Two new Bridgestone drivers are hitting the USGA Conforming List this morning and, as usual, the USGA listings raise more questions than answers.
The two new models fall under the Bridgestone “B-Limited BX” moniker. First is the BX TOUR model, followed by two stars, which we’ll call from here on the BX Tour Two-Star (if Callaway can have a Triple Diamond, Bridgestone can have a Two-Star). The second is the more conventionally named BX TOURMAX.
As always, the info on the USGA website is limited, as is the imagery. The only pictures available are of the sole, so don’t expect any address or face views until the products are closer to actual launch.
As far as the tech story, the best we can do is interpret and, for lack of a better term, guess.
Bridgestone B-Limited BX drivers
The BX Tour Two-Star is listed as a nine-degree loft only. The imagery shows two weight ports forward on the sole, one towards the heel, the other towards the toe (we assume they’re swappable as Bridgestone is fitting-focused).
The BX TOURMAX shows only a 9.5-degree model, with no sole weights.
It’s not too far-fetched of a guess to say the TOURMAX will be the more forgiving of the two. We don’t think it will be another member of the 10K combined MOI club, however, since there is no marking to suggest that. Besides, 10K just doesn’t seem like a Bridgestone thing. If we had to guess (which is all we have at this point), we’d say the TOURMAX is 460CC and the more forgiving of the two. The Tour Two-Star is likely a more compact, Tour-driven, lower-spinning head with a lower MOI.
The only tech-related markings on the new drivers are the words “Carbon Semi-Monocoque” on both the sole and crown, and “Slipless Bite Milling” on the face, indicative of some sort of face milling designed to increase friction and reduce unpredictable spin. That’s something Bridgestone has been using for years and actually has some fairly impressive data to back it up.
“Carbon Semi-Monocoque,” however, is infinitely more interesting.
What is “Carbon Semi-Monocoque?”
Carbon Semi-Monocoque is a structural design concept borrowed from the aerospace and motorsports industries. Monocoque means the outer shell itself is the entire structure. Think of a Formula One shell or an airplane fuselage and you have the idea.
Semi-Monocoque means that while the outer shell carries some of the load, internal ribs and support structures help out. The load is shared between the skin and the internal frame. The carbon element indicates carbon is used instead of titanium for the crown, sole and sides.
If this sounds like several other modern driver constructions, you’re not wrong. PING, TaylorMade and Callaway already embrace this design philosophy (albeit with different phrasing), while COBRA and Titleist can best be described as “Semi-monocoque adjacent.”
The carbon panels, internal frame and remaining structure work together as one integrated load-bearing system. Semi-Monocoque allows for extra weight savings to better locate the center of gravity, whether it’s lower for higher launch, farther back for higher MOI or farther front for lower spin and higher ball speed.
It also allows for more controlled flex areas, with alternating flex and rigid zones for more of a trampoline effect. This relates directly to ball speed, face stability and sound and feel.
Is there a timeline?
There’s much we don’t know about these new Bridgestone drivers. We do know Bridgestone has slow-played its return as a full-line company here in North America. It disappeared for a while before bringing back a limited line of forged irons and wedges. Drivers seem to be the next logical step.
Under normal circumstances, the next step would be to possibly see these drivers showing up on Tour over the next month or so. The most likely candidates would be Chris Gotterup or Jason Day, depending on contract status. The Korn Ferry Tour might be a more likely showcase. The official product launch for the likes of you and me probably won’t happen for another couple of months.
Ten days ago, Bridgestone announced it would be shutting down its Covington, Georgia ball plant next month. Two new drivers hitting the USGA list, however, should be further proof that despite the shutdown, Bridgestone isn’t going anywhere.
So now it’s your turn. Based on what you see, what are your thoughts on these new Bridgestone drivers?