$50ĬS: The softest in the family targets average golfers and their larger mis-hit patterns. In this case, that meant a more efficiently explosive core and a sleeker aerodynamic pattern. In short, better, tighter manufacturing opens up new areas of innovation. But Callaway’s multiyear commitment to pursuing precision golf-ball production-the tally by now is well over $50 million in improvements to its manufacturing capabilities at its Chicopee, Mass., plant-was about one thing: making its golf balls exactingly consistent for more potential distance and tighter dispersion. Getting better at golf-ball manufacturing sounds about as exciting and relevant as getting better at hospital corners.

RXS: The softest option of the four caters to average-swing-speed players who want to maximize their short-game spin.

In our testing, this was the lowest-spinning ball of the four, but it still had plenty of spin on short shots. RX: Slower-swing-speed players will like the soft feel yet greater resilience on driver shots. XS: The target audience here is fast-swing players whose games revolve around spin and control, even if it means giving up maximum distance. X: This model is for high-speed players who desire distance more than workability and softer short-game feel. When impact is slower, like on a wedge shot, the additive helps the urethane adhere to the face for control and spin. The urethane-cover compound in all four balls uses an additive that maximizes resiliency for high-speed driver impacts.

If you swing faster than 105, then play the tour balls used by Tiger Woods (yes, he has played both the distance X and the spinnier XS). If you’re under that number, choose between the distance-focused RX and the higher-spinning RXS (Lexi Thompson and Fred Couples). The dividing line between the X and XS and the RX and RXS is a driver swing speed of 105 miles per hour. These four balls address two performance areas and two kinds of swing speeds.

Grey bets soft ball