- Moderator
- #126
So much info to catch up on! Great write up! These things sound too good to be true lol Can't wait to listen to the podcast on these things
2020 Bridgestone Tour B Golf Balls
OITW
Well-known member
- Joined
- Dec 9, 2013
- Messages
- 50,264
- Reaction score
- 16,848
Review:
Background:
I've been VFIT into the 2018 Bridgestone Tour B RXS
December 2019 Trackman Driver Average:
Club Speed - 99 mph
Club Speed - 143 mph
Launch Angle - 12.3*
Spin Rate - 1915rpm
Carry Distance - 215 yards
Total Distance - 252 yards
Gamer Last Season - Callaway Chromesoft TT Diamond
I prefer to fit myself for balls green out.
Played these Saturday, January 18th.
Weather - Cloudy, Low 40s minimal wind, dry conditions with a few wet spots
Holes: 36 - 18 regular holes and 18 on a Par 3 Short Course
The Courses:
Pinehurst No. 2 White Tees (6,300 yards) Walking
18 on The Cradle - short Par 3 course, longest hole played 120 yards, teed off of mats.
The Balls:
Put the 2020 RX into play against my stash of 2018 RXS balls on The Cradle - head to head comparison
On No. 2 only gamed the 2020 RX ball for all 18 holes.
The Clubs:
Driver: Cobra F9 10.5 head +1 45" with LA Golf Shaft OLYSS 65 Proto Stiff
FWY: Cobra F9 5w 17* with HZRDUS Red 65 6.0
Utility: Cobra F9 4i 18.5* with PX Catalyst 85 6.0
Irons: Bridgestone Golf J15 DPF Irons - 4-PW w/ Elevate Tour S300 Shafts
Wedge: Bridgestone Golf J15 50* w/ Elevate Tour S300 Shafts
Wedge: Cobra PUR 54* w/ Elevate Tour S300 Shafts
Wedge: Cobra PUR 60* w/ DG Tour Issue Onyx S400
Performance:
Durability - The new RX balls appeared to be more durable than the 18 RXS - from the head to head comparison on the Cradle, I had some shavings/flaking off of the RXS - the RX cover was still in great shape - did not find any trees or other objects that are typically harmful to the cover of a golf ball.
From the 18 hole round, I definitely had some adventures off of the tee into the native areas as well as plenty of shots from the sand, and some tree/branch contact. With the exception of some small scratches and discoloration the cover stayed in tact and the ball was playable for the duration of the round.
Sound - Seemed fine to me, no abnormalities off of Woods/Irons/Wedges - nothing to make me questions equipment or ball.
Distance - On the short course, I never had any full swings with either the 54 or 60 wedges, they were all touch shots, which in January isn't going to be a strong suit for me. I didn't hit anything well and the ball flew excessively or came up short where I was surprised.
Full 18 holes:
This is where it gets crazy; my caddie was curious about the irons, he has caddied there for a few years (as well as other clubs in Chicago) and he sees a ton of irons and had never seen mine before (old tech
).
We get to the Par 3 5th hole playing 170 yards to the flag. Minimal wind, I ask for the 7i - on line right at the pin, flew it by 10 yards. WHOOPS! Definitely wasn't expecting this kind of performance, felt like a good swing, not a great swing, but hammered.
I had a few similar approach shots later in the round where Eric (Caddie) gave me distance and I opted to pull less club.
On 18, 375 yards from the white tees - uphill into the wind hammered a drive that left me with 140 to the pin (with wind Eric sad it was playing closer to 150- with the back being 155. I hit PW - flared to the right but it was pin high.
Driver Distance - Driver was hot and cold for me this day, had some of the left hooks here and there on a few holes, however I dropped some bombs on a few to start the back, my drives on the back were fantastic, hit quite a few that ranged from 250 to my longest of 275 (total distance, was getting some good roll out there)
5w - I definitely need to call this club out for performance - took this out of the bag for a few months at the end of the season due to some struggles, I've put it back in the bag the last month - mostly for looks lol.
It was an absolute beast off the deck - hit one from the pine straw from 230 to the front edge of the green and had quite a few (see how bad my driving was) other pine straw and natural area shots that worked out very well in my favor. 215-230 out from off the deck in 40* weather is FANTASTIC.
Ball Flight - Overall on the day, my ball flight was low to mid penetrating - had some wedge and scoring iron shots that would have been classified as mid/mid high for me but overall this is the flight that I was seeing throughout the bag.
Most of the shots were draw or right to left biased. I was able to hit a couple of fades though, not by design.
Wind - really only faced some wind on the final hole and it proved to be a non factor for the ball. (15-20 mph)
Continued in next post
Background:
I've been VFIT into the 2018 Bridgestone Tour B RXS
December 2019 Trackman Driver Average:
Club Speed - 99 mph
Club Speed - 143 mph
Launch Angle - 12.3*
Spin Rate - 1915rpm
Carry Distance - 215 yards
Total Distance - 252 yards
Gamer Last Season - Callaway Chromesoft TT Diamond
I prefer to fit myself for balls green out.
Played these Saturday, January 18th.
