Both Bridgestone E-series golf balls are promoted as having a softer feel and solid distance. In this guide, we compare and contrast the e6 vs e12 golf balls in detail, reviewing both and helping you learn which golf ball is better for you.
Below, I compare everything about these two balls, including:
- Key features in the core and shell
- Price
- Which golf ball has more spin?
- Are any PGA golfers using the e6 or e12?
- Which golf ball gives off more distance?
- Which ball is better for the average golfer?
- What are some good Bridgestone e6 and e12 alternatives?
If you don’t have time to read our full guide, know that both Bridgestone E-series golf balls (e6 vs e12) are built solidly, with features that improve the average golfer. For golfers with a slow swing speed, the e6 has a better transfer of energy. For more experienced golfers who want to hit straighter and longer off the tee, the e12 is packed with technology to help you out.
I go into way more detail in my review below. Let’s have a look!
How to Buy Bridgestone e6 & e12 Golf Balls
Both Bridgestone E-series golf balls are available at all major golf retailers and Amazon. Use the buttons below to buy yours today.
E6
E12
Bridgestone e6 Series Golf Ball Overview
The Bridgestone e6 is the companies longest available golf ball that they have sold. The most recent update to the e6 golf ball was in 2021, when the company adjusted the core in the ball to be larger and softer.
The e6 is a two-piece construction ball, featuring that inner core and the outer shell and nothing else. The ball is designed for golfers with moderate swing speeds, which I would say is in the 85 MPH range. That means that this golf ball is for the everyday golfer – not a beginner anymore but not quite a scratch golfer either. If you don’t know what your swing speed is, you can buy the FlightScope Mevo, or another one of our best launch monitors, and see for yourself.
The Bridgestone e6 golf ball has been available for over 15 years. The company has worked hard to provide a low compression golf ball that doesn’t lose distance.
The e6 comes in traditional white or optic yellow colors.
Core
The compression core in the e6 is both larger and has a softer feel than the old model. This gives the golf ball a more responsive design that adds extra distance for those who have a little higher swing speed.
The soft core gives the ball lower compression. This means that the ball will spring off of your golf club easier when you hit it.
The mantle of the ball, in between the core and the shell, is also soft in order to reduce the spin of the golf ball. This can help amateur golfers reduce their slice or hook and keep the golf ball straight.
Shell
Bridgestone e6 golf balls have a surlyn cover (an ionomer resin), which is a harder shell used in balls that want to add more distance. Surlyn is a bit more resistant to scratches than urethane, making this ball more durable than what the tour pros use.
Surlyn shells allow for less spin around the greens, so you won’t be able to shape your shots as well. However, this goes with the theme of the e6, which is to make the game simpler for amateur golfers.
Price
The Bridgestone e6 golf ball is sold at a retail price of $21.99 per dozen, which is in the low to medium price range.
Key Features
- A soft feel to help amateur golfers get further distance.
- Surlyn cover designed to be durable and give you longer distance
- Low compression to make sure that amateur golfers get maximum distance
What about the e6 Speed and e6 Soft?
Back in 2019 and earlier, Bridgestone released the e6 in two different models: Speed and Soft. Each of these balls had a different compression rate to fit their given name. Since 2021, Bridgestone has not sold the new balls in separate “Speed” and “Soft” models.
The company has simplified their product line and believes that the new e6 ball is both soft and with high speed.
How to Buy
The Bridgestoe e6 golf ball can be purchased worldwide off of Amazon. Use the link below to buy yours today.
Bridgestone e12 Series Contact Golf Ball Overview
The Bridgestone e12 CONTACT golf ball is the newest e-series golf ball the company has released. Released in 2021, this three-piece golf ball features a lot of technology and focus placed into the dimple design. Bridgestone is calling this technology REACTIV.
The REACTIV outer shell has a dimple design that is meant to transfer more energy into the core for better distance in the ball. The dimples have optimized aerodynamics to cut down slice and hook spin and allow you to hit straighter shots with the ball.
The e12 CONTACT is being marketed towards comfortable everyday golfers who don’t mind spending a little bit more cash in order to get a quality golf ball. The ball is designed for golfers with moderate to high swing speeds of around 100 MPH.
Core
The core in the Bridgestone e12 is very similar to the one found in the new e6. It is a soft compression core that maximizes distance off of the tee even with lower swing speeds.
The mantle of the e12 ball has an active acceleration mantle made of polymer that is more cohesive than in the e6. It is a tighter blend that hass fewer air bubbles to support better energy transfer and higher ball velocity.
Shell
Like the e6, the e12 golf ball has a surlyn outer shell. Surlyn is more resistant to scratches than urethane, making this ball more durable than what the tour pros use. Surlyn shells allow for less spin around the greens, so you won’t be able to shape your shots as well.
The shell also features a unique delta wing dimple pattern. This technology is supposed to help you increase speed on the ball by increasing the amount of ball that makes contact with your golf club.
Price
The Bridgestone e12 golf ball is sold at a retail price of $29.99 per dozen, which is in the medium price range.
Key Features
- Unique Contact Force dimples which promote less drag and a straighter flight
- A new mantle layer called Active Acceleration which transfers power into the core
- Delta Wing Dimple pattern which gives high launch and speed off of the tee
What about the e12 Speed and e12 Soft?
