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2puttbogey

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  1. Final Review Callaway Chrome Tour & Tour X by 2puttbogey Before I start the review just a quick little bio summary since it’s buried in an earlier post. I’m a 49 year old male. A 10 handicap, and live in Hawaii. First Impression 9 / 10 Both balls have the look of premium quality. Because it’s white box testing there was nothing to differentiate them in the box. There were no blemishes or seams to be seen, and all the printing was perfect. Each ball has the triple track, but there’s no way to know if they are on the balance point of the ball. I would like to have had a check go to run on them to see, but unfortunately I don’t, hopefully one of the other reviewers does and was able to run it on them. I will be expecting the X to be a better fit for me in the testing as it is supposed to be the higher launching, firmer balls with more spin. Aesthetics 8 / 10 The only issue I had with them is that it’s a new/updated product, and the branding looks exactly like the Chrome Soft. The only way to tell the ball you’re using is the small print underneath the Callaway logo. As expected I did a drop test on the cement, and the X was the firmer sounding ball. Neither ball was very “clicky”. Both balls have a soft feel to the touch, and a bit of a tacky feeling. The Numbers 18 / 20 I gave this a consistent score with what I was seeing with the balls throughout the testing. I’m not much of a data guy, although I do have a Mevo I use to check carry yardage occasionally. I will let those in the testing pool with better launch monitors post the numbers. I was more concerned with on course performance. On Course Performance 18 /20 Off the Tee Both versions of the ball were great off the tee. The X has a firmer feel and makes a louder sound. The biggest was in the trajectory. The X was higher launching than the Tour. SmoothSwing-PLNPGC3M2.mov That was the Tour SmoothSwing-5SB9DWBD2.mov That was the X Both balls performed as expected with the X being a little longer for be due to the higher launch that gave me added carry. Approach The difference in launch was also apparent off the short irons and wedges . Both balls spun well, I seen more from the X. This is the release from on the Tour. This is the backspin on the X. Probably due to the trajectory, and more expected spin I saw more stopping power from the X. Ball Flight As I have already touched upon I found the X to launch, and peak higher. This is consistent through out the bag for me. This is what I expected. This is also consistent with what I see from the X versions from other manufacturers, and lean towards those models. Playing in Hawaii I get to play in the wind, and although the X was higher in flight there was no ballooning, although hitting into the wind the Tour did get slightly more distance. Around the Green Here I felt the balls were indistinguishable. Both had a soft feel to them, and neither seemed to spin more than the other. I got the same control I need from both balls. Putting Again the balls were indistinguishable. Both felt soft, but not like a marshmallow. There was enough firmness to be able to control the distance. The triple track is helpful to be sure you’re lined up correctly, and the putter face is square. The Good/Bad and In Between 19/20 With this being a ball test there’s not a lot to add as in between. I will use this to mention the durability. Unfortunately I only had one ball survive 18 holes , and it held up great. I did have one hit the cart path and it scuffed as one would expect, not really a manufacturer issue there. On the other hand I did have one scuff from an approach with a wedge, but of course I didn’t take a photo right away and proceeded to lose the ball soon after so you’ll just have to take my word for it. Play it or Trade it 15/20 This is where the cost becomes the issue. With the balls being $55 a dozen they are in the top tier of cost per dozen. This is the only thing that would keep me from playing it. Do they preform well? Absolutely! Are they so good that I need to play them for basically $5 a ball? No! If I were playing a ball in that price tier already would I switch to it? Probably not. The cost is not exclusive to Callaway, and probably has to put them in this range to not look like a cheap option when it’s obvious they want some of the ProV market share. I will say that using Tour over soft was a good choice. Conclusion The Chrome Tour line is right on par with the other manufacturers premium tour line of balls. Both versions preform as expected and marketed. With premium looks and feel the Chrome Tours will be looking to dig into the ProV market. With the constant all around performance that just may have a chance. Final Score 87/100
  2. Took two weeks to get it, but it’s here! Got it with the Tensei blue, and ordered the shaft separately. Since Callaway still charges $350 for the upgrade didn’t make sense to get it without a stock shaft. Anyway looking forward to hitting it on the course tomorrow, and get a shot tracer on it with the Callaway white box balls, and then write my final review.
  3. I absolutely agree that it’s personal. I was having no issues with the balls for a white. I changed equipment and that’s when it showed up. It’s mostly noticeable with the irons.
  4. The most interesting thing I have discovered doing this testing is the difference between balls. I didn’t think I was good enough for it to matter, but it has. I have been playing the Kirkland thinking I haven’t seen a difference to make me change. Well this has exposed a difference. The Chrome Tours, PV1s, and Maxfli balls that I have used during this testing have shown that the Kirkland is half to a full club shorter for me. For the purposes of the Callaway testing I have liked both balls. Personal preference is the X, but the standard tour has been good as well. Unfortunately for me I have now realized that I will need to spend more than $15 a dozen on balls. Now I just need to decide which one. Chrome Tour X will be on the list to see what I’m going to be gaming.
  5. Waiting on a new driver (lefty problems) since it was not in stock in the store. In the meantime the shaft I got for it came in and using it on my current driver.
