Bridgestone Golf MINDSET Visual Technology

[MSEASU]

I am wondering where all you fellow testers are at this stage of the process. I don't see any way to add a poll in the thread (even after use of the search function and finding a thread on the subject; Let's play golf...how many pops do I get?) so will ask based of what I have ready to-date:

Do you like the Mindset logo?
1. Yes 2. It's ok 3. No
Do you follow the Mindset Process?
A. Yes 2. Only on certain shots 3. Not on a consistent basis 4. No
Do you like the Mindset Process?
W. Yes, it changed my life X. It's similar to what I already used Y. It's slow and messes me up a little Z. What's Mindset?

1. Not really, to me it is not calming.

2. I like the process but I don’t like thinking about it that much.

 

[jfrigo1003]

round #4 with the B XS Mindset

Played the first 9 holes with the 2024 TP5 and scored very well. Did everything i wanted and distance was much better than the older model

Played the back 9 with the B XS and performance wise it was basically the same. I dont have raw data but on approach shots the B XS seems to have a little more stopping power than the TP5

If i were to play both balls without a name i dont think i could tell a difference...and thats a good thing. Both balls are easily the best performing balls i have played. The new B XS is a big step up from previous models in wind control and total distance.

 

[smgoldstein]

I really enjoy the ball but go back and forth on the MindSet technology. I'm a feel type player and for MindSet sometimes I feel like I am forced to go through the process instead of just organically playing. Something Brandell Chamblee mentioned during the US Open telecast resonated with me. He was talking about one of the players, Rory I believe, and how he is rigid in his routine for every shot. Well not every shot deserves the same routine and that is kind of how I feel with Mindset. Sometimes I get on the green and the line just pops out at me so no need to use the MindSet.

I have also played with non-MindSet Bridgestone balls and experimented with using the Bridgestone logo the same way I would use the MindSet logo. Same results.

 

[jbuck31]

Another round over the weekend. The Mindset process is now my normal routine. I don't use the logo during full swing shots but I do use it for alignment on the greens for putting. I do notice when I "rush" and bypass a step in the process my shot results are typically not very desirable. One of the guys in my league inquired about the ball. After describing the concept to him, he was very interested. I gave him a couple of the remaining balls to use, and he was very excited to give it a try. I have a couple sleeves left from the original dozen (thankfully, I haven't lost many). So, I'll follow up with him next week to see how it's working out for him.

More to come ......

 

[0dom]

Played 9 yesterday and played the B RXS Mindset. The Mindset routine is still easy for me to follow because it was close to my normal routine to begin with.

The biggest difference is what I'm focusing on. I'm trying to focus more on the execution (contact and shot shape) and less on the outcome. It’s definitely a different Mindset (sorry) for my golf game and can help me lower my scores.

The ball itself is awesome. I've always enjoyed playing Bridgestone and this is no exception. Plenty of spin and great feel. Good contact will give me the distance and spin I expect.

 

[Nappy]

Had some thoughts on these last week, but haven't been able to get in here and post until now.

Overall Ball Feel/Performance: Off the tee I like the ball flight and the feel off the driver. I don't really mind it off the woods and long irons either. But I still feel like this ball mostly excels around the green for me. I do not see more distance no matter how hard I try off the tee. I've been alternating quite frequently between ProV1X and ProV1 and those are both longer off the tee for me then Tour B RX. All that said - this isn't a deal breaker for me. I like more distance just like everyone, but I do feel like Tour B RX was a straighter ball for me than the other two. Depending on the course and what I was trying to accomplish I would sacrifice distance to stay in the fairway more often.

Mindset Off the Tee: This is where I use it most often. I love having it as a way to aim where I want to make contact and what direction I hope the ball will go The visual for me is more beneficial off the tee than it is anywhere else. Has it helped me hit it where I want? Not sure my handicap and my ability have gotten to that point yet, but like I said before I do see this ball in the fairway more than others I play, so it obviously hasn't hurt me.

Mindset on the Green: I use it and then I get frustrated and just stop. That's about how every round goes. I can see where it would benefit some players, but the player who can too easily get in their own heads - I can see this just being too much. I'll keep trying, because it has worked for me. If I'm sitting in my office on a putting mat and have nothing but time I'm able to go through all the steps. When I'm out on the course and I have playing partners waiting on me, I generally just want to line up quickly and go. I just don't want or need the extra steps or distraction maybe? I'm going to keep trying it because I want to see if my mind changes, but as of now it hasn't been hugely beneficial on the course.

 

[usaf_giles]

So a little update after working with the mindset for a while. During the first week or two I found it slightly busy, especially for my second shots when the logo was either partially visible or off centered. It is probably just that I've grown accustomed to it now, but that is a non issue now.

