50 Words or Less
The new Bridgestone Tour B golf balls provide premium performance to a wide range of players.
Introduction
For 2017, Bridgestone has rebranded their popular Tour B330 golf ball as simply Tour B. What remains are the four models within the Tour B family, though the names are a little different: Tour B X (formerly B330), Tour B XS (B330-S), Tour B RX (B330-RX), and Tour B RXS (B330-RXS).
The message has also shifted slightly. No longer are the various balls fit by swing speed but rather by score – X and XS for “Low,” RX and RXS for “Low-Mid.”
All this rebranding is fine, but the real question is, does the ball still perform?
Feel
My first impression of the Bridgestone Tour B golf balls was how soft all of them are. Even the firmest model, the Tour B X, feels noticeably softer than I had expected.
In the long game, there’s a significant difference between the X series balls and the RX balls. The RX balls give you a pronounced feeling of compressing the ball, where the X balls provide the firmer feel you’d expect from a tour ball.
When it comes to the putter, there’s a range of softness. The Tour B X is the firmest – it doesn’t mush into the putter face and the cover has a touch of “click” to it. On the other end, the Tour B RXS has a soft cover with no discernible “click” and it feels like it compresses even on a short putt. Both the Tour B RX and the Tour B XS feel similar – a very slight “click” and a touch of compression at impact.
Short Game
In Bridgestone’s previous generations of tour balls, there was a measurable difference in spin between the models. What I found in this new series is that they all have very high spin off the wedge. I think this is a big step forward because there’s no longer a trade off to be made between the long game and short game. No matter which ball you pick to get maximum distance, you’ll get nearly the same performance in the short game.
Long Game
While the performance of the Tour B golf balls is more similar in the short game, the gap is larger in the long game than I’ve experienced previously.
First, the difference between the Tour B X balls and the Tour B RX balls is significant when it comes to ball speed. At around 105 MPH swing speed, I averaged 3 MPH more ball speed with the X balls than the RX. My expectation is that players with less than 100 MPH of swing speed would see the same gap in the other direction.
The other major difference is in driver spin. With past generations, I found the X and XS balls to be fairly similar in driver spin. This time around, Bridgestone has made the Tour B X insanely low spinning and markedly different than the XS. With the Tour B X, I was hitting drives that carried less than 200 yards because they had so little spin. As a low spin player, I needed the additional spin of the XS to maximize my distance.
In looking at the spin of the RX golf balls, I found the Tour B RX to be similar to the XS. The Tour B RXS was slightly higher spinning than the Tour B RX, but the gap was not as big as the one between the X and XS.
Conclusion
At the risk of sounding like a shill, I do think that the new Bridgestone Tour B golf balls are their best yet. By creating a bigger difference between the balls off the tee, they’re going to be able to help more players maximize their distance. Coupled with a leveling out of the short game spin, Bridgestone has made it so that there’s no compromise required between distance and short game control.
Buy Bridgestone Tour B Golf Balls HERE
Matt Saternus
Latest posts by Matt Saternus (see all)
- PING G430 LST Driver Review - March 21, 2023
- Will New Golf Clubs Raise Your Floor or Ceiling? - March 21, 2023
- Mizuno ST-Z 230 Hybrid Review - March 20, 2023
Does Bridgestone have a definition of “Low-Mid” Score vs. “Low” Score?
When you say that the Tour X balls have significantly lower spin rates, would that help the golfer who struggles with a hook or slice?
Ernest,
I’m sure they do, but it’s not anywhere that I’ve seen in the promotional material.
The question of lower spinning balls helping a slice or hook is an interesting one, and something I would like to test in the future. I can see the argument both ways: lower spin could mean less side spin hence less curvature. On the other hand, less spin also means less back spin which could mean less carry.
Best,
Matt
Am I the only one that finds the latest rebranding of Titleist Pro V1/Pro V1x and now Bridgestone golf balls confusing?
Mike,
I think a lot of the messaging has gotten muddled. I liked Bridgestone’s swing speed fitting system on the B330, seemed easy to me.
Best,
Matt
Mike
My handicap is 9 and I would typically use a PRO V1, after seeing a video that 70% of people use the wrong ball and then using the Bridgestone website it recommends I use RX if I select accuracy and the RXS if I select feel. I see feel in terms off spin around the greens so from your post the green side control between the RX and RXS would not be noticeable ? When you said there was a 3mph increase from the X to the RX for speeds over 100mph, would you then say for swings under 100 it would be the other way, for example with a 95 MPH swing someone would have a 3mph faster ball speed with the RX over the X ?
