Recently I tested Chrome Soft with TRUVIS. Callaway sent me sent me the balls to test for the purposes of writing a review for the Callaway Community.
Date Tested
8/14/15
Handicap
15
Testing Conditions:
On course, dry and sunny weather, 80 degrees, dry course, well maintained fairways and rough
Performance off the tee:
I didn't notice that big of a difference off of the tee. I was the same length as I am with a plain white Chrome Soft. I did find it more difficult to track the ball in the air. It looked like the ball would disappear until just prior to coming down out of the air.
Performance on the Fairways and in the Rough:
I felt like I was a little more crisp with my middle irons using the TRUVIS ball. The ball appears a little larger to me (though I know it really isn't), so I think I felt a little more confident with my swing. I felt like I just made more true contact and the results were an extra 5 or 10 yards with 3-7 irons and a little more on line.
Performance on Half Shots:
I did not notice a difference with half shots. I do really like the Chrome Soft ball in general and the TRUVIS ball certainly performed with what I am used to with the plain white Chrome Soft ball I typically use.
Performance on the Greens:
I normally do not use the alignment aid on the ball when putting, but started doing so with the TRUVIS ball. I think a couple of more rounds or additional practice on the putting green would help me get used to the TRUVIS ball while putting. I did putt about the same as normal, so I don't think the TRUVIS ball was a big factor one way or the other.
General Visibility and Focus:
The TRUVIS ball, to my eye, appears to be a bit larger. I think this gave me a little better confidence in my swing. Overall, on the full shots I was a little longer and the ball felt slightly better off of the club face. The short game was unaffected by the TRUVIS ball.
OVERALL
Pros:
I like the ball overall, but particularly on full shots outside of 150 yards. I felt a little longer with the TRUVIS ball, which I would attribute to additional confidence due to the ball's appearance.
Cons:
Although my putting was not affected by the TRUVIS ball, I would generally prefer to have a plain white Chrome Soft ball.
Summary of my experience with the ball:
Overall, I like the TRUVIS ball. The biggest hurdle for me is just getting used to the difference appearance. From a results standpoint, I would be interested in continuing to use the ball and getting used to it. I think after a few rounds and some practice time, I could really like using this ball in all facets of the game.