Bridgestone Ball Fitting

[wolfgame]

They were at my club this weekend....

Bridgestone was at my club this weekend doing ball fittings.

1) I think this is a great way for Bridgestone to get people to play their ball. Most people have no idea what their swing speed is, or the other stats they provide...more on that later.

2) Basic set up was hitting 3 or so drives with your current ball (they had a table set up with every ball you can imagine....down to very low tier balls). You then hit 3 or so drives with their recommendation. I hit a few that I did not like...asked them to delete the readings...and they did so.

3) You are hitting with their proprietary launch monitor...called the science eye. Looks like a vector.

4) You are hitting into a net that they set up.....about 10 feet in front of you.

Experience.....very good.

I told him that I play last year's TP red and the ProV1x. I chose to compare to the ProV1x. I am a 5 handicap and was not confidant that my swing would be consistent.....it was...so that alone was nice to see.

The guy running the deal was really nice, and you never got the sales pressure to switch balls....as a matter of fact, he told a buddy of mine that he was playing the right ball....and it was not bridgestone.

My swing speed was consistant at 112.

Prov1x: Ball velocity was 160 and launch angle was 15.0 (their recommendation was a 13.1 launch angle...which is lower than what I thought the recommendation would be....I was always told that 14.5 was ideal). Back spin was 2100...which I knew was low compared....and confirmed with their recommendation of 2400. Side spin was -23 on a target of 0.....which I guess they are looking for a dead straight shot...so if you play a cut or draw, this target could be suspect. Carry was 280.

They recommended the B330-S:

Ball velocity was 161 (the same), launch was 15 (the same), back spin did increase to 2340 (I assume this means a higher arc) ....but side spin increased to +280 (sideways). Carry was 281 (same).

What did this tell me....I am playing the right ball.

Again, it was a cool experience and wish this technology was available more frequently...

In sum...I bet Bridgestone has converted many since they are providing data that many have never seen before and when a ball manufacturer fits you to a ball based on your swing data...it makes sense...and that translates to confidence.

Great experience, great personell....I recommend it if you get a chance.

They did 40 fittings on Sunday....I am interested to hear how Bridgestone sales are in the pro shop...I would bet they would be higher. This is a great thing to offer recreational golfers.

[ChrisM84]

I would love to do that.

 

The B330's are every bit as good as the other $40+ "premium" balls. They just don't market it enough or maybe in the right way.

[floyd]

The Bstone balls are great, I have been playing with them for a couple of years and really love them.

[brycerudd]

I did this at the PGA Superstore and had the same thing happen. I currently use the ProV1 and he had me hit the B330-S. All my LM numbers were pretty much the same and he said I should stick with the ProV1. It was nice not to have someone try and shove their product down my throat. He gave me a sleeve of the B330's and said have a nice day.

[truck13]

i did the ball fitting the other day and would echo all the above. It was really low pressure and the ball they picked was the B330s, which was good cuz i had bought a dozen a couple days before! Got a couple free balls out of the deal and the B330s has been great! It's a little spinnier off the driver than i like which is costing me a little distance but is great with the irons and wedges. I can't wait for the new B330RX which they said would be a great ball for me. They weren't cramming Bstone stuff down everybody's throat either, about half the guys i saw do it had different oem balls work as good or better for them.

[raymo]

+ 1 for the good experience.

 

I went to a ball fitting today. There were no other players out there so it was not rushed at all and I got to try a few different balls out. I had a hard time hitting into a net so it took me a while to get comfortable. I was able to hit the Pro V1, and TP Red against the B330S, e5+, and even e6+ just for kicks.

 

I wish we could get a printout of the results but it was great to see what differences the ball actually makes. It turns out the B330S was best for me. I had near perfect numbers for my 99mph swing speed with the B330S. They also told me to come see them again to try out the B330-RX balls when they come out.

 

I look forward to testing out the free sleeve they gave me.