Chrome Soft vs Pro V1 [Surprising Review & Comparison]

The biggest difference between Chrome Soft and Prov1 is in the price, durability, and feel of the golf ball. Callaway Chrome Soft is softer and more suitable for mid/high handicappers than Titleist Pro V1 but does it perform the same in terms of distance, putting, short game, iron play.

Ball Eating Bush. Prefers Pro V1... Or does it?

You may also like: Callaway Supersoft vs Titleist Pro V1. Odd comparison? Perhaps. Interesting read? Definitely!

Callaway Chrome Soft vs Titleist Pro V1: Quick Comparison

WINNER Callaway Chrome Soft
  • 4-piece construction
  • Urethane cover
  • Promotes high ball speeds that ensures maximum distance
  • Low compression core and soft cover ensures exceptional soft feel
  • Available in different colors and design patterns
  • Compression - 75
  • 332 HEX dimple pattern
  • Premium price tag but cheaper than Pro V1
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Titleist Pro V1
  • 3-piece construction
  • Durable Thermoset Urethane Elastomer cover
  • Great greenside control and soft feel
  • Promotes a low penetrating ball flight
  • Reduced long game spin promotes added distance
  • Compression - 90
  • 352 spherically tiled dimple design
  • Above average price tag
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Chrome Soft vs Pro V1: Differences & Similarities

Feel and Strike

The Callaway Chrome Soft balls live up to their names and offer a very soft feel that I enjoyed. That isn’t to say that the Pro V1s aren’t soft but of the two brands the Callaway is the softer ball.

A feature that both balls share is low spin which I also enjoyed. As you can imagine this is especially evident in the short game and both balls felt like they offered a lot of control when paired with my wedges.

I really noticed the difference here when using these two balls and it’s apparent to me why these are higher tier balls.

When using other lower grade balls, which I will not name, there is a significant difference in the feel and control. In other words, I felt like I was certainly getting what I paid for.

Trajectory and  Consistency

If there was one area where I was able to tell a difference between the two it was in my iron shots. In order to give each ball a fair chance, I hit many shots with each one using my 6-9 irons and judged them off of an average. 

I noticed that I seemed to get a more consistent trajectory with the Titleist which I chalked up to the different compression between the two balls.

Having said that when chipping on to the green I actually preferred the softness of the Chrome Soft and once on the green the ball felt better off of my putter face.

I’ve always seemed to have more control off of my putter with a softer ball and I would be able to easily tell the difference between the two if I were doing a blind test.

chrome soft review
Ouch!

Durability

I had used the Titleist many times before and knew that it would deliver a solid performance but I have to say I was a little surprised at the end of the day. The Pro V1 had significantly more wear on it; despite the fact that I hit each ball the same number of times throughout the day.

This didn’t seem to be by chance either. I used six Callaways and six Titleists and at the end of the day, each of the Pro V1s seemed more scuffed and frayed than the chrome soft.

The Callaway didn’t look perfect at the end of the day but they certainly seemed to hold up better than the Pro V1s so you may want to give that some thought if durability is a strong decision point for you.

Distance 

Each ball performed well with long irons and my driver. I got similar distance and low spin with each ball and both would make a great choice for players who are concerned with distance.

I did see slightly less spin with the Titleist,  but overall the numbers were not significantly different when it came to distance.

Titleist Pro V1

Driving

Both the Chrome Soft and the Pro V1 feature designs that maximize distance. All golfers seek added distance with their drivers and both of these balls deliver.

The low compression Chrome Soft feels softer off of the face at impact, the Pro V1 has a firmer feel at impact. 

Players with above-average (90+ mph) swing speeds can expect similar distance numbers with both golf balls. Players with slower swing speeds (below 90 mph) can expect to get more distance out of the lower compression Chrome Soft. 

Feel depends on personal preference, some might prefer a firm feel off the driver face while others might not. 

Irons

Both the Chrome Soft and the Pro V1 promote soft feel on iron shots. Soft feel on irons are ideal especially on sweetly struck shots. The only downside of soft feel on irons shots is the lack of feedback on off-center strikes. 

Both golf balls perform similar in terms of distance, the only difference being that players with below average swing speeds will get slightly more distance out of the Chrome Soft.  

Short Game 

Soft feel and control is a must with any good premium golf ball. The Chrome Soft delivers exceptional soft feel and control on short game shots.

Both the Pro V1 and Chrome Soft deliver similar results in terms of spin and roll out, but the Chrome Soft with its low compression core definitely feels softer.  

Putting

Feel on the putting green comes down to personal preference. The Pro V1 feels slightly firmer off of the clubface, the Chrome Soft in return is very soft.

The general consensus amongst golfers is that it can be difficult to judge distance on the greens if the ball feels too soft off the clubface. 

2018 vs 2019

3rd Gen Chrome Soft vs Pro V1 2019

The 3rd generation Chrome Soft features a Dual Soft Fast Core that is infused with Graphene. The addition of Graphene to the outer layer of the core increases the size of the core, the bigger core of the 3rd generation Chrome Soft ensures added ball speed and lower long game spin.

The design of the 2019 Pro V1 promotes higher ball speeds, reduced spin and more distance than the 2018 model. The differences are very small but launch monitor data backs up the claims made by Titleist. The 2019 Pro V1 is also available in an optic yellow option. 

