Bridgestone Tour B golf balls come in four models, and choosing between them is simpler than the letters suggest. The "X" balls (Tour B X and XS) are built for driver swing speeds over 105 mph. The "R" balls (Tour B RX and RXS) are built for swing speeds under 105 mph. Within each pair, the "S" version adds spin and a softer feel. That is the whole map.
We print logos and names on all four Tour B models, and we field the "which one?" question weekly. Below is the full breakdown, plus what changed in the latest generation.
Bridgestone Tour B Golf Balls at a Glance
|
Model |
Swing Speed |
Spin Profile |
Feel |
Best Fit |
|
Tour B X |
Over 105 mph |
Lowest spin, penetrating flight |
Firmer |
Fast swingers who want distance and a lower flight |
|
Tour B XS |
Over 105 mph |
More spin than X, especially greenside |
Softer than X |
Fast swingers who want control and feel |
|
Tour B RX |
Under 105 mph |
Mid spin, stable flight |
Soft |
Moderate speed players who want distance and accuracy |
|
Tour B RXS |
Under 105 mph |
Most greenside spin in the R pair |
Softest |
Moderate speed players who want feel and stopping power |
Bridgestone sets that 105 mph line itself on its model pages (see the Tour B XS page and the Tour B RX page).
What Every Tour B Model Shares
All four are premium, urethane covered tour balls. The shared technology includes:
- REACTIV iQ urethane cover. Bridgestone describes it as a "smart" cover that reacts to impact force: it stays lively on full swings and grabs the face on softer wedge shots for more greenside spin.
- Gradational Compression core. Softer in the center and firmer toward the outside, designed for higher ball speed and lower sidespin.
- VeloSurge core and mantle integration (current generation). The newest Tour B uses a heavier mantle material that pushes mass outward, raising moment of inertia for a more stable flight off the tee. Bridgestone launched this generation in early 2026.
The generation before it (2024) introduced the REACTIV X system with a dense mid layer that acted as a firm "backboard" behind the cover, and Golf.com's writeup on that ball is still a clear explainer of how the cover and mid layer work together (Golf.com).
Dimples differ by model
Bridgestone lists a Dual Dimple design on the X side of the family, while the current RX uses a new 320 dimple pattern aimed at a more penetrating flight. The goal on every version is the same: less drag and a steadier flight.
Tour B X vs XS
Both are for players who swing driver over 105 mph. The difference is spin and feel.
- Tour B X is the lower spinning, longer option. Players who fight a high, spinny ball flight often gain carry and roll with it.
- Tour B XS spins more, especially on wedges, and feels softer. Players who want the ball to check and stop, and who like shaping approach shots, lean XS.
Bridgestone's tour staff, including Tiger Woods, Jason Day and Matt Kuchar, play Tour B models, which is a big part of the X side's reputation.
Tour B RX vs RXS
These are the balls most amateurs should test first. Fewer golfers swing over 105 mph than think they do, and a ball built for their real speed usually wins.
- Tour B RX targets distance and accuracy with low compression and stable flight. Fred Couples is the best known RX player. You can see our printed version on the Bridgestone Tour B RX page.
- Tour B RXS is the feel and spin option. It is softer, a touch higher launching, and holds greens better on chips and pitches. We carry a custom Bridgestone Tour B RXS as well.
How to Pick Your Tour B in 3 Steps
- Pick your side by speed. Over 105 mph, start with X or XS. Under 105 mph, start with RX or RXS. Unsure? Test one ball from each pair.
- Pick your letter by short game. If you want more check on wedges, choose the "S" version. If you want the most stable flight and roll, choose the non S version.
- Confirm on the course. Hit 30 yard pitches, a few mid irons, then drivers. Short game first, because that is where the four models differ most.
If you are also weighing Bridgestone's softer e series, our guide to the best Bridgestone golf balls for different playing styles compares the full lineup.
Three Myths About Tour B Balls
"Only tour pros should play a Tour B." Not true. The RX and RXS were built specifically for golfers under 105 mph, which covers most of the people reading this. A urethane ball helps anyone who can make solid contact on wedge shots.
"The softest ball is always shorter." The RXS is the softest in the family, but for a moderate swing speed it can match or beat a firmer ball because the swing actually compresses it. Distance depends on matching compression to speed, not on firmness alone.
"All four feel the same." They share a cover, but the core and mantle tuning is different for each. Players often notice it most on putts and short chips, where the X feels firmer and clicky while the RXS feels muted and soft.
Tour B vs Bridgestone e Series
The Tour B family sits at the top of Bridgestone's lineup. The e series (e6 and the e12 models) uses non urethane covers, lower prices, and designs aimed at straight flight, higher launch, or ball speed for recreational golfers.
A simple way to decide:
- Choose Tour B if you want wedge shots that check and you are willing to pay for greenside control.
- Choose the e series if your main goals are distance, straighter drives, and durability at a lower price per dozen.
Plenty of golfers play an e series ball for casual rounds and a Tour B for tournaments. Either way, the swing speed guidance above still applies.
Printing Logos on Tour B Balls
A urethane cover like REACTIV iQ takes a sharp, durable imprint. Tour B has become one of the go to balls for companies whose clients actually play serious golf, because the name carries weight with low handicappers.
A few tips from our production floor:
- Keep logos simple. Bold shapes and one to two colors reproduce best on a curved surface.
- Use contrast. White balls take almost any dark color well.
- Mix models for a gift program. Some buyers split an order between RX and X so recipients of every speed get a ball that fits.
Read more about branding on this ball in imprinted Bridgestone golf balls, or shop every model in our Bridgestone Tour B collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Tour B X and Tour B RX?
The Tour B X is designed for driver swing speeds over 105 mph and has a firmer, lower spinning build. The Tour B RX is designed for swing speeds under 105 mph, with lower compression for more speed and distance at moderate swing speeds.
What does the S mean in Tour B XS and RXS?
The S versions are softer and produce more spin, especially around the green. They suit players who want more feel and stopping power on short shots.
Which Bridgestone Tour B ball is best for amateurs?
Most amateurs swing under 105 mph, so the Tour B RX or RXS is usually the better starting point. Choose RX for distance and stability, or RXS for feel and greenside spin.
Do Bridgestone Tour B golf balls have a urethane cover?
Yes. All four models use Bridgestone's REACTIV iQ urethane cover, which is built to react differently to full swings and softer short game shots.
Can I get Bridgestone Tour B golf balls with a custom logo?
Yes. All four Tour B models can be printed with logos, names or messages, and the urethane cover takes a sharp, durable imprint.
