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We all know Callaway as one of the most prominent golf gear manufacturers around. From clubs, to wearable gear, and everything in between. These guys offer anything and everything you might need on the course. And as you might expect, their golf ball selection is pretty over the top. Offering a ball for every kind of player, you might say that brand makes sure every golfer finds a Callaway branded golf ball to match exactly what they need.
But because Callaway’s selection is impressively broad, there are some golf balls that overlap in terms of design and alleged purpose. Case in point: the Callaway Supersoft vs Superhot 55 and 70. Both designed to be particularly low compression, these two golf balls might seem like they’re one and the same. However, minute distinctions make each ball perform entirely different on the course.
The Callaway Superhot is one of the brand’s most popular golf ball designs, released some time in 2015. Designed for straight, consistent, and long-distance carry, the golf ball was intended to provide players with adaptive golf ball performance that works well for golfers of all experience levels and play styles.
The Superhot 55 was the first to be released, with the Superhot 70 entering the market too late after. While both golf balls use the same three-piece construction, the Superhot 55 has a much lower compression rating at just 55. Obviously, that would mean that the Superhot 70 touts a compression rating of 70. Which albeit slightly higher, still falls within the low compression range.
A variation of these Superhot golf balls also make rounds on the market, touting brighter colors for high visibility. But just like the basic white balls, the Callaway Superhot Bold compression falls within a rating of either 55 or 70.
The Callaway Supersoft is an ultra low-compression golf ball with an astounding compression rating of just 38. The ball is so soft in fact that it clocks in at zero on the PGA compression scale. Consisting of just two layers - a trionomer blend cover and a polybutadiene core. The Supersoft is as simple as it gets, but it offers impressive distance and speed that can accommodate the skills and play style of high handicappers and weak swingers.
The entire surface of the golf ball is covered in the brand’s signature HEX Aerodynamics dimple pattern that increases lift and extends carry by reducing the rear-end vacuum that drags the ball back during flight. And because the trionomer cover itself is soft and pliable, the ball can feel especially satisfying during short-game.
Another low compression pick from Callaway. The Superhot comes in two distinct varieties - the 55 and 70. These numbers indicate the compression rating for both balls, which fall within the softer end of the compression spectrum. But unlike the Supersoft, the Superhot series uses three-piece construction that incorporates a soft trionomer blend cover with the same HEX Aerodynamics pattern. Inside, the design is equipped with a dual-core that gets gradually softer towards the center.
Together, these materials maximize the transfer of energy from the outside of the ball to the core, compressing the material like a spring, and then releasing the momentum for explosive launch. Aside from all of that, the Superhot was designed to minimize the chances of hooks and slices, using its intuitive core material to correct some of the most common driver mishits. In this way, the Superhot can produce relatively straight trajectory even if you don’t necessarily hit it flush every time.
There’s a lot more to a golf ball than simply what’s on the surface, and the Supersoft and Superhot are proof of that. Although they may seem identical in that they’re designed with the same cover dimple pattern and similarly low compression ratings. There are distinctions that make them feel like entirely different balls on the course.
