golf balls

REVIEW – Bridgestone Golf e12 Golf Balls

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What happens when you take 12 years of golf ball fitting data from one of the leading golf ball manufacturers while adding innovation and design to allow golfers to take distance and accuracy to an entirely different level. The answer… The Bridgestone Golf e12 series of golf balls.

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Bridgestone Golf e12 Soft

The Covington, Georgia based manufacturer introduced the golfing world to their latest golf ball creations in the non-Tour (distance golf ball) category back in January at the 2019 PGA Merchandise Show. Make no mistake about it though, these are NOT your typical distance golf ball.

In the e12 there are two different golf balls dedicated to golfers of different swing speeds. Firstly, there is the e12 SOFT for those golfers with a slightly slower swing speed (less than 105 mph) or for those that prefer a softer feeling golf ball. Meanwhile, for the faster swingers out there (>105 mph) who struggle with sidespin, the e12 SPEED is a golf ball that’s designed to go straighter and consequently further. Before continuing, please allow me to go a little bit further in describing their specifications.

 

The Pre-Shot Routine

e12 SOFT – The e12 SOFT is a golf ball that’s best described as being a Distance Performance golf ball. Why? Well, that’s because this golf ball is a 3-piece design. The cover is Surlyn which is not only durable but also reduces sidespin. Not to mention that the e12 SOFT also offers a softer feel. Bridgestone Golf R&D developed a new innovation in golf ball technology. Introducing, their new proprietary “Active Acceleration Mantle”. This new layer is constructed from a “high-performance polymer” which is said to provide “increased thrust and higher initial velocity at impact while allowing Bridgestone to soften the core for greater forgiveness and enhanced feel”. Also of note is the addition of Bridgestone’s “Delta Wing Dimple Pattern” which aids in creating less drag and improved aerodynamics in the cover. The e12 SOFT also comes in a few different color variations. Matte Green, Matte Yellow, and Matte Red are offered for those golfers who prefer help in the optics department (or just want some more color in their lives) and for the more traditional types the e12 SOFT also comes in White.

e12 SPEED – The e12 SPEED is also a Distance Performance golf ball as it also features a 3-piece construction. Also featuring the same durable Surlyn cover and key technological points like the Delta Wing Dimple Pattern and the Active Acceleration Mantle layer for optimized aerodynamics and less drag the e12 SPEED is more firm than its SOFT brethren. The e12 SPEED is only available in White.

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The Transition

I’m going to warn all of my readers right now. This might get a little lengthy as I’m going to be talking about certain characteristics of these golf balls. For the purposes of the testing and consequent review, I looked at a few key areas of concern to golfers like you and I. The categories that I looked at primarily were Feel, Durability, Distance (Driver and Irons) and Spin (Greenside and Approach).

For the most part, the majority of testing occurred in Florida during a trip there in late March. While I was dealing with punched greens it’s also important to point out that the greens were extremely firm at one course while other rounds saw greens that were somewhat receptive. When they were put into play and practice upon golf season arriving here the greens were very soft and extremely receptive. So with all of the background information laid down let’s get down to business.

 

Feel (I always feel that it’s important to point out that feel is intimate and subjective to the individual)

e12 SOFT – Without wasting any time I just wanted to point out very quickly that I really enjoyed the feel of this golf ball. It was something that I first observed at Demo Day during the 2019 PGA Show. At the time, I used everything from Driver to Wedge that day and I thought that the feel was addictive. Little did I realize how good the feel was until I tried it for the first time putting after arriving home from the show. Using a Lateral Line Putters L2 MAXX MOI on the Big Moss Augusta putting green I soon found out how good this golf ball would feel. It’s soft without feeling “mushy” like other soft models from Bridgestone’s competitors. My putter has a somewhat wonky, firm feel and sound and the e12 SOFT off of this putter felt muted.

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A little bit of color

When it came to the feel of this golf ball off of the other clubs (including wedges) it was more of the same. I play forged irons (New Level 1031)  and the combination of the forged heads and e12 SOFT was like listening to a symphony. Total harmony and everything is in tune. When it came to the driver you can feel the golf ball compress and that’s always a great feeling to have. Compression equates to distance. The e12 is a wonderful feeling golf ball… Tee to green.

e12 SPEED – Where the e12 SOFT won me over from a feel standpoint my initial feeling about the “feels” of the e12 SPEED wasn’t very complimentary. Adjectives like “harsh”, “hard” and “clicky” all came to mind very quickly. To be blunt, I hated it. Was it because of the direct comparison to it’s SOFT sibling? Maybe! But testing is always a process.