Regards
Mark Blowers
Mark,
I think you’re correct on both points. I don’t believe the difference in green side spin between the RX and RXS would be noticeable. Feel, maybe, but I think spin would be within 5%.
With regard to the driver, I think someone below 100 MPH should try the RX or RXS. I don’t know if the gap would be 3 MPH exactly – could be more or less – but I think a measurable gap would exist.
Best,
Matt
This is the first time I heard of someone with a 105 ball speed hit a drive that carried less than 200 yards and blame it on low spin of the ball.
Are you sure you’re not hitting against a 60 mph wind?
Dey,
Yeah, the wind was pretty bad on the simulator that day. :)
Best,
Matt
my speed is around 95 96 mph but, unfortunatly I hit with a big amount of spin (3800 4000 rpm, I wrote to trackman support for an help!!)
I like bridegstone with is my ball (e6) but without great results. what do you suggest. tour b rx?
thank you
Andrea,
I don’t think any of the Tour B balls are going to be any better for driver spin than the e6. If you wanted to try something to help with that, the only would I would recommend is the Tour B X.
Best,
Matt
I know the Tour B Rx has less side spin for straighter ball flight. Are you able to shape your shots at all with this ball? I find the e6 (both soft and speed) very hard to move right to left on my iron shots, but love how straight and long I’m able to drive them. I guess I’m asking is the Tour B rx easier to shape the iron shots?
Scott,
The RX is not so low spinning that you can’t shape shots unless you’re also a very low spin player.
Best,
Matt
Seems silly
My driver swing speed is 115mph yet it tells me to go for higher spinning RXS because I’m more a mid handicapper.
Handicap can be high or low for different reasons, seems a generic approach which I don’t believe is going to help.
I have a question? It recommended the RX for me, but my average swing speed is a 110. I have in the past been more of a higher spin driver player, but am in the process of changing my driver to a more upward angle with less spin. Which ball should I go with..
Charles,
What’s your priority? If it’s driver distance, a high spin, high speed player should be in the X. If you want softer feel and more spin, you would want to look at the other models, and I would think you’d start at the XS.
Best,
Matt
I was a pro v1 player..swing speed about 95 at 80 percent swing.. high spin on my old r9 driver..I loose a few right if I go hard at the ball..tried the b tour ball..Didn’t matter how hard I swung ball never went right..shot a 78 out the gate. Usually I am around 85..gained about 25 yards but the biggest thing I notice was on the open face block right balls they stayed on the course and the distance stayed close to the good hits distance …love the ball say good bye to the cut spinner…
hey matt.
ive been tryin to look for a ball that fits me.. im a +.9 handi rn.. with swing speed around 115. ive tried different golf balls. it is hard to tell difference sometimes when your a good player. i mean ive even tried the vice balls and the snells. and its really hard to see much difference.
i want a ball that will hold the green from 100 to 180yards.
i have noticed the difference in the prov’s i hate the new ones.. the provx feels like its a srixon. no spin on green. the 1’s have a little more. but i want more spin. more control on the green. and around.
i have tried the RX and RXS. i cant feel or see much difference.
what you suggest? tour xs?
Brian,
The Tour B RXS would be the highest spinning of the group but probably not a good fit for your swing speed. Tour B XS would be my recommendation.
Best,
Matt
Looking to hit it a bit further but also get could feel around the greens which ball would you sguuest?
Greg,
My suggestion would be to buy a sleeve of each and see what performs best for you.
Best,
Matt
I’ve played the B-330RXS for two or three years now with great luck and have recently purchased 6 boxes of the Tour B RXS’s thinking they’d be about the same ball. Totally wrong, while I am 10 to 15 yards longer with the new ball which is not a bad thing I find that I have lost a lot of spin around the green and that of getting the ball close to the pin. Not sure what I want to play now but these balls will take a lot of time and patients to adjust to the spin.
My Swing speed is about 100 with a handicap of 6 to 7. I am 70 years old.
Guess you don’t like my post by saying I’ve already posted what I said when you havn’t posted anything I’ve written.
AB,
Posts take time to show up because we approve every one by hand. We do this to keep spam off the site.
Best,
Matt
I’ve tried the tour bxs and the rxs. I’m very erratic on swing speed depending on whether it’s warm or cold . When warm I’m around 105 , dipping under 100 otherwise. I’ve found both models suit my game as I’m borderline. I jump between 5-8 handicap and to be honest I find most your balls nowadays are of high quality with good distances and spin around greens . I think Bridgestone are at least as good as any without the hefty price tag of some !
