Introducing the 2024 Bridgestone Tour B Golf Balls.
Any time Bridgestone Golf announces their newest version of their flagship Tour B golf ball, it is an exciting time to see just what they have up their sleeve. Some of the most impressive innovations in golf balls over the years have been part of the Tour B series as well as its predecessor B330 lineup.
Last time, it was all about REACTIV. This time, we see the next evolution of that, and then some.
2024 Bridgestone Tour B Golf Balls
Right out of the gates, the Tour B release will remain four different golf balls, with Bridgestone still using their speed classification system. The Tour B X and XS models are aimed at players who swing over 105 MPH, while the RX and RXS are for the under 105 MPH segment. Of course, the issue here remains the same in that this cannot be treated as gospel, since individual fitting can differ, which makes it interesting with as much emphasis as Bridgestone puts on fitting that they continue to use speed as the baseline.
A significant part of the story for the newest Tour B golf balls though is a familiar name, in fact, the most recognizable name in golf history, Tiger Woods. You see, Bridgestone is adamant that combining Tiger and his knowledge as well as feel with their over 900 polymer engineers has pushed their R&D like never before. This time, the Big Cat has specific impact on the Tour B X, which is the ball he has switched to for added distance after playing a version of the XS for over twenty years. Yes, you read that right.
Not only was he involved with the Tour X, but all the golf balls as well. If you recall, the key design feature last time around was the introduction of REACTIV. By introducing “impact modifiers” to the urethane, Bridgestone developed a cover that would react differently based upon the speed at which impact took place. When hit harder, it got firmer and thus faster off the face, but when impact took place at lower speeds with scoring clubs it became softer which increased spin as well as shot stopping capabilities.
That technology has not gone away, but it has evolved to be part of the “REACTIV X System” which consists of a REACTIV IQ “smart” cover and new mid-layer called XCLRNT. Besides being a whole lot of consonants, there is also a lot of science behind the names.
The base premise of the REACTIV IQ cover is the same this time, it reacts differently to how hard it is hit, allowing for more speed off the tee, and more spin off scoring clubs. Last time though, the same modifiers were used in all four golf balls, despite them being intended for different kinds of golfers. In 2024 that has changed so each ball has its own “smart cover” which uses modifiers to tune the way the cover reacts for each golf ball individually.
That isn’t all. Under the REACTIV IQ covers is a new XCLRNT mid-layer. Bridgestone describes this as the “backboard” for the cover. Essentially, in another advancement of their contact science, this layer creates more spin around the greens while being more efficient at the energy transfer/rebound off the tee. One interesting comment from Bridgestone about this is also that the new XCLRNT layer has “created a deeper sound at impact”.
As you can see, the next evolution of Bridgestone’s Tour B golf balls should certainly create some intrigue for golfers who have experience with the prior versions. Just how much change will there be? Keep an eye on the forum testing on the THP community which will be ongoing with every single ball in the lineup represented.
The Details
All four models in the 2024 Bridgestone Tour B golf ball lineup will be at retail everywhere starting on 2/16/24. As always, there will be Bridgestone fitting opportunities across the nation as well. The golf balls will be priced at $49.99 per dozen.
For more information, check out their website at www.bridgestonegolf.com.
The Tour B X has been impressively long off the tee for me. I am a bit surprised at how much control I am able to get, and I haven’t been hitting the ball dead right like I was afraid of playing an LS head with this ball. I am really impressed.
I let my playing partner play a sleeve during my member game last Saturday and he commented on how great the ball felt off the driver, and how he thought he was longer with the Tour B X over his gamer.
[QUOTE=”BigDill, post: 12177142, member: 48932″]
I am a bit surprised to see that. My Tour BX balls have held up well so long as I don’t hit them off an object like a tree or kart path. I am certainly not seeing the wear you are seeing from traditional play.
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Maybe it was just a one off situation. I’ll break out a new one next time and see how that one fares.
I never had much success with B/S golf balls, especially around the greens. When I first heard about the RXS I thought it would be the perfect ball for me, but it didn’t turn out that way.
On a side note, while I was typing this a B/S commercial came on with the new graphic, lol.
I had a lot of really good shots hit a couple of so-so shots and only one really bad shot I think. Had some very nice greenside shots. One of the two really performed there.
It was actually a really good nine for me between both balls. I’m really excited where my game is and ball striking is at and as we all know finding the right ball is a big piece of the puzzle.