The the BX is still playing great, but it's my normal gamer anyway so I knew it would. I noticed something the other day though after playing with the mindset marked balls for a while. I grabbed a sleeve from the house and didn't realize that it was the regular bx not the mindset marked balls. I felt naked. So much that I tried to recreated it with a single green dot with a red circle around it. I couldn't find an orange sharpie, haha.

 

[mancest]

Played 27 holes this weekend, 9 holes of casual fun and 18 holes of tournament play. My focus really has been to swing easier, take the extra club and play fairly conservatively (lay up when needed, play to middle of the green etc).

9 Holes on saturday started off not so great... Bogey on 1 from middle of the fairway then a flared drive into the water led to double on 2. Then I settled in and played the last 7 holes even for a 39 (2 birdies, 3 pars and 2 bogeys). Really was able to relax, go through my process with mindset really helping keep me level.

18 holes yesterday was frankly aggravating. I kept it together, but I hit driver like a champion (had 3 not great drives, but all in play and made par on two of them), putted really well (31 putts, zero 3 putts) but had an issue where I was really steep with my irons. Was either yanking them well left with a solid strike or over correcting and trying to shallow and catching it real heavy. Led to an 88, but I never got that upset and was able to keep it under 90 despite losing 8 shots on approach according to arccos.

I still love triple track (particularly the trutrack) but I think Mindset has become my favorite alignment tool. The green dot on the greens really keeps my eyes focused. That might not be the best thing for others but I have noticed my putting has been very consistent when using mindset even when other parts of my game have dipped. Looking forward to the next round as I know what my iron issue was, so if I can even that out, it could be really fun.

 

[Sean]

I like the M/S aid more and more. I've done something similar for many years, but M/S makes it easier.

 

[amarkabove]

I'm still tinkering with the MindSet. It didn't disrupt me on the tee today. In fact I had the best day driving I think I've ever had. I continue to use the first two steps of the process but not 3rd. Sometimes the logo is up. Some times it's not. But I'm not "focusing" on it.

The performance of the ball continues to be amazing. I will definitely be pinking up another dozen. Maybe with the MindSet logo, maybe not. Since they are the same price I suspect I will as seeing the logo when placing the ball is a good reminder to, well, be mindful. And in that way I'm very pleased with the idea. It's just the spot. Out out you damned spot.

 

[That post]

Played mindset today and shot a great score with it. The good round was more about BX being an outstanding ball than mindset however.

I again started forgetting to use the routine everywhere but the tee. I did have a good driving day though so that’s something!

 

[CBaker]

I am wondering where all you fellow testers are at this stage of the process. I don't see any way to add a poll in the thread (even after use of the search function and finding a thread on the subject; Let's play golf...how many pops do I get?) so will ask based of what I have ready to-date:

Do you like the Mindset logo?
1. Yes 2. It's ok 3. No
Do you follow the Mindset Process?
A. Yes 2. Only on certain shots 3. Not on a consistent basis 4. No
Do you like the Mindset Process?
W. Yes, it changed my life X. It's similar to what I already used Y. It's slow and messes me up a little Z. What's Mindset?

Do you like the Mindset logo?
3. No
Do you follow the Mindset Process?
Kinda - I always visualize my shot, but no I don't follow all 3 technical steps.
Do you like the Mindset Process?
X. It's similar to what I already used

 

[oumagic]

I am wondering where all you fellow testers are at this stage of the process. I don't see any way to add a poll in the thread (even after use of the search function and finding a thread on the subject; Let's play golf...how many pops do I get?) so will ask based of what I have ready to-date:

Do you like the Mindset logo?
1. Yes 2. It's ok 3. No
Do you follow the Mindset Process?
A. Yes 2. Only on certain shots 3. Not on a consistent basis 4. No
Do you like the Mindset Process?
W. Yes, it changed my life X. It's similar to what I already used Y. It's slow and messes me up a little Z. What's Mindset?

1. I don’t like the logo.
2. I am not using the process on most shots. I tried hard at first and it was really messing with me.
3. The mindset process sounds like what I am trying to do to some extent, but staring at the logo and visualizing has the exact opposite effect of calming my mind. I have not had as many negative on a course as I have with this ball/logo/process.

I do like the Bridgestone RX and if testing a plain ball (no lines/logo) versus a plain ChromeSoft, it might even perform better. But I love putting alignment on a ball that I don’t have to draw on myself.

I am glad I tested this ball. I thought lack of concentration or “trying harder” was leading me to inconsistent play. I have found that the more I think and try on the course, the worse I play.

