Mizuno has unveiled two new tour-calibre, four-piece golf balls that promise optimum greenside feel plus excellent performance in the wind thanks to a new drag-reducing Cone Profile Dimple (C Dimple).
The RB Tour and RB Tour X are Mizuno’s first balls to be introduced globally – with Japan, Europe, Australia and now the USA adopting an identical ball for both tour and retail. Mizuno introduced its first golf ball to the Japanese domestic market in 2005, its first urethane covered ball to Europe in 2013 and its second-generation tour type balls MP-s and MP-x in 2015. With the 2019 launch of RB Tour and RB Tour X, Mizuno has shown its increasing confidence by introducing its ball technology to the US market. In combining Mizuno’s trademark feel and feedback with the wind-beating performance of its new C-Dimple, Mizuno says its RB Tour will make a mark on better players around the world.
Mizuno’s new Cone (C) Dimple is the result of 12 years wind tunnel testing at Mizuno’s MT (Mizuno Technics) test facility. The C-Dimple creates more trigger points to keep fast flowing air close to the ball’s surface for longer – simultaneously reducing drag, and strengthening trajectory. Under laboratory testing a configuration of 360 Cone Dimples was discovered the most effective at producing a controllable, penetrating driver flight, and noticeable distance gains on full iron shots.
The RB Tour and RB Tour X’s high-energy four-piece construction blends 360 drag-reducing C-Dimples with: a high-traction Urethane cover for ultrasoft, responsive greenside performance; a high-energy Ionomer mantle layer; and a graduated hardness Butadiene Dual Core.
The RB Tour model’s very soft compression offers lower driver spin to suit more downward angles of attack, while the RB Tour X is geared more towards mid driver spin for flat to upward attack angles.
Mizuno states its aim is to offer a high performing ball alternative to elite players around the world, rather than aim for category dominance.
“After 13 years we have the expertise to build a really high performance tour ball that works particularly well in the wind,” says David Llewellyn, Mizuno’s director of R&D. “Mizuno has its own wind tunnel at the Mizuno Technics laboratory and a particular skill set in aerodynamics. We’ve now built a reputation across Asia and Europe for producing a quality ball – working with tour winners, elite amateurs and emerging tour players. The RB Tour takes us to the next level and we’re excited to see where this takes us – especially with US golfers who are ready for an alternative. We’ve been lobbied on every social media channel to introduce the ball to the US market, but we specifically wanted to wait for this ball.”
RB Tour RB Tour X
Compression V Soft Soft
Driver spin Low Mid/low
Greenside spin High High
Construction 4-piece 4-piece
Dimples 360 360
Cover Urethane Urethane
Both RB Tour models will be able at retail in Australia from February ($79 per dozen). For further information on Mizuno’s full range of golf balls, clubs, apparel and accessories for 2019, visit mizuno.com.au