As the venue switched from my living room to Florida and consequently spring in Canada my impressions of this golf ball changed like the season. I warmed up to the golf ball enjoying it on the course. While it is more firm than the SOFT it isn’t as hard as my initial impressions were. It isn’t the firmest golf ball I’ve used and that’s a good thing. It felt pretty darn good off of all clubs whether I was putting, chipping, pitching or executing full swings. I was very impressed by how the SPEED jumped off of the face of my driver (more to come on that shortly). The e12 SPEED is more firm but if you have a higher swing speed as recommended it becomes less of a factor. 

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Durability

Seeing that these golf balls have the same cover I don’t feel it necessary to break them down individually.

With that said the Surlyn cover is durable and rugged as you might expect. In fact, I have abused the same golf balls since the testing begun right here in my living room. I’ve put these golf balls through a lot of golf holes, short game practice and I have but one conclusion. They might be able to survive a nuclear holocaust. The balls are blemish-free with no signs of wear whatsoever. Unfortunately, one of my Matte Red e12 SOFT couldn’t survive landing in the middle of the fairway where it was lost due to being plugged about a week ago. An offering for the “Golf Gods” if you will. There is nothing negative that I can elaborate on regarding this subject.

As the season moves along I wonder one thing. How will the matte finish of the e12 SOFT hold up? Time will only tell.

Distance (Driver)

***In the interest of full disclosure while at the PGA Show I discovered that my clubhead speed is well below where it was since the Stroke I had in September. I was an average of 107 mph (topping out at 114 mph) as of January it was 94 mph. Being unable to fire through my left side has factored into the decreased speed. That said, Smash Factor is an important variable in hitting the ball long as well.

e12 SOFT – When it came to testing I thought that the e12 SOFT yielded very good results as far as driver distance goes. I also feel a need to point out that I think that the e12 SOFT also has pretty lower driver spin. Yes, the cover is designed to reduce sidespin but the backspin numbers were very good as well. In using the FlightScope mevo I determined that my driver spin was an average of 2,800 RPM. There was never any sign of ballooning with this golf ball and I would suggest that it was a shade longer than my gamer.

e12 SPEED – I have no explanation for the distance results that I saw with the e12 SPEED. Sure the backspin numbers were less than the SOFT (2,500 RPM) but the e12 SPEED was long. Each drive that I struck when I teed up the e12 SPEED was the kind of drive that you admire. The length of this golf ball surprised me. Maybe it shouldn’t have… But it did. The e12 SPEED is one of the longest golf balls that I’ve put into play and was the longest during testing in Florida and up north.

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Distance (Irons)

e12 SOFT – Throughout the testing process I found that the e12 SOFT was about the same as my gamer. I have only one explanation for this. It seems like SOFT flies higher because of the slightly elevated spin rates than others tested or played. That said, it’s important to point out that backspin is totally necessary for golfers with slower swing speeds. In saying that, if what I said is in fact how the R&D team designed it they get full marks, It was a thought that I first hand at Demo Day but blamed it on the winds that were blowing around the venue… and in our face at the Bridgestone Golf booth back in January.

e12 SPEED – The e12 SPEED, on the other hand, proved to be a longer, steadier golf ball for me during testing. Honestly, I never saw that coming. But the reality is that the SPEED was longer for me with the irons as well. Longer than my gamer the e12 SPEED is not afraid of giving you (the golfer) a few extra yards on your approach shots. I would suggest that the e12 SPEED was 5 yards longer (half a club) than what I generally play. The trajectory was a bit lower than the SOFT.

SPIN

e12 SOFT – Alright, so there’s a saying in life. “To get a little you have to give a little) and that really does sum up my feelings about the spin characteristics of the e12 SOFT. When it came to the short game spin what I observed was a golf ball that was somewhere between a distance ball and their TOUR B RXS that I reviewed towards the tail end of 2017 (I think). The cover is Surlyn and not Urethane so you know that it will not offer Tour-level golf ball spin. However, the spin is very admirable around the greens. I had some shots check up beautifully while other shots had some degree of rollout (not a lot). If anything, the short game spin is very promising for the e12 SOFT.

When it came to approach spin on 3/4 to Full swings this golf ball was fantastic. My first hole playing it was into a wind-swept green that could have been confused with the I-75 around Tampa for firmness and that approach landed and stopped 8′ past the pin setting up my first Birdie of 2019 and first since my Stroke (sorry but it was a milestone thing). I missed the putt for Birdie. Over and over again the e12 SOFT has impressed when it came to approach spin. Stop and drop is the theme when it comes to the e12 SOFT.

