Who doesn’t enjoy some classic golf ball testing? At THP, we’re passionate about evaluating all types of golf equipment, and we don’t limit that testing to just our staff. We believe our forum members provide some of the most valuable insights, so we put products in their hands and let real golfers deliver real-world feedback.
Golf balls are also among the most challenging pieces of equipment to test and discuss. Every golfer has unique swing characteristics that can influence launch, spin, and feel in different ways. Even so, we’re committed to gathering a range of perspectives, because feedback of any kind can help another golfer make a more informed decision.
For this round of testing, we placed all four versions (Black, Blue, Red, and Green) of the Bridgestone Prototype VS golf balls in the hands of 20 forum members to capture authentic, on-course results. Here are their thoughts:
Bridgestone VS Black Prototype
The VS Black is the most balanced golf ball I have played. It gives me the low spin distance that I want off the tee, while still having plenty of spin for my mid and short game to hold greens.
I have had more birdie opportunities in the last month than I have in the past year, and its in large part because this ball has brought me closer to the green off the tee and closer to the hole with my short game.
BigDill – Forum member from Florida
I have tried Bridgestone balls previously, but this is the first release where I felt like they have a complete product. The VS Black is low spin off the longer clubs, packs a pop, feel is perfect and it has plenty of spin around the greens. I have enjoyed the testing from the moment I received the balls. I have seen summer distances in 40* weather and to me that speaks to how long this ball is.
Ttucliffhanger – Forum member from Tennessee
The new Vs Black checks all the boxes. It is perhaps the most complete ball I have tested. While it was not the longest off the tee, this ball really is a game changer on approaches and around the green. The ball is also exceptional in the wind, which I had issues with in previous models. If you are looking for a new ball in 2026, this needs to be on your short list
Outlawx – Forum Member from Tennessee
I think the VS Black will is a strong offering for players with higher swing speeds who want a firmer-feeling ball along side added spin with easy shot-shaping for every clubs. For my game, the VS Black gives me the ability to control flighted wedges more precisely.
The mid-launch profile helps maintain distance while still offering the stopping power needed on approach shots. Personally, I’m excited to put it in play especially in firmer conditions where the added spin will be very beneficial.
Alexmercier – Forum member from Florida
Bridgestone VS Blue Prototype
The Bridgestone VS Blue checks so many boxes for me – incredible feel & performance around the green, impressive distance off the tee, and a cover that holds up well in all course conditions. This ball straddles the line of generating a ton of spin & control on the shots you need it for, but maintains softness & feel that you normally wouldn’t get in a ball with those characteristics.
As someone thats never gamed a Bridgestone ball, I’m a believer and I will be giving this a hard look as my gamer going into next season.
ChrisATL – Forum member from Georgia
I have been very impressed by the Proto VS-Blue. In comparison to other balls. It produces a great flight, solid speed and amazing spin. It has reenergized my short game and opened up imagination and creatively around the green all while not making any sacrifices in the long game.
Templet0n – Forum member from Nevada
After four weeks with the Bridgestone VS Blue Prototype, I’m genuinely impressed with how complete of a ball it is for my game. The feel is softer and more responsive than what I’m used to, the spin and stopping power have been game-changing for my approaches and short game, and the consistency on full swings has made it easy to trust. Overall, it’s been a standout performer and a ball I’m excited to keep in play.
FlipFlop – Forum member from California
The Bridgestone VS Blue is a sneaky good short-game demon. It won’t win the distance battle off the tee, but it absolutely delivers around the greens, holding firm, dry, wet, and soft conditions with ease during testing. I’m fired up for the rest of the VS line to release and hoping alignment-aid options make an appearance too.
Ryanintherough – Forum member from Canada
It has been a long time since I have tried a Bridgestone golf ball. I tested the VS Blue and while I don’t think it is the best fit for me I do think there is a golf ball in the lineup that could be a potential gamer. There was a lot to like but the word I would use to describe the golf ball is consistency. Durability, yardages, spin, performance were all consistent.
Echico – Forum member from Arizona
Bridgestone VS Red Prototype
From powerful, penetrating drives to precise greenside control, the Bridgestone VS Red elevated every part of my game.
I’ve been a long-time Bridgestone player, but in recent years I felt the brand had drifted a bit. This ball changed that perception immediately; and now I’m seriously considering making it my gamer for 2026. If you’re looking for a ball that offers a piercing, non-ballooning flight off the tee and reliable, controlled spin on approach shots, the VS Red deserves a spot in your bag.
MMaynard11 – Forum member from Florida
Personally, I think this ball will help me flight my irons more consistently and gain confidence off the tee in tougher conditions. The VS Red is a ball that I’d actually put in play, because it gives me both stability in the wind and the feel I rely on and around the greens.
Smgoldstein – Forum member from Connecticut
The VS Red is a premium ball that stakes up well with any premium ball on the market. It is designed to be fast, have lower spin with long clubs, and not sacrifice short game performance. A tall task for a golf ball. This ball excels at all of those categories. The spin with the scoring clubs is impressive. The feel when hitting this ball is second to none. Bridgestone found that magic balance of soft while feeling fast.
Mtbloco – Forum member from Arizona
The Bridgestone Prototype VS Red checks the boxes in every performance category. If you are a golfer with a slower swing speed it’s superior “Drop and Stop” spin on the greens could be a game changer. Don’t miss trying the VS line.
Cmon man – Forum Member from Washington
The VS Red surprised me at every turn. Everything I asked and needed from a golf ball was present and even offered some welcomed surprises. Bridgestone has unlocked some magic with the VS Proto Red.
MikeG – Forum member from Texas
I have never gamed a Bridgestone ball before, but it is on the short list for my gamer in 2026 and going forward.
After testing the Bridgestone VS Red Prototype, was really impressed with how complete of a ball it is. It delivers the full package for me. It has a really solid penetrating flight from both the tee and with irons. The spin control around the greens was very consistent and reliable.
Nashtyone – Forum member from California
Bridgestone VS Green Prototype
I think the VS Green will be an exceptional ball for moderate/semi-fast swing speed players looking for enhanced spin and peak height, in a ball that also provides exceptional feel. On a personal level, the VS Green I believe, will help me launch balls higher into greens and land them softer, a valuable thing for any golfer and something I am looking forward to putting in play”
MtlJeff – Forum member from Canada
Bridgestone has a real winner on their hands with the VS Prototype Green ball.
The strength of this ball is the significant amount of spin it demonstrates going into greens (full shots and short game, fairway or rough) while still be long off the driver/irons and performing great in the wind. Usually, a ball that spins a lot for me around the green tends to be shorter overall and materially impacted by cross-winds or ballooning when hit directly into the wind. The VS Green has something uniquely special about it that gave extraordinary spin without the negative trade-offs in the long game or wind.
Jtmagic – Forum member from Texas
While many year-over-year golf ball updates feel like minor tweaks, the Bridgestone Tour B VS line represents a genuine technological leap that overcomes the skepticism surrounding “evolutionary” changes. Moving from the original REACTIV cover iteration to this new version reveals a noticeable synergy between the core and cover, resulting in greater greenside spin and superior distance off the tee.
The ball delivers a tangible performance boost that is visible in the flight and feel, providing a rare instance where the new tech translates directly into better results on both drives and approach shots.
G-Man – Forum member from Ohio
This wraps up one of our largest forum testings to date. As always continued feedback from our testers can be found on the THP forum. When the balls are officially released, we will have a featured article and all the info as well.
For information on Bridgestone golf balls visit their website at bridgestonegolf.com.
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