By Ed Travis
Bridgestone e6
A new version of the popular Bridgestone e6 retains the two-piece construction that produces low spin off the driver for distance and now has a thinner Surlyn cover.
Since 2005, Bridgestone has found success with the e6 ball. The latest version is still targeted for players with low to medium swing speeds, but also want a soft feel, without sacrificing yards off the tee and provides less curvature with lower side spin.
“The e-Family has a lengthy, storied history at Bridgestone,” said Elliot Mellow, Golf Ball Marketing Manager – Bridgestone Golf. “The e6 is actually the longest running model in the e-Family and is our most successful two-piece Surlyn golf ball model to date. It has a significant following among moderate-speed players who demand a very soft feel with maximum distance off the tee and enhanced forgiveness on the long- and mid-irons. As a bonus it also provides incredible feel on and around the green.”
The core of the e6 is larger and softer than the previous version, which allows the cover to be thinned for better control around the green.
The e6 is also quite a bit easier on the wallet retailing at $21.99 per dozen.
Bridgestone e12 Contact Golf Balls 
Bridgestone’s new e12 Contact golf ball has a cover with a unique dimple shape featuring a raised center creating more direct contact with the clubface at impact providing a higher transfer of energy,
To achieve maximum performance from the ball requires features that produce improves both distance and control. Ball manufacturers have placed more attention on the materials and construction of the internal components, but Bridgestone’s new e12 Contact puts design emphasis on the dimples.
It is obvious upon first look at the e12 Contact something is different. The hexagonal dimples have a raised center. This puts more of the cover in contact with the clubface, which helps more of the swing’s energy to be transferred to the ball.
Bridgestone claims the increase in the amount of cover contact is 38% more than the standard golf ball. Which is significant and creates additional core compression to generate faster ball speed with less spin from and helps produce more yards. It also helps increase the spin rate of full wedge shots by 600 rpm.
Elliot Mellow, Golf Ball Marketing Manager was quoted saying,
“Bridgestone has long been a pioneer in bringing to market unique dimple shapes, sizes and constructions in the golf industry, but up until this point that has primarily been a means of achieving optimal aerodynamic performance. In the new e12 CONTACT, dimples actually serve as a source of increased power and distance as well. They also contribute to minimizing hooks and slices, making the newest e12 a golf ball that provides performance you can actually see in terms of straight distance.”
The new e12 golf balls will be available February 26, with a suggested retail of $29.99 per dozen.
