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.
[QUOTE=”smgoldstein, post: 12204989, member: 4509″]
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.
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7 birdies is ?!
While my mid-March swing is leaving much to be desired, I very much enjoyed my round with the Tour B RX Mindset this morning. I know feel is subjective but found the golf ball to soft without being mushy. I was able to be confident in the ball from tee to green, seeing it perform consistently all day, and is still in good shape after 18 holes. My first round with the Tour B RX wasn’t a positive experience, but I am getting to know the characteristics of the golf ball better and believe I could confidently game this ball in 2024.
I love the BX, hit some towering shots with it today and plethora of birdies.
[QUOTE=”BigDill, post: 12179161, member: 48932″]
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.
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The 105mph line isn’t cast in stone. I’ll play either BX or RX lines. I prefer the BX in warmer weather. My SS with the big stick seldom gets over 102 any more, but they both perform.
Did you notice a big spin difference between X and RX ?
I played tour BX last year but I was not sure if I should also try the RX
thanks
[QUOTE=”cmgolf, post: 12213219, member: 26427″]
Did you notice a big spin difference between X and RX ?
I played tour BX last year but I was not sure if I should also try the RX
thanks
[/QUOTE]
I noticed a spin difference in the X and XS, but I have not played the RX yet. I think this years X has a bit more spin than the last model. But that’s just my feeling. I haven’t been on a monitor to confirm.
I revisited a couple balls last time out. Chrome Tour is definitely not my ball. The B X.. still might be. It’s impressive in ways. I absolutely love the feel, and it’s really good around the greens. I’m not sure I love it if the tee with my current setup.
[QUOTE=”OldandStiff, post: 12216546, member: 53737″]
I revisited a couple balls last time out. Chrome Tour is definitely not my ball. The B X.. still might be. It’s impressive in ways. I absolutely love the feel, and it’s really good around the greens. I’m not sure I love it if the tee with my current setup.
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What are you seeing off the tee that you don’t like? For me, i would like to see a touch more spin, but that is probably more a result of the driver I am playing this year as opposed to last. The distance is unreal though, and I am drawing the ball a bit easier with the BX this year.
[QUOTE=”Landy, post: 12196100, member: 21078″]
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!
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this makes me excited to try the ’24 RX i just picked up
[QUOTE=”Pops, post: 12195675, member: 56070″]
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.
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How did this go? I grabbed some RX to compare to the RXS but work and weather has conspired against me getting out
[QUOTE=”BigDill, post: 12217689, member: 48932″]
What are you seeing off the tee that you don’t like? For me, i would like to see a touch more spin, but that is probably more a result of the driver I am playing this year as opposed to last. The distance is unreal though, and I am drawing the ball a bit easier with the BX this year.
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I like it. It’s been good. It just hasn’t been the longest of the bunch. With my setup. It doesn’t have to be either. Everything’s a give and take. And I could maybe tweak my driver a bit to maximize it if it’s what I settle on. I’ll get some numbers with it again sometime soon and do a compare. See where it could be better.
[QUOTE=”OldandStiff, post: 12217781, member: 53737″]
I like it. It’s been good. It just hasn’t been the longest of the bunch. With my setup. It doesn’t have to be either. Everything’s a give and take. And I could maybe tweak my driver a bit to maximize it if it’s what I settle on. I’ll get some numbers with it again sometime soon and do a compare. See where it could be better.
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Got it, and makes sense. While the Tour BX doesn’t seem to be longer than my prior generation Chrome Soft by my eye, the numbers and on course experience show me it is. I joined Miami Lakes this year, and on the second hole there is one bunker that I am at off the tee. Basically, I could not reach it unless the tees were all the way forward, and even then it was unlikely. With the Tour BX, I am now finding myself in that bunker more often and have had to change my line off the tee. Its a representation of the fact that it is longer in real world conditions.
I also like that I can cut it a bit when I want to.
It’s been awhile since I’ve played a ball as grabby around the green as the RXS
[QUOTE=”Scooby45, post: 12217699, member: 62865″]
How did this go? I grabbed some RX to compare to the RXS but work and weather has conspired against me getting out
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To be totally honest I got more involved in changing hand path than comparing balls. I will say that at this point where swing is I’m going RXS. I need to spin on irons. If I get path and a few things ironed out that might change.