Weather - Cloudy, Low 40s minimal wind, dry conditions with a few wet spots
Holes: 36 - 18 regular holes and 18 on a Par 3 Short Course
The Courses:
Pinehurst No. 2 White Tees (6,300 yards) Walking
18 on The Cradle - short Par 3 course, longest hole played 120 yards, teed off of mats.
The Balls:
Put the 2020 RX into play against my stash of 2018 RXS balls on The Cradle - head to head comparison
On No. 2 only gamed the 2020 RX ball for all 18 holes.
The Clubs:
Driver: Cobra F9 10.5 head +1 45" with LA Golf Shaft OLYSS 65 Proto Stiff
FWY: Cobra F9 5w 17* with HZRDUS Red 65 6.0
Utility: Cobra F9 4i 18.5* with PX Catalyst 85 6.0
Irons: Bridgestone Golf J15 DPF Irons - 4-PW w/ Elevate Tour S300 Shafts
Wedge: Bridgestone Golf J15 50* w/ Elevate Tour S300 Shafts
Wedge: Cobra PUR 54* w/ Elevate Tour S300 Shafts
Wedge: Cobra PUR 60* w/ DG Tour Issue Onyx S400
Performance:
Durability - The new RX balls appeared to be more durable than the 18 RXS - from the head to head comparison on the Cradle, I had some shavings/flaking off of the RXS - the RX cover was still in great shape - did not find any trees or other objects that are typically harmful to the cover of a golf ball.
From the 18 hole round, I definitely had some adventures off of the tee into the native areas as well as plenty of shots from the sand, and some tree/branch contact. With the exception of some small scratches and discoloration the cover stayed in tact and the ball was playable for the duration of the round.
Sound - Seemed fine to me, no abnormalities off of Woods/Irons/Wedges - nothing to make me questions equipment or ball.
Distance - On the short course, I never had any full swings with either the 54 or 60 wedges, they were all touch shots, which in January isn't going to be a strong suit for me. I didn't hit anything well and the ball flew excessively or came up short where I was surprised.
Full 18 holes:
This is where it gets crazy; my caddie was curious about the irons, he has caddied there for a few years (as well as other clubs in Chicago) and he sees a ton of irons and had never seen mine before (old tech
). We get to the Par 3 5th hole playing 170 yards to the flag. Minimal wind, I ask for the 7i - on line right at the pin, flew it by 10 yards. WHOOPS! Definitely wasn't expecting this kind of performance, felt like a good swing, not a great swing, but hammered.
I had a few similar approach shots later in the round where Eric (Caddie) gave me distance and I opted to pull less club.
On 18, 375 yards from the white tees - uphill into the wind hammered a drive that left me with 140 to the pin (with wind Eric sad it was playing closer to 150- with the back being 155. I hit PW - flared to the right but it was pin high.
Driver Distance - Driver was hot and cold for me this day, had some of the left hooks here and there on a few holes, however I dropped some bombs on a few to start the back, my drives on the back were fantastic, hit quite a few that ranged from 250 to my longest of 275 (total distance, was getting some good roll out there)
5w - I definitely need to call this club out for performance - took this out of the bag for a few months at the end of the season due to some struggles, I've put it back in the bag the last month - mostly for looks lol.
It was an absolute beast off the deck - hit one from the pine straw from 230 to the front edge of the green and had quite a few (see how bad my driving was) other pine straw and natural area shots that worked out very well in my favor. 215-230 out from off the deck in 40* weather is FANTASTIC.
Ball Flight - Overall on the day, my ball flight was low to mid penetrating - had some wedge and scoring iron shots that would have been classified as mid/mid high for me but overall this is the flight that I was seeing throughout the bag.
Most of the shots were draw or right to left biased. I was able to hit a couple of fades though, not by design.
Wind - really only faced some wind on the final hole and it proved to be a non factor for the ball. (15-20 mph)
Continued in next post
OITW
Well-known member
- Joined
- Dec 9, 2013
- Messages
- 50,264
- Reaction score
- 16,848
Approach/Touch/Feel Shots - As a low spin player I think for this course, I would have been better suited playing the RXS especially from inside of 50 yards. Comparing the RX to RXS - the RXS definitely had more stopping power - it was clearly visible playing The Cradle and being able to put the balls up head to head. See pics below
The RX still held it's own with the wedges when playing the full round, I wasn't ripping shots back, but there was some hope and little rollout, but nothing that made me think it was a bad decision gaming these. On the touch, short wedge shots and especially off the mats on the shot course, I was able to get some spin both side and back with the RX balls, still not as much as the RXS but a higher spin player shouldn't have any issues.
Putter - Sound was fine off the putter, I couldn't tell any audible difference from the RXS when compared head to head and nothing to throw me off during the round.
Final Thoughts:
The durability and distance stand out the most for me and definitely have me excited to try either the XS or the RXS as those balls I believe would be a better fit for me. I think when compared to similar balls in this space, maintaining the less than $45 pricepoint is a win and I can see myself putting these ball into play this year.
