When it comes to limited edition golf balls, few do it as well as Bridgestone Golf. The company’s annual Augusta-themed releases never disappoint, and Bridgestone is always ready with a surprise or two along the way ( Pabst Blue Ribbon Collaboration from two years ago it was legendary).
And good on Bridgestone for not focusing solely on its premium line for special runs. Today, Bridgestone is launching a limited edition e6 SOFT ball that’s calling Treadline.
If you’re thinking of the “tread line” as in tire treads, you’re absolutely on the right track.
Bridgestone e6 SOFT Treadline
The E6 is the longest-running (19+ years) and best-selling golf ball in Bridgestone’s North American catalog. What don’t you like? It’s soft and, at $23.99 a dozen, it’s cheap. For this limited edition, Bridgestone is adding a new aid to the alignment it requires 360 Align Tech.
That in itself is beautiful. What makes this kind of nicer is that the alignment aid looks like tire tracks. Specifically, the tracks made by Bridgestone’s Dueler A/T Ascent tires.
“Our research shows golfers are increasingly looking for more advanced visual alignment technology both on the tip and on the green,” says Bridgestone senior golf ball marketing manager Adam Rehburg. “By integrating the design inspired by the Bridgestone Dueler A/T Ascent tire, we are able to create a performance-driven alignment system with a unique connection to the broader Bridgestone brand.”
Bridgestone recently updated e6 SOFT a year and a half ago with a softer ionomer cover. It also dropped overall compression below 40, putting it in the same mild neighborhood as the Callaway Supersoft and Wilson DUO Soft.
Why do golfers like low compression?
Two reasons, really.
The first is the feeling. There is something satisfying about rinsing a golf ball with under 40 compression. The crisp feel is extremely addictive, regardless of the ball speed penalty you’re paying.
The other reason is the high release / low spin combination. E6 SOFT is a two-part ball covered with ionomer. Because it is so soft, it tends to stay on the club for a longer period of time. This causes it to launch higher and spin less than a harder ball. For the chronic cutter, this is a good thing. Lower spin can mean the difference between a fair and a fair bunker, wood or lake. The higher trajectory (thanks to the dimple pattern) and lower spin means more carry and more spin when landing. Hey, every yard or two helps, good?
Bridgestone E6 SOFT Treadline with 360 Align Tech retails for $23.99 per dozen. It is now available Bridgestone website and retail.
