Best Bridgestone Golf Balls for High Handicappers: Top 2 Picks
As a high handicapper myself, I know how crucial it is to choose the right golf ball. Bridgestone, a leader in golf technology, offers excellent options for those of us still working on our game.
In this guide, I’ll break down the top two Bridgestone golf balls that can help high handicappers improve their performance on the course.
1. Bridgestone e6
The Bridgestone e6 is a standout choice for high handicappers looking to enhance their game. This ball focuses on two critical aspects that many of us struggle with: distance and accuracy.
Key Features
Soft feel: The e6 provides an incredibly soft feel, which boosts confidence and offers better feedback on each shot. When you’re still developing your skills, that extra bit of confidence can make a world of difference.
Low driver spin: This feature is so valuable for those of us battling slices and hooks. By reducing spin off the tee, the e6 promotes straighter shots, helping you keep the ball in play more often.
High flight: The e6’s design encourages a higher launch angle. For high handicappers who often struggle to get the ball airborne, especially with long irons, this characteristic can lead to longer carry distances and softer landings on the green.
Durability: Let’s face it, as high handicappers, we’re prone to the occasional (or frequent) mishit. The e6 is built to withstand these impacts, making it a cost-effective option for those of us who might lose a few balls during a round.
Performance
The e6 sets itself apart in it’s ability to help golfers achieve straighter shots. It’s low driver spin characteristic is particularly useful for those of us struggling with slices or hooks.
I’ve found that this feature alone can significantly improve confidence off the tee, knowing that the ball is designed to minimize those frustrating sideways shots.
The soft feel of the ball is another major plus, especially in the short game. When you’re chipping or putting, that soft feel provides excellent feedback, helping you develop a better touch around the greens.
One of the most significant advantages of the e6 is it’s forgiveness. The low compression core minimizes the effects of off-center hits, a common issue for high handicappers.
This means that even when you don’t make perfect contact, you’re likely to see better results than with a less forgiving ball.
I’ve personally noticed a significant improvement in my overall consistency since switching to the e6.
The high flight characteristic of the e6 is another boon for high handicappers. Many golfers in our category struggle to get enough height on their shots, particularly with long irons.
The e6’s design promotes a higher trajectory, which can help you carry hazards and land softly on the green.
This feature has been particularly helpful for me when approaching long par 3s or going for the green in two on par 5s.
In terms of greenside performance, the e6 offers a good balance between control and forgiveness. While it may not provide the same level of spin as a tour-level ball, it offers enough grip for most high handicappers to execute basic pitch and chip shots effectively.
I’ve found that I can still stop the ball on the green without it rolling out too far, which is crucial for scoring well.
Price Point
The e6 is priced competitively, offering excellent value for high handicappers who may lose a few balls during a round. It’s performance benefits combined with it’s affordability make it an attractive option for golfers looking to improve their game without breaking the bank.
I’ve found that I can stock up on these balls without feeling guilty about the occasional lost ball in the woods or water hazard.
Pro Tip
The e6 is an excellent choice for golfers with moderate swing speeds. If you typically hit drives between 200-230 yards, this ball could be ideal for maximizing your distance potential. I fall into this category, and I’ve noticed a significant improvement in my overall distance since switching to the e6.
2. Bridgestone Tour B RX
While the Tour B RX is part of Bridgestone’s premium line, it’s specifically designed for players with moderate swing speeds, making it an excellent option for high handicappers looking to invest in a top-tier ball.
Key Features
Reactive Cover Technology: This innovative feature allows the ball to react differently based on the force of impact, providing optimal performance across all shots. It’s like having many balls in one, adapting to different club speeds and types of shots.
Gradational Compression Core: This technology promotes faster ball speeds and reduced spin off the driver, leading to increased distance. For high handicappers looking to add yards to their drives, this feature is a game-changer.
Seamless Cover Technology: The dimple design helps to reduce air resistance, resulting in a more consistent ball flight. This can be particularly useful for high handicappers who struggle with maintaining a steady ball flight.
Urethane cover: This soft cover provides excellent greenside spin and control, allowing for more precision in your short game.
Performance
The Tour B RX offers an impressive blend of distance off the tee and control around the greens. It’s technology helps reduce driver spin for longer, straighter tee shots while still providing the necessary spin for approach shots and chips.
This versatility can be particularly useful for high handicappers looking to improve various aspects of their game.
The Reactive Cover Technology is a standout feature of the Tour B RX. It’s designed to respond differently to slow and fast swings.
On slower swings, typically with shorter clubs, the cover softens to increase spin and control.
On faster swings, like those with a driver, the cover firms up to reduce spin and increase distance. This adaptability makes the Tour B RX an excellent all-around performer for high handicappers who are looking for a ball that can keep up as their skills improve.
I’ve noticed that this technology has helped me achieve better results across all aspects of my game. Off the tee, I’m seeing longer, straighter drives.
With my irons, I’m getting a nice, high flight that stops quickly on the green.
