In the United States, golfers associate Bridgestone Golf with balls, not clubs. However, overseas, Bridgestone has a great reputation as a club maker. Every now and then, Bridgestone releases a new line of clubs in the U.S., and a new driver is on the way.
Bridgestone announced this week the pending release of the J715 driver, a prototype of which staffer Matt Kuchar has been using since The McGladrey Classic.
The driver boasts four major features:
Bridgestone has shaped the crown in a unique way, naming the concept F.A.S.T.: Flex Action Speed Technology. The crown is thickest at the back of the head and thins all the way to the face, where ridges in the crown help the club to flex at impact, akin to what you see in slots on many drivers' soles.
The J715 sports a milled face, with the idea that the ball will stick on the face milliseconds longer at impact, which, in theory, improves compression and distance. The company also claims its research shows a milled face reduces spin by 200-300 rpms.
The club has movable weights in the center and back heel of the clubhead, ranging from between two and 12 grams. Weight in the heel is to heighten launch conditions. Weight in the center aims to reduce spin.
The driver's face and lie angle can be adjusted as well, with the face angle open or closed 1 degree and the lie angle as much as 2 degrees upright.
The Bridgestone J715 driver will be available February 1, available in four lofts (8.5, 9.5, 10.5 and 12 degrees) for $399.