Pro V1 2018 vs 2nd Gen Chrome Soft

2nd Gen Chrome Soft golf balls feature a Dual Soft Fast Core. This core design ensures high ball speeds and it is easy to compress, but it also delivered high spin numbers with the driver. In order to maximize distance and accuracy off the tee low driver spin numbers are preferred. 

The 2018 Pro V1 featured a slightly thicker cover system than the new 2019 model, it also has a smaller casing layer in comparison to the new version. Both of these differences optimized speed and spin control. The new 2018 Pro V1 offers slightly higher ball speeds and reduced long game spin than the 2018 model. 

Callaway Chrome Soft Review

PROS

  • Soft feel that feels great on club face, especially when putting
  • Very durable
  • Provides great distance despite softness

CONS

  • Some players may not like the balls low compression design

Review

The Chrome Soft is one of the leading premium golf balls in the industry. It features a mid compression of 75 which makes it ideal for the average amateur player with average swing speed. 

The core of the Chrome Soft is a Graphene-infused Dual Soft Fast core. The design of this core maximizes ball speeds, higher ball speeds equate to added distance. 

The Chrome Soft got its name with good reason. It features a soft, durable Urethane cover system, this cover system along with the easy to compress core of the Chrome Soft ensures exceptional soft feel throughout the bag.

The durable cover of the Chrome Soft features a 332 HEX dimple pattern, this aerodynamic dimple pattern promotes added distance and a straighter ball flight. 

The Chrome Soft caters to both the traditionalist and the adventurous, it is available in a variety of color options including Callaway’s signature Truvis design. The Chrome Soft features a premium price tag but it will definitely be money well spent. 

Who should play with the Chrome Soft? 

Players that are looking for a soft premium golf ball that is easy to compress should look no further than the Chrome Soft. The Chrome Soft golf ball is also ideal if you are in the market for a golf ball that delivers exceptional short game control.

Titleist Pro V1 Review

PROS

  • Soft feel
  • Consistent
  • Feels like a very pro distance ball

CONS

  • Seemed a little less durable than the chrome soft. Cover seems more marked and worn

Review

The Pro V1 is the #1 ball in golf with good reason. It features a Next Generation 2.0 XG Process core, the design of this core reduces spin rates and increases ball speeds which lead to maximum, straight distance. 

The responsive isomeric casing layer of the Pro V1 also delivers added distance as a result of faster ball speeds. The Pro V1 features a Thermoset Urethane Elastomer cover system, this cover is durable and it also delivers exceptional soft feel. The dimple pattern of the Pro V1 is a 352 spherically tilled design, this dimple pattern promotes a penetrating low ball flight. 

The Pro V1 has a mid to high compression of 90, players with above-average swing speeds will be able to maximize the performance of the Pro V1 best. The Pro V1 is expensive, but it offers exceptional value for money. 

Who should play with the Pro V1?

The Pro V1 is ideal for players with driver swing speeds above 90 mph. Fast swinging players will be able to compress the Pro V1 in order to maximize performance in terms of both distance and feel. 

The Pro V1 is also great if you are looking for a golf ball that delivers a strong mid/low penetrating ball flight. 

Callaway Chrome Soft

Conclusion

Chrome Soft vs Pro V1: And The winner is…

As I expected the two balls both felt great. Going into today I was less familiar with the Chrome Soft and had only hit the occasional lost ball that I’d found around the course.

I have to say that after paying closer attention I really enjoyed what the ball had to offer and was having a lot of fun with it on the putting green.

If I had to pick an area of the course that I think the ball was best on it would certainly be here and I can assure you that I will be buying more of these in the future.

The Callaway Chrome Soft is the ball to go with if you’re like me and prefer a softer feel off the clubface and tend to be a little rougher with your ball striking, especially when using your wedges.  

So if you’re wondering which golf ball is better when it comes to the Titleist Pro V1 and the Callaway Chrome Soft, the answer really is dependent upon you and your preference.

For me, Callaway Chrome Soft left me more impressed than Titleist Pro V1. Better durability, same distance and at a lower price.  I’ll be putting my money towards the product that offers better value.

You may also like Callaway Chrome Soft vs. Supersoft Review and Comparison and Titleist Pro V1 vs Pro V1x

Have you tried Chrome Soft, Pro V1 or both golf balls? What did you think and which one do you prefer?

4 thoughts on “Chrome Soft vs Pro V1 [Surprising Review & Comparison]”

  1. Pingback: Callaway Supersoft vs Titleist Pro V1 – Golf Ball Review and Comparison

  2. let me start by saying…I am a Titleist guy through the entire bag, from my 917 D2 to my Newport 2.5 and have played titleist balls back to the balata days. With that said, I switched to the chrome soft when they came out and have compared ProV1 vs Chrome soft every year of changes. In the end you get the same performance, better feel, better durability and lower cost (avg 6 to 10 dollars a dozen) from the Chrome soft. I find that those who stick to ProV 1 are usually brand snobs and tend to have ego handicaps….

    1. I agree, although I can understand brand loyalty the Chrome Soft makes a very tempting option to switch things up! The value for money is why I always have a sleeve in my bag getting ready to be lost on the course.

  3. Pingback: Best Golf Ball for 10 Handicapper 2018: Mid-Handicapper's Buying Guide

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