If you ask most people, they’ll probably associate Bridgestone with tyres – seen worldwide in a multitude of motorsport events and on cars everywhere. Shojiro Ishibashi founded the company in 1931, and it has since become the global leader in the rubber industry and in polymer science technology. However, it was Mr Ishibashi’s passion for golf that resulted in the first production of Bridgestone golf balls in 1935.
Fast forward to the modern game, Bridgestone has produced golf balls for arguably the greatest golfer of all time, Tiger Woods, who has worked on R & D together for more than 20 years. In addition, many PGA Tour players – including Jason Day, Matt Kuchar, and Fred Couples – have all made the switch to this industry leading technology, trusting their livelihoods to the number one golf ball fitter in the market.
Which Bridgestone golf balls will suit you?
It’s not only the pros who can benefit from these superior golf balls. To find the correct golf ball for your game, you first need to figure out what kind of golfer you are.
Are you an aggressive, low-handicap player who wants a ball that flies high and long? An average player who wants maximum distance from a slower swing with some spin around the green? Or perhaps you're a beginner looking for something more forgiving to improve your overall game?
Here, we deep dive into the new Bridgestone golf ball range, to help you decide which are best for your golf game.
For long-distance speed: Bridgestone Tour B XS
The Tour B XS is best for players with high clubhead speeds, over 105mph in fact when hitting a driver. Offering explosive velocity from the tee with its XCLRNT mid-layer and REACTIV X rebound technology, this is a long distance premium golf ball. The beauty of this ball is you don’t need to sacrifice any feel: the REACTIV IQ cover provides enough increased spin to give you the confidence to stop the ball on any green from any distance.
For fast swings with control: Bridgestone Tour B X
The brother of the Tour B XS, the Tour B X is again designed for golfers with higher clubhead speeds, but with less spin when using a driver. The result? Faster ball speeds and maximum distance. However, the cover design is still going to give plenty of control on approach shots and around the green.
This is the firmest feeling golf ball in the range – used by a host of Tour Players – but it won’t suit most amateur golfers with slower swings. However, if it's tour level performance you need for a moderate swing speed then read on, Bridgestone has the ball for you.
For moderate swing speeds: Bridgestone Tour RX S
Tour RX S is going to give you everything a Tour Player looks for in a golf ball, but suited to those with slower swing speeds. It uses all the tech we see in the Tour B XS, but the lower compression makes it suitable for a club golfer. Still offering maximum ball speed and reduced spin with the driver, it gives you increased roll out and distance. It’s also the highest spinning ball in the range, giving you unprecedented feel and control for your second shot.
For length and accuracy: Bridgestone Tour RX
If it’s length off the tee you want, Tour RX is for you. The low compression distance golf ball in this range, its durable cover is ideal in the wind, working to reduce that damaging side spin to make you accurate on tight fairways and stay out of the rough.
For clear shot visualisation: Mindset
A new concept this year – designed in collaboration with Jason Day – Bridgestone offers all of its Tour Range golf balls with the Mindset logo. Designed to help the golfer not only with the physical side of the game, the Mindset range crucially aids the mental side too – providing a visual cue on the golf ball to help the player focus on their shot.
Here’s how it works:
1. Identify the target. Gather your information: what is the target, how far is the distance, and which golf clubs do you need to use?
2. Visualise the target. Now, connect to the target and visualise the shot you want to hit.
3. Make your shot. To clear your mind, focus on the Mindset dot and play the golf shot you’ve visualised.
For high spin control: Bridgestone E6
If you’re a beginner or senior, the Bridgestone E6 is one of the best ball choices for your game. It provides excellent value for money and is one of the longest distance Bridgestone balls available. With great feel around the green, it offers high levels of spin control with its three-piece design and low compression.
For better spins and green play: Bridgestone E12 Contact
If you’re looking to control your game, the E12 Contact has a gradational soft core that produces a more consistent spin and allows for better play on the green. The dimple design encourages straighter flights as well as less side spin. Plus, it’s available in a range of vibrant matte colour options, so you can stand out on the course.
Ultimately, the best Bridgestone golf ball depends on your unique playing style and preferences. To find the perfect golf ball for your game, explore our full Bridgestone collection or visit one of our stores for a custom fitting.