Taylormade TP5x vs. Bridgestone Tour BX: 9-Hole Comparison
[MEDIA=youtube]a6nkCY6OnNY[/MEDIA]
[QUOTE=”smgoldstein, post: 12176957, member: 4509″]
Took the TOUR B RX out on the course yesterday. Really mild conditions-yet very wet. Drives got no roll-actually backed up a few times. Like how the ball holds its line in the wind. Ball has ample spin around the greens and this one particular 5 wood shot hit the green and stayed right there.
[ATTACH type=”full” alt=”IMG_5226.jpg”]9246271[/ATTACH]
Distance is comparable, even slightly more, than my current gamer-CSX. Only criticism is the ball’s-or at least this one-durability or paint job. Have played this one ball for a round and a couple of SIM sessions and it looks a little beat up.
[ATTACH type=”full” alt=”Screen Shot 2024-03-04 at 10.24.38 AM.png”]9246272[/ATTACH]
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One round and a couple sim sessions? Thats not surprising wear then. I very, very seldom play a ball more than 18 holes. Modern wedges have a lot of bite.
[QUOTE=”1860VS, post: 12175871, member: 71354″]
Cold, winds at 15mph, gusting to the 20’s. Both the RX and RXS were very stable in the wind. I won a couple closest to the pins, one with each ball. ( out of only 4 guys, but money is money. LOL) Greens were very receptive. Even downwind the RX was within a foot of its pitchmark 7 Iron down. Higher spinning RXS sucked back a couple times, but not stupid far, maybe 3′ with a down wind 8I. I’ll be out Thursday and the weather should be better, but thus far these balls are definitely in my wheelhouse. RXS coupled with the 64* Smart Sole wedge is absolute money on short pitches, a foot to 18″ of roll out……. and the RX is just fine there as well, I am talking a difference of maybe 3′ more roll out on a 20 yard pitch..
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If you had to pick one now, which one and why?
[QUOTE=”Scooby45, post: 12177904, member: 62865″]
If you had to pick one now, which one and why?
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RXS. The RX is a bit longer and a bit straighter, but I like to spin it a bit, and move it both ways. I may be old and the swing is below 105, but I am not too distance challenged….yet. I’ll sacrifice a couple yards to take the short game spin and workability of the RXS, not that the RX is a slouch, they are both very good balls.
[QUOTE=”1860VS, post: 12177943, member: 71354″]
RXS. The RX is a bit longer and a bit straighter, but I like to spin it a bit, and move it both ways. I may be old and the swing is below 105, but I am not too distance challenged….yet. I’ll sacrifice a couple yards to take the short game spin and workability of the RXS, not that the RX is a slouch, they are both very good balls.
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Thanks. That is great feedback.
BX is so good hitting into greens.
This is 8i from 140. Damn near stopped in it’s pitch mark on a green running away.[ATTACH type=”full”]9246438[/ATTACH]
[QUOTE=”That post, post: 12178729, member: 65950″]
BX is so good hitting into greens.
This is 8i from 140. Damn near stopped in it’s pitch mark on a green running away.[ATTACH type=”full” alt=”IMG_9081.jpeg”]9246438[/ATTACH]
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I have been seeing the exact same thing. With a 7 iron or less in, I’m holding greens like crazy.
[QUOTE=”BigDill, post: 12178731, member: 48932″]
I have been seeing the exact same thing. With a 7 iron or less in, I’m holding greens like crazy.
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It’s getting harder and harder to not see past my small quibbles with driver and irons feel with the ball and just game it for the year
[QUOTE=”That post, post: 12178737, member: 65950″]
It’s getting harder and harder to not see past my small quibbles with driver and irons feel with the ball and just game it for the year
[/QUOTE]
I have been really impressed with this ball. Granted, I knew that I was going to like it being that I played the prior version. But I was a bit concerned that my current swing and driver setup would be too low spin for the BX. That has not been the case at all. I am driving the ball as well as I ever have.
[QUOTE=”That post, post: 12178737, member: 65950″]
It’s getting harder and harder to not see past my small quibbles with driver and irons feel with the ball and just game it for the year
[/QUOTE]
So far this year, I’ve played the XS, X and Chrome Tour. I have a sleeve of the TP5 in the bag to try this weekend. I prefer the feel and performance of the 2 Bridgestones 7 iron and down, with XS having a slight advantage. Off the putter, the X and XS are neck and neck. Just eyeballing things off driver, the X and CT are a bit longer and straighter than the XS. The X doesn’t feel (sound) as firm as the CT.
