Bridgestone Tour B golf ball range featuring the X, XS, RX, and RXS models displayed in a clean comparison layout for a golf ball guide blog.

Bridgestone Golf Balls Explained, Which Tour B Model Is Right for You?

May 24, 2026Scott Pickett

Bridgestone golf balls have built a strong reputation over the years for soft feel, impressive consistency, and a fitting philosophy that focuses heavily on matching golfers with the right compression and performance.

While brands like Titleist and Callaway often dominate the conversation, Bridgestone has developed a very loyal following, especially with golfers who value feel and ball fitting.

One thing that can be slightly confusing though is the Tour B range itself. With models like the Tour B X, Tour B XS, Tour B RX and Tour B RXS, it’s easy for golfers to wonder which one actually suits their game.

As a PGA Professional, I think Bridgestone has done a good job of offering slightly different performance profiles rather than simply creating four balls that feel almost identical.

Why Bridgestone golf balls stand out

One thing Bridgestone has always focused on heavily is matching golf balls to different swing speeds and player types.

That’s important because many golfers play golf balls that are too firm, don’t compress properly, spin incorrectly for their game, or simply don’t suit how they deliver the club.

Bridgestone’s range tends to make golfers think a little more carefully about feel, compression, spin, swing speed and launch characteristics. You can explore our full Bridgestone golf ball collection.

Bridgestone Tour B X

The Tour B X is generally designed for golfers with faster swing speeds, higher ball speeds and stronger compression, and for players wanting reduced driver spin and maximum speed.

It has a firmer feel compared to some other Bridgestone models and suits golfers who prefer a slightly more solid response through impact.

Typically suited to stronger players, lower handicaps, aggressive swingers, and golfers chasing speed and penetration.

Bridgestone Tour B XS

The Tour B XS is one of Bridgestone’s most popular premium golf balls, known for softer feel, excellent greenside spin and strong all-round control. It’s also the ball Tiger Woods plays.

Compared to the Tour B X, the XS generally feels softer through the putter and wedges while still maintaining strong overall distance performance.

A lot of golfers who prioritise short-game feel, touch around the greens and a softer impact sensation tend to prefer the XS.

Bridgestone Tour B RX

I actually think the RX is one of the most important balls in the Bridgestone lineup for everyday golfers.

The RX is designed more for moderate swing speeds, golfers wanting easier compression, and players seeking distance without needing tour-level speed.

This is where Bridgestone separates itself slightly from some competitors. A lot of amateur golfers simply don’t swing fast enough to consistently compress firmer tour balls properly. The RX helps solve that by offering softer compression, easy launch, good distance and strong overall forgiveness.

For many regular club golfers, the RX can actually perform better than firmer tour models.

Bridgestone Tour B RXS

The Tour B RXS builds further on softer feel and short-game performance. Compared to the RX, it generally feels softer, offers slightly more greenside spin, and suits smoother swingers particularly well.

Golfers who prioritise feel around the greens, softer putting feel and short-game control often really enjoy the RXS. It’s a very playable golf ball for golfers who want premium-level feel without an overly firm response.

Compression matters more than many golfers realise

One thing I see regularly is golfers automatically assuming that because tour players use firmer balls, they should too.

But that’s not always the best fit. If a golfer doesn’t generate enough speed, struggles launching the ball, loses distance or wants softer feel, a slightly softer compression ball can often perform better.

This is where Bridgestone’s lineup makes a lot of sense, because the range gives golfers more tailored options. I have explained the topic more fully in what golf ball compression you should use.

Which Bridgestone golf ball should you choose?

Tour B X

Best suited to faster swing speeds, strong ball strikers, and players wanting firmer feel and lower driver spin.

Tour B XS

Best suited to golfers wanting softer feel, better players prioritising greenside control, and players wanting premium all-round performance.

Tour B RX

Best suited to moderate swing speeds, everyday golfers, and players wanting easier compression and distance.

Tour B RXS

Best suited to golfers prioritising feel, smoother swing speeds, and players wanting a softer response around the greens.

My thoughts as a PGA Professional

I think Bridgestone golf balls are slightly underrated overall. The Tour B range in particular offers golfers some genuinely different performance options rather than just small marketing variations.

What I like most is that Bridgestone puts genuine focus on matching golfers properly, on compression, feel and swing speed suitability.

Realistically, many golfers probably play golf balls that are firmer than they actually need. Sometimes a softer, more playable golf ball can help golfers launch it easier, gain distance, improve feel and enjoy the game more.

If you want to compare across brands, I have written up Titleist golf balls explained and a general guide on what golf ball you should use, and there is a good case for sticking with one model, which I cover in should you use the same golf ball.

FAQs

What is the difference between Bridgestone Tour B X and XS?

The Tour B X generally feels firmer and lower spinning off the driver, while the XS offers softer feel and more greenside spin.

Which Bridgestone golf ball suits slower swing speeds?

The Tour B RX and RXS are designed more for moderate swing speeds and easier compression.

Are Bridgestone golf balls good?

Yes. Bridgestone golf balls are known for strong feel, consistency, and compression-focused fitting options.

What Bridgestone ball does Tiger Woods use?

Tiger Woods plays the Bridgestone Tour B XS.

Happy golfing,
Scott Pickett
PGA Professional
Founder – Golf 360
Mount Maunganui

Scott Pickett, PGA Professional and founder of Golf 360

About the author

Scott Pickett

PGA Professional · Founder, Golf 360 · Mount Maunganui

Scott turned professional in 2003 and founded Golf 360 in 2018. Today he focuses on helping New Zealand golfers get honest advice, the right equipment and more enjoyment from the game.

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