sizes/Colors
Colors available include Caviar (dark gray), Medium Gray Heather (lighter gray), Peacoat Heather (dark blue), Blue Coral Heather (light blue), Castlerock Heather (medium gray). I’m sure you’ll appreciate my translation on the colors…
Sizes available range from small to XXL. I find the sizing to be accurate. My XL fits as it should.
Retail pricing for standard sizes and colors is $75.
Big and Tall
There sweater is also available in “big and tall” sizes which range from LT to 5XLT. Colors in the B&T line are Caviar, Blue Coral Heather, Castlerock Heather (see color english translations above).
Retail pricing for B&T sizes and colors runs $90.
In Action
I’m a big fan of polyester and spandex in apparel, but not the 80’s metal band kind. The fabrics and technology over the past several years make for super high performance and comfort. On the golf course the sweater helps keep me warm and loose. I’m especially fond of the way the garment moves with me, even though my swing moves might not be terribly… natural. Whether it is cold and/or wind I’m thrilled with the performance and style of the Callaway Apparel Men’s Dual Action 1/4 Zip Pullover Sweater.
I’ve even gamed this sweater in northern Utah weather conditions, as in snow. It’s a great layer to put under my parka, and to wear indoors. I’ve even worn it up on the slopes with great results. Perhaps Callaway should make ski apparel.
Final Thoughts
I’m happy to have put the Callaway Apparel Men’s Dual Action 1/4 Zip Pullover Sweater into my starting lineup. The style, performance, and mostly comfort are terrific. I’m also glad to have finally logged my first Callaway Apparel review in this humble golf blog’s history. It only took 15 years. Hopefully my next Callaway Apparel review will hit sooner than 2034.
I just spent the whole chilly day here in northern Utah sporting the new Callaway Apparel Men’s Dual Action 1/4 Zip Pullover Sweater which just came in for review here at Hooked on Golf Blog. I never took it off, even at the office. Very comfortable and stylish.
Here are a few key features courtesy of Callaway Apparel:
- 100% Polyester
- Insulated thermal fabric creates a barrier between you and cold weather
- Weather-repellent fabric creates a barrier of lightweight protection to resist wind and water
- UV Block UPF 50 protects you against the sun’s ultraviolet rays
- Callaway Tour Logo on chest
- Callaway Chevron Logo on center back
- Fleece Fabrication Machine Washable Imported
- Available in BIG & TALL
I have more testing to do, especially in the fall golf weather here. Stay tuned for the full HOG review soon.
Callaway has a new customization option for their Razr Fit drivers. If you go to udesign.callawaygolf.com you’ll find an interface (pictured below) which allows you to build a Razr Fit driver to your specs and colors.
Customizable Options
- Men’s/Women’s
- Right or Left Handed
- Lofts in 8.5, 9.5, 10.5, 11.5
- Eight Colors
- Countless Shaft Options
- Club Length
- Grip Wrap
Callaway Golf Razr Fit udesign Interface - click to zoom
No “hot pink” option for the driver color though. 🙂
Once you set up your driver you can save it for later or purchase for $449 with a 1-2 week delivery.
Orders will be shipped beginning early May.
1
2
3
Next »
HOGWire – Golf Industry News
