By Ed Travis
For 2019, Bridgestone Golf has introduced a new line of wedges, the Tour B XM-1 series, that produce increased spin rates for control and soft feel.
Weekend golfers often are in a quandary about wedges. They don’t understand the need for precise gapping of lofts, or how to solve the mysteries of bounce, but these short clubs are considered by better players the basis for their scoring.
Wedges must be versatile. They are used for full swings, half swings, chips and pitches in nearly every round. One of the keys for the average player to improve scoring is to understand how the proper wedge can make an immense contribution to lowering their handicap.
Almost everyone should be carrying four wedges starting with a pitching wedge, which normally has a loft between 43°-48°. The idea is to add wedges that progressively carry the ball 10-15 yards less, which means successive lofts have a 4° to 6° variation.
For example, if your pitching wedge is 45° then a 50° gap wedge, 54° sand wedge and 58° lob wedge would be advisable.
The amount of bounce is the angle the leading edge is higher than the trailing edge. Soft sand and turf require wedges with more bounce. Conversely firm sand and tighter lies on turf require less bounce. Typically bounce angles range between 4°-14°.
As with all club buying decisions its best to enlist the help of a professional club fitter. His knowledge can be invaluable.
Bridgestone set out to create a wedge line for better players that would have increased spin for precise distance and trajectory with a forged mild carbon steel head.
“Low-Mid handicappers are going to love the control and feel that our new TOUR B XW-1 Wedges deliver,” said Zack Kupperbusch, Golf Club Marketing Manager at Bridgestone Golf. “The combination of the industry’s most premium forging and our new Biting Rail Milled grooves provide unparalleled softness and optimum spin on a variety of short shots.”
TOUR B XW-1 wedges offer a choice of sole designs. The F (Flat) sole grind profile is found in the 50°; the M (Multi-Purpose) on the 52°, 54°, 58° and 60° to provide maximum versatility. The A (Forgiving Sole) on the 56° is for short shots needing high bounce, such as explosions from the sand.
Summary:
The B XM-1 line of wedges have improved player design with aggressive “Biting Rail” groove design milled in a soft carbon steel forged clubhead. They provide soft feel, particularly on short scoring shots, with additional control due to increased spin rates.
Find the Bridgestone Tour B XW-1 wedges in any local retail golf shop or online at: https://www.bridgestonegolf.com/en-us/clubs/wedges
