Why are Bridgestone's Golf Clubs not more popular?

[phil75070]

I went to a David Ledbetter clinic many years ago, co-sponsored by Cadillac and Bridgestone. They had bags of clubs set up on the range before the clinic started that you could hit, then there were various stations along the way for the driver, irons, wedges and even putter. I forget the model of iron I fell in love with a particular shaft. Unfortunately, the clinic was in the fall and the clubs didn't get introduced until the following Spring and couldn't be found anywhere in stores to demo to confirm what I felt and saw at the clinic. Had they been available at the time of the clinic I would have bought them then and there.

[STPBMW]

The J40 DPC was long heel to toe but that's not the case with most. The J40 CBs were perfect.

[STPBMW]

As a Bridgestone iron loyalist, I must admit I enjoy how they are relatively off the radar in most circles.

The J40 CBs are still the best looking cavity of all time. The J15CB is right up there. Their wedges perform.

I'm currently playing the J15DF, which was a retail flop. They went under the radar because they were no more forgiving than the CBs, yet they had the two piece forged design/hot face. It's an odd space in the market for an iron with players profile that includes distance adding tech. I think they are outstanding clubs.

[dmeeksDC]

I generally don’t care for clubs that are long heel to toe, but for whatever reason the look and design of the J40 DPC works. After playing a few holes, don’t even notice the blade length. The head shape is nice and the yardages are very consistent. Surprising forgiveness.
Agree with @STPBMW on the underrated J15DF. Those clubs were a little ahead of their time. Compact head size. Got knocked for a ‘ringing noise’ in some reviews — purists didn’t go for the hidden cavity — and never really caught on. I hit them and didn’t notice an unusual sound. Their distance performance is very comparable to much-praised hollow heads that came after them that are much bulkier.

[philly2kuk]

They make good golf balls too, but when I play with the average non gear head they see it as a cheap brand as per Dunlop. People regularly make the joke about playing with tyres.

[launcher]

The Bridgestone J715 driver was the best offering they had. I would say it easily secures a spot in the vintage club category. While I don't have mine in circulation anymore, I will never sell it. Still do bring it out on occasion though. Performance wise, it could easily still be in the top of the bag.

[wam78]

In regards to the hf2 irons, I have a 4i in the bag along with the tour b cb. The hf2 has a surprisingly thin top line for having a wide sole. I think they did a great job hiding the tech in an iron that looks very much like a player’s iron. The hf2 are hot off the face, but still have a nice forged feel.

A previous poster mentioned the feel off the tour b cb’s being something else and I agree. They feel unreal when pured. So soft, yet crisp is the best way to define it.

Their release cycle on irons for the previous 2 or 3 product lines seem to be 4 years. It sucks on the consumer side to not see much movement, but also makes a lot of sense for their current business model. I’m a big fan of their work and will continue to be because I truly think their products are top of the food chain. And, it’s kind of nice to have something in the bag that is not popular.

[kess13]

Awesome. My hf2 irons get delivered tomorrow. Looking forward to next weekend!

[setter02]

Wonder if it's still Bauer (person, not the hockey company) that holds the rights in Canada. I asked him about this when I worked at the club he was a member at and didn't even give an answer. Shook my head at him with old gear and had over 100 balls in a bag that bad a broken spine in it... Such a waste that it's basically impossible to get your hands on stuff up here.

[aiyyer]

Love the heads but had huge issues with the.stock XP 95 shafts.

[dmeeksDC]

Are custom ordered shafts a challenge given all their other challenges?

[WristySwing]

That wouldn't surprise me. Sounds like the same person, just no desire to respond to people interested in their product. They probably don't need it but they could be a household name if they gave a crap.

[wam78]

I don’t think so. I had no problem ordering modus in my 4i. They have good options last I have seen. Not sure about now.

[aiyyer]

Well I picked up a sleeve of the RX to try and had my first hole in one.

 

[hurley999s]

I don’t have a link, but there’s somewhere on their website to fill out a form and they’ll send you some sort of plaque/certificate for this - their hole in 1 club.

[aiyyer]

I’m doing it

[Philflop1]

Bridgestone/Tourstage simply do not market their brand like your other top OEM. It's too bad, cause their irons are really high quality, and the J series of woods back in the day were excellent as well.