65 replies to this topic

[wooderson419]

I was wondering if anyone had tried these two balls against each other yet? i am looking for opinions on how they compare mainly in the distance, short game spin and trajectory categories. i have read great things about both and am looking to switch to a new ball this year. Thanks in advance for all your info!

[pmang]

I played both today. Neither is a "Spin Machine". They are a great $35.00 ball. They seem very similar to the Bridgestone B330RX. They dont spin back on approach shots rather they roll forward 8 feet. I can get them to check up a bit when I hit a low skipper. I have not been able to get them to spin back as I do with the Pro V1X or Penta TP. As for distance I dont see a difference.

[comeonsergio]

TP3 should have tons of short game spin.  TM claims it produces more spin than last years Penta and the TP5.  It was produced to compete directly with the Pro V1.

Edited by comeonsergio, 26 March 2012 - 06:06 AM.

[BK!]

I played both of these this last Friday.  Both balls were very similar in every regard except greenside spin for me.  The TP3 spun more for me, but for my buddy, the Chrome spun more.  I'm not a very steep swinger, but I'm not a sweeper at all either.  My buddy on the other hand, swings very steeply on wedge shots, so take that for what it's worth.

I couldn't get either ball to back up, but that was mainly due to not hitting any full wedges.  I had a lot of partial wedges in which case both balls were one hop and stop for me.  I am still using old grooves also.

I think these are great balls especially for the price.  Strong off the tee, normal distance off the irons and wedges, feel good off the putter.  Will they replace my ProV's?  The jury is still out at this point as I need to do some more evaluating.

-Kevin

[Smokey227]

Can anyone comment on the trajectory of these two?  I have been playing the TP Black for the last few years and like the higher ball flight it gives.

[Go_Blue!]

Ive played the tp3 but havent played the chrome....regarding the tp3 i played it against my One Tour D and it seemed to launch higher than the D. Very nice feeling and was pleased with all other aspects of the ball as it was similar to what i expect to get out of my D. On full wedges and approach shots it definitely does not release on me. They hit and stay or are back a foot or two. Really what im looking for.

[G-Bone]

Smokey227, on 26 March 2012 - 01:15 PM, said:

Can anyone comment on the trajectory of these two?  I have been playing the TP Black for the last few years and like the higher ball flight it gives.

Not sure about TP3, but the Chrome gives a pleasantly higher ball flight.  No where near ballooning, it just seems to start high and stay and the air for a good long while.

[golfdad907]

Chrome is awesome, best 3 piece in long time.
I don't need to try the TP3, it's the Black LDP, and Chrome is far better for me.

[crazygolfnut]

anyone have any actual spin rates from a monitor?

[Irons Pro]

I have played both of these golf balls, but I have stuck with the TP5 as my golf ball as of late. But to answer your questions, the TP3 will give a little bit more spin than the Hex Chrome. The Hex chrome will give you a further shot of the tee, as well as in the fairways due to the reduced spin. The Chrome will have a higher ball flight, so it will land a little softer, which is great if you play on softer greens, but if you are playing on PGA speed greens, that are a little bit firmer, this will do you no good, and it will just bounce off of the green. I would go with the TP3 over the Hex Chrome any day of the week.

[golfdad907]

Irons Pro, on 28 March 2012 - 11:57 PM, said:

I have played both of these golf balls, but I have stuck with the TP5 as my golf ball as of late. But to answer your questions, the TP3 will give a little bit more spin than the Hex Chrome. The Hex chrome will give you a further shot of the tee, as well as in the fairways due to the reduced spin. The Chrome will have a higher ball flight, so it will land a little softer, which is great if you play on softer greens, but if you are playing on PGA speed greens, that are a little bit firmer, this will do you no good, and it will just bounce off of the green. I would go with the TP3 over the Hex Chrome any day of the week.

Interesting, I can stop either on USGA spec grens, firm enought you may not find your ball mark, not a problem.  Both will stop well enough, and chip fine, so the distance off tee and irons is the deciding factor.

Edited by golfdad907, 29 March 2012 - 12:05 AM.

