August 5, 2008
Bridgestone Ball-Fitting Delivers Innovation In New B330 Balls
Low Handicappers and TOUR Pros Contribute to Three New TOUR-Caliber Balls
Covington, Ga. — Bridgestone Golf, known for its industry-changing Bridgestone Challenge ball-fitting program (www.bridgestonegolf.com/product/ball-fitting), announced today that it would introduce three new Tour level
balls this fall as a direct result of data garnered through its ball-fitting sessions.
"Ball-fitting has proven to be a valuable diagnostic tool - helping thousands of golfers become better informed about how
to choose the right golf ball for their game - and now it has become a catalyst for our research and new product development,
providing valuable insight into what golfers need most," said Dan Murphy, Senior Director of Marketing – Bridgestone Golf,
Inc.
The new B330-RX, a ball unlike any other product on the market, and the newly enhanced 4-piece versions of the award-winning
TOUR B330 and TOUR B330-S series of balls are expected to hit retailers' shelves on September 1st.
TOUR B330-RX
Through its ball-fitting program, Bridgestone Golf tested thousands of golfers and found that no ball on the market could
deliver TOUR-level spin and performance on the greens while also offering a softer compression that allowed moderate swing
speed players the ability to compress the core in the same manner a high swing speed player does with other TOUR-level balls.
As a result, Bridgestone Golf has developed the new TOUR B330-RX - a ball made specifically
for low handicappers who do not have TOUR-level swing speeds, but want TOUR-level performance in their short game.
With its new Very SOFT Gradational Compression Core, the B330-RX delivers TOUR-level spin, control and feel, yet provides
maximum distance to moderate swing speed players (less than 105 mph swing speeds) off the tee. Designed for swing speeds
between 85-105 mph, the new B330-RX is the softest multilayer ball on the market, and the first TOUR performance ball designed
specifically for low handicap amateurs.
In addition to the suped-up core, the B330-RX features an Ionomer Inner Cover that provides increased velocity and reduced
spin off the driver and long irons, allowing players to hit their tee shots, fairway woods and long irons further with less
swing speed. The B330-RX utilizes the same industry leading Seamless Cover Technology that Bridgestone balls have become
known for, and features a 330-dimple pattern for optimal trajectory and consistency of ball flight. Furthermore, the enhanced
Urethane cover offers TOUR-caliber greenside control and buttery soft feel on putts.
"We're very excited about the B330-RX as we believe it addresses a segment of players that have not received the attention
they deserve," said Brandon Sowell, Golf Ball Marketing Manager - Bridgestone Golf, Inc. "For far too long, the industry's
top selling manufacturer has claimed that one type of ball is the best choice for all highly-skilled players, forgetting
about those low handicappers who just can't swing at 115 miles per hour. With the 'RX' players will no longer have to sacrifice
distance off the tee, for better feel and spin into and around the greens."
New TOUR B330 and TOUR B330-S
The 2008 versions of the Bridgestone Golf TOUR B330 and
B330-S feature Bridgestone's brand new dual-mantle 4-piece construction technology. While some 4-piece balls feature
a dual core, the Bridgestone TOUR B330 and B330-S have dual mantle layers, providing several competitive benefits that were
identified as being significant through TOUR player testing. For instance, the new inner mantle used in both balls provides
reduced spin and a smoother energy transition resulting in even more distance off the tee. The inner mantle also performs
better in windy conditions, giving the ball flight a more piercing trajectory making it less apt to be affected by sudden
gusts. Furthermore, the new TOUR B330 and B330-S feature a slightly softer core and cover for increased touch on the greens
and even better spin performance on half wedge shots.
Like their predecessors, the new B330 and B330-S utilize Bridgestone's Gradational Compression Technology in their cores
to produce greater repulsion, resulting in unparalleled distance off the tee. The Bridgestone B330-S features a SOFT Gradational
Compression Core for enhanced feel off of irons and wedges. The TOUR B330 is designed for swing speeds of 112+ mph and will
appeal to players who appreciate a slightly firmer feel. The B330-S is optimized for players with swing speeds ranging from
103-115 mph, and will appeal to players who value a softer feel.
The 2008 B330 family of balls will feature a street price of $42.99 per dozen (suggested retail price of $56 per dozen)
and will be available at golf specialty stores and green grass retailers nationwide, beginning September 2008.
For more information on the entire Bridgestone Golf ball line and how to determine which ball is right for your game, visit
www.bridgestonegolf.com or attend a Bridgestone Golf ball-fitting in your area. The upcoming Bridgestone Golf ball-fitting
schedule can be accessed at www.bridgestonegolf.com/fitting.
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Editors Note: High-Res images of all new Bridgestone equipment are available upon request.
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Bridgestone Golf, Inc., based in Covington, GA, manufactures and markets premium
golf balls, clubs and accessories under the Bridgestone and Precept brand names.
Bridgestone is represented on a world stage by a number of internationally famed
golfers including
Fred Couples, Matt Kuchar,
Davis Love III, Brandt Snedeker,
Paula Creamer, Nick Price,
and Lee Trevino.
Bridgestone Golf, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bridgestone Sports Co. Ltd.,
whose headquarters are in Tokyo.
Bridgestone Golf, Inc. is proud to be the #1 Ball Fitter in Golf as the industry
leader in live launch monitor fittings. Bridgestone provides three ways for golfers
to find the ball that best fits their game: live fittings through the
Bridgestone Ball Fitting Challenge, live online
chats with ball fitting
experts through its B-FIT service, and an easily accessible
Online Ball Selection Guide. For more
information on ball fitting, including a complete schedule of Ball Fitting Challenge
events, visit www.bridgestonegolf.com.