I’m 63 yr old with a driver swing speed between 92-94. I’m a 5 handicap. I typically hit a high trajectory. I’ve used Pro V1, Pro V1x, TP5, TP5 x, Volvik Vibe, as well as others. All of these balls have urethane covers, and help me around the green, as I have a very good short game. I’m looking for a bit more distance off the tee. Should I try any of the Tour B balls? And if so, which ones should I compare? thanks.
Al,
Are your drives ballooning? If so, you might consider the Tour B RX.
Best,
Matt
I think Bridgestones biggest problem is figuring out which back is right for you. My club head speed is between 97-102…. mostly 97 because I want to control but I’m a low spin player and very low ball flight. I’m a scratch golfer but would love a bit more carry. Which ball do you think I should try? Thanks for you help
Paul,
If you’re low spin, I would try the RXS or the XS.
Best,
Matt
I am 67 years old and have a swing speed of 90-92. I have low spin. I currently use the prov1x because I like the way pitch shots check. Which Bridgestone ball is comparable?
Thanks
Jerry,
The Tour B X is going to be firm like the ProV1X. If you want more spin, try the Tour B XS. The RXS will be the highest spinning of the whole family.
Best,
Matt
Hi Matt: Another great review. I should come and see you soon for help on my game.
I am a 55 YO guy who is about to begin his 6th year of golf. My index is about 12 (legit – neither sandbagging nor vanity) and shoots high 80s to low 90s consistently at a fairly challenging track (mid to high 130s slopes) not too far from you. I score the same whether it is a friendly weekend game or a club event. I drive and chip better than iron play (5-9).
I recently got fitted and my driver swing speed is about 90, smash factor consistently around 1.48-1.49, spin rate about 3,000, carry and total distances about 205-215/225-235 indoors (Trackman). I thought I drove longer, but the numbers are what they are. For the 6-iron, the speed club is 78, smash factor 1.42, launch angle 17, spin rate 5000 and carry/total distances about 150/165.
I have been all over the place with balls. I have played DT Solo, SuperHot and E7 (when I started playing with a 25+ index), Bridgestone B330 RX, E6, Pro V1 (which I get often at outings and which also I find often in the fescue at my club), Chrome Soft and, recently, Titleist AVX starting in September 2018. Basically, whatever I am given at outings, I can find in the fescue at my club or I can buy used relatively cheaply on eBay.
I found the AVX a little longer than the Pro V1 and the Chrome Soft – maybe 5 to 10 yards on mid to short irons. It is definitely low flying compared to the other Titleist tour balls. THAT SAID, to be honest, I don’t think I am a good enough golfer to be able to notice a ton of differences among all these balls. I don’t put a lot of back spin on my approach shots and can’t zip them back. Nor can I hit those “routine” 280-320 drives by amateurs that I read about so often! :) I play smart golf usually not to have a blow up hole, don’t take unnecessary risks, and that is how I get those mid to high 80 scores.
I feel like I got my clubs all figured out going into a new season for the first time since I started playing – thanks to the full-bag fitting that tweaked my shafts, head lies and lofts and got myself a new driver. So, of course, I now worry/obsess about my golf ball selection for the first time.
I have read your comments and other reviews of Bridgestone E6 Soft and Tour B RX. I am tempted to try them out in the spring along with the AVX. I played the E6 Soft whenever I was able to play this winter. But, it is hard to tell how its performance compares to the AVX or the Tour B RX with my clunky winter swing and the “winter greens.”
Based on my numbers and description of my game, do you have any suggestion? Once I do my comparison in the spring, I will circle back with a detailed write-up if you want to share that with your readers.
Thanks again and keep up the great work.
Chicago Duffer
The biggest difference among golf balls is short game spin, so the most important question is, “How much do you want/need?” If you don’t rely on spin to stop your pitches and wedge shots, the E6 Soft is a fine ball. If you want short game spin, you need a urethane covered ball like the Tour B or AVX. I think Bridgestone makes great products, and they’re certainly worth considering alongside the AVX or ProV1.
Best,
Matt
Matt, thanks again for your input.
I am not sure how well I put backspin on my pitches and wedge shots. I am sure I do to an extent and my short game improved quite a bit with all the lessons I got last year. But, I haven’t seen my wedge shots zip back like the pros do on TV. That said, I am willing to pay the extra $ for the urethane cover, which can’t hurt even if it may not help that much.
So, the question for me comes down to the distance and accuracy. Does the E6 Soft behave any differently off the tee than, say, the Tour B RX or the AVX in your opinion?
Funny enough, when I put my Trackman numbers into the Bridgestone Ball Recommendation engine, it kept recommending the Tour B RX no matter what other options I select. I kept tweaking my input to see what would lead to the E6 Soft recommendation, but was unsuccessful.
