By Ed Travis
Titleist Continues Superior Golf Ball Tradition With New AVX
The 2022 version of the AVX golf ball from Titleist with changes to both the urethane cover and core, is now in its third generation. The AVX provides a soft feel, low spin, low trajectory alternative to the Pro V1 and Pro V1x golf balls.
Retaining its three-piece construction, AVX for 2022 has reformulated the core to add firmness on the outside, while it gradually becomes softer towards the center. This harder cover, in combination with a mantle that generates more flex at impact, reduces spin rate with the driver, which relates to added distance off the tee. 
The cast urethane cover, however, is engineered to provide spin from short irons and produce more control around the green. The the outer shell is covered with seven varying sizes of dimples, so-called catenary tiling, to help produce a piercing lower trajectory.
“All components of a golf ball are connected when it comes to performance,” said Mike Madson, Director of Aerodynamics and Research Engineering, Titleist. “When we set out to increase distance and enhance greenside spin, we looked at every layer of the golf ball for improvements. New AVX includes improvements to the core formulation, cover and aerodynamics. The dimple pattern is an area of constant innovation. We continuously design and test new dimple configurations so we can match an aerodynamic pattern specific to the golf ball construction. With AVX, the 348 catenary dimple pattern is optimized specifically for the low flight window of AVX to produce maximum distance.”
The AVX is more proof that Titleist continues to search for the perfect combination of control and distance for every skill level of golfer.
Fast Facts Titleist AVX Golf Ball
-Three-piece premium category ball
-Cast urethane elastomer cover
-Spherically tiled 348 catenary dimples
-High flex mantle
-New variable hardness core
-Available in White, or Yellow
-MSRP, $44.99 dozen
Callaway Chrome Soft Introduces 3 New Models in 2022
Since Callaway made a major investment to upgrade their ball making facility, they are better able to control every step of the manufacturing process from start to finish, which is clearly evident in their new Chrome Soft, which have a new core formulation, as well as, cover pattern.
Callaway Golf has improved its position in the golf ball market over the past few years becoming a solid number two behind Titleist. To help close the gap further and tackle the fact their top-of-the-line model lacked consistency Callaway made a $50 million dollar investment in their Chicopee, Massachusetts manufacturing plant.
The outlay seems to have paid off with big dividends for the average golfer.
The latest Chrome Soft trio have a very low “concentricity offset,” a fancy way to say the ball’s core and outer layers are perfectly centered to improve their ability to deliver the performance, with the highest level of consistency.
An off-center core will exaggerate the curvature of a hook, or slice making a controlled trajectory unlikely, plus result in less distance. Callaway’s new more precise control during manufacture includes a digital high-definition 3D X-ray of each ball to ensure all layers are the proper thickness and exactly centered.
The three new Chrome Softs also have the benefits of a new core material, which Callaway claims is both softer with high rebound, plus the cover creates a lower drag with the new dimple configuration.
Company testing proves the Chrome Soft is five yards longer, with lower spin than the previous model, Chrome Soft X is two yards longer and Chrome Soft X LS is four yards longer.
Callaway balls have also yielded impressive results the PGA TOUR. U.S. Open Champion, Jon Rahm, PGA Championship winner, Phil Mickelson and Olympic Gold Medalist, Xander Schauffele all played Callaway’s Chrome Soft X model in 2021.
We aren’t saying this has monumental significance only that these are the type of wins Titleist’s Pro V1 could usually point to. In fact, it has been rumored that world number one ranked, Jon Rahm switched from TaylorMade Golf clubs and balls, to Callaway primarily to be able to play the Chrome Soft X ball.
Fast Facts Callaway Chrome Soft balls
-Chrome Soft 3-piece recreational players
-Chrome Soft X 4-piece high swing speed players
-Chrome Soft X LS 4-piece low spin high swing speed players
-Available in White, Yellow and Triple Track
-Available in Golf Shops for $49.99 per dozen