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e12 SPEED – What you gain in a bit of distance with this golf ball you lose a little in stopping power. While you can use this golf ball around the green you need to be prepared for one thing. Rollout. Alright, we know it isn’t a Tour-level golf ball so that means it’s not going to stop but neither is the SOFT but that has some greenside spin. If you choose to play this golf ball it may be worth your while to spend some quality practice time around a practice green chipping and get used to the balls tendencies the SPEED can do the job. Just don’t expect it to stop on a dime. On more than one occasion it cost me an extra few feet when it didn’t stop as planned. Land this ball a little short of what you think you should and it’ll work out well. I know, this wisdom betrays conventional logic.

Approach spin with the e12 SPEED was pretty good. The ball does spin on those full and less than full approach shots. The stopping power is definitely better than what I observed around the greens and while there is some stop and drop control with receptive greens it’s not as stoppable when things are a little more firm. Generally, I take crisp, ball-first divots with my irons and wedges that produce spin but int the firmer greens I did see the ball land and end up further away to the pin than the strike deserved. Get to know what this ball does and you’ll be happy.

The Finish

There are a lot of things to like about the e12 range of golf balls from Bridgestone Golf. They’ve conducted their research and in doing so they’ve provided two solid golf ball offerings to golfers with two different speed rates. Each golf ball has its pro’s and cons. But what they do have in common are a couple of things.

  1. Both models retail for $29.99 USD which is pretty fair for a 3-piece offering
  2. They do perform as advertised.
  3. These golf balls maintain their line and were not prone to going right or left. The e12 golf balls are straight and accurate.

My point is this. Depending on what kind of player you are Bridgestone Golf just might have an e12 model for you. If you have the chance try a sleeve of each and find the right fit for you. In my case, even though I like the distance of the e12 SPEED I’d rather play the SOFT and take advantage of its slightly better greenside spin, approach spin, and softer feel. I can handle being a little shorter and making a controlled swing with a little more club. Please visit the Bridgestone Golf website for more details by clicking here.

Until The Next Tee!!

#FightAndGrind #SeeUonTheNextTee

 

 

Test… Test!

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Well, I made it. After being in Florida back in January for the PGA Show and a planned trip that I canceled two weeks ago I’m in Florida. A 3 hr bus ride to Buffalo, NY and a wonderful flight once again on Frontier Airlines and I’m basking in the Tampa sun. A trip that will see me go fly fishing, practice golf, hopefully, go home with a swing and of course play and conduct several testings. Most of the golf ball variety. All of this before I resume working at the same golf course that I worked at in 2018 until I had my Stroke. Scenic Woods Golf Course which is a GolfNorth Properties facility. God! I can’t wait!

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Today was without a doubt the most gratifying day of golf that I’ve experienced. I just couldn’t wipe the smile off of my face. I was just elated to be back doing what I love. I spent the majority of my day at Terrace Hill Golf Center in Temple Terrace, FL. At any rate the product testing.

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So what are the products that I’m testing down here in Florida? The most important of the bunch is the Equalizer wedges from Ben Hogan Golf Equipment Company. Up until now, testing of these wedges has amounted to basing everything on feel and/or limited ball flight in a golf dome. Getting these clubs outside and seeing them perform as they were intended to do so was worth the wait. These Equalizer wedges are even better than I thought. The feel, the ballflight (these wedges penetrate) and some clear stopping power on firm greens that were/are dried out by the wind. I am beyond impressed. I’ll finally be able to write this review sooner than before later. If you need wedges… Look no further. These wedges are the best bang for your golfer buck!

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Another product that I was sent for testing were tees by ZoomTee USA. The premise of these tees is to give golfers the option of playing tees that are extremely durable, a tee that’s designed to produce less drag which is said to result in longer, straighter drives. Also of note here is the addition of a height guide for getting the golf ball teed u at just the right height and a tip that’s used for cleaning your grooves and repairing ball marks. I used only one tee and there was no sign of breakage thus far and ZoomTee USA was also very easy to locate after the shot. No scanning the ground looking for your pesky golf tee. It’s a minor thing, but it is a way to help maintain the pace of play. I also found ZoomTee USA was easy to get into the ground. Although, the soil here in Florida is quite sandy. It’ll be interesting to see how they penetrate the clay-based soil at home.

Balls, balls and more balls. I am testing golf balls ‘o’ plenty while I’m down here. No less than 6 different models. Testing has officially begun of…

  • TaylorMade Golf (TP5 and TP5x)
  • Srixon Golf (Z Star)
  • Wilson Staff DUO Professional
  • Bridgestone Golf (e12 Soft and e12 Speed)

It was an interesting first day of testing and with that, I have a few thoughts.