The last time I played Mindset, I played horrible on nine holes and put it away and the process and relaxed and played much better on the back nine.

I think the process and reminder could help a lot of people get into a better mindset on the course and help them, it is just not for me.

 

[Pops]

Ok after playing several rounds with the Bridgestone Mindset ball the switching to another ball Saturday I have a few thoughts. I drove and played the other ball well. I still try and go through same preshot routine. I do find that it is easier when I have the logo on the ball. It’s just a reminder of what I’m supposed to be doing. Without out the logo I can find myself not giving the routine the same concentration as with the logo. It’s not that I actually focus a lot on the logo it’s just there as a reminder to make me gather info and make the shot. Maybe it slows me down just a little and I don’t rush.

Switched up balls in prep for upcoming experience where I will be playing another brand ball.

I

 

[YukonLiving]

Hoping that mine arrive soon.

I’ve been thinking of the principles while golfing but not fully implementing everything until I can put it all together with the balls on course so that I can test everything together.

 

[usaf_giles]

3. The mindset process sounds like what I am trying to do to some extent, but staring at the logo and visualizing has the exact opposite effect of calming my mind. I have not had as many negative on a course as I have with this ball/logo/process.

I don’t want to come up off wrong with the comment.

I don’t know if you are using the concept like it is meant to be used, at least in my head. I don’t think the intention is to stand over the ball and then start the process. The logo, at least in my interpretation, is a reminder to stick to the 1, 2, 3 pre shot routine. ID, visualize, then step in and execute (green). Then only dot I ever “stare” at is the green one.

If you are standing over the ball then starting the process I could see why it doesn’t work for you.

 

[oumagic]

I don’t want to come up off wrong with the comment.

I don’t know if you are using the concept like it is meant to be used, at least in my head. I don’t think the intention is to stand over the ball and then start the process. The logo, at least in my interpretation, is a reminder to stick to the 1, 2, 3 pre shot routine. ID, visualize, then step in and execute (green). Then only dot I ever “stare” at is the green one.

If you are standing over the ball then starting the process I could see why it doesn’t work for you.

I am doing step 1 fine. Visualizing has not been going well. I am visualizing bad shots or having a hard time picturing a shot in my mind, all of the time looking at the green dot thinking I should be ready to execute and know that I am not. Normally, it is a more fluid process for me, I think.

I feel like the mindset 3 step process is counter productive to me. I feel I am just being over analytical trying to picture the perfect shot and then I get upset that I didn’t execute.

 

[cmon man]

Check out JB's interesting thread on Mindset testing data (not our THP testing but a larger, perhaps more diverse group). Data show over 80% of players seeing a scoring improvement of nearly three strokes on average. Thoughts and comments?

 

[JonD]

Check out JB's interesting thread on Mindset testing data (not our THP testing but a larger, perhaps more diverse group). Data show over 80% of players seeing a scoring improvement of nearly three strokes on average. Thoughts and comments?

I'll have to check that out but I did not see a significant change in scoring during my testing.

 

[usaf_giles]

Check out JB's interesting thread on Mindset testing data (not our THP testing but a larger, perhaps more diverse group). Data show over 80% of players seeing a scoring improvement of nearly three strokes on average. Thoughts and comments?

This isn't that surprising to me. We amateurs lose so many strokes due to poor planning and lack of concentration, which is something that mindset is design to help.

 

[Inioch]

Today was my first round using Mindset as they have defined it. Ever since I heard it explained, I've been experimenting in implementing it to good results, but today I had the Mindset ball in play the first time.

Now for me first, I'm a 17.5 currently and one of the big struggles I've always had is that I can be playing really well for stretches, but a bad shot makes the wheels fall off too easily. I'll follow a bad shot with bad decisions and mistakes compound. And that's where the Mindset process seems very helpful.

I'll divide my first impressions to two parts, the process and the ball markings.

First the process:

• Hearing the process explained on video was helpful. But more helpful was reading this thread and the comments from testers on how they apply the process. So thank you all!
• I do the visualization eyes open, seeing almost like a shot tracer going through the air. Then I pick the target line based on that and step to the ball.
• Once on the ball, I align my club to the intermediate target just ahead of the ball and set myself.
• Finally I look at the green dot (if visible) and try to clear my mind of everything.
• I then fix my eyes on either the back of the ball (other clubs) or a couple of inches back (driver) and swing away
• The mistakes I've made are usually from an unwanted swing thought popping in at the last second or not having my body alert enough and just noodling the shot by relaxing the wrong muscles at the wrong time.