Finally, I have found your site to be one of the most insightful golf review websites. I feel like I have benefited quite a bit from the information you have given. Have you thought about making this a fee-based (even if voluntary) site? I am more than happy to pay a fee to visit your site.
Thanks again.
I’m curious if the e6 has been removed from the fitting engine because it was replaced (today, officially) with the e12. Also, Bridgestone has revamped their in-person ball fitting, which may have an impact on the online engine. Regardless, your inability to change your result is very interesting.
Regarding the e6 off the tee vs. AVX, it may be slightly lower spinning which could make it longer and straighter. That said, I’d be surprised if the difference is dramatic because the two you mention are low spin for their category.
I appreciate the compliments very much, and am very pleased to hear that you’ve benefited from our work. I have thought about doing a Patreon page to allow people to contribute, but probably won’t go that route unless I can think of something really premium to offer as a thank you. Until then, our PayPal is PluggedInGolf@gmail.com if you’d like to support the site.
Thanks,
Matt
Matt, thanks for the follow-up comment. Any thought on the Tour B RX vs. the AVX for someone like me off the tee? I am assuming they are fairly similarly.
In any event, I have Trackman sessions scheduled over the next few weeks. I will try out the AVX, Tour B RX and E6 Soft and report back. The brand-new E12 Soft ($30) is apparently a three-piece ball that Bridgestone claims is a big improvement over the E6 Soft, which will apparently stay in the line-up for now at a much lower price point ($22).
Finally, I made a small contribution via PayPal. Thanks again for making your contents available.
Thank you for the generous contribution! I really appreciate it.
I think the AVX and Tour B RX should be pretty similar. If I had to guess, I would say the AVX might spin a bit less. I’ll be eager to hear the results of your testing.
Best,
Matt
Matt:
Well, here is my promised (and admittedly incomplete) report on my review of the Bridgestone B RX, Titleist AVX and Bridgestone E6 Soft balls.
First, a few caveats. I used a Trackman hitting bay that is available to club members generally. Not sure how well calibrated it is. In addition, my game is winter-rusty and inconsistent. Finally, my game may be a lot different than others’ – a relatively fit, but short, guy in his mid-50s playing to a 12-13 index in his 6th year of golf. My driver swing speed is about 90, give or take a few, and I shoot high 80s to low 90s on fairly hard courses. With these qualifications, here it is.
* WEDGE: I used a Cleveland CBX 56-degree wedge. I tried to do a 3/4 swing (usually my 70-75 yard shots). I hit each ball five times, took out the best and the worst shots and averaged the remaining three. For the E6 Soft, I was consistently getting about 67-68 yards carry, 73-74 yards total and 7,050 RPM. Next up was the AVX. I got about 70 yards carry, 75 yards total and 7,550 RPM. For the Bridgestone B-RX, the numbers were 70-71 yards carry, 75 yards total and 7,500 RPM. I also did the same with the Pro-V1 practice balls in the hitting bay – about the same distances but 7,750 RPM.
WEDGE VERDICT – Dead heat between the B-RX and the AVX and not much of a drop-off from the Pro-V1.
* MID-IRON (AP-1 6 iron with the SS stock shaft in regular flex): For the E6 Soft, 148 carry, 160 total and 4,350 RPM. For the AVX, 144 carry, 162 total and 4,750 RPM. Finally, for the B-RX, 149 carry, 165 total and 4,950 RPM.
MID-IRON VERDICT – Inconclusive particularly since most courses I play don’t have forced carries in this distance range. So, I don’t need to land it softly.
* WOOD: I have a brand new driver, which I am getting used to. So, I used my trusty 5-wood. For the E6 soft, 187 carry, 205 total and 4100 RPM. For the AVX, 183 carry, 204 total and 4,350 RPM. For the B-RX, 190 carry, 210 total and 4,500 RPM. For the practice Pro-V1 in the hitting bay, 181 carry, 196 total and 4,750 RPM.
WOOD VERDICT – The B-RX edges out the AVX.
OVERALL VERDICT: I think the B-RX was the overall winner although not by much. The AVX’s numbers were comparable. The E6 Soft didn’t fare badly either. For me, any of these three will work just fine, and it comes down to how each feels around the green.
One clear conclusion, however, is that I have no business playing the Pro-V1 or other high compression tour balls.
Great info, thank you for sharing.
One thing that’s interesting to me is the extra roll on the 6I with the B-RX, which had the more spin. Did it have that much more ball speed or launch lower?
