Leader in Golf Ball Technology Expands Contact Science with New Cover Formulation
COVINGTON, Ga – Bridgestone Golf, the #1 Ball-Fitter in Golf, announced today the all new e12 CONTACT golf ball, featuring a FLEXATIV cover, the fourth generation of Contact Science that helps create 46% more surface contact at impact. Borrowed from Bridgestone Tire, Contact Science optimizes the moment of impact, yielding faster speeds on more powerful contact and higher spin rates on less powerful contact. Designed for players looking for a combination of maximum distance, straighter overall shots, exceptionally soft feel, and enhanced short game performance, the new e12 CONTACT golf balls are loaded with technology, highlighted by the brand new FLEXATIV Surlyn cover.
The new FLEXATIV cover is designed using impact modifiers that allow it to react to the amount of force applied at impact. When struck with a driver the cover behaves like a firmer material for faster ball speed and more distance, and also less sidespin for straighter shots and enhanced forgiveness on off-center hits. When struck with a wedge or short iron however, it behaves like a softer, slower material. The result on shorter shots, when combined with CONTACT Force dimples, is 46% more surface contact, creating significantly more spin and control around the greens.
“We learned a lot from working on the TOUR B line and were able to apply some similar design features to the new e12 CONTACT,” said Elliot Mellow, Golf Ball Marketing Manager for Bridgestone Golf. “The new ball is about as advanced as anything you can find in the straight-distance category and can provide exceptional speed, longer, straighter shots, and solid short game performance for a wide range of players.”
The CONTACT Force dimple design on the new e12 CONTACT, which carries over from the previous model, features a structure with a raised area in the center and an outer portion that slows sidespin during flight. The raised area of the dimple allows for more contact with the clubface at impact than traditional dimples, yielding a much more efficient transfer of energy and improved core activation. The result is faster ball speed and more distance with every club in the bag. Short game spin and control is also improved due to increased contact with the clubface.
“FLEXATIV represents our fourth iteration of Contact Science,” said Adam Rehberg, Senior Manager, Ball Fitting and R&D. “Our engineers have found a way to combine the structural and chemical advantages of Contact Science and put them into one golf ball, creating a model that flies longer, straighter, and spins more on short shots around the green. It’s an impressive achievement in design and manufacturing.”
The three-piece Bridgestone e12 CONTACT will be at retail in March 2023 and feature a street price of $34.99 per dozen. In addition to the classic white version, the e12 CONTACT will be available in Matte Green, Matte Red and Matte Yellow color options. For help selecting which premium
Bridgestone model is the right ball for them, consumers should try Bridgestone’s Golf Ball Selection Guide.
About Bridgestone Golf
Based in Covington, GA, Bridgestone Golf USA manufactures premium golf balls, clubs and accessories under the Bridgestone and Precept brands. The company started making golf balls in 1935 and today has more golf ball design patents than any other company. Beginning in 2006, Bridgestone revolutionized golf ball selection with its custom ball-fitting program, identifying a golfer’s ideal golf ball based on personal swing characteristics. Today, as the #1 Ball-Fitter in Golf, Bridgestone has conducted over four million fittings via a combination of live-fitting, online selection, OTTO Autonomous Ball Fitting, and its V-FIT video ball fitting. The consumer data gathered from ball-fitting continues to inspire Bridgestone’s innovative new golf ball designs, yielding industry-leading performance products for the entire range of players, from recreational golfers to the best in the world. Bridgestone Golf is proudly represented on international professional tours by icons such as Tiger Woods, Fred Couples, Matt Kuchar, Jason Day, and Lexi Thompson. Bridgestone Golf USA is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bridgestone Sports Co. Ltd., headquartered in Tokyo. More information: bridgestonegolf.com.
Media Contact:
Mike Chwasky, JDPR, mikec@jdpr.com, cell: 310.614.6249