  1. The TaylorMade TP5 and TP5x seem to really have a penetrating ball flight as advertised. Early indications are that this golf ball is a strong golf ball in the Tour ball market. All-around great feel (TP5 a little softer) and I can see why Rickie Fowler switched from the Titleist Pro V1. There’s a reason why the ball is hyped.
  2. Not that it’s a bad thing. I wasn’t blown away through Day One of testing of the 2019 Srixon Z Star. To me, this iteration of the Z Star is solid. I’ve always liked the Z Star and have a lot of familiarity with it. Maybe that’s why I wasn’t blown away. It felt too familiar.
  3. Where I wasn’t blown away by the previous ball if there was a ball that I was very impressed with thus far it HAS to be the Wilson Staff DUO Professional. This golf ball was long with irons (albeit downwind) and the short game spin of this golf ball was extremely impressive. This ball STOPPED on greenside chips and pitches. I didn’t have it in play for any driving holes.
  4. Bridgestone Golf developed the e12 with 12 years of golf ball data taken from their ball fitting data. What they came up with were the e12 Soft and e12 Speed. Just from a putting standpoint (this was the first part of the testing) I wasn’t enamored with the “firmer” e12 Speed. It felt too clicky or too firm. But then all of that suddenly changed. This ball actually felt pretty soft and responsive on full iron swings. Into a hurting wind, I was able to find the green pin high from 182 yards away with a 5-iron. Judging by the flags and wind I figure it was a 1.5 to 2 club wind. Never be too hasty in being judgmental folks! The e12 Soft I liked right away. I liked the feel of the e12 Soft when it came to putting, my first drive of 2019 was with the e12 Soft (Red) and it just carried down the fairway into the wind and it penetrated. My approach into the firm, wind-swept green resulted in no severe rollout (settling 8′ from the pin) and greenside chips and pitches I thought it performed better than the e12 Speed and as good as one of the tour-level golf balls.

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Today was just the beginning of what I have planned down here. So stay tuned for more information as I test products, write reviews and enjoy some March golf in sunny Florida.

Until The Next Tee!!

#FightAndGrind #SeeUOnTheNextTee

 

Sacks Parente Golf Company Welcomes Mike Zerah in Newly Created Position as Executive Vice President of Marketing ​ ​​

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CAMARILLO, CA, March 14, 2019 – Sacks Parente Golf Company, builders of exceptional putters that defy convention, announces that Mike Zerah has joined the company as Executive Vice President of Marketing where he will focus on matching the Sacks Parente brand with the exceptional quality of its products.

Zerah comes to Sacks Parente with 12+ years of marketing experience, specifically in brand development. He’s helped some of the world’s leading brands, such as Nike, Jordan Brand, L.A. Lakers, and Bubba Watson connect on a deeper more intimate basis with their target audience. As Executive VP, Marketing for Sacks Parente, Zerah will be responsible for the direct development and implementation of the Sacks Parente brand and marketing strategies as well as new and existing products and will oversee the implementation of the marketing strategy – including campaigns, events, digital marketing, and PR.

An expert digital media strategist, Zerah is also the former Founder and CEO of Lucid Appeal, the premium fan engagement platform which powers mobile apps for the world’s top sports teams, brands, and athletes. He built Lucid Appeal from the ground up and successfully sold the company to OneUp Games, LLC, a tech company that provides mobile sports platforms. He is a graduate of the University of Southern California Marshall School of Business.

“I’m an avid golfer and have been using the same Scotty Cameron putter for 15 years and had no intention of switching,” said Zerah. “Within less than 24 hours of trying a Sacks Parente putter, the results were outstanding, and I was a convert. The quality of the product and the immediate success Sacks Parente has experienced after launching at the PGA Show make it a no brainer for me come on board and help grow the brand and the business.”

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Sacks Parente Series 39 Blade putters. 2019 PGA Show

“We’ve been growing faster than expected after our recent launch and have gotten to the point where it became clear that as part of our business growth strategy, our company would require a person who is dedicated to overseeing our branding and marketing efforts,” said Tim Triplett, CEO of Sacks Parente Golf. “Mike brings a wealth of experience and expertise in marketing with a proven track record of success, and we’re thrilled to welcome him to the Sacks Parente team.”

All Sacks Parente putter designs feature the company’s patented Ultra-Low Balance Point (ULBP) technology that lowers the balance point along the shaft between the sole and a point not more than 5 inches above the sole, causing the putter head to square and release at impact, delivering exceptional rollout and accuracy. In addition, all Sacks Parente putters maximize MOI by combining the use of ultra-light weight alloys and high-density tungsten, to significantly move more weight from the center of the putter to the heel and toe. The company has numerous patents and patents pending in regard to the science associated with these exceptional putters, which are available in both Player and Tour Models.

