Callaway just released a fresh take on their popular Chrome Soft golf ball, and if it looks a bit familiar to you, you’re definitely not alone.
The latest design, called the Chrome Soft 360 Yellow Stripe, seems to have taken a page out of TaylorMade’s playbook, closely resembling their Tour Response Stripe. Odds are, you probably caught onto that similarity without needing me to mention it.
A bright yellow stripe? Bold move indeed!
It’s worth noting that this isn’t Callaway’s first dabble with stripe designs.
The 360 Triple Track, essentially a hollow stripe version, has been part of their line for some time now.
Then there’s the 360 Fade pattern you’ll find on the ERC Soft, another stripe variant. And let’s not forget the Supersoft Splatter, aptly named for its stripe filled with a splattered design.
Callaway has been experimenting with stripe variations for a while now, and this new design just takes it up a notch with its more pronounced look.
You could interpret this in a couple of ways.
In a year where Callaway seems keen on reinforcing its place as a L.A.B. imitator, borrowing from TaylorMade’s book might suggest a certain lack of originality.
Nevertheless, it’s important to remember that Callaway and TaylorMade have been in a friendly rivalry for decades. This latest move is just another chapter in their ongoing back-and-forth.
So, in many ways, it’s just business as usual in the golf industry.
For some added insight, let’s not forget that Truvis came before pix, and even though I haven’t seen the new Chrome Soft up close yet, there’s a voice in my head (it might sound like a Callaway rep) suggesting that the print quality here is superior with a potentially more centered stripe compared to the rather pixelated pattern of TaylorMade.
At the end of the day, the big question of ‘who did it first’ usually fades away, especially when we’re talking about something like a stripe on a golf ball, which isn’t exactly groundbreaking in the golf world.
But hey, it is what it is.
What I really hope is that Callaway’s attempt with the wide stripe alignment sets a precedent for others. I’ve always argued that wider patterns are great for putting alignment. If drawing some inspiration from competitors means we get better alignment features across the board, count me in.
Wouldn’t it be fantastic if you could choose any pattern for any ball you prefer to play with?
If you’re looking to try out the Callaway Chrome Soft 360 Yellow Stripe, you’re in luck because it’s available now.