And around the greens, I have the confidence to be more aggressive with my chip shots, knowing the ball will check up when it lands.
The Gradational Compression Core is another key technology that benefits high handicappers. It’s softer in the center and gradually becomes firmer towards the outer edge.
This design helps to reduce spin on driver shots, which can lead to straighter, longer drives – a significant advantage for high handicappers who often struggle with accuracy off the tee.
Since switching to the Tour B RX, I’ve noticed a marked improvement in my driving accuracy, which has led to more fairways hit and better scoring opportunities.
Around the greens, the Tour B RX’s urethane cover really shines. It provides excellent spin on chip and pitch shots, allowing for greater control and precision in the short game.
This can be a game-changer for high handicappers looking to shave strokes off their score by improving their performance around the green.
I’ve found that I can be much more creative with my short game shots, confident that the ball will react predictably when it lands on the green.
Price Point
As a premium ball, the Tour B RX comes with a higher price tag than the e6. However, for high handicappers committed to improving their game and willing to invest in their equipment, the performance benefits can justify the cost.
I initially hesitated due to the price, but after seeing the improvements in my game, I now consider it a worthwhile investment.
Pro Tip
If you’re a high handicapper with a slightly faster swing speed (around 90-105 mph with the driver), the Tour B RX could be an excellent fit. It offers many of the benefits of a tour-level ball while still catering to the needs of developing players.
I fall into this swing speed range, and I’ve found that the Tour B RX has helped me take my game to the next level.
Choosing Between the e6 and Tour B RX
Selecting between these two excellent options largely depends on your specific needs, swing characteristics, and budget. Here are some factors to consider:
Swing Speed
Your driver swing speed plays a crucial role in determining which ball will perform best for you. If your driver swing speed is below 90 mph, the e6 might be the better choice.
The softer compression of the e6 will help you maximize distance at lower swing speeds.
For speeds between 90-105 mph, consider the Tour B RX. It’s design is optimized for this speed range, offering a balance of distance and control that can benefit your game.
When I had my swing speed measured and found I was in this range, switching to the Tour B RX made a noticeable difference in my overall performance.
Budget
The e6 is more budget-friendly and a great option if you tend to lose several balls per round. As a high handicapper, it’s not uncommon to lose a few balls during a round, and the e6’s lower price point makes this less painful on the wallet.
The Tour B RX is pricier but offers premium performance. If you’re committed to improving your game and don’t mind investing a bit more in your equipment, the Tour B RX can provide tour-level performance tailored to amateur swing speeds.
Skill Level
While both balls are suitable for high handicappers, the Tour B RX might be better if you’re on the cusp of breaking into the mid-handicap range. It’s advanced features can help you as your skills improve, potentially lasting you longer as your handicap drops.
The e6, on the other hand, is an excellent choice for those just starting out or who have been playing for a while but still struggle with consistency. It’s forgiving nature can help build confidence and improve overall performance.
Feel Preference
The e6 offers a softer feel, which many high handicappers prefer. This softer feel can provide more confidence, especially on and around the greens.
When I first started playing, I found the soft feel of the e6 to be very reassuring, particularly when putting.
The Tour B RX provides a slightly firmer feel with more feedback. This can be useful as your skills improve and you start to develop a more nuanced sense of how the ball is reacting to your shots.
I’ve grown to appreciate this feedback as my game has progressed.
Short Game Priority
If you’re looking to improve your short game significantly, the Tour B RX’s urethane cover provides superior greenside spin and control. This can be particularly useful if you’re struggling with chip and pitch shots around the green.
The e6, while still offering good short game performance, doesn’t quite match the Tour B RX in this area. However, it’s overall forgiveness can still be useful for high handicappers working on their short game.
Remember, while choosing the right ball is important, it’s equally crucial to focus on developing your skills through practice and lessons. A good ball can complement your game, but it’s your technique and consistency that will ultimately lead to lower scores.
I’ve found that combining the right ball choice with regular practice sessions has been key to my improvement as a golfer.
Bridgestone’s Ball Fitting Process
One of Bridgestone’s strengths is their commitment to helping golfers find the right ball for their game. They offer a comprehensive ball fitting process that can be particularly useful for high handicappers.
Here’s a brief overview of what you can expect:
Launch Monitor Analysis
Bridgestone uses launch watches to analyze your swing characteristics, including speed, launch angle, and spin rates. This technology provides precise data about how you’re striking the ball, which is crucial in determining which ball will perform best for your swing.
When I went through this process, I was amazed at the amount of data collected. The launch watch picked up details about my swing that I wasn’t even aware of, providing insights that helped in ball selection and in identifying areas of my swing that needed work.
Ball Comparison
During the fitting process, you’ll hit several different Bridgestone balls, allowing you to compare performance and feel. This side-by-side comparison is invaluable in helping you understand how different ball constructions affect your game.