Thanks,
Matt
Matt: Good point, which got me thinking. I went back to my notes on the 6 iron. Yes, I got about 15-16 yards after landing for both the AVX and the B-RX. I also checked these numbers against the 6-iron numbers from my recent fitting late last year at a different place (which led to replacing my iron shafts).
Interestingly, the attack angles (-3.2 deg v. -5.2 deg.) and the apex heights (53 ft v. 70 ft) from this past weekend were significantly less than the club fitting session numbers. Not sure what to make of the difference as both sessions were done with a Trackman. It could be a calibration issue or, most likely, it could just be my winter-rusty swing.
One sure thing that I took away from my quick testing is that, for someone with my swing speed (low 90s), low compression balls do make a difference.
In addition, since I don’t launch the ball high with mid-irons, I really shouldn’t play courses with a forced carry into small greens.
Thanks again.
Have you seen anything comparing the new 2019 TP5 or TP5x to Tour BX or Tour BXS?
Ben,
No, and we have not tested the 2019 TP5 yet. Perhaps later this year.
Best,
Matt
Matt, great review as always. I went for a driver fitting recently and much to my surprise, my driver (I chose my own head, shaft, grip and length on my own) was exactly what the fitter would’ve done. We couldn’t find a single head or shaft combo that could come close. HOWEVER, he did suggest I use a ball with less spin, as I’m about 3000-3100 rpms.
That being said, avg swing speed is 97 mph, ball speed 144-145, smash 1.49, side spin -250, launch about 13.5 degrees…. which of these balls would you recommend to get the most distance and lower my spin?
TJ,
I got the lowest driver spin with the Tour B X.
Best,
Matt
Matt,
I was wondering what your thoughts were on the my golf spy ball test recently released? If you’ve had a chance to read it?
Justin,
Respectfully, I prefer to focus on making PluggedInGolf as good as it can be rather than worrying about what other sites are doing.
Best,
Matt
What is the difference between the Tour B RX and the Tour B RXS and does the RXS come in yellow?
The RXS is designed to spin more.
-Matt
Hi Matt,
I upgraded most of my equipment this year and my handicap has dropped to 5.6. I have been a fan of Bridgestone golf balls for years, with the B-300s being my favorite.
I average around 260 off the tee (carry and roll combined). I like the soft feel around the greens, but would like to gain more in distance off the tee and about 5 yards more carry in irons.
When I went for my fitting early in the year, my averages for my driver are 93.7 club speed, 141 ball speed and 2712 spin rate, (indoor fitting).
My 7-iron in my new set (Ping i210) was 78.6 club speed, 111.8 ball speed and 5625 spin rate (indoor fitting).
Based on those numbers and what I am looking for, which ball would you recommend?
Thank you!
Bill,
With your driver swing speed, I’m not sure how much distance is left on the table for you. To be clear, I’m not being snide about that, I’m saying congratulations, you’ve optimized your driver.
The ball that will be most similar to the B300S is the Tour B XS. I would start your trial there.
Best,
Matt
Hey Matt-
I’ve done the online ball fitting from Bridgestone, and just by changing one input it either recommends the Tour B RX or the Tour B RXS. I typically do not spin my irons or wedges much, so my leaning would be to the Tour B RXS. Butt, world that ball create more/too much driver side spin? Many thanks in advance. Keep up the great work, love the site! RJ
RJ,
Going from RX to RXS is going to give you more spin across the board. Whether that’s “too much” with the driver, you’ll only be able to find out by testing. If you’re not a high spin player naturally, I wouldn’t expect the difference to cause a major issue.
Best,
Matt
Pingback: Bridgestone e12 Soft & e12 Speed Golf Ball Review - Plugged In Golf
Hi Matt,
I read your review in late April ( btw great article on the Bridgestone Tour B ) wanting to try these balls. I did the on line Bridgestone test and was recommended the RX. I bought a dozen. I played for couple of rounds with the RX and decided this was not what I was looking for. Con- 1 did not like the way it came off of my clubs. 2 short game gave me no feel of control. 3 Putter, same thing, no feel of Control. Pro – great distance ball as you mentioned in the article.
Last week my Buddy gave me a Bridgetsone Tour X to Try. Before I played with the X I tried it on the practice green Putting and Chipping. I liked the control and feel. As I put the X in play I found it to be as long as the RX with more control and feel. I ended the round with an 80 that day. I maybe wrong but I felt the RX to be harder than the X.
Matt, I am wondering if you found the ball differences as I did.
Thxs.
Yes, I think Bridgestone does as good a job as any OEM of making their premium balls significantly different, especially between the RX and “standard” models.
Best,
Matt