[QUOTE=”BigDill, post: 12178789, member: 48932″]
I have been really impressed with this ball. Granted, I knew that I was going to like it being that I played the prior version. But I was a bit concerned that my current swing and driver setup would be too low spin for the BX. That has not been the case at all. I am driving the ball as well as I ever have.
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Did you dabble with the RX at all? If so, how would you compare them?
I’m getting closer to decided my ball for the year, and the B X is one of the last three in the running. Which is didn’t expect so that’s awesome. And it’s definitely the most unique experience of the 3. How it feels soft off the short end of the bag, and then cracks off the driver a bit.
[QUOTE=”That post, post: 12178737, member: 65950″]
It’s getting harder and harder to not see past my small quibbles with driver and irons feel with the ball and just game it for the year
[/QUOTE]
What do the quibbles look like?
[QUOTE=”OldandStiff, post: 12178920, member: 53737″]
What do the quibbles look like?
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If his circles are any indication, . . . .
[QUOTE=”OldandStiff, post: 12178920, member: 53737″]
ThiWhat do the quibbles look like?
[/QUOTE]
The physical manifestation? Like this:
[IMG alt=”Think High School GIF by Paramount Movies”]https://media1.giphy.com/media/SqQtIZBo6q2I0/200.gif[/IMG]
The actual quibbles I have are with sound and feel. I’m a big auditory person it’s something I notice and I know what I like and don’t. I don’t like the sound of BX off irons and driver. I can’t put my finger on why but it’s there. I also enjoy the slight firmer feel I get with BX.
[IMG alt=”Lecy Goranson Smile GIF by ABC Network”]https://media2.giphy.com/media/dyCKNS1sNMcFE5HPvN/200.gif[/IMG]
BX is like magic for me around the greens. I nearly chipped in 3x yesterday, hit the pin this morning and was inches away with another. I LOVE LOVE LOVE what this ball does for me greenside. I like the results I get with irons now.
It’s also a few bucks cheaper and I’m a short arms long pockets kinda guy so……
It’s getting very serious consideration. I’ve still got 2 sleeves of the test box left. When I’m out I’m buying more.
[QUOTE=”That post, post: 12178974, member: 65950″]
The physical manifestation? Like this:
[IMG alt=”Think High School GIF by Paramount Movies”]https://media1.giphy.com/media/SqQtIZBo6q2I0/200.gif[/IMG]
The actual quibbles I have are with sound and feel. I’m a big auditory person it’s something I notice and I know what I like and don’t. I don’t like the sound of BX off irons and driver. I can’t put my finger on why but it’s there. I also enjoy the slight firmer feel I get with BX.
[IMG alt=”Lecy Goranson Smile GIF by ABC Network”]https://media2.giphy.com/media/dyCKNS1sNMcFE5HPvN/200.gif[/IMG]
BX is like magic for me around the greens. I nearly chipped in 3x yesterday, hit the pin this morning and was inches away with another. I LOVE LOVE LOVE what this ball does for me greenside. I like the results I get with irons now.
It’s also a few bucks cheaper and I’m a short arms long pockets kinda guy so……
It’s getting very serious consideration. I’ve still got 2 sleeves of the test box left. When I’m out I’m buying more.
[/QUOTE]
Yeah it’s pretty great around the greens.
So obviously not quite as long for you off the tee. Do you know the reason? What’s the metric(s) that holds it back?
[QUOTE=”OldandStiff, post: 12178918, member: 53737″]
I’m getting closer to decided my ball for the year, and the B X is one of the last three in the running. Which is didn’t expect so that’s awesome. And it’s definitely the most unique experience of the 3. How it feels soft off the short end of the bag, and then cracks off the driver a bit.
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What are you down to for the final three? I’m stuck between old faithful Pro V1, CTX, and BX. Only played one round with the CT so it never got as much of a fair shake.
Played 90 holes at Sea Island a couple of weeks back primarily testing the CTX until I decided to play a full 18 with the Pro V1 and promptly responded with 6 birdies. Still feel like the Pro V1 is simply the “gold standard”, feels great, spins where you need it to, does well in the wind (as good as any other ball on the market), etc. etc. etc.
[QUOTE=”OldandStiff, post: 12178995, member: 53737″]
Yeah it’s pretty great around the greens.
So obviously not quite as long for you off the tee. Do you know the reason? What’s the metric(s) that holds it back?