For more information, visit www.sacksparente.com.

 

 

About Sacks Parente Golf

Sacks Parente Golf Company was founded by Steve Sacks and Richard Parente, a legendary duo of golf professionals, who as entrepreneurs have founded, built and grown some of the best names in golf. They have advised, consulted and designed clubs for the who’s who of the industry over a combined 100+years. Sacks Parente Golf is based in Camarillo, California, in a facility that has been constructed with state-of-the-art robotics and analytic instruments to test and prove the science. The company is backed by sophisticated and strategic investors from the USA and Japan. Sacks Parente Golf is an NXV company.

APPLYING ADVANCED VISUAL TECHNOLOGY TO THE GOLF BALL CATEGORY FOR THE FIRST TIME, TAYLORMADE GOLF COMPANY ANNOUNCES NEW TP5 PIX™

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Utilizing Industry-Leading 5-Layer Construction of TP5, Speed Meets Enhanced Visibility in the Most Complete Tour Ball

 

CARLSBAD, CALIF. (March 13, 2019) – TaylorMade Golf Company, an industry leader in product innovation and technology, today formally announced TP5 Pix golf balls, optically designed using advanced visual technology to offer more visibility in The Most Complete Tour Ball in TaylorMade’s product lineup.

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The Genesis of TP5 Pix

The fastest growing segment for TaylorMade in the golf ball category is a non-white (traditional) product. Golfers’ growing trend toward playing a golf ball that allows for a different look has also opened the door to improving visual performance and visual technology through the use of machinery that has never before been used in the space.

Pix, derived from ‘pixelated’, was designed following extensive research with partners at Indiana University, the same team the company has used for a multitude of projects including TaylorMade’s most recent putter line, Spider X, which features the all-new True Path™ alignment system that was optically engineered to help golfers visualize the intended target line for improved putting accuracy.

First and foremost, Pix™ is easier to see than a normal white golf ball. The human eye processes lighter colours more efficiently when it’s darker and darker colours when it’s lighter. It’s this phenomenon that led designers to the two-colour design of TP5 Pix. Whereas most competitive products have only one colour within a single image or shape, TP5 Pix’s unique design features 2 colours within one shape, further enhancing visibility and delivering a product that’s easy to see, regardless of the time of play during the day. Producing this shape requires a unique, one-of-a-kind printing machine which has taken more than 18 months to design and develop.

In almost every sport utilizing a ball in play, the ball itself delivers immediate feedback – such as a baseball’s spin out of the pitcher’s hand. The larger contrast graphics of TP5 Pix allow golfers to see how much overall and side spin is generated around the green. Pix’s unique pattern with 12 evenly-spaced images allows the product to show spin when putting and chipping. The feedback the ball provides allows the golfer to immediately see the amount of spin being generated and the direction of that spin on shots on and around the green.

“White, round and sits on the ground is no longer the norm for golf balls. Visual technology has given us the opportunity to not only change the appearance of the golf ball but also allows for players to see immediate feedback where spin matters most – on and around the greens.”

Mike Fox, Category Director, Golf Balls & Accessories

The durability of graphics is a foremost concern on any golf ball with graphic or lettering, and to contest wear and smearing of the graphics on TP5 (and TP5x), engineers have utilized undercoating printing to ensure maximum graphic durability. This is the same process the TaylorMade logo and TP5 side stamp goes through to ensure the performance features of the shapes will last as long as possible.

The Performance of TP5 Pix

Highlighted by its new High-Flex Material (HFM) and Speed-Layer System, TaylorMade has taken the ’19 TP5(x) line to a new level of performance – built on the same platform, TP5 Pix is no exception.

 

The new Speed-Layer System is comprised of four increasingly stiff layers, featuring a new material called HFM. HFM is the fastest material TaylorMade has ever used and is essentially a tightly wound spring and when compressed generates more rebound energy for more ball speed. The tightly wound spring characteristic of HFM also increases the force on the driver face, further increasing the speed of the golf ball when it leaves the driver face.

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Tri-Fast Core 

The Tri-Fast Core consists of an extra-large, low-compression inner core (16 compression in TP5 Pix, the exact same as TP5) and a progressively stiffer outer core and mantle. The combination of these three layers work in conjunction to create lower drag and increased carry—the primary reason TP5 and TP5x have become the hottest Tour balls in golf. The Tri-Fast Core delivers breakthrough iron performance by achieving maximum carry, giving golfers of nearly every swing speed (over 60 MPH) choosing less club into the green.

