Leaders in ‘Contact Science’ unveil REACTIV IQ® Cover Technology
COVINGTON, Ga. – Bridgestone Golf, the #1 Ball-Fitter in Golf, introduced today its next-level 2022 TOUR B golf ball series, featuring the most advanced iteration of Contact Science to date. Designed to deliver unparalleled distance and greenside control, the new TOUR B golf balls feature the new REACTIV iQ® cover. The 2022 TOUR B family comes in 4 distinct models, TOUR B RX and TOUR B RXS (for swings under 105 mph), and TOUR B X and TOUR B XS (for swings over 105 mph).
The new REACTIV iQ cover utilizes impact modifiers and builds on a technology under development for years, which was inspired by Bridgestone staffer Tiger Woods. REACTIV iQ is a smart cover technology that reacts to the force of impact for the needs of each club and shot, solving the trade-off of spin vs. distance. Off the tee it rebounds quickly, delivering explosive velocity and increased distance. Around the green the ball stays on the face longer providing more spin and soft feel. Optimizing the formula of REACTIV iQ, the impact modifier recipe has been maximized for each ball, to deliver customized performance for all four TOUR B’s.
“When you combine 900 polymers engineers and layer in feedback from Tiger and Bryson, it’s a recipe for innovation,” said Elliot Mellow, Bridgestone’s Golf Ball Marketing Manager. “These guys are hands on with R&D which really helps push our designs to the next level. Our R&D focus the last few years has been the study of contact science, optimizing the moment of impact for the needs of each shot. With REACTIV iQ, we have made great lengths to do just that.”
The input from both Tiger Woods and Bryson DeChambeau contributed to technology that is used on all four TOUR B models. Tiger, who has been playing a Bridgestone golf ball for over 20 years, prefers the XS for its feel and control around the greens.
“I have been with Bridgestone a long time,” said Tiger, “But these last few years I have had a more active role in R&D. With the Bridgestone team, we have been able to perfect the recipe for the cover which has yielded REACTIV iQ, which is an amazing engineering feat. For my game, the new TOUR B is more consistently in my window off the tee while also giving me more feel around the green.”
Bryson, who plays the TOUR B X because of its ball speed, challenged Bridgestone’s engineers to push the performance limits once again as they have done so many times before.
“The reason I am with Bridgestone is we share the drive to always innovate and look for ways to improve,” said Bryson. “In fact, I really like being part of their R&D team. Over the last couple years, we have optimized the recipe of impact modifiers in the cover to develop the new REACTIV iQ material. Its constant innovation that is allowing me to increase ball speed off the tee while also increasing control and consistency.”
Of course, REACTIV IQ doesn’t just optimize the performance of models aimed at players with swing speeds over 105 mph, but also maximizes the combination of spin and distance for those at 105 mph or below. For example, Lexi Thompson fits into the TOUR B RX, and Fred Couples will game the new TOUR B RXS. The fact that Bryson, Tiger, Lexi, and Fred, as well as a wide variety of recreational players, can all find a TOUR B model that fits their game validates the depth of Bridgestone’s new lineup.
“Over the last couple of years, the ball category has seen tremendous growth,” said Dan Murphy, President and CEO of Bridgestone Golf. “And we are excited that our market share has outpaced the surging market. The reason for that is we are part of the #1 rubber company in the world and we leverage Bridgestone engineering and technology in a way that no-one else can. Simply put we make the most advanced and highest quality golf balls on earth.”
The Bridgestone TOUR B family of balls will hit retail in February, 2022, and feature a street price of $49.99 per dozen. For help selecting which TOUR B model is the right ball for them, consumers should try Bridgestone’s V-FIT for a free video ball-fitting consultation. Or visit bridgestonegolf.com to find more information on OTTO, Bridgestone’s new Autonomous Ball Fitting Cart, or to use Bridgestone’s online golf ball selection tool.
About Bridgestone Golf
Based in Covington, GA, Bridgestone Golf USA manufactures premium golf balls, clubs and accessories under the Bridgestone and Precept brands. The company started making golf balls in 1935 and today has more golf ball design patents than any other company. Beginning in 2006, Bridgestone revolutionized golf ball selection with its custom ball-fitting program, identifying a golfer’s ideal golf ball based on personal swing characteristics. Today, as the #1 Ball-Fitter in Golf, Bridgestone has conducted over 3 million fittings via a combination of live-fitting, online selection and its V-FIT video ball fitting. The consumer data gathered from ball-fitting continues to inspire Bridgestone’s innovative new golf ball designs, yielding industry-leading performance products for the entire range of players, from recreational golfers to the best in the world. Bridgestone Golf is proudly represented on international professional tours by icons such as Tiger Woods, Fred Couples, Matt Kuchar, Bryson DeChambeau, and Lexi Thompson. Bridgestone Golf USA is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bridgestone Sports Co. Ltd., headquartered in Tokyo. More information: bridgestonegolf.com.
Media Contact:
Mike Chwasky, JDPR, mikec@jdpr.com, cell: 310.614.6249