RXS spun back with 60 on the cradle
RX pitch mark by my foot and ball rolled out
RX pitchmark and ball
110 yard wedge shot with RX about 15 feet to the pin
9i approach shot pitch mark and ball resting spot
PW from 140 into the wind and slightly uphill pin high putt for birdie
The RX still held it's own with the wedges when playing the full round, I wasn't ripping shots back, but there was some hope and little rollout, but nothing that made me think it was a bad decision gaming these. On the touch, short wedge shots and especially off the mats on the shot course, I was able to get some spin both side and back with the RX balls, still not as much as the RXS but a higher spin player shouldn't have any issues.
Putter - Sound was fine off the putter, I couldn't tell any audible difference from the RXS when compared head to head and nothing to throw me off during the round.
Final Thoughts:
The durability and distance stand out the most for me and definitely have me excited to try either the XS or the RXS as those balls I believe would be a better fit for me. I think when compared to similar balls in this space, maintaining the less than $45 pricepoint is a win and I can see myself putting these ball into play this year.
RXS spun back with 60 on the cradle
RX pitch mark by my foot and ball rolled out
RX pitchmark and ball
110 yard wedge shot with RX about 15 feet to the pin
9i approach shot pitch mark and ball resting spot
PW from 140 into the wind and slightly uphill pin high putt for birdie
Attachments
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5DD8D2E7-E1F0-4FF4-8529-E1026C4896F2.jpeg -
FE884B05-5E5B-4EE9-8972-114205A37BF1.jpeg -
609167C0-2D39-460C-A5B0-9B6CDA04F529.jpeg -
17ABEA3D-C4BE-4C3A-BDDB-EFF0E0C4699F.jpeg -
60E4AF39-408C-474A-A41E-8AFDB78D505C.jpeg -
2CD167C1-DD48-4154-8A2F-A8679A0352A7.jpeg -
1089B016-E9D3-4346-A6F4-C5ECCEFB0930.jpeg -
7368D2F3-D115-4460-9D5A-1D218E8AE8F5.jpeg -
31529DE4-8823-4951-87B5-AA6885F4A755.jpeg -
73515496-D122-49BC-BB08-1D5E1262B6F8.jpeg -
A3151CF8-52F0-4196-BA38-C90151CABA72.jpeg
Last edited:
How does Reactiv work for moderate swing speeds? The description of how slower SS with wedges helps keep the ball on the face of the wedge longer to give more spin...made me wonder, would slower SS people get that same effect with driver?
- Staff
- #130
Thats the purpose of 4 different balls of differing compression/SS ranges.
- Joined
- Apr 30, 2015
- Messages
- 7,872
- Reaction score
- 5,455
I’d love it if they offered a dozen with one of each sleeve in it, a trial pack of sorts.
The new Freddy Couples video on the Bridgestone site is very cool to watch.
https://www.bridgestonegolf.com/en-...email&utm_campaign=TOUR+B+LAUNCH&utm_content=
https://www.bridgestonegolf.com/en-...email&utm_campaign=TOUR+B+LAUNCH&utm_content=
Tread23
The Rivalry w/ UST Mamiya - Team E1iterate
Cool to hear about the new tech going into the golf balls. Very excited to try these out.
Maybe I missed over it on the home page about these balls, but if the spin is so good with the standard ball, why is there even an "S" version? Or maybe I just read it wrong and that this applies to the "S" version.
Great write-up James. I'm glad to hear that Bridgestone seems to have their focus back. I was fit into the RX years ago and I'm definitely interested in trying out both the RX and possibly the RXS to see what's improved.
You mean the part after Freddie is playing the RXS?Hopefully everyone reads all the way to the end
- Staff
- #137
They’ve always offered an S version. It’s part of the fitting setup over four balls, internally it’s designed to offer a little more around and into the greens than the non, and it truly does expand the fitting window.
With REACTIV, they improve the performance of all four balls. Four potential wins there for golfers across the spectrum.
Cannot wait to give these new balls a try. The Tour B RX is the ball I was fit into at the Bridgestone event as well as the VFIT. Looking forward to the new tech.
Do you need my home address? Happy to pm that to you
Mother of God!
- Staff
- #141
Do you need my home address? Happy to pm that to you
Yes, I know that. Let me try again. Does an 85mph SS player get more spin off driver with the RX than a 90mph SS player and does that extra spin negatively affect distance? Or is there something about the tech that doesn’t let that happen?
- Staff
- #143
T
The production boxes are definitely way better than the pre-release boxes.
Oh I definitely saw the forum testing tagline...can't wait for testing phase posts.
You all mind if I start?
Feel free to send a couple to Todd at pretty much any golf related address here. They will know who I am.
- Staff
- #147
The compression and core of the ball will still regulate the lions share of that, the cover is an added effect.
Plus, at 85 mph that’s still a more violent impact than any touch shot.
Cant wait to find out more through the forum testing. Some great info in here thus far.
The more I hear and read, the more I am getting excited about trying these things out. A ball that explodes off the face of the driver but turns lower speed impacts into more spin is something can't help but drool over.
Tread23
The Rivalry w/ UST Mamiya - Team E1iterate
If you aren’t carrying 300 at the Distance Bash I will forever be disappointed.