COST: $79.99 (dozen).
TESTED BY: Jimmy Emanuel, Golf Australia Deputy & Digital Editor

MODELS PLAYED: Bridgestone TOUR B X, XS, RX & RXS

FIRST IMPRESSIONS: Offered in four models, broken into two categories of swing speeds (with driver) under and over 105 mph, the new range is in no way reinventing the wheel, but simply fine tuning what were already outstanding options released in 2020.

And to give you an insight into the quality on offer from Bridgestone, Tiger Woods and Jason Day all use these, three of the pickiest players on the PGA Tour when it comes to their gear.

For our testing, the initial results were as expected. There remains a slight differential between each offering to suit a particular player, with each model very playable for golfers looking for premium performance.

HOW THEY PERFORMED: When a company has success with premium golf ball models, new releases are about refinement not reinvention, because these golf balls are aimed at the Tour pros – and in Bridgestone’s case the rest of us – who don’t want to undergo a huge relearning.

This time around, the update has come in further developing the concept of minimising the difference between needing to pick either distance off the tee or spin around the green, while the feel of the range has been slightly amended.

I started with the TOUR B X (Bryson’s ball) because it is the model I have had the longest history with.

When the brand first released a ball to Australia, the B330 was the firmer model and one I absolutely loved. The thing went miles, was a great low spin option, but feel was where it fell behind others.

The TOUR B X is many models removed from that B330, and it is now such a versatile performer. Hitting a couple side-by-side with the previous offering, the feel is a little softer, ball flight with the longer clubs slightly flatter and Trackman confirmed the spin rate around the greens and mostly on full wedges had gone up a little.

Moving to Tiger’s ball of choice (TOUR B XS) the theme of a little flatter ball flight continued, while it continues to stand out as one of the softer feeling premium Tour balls in the market. Spin is higher than the X model, while distance is fractionally less from the tee.

Spin rates with the shorter clubs are up a little on the 2020 TOUR B XS, which is a very workable golf ball for those among us who fancy themselves as shot shapers and if you need help stopping shots, this is the model for you.

The X and XS are for those moving the driver quicker than 105 mph, for the rest are the RX and RXS that effectively offer the same difference in performance.

RX is a little firmer and goes a little farther, RXS feels softer off the face and spins more around the greens.

While the other two models are slight tweaks on their predecessors, I would argue these two models have undergone a more significant change.

Once exceptionally soft, almost into too soft country, Bridgestone have seemingly firmed up the feeling off the two ‘R’ models while at the same time making noticeable spin and speed improvements.

Previously using height more than spin to stop the ball on approach shots, I found more bite out of both, the RX being the most significant improver in this regard.

The slightly firmer feel would suggest a little more power off the tee and our Trackman testing against the few remaining 2020 models confirmed this.

For mine, Bridgestone have produced two models in the RXS and RX this year that will more easily convince a player holding onto their firmer premium golf
ball to make a switch that will benefit
their play.

The compression rates are still lower, thus helping slower swing speeds, and testing showed less spin than the XS and X models, which means a straighter flight.

Once again, Bridgestone has produced four options that are well worth a try, and a fairly simple way to determine which ball you fit into. However, with the improvements made, you might find you straddle one, two or even three models this year, so taking a few sleeves out and putting them through their paces is a very worthwhile exercise.

FACTS AND FIGURES

BRIDGESTONE SAYS: Designed to deliver unparalleled distance and greenside control, the new TOUR B golf balls feature the new ‘REACTIV iQ’ cover. The 2022 TOUR B family comes in four distinct models, TOUR B RX and TOUR B RXS (for swings under 105 mph), and TOUR B X and TOUR B XS (for swings over 105 mph).

The new REACTIV iQ cover utilises impact modifiers and builds on a technology under development for years, which was inspired by Bridgestone staffer Tiger Woods. REACTIV iQ is a smart cover technology that reacts to the force of impact for the needs of each club and shot, solving the trade-off of spin vs. distance. Off the tee it rebounds quickly, delivering explosive velocity and increased distance. Around the green the ball stays on the face longer providing more spin and soft feel. Optimising the formula of REACTIV iQ, the impact modifier recipe has been maximised for each ball to deliver customized performance for all four TOUR B’s.

Visit, www.bridgestonegolf.com.au to find out more.