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.