William L. Coney Blog: First Look: Bridgestone TourB XD Series Drivers

Monday, August 22, 2016

First Look: Bridgestone TourB XD Series Drivers

New for 2017?

Over the last couple of weeks, the USGA has approved 5 new Bridgestone driver heads, 2 of which will almost certainly make it into retail production. Given the timing, and the obvious evolutionary physical similarities, the Tour B XD-3 and the Tour XD-5 are likely replacements for the J715 and J815 drivers.

TOURB-XD3-P22-1

5 New Models? No Chance.

Thus far the USGA has approved 3 XD-3 variants and 2 XD-5 varients. Don't panic...it's beyond unlikely that Bridgestone will bring 5 new drivers to market. The number of new heads simply suggests that Bridgestone is actively engaged in tour testing, but hasn't finalized either design just yet.

Movable Weights

Each of the new models is outfitted with a pair of movable weights. At only 8 and 2 grams each, we're not talking about a significant amount of weight (only 6 grams worth of adjustability), but it should be enough to move the center of gravity enough to have an impact on launch and spin - and based on the location of the ports - draw/fade bias as well.

TourB XD-3 (version 1)

Bonded Hosels

Also note that all of the designs shown feature discrete lofts and bonded hosels. You may recall that the most recent Bridgstone driver (JGR) also lacked adjustability, which it more than made up for with an extremely consumer-friendly $299 price point.

We'll have to wait and see if that pricing model continues with the TourB, for now, let us know if you can spot the differences.