Chrome Soft vs Pro V1: Differences, Pros, Cons

Oct 15, 2023

Titleist may have been the top dog in golf balls for as long as we can remember, with its Pro V1 and AVX balls proving popular with pros and everyone else.

But, there is good competition these days from the likes of Callaway. So let’s check out Callaway and Titleist’s top ball.

Which is best: Chrome Soft vs Pro V1? If you are a slower swinger, enjoy Chrome Soft’s extra distance. If you are a faster swing, go for the Pro V1.

Having the wrong ball for you can mean you might never reach your potential. Read on to learn everything you need to know about the balls to choose what is for you.

Let’s dive in!

Choosing between the Chrome Soft vs the Pro V1 in 2023 is no easy decision. Both have their qualities.

Pros

Cons

Pros

Cons

The Titleist Pro V1 is the choice for many advanced golfers and low handicappers and is a favorite among pros, including Adam Scott and Jordan Spieth. It provides low amounts of spin off the tee and excellent greenside spin. It also has a lovely feel, thanks to the soft urethane cover. It is ideal for highly-skilled golfers.

The Callaway Chrome Soft ball also caters to advanced golfers with soft feel and a lot of forgiveness, with pro golfers like Phil Mickelson and John Rahm using it.

It also has features to suit many golfers, such as great spin control from the tee to the green and a larger core that promotes a higher launch and less spin for those just wanting to add some yards to their shots.

Here is a more detailed comparison of the Titleist vs Callaway balls’ pros, cons, and features.

The Chrome Soft ball’s construction is particularly impressive and wins this battle.

The main difference in the construction of the balls is the layering. The Chrome Soft ball features 4 layers, and the Titleist ball has 3.

The Chrome Soft’s added layer aids the durability of the ball. The extra layer also means that when striking over a distance, you get less spin and then more spin in the short game. Just before the outer cover, the Chrome Soft ball features a layer of graphene which adds to the ball’s durability.

The Pro V1 is pretty similar in this section. With the ball, there are huge distances, low spin rates off the tee, and increased spin rates around the green.

The Callaway ball features a thin urethane cover, and the Titleist ball has a soft thermoset urethane elastomer cover.

Inside the Chrome Soft ball is a larger core to encourage a higher launch and less spin. There is also High-Speed technology in the mantle, which is based around the core. This promotes efficient energy transfer for increased ball speeds.

The Pro V1 features a new, redesigned core. This can offer increased speeds from the club and less spin when using woods and long irons. Spin is also reduced from the tee by using a light casing layer around the core.

Even with a core that promotes more distance, the Chrome Soft still loses out to the Pro V1 on the distances it can produce. As we mentioned, the latter ball is tailored towards the better golfer and the faster swing speed, so if this is you, you will undoubtedly get more distance.

If you’re swinging at less than 90 – 95 mph, you are better off using the Chrome Soft ball. The ball has a lower compression rating, which can be compressed easier, providing some added yards to your distance.

There is a notable difference when looking at the compression ratings of the balls in this Callaway Chrome Soft vs Titleist Pro V1 battle.

The Chrome Soft comes in at 72, meaning it has a mid-compression rating but is in the lower echelons of that. Lower handicap golfers with slower swing swings should turn to this ball to get more distance easier. As we said, the ball can be compressed easier, sending it further.

Whereas the Pro V1 has a rating of 90 which makes it a mid-compression ball. This suits those with faster swing speeds to make the most of the ball distance-wise.

The Chrome Soft ball offers a high launch partly thanks to its graphene core. This means it is more attractive to higher handicappers but it isn’t something Pros are too keen on wanting.

The Pro V1 is a mid-trajectory ball that is tailored towards lower handicapped golfers for a good launch with less spin.

Your preference will probably be encouraged by your handicap as to what will help get the best out of you as a golfer.

This depends on whether we are talking about long game off the tee or short game in and around the green.

Short game-wise, both balls are pretty effective with good amounts of spin around the green. If you are better at hitting the ‘ball first’ shot, the Pro V1 will likely suit you better. Though, if this is tough and you wish for more forgiveness, the Chrome Soft is tailored more for you.

In terms of the long game, they are, again pretty similar. The Pro V1 does create less spin off the tee, which plays into the hands of the better golfer. With a mid-iron, the Pro V1 has even been known to outdo the Chrome Soft ball too.

Bearing in mind that the Pro V1 is a soft golf ball. This makes the Chrome Soft almost as soft as it can be. This is due to the urethane cover and the new core.

It then comes down to personal preference as to whether you prefer a very soft ball or a soft ball. Golfers with increased swing speeds will likely enjoy the Pro V1 more for its extra security when connecting with the ball.

Golfers with slower swing speeds will find the softer Chrome Soft ball more useful as it will feel light on the hands while providing a little more distance than what you would get with the Pro V1.

The balls are pretty expensive, but they are worth it, in my opinion. The quality of the balls you are getting in terms of durability and how they can bring out the best in your game is worth the price tag.

Overall, you could end up spending similar amounts on lesser golf balls that you have to replace more often over time.

The $49.99 and $43.99 price tags for a dozen balls are justified for the quality of the product. Obviously, being cheaper, though, the Pro V1 does win this battle.

In our opinion, they are two of the best golf balls on the market.

The Chrome Soft vs Pro V1 debate can be settled simply.

Or perhaps you aren’t fazed by that and you like the idea of a very soft golf ball so you try the Chrome Soft for the first time. We hope that either way, you are better equipped to decide on your next golf ball.

Maybe next time, we will have a Chrome Soft X vs Pro V1 battle on the cards…

They are pretty close when comparing the Chrome Soft vs Pro V1 in terms of durability. Despite the added softness of the Chrome Soft, it is still very durable. The Callaway pips the Pro V1 to the durability title as it is made of 4 layers whereas the Titleist ball is made of 3.

The Callaway Chrome Soft ball is a golf ball that has caught the eyes of every kind of golfer – including the Pros. Phil Mickelson, John Rahm, and Xander Schauffele are just some of the Pros that have used the ball in their bag.

The Titleist Pro V1 is a ball that is very popular among Pros as it has everything. Scottie Scheffler, Max Homa, Viktor Hovland, and Tony Finau all have the Pro V1 in their bags ready to use.

Jack was inspired by his Grandad Ron's golfing and grew up playing this great game. Now, he enjoys both playing and writing about it. He is also a big sports fan too. Jack is always looking for ways to find the edge on the course to share with readers.