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We’re properly into teaser SZN the place previews of upcoming golf gear releases are disseminated through the USGA conforming listing, official tour-seeding durations and thoroughly crafted press releases designed to construct anticipation with out revealing a lot.
Superlatives are half and parcel of the technique. The whole lot is a “venture” nowadays however full particulars stay beneath wraps till January. All of that is to say that right now of yr, we begin to perceive what’s coming however there’s not a number of readability as to how any firm achieved its explicit taste of “higher.”
Living proof: Bridgestone’s VS Proto golf ball household.
New balls by the numbers
What ought to come as no shock is that Bridgestone will once more provide 4 fashions in its urethane household.
The story behind Bridgestone’s “higher” seems to be rooted in a brand new materials or, at a minimal, a wholly completely different core formulation. Bridgestone says it explored greater than 20 completely different materials formulations whereas producing greater than 240 prototypes throughout a number of mannequin variations earlier than arriving at these closing prototypes (that are virtually definitely the 4 retail fashions).
Testing with common golfers discovered positive factors of two.3 mph ball pace and eight.7 yards of distance though the fantastic print issues right here: these numbers are when golfers have been fitted into VS prototypes relative to their present balls. Beneficial properties are by no means nothing however this additionally emphasizes the significance of ball becoming, which most golfers nonetheless aren’t satisfied is each bit as essential as membership becoming.
The larger a part of the story (out of the gate, anyway) facilities on tour participant efficiency positive factors. It’s early, to say the least (no person can truly purchase these balls but), however the preliminary outcomes are compelling. Jason Day gained 9.2 yards off the tee and posted +2.339 Strokes Gained tee to inexperienced with an 8.6-percent improve in driver accuracy in the course of the FedEx Cup playoffs.
In his first occasion with the VS Black, Chris Gotterup averaged 312 yards off the tee (adequate for second within the discipline) and completed first in Strokes Gained off the tee with a exceptional +7.311.
It goes with out saying that this preliminary pattern dimension is small however the outcomes at the very least trace on the notion that Bridgestone would possibly even have one thing.
For what it’s price, Bridgestone signature athlete Tiger Woods “confirmed the ball pace improve” whereas expressing pleasure about placing the ball in play in 2026. Granted, that’s not precisely concrete knowledge, however, in equity, Tiger is slightly banged up proper now. Once more.
No phrase but on what positive factors Matt Kuchar or the St. Andre crew are seeing with the VS Proto sequence.
The fabric science story
Bridgestone’s method is typical for this time of yr. We get some compelling efficiency claims and some spectacular knowledge factors however the precise engineering particulars stay locked away till the official launch. What I can say is that when Bridgestone releases full particulars forward of the PGA Present in January, anticipate a heavy dose of fabric science to clarify the elevated ball pace and improved flight stability.
There’ll inevitably be fully truthful questions round how Bridgestone was in a position to achieve pace whereas staying inside USGA guidelines. We’ll undoubtedly ask them though it needs to be identified that the USGA checks beneath particular situations and what’s true beneath the governing physique’s prescribed launch situations might not translate completely to different mixtures of head pace, launch and spin.
It’s additionally true that whereas Bridgestone’s Tour B X was doubtless already pushing near the USGA’s preliminary velocity restrict, the opposite choices with their various levels of decrease compression virtually definitely supplied extra wiggle room. However, as famous, each Day and Gotterup (and sure Tiger) are all enjoying the VS Black, the successor to what we all know because the Tour B X. So, yeah, it’s going to be attention-grabbing to know the mechanics of what Bridgestone completed.
First impressions
That stated, I’ve spent slightly time on the course with the VS Black. I appreciated it sufficient that I by no means acquired round to attempting the opposite three fashions. The ball delivered strong distance with none noticeable drop-off from what I’m used to. Greenside efficiency was strong (and we already know Bridgestone balls are excellent performers in moist situations). Whereas I can’t say it was noticeably straighter than the rest I’ve performed just lately, it undoubtedly wasn’t a step backward in any significant approach.
There’s nonetheless quite a bit left to study however in a yr the place a number of compelling new tour balls might be hitting the market, Bridgestone’s providing is perhaps essentially the most intriguing of all of them.
Extra data because it turns into out there.
Why wait?
Whereas new merchandise usually convey loads of anticipation, additionally they convey reductions on current stock. In order a part of its readiness plan for no matter VS Proto turns into, Bridgestone has discounted the present TOUR B sequence whereas provides final.
Have your say
When was the final time you performed a Bridgestone ball with any regularity? How are you within the upcoming fashions?
The publish Bridgestone’s VS Prototype Challenge: The Most Intriguing Ball Story Of 2026? appeared first on MyGolfSpy.
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