Preview: Bridgestone Golf Debuts New JGR Driver for 2016

Bridgestone Golf, the #1 ball-fitter in golf and a recognized industry innovator, has announced the launch of its new JGR driver.   The JGR driver utilizes revolutionary technologies to deliver longer distance and more forgiveness. 

 

"We set out to make the JGR driver our fastest and most forgiving ever," said Josh Kinchen, Golf Clubs and Accessories Marketing Manager at Bridgestone.

"The engineers really outdid themselves, as the JGR is not only incredibly forgiving, but also extremely fast and high launching.  Combine that with the ability to optimize spin for players of all skill levels, and we expect that this driver will turn a lot of heads this year." 

The increased distance and forgiveness that the JGR driver provides is achieved through three proprietary technologies: 

• F.A.S.T Crown 

 

The Flex Action Speed Technology (F.A.S.T.) crown is extremely thin near the clubface and progressively thickens towards the club head rear to enable the crown to slightly flex at impact creating higher launch and increased repulsion where players impact the face of the club most often, above center. 

• speeDARC

A pair of internal arc-shaped ridges provides increased sole rigidity and better stability for the F.A.ST. Crown to flex against, leading to higher launches and extreme ball velocities. 

• Power Milled Face

 

Bridgestone’s patented face milling pattern works to reduce the golf ball slippage and increased spin problem that all competitor drivers today face. 

The newly improved design has been enhanced for the JGR driver.  Milling is spaced further apart at the top of the driver face to maintain spin, while the milling is tighter and rougher at the bottom of the driver face to decrease spin on mishits. 

In addition, a new vertical milling pattern is utilized on the heel and toe of the face to further stabilize the ball on mishits.  The milling combines to reduce spin (300 RPMs based on robot testing) for straighter and longer drives. 

Further enhancing the spin control of the JGR driver is a dual zone adjustable weighting system.  The heel weight can be modified to create a more piercing trajectory with lower spin, increased roll and more draw for longer distance.  While the center weight can be altered to increase trajectory for maximum carry distance. 

 

The JGR driver made its PGA Tour debut in the hands of Brandt Snedeker at the 2016 Hyundai Tournament of Champions in Maui, where he immediately showcased improved accuracy and distance, on his way to a T-3 finish. 

The JGR is available in 9.5, 10.5, and 12-degree lofts.  JGR comes standard with the new Aldila NV 2KXV orange driver shaft and custom yellow grip.  Custom shaft and grip options are also available. 

The JGR driver will cost $299, and is available March 4th.  But I'll have tons more for you from the PGA Merchandise Show down in Orlando later this month. 

In the meantime you can find out about Bridgestone's entire 2016 line-up of clubs by checking out Bridgestone Golf, and following them on twitter @Bridgestone Golf. 

And as always, if you have any questions, shoot me an email here, or DM on twitter @PGAPappas.