Callaway Chrome Soft X £32.99

THE TECH

Some Callaway staff players didn’t put the very popular Chrome Soft in play last year as they felt it spun so little on full shots they couldn’t work shots in the shape they wanted. So Callaway developed the X specifically for them. Its four-layer construction delivers a firmer feel (90 compression) and launches lower than the Chrome Soft, yet maintains all the same greenside control.

OUR VERDICT

Callaway’s big play with the Chrome Soft X is how it spins more than the standard Chrome Soft, and our data certainly supports their claims. We saw 190rpm more spin with the driver, 715rpm more with a 6-iron and 610rpm more for full wedge shots. That all sounds great so long as you don’t need to hit the ball straighter. More spin also means more sidespin, which is great for elite players who can hit it straight when they want to and prefer to work the ball. But for the average club player looking to curb unwanted curve, the lower-spinning Chrome Soft makes more sense.

Our test pro said the Chrome Soft X is a great all-rounder which offers a fantastic blend of soft feel, great distance and excellent spin in the short game.