| SUPERSOFT | SUPERHOT 55 & 70 |
|---|---|---|
Construction | 2-piece construction incorporating a trionomer cover and a polybutadiene core, achieving a compression rating of 38 (or zero) based on the PGA Compression Scale | 3-piece construction incorporating a soft trionomer blend cover and dual-core interior with a harder mantle and a softer center. Altogether coming to a total compression rating of 55 and 70 |
Performance & Feel | Offers the softest feel for long distance game, but also provides exceedingly satisfying short game feedback especially ideal for generating substantial spin around the putting greens | Ultra soft feel especially during full shots, generating just enough greenside spin for enhanced short-game control |
Distance | Advanced core material prevents unwanted spin during long distance play, HEX Aerodynamic design permits excellent drag reduction and increased carry distance, ultra low compression rating makes it easier for slower swingers to compress the ball for higher farther launch | Dual-core construction preserves energy and releases during the upswing for explosive launch, ultra thin cover material works to maximize the coefficient of restitution for minimized energy loss, HEX Aerodynamics ensures the lowest level of drag |
Driving | Ideal for seniors and golfers who prefer a softer feel for a full power swing. This ball launches straight and consistent off the tee, and creates a soft landing with minimal roll on the fairway or putting greens, but it also offers the opportunity for shaping | Intended for high handicappers who might not be able to hit a ball flush 100% of the time. The dual-core dynamics allow the ball to minimize the risk of slices and hooks for relatively straight driving trajectory even during a mishit |
Swing Speed | Best for golfers with an average swing speed of 85 to 90 mph | Ideal for golfers who can swing with an average speed of between 85 to 100 mph |
Irons | Great distance and feel for long irons, with above average control for short irons. Launches much higher than the average ball for abrupt stops as it hits the turf | Helps to create lift to get the ball airborne especially with difficult long irons while offering impressive spin control for short irons |
Short Game | Produces impressive spin that lands solid on the turf for roll-stopping performance near the pin. May not be as easy to maneuver and control during chips, pitches, and bunker shots | Generates substantial spin that allows easier launch out of bunkers and hazards, but may produce some roll on the putting greens |
Putting | Ultra soft feel allows more intuitive control of the ball during putting, stable roll guarantees relatively straight travel on the putting greens | Soft cover dampens feedback during the putt, but translates energy impressively requiring a less powerful nudge to reach the hole |
Although both the Superhot and the Supersoft clock in at relatively lower compression ratings, their construction makes it so that they perform differently on the course. Anyone interested in copping a low-compression ball should know that there’s a lot more to consider than simply how tight or loose it’s wound on the inside.
The Supersoft is one of the softest balls out there, and was designed specifically for high handicap users who have slower swing speeds at about 90 mph or less. They launch high to help high handicappers achieve the ideal height for farther carry. Because the Supersoft produces excellent spin on the greenside and is pretty easy to control on the putting greens, beginners and high handicappers should find it to help improve their short-game performance.
The Superhot 55 and 70 on the other hand are slightly more concerned with distance. Designed for straight, consistent, and fast carry, the Superhot golf balls can be a great choice for players who don’t care so much about shaping off the tee. Producing almost non-existent side spin, the Superhot ensures a straight path every time to help maximize the distance you can achieve from the tee box.
Greenside control and putting can be satisfying, but compared to the Supersoft, the Superhot 55 and 70 may produce some rolling especially as it lands from long distance carry on the putting greens or fairway. That said, the Superhot might find a place in the hands of golfers who are confident of their skill in producing height during the drive.
PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
Ultra soft feel creates a pleasant resonance during full swing power shots | Ultra low compression dampens the feedback during impact, which may be lacking for more advanced players |
Reduced side spin with some allowance for flight shaping off the tee | Might require a little added power for chips, pitches and bunker shots |
Excellent spin control for approach shots around the greenside | Fast swingers with high launch might find it difficult to keep the ball low in poor wing conditions |
Drop-and-stop spin capabilities to minimize roll on the putting greens |
PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
Straight, reliable and consistent flight for long distance carry even with low swing speed | Ultra thin cover may dampen the feedback response especially during high swing speeds |
Reduced side spin during the drive for minimized chances of hooks and slices | Altered feel may require a learning curve when putting |
Thin cover material allows impressive control for shots out of bunkers and around the putting greens | Players with naturally high launch angles may find that the ball elevates too high during a drive shot |
Effortless lift when used with short irons and wedges |
When it all comes right down to it, the Callaway Supersoft and the Superhot 55 & 70 bring pretty impressive performance to the table. But if you’re keen on finding out which of the two would best suit your skill and play style, it’s important to consider how they vary on the green. So who wins the big Callaway Supersoft vs Superhot 55 and 70 debate?
The Callaway Supersoft offers that classic balata ball feel with its two piece construction and ultra soft design. A dream for slow and easy strokes, the Supersoft makes short game an absolute treat, but also performs impressively for long distance shots with its ultra-soft low-compression build.
Then of course, the Callaway Superhot is a slightly firmer ball, but is nonetheless categorized as low-compression just the same. Delivering sublime performance on distance shots, these golf balls can make a professional out of any average player off of the tee. Sure, they’re not as blissful on the greenside as the Supersoft, but if distance were the name of the game, then these would be the golf balls to beat.
