So, this is something a bit different. It does not have to do with the ball construction, but more with the cover design. I am talking about MindSet, a visual cue on the golf ball that reminds you of the easy three step process. What is the three step process, you ask? It is something Bridgestone came up with to help you separate analytical thoughts from athletic performance. In the 2024 Bridgestone Tour B RX MindSet golf ball review my first objective is to let you know how it is to play it. Secondly, I will give you my thoughts on MindSet.
What are the three steps? The first is to “identify your target”, followed by “visualize the shot path”. Lastly, you “focus on the dot” just before executing your shot. I have to say this could be useful who do not have a routine before their shot or need a reminder on how to stay focused.
Also, Jason Day himself assisted in the development of MindSet. As a former world number one, I believe he knows a few things about golf. Besides MindSet, the Tour B RX is the same as the version without MindSet.
The biggest difference from the previous version is the new “Reactiv X” system that combines the “Reactiv iQ Smart Cover Technology” with “XCLRNT” mid-layer for increased distance off the tee and improved feel and control around the green. Bridgestone also notes this ball is ideal for players with swing speeds under 105 mph who want additional distance. It all sounds good, now let’s move on to the results I got on the course.
My Verdict
I will start by saying this ball suits me quite well. It has a similar compression rating to the AVX which I play, therefore I know approximately what to expect. What I was pleasantly surprised with the most was its stopping power. Besides a higher ball flight and steeper angle of descent compared to the AVX, it has a very decent amount of spin. I fit in the targeted category of swing speeds under 105 mph, hence it seemed to work well for me.
As for MindSet, I honestly did not use it much. Granted, I did try it on a couple of holes, but I am a bit too traditional to use it. Plus, I already have my routine which does not need to change. That being said, I can see its value for the targeted audience. Bottom line, this is a very good golf ball that comes at a still high, but more reasonable price compared to the biggest competitors.
Who Is This Ball For?
Determining the right golf ball for the right golfer is far from an easy task. All I can do is give you my thoughts on who can benefit from different balls. With this one, let’s start with swing speed. It is definitely for golfers with slow to moderate swing speeds.
I know a lot of experts will say swing speed does not matter for ball fitting, but hear me out. For sure higher compressed golf balls will give you more spin and thus a better stopping power. However, you might lose some distance in the process and you might not like the feel when hitting them. This ball has enough spin to help golfers with slower swing speeds and feels softer upon contact.
Also, if you like balls with medium to high flight trajectories, it could be for you. Maybe stay away from it in windy conditions, especially if you can’t yet control your ball flight. Higher-trajectory balls will get into more trouble in the wind unless hit purposely on a lower trajectory. Finally, if you are yet to develop a pre-shot routine, MindSet could help you with it. It can be a powerful tool if used correctly and help you improve your game.
PROS
- Distance
- Durability
- Price
- Spin
CONS
- Not Suitable for Faster Swing Speeds
2024 Titleist Velocity Golf Ball Review
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On the Green
I will start from the feel. The ball felt soft for a premium model, which is no surprise since there are not many lower-compressed ones in the category. To compare, it felt just slightly harder than the Titleist AVX which is 2 points less compressed on average.
When it comes to performance, that was very good. I did not need to adjust the strength of my stroke whatsoever which was welcome. Distance control was fine with only a couple of occasions when I left it a bit too short. On longer putts, it was reaching the hole and staying in the 3-4 foot radius. Also, all was good on short and firm putts where the ball did not exhibit any unusual behavior.
Around the Green
Again, the feel when chipping was on the soft side. I was pleasantly surprised with the greenside spin which was ever present on different types of chips. One of the things I always pay more attention to is bump-and-runs which are my go-to shots around the green. This ball acted exactly how I wanted it to when performing these shots. It displayed very good distance control capabilities where the greenside spin helped.
Even on chips and pitch shots within 10-15 yards from the hole, the greenside spin was consistent. It would land nicely on the green and release after a small hop. I would say it offers a slightly increased amount of short game spin compared to the Titleist AVX. However, do not expect the same amount that balls like the Titleist Pro V1, Callaway Chrome Tour, or TaylorMade TP5 can produce.
Approach Shots
As always I review balls on a par 3 course which makes every shot an approach shot. Here I want to start with the stopping power after landing on the green. The ball was impressive in this area which confirmed there is a decent amount of spin it can offer. On a lot of holes, it stopped right after a hop or two at the most. Therefore, I had no issues with distance control, quite the opposite, it made it very easy.
Regarding the flight trajectory, it was medium to high on average. That also helped a lot with it stopping quickly on the green upon landing. The overall distance was all right, nothing extraordinary there. One curious thing was my misses, which were consistent, but different from my usual ones. However, I will attribute that to my swing modification that is currently in progress. Hitting the ball felt nice when struck on the sweet spot. Mis-hits sounded a bit clicky, but nothing too crazy. I truly enjoyed hitting this ball shot after shot.
Durability
Whenever I review a softer cover golf ball, like any premium one, I do not expect great durability results. That being said, the Tour B RX has proven me wrong. It has shown a high level of durability with barely any marks or scuffs noticeable after a full round on a par 3 course. For that matter, it is one of the balls with the least amount of visible damage I have ever tried. Someone in Bridgestone is doing an excellent job.
Appearance and Price
I am a bit torn here and it has to do with the mindset visual cue. First of all, I like how Bridgestone balls look and especially like the letter “B” logo on the ball. The alignment arrow is ok, but nothing more than that. For someone like myself who aligns the ball on the putting surface, I prefer a slightly different design. Now about the mindset visual cue. As much as I understand its role, I am not the biggest fan of its looks. But that is just me and I am sure a lot of you won’t be bothered by it.
One thing about this model is that is available only in the classic white color. However, if you get the regular Tour B RX, with no mindset visual cue, it is available in white and yellow.
One of the things I like about Bridgestone golf balls is their price, which is 49.99 USD for a dozen balls. Compared to the Titleist, Callaway, or TaylorMade top models, Bridgestone’s top models are slightly cheaper. I know it is not a huge difference (5 USD), but it can add up if you play a lot. Even though Ideally you do not choose your ball based on price alone, it is something to consider.
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