News
WRX Spotlight: Bridgestone Tour B X and XS Golf Balls
What Brigestone tells us: Both the Tour BX and XS models have REACTIV cover technology, which according to Bridgestone:
“REACTIV is a smart Urethane that acts as an ‘impact modifier’ to deliver a shock absorbing cover on slow impact shots for more spin and control (wedge) – and high resilience on high impact shots for more power and distance (drive). The cover reacts differently depending on the force of the impact.”
In a demonstration at the PGA Show, Bridgestone’s Elliot Mellow showed us in simple terms what the REACTIV tech does. When you hit it hard like with a driver, it firms up, and on a softer shot like a wedge it stabilizes adding up to a softer feel. Keep in mind that Tiger Woods himself is their point of reference for R&D, so something good is going on here.
What Each Ball Does
TOUR B X: For driver swings over 105 MPH. High speed, low spin off the driver and plenty of spin off of the wedges.
TOUR B XS: For driver swings over 105 MPH. High Speed, lower Spin off the driver, and probably more spin off the short clubs than any ball out there.
Bridgestone V Fitting System: We experienced this at the show, and I must say it’s pretty solid as far as a quick ball testing goes. A Bridgestone rep, authorized fitter or even a friend can record one driver swing on a phone camera, submit the swing and launch data to an offsite Bridgestone ball fitter and based on that one swing will give you the recommendation. Doesn’t seem like an exact science but Bridgestone attests that it’s within a few percentage points vs a full on-site fitting.
Overall Thoughts
I have been in a Titleist Pro V1x for years and am just now truly messing around with other brands to see what’s out there. Both of these balls perform. Even representatives at other companies admit that Bridgestone consistently is one of the best, so my expectations were high.
The Tour BX is the ball I thought would be more my speed, it’s great off the driver and serviceable around the greens (maybe a touch less spin than my Pro V1x), but after getting the XS in my hands, especially from 150 and in, it was a no brainer. Around the greens (60 yards and in) it reminds me of a tick or two above a balata and its very easy to keep down into the wind.
Off the driver, I’m giving up very little. I maybe get 150-200 RPM more spin, which for me, is welcome and it’s also very stable into a crosswind. All in all, if you are looking around for a new golf ball this season, definitely give this one a spin (no pun intended).
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News
Morning 9: 58 on the Korn Ferry Tour | Rory on possible return to policy board
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Tour Photo Galleries
Photos from the 2024 Zurich Classic of New Orleans
GolfWRX is live on site this week at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans for the PGA Tour’s one-and-only two-man team event.
As usual, general galleries, WITBs, and pullout albums — including some pretty spicy custom putters and headcovers — await your viewing.
Be sure to check back for more photos from the Big Easy, as we’ll continue to update this page with additional galleries throughout the week.
General Albums
- 2024 Zurich Classic – Monday #1
- 2024 Zurich Classic – Monday #2
- 2024 Zurich Classic – Tuesday #1
- 2024 Zurich Classic – Tuesday #2
WITB Albums
- Alex Fitzpatrick – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Austin Cook – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Alejandro Tosti – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Davis Riley – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- MJ Daffue – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Nate Lashley – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- James Nicholas – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Kevin Streelman – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Rasmus Hojgaard – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Tom Whitney – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- SangMoon Bae – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Daniel Berger – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Rory McIlroy – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Russ Cochrane – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Aldrich Potgieter – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Steve Stricker WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Drew Brees WITB (Legendary New Orleans Saints QB) – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Derek Carr (New Orleans Saints QB) – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Thriston Lawrence WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
Pullout Albums
- MJ Daffue’s custom Cameron putter – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Cameron putters – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Swag covers ( a few custom for Nick Hardy) – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Custom Bettinardi covers for Matt and Alex Fitzpatrick – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Doug Ghim’s custom Cameron putter – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Patrick Cantlay spotted testing a Scotty Cameron blade putter – 2024 Zurich Classic
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News
Morning 9: Tiger’s TGL teammates | Woosnam’s criticism of Cantlay | Rory’s return to tour policy board
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BRAD LANEY
Feb 7, 2020 at 12:39 pm
Are you going to do a spotlight on the RX and RXS? I would like to read that.
Where's Matt?
Feb 6, 2020 at 6:44 pm
What about Matt Kuchar?
Kduooche
Feb 6, 2020 at 6:45 pm
Kduoooooooooche, Kduoooooooooooooche, Kduooooooooooooooche, Kduooooooooooooooche, Kduoooooooooche, Kduoooooooche…….