The Callaway ERC Soft golf ball is priced at $39.99 per dozen, making it $15 less expensive than the Chrome Soft, Chrome Soft X LS, and Chrome Soft X, all of which cost $54.99 per dozen. To reach this lower price point, Callaway made adjustments to the construction of the ERC Soft. This three-piece ball features an ionomer cover with a urethane coating, and is available in White and Yellow with Triple Track lines. The compression of the ERC Soft is 72.
Designed for players looking for a low-spinning ball off the tee that feels soft at impact and provides good distance with irons, the ERC Soft is similar to the Chrome Soft. Both balls have three pieces – a core, mantle layer, and cover – and have compressions in the low- to mid-70s, resulting in a similar feel upon impact. While both balls spin nearly identically off the tee with a driver, the ERC Soft is said to fly slightly higher and spin less with irons compared to the Chrome Soft.
The main difference between the ERC Soft and Chrome Soft is in the cover and greenside spin. While the Chrome Soft has a urethane cover, the ERC Soft features an ionomer cover with a urethane coating. According to Callaway, the GRIP urethane coating on the ERC Soft helps maximize the performance of the ionomer cover, resulting in increased friction between the cover and the grooves of wedges, leading to less sliding up the face and more spin than the previous ERC Soft model.
Despite the urethane coating, the ERC Soft is not expected to spin as much as the Chrome Soft on shots from 50 to 75 yards. While individual results may vary, Callaway estimates that golfers will generate approximately 300 rpm less spin on a 50-yard pitch shot with an ERC Soft compared to a Chrome Soft. It is important to note that the trade-off for the lower price of the ERC Soft comes in the form of reduced greenside spin and control compared to the Chrome Soft.
Overall, the Callaway ERC Soft golf ball offers golfers a more affordable option with similar performance to the higher-priced Chrome Soft models. The combination of a low-spinning ball with a soft feel off the tee and good distance with irons makes the ERC Soft a viable choice for players looking to enhance their game without breaking the bank. With its ionomer cover and urethane coating, the ERC Soft provides an alternative to the Chrome Soft while still delivering quality performance on the course.
