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.
