Bridgestone—long recognized as one of the world’s leading golf ball manufacturers—once again demonstrates its capability to produce world-class golf equipment. This time, the spotlight is not on golf balls, but on a bold innovation in the wedge category. The product is the Bridgestone Tour B XW-1 Wedges, officially released on January 3, 2018, and celebrated as one of the most technologically advanced wedges of its era.

Combining premium materials, innovative engineering, and direct input from elite professional golfers, the Bridgestone Tour B XW-1 Wedges are designed to deliver maximum short-game performance. This GoGolf review explores the materials, specifications, design innovations, and on-course experience that make these wedges stand out.

Materials & Specifications – Premium 1025 Carbon Steel with an Exclusive Finish

A defining factor that places the Bridgestone Tour B XW-1 Wedges in the ultra-premium category is the use of 1025 carbon steel, a high-grade soft carbon steel renowned for its ideal density and structural integrity. This material delivers a crisp yet soft feel at impact—exactly what discerning players expect from a tour-quality wedge.

The wedge features a beautifully sculpted tear-drop shaped head, a design selected not only for aesthetics but also for its aerodynamic consistency and control around the greens. Bridgestone offers two premium finishes:

• Satin Chrome – clean, luxurious, and glare-reducing
• Black Oxide – bold, exclusive, and tour-inspired

The Tour B XW-1 lineup is available in six loft options:

• 50°
• 52°
• 54°
• 56°
• 58°
• 60°

Each loft is engineered to serve a specific short-game purpose—from controlled chips and mid-range pitches to high-loft bunker escapes.

Premium shaft and grip pairings complement the head design:

• True Temper Dynamic Gold Spinner – engineered for enhanced spin control
• N.S. PRO MODUS³ TOUR120 – ideal for stable tempo and distance consistency
• Golf Pride Multicompound Grip – superior traction, moisture resistance, and feel

Every detail reflects Bridgestone’s commitment to delivering a wedge that meets the expectations of both tour players and dedicated amateur golfers.

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Release Background – A New Generation Following the J15 Series

The launch of the Bridgestone Tour B XW-1 was part of the brand’s major 2017 initiative introducing an entire ultra-premium club lineup under the Tour B Series, which included:

• X-CB & X-Blade Irons
• XD-H Hybrids
• XD-F Fairway Woods
• XD-7, XD-5 & XD-3 Drivers

The Tour B XW-1 was introduced as the successor to the popular J15 wedge series, offering significant advancements in technology, materials, and on-course consistency.

Its initial retail price of $139.99 placed it squarely in the premium wedge category. Early production was released exclusively in a right-handed model—a common approach among golf manufacturers prioritizing the majority user base before expanding left-handed options.

Innovative Design – A Fusion of Classic and Modern Engineering

The Bridgestone Tour B XW-1 received widespread praise for blending classic wedge styling with modern performance-driven refinements. Aesthetically, it pays homage to the legendary J40 wedges, but with enhancements tailored to today’s competitive environment.

Key design strengths include:

1. Wider, Versatile Sole

The slightly wider sole allows golfers to execute a variety of shots from thick rough, tight lies, and bunkers. This added width reduces the chances of the club digging too deeply, helping players maintain smoother turf interaction and more consistent contact.

2. Hexagonal Weighting on the Back Cavity

A distinct hexagonal weight pad in the center back of the head helps stabilize the club through impact, enhancing feel and energy transfer without making the head feel overly heavy.

3. Micro-Groove Technology for Increased Spin

The most innovative element is the four parallel micro-grooves etched between the main grooves. These micro-grooves significantly increase friction on the ball, resulting in:

• Higher spin
• Better stopping power
• More predictability around the green

Testing shows the XW-1 produces reliable spin across multiple turf types, including Bermuda and Bentgrass—a major plus for golfers who play in varying course conditions.

Performance Advantages – High Bounce for Max Versatility

One standout feature of the Tour B XW-1 Wedges is the high bounce angle in the midsection of the sole. This high-bounce design allows golfers to:

• Escape bunkers more confidently
• Execute chips and pitches on tight fairways
• Prevent the leading edge from digging too deeply

The generous bounce translates into a larger margin of error—ideal for players still refining their short-game technique.

The slightly soft forged carbon steel provides excellent responsiveness. Impact feels solid yet smooth, offering minimal vibration and a controlled, predictable rebound—qualities especially important when dialing in distance and trajectory.

Tour-Inspired Input – Tested and Refined by Golfing Legends

The final design of the Bridgestone Tour B XW-1 benefited from feedback from Bridgestone’s elite tour staff, including:

• Tiger Woods
• Matt Kuchar
• Brandt Snedeker
• Fred Couples
• Nick Price
• Bryson DeChambeau
• Hudson Swafford
• Karrie Webb

These professionals helped guide decisions related to:

• Head size
• Tear-drop shaping
• Weight distribution
• Visual framing at address

Much of the wedge’s tear-drop profile was specifically refined based on tour preferences for a clean, proportional look behind the ball.

On-Course Experience – Premium Feel with Maximum Control

In real-world use, the Bridgestone Tour B XW-1 earns high marks across multiple categories.

The Golf Pride Multicompound grip offers excellent traction, even with sweaty hands or damp playing conditions, ensuring confident control throughout the short game.

Both Satin Chrome and Black Oxide finishes present a truly exclusive look and hold up well against abrasion. On the course, the wedge delivers:

• Consistent spin
• Accurate distance control
• Smooth transition between chips, pitches, and bunker shots

Professional players appreciate the wedge for its precision and reliability in tournament play. Meanwhile, serious amateurs will find the XW-1 an excellent tool for elevating their short-game consistency.

Conclusion – A Premium Wedge for Serious Golfers

The Bridgestone Tour B XW-1 Wedges embody a superb integration of premium materials, innovative engineering, and direct insights from top-tier tour players. Delivering exceptional spin, maximum control, and versatile shot-making performance, this wedge earns its place as a top choice for golfers committed to improving their short game.

While its premium pricing means it’s not aimed at every golfer, those who value precision, feel, and aesthetics will find the Tour B XW-1 to be an outstanding and worthwhile investment.