Callaway Supersoft vs. HEX Soft: Which Golf Ball Suits Your Game?
When it comes to golf, the ball you choose can significantly impact your performance on the course. The Callaway Supersoft and HEX Soft are two popular options, each offering unique features that cater to different playing styles. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll dive deep into the specifics of these two golf balls, examining their performance, feel, distance, spin, and more to help you determine which one is the best fit for your game.
Introduction to Callaway Supersoft and HEX Soft
Callaway Supersoft: Known for its incredibly low compression, the Callaway Supersoft is designed to deliver a soft feel while maximizing distance. It’s one of the softest golf balls on the market, making it particularly appealing to golfers with slower swing speeds who are looking for a forgiving ball that provides straight shots and a consistent flight.
Callaway HEX Soft: The HEX Soft is another low-compression ball from Callaway, designed to offer a soft feel with an emphasis on control and accuracy. While it shares some similarities with the Supersoft, the HEX Soft features Callaway’s patented HEX Aerodynamics, which reduces drag and promotes a stable, penetrating ball flight.
Compression and Feel
One of the key factors that differentiate these two golf balls is their compression, which directly influences how the ball feels at impact and how it reacts off the clubface.
- Callaway Supersoft: With an ultra-low compression rating of 38, the Supersoft is one of the softest golf balls available. This low compression allows the ball to compress more easily upon impact, creating a cushioned feel that’s easy on the hands. For golfers with slower swing speeds, this means better energy transfer, leading to more distance. The Supersoft’s softness is consistent from tee to green, providing a smooth, comfortable feel across all types of shots.
- Callaway HEX Soft: The HEX Soft also features low compression, though it is slightly firmer than the Supersoft. This design provides a balance between soft feel and control, giving you a responsive yet comfortable impact. The HEX Soft’s feel is soft but offers a bit more feedback compared to the Supersoft, making it suitable for players who prefer a softer ball but still want to maintain a sense of control over their shots.
Distance and Ball Speed
Distance is often a primary consideration when choosing a golf ball, especially for players who need to maximize their yardage. Both the Supersoft and HEX Soft are designed to help you achieve longer shots, but they do so in slightly different ways.
- Callaway Supersoft: The Supersoft is engineered to help players with slower swing speeds achieve maximum distance. Its ultra-low compression core allows for greater energy transfer, resulting in higher ball speeds and longer carry distances. The ball’s HEX Aerodynamics are designed to reduce drag and enhance lift, promoting a higher trajectory and longer flight. The Supersoft is particularly effective at providing a straight, consistent ball flight, which can be a significant advantage for golfers who struggle with accuracy off the tee.
- Callaway HEX Soft: While the HEX Soft is also focused on distance, it is slightly more geared towards control and accuracy. The HEX Aerodynamics featured in this ball help reduce drag and produce a more stable flight, even in windy conditions. This design makes the HEX Soft a great option for golfers who not only want to hit the ball far but also need to maintain control and accuracy throughout their shots. Although it may not provide the same level of raw distance as the Supersoft, the HEX Soft offers a balanced performance that combines distance with precision.
Spin and Control
Spin control is crucial for managing your shots, particularly around the greens where precision is key. Let’s examine how each of these balls performs in terms of spin and control.
- Callaway Supersoft: The Supersoft is designed to produce low spin off the driver, which helps reduce sidespin and promotes straighter shots. This makes it an excellent choice for players who want to minimize slices or hooks. Around the greens, the Supersoft offers moderate spin, providing enough control for reliable chipping and putting. While it may not deliver the high spin rates of a tour-level ball, it offers a consistent, predictable performance that many golfers appreciate, particularly those who prioritize a forgiving ball that’s easy to play.
- Callaway HEX Soft: The HEX Soft offers a slightly higher spin rate compared to the Supersoft, especially on approach shots and around the greens. This increased spin allows for better control and the ability to stop the ball more quickly on the green. The HEX Soft’s spin profile makes it a versatile option for players who need a balance of distance and control, particularly those who want to have more finesse in their short game.
Aerodynamics and Ball Flight
Aerodynamics play a significant role in how a golf ball flies through the air, affecting both distance and accuracy. Callaway’s patented HEX Aerodynamics is a key feature in both the Supersoft and HEX Soft.
- Callaway Supersoft: The Supersoft’s HEX Aerodynamics are designed to reduce drag and enhance lift, helping the ball achieve a higher trajectory and longer carry. This aerodynamic design is particularly beneficial for golfers with slower swing speeds, as it helps keep the ball in the air longer, resulting in more distance. The Supersoft’s ball flight is generally high and straight, making it a great option for players who want to avoid excessive curvature in their shots.
