Callaway Hot Bite Review

[The Gill]

I picked up a sleeve of Hot Bites and last year's HX Tour 56 and played them today:

• Drives were superb with the HB. It was lower than the Pro-V1 for me, and probably about 7 years longer in carry. Overall distance can't be compared due to the wet fairways.
• On longer shots, the HB seemed to be much better the the HXT56. It was much softer, and far less clicky. You'd be hard pressed to tell the difference between a Pro-V1 and the HB on full iron shots. The HXT56 was clicky.
• On half wedge shots, the HB was pretty close to a Pro-V1. Less then a half wedge, it started to roll out a bit more. HXT56 performance was about the same, but a bit more clicky.
• Putting, the HB was close to the Pro-V1. Holy crap, I was floored! I didn't quite like putting with the HXT56
• Durability wise, I'd say the HXT56 was similar to a Pro-V1, but the HB wasn't quite there. I played the same HB for 9 holes, and it looked pretty rough. The cover is kind of "flaky" like a B330 after a few wedge hits.

I'd say the Hot Bite gives the NTX Tour a damned good run for its money. If I had to play the NXTT or the HB, it would be close, but I'd go with the HB. I'd got with the HB over the HX Tour 56. After playing the Hot Bite, I'm pretty excited for when the HXi's get here!

[x-forged]

nice write-up! the way your describing them, ill definately give them a shot! suprising that you think its better then the hx tour, and they are much cheaper.

[gumpy]

If you like the hot bite be sure to try the gamer. Same company, same specs, different dimples and cheaper...

[nykfan4life]

How does it compare to the NXT Tour?

[The Gill]

It's been awhile since I've played a whole round with an NXT Tour. From what I remember:

• Bit lower, more penetrating ballflight with the Bite
• Little less lateral spin with the driver, it may be related to the first
• Putting and chipping was about even, maybe a slight edge to the NXT Tour. The Bite seemed a little firmer, but in a good way. Kind of Pro-V1x-ish
• Full wedges, I'd give a slight advantage to the Bite

Real close, it may be more preference. I'd be happy with a box of either. But if I had to pick only one, it would be the Bite.

If I had to only play a Bite or an HX Tour this early season, I'd go Bite. The greens just aren't firm enough to need a top shelf ball. They're that good.

[nykfan4life]

It's been awhile since I've played a whole round with an NXT Tour. From what I remember:

where do you play?

[larlev]

Some day I hope to have the ability to be able to tell the diff. between balls.

[The Gill]

where do you play?

Western Washington State.