When it comes to performing at the highest level on the course golfers tend to overlook the importance of their golf ball and its playing characteristics. Ball composition and design can impact our spin rates, launch angles, trajectories, and ultimately our scores. Touring professionals go through extensive testing with every aspect of their equipment, including their balls. With a thorough fitting and testing process golfers have the ability to maximize the performance of their equipment. While many of us are aware of the playing characteristics of tour level balls, they may not always fit our game. Bridgestone is one of the leading manufactures in performance balls today and offer a wide and extensive line of balls to fit different players with varying trajectories.
Bridgestone has recently introduced the E7+ line to their stable of golf balls. The E7+ is designed for players that have a high to medium ball flight and need a more penetrating trajectory for increased distance all packed with the performance of a three-piece ball without the typical three piece price tag. With three piece golf balls costing upwards of $45 per dozen it is refreshing to see that it might be possible to get the distance and feel on the course without the price tag.
Normally I would not get too excited about golf ball reviews, but this one was a little different for me. So many people loved the rest of the E+ line, that I felt left out because I always thought that as good as those balls are, the ball flight was a little too high for me. As a golfer, my typical flight is very high, and when I found out that Bridgestone would be making a ball in that line that was right up my alley, I got ready for this review. After speaking with Bridgestone a couple of weeks later a packaged arrived with a few dozen of the E7+ to review.
I wanted to get more than just my opinion with this ball review so I asked a local teaching pro to assemble some golfers that all have high ball flights and we would play a round. The first day I went out on my own and played 18 holes with them. Here are some initial thoughts.
1. Very straight off tee. I noticed a lack of sidespin which I liked a lot.
2. Definitely notice a more penetrating ball flight rather than the high bombs I am use to. This was huge for me.
3. The best alignment aid in the business hands down!
The next day we had six golfers equipped with E7+ golf balls and we were all set to give these things a test. We asked each person to grade the ball in a few categories and then give an overall score. Distance, Durability, Feel, Spin, and Overall. After nine holes we had one golfer that lost his sleeve in the water so we “re-ammo’d” him up and waiting for everybody to finish. Once everybody was done they each turned in a card with their scores on it. All six golfers rated the ball “Excellent”. We sat down to get feedback from each person and here are some of the highlights.
1. Seeing the lower trajectory was something I just did not think a golf ball could do.
2. Love the alignment aid.
3. Good spin around the greens. Not at the level of a ProV1 or B330 but very adequate for what any amateur needs.
4. The perfect sound coming off the putter.
5. Did not cut these up like my ball and spun just fine.
The feelings that the golfers were displaying were more “surprised” than anything else. Most of them were playing a “tour” ball and they were not sure something like this would work. But none of them had any complaints after the round. After the round I went and worked around the chipping green with the balls for a few more minutes. Does the ball spin like a Pro V1? No, but Bridgestone makes a ball that is more geared to that in the B330 line. Does it do exactly what it advertises? Yes it does. I actually really loved these around the green more than I thought I would. The sound is great and the alignment aid is the best I have used. (same as other E+ balls) What this ball lacks in spin (which is not much) it makes up for in ball flight. I had zero trouble stopping the ball on the greens. Neither did any of the other golfers that tried them out.
Overall I think the Bridgeston E7+ golf ball is a great combination of all the elements that a golfer should look for. It provides adequate spin, good distance, great ball flight, solid durability, and is priced perfectly. You can read all about them at Bridgeston E7+. We found that at most stores for about $26.99 and think it is a solid price for this ball. The E+ golf ball line has something for just about everyone. THP definitely has it on its short list of the best ball for our readers. Give them a try when you get a chance and let us know what you think.
Till Next Time
Josh B.