 

Dual-Spin Cover 

The Dual-Spin Cover boasts an ultra-soft cast urethane cover and a 30% more rigid inner cover. This system creates a condition that is ideal for greenside control, as the rigid inner cover forces the soft urethane cover into wedge grooves for maximum spin generation.

 

Additional enhancements in the 2019 TP5 and TP5x models include a new Soft-Tough cast urethane cover. In order to achieve improved scuff resistance, shear resistance, and overall durability, the new cover features a cast urethane compound and new paint formulation to help each ball feel better and last longer.

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Pricing & Availability 

TP5 Pix will be available this spring across Canada at an MSRP of $59.99 CAD per dozen (Pix will be available in TP5 model). To learn more about TP5 Pix or any of TaylorMade’s golf ball offerings, visit TaylorMadeGolf.ca.

DeChambeau Dominates In Dubai To Take Bridgestone’s Hot Streak Global!

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Tour Star Bryson DeChambeau Wins His First-Ever European Tour Title Using Bridgestone’s TOUR B X Golf Balls

 

(COVINGTON, GA) – Bridgestone Golf Tour star Bryson DeChambeau continued his and the brand’s winning ways with a convincing 7-shot victory at the PGA European Tour’s Omega Dubai Desert Classic this weekend. The win is DeChambeau’s first ever title abroad and the 7th professional victory of his career. DeChambeau’s victory in Dubai complements a run of 7 wins on the PGA TOUR and 1 on the LPGA Tour over the last 5 months for Bridgestone.

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Photo Credit: BBC via Getty Images

 

Using Bridgestone Golf’s TOUR B X balls, ‘the golf scientist’ blew away the field in Dubai with prodigious driving and pinpoint approach shots throughout the week, on his way to finishing a record 24-under par for the tournament.  Starting the final round with a 1-shot lead, DeChambeau once again proved he’s one of the best closers in the game – firing an 8-under par 64 that included 7 birdies and an eagle to finish with the largest margin of victory in the event’s history.

“We are excited for Bryson to get his first-ever professional international win this weekend and his 4th worldwide victory in the last 7 months,” said Dan Murphy, President & CEO of Bridgestone Golf. “What the Bridgestone brand is experiencing at the Tour level right now is almost surreal.  When you add this Tour success to the incredible reception our brand received this past week at the PGA Merchandise Show, 2019 is shaping up to be a special year for Bridgestone Golf.”

DeChambeau switched to the TOUR B X in late 2017 after extensive experimentation revealed a significant impact on his driving, iron play, short game and putting.  He also wears Bridgestone’s new TOUR B FIT Glove featuring high-end Cabretta leather with FIT technology to ensure a soft feel, consistent grip and excellent durability.

The TOUR B golf ball series is a result of Bridgestone’s continued commitment to providing premium tee-to-green performance to players of varying swing types. Bridgestone owns over 800 golf ball patents and fully leverages the company’s heritage of excellence in polymer science worldwide to design the industry’s most cutting-edge golf balls.

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For more information on Bridgestone Golf’s award-winning TOUR B family of golf balls and the entire Tour team that relies upon them, visit www.bridgestonegolf.com.

 

About Bridgestone Golf

Based in Covington, GA, Bridgestone Golf USA manufactures premium golf balls, clubs and accessories under the Bridgestone and Precept brands. The company started making golf balls in 1935 and today has more golf ball design patents than any other company. Beginning in 2006, Bridgestone revolutionized golf ball selection with its custom ball-fitting program, identifying a golfer’s ideal golf ball based on personal swing characteristics. Today, as the #1 Ball-Fitter in Golf, Bridgestone has conducted over 2.1 million fittings via a combination of live-fitting, online selection and its B-FIT App.  The consumer data gathered from ball-fitting continues to inspire Bridgestone’s innovative new golf ball designs, yielding industry-leading performance products for the entire range of players, from recreational golfers to the best in the world. Bridgestone Golf is proudly represented on international professional tours by icons such as Tiger Woods, Fred Couples, Matt Kuchar, Bryson DeChambeau and Lexi Thompson.  Bridgestone Golf USA is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bridgestone Sports Co. Ltd., headquartered in Tokyo. More information:  bridgestonegolf.com.

12 Years of Research Leads to New Bridgestone Golf e12 Golf Balls

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Bridgestone Golf has introduced to new golf balls to their golf ball range for 2019. After conducting 12 years of research through their ball-fitting data Bridgestone Golf’s golf ball R&D team came up with several innovations in their newest golf ball.

