The Bridgestone e12 CONTACT golf ball leverages an innovative dimple design for improved distance and feel, while the revamped e6 continues to provide reliable results.

Golf’s a Contact Sport

It’s not easy to reinvent the ball, but when it comes to making advances within their spherical framework, Bridgestone’s proven up to the task. The new e12 CONTACT is all about maximizing the ball’s surface contact with the club face, resulting in a more efficient transfer of power and reduction of unwanted sidespin for improved distance. So, how’d they do it?

Typically, manufacturers focus on developing dimple designs that optimize aerodynamics for increased distance. But Bridgestone recognizes this approach only influences what occurs after the ball has left the club face. What if there were a way to improve distance and feel directly at the source of impact? That’s what Bridgestone’s CONTACT Force design proposes—a dimple with a raised centre that contributes to a 38% increase in surface contact and overall spin reduction.

“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,” said Elliot Mellow, Birdgestone Golf’s Manager of Golf Ball Marketing.

But e12 CONTACT isn’t solely focused on delivering more distance, it’s also been developed for enhanced greenside spin and control, made all the more possible by its softer core and three-piece construction. Additionally, the company believes e12 CONTACT will help players putt more consistently, with its unique dimple design offering superior contact and roll. From tee to green, Bridgestone has taken an original approach to delivering all-around improvement.

Looking to add a burst of colour to your game? The new e12 comes in four colours—standard white, with matte yellow, green and red options.

Is it for me?

At $39.99 a dozen, this ball is a solid mid-market option for players seeking added yardage. Additionally, if you’re spinning the ball too much and slicing it, you’ll be tempted to test out the spin reduction qualities e12 CONTACT has to offer.

Eternal e6

A stalwart in the Bridgestone lineup for 15 years, the trusty e6 is back with some subtle upgrades to give players a ball that’s more forgiving and longer than previous iterations. The e6 has always been a lower compression ball aimed at providing those with moderate swing speeds a reliably well-rounded option that feels exceptional and performs consistently through the entire set. If you’re seeking a balanced combination of distance, feel and forgiveness, you’ve found it in the upgraded e6.

And although lower compression balls can sometimes overcompensate in favour of forgiveness and feel over distance, Bridgestone believes they’ve remedied the problem by incorporating a core that’s softer and larger than previous gens.

“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,” said Mellow.

Is it for me?

Not only is e6 forgiving on the course, it’s also easy on the wallet. At $29.99 a dozen, this ball is a fair deal for players who want a quality product without denting the pocketbook. If you’re a moderate swing speed player, you’ll benefit most from e6’s game-improvement characteristics.