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The golf ball market has gotten pretty intense since the dawn of multi-layer construction. Putting manufacturers in a position to alter the performance of a ball through minor build adjustments, the art of golf ball design has paved the way for fierce competition among the biggest brands in the biz. Two of them of course would have to be Callaway and Titleist.
Both brands have come out time and time again with revolutionary reimaginings of what golf balls should be. Needless to say, their multi-layer designs have sparked heated debate among golfers hoping to find the best choice for their game. The most controversial? None other than Callaway Superhot 55 vs Titleist Pro V1. Wondering which one to cop for your next journey through the course? Find out here.
The Superhot 55 from Callaway is the reinvented Chrome Soft, another premium, top rated ball from the same brand. Targeted at a wide range of golfers, the Superhot 55 promises an impressively soft feel that’s satisfying against the club, thanks to its ultra low 55 compression rating. Touting three-piece construction, the Superhot 55 aims to achieve tee-to-green low-spin distance performance and precise short-game control.
Its cover is made of a soft trionomer blend, and inside, its mantle and core use high-grade rubber in decreasing densities toward the center. Aside from being impeccably soft, the Superhot 55 also sets itself apart by its enhanced forgiveness. The softer core works to correct hooks and slices, allowing straight flight off the tee for professional level performance.
The Titleist Pro V1 has been making rounds on the market as the ultimate contender for the golf ball crown. Designed for increased precision, consistency, and speed, these premium golf balls boast similar construction to the Superhot 55. With three distinct layers, the Pro V1 design uses a 17% thinner cover that allows a higher coefficient of restitution. In layman’s terms, the cover permits a higher transfer of energy from your club to the core, imbuing the ball with greater power for better distance and speed.
This same thermostat urethane elastomer cover works with the thin casing layer to optimize spin depending on the strength and distance of your shot. Naturally low-spin for shots off the tee, and high-spin around the putting greens, the Pro V1 makes it possible to fine-tune your shot depending on the lie. Then of course, there’s the Fast Core that preserves the power of your shot to launch your ball greater distances than ever before.
Taking all of the basics into consideration, there’s definitely a lot to love about both golf balls. And while they might seem similar in many respects, there are major differences between them that could impact their performance in your hands.
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Construction | 3-piece design using a soft trionomer blend surlyn cover, soft rubber mantle and a dense, soft rubber core | 3-piece design using an ultra thin thermoset urethane elastomer cover, a large ionomeric casing mantle layer and a 2.0 ZG Process core |
Performance and Feel | Ultra soft feel for both distance shots and short-game performance with a compression rating of 55 | Soft to medium firmness for distance and short game shorts with a compression rating of 90 |
Distance | Achieves long distance performance with its responsive, soft layers that compress readily against a swing to launch the ball with maximum power. Its HEX Aerodynamic dimple pattern reduces drag for faster ball flight, and its soft cover allows greater energy transfer from the outside of the ball towards the core | Aims to drive your ball farther with its 17% thinner cover layer that promotes a much higher coefficient of restitution. Its enlarged mantle is a speed enhancing addition that improves energy transfer from your club to the core. The core itself is a Fast Core that compresses readily against impact to maximize distance and elevation during flight |
Driving | Designed for straight flight, it combines the properties of its cover and core to minimize the chances of hooks and slices. The corrective feature assures players of relatively straight flight paths for more accurate shots. Its ultra soft compression rating allows satisfying feel upon impact and low-spin performance off the tee | Built for speed and consistency, the Pro V1 produces the same high-speed launch even with minor variations in your swing. The ball uses an ultra thin cover and mantle, with an oversized core to ensure maximum energy preservation and power during impact. The result is aggressively fast and consistent results for long-distance shots. |
Swing Speed | Developed to satisfy players of all swing speeds, but might work best for high handicap players, seniors, lady golfers and beginners who want to achieve fast flight and substantial distance even without polished skill | Developed in particular for golfers who can achieve above average swing speeds, typically those who can launch a drive that's around 105 mph, give or take 10 mph |
Irons | Produces substantial spin for short irons. Better control, trajectory and distance for long irons | Moderate spin for short irons. Substantial distance and flight elevation for long irons |
Short Game | Ultra soft ball feel around the green for improved feedback. Impressive spin performance for wedge shots | Firmer feel around the green, but provides excellent drop-and-stop performance that eliminates unwanted rolling during the approach |
Putting | Satisfying ultra soft resonance allows greater control and feedback during putts for precision shots | Firm putting feel produces more speed and distance relative to the amount of force during the putt, requiring some adjustment of swing power |
At a glance, it might have been hard to see exactly how the Superhot 55 and Titleist Pro V1 were any different. But as you look into each one’s unique construction and performance, it’s easier to pick out exactly how different they are. That said, it goes without saying that one of these golf balls will work better for your game than the other.
All things considered, the Superhot 55 from Callaway makes a suitable choice for all kinds of players, but finds a special place in the bag of a high handicapper, senior golfer, lady golfer, or a novice. That’s because its soft construction and performance forgives common golf skill errors that would otherwise dampen distance and speed.
Its core and cover are specifically intended to correct shots that could result to hooks and slices so you can achieve relatively straight flight even during a mishit. In the same vein, its ultra-low compression design promises not only a satisfying feel, but also ensures that as much of your swing power is translated to distance even if you’re not necessarily the fastest at driving.
On the other hand, the Titleist Pro V1 could be better suited to more experienced players. Its thin cover and mantle max out the coefficient of restitution. But its relatively tighter compression also means that players would have to swing faster to maximize the distance potential that the ball provides.
And because the Titleist Pro V1 might not be too easy to control on the green, it will often find its place in the hands of a fast hitter who can confidently launch the ball from off the tee to the putting greens to limit the need for short game clubs.
PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
Ultra soft feel for both distance shots and shot game | Feedback might not be as strong especially for players who prefer strong resonance upon impact |
HEX Aerodynamics reduces drag for father flight | Soft cover might not be as impervious to damage, wear and tear |
Soft core material reduces the risk of hooks and slices | May not be able to fully eliminate spin during distance shots |
Excellent short game control and spin | |
PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
Consistent performance and ultra fast flight during long distance shots | May require higher swing speeds to reach its maximum distance potential |
Drop-and-stop ability for precise green game control | Not as soft during short game performance |
Low full swing spin for straight flight and trajectory | Flies lower than the average ball, requiring a high launch trajectory |
Impressive long distance performance especially with high speed swings | |
Both the Callaway Superhot 55 and the Titleist Pro V1 bring something unique to the table. The Superhot 55 is the perfect companion for high handicappers, seniors, and beginners who want the benefit of a ball that adapts and corrects some of the most common mishits off the tee. With impressive flight and distance, these golf balls are impressive both during the drive and on the putting greens.
The Titleist Pro V1 on the other hand are exactly what their name suggests - an optimized ball for professional players. Designed for faster swing speeds, the Titleist Pro V1 makes a good choice if you’re confident in your ability to bring the ball from the tee straight to the green.
So, who wins the Callaway Superhot 55 vs Titleist Pro V1 debate? That ultimately depends on the kind of play you prefer, your level of expertise, and your swing style. But whichever you end up choosing, you can be sure you’re buying a golf ball that will outperform many of the others on the market.
