When it comes to limited-edition golf balls, very few do it as well at Bridgestone Golf. The company’s annual Augusta-themed releases never disappoint and Bridgestone is always ready with a surprise or two along the way (the Pabst Blue Ribbon collab from two years ago was legendary).
And good on Bridgestone for not just focusing on its premium line for special runs. Today, Bridgestone is launching a limited-edition e6 SOFT ball it’s calling Treadline.
If you’re thinking “treadline” as in tire treads, you’re entirely on the right road.
Bridgestone e6 SOFT Treadline
The e6 is the longest-running (19 years and counting) and best-selling golf ball in Bridgestone’s North American catalog. What’s not to like? It’s soft and, at $23.99 per dozen, it’s inexpensive. For this limited edition, Bridgestone is adding a new alignment aid it’s calling 360 Align Tech.
That in and of itself is nice. What makes this one kind of on the cool side is that the alignment aid looks like tire tracks. Specifically, 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 tee and on the greens,” says Bridgestone Senior Golf Ball Marketing Manager Adam Rehburg. “By integrating design inspired by the Bridgestone Dueler A/T Ascent tire, we’re able to create a performance-driven alignment system with a unique connection to the broader Bridgestone brand.”
Bridgestone last updated the e6 SOFT a year and a half ago with a softer ionomer cover. It also lowered the overall compression to below 40, putting it in the same marshmallowy-soft neighborhood as the Callaway Supersoft and the Wilson DUO Soft.
Why do golfers like low compression?
Two reasons, really.
First is feel. There’s something satisfying about flushing a sub-40 compression golf ball. The squishy feel is remarkably addictive, despite the ball speed penalty you’re paying.
The other reason is the high launch/low spin combo. The e6 SOFT is a two-piece ionomer-covered ball. Because it’s so soft, it tends to stay on the club face a fraction longer. That causes it to launch higher and spin less than a firmer ball. For the chronic slicer, that’s a good thing. Lower spin could mean the difference between the right rough and the right bunker, forest or lake. Higher trajectory (thanks to the dimple pattern) and lower spin mean more carry and more roll when it lands. Hey, every yard or two helps, amiright?
The Bridgestone E6 SOFT Treadline with 360 Align Tech sells for $23.99 per dozen. It’s available now on Bridgestone’s website and at retail.
Fake
5 minutes ago
Perfect alignment aid, even though it’s completely a gimmick. It makes sense.