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I don’t get as much ball speed with it as I do the TP5x. I’ve seen this time and time again in the sim. With 5x ball speed jumps a few mph. Not a deal killer but it’s something.
[QUOTE=”BigtimeHC, post: 12179020, member: 71296″]
What are you down to for the final three? I’m stuck between old faithful Pro V1, CTX, and BX. Only played one round with the CT so it never got as much of a fair shake.
Played 90 holes at Sea Island a couple of weeks back primarily testing the CTX until I decided to play a full 18 with the Pro V1 and promptly responded with 6 birdies. Still feel like the Pro V1 is simply the “gold standard”, feels great, spins where you need it to, does well in the wind (as good as any other ball on the market), etc. etc. etc.
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B X , CT X, and a dark horse. We were just getting into a stretch where it was easier to see the on course differences that would play out as the year goes on, but got a boatload of rain last night. So it will probably continue to be a 3 horse race for a bit.
[QUOTE=”Scooby45, post: 12178874, member: 62865″]
Did you dabble with the RX at all? If so, how would you compare them?
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I did not. At the time I first played the BX my swing speed was 108. Now I hover around 106. So I am creeping towards the RX fitting quadrant.
I’ll try to pick up a sleeve and see if I can compare one morning.
The RXS spins quite a bit for me around the green. I dont have data comparison, but seems to give me more than the last iteration.
[QUOTE=”JB, post: 12183124, member: 3″]
The RXS spins quite a bit for me around the green. I dont have data comparison, but seems to give me more than the last iteration.
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How does it perform off irons for you?
[QUOTE=”Scooby45, post: 12183179, member: 62865″]
How does it perform off irons for you?
[/QUOTE]
Similarly to the last one in the tech studio. Good spin, decent speed, a great ball flight. Being steep I typically go with the RX vs the RXS, but this one green side is giving me all of the feels.
[QUOTE=”JB, post: 12183188, member: 3″]
Similarly to the last one in the tech studio. Good spin, decent speed, a great ball flight. Being steep I typically go with the RX vs the RXS, but this one green side is giving me all of the feels.
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Thanks. Im looking forward to comparing the two.
[QUOTE=”JB, post: 12183188, member: 3″]
Similarly to the last one in the tech studio. Good spin, decent speed, a great ball flight. Being steep I typically go with the RX vs the RXS, but this one green side is giving me all of the feels.
[/QUOTE]
Does either feel noticeably firmer or softer than the last versions?
The swing has been feeling a lot more dialed as I’ve been able to get out a few more times here lately.
I think it’s time to head back to the sim and give BX another run at the numbers. It’s earned that for me based on how I’ve played with it on course the past couple of rounds. I also got some Snakebite Wedges that I need to grab some numbers on in comparison with my gamer wedges.
Gonna try to head to the sim tomorrow since it’s gonna rain all day, again…. 🙁
Only testing the BX this time. I’ll have some more data and video this weekend.
The way the weather is looking here i might be able to field test these balls sooner rather then later
[QUOTE=”That post, post: 12185301, member: 65950″]
The swing has been feeling a lot more dialed as I’ve been able to get out a few more times here lately.
I think it’s time to head back to the sim and give BX another run at the numbers. It’s earned that for me based on how I’ve played with it on course the past couple of rounds. I also got some Snakebite Wedges that I need to grab some numbers on in comparison with my gamer wedges.
Gonna try to head to the sim tomorrow since it’s gonna rain all day, again…. 🙁
Only testing the BX this time. I’ll have some more data and video this weekend.
[/QUOTE]
Change of plans going today in about 40 minutes
Consistent is the word I would use to describe this Sim session. It was good. I can’t wait to share these numbers later gotta take some time to put them together and digest my thoughts.
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8 iron is up next. Give me a bit.
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Want to do 3 and 5 hybrid? Let’s do it! Gimmie a bit.
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The RXS is soft off a putter. Maybe it’s the sharp contrast to the ‘X’ balls I’ve been rolling in the practice mat, but it feels almost like rolling a marshmallow. If soft feel off the putter is a high priority for you this ball should get a look.
[QUOTE=”Scooby45, post: 12186666, member: 62865″]
The RXS is soft off a putter. Maybe it’s the sharp contrast to the ‘X’ balls I’ve been rolling in the practice mat, but it feels almost like rolling a marshmallow. If soft feel off the putter is a high priority for you this ball should get a look.
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Sounds gross.