The new e12 comes in two different models. The e12 Speed and then the e12 Soft. Both golf ball models feature a 3-piece construction with a Surlyn cover. That means this golf ball will prove to be rugged and durable. Also of note for both golf balls is Bridgestone Golf’s”Active Acceleration Mantle”. A new polymer in the mantle provides greater exit velocity upon impact. This mantle also translates to a softer core construction.

The e12 Speed is geared towards players that have a swing speed from 105 mph or more. Mean while the e12 Soft is aimed at golfers below the 105 mph range.

“First Impression”

img_20190122_143702I had the chance to hit their new e12 Soft golf ball on the range at Demo Day and these balls fly well. In strong crosswinds these golf balls held their line extremely well. When the e12 landed on a “makeshift green” while hitting wedge shots… I saw them back-up. The apex they fly at seems relatively high which is great for stopping power when hitting approach shots into greens. The e12 offered very good feel while using all clubs from their new Tour B JGR product range with a special emphasis on the new Tour B XW-1 wedge (which is receiving a Teezy Award).

These golf balls will retail for $29.99 USD. I cannot wait to get these golf balls into action. I’m hoping to return somewhere warm in March to do some product testing sooner before later.

In the meantime, please see the press release below as shared by Jared Kelowitz of PRCG for more information on the e12.

Until The Next Tee!!

#FightAndGrind #SeeUOnTheNextTee

 

COVINGTON, Ga. – (January 22, 2019) – Bridgestone Golf, the #1 Ball-Fitter in Golf, unveiled today its innovative e12 family of golf balls, using 12 years of proprietary ball-fitting data to take distance and accuracy performance to a new level.  The e12 family of balls builds upon the 3-piece, surlyn construction, spin-reducing forgiveness of Bridgestone’s popular e-series, now with more power than ever before.

The e12 family includes two models – e12 SOFT and e12 SPEED – delivering increased firepower off the tee and reduced sidespin for players who need it most.  Both of the e12 balls feature Bridgestone’s proprietary new Active Acceleration Mantle layer as a key component of their 3-piece construction.  The Active Acceleration Mantle is comprised of a new High Performance Polymer material that provides increased thrust and higher initial velocity at impact, while allowing Bridgestone to soften the core for greater forgiveness and enhanced feel.  In addition, each of the balls utilizes Bridgestone’s Delta Wing Dimple pattern for less drag and optimized aerodynamics. The e12 SOFT is designed specifically for players with less than 105 mph swing speeds who fight sidespin challenges, while the e12 SPEED is intended for higher swing speed players (greater than 105 mph) who struggle with accuracy off the tee.

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“With the benefit of 12 years of ball-fitting data, we have amassed an incredible body of data that has allowed our R&D engineers to pinpoint specifically what causes players to lose distance and accuracy in golf ball construction,” said Elliot Mellow, Golf Ball Marketing Manager, Bridgestone Golf.  “Contrary to the traditional school of thought in golf ball design, where power comes solely from the core, our new Active Acceleration Mantle actually allows us to derive additional power from the mantle layer to boost distance. We’ve created the ‘holy grail’ of distance performance golf balls – a 3-piece surlyn construction that minimizes sidespin to provide ultimate forgiveness, while delivering velocity needed to ensure maximum distance.”

The Bridgestone e12 SOFT and e12 SPEED balls will hit retail on February 15th, 2019 and feature a street price of $29.99 per dozen.  In addition to the classic white version, the e12 SOFT will also be available in bright Matte Green, Matte Red and Matte Yellow colors.

 

In addition to the new e12 SOFT and e12 SPEED, Bridgestone Golf has a diverse portfolio of golf balls, designed based on information gleaned through ball-fitting, to meet the needs of a wide range of player performance characteristics, including the popular TOUR B series. For more information on the company’s entire offering of golf balls and for help selecting the right ball for you, visit bridgestonegolf.com.

 About Bridgestone Golf

Based in Covington, GA, Bridgestone Golf USA manufactures premium golf balls, clubs and accessories under the Bridgestone and Precept brands. The company started making golf balls in 1935 and today has more golf ball design patents than any other company. Beginning in 2006, Bridgestone revolutionized golf ball selection with its custom ball-fitting program, identifying a golfer’s ideal golf ball based on personal swing characteristics. Today, as the #1 Ball-Fitter in Golf, Bridgestone has conducted over 2.1 million fittings via a combination of live-fitting, online selection and its B-FIT App.  The consumer data gathered from ball-fitting continues to inspire Bridgestone’s innovative new golf ball designs, yielding industry-leading performance products for the entire range of players, from recreational golfers to the best in the world. Bridgestone Golf is proudly represented on international professional tours by icons such as Tiger Woods, Fred Couples, Matt Kuchar, Bryson DeChambeau and Lexi Thompson.  Bridgestone Golf USA is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bridgestone Sports Co. Ltd., headquartered in Tokyo. More information:  bridgestonegolf.com.