Today marked my best round with the 2024 Tour B RX. My swing was much better today and, for the first time, I saw what this ball could do for my game. I was compressing the ball more consistently, saw a marked improvement on distances across all clubs, and had not issue holding greens all day. The Tour B RX feels good on all shots and I’m loving the feel off the putter face.
Today saw 20+ mph winds, but had very little issue with the ball ballooning. Best example of the day: Hole #4 (209 yd; straight into the wind) – 4-iron to 10 feet past the flag, backed it up to 8 feet. Good distance, good wind characteristics, and good spin (even off my 4-iron).
It’s been a bit of a long and windy road, but I’m locked in, marked up, and ready to start the season with Tour BX
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[QUOTE=”That post, post: 12233090, member: 65950″]
It’s been a bit of a long and windy road, but I’m locked in, marked up, and ready to start the season with Tour BX
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It was nice to put these back in play tonight ball-flight is very predictable for me with them now. Just played a quick 9 tonight (9 earlier in the day was with Zstar diamond) but was able to find 83% fairways of the tee. The real shining star for me with these is around the greens. I only had 44% GIR so I had plenty of opportunities to chip around the green. Almost jarred 1 (hit the flag stick), and had 2 others that I cozied up to under 4 foot.
I’m starting to come around a bit on feel as well. Quite frankly though with the consistency and magic on the greens I’m seeing I’m just going to get used to it. I never ended up loving the feel of CSX last year but it worked for me and I played it most of year regardless.
Looks like this THP testing opportunity has proven very fruitful for me in finding my gamer ball for this year.
We had wind conditions today, but the tour BX did every single thing I asked it to do. Penetrating off the tee, magical in the short game, and controllable with irons. I’m starting to love this ball.
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OK first off I know it’s four post in a row by me but I’m excited about the ball…. OK?!? ?
Had another nice outing with it at a smaller course this afternoon. There were a couple of bad swings, but for the most part, Tour BX couldn’t miss a window I was aiming for. Couple of them didn’t turn over like I thought they were going to, but I’m sending the ball on its intended trajectory and that’s one thing I really look for a ball.
I think this ball and I are going to get along really well this year. I can’t wait until it gets warm and stays warm.
After a bit of use I am convinced that the RX is 4-5 yards longer than the RXS all the way through the bag. More roll out off the driver, more carry off the wedges. The RX spins well enough for pretty much drop and stop, but if you really want to pull the string, getting it to come back more than a couple of yards just isnt happening for me. The RXS will come back a good bit, but is more like a Chrome Soft, than a Chrome Tour X ……
45 holes and not a scratch and I’ve hit some fairly compressed wedges and bunker shots.
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Also I’m very impressed I’ve kept this all 45 holes. I think that speaks a lot to my confidence of them that I’ve been talking about.
It’s been cold and rainy here for several days so I decided to go book some SIM time and get another round of BX numbers this time we will be comparing them to an old gamer of mine ProV1x.
I’ll post of those numbers later. The swing has been feeling really good for the past few outings so hopefully we have some nice consistent numbers to look at later.
[QUOTE=”That post, post: 12248404, member: 65950″]
It’s been cold and rainy here for several days so I decided to go book some SIM time and get another round of BX numbers this time we will be comparing them to an old gamer of mine ProV1x.
I’ll post of those numbers later. The swing has been feeling really good for the past few outings so hopefully we have some nice consistent numbers to look at later.
[/QUOTE]
SIM started messing up I couldn’t figure out how to fix it so I’ve only got 8i numbers for BX and V1x and a credit for another time.
[QUOTE=”That post, post: 12248851, member: 65950″]
SIM started messing up I couldn’t figure out how to fix it so I’ve only got 8i numbers for BX and V1x and a credit for another time.
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I feel let down.
[QUOTE=”OldandStiff, post: 12249014, member: 53737″]
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I feel let down.
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I do too.
Numbers were good though. But I really wanted to see Driver numbers today as well.
Quick and dirty 10 shot averages for both BX and PV1x.
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So I posted this in the Ballnamic thread, but figure I should here.
Obviously been playing and enjoying the B X a lot. Not the longest for me off the tee ( but long and still great), or the best at my favorite thing, but really impressive overall. And I finally bought a full box last week after deciding I was going to play it for a while.
Most that know or talk to me know I mentioned at the start of the year during ball testing that I might be back in ProV1x this year with my former fav, the Chrome Soft X LS, being done away with. V1x Always fits me well and I like it. And have played it a bunch but I don’t talk about it as much here.