So I’ve decided that BX deserves to have a real run at a bag spot this season. After hitting 50+ iron and wedge shots today I’ve come around on the feel off the face. I still enjoy the feel of 5X just a little more. But thinking how well BX has done around the greens for me when playing I want to give it a chance to solidify its place.
Sure I’m going to lose some yardage because quite frankly it’s just not as fast as TP5x I’ve seen this time and time again in my multiple rounds of testing but a couple of yards might be worth the consistent spin and magic on the green.
I’ll be buying 2 boxes with some Dicks Sporting goods credits I have floating around.
[QUOTE=”That post, post: 12186687, member: 65950″]
So I’ve decided that BX deserves to have a real run at a bag spot this season. After hitting 50+ iron and wedge shots today I’ve come around on the feel off the face. I still enjoy the feel of 5X just a little more. But thinking how well BX has done around the greens for me when playing I want to give it a chance to solidify its place.
Sure I’m going to lose some yardage because quite frankly it’s just not as fast as TP5x I’ve seen this time and time again in my multiple rounds of testing but a couple of yards might be worth the consistent spin and magic on the green.
I’ll be buying 2 boxes with some Dicks Sporting goods credits I have floating around.
[/QUOTE]
Have you compared to the RX?
[QUOTE=”JB, post: 12186691, member: 3″]
Have you compared to the RX?
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I haven’t used the RX yet. It would give more spin but be a bit softer off the face?
[QUOTE=”That post, post: 12186697, member: 65950″]
I haven’t used the RX yet. It would give more spin but be a bit softer off the face?
[/QUOTE]
It wouldn’t give more spin.
Or at least shouldn’t.
[QUOTE=”JB, post: 12186709, member: 3″]
It wouldn’t give more spin.
Or at least shouldn’t.
[/QUOTE]
Is there something in the data that you think I could benefit from using RX? I’m down to grab a sleeve and testing them out doing this testing is one of my favorite things to do. I’m just curious what I should look for to improve with the RX.
[QUOTE=”That post, post: 12186725, member: 65950″]
Is there something in the data that you think I could benefit from using RX? I’m down to grab a sleeve and testing them out doing this testing is one of my favorite things to do. I’m just curious what I should look for to improve with the RX.
[/QUOTE]
Not necessarily. Other than it was a lot of impact locations and the RX is going to be easier to compress that will be “more forgiving” so to speak on those misses.
[QUOTE=”That post, post: 12186671, member: 65950″]
Sounds gross.
[/QUOTE]
Depends on your perspective.
[QUOTE=”That post, post: 12186725, member: 65950″]
Is there something in the data that you think I could benefit from using RX? I’m down to grab a sleeve and testing them out doing this testing is one of my favorite things to do. I’m just curious what I should look for to improve with the RX.
[/QUOTE]
if you were up for mindset and wanted to split a box of RX let me know. I’m looking to do a little side by side.
Chipping around in the basement tonight and man does the RXS want to check up.
Granted it’s on carpet, but it is seemingly checking up quicker than the Z-Star, Chrome Tour, and Chrome Tour X, the other balls I have knocking aorund downstairs.
[QUOTE=”Scooby45, post: 12186829, member: 62865″]
Depends on your perspective.
if you were up for mindset and wanted to split a box of RX let me know. I’m looking to do a little side by side.
[/QUOTE]
I was more talking about rolling an actual marshmallow :ROFLMAO:. I play a softer ball in the colder months so while not my preference it’s fine.
I could be interested in that. Though I’m buying a couple boxes of BX’s so if you’d rather trade a sleeve for a sleeve I’m down for that too.
I had another great 9 around the green with BX yesterday. Just ordered a couple dozen.
It might not be as long off the tee for me as TP5x but it does a lot of things well and around the greens it’s phenomenal. I’m going to game it for a while.
Another round coming up this morning. Will play RX on front and RXS on the back. From last round experience I’m leaning toward RXS but still early in trials. Need to get back to sim and get some numbers.
[QUOTE=”Parrot, post: 12183254, member: 48815″]
Does either feel noticeably firmer or softer than the last versions?
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The 2024 RX feels a tad softer than the 2022 IMHO. But feel is subjective so I recommend to try a sleeve and I dont think you will be disappointed. Good luck!
Took the Tour B RX out on the course today in somewhat good conditions. 4 1/2 hours later I walked away with 7 birdies. Love the spin control around the greens as well as the consistency of the ball hitting the windows I was looking for. Well done Bridgestone.