Everybody wants to play with tour-caliber golf balls, and for most golfers there is no real difference on which ball they play, except for price. But golfers get a kick out of playing (and losing) massive quantities of balls (expensive and cheap, it really dozenīt matter). Callaway offers some of the best performing golf balls in the last years, with a great combination of feel, spin and distance, and introduced the HEX dimple pattern on their 3 piece balls (Red and Blue). These HX very good on their own, but play very differently: the Red is firmer and offers very long distance, and the Blue offers a softer touch and tons of spin. A lot of players switched back and forth depending on course conditions. And many started asking: "Why not make ONE ball that has it all?"
Ta-daaaa! Out comes the HX Black. Callaway did succeed in making a real contender for the ProV1īs supremacy. The dimple pattern is still hexagonal, but with a more advanced design. Many players tried it and liked it A LOT. Perhaps the highest profile player to use the HX Tour (also known as the HX Black) is Phil Mickelson, but there are many other HX players out there on tour. I am no tour player, but Iīve made this ball my preferred choice. Here is why:
-Distance. This is perhaps the feature that most players discover first. For some golfers, the increase in distance is over 20 yards, but in any case it is noticeable.
- The HX black is quite impressive dealing with strong wind. It holds trajectory and speed like no other ball Iīve played, including the ProV1x.
- Spin with woods and long irons is minimal, not up to par with the pure "distance" balls, but really close to that found on the PROv1.
- Short iron spin is phenomenal, not just because it is easy to put it on, but also because its easier to control. Since this ball is not as soft as other spin balls, you gain a bit more "feel" on the stroke at impact, so after a few practice chips and pitches you can gage the shot quite well.
- Ball response to putting is really good, as the shot always feels lively and true. I have to say that I feel very confident putting with this ball because it has just the right amount of "hardness" for my taste, as softer balls tend to be harder to control putting distance.
In all, I have found the HX Tour is very long off the tee, having picked up about a 5 yards increase in my driving average, and almost a full club more with my mid and short irons.
The BAD side is durability: this HX scuffs VERY easily, and they rarely last the 18 holes without serious scuffing, and even though 90% is plain cosmetic, it does alter ball flight. Add a $40 USD+ price tag and you will understand why more players have not made the move yet. The competition is tougher now that the NEW ProV1īs are out, as well as the Bridgestone 330 (another superb ball), the MaxFli Black Max, the exceptional Precept U-Tri Tour, and the Nike Platinum. The upper crust of golf ball is getting really crowded, but still, the HX Tour is one helluva long and reliable golf ball. NOT for everyone, though: this ball is only recommended for capable, fast swinging players that can really squeeze the benefits of the HX tour, otherwise, you are wasting your money.
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