The thing I loved from literally my first round with current CSX LS before it came out, was the wedge approach spin. It had a little less in the irons, but spun great on wedge approach. Unique combination of features. Unicorny. And the thing I didn’t love about last version Tour B X was wedge approach spin. I tested it early, and shared a lot about that in the thread on it here. They had improved the green side dramatically, but it was still lacking on that for me. And I have a ton of those types of shots in my rounds and they determine my scoring in a big way. So it’s something I value. It’s why I CSX LS over V1x too. And if I’m being honest B X never seemed quite as good in the wind. Callaway always seems to have best wind aero for my game.
Anyway, it’s been a great time hitting the new B X the last few months and I really like it. It’s great greenside, performs well in a ton of other aspects, and the feel is absolutely addicting. I’m weeks behind on videos, but I have a few recently that show the same little chink in its otherwise pristine armor this time aroudn. For me. Wedge approach spin. Still not the greatest, but neither is my backup ball, and it’s so damn good in so many other ways that I’m sticking with it. And plan on playing fresh grooves more this year as part of it. So when we got the emails that Ballnamic had the new balls in there I decided to see what’s what. It has consistently nailed the balls for me in the past.
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And BOOM. Nails it again. And shows why. And why not. That wedge score spin with my old ball is consistently in the mid to upper 90s. That’s the only truly real gripe for me. A few yards off the tee against a ball that doesn’t make my list or this list in a bunch of other ways isn’t even a concern.
There’s just no denying that overall though it’s a great ball and a great fit for me. So I’m sticking with it.
A little SIM session this morning and the Bridgestone ball continues to perform. That’s it-that’s the post.
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Windy today. Tour B RX was very stable into, with and across the wind. Didnt balloon off the driver into it but readily remained aloft downwind, resisting being knocked down. Greens were pretty receptive, ad I was surprised just of far some of the wedges were pulling back. One little 54 yard 58* landed 3′ short of the pin and ended up 25′ below the hole. and that was after I put the 64* away to not spin it too much. LOL Good thing I wasn’t hitting the BXS, it might have come back all the way off the green…….
Hit the X on monitor a little today. Real consistent and as expected. Now that I’ve committed to them for a while though, there was something missing. Sometime to get my mind right out there tomorrow. Kick a little *ss, have some fun.
Sadly, I could not locate my now and pink and purple unicorns. That’s always fun, but unicorns are elusive and can’t always be found when you need ’em. Lol So my focus will be on these rebel birdies. And I can’t wait to watch them soar!
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Played the back 9 yesterday with the new B XS, which was my ball of choice most of 2023. Still absolutely loooooove the feel. Buttery soft but heavy and solid. Love the stopping power on partial wedges – I had a PW into the wind that I hit to about 5 ft that hopped and stopped on a dime the way I want. Off the tee, average drive was about 1 yard longer than the TP5 I used on the front, after long and short are removed, but the TP5 did have the longest drive by a good bit (a little wind help on that one, though). It will be tough for me to decide this year. Lots of really good balls to choose from, but the B XS keeps pulling me back with the feel… we’ll see.
OK, I’ll admit it. I just ordered 3dz last release yellow RX’s. They still work great for me. While the new ball is very good, 10 bucks less a dozen for a ball I was playing before because I liked it in the wet season is too good to pass up. I already have dozens of RXS on the shelf for firmer conditions.
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Mindset ENGAGED.
[QUOTE=”OldandStiff, post: 12264564, member: 53737″]
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Mindset ENGAGED.
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Tweet tweet!
Tour BX just doing Tour BX things from 170ish with a 6i.
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Im all but out of the RXS. I’ve really enjoyed the greenside spin and I think it may be helping me find fairways with the profile. That said, the fitting tool thinks RX is the ball for me so I’ve picked up a box of mindset RX. I’m hoping the shorter irons don’t stall out like they seem to in the RXS for me. Plus a few more yards off the tee I won’t argue about should that come to pass. It will be interesting to see if I notice any greenside spin loss
I got the Tour BX back on the course again Saturday and continued to see success. I was able to get a few short sided chips to spin and check nicely, with my cartner commenting on how much I was able get them to stay low and still check up. I was surprised to see it.
