Golfers will often say that the type of ball they use can have a massive impact on their ability to play. While it may not seem like it, there can be huge differences between golf balls. Bridgestone is one of the leading names when it comes to golf supplies, with their E6 and E12 models being some of the most popular on the market.
The Bridgestone E6 and E12 are both great options and very similar to each other. Some say the E12 is just an improved E6, as it’s softer, allowing for more control and a better flight. Generally, the E6 is aimed more at average golfers, as it’s more affordable and requires fewer skills to direct.
| E6 | E12 | |
| Price | Lower Priced | Higher Priced |
| Speed | Lower Speed | Higher Speed |
| Spin | Higher Spin | Lower Spin |
| Durability | Less Durable | More Durable |
In this article, I’ll go over the differences between these two balls so you can decide which one is the right choice for you.
An Overview of the Bridgestone E6 Ball
The E6 by Bridgestone is considered a distance golf ball that’s been on the market since 2005.
Though it quickly became a favorite on the market, it’s undergone a few changes in the over 15 years since its initial release.
Due to its design and ability to travel great distances, it’s a favorite among professional and serious golfers who need a ball that can handle their swing. The average golfer can also get a lot of good use out of this ball, and it’s become a staple in golf bags worldwide.
An Overview of the E12 Ball
The E12 is a newer ball that has been on the market since 2019 in its current form.
While some people might assume the E12 is an updated version of the E6, that’s not entirely the case.
This ball isn’t meant to replace the E6. Instead, it’s merely meant to fill in some gaps that the E6 left in its ability to be played.
The E12 is designed for speed which can help the ball travel greater distances.
Both average golfers and professionals love how this ball feels, and it quickly became a staple in the golf world.
Differences Between E6 and E12
It’s clear that these two balls aren’t identical. While they’re both good, solid choices that will improve your golf game, there are differences that might be key when you try to decide which model you should buy.
Feel and Material: E6 vs E12
The E6 and the E12 are both Surlyn covered balls with a compression core. However, they differ in their construction.
The E6 is made of two pieces, while the E12 is made of three. This difference in construction is caused by a change in technology.
The E12’s 3-piece design focuses on its spin and speed when hit, while the E6’s design allows it to fly in a straighter trajectory.
The next difference regarding design is the difference in the balls’ surfaces.
The E6 has a smoother surface, allowing for a slicker and softer feel.
The balls in the E12 series, on the other hand, have been designed with a raised surface texture so that you can have better contact with the golf grounds and your club. That way, you can have more control over how you strike your ball.
Regarding their compression core, both are compressed. Although, the E6 has a lower compression and feels lighter, allowing it to travel at greater speeds than the E12, which will feel heavier due to its higher compression.
Both balls feel soft, but the E12 was initially designed to be a softer feeling ball.
Notwithstanding, since the E6 has undergone some redesigns since it was initially released, the newer models also have a softer feel.
Price: E6 vs E12
Though Bridgestone is considered a favorite golf ball maker for golfers all over the world, their balls aren’t priced equally, and, in fact, there’s a stark difference between these two models.
The E6 is considered to be the more affordable ball.
On the other hand, the E12 does have more technology in its design which helps to explain the difference in cost between these two balls.
Speed: E6 vs E12
Both the E6 and the E12 are designed to reach high speeds, and the average golfer might not notice a difference between these two models.
Yet the E12 has been specifically designed to reach higher speeds while it travels across the grounds.
That’s because the original E6 prioritized spin and distance to speed. Thus, the E12 was designed to pick up the slack in that area. It’s worth nothing, though, that new E6 balls are also praised for their speed potential.
Spin: E6 vs E12
Regarding their spin, both the E6 and the E12 have been designed to spin to get your ball where you want it to go, but the E6 was designed to have a higher spin, causing it to travel further.
The E12, on the other hand, was designed to have a lower spin in order to increase its speed.
Distance: E6 vs E12
If you’re looking for a distance golf ball, you can’t go wrong with either the E6 or the E12.
However, when it comes down to specifics, there’s a difference between these two balls.
The E6 is the original distance ball, and it still holds that title. It’s been designed to travel further, even if its speed doesn’t always quite keep up with the speed the E12 can reach.
Durability: E6 vs E12
Both balls are designed to be able to handle high impact.
From the golf swing to hitting the ground to being played on different surfaces, if a golf ball isn’t designed to be durable, it won’t stay on the market long.
Nonetheless, while both these balls are durable, the E12 wins out.
The E6’s shell is a little softer, so it might not hold its shape as long after repeated use.
The E12, on the other hand, has a stronger and firmer ball shell, so it won’t deform even after it’s been played multiple times.
In Conclusion
If you’re debating between getting the E6 or the E12 to upgrade your golf game, there’s no wrong choice. Still, if you have some specific areas you’d like to improve on, one might win out over the other.
If you’re looking for an affordable ball with great spin and can go greater distances, the E6 is right for you.
Instead, if you’re looking for a slightly more durable ball that feels lighter and softer while still reaching high speeds, the E12 is the ball to pick.