Bridgestone e6 Golf Ball Review
It's a great time for a Golf Ball Review, and this time I am taking a look at the Bridgestone e6 golf ball. We all see the advertisements for product designed for the bombers and high swing speed golfers. But what about the majority of golfers who swing the club more moderately, or even have slow swing speeds? A lot of these golfers also have trouble with side spin, especially a slice. In this report, I wanted to focus on a product for golfers in this group. If you are not to familiar with Bridgestone they have come on strong in recent times. Founded in 1931 in Japan, they introduced their first golf ball way back in 1931! Their first clubs came along in 1972. They also own the Precept brand. They are now headquartered in Covington, Georgia.
A few years ago, they became very involved in "Ball Fitting" for all types of golfers. Although they weren't the first to pioneer this service (Titleist had been doing it for decades), they developed an excellent system worldwide with a dedicated team of professional ball fitters. They are arguably the #1 ball fitting company in the industry (they also use this tag in their on air and print advertising). In fact, in 2013 they surpassed 200,000 ball fittings since 2007. The company's B330 line of urethane covered Tour Balls has been very popular for years. The B330 and B330-S are direct competitors of the Pro V1 and Pro V1x. Matt Kuchar won the 2014 RBC Heritage Tournament at Hilton Head Island using the B330-S. Other Bridgestone staff players include Brandt Snedeker, Fred Couples, Davis Love III, and Paula Creamer. The Bridgestone e6 product has been around for a few years now with several iterations. It bridges the gap between 3-5 piece Tour balls, and less expensive 2 piece "distance" balls. Note that there was a new model for 2016. The packaging has changed so take note. The e6 is a 3 piece ball that has a rubber core, a mantle (inner) layer around the core, and then an ionomer (soft plastic) cover. The general construction of the ball puts it in the class of the Titleist NXT Tour, Nike Vapor Black, Srixon Trispeed, etc... This is a very low compression golf ball. Bridgestone claims it is the softest multi-layer ball on the market. Keep in mind that compression and softness are separate properties. Compression is a function of the "guts" of the ball, softness is related to the cover. Impressions and Testing.. So here is where the e6 really shines. It is designed to dramatically reduce side spin (hook, slice). This is a function of the core/mantle layer and also the dimple pattern. Reduced side spin obviously results in straighter, longer shots. This is because ball speed is gained when side spin is reduced. Then a golfer is using his or her max swing speed to full advantage. In fact, I have a customer who is ~60 yrs old with average swing speed (85-90 mph) who started using the e6. In his words, the e6 was like a miracle and saved his game. That is of course one man's opinion, but I mention this because he was a solid player and consistent ball striker. That means his comparative experience with others balls tends to rule out luck or having a good day with his increased distance.
The e6 will definitely be a lower spinning golf ball into the greens for most players. The good news is that the engineers softened the cover a bit (3%) in the new 2014/2015 model to give it a bit more bite. It also tends to launch higher on the wedges than other constructions so the trajectory will also help it stop. I found the e6 experience a good one. It definitely feels softer than some other balls in the class. I compared it to the NXT Tour, Srixon Trispeed, and Pro V1 as I like to have a reference point in playability tests. But the e6 is not a mush ball like some of the 2 piece balls designed for seniors or the lowest swing speeds. Some of you reading this may not like the feel of the softest, "noodle-like" product. The e6 has a mantle layer that firms the ball a bit compared to the low compression 2 piece balls. The
Bridgestone e6 feels great off the irons and driver. To
gauge the full spin reduction properties, I hit intention
hooks and slices noting spin decay and run-off (left-right).
It's quite noticeable. In real world terms, the effect
can have you on the edge of the fairway vs. in the 1st
cut of rough. This translates to lower scores. Now if
you are a golfer who works the ball left to right and
right to left, then you will find this a bit harder. Side
spin is side spin, whether intentional or not. And this
ball reduces it. The e6 is also designed for increased roll due to a shallower angle of descent. This effect is a function of the dimple pattern. However, roll is subjective and depends on course conditions, wind, etc... But the combination of straight distance and run is a great combo for virtually every golfer. One more point on the driver. If you have been following my reports for a while, you know that I am a big proponent of more lofted drivers for both enhanced distance and accuracy. The e6 lends itself to the high launch with low spin condition that maximizes distance. Most golfers should be using or testing drivers with 10-12 degree loft, unless they have a monitor proven launch condition with excessive spin (which would cause ballooning). The e6 is a low spinning ball, so tee it high and let it fly. The extra loft at launch will help keep the lower spinning ball it in the air longer before it impacts and rolls out.
Greenside and Putting.. I expected this ball to have a harder cover due to the low compression guts. It is quite soft. I found myself leaving the initial putts short. Not an issue, just an observation that led to an adjustment. I rate putting feel on 3 sound levels, as sound relates directly to feel; - a "snap" (harder balls, poor feel) - a "knock" (decent feel and speed control) - a "soft click" (great feel, ala urethane covers) This ball rates between the knock/soft click. Distance control was excellent once I adjusted to the ball properties. Putting feel is perhaps the most subjective aspect of the ball characteristics. Some golfers like the firm feel, some a more balata-like (soft rubber) quality. The e6 performs well on the greens, and is great with the chip and pitch shots. Summing Up.. The Bridgestone e6 golf ball is a fine product because it touches many of the performance characteristics most golfers want. It is a lower compression, distance ball that reduces side spin (like that dreaded slice). It is also has respectable approach shot and short game feel. At ~$25/dozen, it is about 5 bucks less than the Titleist NXT Tour. At about $7 a sleeve, an 18 hole trial would be a nice way to spend part of an upcoming weekend. Chipping and putting while watching the weekend broadcasts will have you sharp as a tack once you are able to hit your favorite course. Enjoy the 2019 golf season, Robert
Cotter
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by
Robert Cotter
The
PGA Tour season is well underway with 2 major events already
in the books. Jordan Spieth's unexpected collapse opened the
door
for Englishman
Danny Willett's breakthrough victory at the Masters. At the
US Open, Dustin Johnson persevered in spite of some absurd
USGA officiating to finally capture his first major
title.
Now,
it is not difficult to make a golf ball with spin reduction
characteristics. The trick is to balance that benefit with
decent approach shot control and short game feel. Many spin
reduction balls have harder covers that do not spin well
into the greens and feel like rocks off the putter.