Equipment
2020 Bridgestone Tour B golf balls: Tiger approved
It’s not very often a company will claim a totally revolutionary design change to its biggest core product, but with the launch of the all-new Tour B series of balls by Bridgestone, the company is introducing a revolutionary “smart” cover that was years in the making.
2020 Bridgestone Tour B: Where it started
When it comes to product design, engineers have to optimize based on the end goal of that product and the technology available to produce it. In many cases, that means having to sacrifice one attribute to increase another, for example, green-side spin for increased distance.
With the new Tour B Series, Bridgestone didn’t want to sacrifice anything in the name of total performance, so they utilized the knowledge and expertise of over 900 rubber and polymer engineers from the extensive worldwide research and development team to create Reactiv urethane, an entirely new cover material exclusive to Bridgestone, which offers faster rebound at greater speeds while also increasing green-side control with shots hit at much lower speeds.
Bridgestone says this is the world’s first “smart” urethane.
“The REACTIV cover technology is the most dramatic step change to cover construction since 1999 when we led the industry from Balata to Urethane covered Tour balls.” – Dan Murphy, President & CEO Bridgestone Golf
The 900 engineers number might seem a bit excessive when you consider it’s “just a golf ball,” but for a sport governed by strict rules of equipment conformity, sometimes it takes a small army of people to create a breakthrough. We must consider, too, that unlike some others in the ball industry, Bridgestone has years of experience designing and creating polymers, rubbers, and chemical compounds to meet a whole assortment of consumer product needs.
“Combining Tiger Woods with 900 polymer engineers from Bridgestone Tire has proven an unstoppable formula. This new technology will redefine what pros and amateurs expect from a golf ball.” – Dan Murphy
Which one fits you?
Just like with previous lines, the 2020 Tour B balls from Bridgestone are offered in four models, with each being segmented to appeal to golfers at varying swing speeds as well as offering distinct differences in feel depending on the model.
Tour B X and Tour B XS: Designed for players with driver swing speeds of 105 mph and above to best maximize the performance characteristics.
Both the X and XS are three-piece construction and feature the all-new Reactiv urethane cover alongside Bridgestone’s patented Gradational Compression Core technology and Active Acceleration Mantle. Both technologies are designed to increase long game distance while providing lower spin off the driver.
Tour B RX and Tour B RXS: Designed for players with swing speeds below 105 mph, to gain extra distance and provide softer feel.
Just like with the high swing-speed balls, the softer RXS is designed with a slightly softer cover to create greater green-side spin. The RX delivers a solid slightly firmer feel and while still delivering hit-and-sit performance. Both the RX and RXS also feature the Reactiv urethane cover, with the core powered by the Gradational Compression Core and Active Acceleration Mantle layer.
Tiger validation
If there was ever one golfer to rely on providing feedback for a new product from initial development stage to final prototype, Tiger Woods has to be on the top of that list. Known for being reluctant to change anything about his equipment, Tiger was involved from start to finish during the testing stages and has been quite vocal about putting the new ball into play.
“I’ve worked with Bridgestone’s R&D team for nearly 20 years now, so I know they are the market leader in golf ball innovation, but the last couple of years have been different,” said Woods. “Working closely with the R&D team, I’ve been able to take ownership of this design more than any other ball spec in my career. We have taken it to the next level with the new REACTIV cover. It gives me the right feel and has short game spin that exceeds my previous urethane ball. Off the tee, ball speed is up and this new TOUR B XS is definitely longer while still being in my window.”
Bridgestone Tour B golf balls: Pricing and availability
The entire Bridgestone Tour B family of balls will be available at retail starting February 14 and will be priced at $44.99 per dozen.
Along with the traditional white version, the RX and RXS will also be available in optic yellow.
For further help selecting the right Tour B ball for your game you can now try Bridgestone’s new VFIT service for a free video ball-fitting consultation.
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Whats in the Bag
Taylor Pendrith’s winning WITB: 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
Driver: Ping G430 LST (9 degrees) Buy here.