The ball marking:

• I find the marking really good for putting and align it every time.
• For tee shots, I placed the ball so that I can see the marking and the arrow is pointing in roughly the right direction. I'm not super picky about alignment lines on tee shots and don't necessarily align even a Triple Trak.
• For irons shots, I didn't mind not seeing the visual cues, but it was nice if they were visible and I could make a more visual process in addition to the mental one.

All in all, an encouraging first outing and I feel like the process is beneficial and actually came quite naturally. I felt that it helped even more when putting, as that's where I've at times been too lax earlier.

 

[G-Man]

Check out JB's interesting thread on Mindset testing data (not our THP testing but a larger, perhaps more diverse group). Data show over 80% of players seeing a scoring improvement of nearly three strokes on average. Thoughts and comments?

Just seeing this but the math makes sense. Have I seen 3 strokes, not every time, but definitely making better choices and enjoying the game with lower scores.

It's crazy the PMS (pos mental attitude) causes good shots without chunking etc.

 

[meloisa]

It's been a couple weeks since I've been able to get out and play. The stars aligned and I finally was able to get out last night for a twilight 18 on one of my favorite tracks in my area. I am down to my last test sleeve of XS () and put one into play to start the round. Was playing some of my better golf for not having played in a while. I forgot how much I do enjoy using the logo as an alignment aid when on the putting surface. I can't explain it, but I'm drawn to it.

As for the MindSet process, I can't say that I used it 100% of the time out there but, I tried. I don't think it made a difference for me one way or the other when I did. The ball performed really, really well for 7 holes until I lost it.... I didn't put another one into play for fear of only being down to one XS. I'll save the other two for my next rounds.

I will say after I lost the XS I put in my gamer, Srixon Z-Star, and toe to toe, both balls weren't all that much different. I couldn't tell you if one was softer than the other, or checked more than the other, because the differences were that negligible. I do think the XS flew a little longer though off of my drives compared to the Z-Star, at least it seemed that way. Could have just been that my strikes with the XS were just a touch more precise when compared to my strikes with the Z-Star. Also, the ones I hit well with the Z-Star I could feel my swing starting to deteriorate and while the contact was good, I was just letting myself dip a little too much with driver and coming way too far up on the ball leaving me with a more high launching, soaring flight compared to a more penetrating, but not low, flight with the XS when hit well.

The testing continues and we'll see if anything else shakes out before I lose all my balls (I know it's only a matter of time, unfortunately )

Again, super appreciative to have been chosen to test and share my thoughts.

 

[amarkabove]

I went into my round today fully expecting it to be my last with the MindSet for now, as I have lost a sleeve a round the last three rounds with them. I proceeded to go logo up for the first drive of the day and blocked the ball straight left into the only real water hazard I'd see all day. Figured I would be out of MindSet by the turn. Proceeded to play the rest of the round with 1 ball. I went logo down on driver/fw holes and logo up on iron holes. I found myself waiting on every tee box (as a solo walker I somehow clocked a 4.5 hour round because no one would let me thru) so I spent a lot of time on my phone checking on threads here, which I don't usually do in a round. The MindSet process (minus the dot thing) helped me refocus when it was finally time to hit each and every time.

That might actually be the strongest pro for the MindSet I've found thus far, refocusing after a considerably wait on slow days.

 

[OldeDude]

Okay, so as one of the original Mindset testers here on THP I've stepped away from posting in this thread to let the 100 new guys have at it, but thought I'd drop back in for a little update. For a brief recap, I found the Mindset process pretty helpful, it was fairly close to my regular routine anyway, so it was basically just adding step 3 to my previous routine. I did modify it a bit on the greens, I just wasn't successful focusing on the green dot when putting, but otherwise I stuck with the process. I absolutely enjoyed hitting the Tour B RXS ball, it is a great fit for me, and may take over the place the RX held for when I use a premium ball.

Fast forward to the last month or so, the test balls are gone, and I have such a huge supply of golf balls I can't justify going out and buying more Mindset balls right now. Fortunately a good portion of my ball supply are several dozen Tour B RX and RXS balls. Anyway, I've found that I can pretty much stick with the Mindset process when using any ball. I'm sure there are times I short-change the process without the reminder graphic, but I'm confident I'm sticking to it most of the time. As for results, I've dropped my HC about a full point in the last month or so. I'm sure part of that is due to how much more I've been playing than earlier in the year, but Mindset surely deserves some of the credit.

So that's where I'm at, when I need to buy balls again I'll probably go with the Mindset version of the RXS for my premium ball. Thanks again THP and Bridgestone Golf, I doubt I would have tried the Mindset process without being selected to test and review the balls here, so I'm really glad I did get the opportunity.