Is it really worth worrying about?

slowswing · March 18, 2012

I have been using a bridgstone e6 golf ball for a while now. I like the ball seems great. My only concern is with my longer clubs. With my woods at 105+ ss am I losing any real distance? I've read some recommendations to use a higher compression ball. I can't find any real info on recommendations from bridgstone.

Onebulldogs · March 18, 2012

There are million variable that go into a ball's performance and whether you should use it. For example, I love the way Cally balls perform, but hate the curved - distracting logo when I putt. Thus, I use something else - primarily Bridgestone e6 or RX.

My strategy for picking the right ball:
1) set a budget - if you can't afford ProV1's, don't worry about it
2) pick some balls in your price range
3) find the one that gives you the best combo of distance, feel and looks.
4) Once you settle on a ball, try out something new from time to time to back test your initial conclusion.

A few years ago, I was playing well (and often) and considering trying to enter some serious tournaments. Looking to move up in golf balls, I tried out a dozen B330S' because it should have fit my swing. The ball literally fell out of the sky and cost me 10-20 yards. My buddy, who didn't know I had switched from the e6 that day, got concerned that I was injured.

pachowder · March 18, 2012

Wise advice. I started playing provs, well, because that's hat people play. I have settled on bridgestones (330s) because they are better for my game. Try a fe 3 packs and see what works best for you

slowswing · March 18, 2012

The local pro recommended trying the e7, there is a bridgstone fitting here in a couple weeks I'm going to go to that and see what they say.

I like the way the ball feels, I am just wondering if I am over compressing and what the effects that would have are. What is the compression of an e6 vs 7? And what are the "recommended " swing speeds for those two balls?

Georgie Z · March 19, 2012

Have you tried the B330 line? I also really like the E6 but I want more spin around the greens. I am going to try the B330RXS and will update later.

MRadix · April 7, 2012

No youre not gonna see any significant differnces any distance

storm319 · April 8, 2012

[quote name='slowswing' timestamp='1332124175' post='4533287']
The local pro recommended trying the e7, there is a bridgstone fitting here in a couple weeks I'm going to go to that and see what they say.

I like the way the ball feels, I am just wondering if I am over compressing and what the effects that would have are. What is the compression of an e6 vs 7? And what are the "recommended " swing speeds for those two balls?
[/quote]

e6 ~ low 70's
e7 ~ low 100's

I have not seen any evidence that over compression has a great impact on distance (however I am sure there is a greater energy loss during impact). Remember that swing speed is not the only factor in how the ball compresses. AoA is a big factor as well.

A bridgestone fitting will be a good place to compare the e6 and e7 as you will be able to see actual numbers. If you do not see a dramatic change in ball speed with the e7, I wouldn't worry about it.

domer · April 8, 2012

[quote name='storm319' timestamp='1333893229' post='4676456']
[quote name='slowswing' timestamp='1332124175' post='4533287']
The local pro recommended trying the e7, there is a bridgstone fitting here in a couple weeks I'm going to go to that and see what they say.

I like the way the ball feels, I am just wondering if I am over compressing and what the effects that would have are. What is the compression of an e6 vs 7? And what are the "recommended " swing speeds for those two balls?
[/quote]

e6 ~ low 70's
e7 ~ low 100's

I have not seen any evidence that over compression has a great impact on distance (however I am sure there is a greater energy loss during impact). Remember that swing speed is not the only factor in how the ball compresses. AoA is a big factor as well.

A bridgestone fitting will be a good place to compare the e6 and e7 as you will be able to see actual numbers. If you do not see a dramatic change in ball speed with the e7, I wouldn't worry about it.
[/quote]

One thing I will say about the e7 is that their claim of a lower ball flight is 100% accurate. So if you're hitting too high, ball speed might not be the only variable to check out.