  6. Played what will be my last round with the standard tour version yesterday as I only have one left. I have found it to be a very good and consistent bal. Has great feel and control. I have 3 of the Xs left and will be playing them this week, and then start working on my final review.
  7. You will not be disappointed. Some of the best greens on the island, and 3 holes in a row along the ocean. The picture in @KenRiderpost is the 5th tee. Here a couple more pics. One country the green on 15, and one from the back nine looking down on the front nine. I play the Dunes every Wednesday morning (819 tee time but usually start earlier) if you want to check that course out. IMG_0601.mov
  8. Got a shot tracer on a drive with the standard tour today. Using a 10.5 driver with +1 degree added. Unfortunately yes it did go OB, so now I’m only left with 2, but still have 4 of the Xs SmoothSwing-PLNPGC3M2.mov
  9. Lee So Mi is my rookie of the year pick. You’re so right about Jun Young Ko. So good but very streaky. That seems to be the case with many of the Korean players. Can’t wait to see Lydia get that last point for the Hall of Fame. I can’t think of anyone more deserving. Going to be a great season. Thank you for your write up.
  10. Played with them again today , and was very pleased with how it played again. I tried to get a shot tracer on a drive, but of court didn’t perform well under the pressure. I did get a coupons of the spin out though. The second picture is a SW into a par 3. It had a little bit of comeback to it, and I’m not much of a high spin player. First picture is a GW to a downhill green with the wind. This one had much more rollout. This is the first ball to survive all 18 holes for me, and I was impressed with the durability. I wiped the grass stains, and the ball still looked brand new.
  11. Yes. I haven’t looked through the whole thread here to see what others are seeing to avoid any bias, but I assume that the X is supposed to be the higher trajectory ball of the two. I came into this thinking the X would be the better fit for me and so far that has been the case.
  12. Used only the tour model on my last round. Definitely lower trajectory for me. Distance with both models has been consistent along with spin and control route green. Feel off the putter to me feels identical. What I’m getting from these balls is identical performance with just different ways of getting it done.
  13. Played a round with just the X today. I was very impressed with the all round performance of the ball. I expected the X to be a better fit for me, but testing both versions together yesterday I was smitten with the standard tour version. After the round today I can see why I thought the X would be the one for me. I’m a pretty low spin player so the added spin benefits me. I love the launch and all my distances were spot on and consistent. I will be using just the standard tour tomorrow for my round and give feedback on that one. So far they got me reconsidering my cheapness with balls and play the one that I like best after the testing.
  14. Has anyone run a check go to see if the triple track is on the balance point? Either that or salt water test for balance?
  15. Got on course with them today. I was very happy with the performance of both balls. They both have a soft feeling cover, but do have performance differences. As expected the X is has more of a click to it off the irons , and a firmer feel off the driver. Around the green they both had a nice feel to them. Off the putter same thing, if I didn’t look I would not know which one I was using. The main differences I saw between them was the trajectory. The X was a noticeably different peak height. I was seeing similar distances from both balls. On paper the X would be a better fit for me, but I was enjoying the regular tour version a bit more, unfortunately I lost 2 of them. They held up well. I did get a scuff on the tour late in the round from a wedge shot, but unfortunately I lost that ball to show a picture. Overall very pleased with my first experience with them. X- Tour X T- Tour K- Kirkland First picture was tee shot with driver and got slightly more distance with the Tour model. Second picture tee shot with hybrid and again the standard tour was longer, with the Kirkland between them distance wise( only picture with Kirkland) Last picture here the X just edged out the standard tour this time. As you can see for me distance wise is negligible between them. Trajectory was the biggest difference. Hopefully I can get some shot tracer shots of them next week.
  16. They have arrived. Unfortunately not making it to do some practice at the course today, but going to hit them into the net in the back yard. Tomorrow I’m playing so I’ll be using both and see how it goes. I will be updating my intro post with first impressions either later today or tomorrow after the round.
  17. Everyone is getting their balls and I haven’t even received notification of shipping yet.
  18. I’ll probably be one of the last to receive mine due to the fact of being in Hawaii. I’m going to go out on limb now and say we’re getting a version of the new chrome tours. Seems like it would be a smart move for them to get chatter about the new product in forums, and social media.
  19. I think you’ll find you’re not alone with this problem. Almost every time I go to the local hold shop and hit drivers on the simulator I struggle as well.
  20. Dunes at Maui Lani is my home course, and it’s a good value course. Usually some good deals on golf now for it as well. Waiehu the muni course is great, but difficult to get on early so if you don’t mind playing later in the morning or early afternoon I highly recommend it. Pukalani is up the Miya little so it has nice views. Maui Nui is the one to avoid. If you have any other questions let me know.
  21. Have fun! That’s a trip me and my wife are planning to do sometime. With a trip up to St. George from there for a Sand Hollow round.
  22. Not even sure they have been shipped yet since we had to refill our the form. I’m in Hawaii and will be the last to receive them and.
  23. Kirkland. I try others, but for $15 a dozen there’s nothing else that can meet the performance to dollar ratio.
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