- Callaway HEX Soft: The HEX Soft also utilizes HEX Aerodynamics, but with a slightly different focus. While it still reduces drag, the HEX Soft is designed to produce a more penetrating ball flight, which is beneficial in windy conditions or when you need to keep the ball low. This lower, more controlled flight can help improve accuracy and consistency, especially for players who struggle with ballooning shots or need to navigate tight fairways.
Durability and Construction
The durability of a golf ball is an important consideration, especially if you’re looking to get the most out of your investment. Let’s compare the construction and durability of the Supersoft and HEX Soft.
- Callaway Supersoft: The Supersoft features a durable ionomer cover that is designed to resist scuffs and cuts, even after several rounds of play. Its two-piece construction includes a soft, low-compression core and a resilient cover, making it a reliable option for players who want a ball that maintains its performance over time. The Supersoft’s durability is solid, especially given its soft feel, making it a cost-effective choice for golfers who play frequently.
- Callaway HEX Soft: The HEX Soft also boasts a durable construction, with a resilient cover that stands up well to regular play. Its two-piece design is similar to the Supersoft, with a focus on balancing softness with durability. The HEX Soft’s cover is designed to provide a soft feel while maintaining resistance to wear and tear, ensuring that the ball remains playable over multiple rounds. While both balls offer good durability, the HEX Soft’s slightly firmer feel may give it an edge in terms of longevity.
Short Game Performance
The short game is where precision and control matter most, and the performance of your golf ball in this area can make a significant difference in your overall score.
- Callaway Supersoft: In the short game, the Supersoft provides a soft feel with enough spin to control chips and putts effectively. Its low compression helps you achieve a consistent, smooth roll on the greens, making it easier to develop a reliable putting stroke. The Supersoft’s moderate spin allows for adequate stopping power on approach shots, though it may not be as precise as some higher-spin balls. For players who value forgiveness and ease of use in their short game, the Supersoft is a strong contender.
- Callaway HEX Soft: The HEX Soft shines in the short game, offering slightly more spin and control than the Supersoft. This makes it a great option for players who need to stop the ball quickly on the green or who want more control over their chip shots. The HEX Soft’s responsive feel around the greens provides good feedback, helping you fine-tune your short game and improve your touch. If you’re looking for a ball that offers a bit more precision and control in your short game, the HEX Soft may be the better choice.
Price and Value
Price is often a key consideration when choosing a golf ball, especially if you’re looking for a balance between performance and affordability.
- Callaway Supersoft: The Supersoft is typically priced in the lower to mid-range, making it an affordable option for golfers of all skill levels. Its combination of soft feel, distance, and durability offers excellent value for the price, particularly for beginners and high-handicap players who need a forgiving ball that’s easy to play.
- Callaway HEX Soft: The HEX Soft is also priced affordably, often in the same range as the Supersoft. It provides great value for players looking for a ball that delivers both distance and control without breaking the bank. The HEX Soft’s slightly firmer feel and enhanced spin make it a versatile option that appeals to a wide range of golfers.
Which Ball Should You Choose?
Choosing between the Callaway Supersoft and HEX Soft ultimately depends on your playing style, swing speed, and what you prioritize in a golf ball:
- Callaway Supersoft: If you’re a beginner or high-handicap golfer who prioritizes a soft feel, straight shots, and consistent distance, the Supersoft is a great choice. Its ultra-low compression makes it easy to compress, offering forgiveness and a comfortable playing experience. The Supersoft is particularly well-suited for players with slower swing speeds who need a ball that maximizes their distance while minimizing side spin.
- Callaway HEX Soft: If you’re a player who values a balance between distance and control, with a slightly firmer feel and better short game spin, the HEX Soft is an excellent option. It’s ideal for golfers who want a ball that provides a bit more feedback and precision, especially in the short game. The HEX Soft’s penetrating ball flight and enhanced durability make it a versatile choice for players who need a ball that performs well in various conditions.
Conclusion
Both the Callaway Supersoft and HEX Soft offer unique benefits that cater to different types of players. The Supersoft is perfect for golfers who need forgiveness and distance, while the HEX Soft is ideal for those seeking a balance of distance, control, and short game performance.
By understanding your game and what you value most in a golf ball, you can make an informed decision that will help you perform your best on the course. Whether you choose the comfort and distance of the Supersoft or the precision and control of the HEX Soft, each ball has the potential to elevate your game and make your time on the course more enjoyable.
Want to Get Better at Golf?
Get "Ben Hogan's Five Lessons" and join thousands of others improving their golf skills.
Learn the Fundamentals: Stance and Posture > Golf Grip > The Swing.
This book has LOADS of positive reviews. THOUSANDS OF REVIEWS. A MILLION COPY SOLD. CHEAP!
Get the Book Here