Why The New Callaway Chrome Tour X Could Be The Best New Golf Ball In 2026

For players who demand more short-game spin out of their golf ball, the ‘X’ model in most golf ball families is usually where you’ll begin your search. As someone whose current ball of choice is the Titleist Pro V1x, I have always gravitated towards that distinctively firm acoustic and feedback, as I think it helps me with my distance control due to the responsiveness off the face.

Naturally, I was eager to see how the new Callaway Chrome Tour X compared to my current ball and if it could instantly be considered one of the best golf balls on the market. To do this, I put it to the test on a Foresight Sports GC3 launch monitor in the Golf Monthly Performance Lab, where we film all of the videos for the Golf Monthly Reviews YouTube channel.

I tested the Chrome Tour X alongside the standard Chrome Tour, and the differences were immediately apparent in the data and feel from the clubface. With the driver, I saw my spin rates hover around the 2100rpm mark with the Tour X, and it provided a noticeably firmer feel through impact. Interestingly, this was only a jump of about 100rpm compared to the standard model - a much smaller gap than I anticipated. This optimal spin profile allowed me to generate an average ball speed of 167mph, resulting in a solid carry distance of 302 yards and an extremely high peak flight of 140 feet.

However, the separation between the two models became much clearer with the irons. The Chrome Tour X generated a good 700rpm more spin than its sibling, and when I took the ball outside, this data translated into noticeable workability. It was incredibly easy to manipulate the flight of the X, and whether I needed to hold a fade against the wind or draw one around a corner, the ball responded instantly, all without moving excessively. It allowed me to be extremely creative and see shots I may not have attempted with other balls.

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Callaway Chrome Tour X data

Technologically, Callaway has pushed the envelope with the introduction of the Tour Fast Mantle. For those not versed in golf ball engineering, this is essentially a new casing layer that acts like a stiff spring. By using a High Flex Modulus material - a first for Callaway - the ball is designed to be 16 percent more responsive than previous materials, which naturally should result in more ball speed. I saw about a two mph jump compared to my current ball, working out to be roughly six more yards of carry.

This engine is covered in the Advanced Seamless Tour Aero package, utilizing a Hybrid Aero Pattern to stabilize flight, while Precision Technology ensures that manufacturing tolerances are kept tight for consistent performance.

In my dispersion testing, I compared the Chrome Tour X against my standard premium benchmark golf ball, the Titleist Pro V1. I did note that the dispersion circle with the Callaway was a little wider, although I didn't experience any rogue or ‘strange’ ball flights. The stability was there, but the ball did seem to want to curve an extra five yards or so compared to what I am used to seeing and what I saw when working this ball around with the irons.

The added dispersion is the trade-off for that enhanced workability when hitting approaches into greens, although this is usually an exchange that better players would tend to welcome.

When it came to the short game, I absolutely loved the feeling of the Chrome Tour X off the face of my wedges. It has a distinct 'clickyness' that I love, but if you want a softer feeling ball, the Chrome Tour is where you’ll want to turn your attention.

This audible and tactile feedback really helped me judge my distance control on pitch shots and chips. The same sensation carried over to the putting green, where the firm click provided an immediate sense of pace that I found very reassuring and saw me regularly leaving the ball within ‘gimmie’ range.

One small gripe would be the side stamp. While it is of a decent size, it doesn't quite ‘pop’ enough visually to be a standalone alignment aid, and so I would draw my own line on the ball if I were choosing to use it in a tournament.

Overall, I would say the Chrome Tour X delivers the firm feel and high spin profile that many better players, myself included, have come to rely on. If you are looking for a ball that allows you to get creative with your trajectory and provides the requisite feedback on every shot, the Chrome Tour X is a fantastic option you should consider in 2026.