Shaft: Accra TZ Six ST
3-wood: Ping G430 Max (15 degrees) Buy here.
Shaft: Project X HZRDUS Smoke Green 80 6.5 TX
7-wood: Ping G425 Max (20.5 degrees) Buy here.
Shaft: Project X HZRDUS Smoke Green 90 6.5 TX
Irons: Srixon ZX (2, 3) Buy here, Srixon ZX7 Mk II (4-9) Buy here.
Shafts: Project X HZRDUS Smoke Black 6.5 90, 6.5 100 (2-3), True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100
Wedges: Cleveland RTX 6 Tour Rack (46-10 Mid, 52-10 Mid, 56-10 Mid, 60-9 Full) Buy here.
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100
Putter: Odyssey Jailbird Versa Buy here.
Grip: SuperStroke Zenergy Flatso 1.0
Grips: Golf Pride MCC
The winning WITB is presented by 2nd Swing Golf. 2nd Swing has more than 100,000 new and pre-swung golf clubs available in six store locations and online. Check them out here.
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Whats in the Bag
Ben Kohles WITB 2024 (May)
Driver: Titleist TSR3 (9 degrees, D1 SureFit setting)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Blue 6 X
3-wood: TaylorMade Stealth Plus (15 degrees)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Blue 8 X
Hybrid: Titleist TSR3 (19 degrees, D1 SureFit setting)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Blue HB 9 X
Irons: Titleist T200 (4, 5), Titleist 620 CB (6-9)
Shafts: Project X 6.0
Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM10 (46-10F, 50-12F, 54-12D, 60)
Shafts: Project X 6.0
Putter: Scotty Cameron P5 prototype
Grips: Golf Pride Tour Velvet
Ball: Titleist Pro V1
Check out more in-hand photos of Ben Kohles’ clubs in the forums.
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Whats in the Bag
Kris Kim WITB 2024 (May)
- Kris Kim what’s in the bag accurate as of the CJ Cup Byron Nelson. More photos from the event here.
Driver: TaylorMade Qi10 (9 degrees @7)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Tensei 1K White 60 TX
3-wood: TaylorMade Qi10 Tour (15 degrees @13.5)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Diamana WB 73 TX
Irons: TaylorMade P770 (2, 4), TaylorMade P7MB (5-PW)
Shafts: Mitsubishi Tensei 1K White 80 TX (2), Nippon N.S. Pro Modus3 Tour 120 X
Wedges: TaylorMade MG4 (50-09SB, 56-12SB, 60-11TW)
Shafts: Nippon N.S. Pro Modus3 WV 125
Putter: TaylorMade Spider Tour
Grips: Golf Pride Tour Velvet Cord
Check out more in-hand photos of Kris Kim’s equipment here.
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Big G
Jan 21, 2020 at 4:07 pm
Who gives a S_IT if it’s tiger approved. What a joke. You guys are trying way to hard. Enough with the sycophantic Tiger worship.
Kyle
Jan 21, 2020 at 3:01 pm
“I’ve worked with Bridgestone’s R&D team for nearly 20 years now, so I know they are the market leader in golf ball innovation, but the last couple of years have been different,”
I’ve always wondered if Tiger’s golf balls of past were made or at least influenced by Bridgestone. Sounds like he just confirmed it…
Jake
Jan 21, 2020 at 4:42 pm
I’m pretty sure the Nike balls were manufactured by Bridgestone.
Fred
Jan 21, 2020 at 12:40 pm
Finally the RXS will be available in yellow!
Jake G
Jan 21, 2020 at 9:25 am
Love the 2019 X/XS, great feel and spin. Not sure what else you can do to make them better; the XS is already a super high spinning balls (as Tiger likes).
Chuck Ross
Jan 21, 2020 at 12:33 pm
Well Well, Will see how many wins this wonder ball will get . It should win every week, with
the sound of this all. But it is behind thus far for 2020. Good Luck and Good Day !