Alright, fellow duffers, Tyler Reed here, Equipment Editor at The Daily Duffer, and today we’re peeling back the layers on a golf ball that consistently sparks debate: the Bridgestone Tour B XS. For years, the legend of the “Tiger Ball” has carried the XS, known for its softer feel and enhanced workability. But with the 2026 iteration, Bridgestone is making some bold claims about bridging the distance gap without sacrificing that signature feel and spin. My job, as always, is to cut through the marketing noise and tell you what the data, and my extensive fitting experience, reveal.

Bridgestone’s play here is clear: inject some Tour B X DNA into the softer XS. They’ve integrated the ‘VS Blue’ prototype’s VeloSurge core-mantle technology, aiming for that elusive blend of distance and control. As a club fitter who’s logged countless hours on launch monitors with every premium ball imaginable, I’m always skeptical when a manufacturer promises to deliver everything in one package. Typically, there’s always a trade-off. So, I took the 2026 Tour B XS to my Foresight GC3 and out on the course, pitting it against the gold standard, the Titleist Pro V1, to see if Bridgestone truly pulled it off.

Driver Performance: Bridgestone’s Surprising Long Game

Starting with the big stick, which is often where the “feel” balls can fall short on raw numbers. Bridgestone touts the VeloSurge technology for a higher MOI and maximized energy transfer. Theory sounds good, but what about reality?

My GC3 data showed an average driver ball speed of 165 mph with the Tour B XS, just shy of the Pro V1’s 166.8 mph. On paper, that’s a slight disadvantage. However, and this is where the VeloSurge core did some real work, the efficiency was noteworthy. I saw significantly less spin from the Tour B XS at 2146 rpm compared to the Pro V1’s 2312 rpm. Paired with a slightly higher launch angle (14.7° vs 14.1°), this setup was a recipe for distance. The proof is in the carry: the Tour B XS actually carried one yard further at 299 yards.

“This high-launch, low-spin combination meant that despite the slower ball speed, the Tour B XS actually carried 299 yards – one yard past the Pro V1.”

This is a big win for Bridgestone. Traditionally, a softer compression ball like the XS – which I measured at 86 on the Rimac machine, confirming its softer nature – might sacrifice driver distance for feel. But the VeloSurge core seems to be effectively managing spin on full swings. It’s important to remember that launch conditions, speed, and spin are highly player-dependent. What works for my swing (typically around 108-110 mph driver clubhead speed for reference) won’t be identical for everyone, but the ability of the XS to hang with and even slightly edge out the Pro V1 in total carry off the tee is a testament to genuine technological advancement, not just marketing fluff. It tells me Bridgestone has optimized this core design for a wider range of high-swing speed players who want the best of both worlds.

Iron Play: The XS’s True Calling

Moving to the 7-iron, the Tour B XS truly showed its traditional colors, but with a refined edge. Ball speed remained slightly lower than the Pro V1 (122.8 mph vs. 124.7 mph), a difference of about 2 mph. This is expected given the softer compression target of the XS. However, the Tour B XS’s spin numbers were fantastic, kicking up to 6096 rpm compared to the Pro V1’s 5798 rpm. Even more impressive was the higher launch (21.3° vs. 18.9°) and peak height (122ft vs. 118ft).

“While this resulted in a slightly shorter carry (173 yards vs 175 yards), the descent angle and spin rate meant the XS offered superior stopping power, something that will be more noticeable as the firmer golf courses get throughout the season.”

This is where the XS traditionally shines: control into the greens. And the 2026 model absolutely delivers. Losing two yards of carry for significantly improved stopping power is a trade-off many serious golfers, especially those with aggressive swing speeds, will gladly make. In my fitting experience, players often prioritize the ability to attack pins and hold greens over an extra couple of yards that might trickle off the back. The steeper descent angle and higher spin mean this ball sits down more quickly, which is crucial for those firm summer greens.

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Short Game: Control is King

Around the greens, is where premium golf balls really earn their stripes. Bridgestone claims the XS doesn’t sacrifice the “bite” that tour players demand. Oddly, my short game numbers with a 54° wedge on a 50-yard pitch indicated the Tour B XS spun slightly *less* than the Pro V1 (7149 rpm vs. 7645 rpm). This was an unexpected result, given the XS’s reputation for maximum short-game spin. However, it still produced very high spin numbers, more than enough to grab and stop on even the fastest greens.

What truly stood out was the launch window. The Tour B XS launched significantly lower at 26° compared to the Pro V1’s 31.3°. This is a nuance that better players, like myself, often appreciate. A lower, more penetrating wedge flight provides immense control, allowing you to “flight” the ball under wind or attack flags with surgical precision, rather than having it float. While the raw spin number was marginally lower, the combination of high spin and that controlled launch translates to exceptional stopping power and predictable trajectories. The feel off the face was predictably soft, a hallmark of the XS, standing in noticeable contrast to the firmer Tour B X. This is the feel and responsiveness that gives you confidence on delicate chips and pitches.

(Image credit: Future)

The Tyler Reed Verdict: Who Should Play the 2026 Tour B XS?

The 2026 Bridgestone Tour B XS is more than just “Tiger’s ball” – it’s a legitimate all-around performer. Bridgestone has clearly focused on enhancing the long game without compromising its short game prowess, and the data supports their claims. The VeloSurge core-mantle technology is a tangible innovation, and it works. My years of testing confirm that a denser mantle can indeed improve energy transfer and stability through the air, and it’s performing as advertised here.

Who is this ball for? Based on my testing and countless fittings:

• Players with Swing Speeds over 105 mph: The XS is designed for these speeds, and the VeloSurge core helps unlock its full potential.
• Those who prioritize feel and workability: While it gained distance, the core identity of the XS as a softer, more responsive ball remains firmly intact.
• Golfers who struggle to hold greens: If your irons sometimes run out on firm greens, the higher launch, increased spin, and steeper descent of the XS will be a massive advantage. You might lose a yard or two of raw carry with your irons, but the control gain is priceless.
• “Precision” players: If you value being able to shape shots and trust your ball to stop dead, the XS is a strong contender. The lower flight on wedges, combined with ample spin, is a dream for those who want to be aggressive with their short irons.

Is it worth the money? Absolutely, for the right player. It’s a premium ball, but the performance gains are real and measurable across the bag. It successfully injects distance into a category that has historically focused more on feel and spin. In my professional opinion, the 2026 Bridgestone Tour B XS is a complete package. It’s one of the few balls I’ve tested that genuinely offers tour-level stopping power without making you feel “punished” off the tee. Bridgestone has done a stellar job balancing speed and control, and this ball deserves a serious look if you’re in the market for a high-performance golf ball.

“If you want the stopping power of a tour ball but don’t want to feel punished off the tee, the Tour B XS is a complete package.”

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