Bridgestone Golf has released a new Tour B lineup for 2026, replacing all four of its previous models with new options. There are two low-speed offerings in the R series — Tour B RX (red box) and Tour B RXS (green box) — and two high-speed models in the Tour BX (black box) and Tour B XS (blue box).
All four models retain the option to purchase with their popular Mindset image. Although the biggest change this year? VeloSurge technology. I had the opportunity to test drive the Tour BX and Tour B XS at The Crosby Club and came away with some great finds.
But first, let’s compare the program details.
Bridgestone always has two parallel lines in its Tour B series of split speed golf balls. For driver speeds above 105 mph you’ll want to use the Tour BX or Tour B XS, with the X being the lower launch and spin option of the two. With driver speeds under 105 mph you’ll want to try the R series with the Tour B RX being the low launch and spin option over the Tour B RXS golf ball. They are color coded for your convenience — Tour BX is a black box, Tour B XS is a blue box, Tour B RX is a red box, and Tour B RXS is a green box.
The reason for having two different parallel lines determined by the velocity is the compression ratio. Low speed offerings will have a low compression ratio. If you’re a fast player you probably won’t notice much of a difference between the two speed offerings, but for slower players, playing a more compressed ball can force you to lose speed and other performance.
A low speed player wants to be able to squeeze the ball correctly, as that is how the golf ball was designed to perform. Because a player with high speed will press the ball no matter what, the difference will not be as noticeable, but a high pressure ball will generally be more consistent.
And it’s very important in the 2026 list because of VeloSurge.
The simplest way I can describe the VeloSurge technology in the new 2026 Tour B series is that they took the concept of a 10k MOI driver and applied it to a golf ball. They have built a core, jacket and cover that transfers weight to the golf ball’s circumference, which helps increase the golf ball’s MOI and helps it fly more consistently.
With VeloSurge, they have a new core-mantle combination that supports a core that is now lighter and softer, with a new mantle layer made of kevlar. This kevlar mantle protects the core and works together to create a durable, impact-resistant wear. This opens up a constant “reverse” as the ball begins to fly. And consistent replication means consistent performance, and with the 2026 edition, it means more speed. (I noticed a speed gain especially in the middle of the bag than anywhere else.)
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Bridgestone 2026 TOUR BX Golf Balls
NEW TOUR BX PUSHES THE LIMITS OF UNBREAKABLE DISTANCE: The new VeloSurge core-mantle integration technology delivers fast speed for unmatched distance off the tee TOUR CONTROL: The Reactiv iQ cover adheres to the clubface for a long time, producing a rotational tour rate and precise control of the ballX on the green increased DISTANCE off the tee and HIT & SIT performance on approach shots Bridgestone Golf is the #1 BALL FITTER IN GOLF: TOUR BX is a high pressure swing speed OVER 105 mph Designed for players looking for extra distance TIGER WOODS, JASON DAY, CHRIS GOTTERUP and KURT KITAYAMA helped develop the MARRY TOUR and HATTAL TOUR play in paid competition
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What stood out to me
First, the Tour B X. I actually played the older version of the Tour B XS golf ball (the blue box) and liked it, but the problem was that it didn’t perform very well in the wind, which is an absolute necessity for someone who lives anywhere near Chicago. When I tried to use the Tour BX (black box) I could not generate enough spin, although it performed much better in the air. So I was stuck.
However, with the new 2026 edition, the Tour BX really impressed me. It’s still low spin on the driver – and I’ll have to readjust my driver to fit the golf ball – but throughout the bag it held up well with the B XS. Even on short shots from about 130 yards and in, the BX performed very well.
Chris Gotterup had a solid 2026 with the Bridgestone Tour BX golf ball.
Getty Images
Wind performance has made a big change with the 2026 program, especially for me in the Tour B XS. In the video, you can hear me say that many times the ball doesn’t care if the wind is there. I was really shocked. There was a moment in the video where I was hitting a driver on a downhill 5 in crosswinds at about 20 mph – and the ball didn’t leave its baseline. I kept asking the man filming if he saw the same thing. When we went up to hit the long iron to the green, we saw the same action again. The Tour B two balls were probably the most beautiful balls I have ever seen in the air. (As someone who plays in the Chicago area often, that’s an important announcement.)
As with all other pieces of equipment in the bag, I always recommend fitting and evaluating your options. Bridgestone, as a self-proclaimed leader in football measurement, actually has a great fit tool on their website and the brand hosts tons of local fit dates (so check to see if there are any near you).
You can see how I did my testing in the video, and you’ll learn things yourself once you start trying to play with different types of planes and shots.
And once you’ve decided which ball is right for your game, be sure to find a local True Spec sizer to sell your entire bag.
;)