I found this part of the process particularly enlightening. Hitting different balls in succession and seeing the results on the launch watch helped me understand why certain balls performed better for my swing than others.
Expert Advice
A Bridgestone fitting specialist will interpret the data and provide personalized recommendations based on your swing and preferences. These experts have a deep understanding of ball technology and how it relates to different swing types.
The specialist who worked with me took the time to explain the data in a way that was easy to understand. They didn’t just tell me which ball to use, but explained why it was the best choice for my game, which I found incredibly helpful.
Online Options
If you can’t attend an in-person fitting, Bridgestone offers online fitting tools that can help guide your choice. While not as comprehensive as an in-person fitting, these tools can still provide valuable insights into which ball might work best for your game.
I’ve used both the in-person and online fitting options, and while I prefer the in-person experience, the online tool still provided useful recommendations that improved my ball selection.
Participating in a ball fitting can be an excellent way for high handicappers to confirm they’re playing a ball that complements their swing characteristics and helps them perform their best on the course. I can’t stress enough how much of a difference it made in my game once I started playing with a ball that was truly fitted to my swing.
The Impact of Ball Choice on Your Game
As a high handicapper, you might wonder just how much difference your choice of golf ball can make. In my experience, the impact can be significant.
Here’s why:
Confidence Boost
Playing with a ball that’s suited to your game can give you a tremendous confidence boost. When you know that your ball is designed to help minimize your slices or hooks, or to provide extra forgiveness on mishits, you can swing with more freedom and less tension.
This alone can lead to better shots and lower scores.
Consistency
One of the biggest challenges for high handicappers is achieving consistency. The right ball can help here by providing more predictable flight and spin characteristics.
For example, the low spin of the e6 off the driver can help reduce the severity of your slices or hooks, leading to more fairways hit.
Short Game Improvement
Around the greens is where many high handicappers struggle the most. A ball with good spin characteristics, like the Tour B RX, can make a big difference in your ability to control chip and pitch shots.
This can lead to more up-and-downs and fewer three-putts.
Distance Gains
While technique is the most important factor in gaining distance, playing with a ball that’s matched to your swing speed can help you maximize your potential. Both the e6 and Tour B RX are designed to help moderate swing speed players achieve optimal distance.
Adaptability
As your skills improve, your ball needs may change. The Tour B RX, with it’s more advanced features, can adapt to your game as you progress, potentially saving you from needing to switch balls as often.
Remember, while the right ball can certainly help your game, it’s not a magic solution. Consistent practice and lessons are still the keys to long-term improvement.
However, combining good practice habits with the right equipment can accelerate your progress and make the game more enjoyable along the way.
People Also Asked
What is the best Bridgestone golf ball for beginners?
The Bridgestone e6 is often considered the best option for beginners due to it’s forgiving nature and focus on straight flight.
How does the Bridgestone e6 compare to the e12?
The e6 is softer and focuses more on reducing side spin, while the e12 is slightly firmer and designed for more distance.
Can high handicappers use Bridgestone Tour B balls?
Yes, the Tour B RX is specifically designed for amateur golfers with moderate swing speeds, including high handicappers.
What is the compression of the Bridgestone e6?
The Bridgestone e6 has a low compression of around 50, making it suitable for golfers with slower swing speeds.
How long do Bridgestone golf balls last?
With proper care, Bridgestone golf balls can last for several rounds. However, performance may start to decline after 5-7 rounds of play.
What is Bridgestone’s Reactive Cover Technology?
Reactive Cover Technology is a feature in Bridgestone’s Tour B balls that allows the cover to react differently based on the force of impact, optimizing performance for different types of shots.
Are Bridgestone golf balls good for cold weather?
Yes, Bridgestone offers balls suitable for cold weather play. The e6, in particular, maintains it’s soft feel even in cooler temperatures.
How does swing speed affect golf ball choice?
Swing speed is crucial in ball selection. Lower swing speeds generally benefit from softer, low compression balls like the e6, while higher swing speeds may prefer firmer balls like the Tour B RX.
What is the difference between Bridgestone’s Tour B RX and Tour B RXS?
The Tour B RX is designed for distance with a bit less spin, while the Tour B RXS offers more spin for players who prioritize control around the greens.
Can changing golf balls really improve my game?
Yes, playing with a ball that suits your swing characteristics can lead to improvements in distance, accuracy, and control, potentially lowering your scores.
Key Takeaways
- The Bridgestone e6 offers excellent value with it’s focus on accuracy and soft feel, making it ideal for high handicappers with moderate swing speeds.
- The Bridgestone Tour B RX provides premium performance for high handicappers willing to invest in their game, offering tour-level features adapted for amateur players.
- Consider your swing speed, budget, and specific needs when choosing between these options.
- Both balls offer technologies designed to help high handicappers improve their performance on the course, with the e6 focusing on forgiveness and the Tour B RX offering versatility.
- Bridgestone’s ball fitting process can be a valuable tool in selecting the right ball for your game.