[skaarsgard]

i have played the TP5 vs. the TP3 and the Hex Black vs. the Hex Chrome.   i saw quite a bit of difference between the Taylormade ball versions but not very much of anything too distinguishable in the Callys.  

i'll play the TP3 vs. the Chrome tomorrow and report back

[Irons Pro]

golfdad907, on 29 March 2012 - 12:04 AM, said:

Irons Pro, on 28 March 2012 - 11:57 PM, said:

I have played both of these golf balls, but I have stuck with the TP5 as my golf ball as of late. But to answer your questions, the TP3 will give a little bit more spin than the Hex Chrome. The Hex chrome will give you a further shot of the tee, as well as in the fairways due to the reduced spin. The Chrome will have a higher ball flight, so it will land a little softer, which is great if you play on softer greens, but if you are playing on PGA speed greens, that are a little bit firmer, this will do you no good, and it will just bounce off of the green. I would go with the TP3 over the Hex Chrome any day of the week.

Interesting, I can stop either on USGA spec grens, firm enought you may not find your ball mark, not a problem.  Both will stop well enough, and chip fine, so the distance off tee and irons is the deciding factor.

Well in that case, I would seriously have you play the TP3 if you have no problem with stopping the ball. I just played it again today in a match (I played the Hex Chrome in a match last week), and it far exceeded the performance of the Chrome in all aspects. The driver spin is seriously reduced, and you get a ton of roll off the tee with your driver, but you get all the spin you need when you want it. Off of the irons, it feels buttery, and it goes the exact distance you want it to. On a full swing with my PW, I go out about 150 yards, but I lost about 5-10 yards because it put the ball too high in the air. I play Ping i15's, which already seriously launch the ball high into the air, so I don't need the hang time. The higher ball flight of the Chrome does come in handy with your low irons, but overall, the TP3 is a better ball.

Edited by Irons Pro, 29 March 2012 - 10:50 PM.

[G-Bone]

I thought the Chrome was the best 3 piece ball I've played to date. Now it looks like I need to give the TP3 a go. I'm already playing and loving it's big brother, the TP5... Can't wait to see what TP3 has in stored for my game!

[skaarsgard]

i took both the TP3 and Chrome out for a spin Friday afternoon.  

testing conditions were as follows:  
Temps - 52*, cold damp air, rained the night before - some puddles in the fairways.   10-15 mph winds gusts, but not consistently blowing.   fairways hadn't been mowed in a while due to the rain, greens were similar - soft and slower than i am used to.   course rating:   71.9 / 119 from the blues

Played Cally one hole, TM the next, Cally, TM, etc.   Last three holes (since it backed up) i played two balls side by side

Driver - both balls performed well in the wind however, the TM seemed to occasionally drop out of the sky when hitting into the wind.  i do sometimes get a bit of backspin on my driver but the TM ball seemed to notice it more than the Cally.  on the last two holes with the driver, Cally achieved 10-15 yards over the TM.   One hole with the wind, the final into the wind.

Long irons - both balls hit well all day - no prevalent differences really other than both lacking a ton of roll out on the fairway.   course conditions most likely came into play

Short irons - this is where i got to see the balls' balls.  7i and down, both balls achieved a very high trajectory without needing too steep of a downswing.   i was getting about 2-5 ft back spin on soft greens with the TM, the Cally had a dead stop or a foot back roll.  

Wedges - I was able to get more than a few full swings and seeing very similar results as the short irons here.   TM checked back on average a yard and a half more than the Cally.  these might get me in trouble on hard/ fast greens.

Putter - both felt very similar - i am a feel guy and probably prefer a clicky ball anyway.  made two 40' putts, and lipped one.

Neither ball had really any side spin and that is a good thing.


in summary, i'll most likely play both balls this year, but i am really digging the Cally Chrome.   this is my fifth or sixth round with them and they just secured a final spot in my top 2 for 2012.   I've had about 3 rounds with the TP3 and loved em early on but once i was able to play side-by-side vs. the Chrome, i can tell it's not going to receive as many purchases from me at the same price point.

but TM did achieve what they were looking for - a higher spinning ball for those that need help with spin.   just a tad too much for me.

on another note - i played the BLACK and TP5 vs. these two balls on the last two holes.   the latter two balls are very much strong performers too - in fact, for me, much better than the TP3 and will duke it out vs. Chrome next week.

Today I am playing the BLACK vs. TP5 and will post back.

Edited by skaarsgard, 01 April 2012 - 08:42 AM.

[Flyersby99]

You say you do not ind clicky off the putter and you play the black.  How does the TP3 compare to the black.  I thought the black was too clicky for me off the putter.  Is the TP3 about the same....softer...firmer.  Some same the TP3 is just a repackaged Black version?