Press Release – Wilson Golf Unveils D7 Metal Woods

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I have my “First Impressions” review coming out in the morning regarding the Wilson Golf D7 driver. In advance of that review being posted here is a full press release of their D7 metal woods. Thanks go to Zac Herndon from The Brand Amp and Lindsey Lasater from Wilson Golf for sharing this press release.

*****The review will be posted at 12 a.m. EST

Until The Next Tee!!

#FightAndGrind #SeeUOnTheNextTee

 

CHICAGO, January 14, 2019 – Today, Wilson Golf officially launched the new D7 driver along with the line of D7 woods and hybrids for the 2019 season. Highlighted by its superlight design, the D7 driver, woods and hybrids provides golfers with greater ball speeds for longer distances, and ultimate playability when attacking the green.

With a club head weight of just 192 grams, the Wilson Staff D7 driver features RE-AKT Technology plus a combination of superlight design and reactive face technology to deliver faster club head speeds and ball speeds for longer distances off the tee.

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Engineered with the [K]omposite Crown Design, the D7 crown features a layer of Dupont Kevlar® between carbon fiber to neutralize vibration and produce a sharp, crisp sound and ultimate feel.

“The process of creating the D7 driver started with designing the head shape and then stripping out nearly 25 grams of excessive weight,” said Jon Pergande, Global Innovation Manager at Wilson Golf.  “This weight was strategically returned to the head with the goal of improving the sound of the driver and optimizing ball flight with Dynamic Launch Control.”

Dynamic Launch Control strategically positions internal weights in each head to aid different swing speeds. The 9.0o degree for players with a fast swing speed with weighting forward in the head for lower launch and spin; the 10.5o for those with a moderate-to-fast swing speed with weighting in the middle of the head for a higher launch and spin, and the 13.0o is perfect for a slow-to-moderate swing speed with weighting further back and towards the heel for the highest launch and spin rate with a draw bias.

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The D7 driver is available with the new UST-Mamiya Helium Series shaft that’s played on Tour. Lightweight with extreme stability, the shafts options are available in A-flex (45 grams), R-flex (46 grams) and S-flex (57 grams). The new Wilson Staff MicroLite Lamkin grip maintains a traditional feel in a super lightweight construction.

Fairway Woods and Hybrid

Wilson Staff D7 fairway woods and hybrid offer a dramatic change to previous distance versions, starting with a head shape inspired by input from Wilson Tour players.

The new lightweight crown construction features thin-cast pockets which reduces five grams of weight and promotes the superlight design.

“By removing excessive weight and changing the structure of the clubs, we see that the D7 woods and hybrids make a significant gain in performance,” said Jon. “As with the D7 driver, the D7 fairways and hybrid can be swung faster with the same effort to give golfers the desired distance.”

A Carpenter Custom 455 Stainless Steel face insert provides a thin, hot face, increasing both feel and distance.

The D7 fairway wood is available in three loft options – 15˚ (3-wood); 18˚ (5-wood); and 21˚ (7-wood) – with the same UST-Mamiya Helium Series shaft and Wilson Staff MicroLite Lamkin grip as used on the driver. Left hand models are available in 15° and 18° loft options.

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The D7 hybrid is available in four loft options (19˚, 22˚, 25˚ and 28˚) with the UST-Mamiya Recoil shaft in A-, R- and S- flexes at 65 grams. The grip is the Wilson Staff classic Lamkin Crossline pattern grip. Left handed versions are available in 19°, 22˚ and 25° loft options.

The D7 driver, woods and hybrid will be available for purchase on Wilson.com and at golf retailers on Monday, Jan. 21st.

About Wilson Golf

For 100 years, Wilson Golf has designed, manufactured and distributed premium and recreational golf equipment throughout the world.  Since 1914, Wilson Staff irons have won 61 major championships, more than any other iron manufacturer in history.  The winning tradition continues today by delivering the highest quality equipment to all golfers to enhance performance on the course and overall enjoyment of the game.

 

About Wilson

Chicago-based Wilson Sporting Goods Co., a division of Amer Sports, is the world’s leading manufacturer of sports equipment, apparel and accessories.  Through its dedication to creating products that enable athletes at every level to perform at their best, Wilson has earned its place as a leader in sporting goods for over a century.