Back in 2019, Bridgestone released the e12 in two different models: Speed and Soft. Each of these balls had a different compression rate to fit their given name. Since 2021, Bridgestone has not sold the new balls in separate “Speed” and “Soft” models.
The company has simplified their product line and believes that the new golf balls are both soft and with high ball speed.
How to Buy
The Bridgestoe e12 golf ball can be purchased worldwide off of Amazon. Use the link below to buy yours today.
Bridgestone e6 vs e12 Golf Balls: A Detailed Comparison
Which PGA professionals use the e6 vs e12?
The Bridgestone e6 golf balls are made for recreational golfers and it is not a ball that you will find on the PGA tour. The two-layer construction and soft core are for golfers with lower swings speeds. Since PGA golfers have swing speeds up over 110 MPH, they do not need the soft compression to help them with energy transfer from club to ball.
While the Bridgestone e12 golf balls are more advanced, I still don’t think you will see these balls on the tour. There are just other golf balls, even from Bridgestone, that offer more technology for the world’s best players.
If you want to buy a Bridgestone ball that is used on the PGA tour, both Tiger Woods and Bryson Dechambeau use the Bridgestone Tour B XS golf balls. These are a premium ball with the newest technology in them.
Click the button below to buy the Bridgestone Tour B XS golf ball.
Which Golf Ball Has More Spin?
Both the e6 and e12 golf balls have softer inner cores and lower compression, so neither ball will give you a TON of spin. However, the e12 has a three-piece construction which allows for better control in the ball. The unique dimple pattern on the e12 keeps the ball straight off the tee, but you will still be able to place some spin on your approach shots.
Which Golf Ball Has More Distance?
The Bridgestone e12 golf ball will allow you to reach high speed and further distance off of the tee. The dimple pattern provides less side spin and drag on the ball and I found that it has a really nice ball flight. Bridgestone promises a higher initial velocity with the new e12, thought that is hard to know for sure.
The e6 ball is made for high handicappers who have a lower swing speed. This allows the new e6 to give players lots of distance with its lower spin.
e6 vs 1e2: Which Golf Ball is Better Off The Tee Box?
Again, I think that the e12 is a better ball off of the tee for the reasons we already mentioned: higher initial velocity, unique dimple pattern that reduces drag, straight distance, and a bit firmer feel. The dimple pattern is the biggest difference in being able to hit further off the tee.
e6 vs e12: Which Golf Ball is Better For Approach Shots?
In the short game, both Bridgestone balls perform pretty closely. The three-layer construction in the e12 promotes more spin in the short game, so we give the advantage here by a little bit. Both balls have a softer core than most other balls on the market, so the approach game is going to be below average than tour golf balls.
e6 vs e12: Which Ball is Better on the Green?
There is not much difference around the green with these two golf balls. Bridgestone has a high reputation for building a good golf ball that is symmetrical and round. Deploy this golf ball on the green without worry.
e6 vs e12 Price
The Bridgestone e6 retails at $22 for a dozen golf balls, while the e12 retails for $29 per dozen. The e12 has the extra layer in the construction and advanced dimple pattern. For experienced golfers, these extra features are worth paying the extra 50 cents per golf ball.
e6 vs e12: Which Golf Ball is More Durable?
Both of these golf balls have the surlyn cover, which is more durable than urethane. Surlyn promotes lower spin, but can take a beating. It is more suited for casual golfers who will be trying to use the same ball for a full 18 holes. Between the e6 vs e12, we put the durability as even.
Bridgestone e6 vs e12 Conclusion: Which Golf Ball is Better?
Despite some of manufacturing and feature difference, the Bridgestone e6 and e12 golf balls are actually very similar. If you knew what your swing speed was, you would know which golf is better for you to buy. If your swing speed is under 95 miles per hour, the e6 ball is better for you. If your swing is higher than 95 MPH, then go with the e12. These are both soft golf balls that are very forgiving and easy to use.
The Bridgestone e6 ball has better energy transfer for distance and it comes for a more reasonable price. It is a fine beginner ball for an amateur player with a slower golf swing.
The e12 has some clever dimple and mantle technology that promotes a better feel and more control.
Both low spin balls are nice for average golfers and Bridgestone has a solid construction process. If you want a little bit of an upgrade from these, the Tour B RX or Tour B XS balls are the best Bridgestone golf balls to look at.
Alternatives to the Bridgestone e6 and e12
Want to check out other alternatives to these golf balls? Here are the comparable golf balls from the other brands:
What is Bridgestone Golf?
Bridgestone Golf is a subsidiary of Bridgestone, the popular tire and automotive manufacturer which originated in Japan. Bridgestone expanded into creating golf balls, apparel, and other products in 1935. They have always focused on few products relative to other golf brands and have slid somewhat under the radar because of this.
Bridgestone’s manufacturing experience with tires and other automotive parts has led to advantages in their golf division. The company made a big splash in 2016 when Tiger Woods announced that he was using Bridgestone golf balls exclusively and was working with the company to develop a special line of products.
Bryson Dechambeau is another PGA pro who has announced that he was using Bridgestone golf balls exclusively.
Last update on 2024-04-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