Thanks.

skaarsgard, on 01 April 2012 - 08:41 AM, said:

i took both the TP3 and Chrome out for a spin Friday afternoon.  

testing conditions were as follows:  
Temps - 52*, cold damp air, rained the night before - some puddles in the fairways.   10-15 mph winds gusts, but not consistently blowing.   fairways hadn't been mowed in a while due to the rain, greens were similar - soft and slower than i am used to.   course rating:   71.9 / 119 from the blues

Played Cally one hole, TM the next, Cally, TM, etc.   Last three holes (since it backed up) i played two balls side by side

Driver - both balls performed well in the wind however, the TM seemed to occasionally drop out of the sky when hitting into the wind.  i do sometimes get a bit of backspin on my driver but the TM ball seemed to notice it more than the Cally.  on the last two holes with the driver, Cally achieved 10-15 yards over the TM.   One hole with the wind, the final into the wind.

Long irons - both balls hit well all day - no prevalent differences really other than both lacking a ton of roll out on the fairway.   course conditions most likely came into play

Short irons - this is where i got to see the balls' balls.  7i and down, both balls achieved a very high trajectory without needing too steep of a downswing.   i was getting about 2-5 ft back spin on soft greens with the TM, the Cally had a dead stop or a foot back roll.  

Wedges - I was able to get more than a few full swings and seeing very similar results as the short irons here.   TM checked back on average a yard and a half more than the Cally.  these might get me in trouble on hard/ fast greens.

Putter - both felt very similar - i am a feel guy and probably prefer a clicky ball anyway.  made two 40' putts, and lipped one.

Neither ball had really any side spin and that is a good thing.


in summary, i'll most likely play both balls this year, but i am really digging the Cally Chrome.   this is my fifth or sixth round with them and they just secured a final spot in my top 2 for 2012.   I've had about 3 rounds with the TP3 and loved em early on but once i was able to play side-by-side vs. the Chrome, i can tell it's not going to receive as many purchases from me at the same price point.

but TM did achieve what they were looking for - a higher spinning ball for those that need help with spin.   just a tad too much for me.

on another note - i played the BLACK and TP5 vs. these two balls on the last two holes.   the latter two balls are very much strong performers too - in fact, for me, much better than the TP3 and will duke it out vs. Chrome next week.

Today I am playing the BLACK vs. TP5 and will post back.

[wooderson419]

i think he was talking about the callaway hex black not the taylormade tp black ldp. i could be wrong though.

[Smokey227]

I had a chance to play 45 holes this weekend with these 2 including 9 holes by myself this morning where I played both balls.  Swing speed with the driver is 103, and  I have played the TP Black for the last couple of years. Both of these balls feel softer than the TP Black.  Neither spin as much, but I did not have any issues stopping either one.  I could not back either one up, but they were not releasing after they hit either.  Trajectory is very similar between all three.   I do not hit the ball very high so I like a ball with a higher trajectory. The chrome is one of the softest feeling balls off the face of the putter that I have ever felt.  The TP3 feels better than the TP Black, but not as good as the Chrome.  Both covers seem more durable than the black with the TP3 being the best of the 3.  Full wedge shots with a non-conforming sand wedge still puts a pretty good mark on both.  Distance wise with my irons the TP3 and the Chrome were almost identical, and both about a half a club longer than the Black.  The biggest difference to me between the 2 was off the tee.  I hit the TP3 consistently 10-15 yards further than the Chrome and the TP Black.  The TP3 felt a lot like the Bridgestone E6 to me off the tee.  I could not believe how much further I was hitting it than the other 2.  It went high, straight, and ran out really well.  I think that is the best description I could give of the TP3.  It is a Bridgestone E6 that I can get to stop around the green.  I like it a lot.
Obviously everyones results will vary from reading the other reviews, but I highly recommend trying both of these.

[herkyjerk]

Golf balls are very personal.  What one feels another may not.  So many factors to consider.  For me the Chrome is just a picture perfect balance of distance, feel, spin, and durability.  Just loving these balls this year, best Cally has ever made for my level of play.

