Expert Review: Bridgestone 2021 e12 Contact White Golf Balls · One Dozen


All photos courtesy of Jorge Arteta
About this review This review is my honest opinion of this golf ball, which I bought with my own money in October of 2021.
My Take
The Bridgestone e12 Contact golf ball is my favorite in the Bridgestone E series, a mid-price range with some really good options. Somewhere between distance balls and tour-level balls is where the e12 golf ball would be found. It’s advertised as a straight ball with increased speed for distance. I think the short game is where the ball really shines. For the money, I think it offers real value with 3-piece construction, low spin characteristics, and the new contact Force dimple that is soft without too much of a marshmallow feel. It’s available in multiple colors including white, green, red, and yellow.
About the golf ball I own
- Model: Bridgestone 2021 e12 Contact White Golf Balls
- Color: White
About me
- Average Score: 78
- Handicap: 6
- Experience: 19 years
- Right/Left-Handed: Right-handed
- Typical Shot Shape: Straight to Fade
- Typical Trajectory: Medium to high
Test conditions
- When I bought this golf ball: October 2021
- Days tested: Over 10 Rounds
- Where I’ve used it: Orlando, FL area golf courses
- Weather Conditions: Sunny, windy, and damp
- Green Conditions: Bermuda, wet and dry, mostly medium-to-fast speed greens
What I love about it
It is a soft ball that isn’t too soft. It checks up well, and I have a lot of confidence in this ball around the green. Not having to pay $50 for a premium ball, I enjoy the way this ball seems to just stop on the greens.
Price
The price is in the mid-range of this category. I think that it offers good value and won’t ruin the budget. It feels closer to a premium ball than not, and being a three-piece ball is even more of a benefit.
It offers low spin and it seems to stay stable even in windy conditions. I did use this with a Trackman and found lower spin numbers, which is a welcome benefit to most players.
The tagline from Bridgestone is “straight distance you can see”, and I believe it. While it may not be the longest ball out there, I feel good about hitting it straight and the distances are consistent. It’s not just about hitting a ball a mile, it’s also about the accuracy for my game.
In my opinion, in terms of feel, this ball is soft without being too soft. I really like the way it felt off the putter and irons, which felt just right for my game.
Cons
Durability If I had to pick an aspect of the ball that could use improvement, I would say the durability. It did scuff during some shots from the bunker which is tough for any ball, but again, if I feeling picky, I would ask for a bit more durability.
What I was looking for
As a golf professional many students ask my thoughts on what ball to use. For a mid to higher handicapper, I was looking for a ball in the mid price range that showed some characteristics of a better ball without the price. This is what I found in my research.
Why I chose this golf ball
I like the way the ball feels coming off the irons, the driver, and the putter. It’s not very hard and yet not very soft. It gives just enough of a marshmallow feel without being too soft. I like the sound and the way it looks in the air. I looked down at address and felt very confident in my next shot.
Best Shot with this golf ball
Coming off a downhill lie in the bunker, I was looking at a pretty low percentage shot in the back of the sand bunker. About 15 yards away was the flag, which I just kept saying to myself, let’s just get it out. I like this ball, so my confidence level was high and I just said, “there’s plenty of green to run it, let’s get it up and high”. Well, after a couple of practice swings, it landed within 2 feet of the hole and I just laughed. The golf gods were on my side and I just said, “thank you to up above” and got the putt in for the par. Sometimes you get lucky, or you’re good, but either way, I say thank you and move on with a smile.
Value for the money vs. other options
The Bridgestone e12 Contact is a well-positioned golf ball at about $30 a dozen. Cheaper than the Callaway ERC, and similar to the Srizon Q-Star and TaylorMade Tour Response, the Bridgestone holds its own. I like the multiple colors that are available and that these balls won’t ruin the budget. As mentioned before, I just like the way this ball feels when I play for a budget ball it works well.
Final Verdict
The Bridgestone e12 Contact golf ball is for the mid to high handicapper looking for some characteristics of a premium ball for a lot less money. It is a three-piece ball with some new dimple technology that helps the ball stay straighter in flight. My normal tournament playing ball is the Titleist ProV1, and I’m not saying that the Bridgestone e12 is in the same ballpark, but it does have some similar feelings. Give it a try and have fun playing while saving a little bit of money. Enjoy the round!
Bridgestone 2021 E12 Contact Golf Balls
- We price match
- Returnable