2020 Bridgestone Tour B X

Bridgestone Golf made a few waves when they first introduced the Tour B X golf ball for the big hitters.  It was a great ball (I loved it) with a lot of distance and minimal spin for great control.  With the addition of the new REACTIV cover, the 2020 Bridgestone Tour B X ball has the same distance with low spin off the tee, but more spin into the greens.

How Does it Feel?

Bridgestone’s REACTIV cover is designed to react differently depending on the force at impact.  They call it an “impact modifier.”  The cover reacts differently depending on force at impact.  In short, it will feel firmer off the tee and softer as you get closer to the green.  This REACTIV cover will also play a role in spin, but we’ll cover that more as we move on.  Off the tee, the new Tour B X feels firm, similar to the previous generation, like you’d expect from lower-spin distance ball.  With irons, it does feel like you need a little more speed to compress the ball, but that’s easier to achieve than the previous generation.

Player beware, Bridgestone advertises the Tour B X as a ball for players with 105+ swing speed.  Now, this isn’t an “absolute” of course, but it’s a pretty good measuring stick to start out with.  In addition to performance characteristics, players with lower speeds generally will not realize the full feel of this ball.  The [soon to be reviewed] Tour B RX will likely be a better option.

Off the Tee

I felt the 2020 Bridgestone Tour B X was very much the ball we know and love off the tee.  The Gradational Core returns in 2020 to deliver higher ball speeds while reducing side spin.  This means the ball will fly long and straight.  Don’t get me wrong, if you make a terrible swing, it won’t work miracles…  That’s on you.  Another helpful piece of tech that returns is Bridgestone’s Dual Dimple pattern.  This makes the ball more aerodynamic for a better flight and more distance due to less drag.  Like its predecessor, the 2020 Tour B X is excellent off the tee.  The ball jumps, holds its path, and is very easy to control.  However, keep in mind what I said before – you need to have a higher swing speed to realize the full potential of this ball.

On the Approach

Now we’re getting into the good stuff.  The original Bridgestone Tour B X performed well on the approach, but could have used a little “easier” spin.  What I mean by that is that spin was achievable, but took some work.  With the new REACTIV cover, the 2020 Tour B X is much more responsive to the slower speeds of iron shots.  As such, you get more spin throughout the set for better bite on the green.

“But, Bill, you just told us that off the tee had low spin and was firm?”  I did indeed, but the REACTIV cover utilizes a “smart” urethane which Bridgestone is calling an “impact modifier.”  In short, the cover absorbs more shock at slower speeds to allow it to spin more and feel softer.  With faster speeds, the cover holds up stronger and reduces spin while promoting more distance.  This effect is most noticeable on approach shots and wedges around the green.  You’ll especially notice this if you’re familiar with the original Tour B X.

Around the Green

This is probably the most subjective area for golfers when it comes to a golf ball.  In fact, so much so that this is often why good players start their ball testing from the green and work back.  I prefer a “medium” feel ball – not soft like a marshmallow, but not clicky like a rock.  That said, on the medium spectrum, I prefer a ball on the firmer side for more response and feedback.  Especially with the putter.  The new Bridgestone Tour B X fits that profile perfectly.  It grabs the putter face well but you get enough feedback for good distance control.

The REACTIV cover really works well with wedges too.  Like my approach shots, I found the new Tour B X much easier to spin around the greens than the original.  There’s a more natural bite reaction on the ball that made it more playable for me.  If you can spin a wedge, you’ll have no problem getting the 2020 Tour B X to stop quick if you need it to.

Final Thoughts – 2020 Bridgestone Tour B X

In 2020, the Bridgestone Tour B X is once again my favorite ball out of their lineup.  With the REACTIV cover raising the level of performance of the approach and green side game, the Tour B X is legitimately a much improved ball.

As I did with the previous generation, I’ll share this same opinion.  Your swing is different than mine, so I’ll always recommend some additional research and some real life experimentation.  Fortunately, Bridgestone has thought of that.  If getting an in-person fitting is not an option, you can access Bridgestone’s “Find My Ball” tool here.  This tool will help you pick the best ball for you depending on your game and personal preferences.

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