Bridgestone Tour B330 and B330-S Golf Balls Review: The Quest for the Perfect Ball

When you hear the name Bridgestone what comes to mind? I guess that would depend if you were a golfer or not. They’re a trusted name in the tire industry and a worldwide leader in the golf ball industry. Bridgestone ranks second in the world in terms of revenue. They are the number one ball in Japan and have made a tremendous impact on the U.S. in less than 10 years since coming on to the market as Precept. They also offer one of the best forgings in the industry along with a full line of golf clubs. You might be familiar with some of their staff too; Matt Kuchar, Fred Couples, and Brandt Snedeker to name a few. Bridgestone has also made it a priority to offer the consumer a chance to learn what ball fits their game best through the ball fitting challenge. I highly recommend you visit the Bridgestone site and look for an event in your area. A trained fitter will analyze your swing and offer detailed feedback and recommendations based on what ball fits your game and believe it or not sometimes that ball might be a competitor’s. It doesn’t happen often, but shows you that they want what’s best for your game. http://youtu.be/LZ2Joc0XY48

Tech Specs:

Bridgestone Tour B330

Tour Performance optimized for pro level swing speeds over 105 mph with a preference for maximum TOUR DISTANCE. The TOUR B330 features a larger core, softer cover and Bridgestone's proprietary Dual Dimple Technology. The new Dual Dimple offers superior aerodynamics and enhanced wind performance while the larger core produces faster ball speed for longer distance. The Urethane cover, now 6% softer than the previous model, also offers enhanced greenside spin control.

Features:

-Gradational compression core technology for increased ball speed -Dual Mantle design for reduced spin and higher launch off the driver and long irons -Tour proven Urethane cover for excellent greenside control -330 dual dimple technology for a consistent flight

 

Bridestone Tour B330-S

Tour Performance optimized for pro level swing speeds over 105 mph with a preference for maximum TOUR SPIN. The TOUR B330-S features a larger core, softer cover and Bridgestone's proprietary Dual Dimple Technology. The Urethane cover, now 13% softer than the previous model, maximizes spin control around the green. The larger Gradational Compression Core increases ball velocity for greater distance, and the Dual Dimple design Dimple offers superior aerodynamics and enhanced wind performance. Features: -Gradational compression core technology for increased ball speed -Dual Mantle design for reduced spin and higher launch off the driver and long irons -Very soft Tour proven Urethane cover for added greenside control -330 dual dimple technology for a consistent flight

 

Feel:

B330: I play a variety of tour level balls in my bag and have experience with almost every new offering from not only 2012 but also 2013. Bridgestone has nailed the feel of the B330. I have always liked a firm ball probably due to the sound the driver produces on well hit shots. It’s both audibly and physically pleasing to the ears and hands for me. The B330 still gives me the playing characteristics but now allows some much needed dampening on mis-hits to my poor hands. B330-S: The B330-S is definitely softer but not to the point you lose any feel or playability. I could easily see me playing a combination of these balls with the B330-S my ball from 125 and in. I loved the feel of how this ball compresses and it really shines around the green.

Performance:

B330: I played these balls in windy conditions and also on a day where we had no wind and 100+ degree temperatures. This is one of the best balls I have ever played into a stiff breeze. There was no ballooning from my irons or woods. I was really surprised at how well the ball gets up and seems to hit an apex while coming back down steep enough to get some extra roll. I usually suffer off the tee with my irons. The B330 seemed to cut down backspin enough to allow the ball to remain in the air which is usually not the case with most tour balls I have played. The short game was really good and was the exact opposite of my driver results. From 120 yards in I could flight the ball without excessive roll out. On a performance aspect this ball is sometimes longer and sometimes shorter than other premium balls. What? Let me just say that no one golf ball will just magically perform ideally when your swing can vary so much during a round of golf. B330-S Where the B330 shined the B330-S matched it in almost all aspects. I did suffer a bit of distance loss into the wind off of the driver compared to the B330 on the windy day however the B330-S actually carried farther for me on the hot day. Irons for some reason seemed to get the same results with the S getting the nod in feel due to the added softness. Bridgestone engineers have taken note from both their tour staff and us average Joes in the short game. The B330-S is awesome around the green. Spin is spot on. I was able to check shots and not worry about roll out. Green conditions vary so be fair if you are going to do your own comparison.

Overall:

I could easily see myself playing either the B330 or B330-S as my primary ball. As a high swing speed player looking for more control over distance I didn’t find that I actually had to compromise in either case. The B330 would be my primary ball off the tee and the B330-S would come out for the approach and greenside shots. First off go get fit and find the ball that fits your game. Maybe it’s the B series or the E series, but whatever the case it’s all about being confident that you are getting the most out of your game. Bridgestone has proved that they not only listen to their customers but they can deliver. If for some reason you have never hit a Bridgestone club do your game a favor and try them out! A huge thanks to Bridgestone Golf! Please visit:  www.bridgestonegolf.com/product/ball-fitting By Matt Delancey