I also continue to see the longest drives I have seen in a while with this ball. It just flies off the tee with the Darkspeed LS.
I was indifferent about the Mindset on the first round, but I am going to give it another go Friday.
[QUOTE=”OldandStiff, post: 12264564, member: 53737″]
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Mindset ENGAGED.
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7 birdies before being rained out, so that worked! ?
Honestly I was a bit off and got into some interesting positions, but that let the ball shine and I stuck some absolutely beauties with it.
[QUOTE=”Scooby45, post: 12265703, member: 62865″]
Im all but out of the RXS. I’ve really enjoyed the greenside spin and I think it may be helping me find fairways with the profile. That said, the fitting tool thinks RX is the ball for me so I’ve picked up a box of mindset RX. I’m hoping the shorter irons don’t stall out like they seem to in the RXS for me. Plus a few more yards off the tee I won’t argue about should that come to pass. It will be interesting to see if I notice any greenside spin loss
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I’m very interested in your experience with RX (vs RXS). I’ve been playing the RX and love them, but part of me is curious to see how the RXS fits my game and if the extra greenside spin is worth the look.
[QUOTE=”Redd, post: 12266527, member: 5622″]
I’ve very interested in your experience with RX (vs RXS). I’ve been playing the RX and love them, but part of me is curious to see how the RXS fits my game and if the extra greenside spin is worth the look.
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I think I have two or three bouncing around the bag if you want to give them a go. Game worn, but still playable. Just let me know.
[QUOTE=”Redd, post: 12266527, member: 5622″]
I’m very interested in your experience with RX (vs RXS). I’ve been playing the RX and love them, but part of me is curious to see how the RXS fits my game and if the extra greenside spin is worth the look.
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Yes so am I. Been a huge fan and been playing the RX for years. Stayed away from the RXS as I tend to put alot of spin on my drives. But would like to hear to insight on the two…
[QUOTE=”Landy, post: 12267043, member: 21078″]
Yes so am I. Been a huge fan and been playing the RX for years. Stayed away from the RXS as I tend to put alot of spin on my drives. But would like to hear to insight on the two…
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I am in a very similar spot. I am hoping that the Gradational Compression core can help me keep my driver spin down while giving a bit more spin on approach shot and greenside.
[QUOTE=”Landy, post: 12267043, member: 21078″]
Yes so am I. Been a huge fan and been playing the RX for years. Stayed away from the RXS as I tend to put alot of spin on my drives. But would like to hear to insight on the two…
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My limited sim time with the ’24 RX and RXS shows the RX to average 4 yards longer but the RXS really shows the difference in spin in short irons and wedges.
B X off the Cobra CBs…
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I had a so so ball striking day with irons and kept leaving myself just off the greens. But I’ve been practicing in the short game area with Tour BX’s so now I’m extremely confident I know exactly how they are going to react on short pitches and chips.
It’s so nice to be confident in what a golf ball is going to do greenside. I had several short chips and pitches that lead to easy 1 putts.
This ball is quite good for me.
Man this ball ball really spoils you on feels.
Hit a few others today and after a stretch of playing the B X it was a pretty sensory experience. Love the feel of these.
Stay tuned for something big tomorrow on THP on these.
[QUOTE=”JB, post: 12304755, member: 3″]
Stay tuned for something big tomorrow on THP on these.
[/QUOTE]
Nice…. very interesting. I’ll be tuned in for sure.
I’ve got a couple of dozen B X on the way from Worldwide to put the Ballnamic recommendation to test. According to the Ballnamic ratings, the BX is a decidedly better ball for me. Of the 3 or 4 rounds I played with it, it was the longest of the balls I’ve tried this year. I think green side spin will be close enough to the TP5 for that to be a big difference.
[QUOTE=”Parrot, post: 12304862, member: 48815″]
I’ve got a couple of dozen B X on the way from Worldwide to put the Ballnamic recommendation to test. According to the Ballnamic ratings, the BX is a decidedly better ball for me. Of the 3 or 4 rounds I played with it, it was the longest of the balls I’ve tried this year. I think green side spin will be close enough to the TP5 for that to be a big difference.
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Nice! I’m thinking hard about giving TP5 a run for a couple of weeks. I traded a guy at my club a few other balls that I didn’t like for a sleeve of Donut TP5’s and I enjoyed how they felt off irons and wedges. I never gave them a real shot in my ball testing earlier this year.