[cristphoto]

I just played the Taylor Made TP3 today and was comparing it against the ProV1. I've never played the Chrome so no comments there.  The course wasn't crowded at all so I had the chance to basically play both balls for each shot. What I liked best was the feel. I often alternate between the ProV1 and ProV1X depending on the temperature. Today it only got to the high 50's so I was playing the ProV1. (When I compare the ProV1 and ProV1X the X is usually just a yard or two longer on driver and irons). The TP3  was usually always longer on driver and 3-7 irons. I ignored the mishits or pull/pushes. On shorter irons distance was pretty much the same. What I was most struck with was the feel of the TP3. I loved it. I always wished for a ball that felt midway between the two ProV models and this is it. Taylor Made must still be using that dimple technology where the ball wants to stay if the air longer because this ball does. It takes off higher than the Prov1 and flattens out and just carries. It's a strong looking flight. The ProV1 has a "loopier" style flight in comparison. Still OK but not as "pretty" as the TP3. Spin was fine on both so no clear winner there. I didn't have the chance to play any 20 yard pinch style shots but I had a couple partial wedge shots that simply hit and stayed so both balls played the same here too. The durability seemed a bit better on the TP3. The only odd thing about the TP3 is it still has a seam which is becoming somewhat rare. The ball flight did appear stabile so probably a non-issue. You only really notice it when the ball is in your hand - not noticeable when the ball is on the ground.  I've played the ProV1 balls for years but with the rising cost of ProV's I may switch to the TP3 and save about $15 a box.

Edited by cristphoto, 01 April 2012 - 07:05 PM.

[G-Bone]

I spent a lot of time testing balls early this year, and the Chrome finished in my top 3.  I've only recently played a couple of rounds with TP3, and here are my thoughts.

Feel - Chrome is a touch softer thought the bag. That being said they both feel great, the difference is minor.

Distance - Extremely close here. For me TP3 may have a slight advantage with driver and longer clubs, yet Chrome seemed a touch longer through the lower half of the bag.

Spin - If you like more spin control then it's TP3 for you. If you prefer hit and quit performance from your ball, then I'd say Chrome is your ball of choice. Again, neither are good or bad here, their simply different.

The only weakness I could finer with either ball was on the 20-30 yard pincher/zipper shot. As you may have guessed, the Chrome comes up short here for me. The additional short game spin of the TP3 allows it to handle this shot well, the Chrome tries to check but releases more than I prefer.

Both are great balls, specially when you consider their price point. I think Callaway and TaylorMade may very well change the market with these two offerings!

[cristphoto]

golfdad907, on 28 March 2012 - 03:55 PM, said:

Chrome is awesome, best 3 piece in long time.
I don't need to try the TP3, it's the Black LDP, and Chrome is far better for me.

I've played the Black and the TP3 and they definately have different cores. TP3 is much softer.

[Konklifer]

G-Bone, on 01 April 2012 - 07:37 PM, said:

Spin - If you like more spin control then it's TP3 for you. If you prefer hit and quit performance from your ball, then I'd say Chrome is your ball

Can you define 'hit and quit'?

[skaarsgard]

wooderson419, on 01 April 2012 - 10:21 AM, said:

i think he was talking about the callaway hex black not the taylormade tp black ldp. i could be wrong though.

yes, i was speaking to the HEX Black.   haven't played the Black LDP in over a year or two

[G-Bone]

Konklifer, on 02 April 2012 - 10:29 AM, said:

G-Bone, on 01 April 2012 - 07:37 PM, said:

Spin - If you like more spin control then it's TP3 for you. If you prefer hit and quit performance from your ball, then I'd say Chrome is your ball

Can you define 'hit and quit'?

HaHa!!

Sorry my friend, I'm referring to short iron shots that hit the green and virtually stop near their pitch mark.  You know, similar to Pro V1's "drop and stop" marketing claim.

[hometeamdawg]

Good stuff here.  I am liking the Hex Chrome but I will try the TP3.  And hopefully someone will compare one or both of these to the 2012 Bridgestone 330RX.

[G-Bone]

hometeamdawg, on 02 April 2012 - 02:55 PM, said:

Good stuff here.  I am liking the Hex Chrome but I will try the TP3.  And hopefully someone will compare one or both of these to the 2012 Bridgestone 330RX.

I've made a few post around here comparing Chrome to B330-RX.  In short, for me, no comparison... Chrome blows it out of the water.  Longer off the tee, softer feeling through the bag and much more short game spin.

Even with my 100mph driver swing speed, I like the standard B330 much more than the RX... but that's just me.

[hometeamdawg]

G-Bone,

That's the 2012 330RX?

[G-Bone]

hometeamdawg, on 02 April 2012 - 03:23 PM, said:

G-Bone,

That's the 2012 330RX?

Yes sir, with the new dual dimple.

[wooderson419]

Great info guys! i have never been a real high spin player so i am wondering if i would be better using the tp5 or hex black to gain spin. I hope to get out soon and be able to test the hex chrome and tp3. i was just wondering if anyone else who maybe a lower spin player thinks of these two?