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Bridgestone E12 High Launch Golf Ball Review: Designed for Maximum Carry and Distance

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What’s new? How much does it cost? And how does it perform? Jack Backhouse brings you the low down on the Bridgestone E12 High Launch golf ball.

Bridgestone E16 High Launch Golf Balls | Source: NCG

Bridgestone’s latest addition to its ball-fitting revolution comes in the form of the e12 High Launch. It is purpose-built for golfers chasing higher trajectory and more carry.

Bridgestone claims 85% of amateur players are using the wrong ball and with the e12 line, they’ve tailored three distinct models to match different flight tendencies. For those in need of extra height and distance, the High Launch might just be a game-changer.

So, let’s see how it performed? Read our full Bridgestone E12 high launch golf ball review to find out…

National Club Golfer and National Club Golfer magazine
NCG SUMMARY

The Bridgestone e12 High Launch delivers exactly what its name promises, a towering ball flight and more carry. It may not be tour-level in feel, but its performance in key areas like iron spin and height off the deck makes it a fantastic choice for the average golfer. If you’re fighting to get the ball airborne or need more stopping power on approach shots, this ball deserves a place in your bag.

PROS

  • Excellent spin numbers for a two-piece ball, particularly with wedges
  • Forgiving and suited to the majority of amateur swing speeds
  • Strong value offering for high-handicap or mid-handicap players
  • High launch and added carry

CONS

  • Slightly limited feedback off the putter face

Bridgestone E12 High Launch Golf Ball Review: First Impressions

One nice touch is the inclusion of Bridgestone’s Mindset logo, designed to assist with pre-shot routine focus and consistency.

NCG Verdict

The Bridgestone e12 High Launch is part of a trio that includes the e12 Speed, which promotes a lower ball flight, and the e12 Straight, which has a reduced side spin rate. This version stands out thanks to a super low compression core, which enhances launch and carry for players with slower swing speeds.

Bridgestone E12 High Launch Golf Ball Review

Notably, it doesn’t feature a urethane cover, opting instead for a surlyn construction. This does restrict the short game performance and feel around the greens. However, the emphasis is clearly on distance and forgiveness, making it ideal for the everyday golfer looking to add yardage.

However, despite lacking a urethane cover, I found the High Launch ball performed surprisingly well in the short game department. Off a 58-degree wedge, I was able to record around 6,300 rpm. This is strong for a two-piece design and noticeably better than the other e12 siblings that I have tested.

Bridgestone E12 High Launch Golf Ball Review

Using a 7-iron, I saw ball speeds of 115 mph, carry distance around 160 yards, and spin rates up to 5,800 rpm. These numbers were reflective of a high, soft-landing flight that would help players to hold greens with confidence.

Although, when it came to off the tee performance, this is where the ball’s softer compression showed its limitations. I experienced some struggle off the tee, especially considering I have a faster swing speed. 

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My ball speed was around 154 mph, with a spin rate of 2,300 rpm, and carry of 267 yards for a total of 286 yards. I struggled to get any sort of carry distance with the driver in hand which was disappointing. Although, the peak height reached 110 feet, which reinforced its high-launch credentials.

Final Verdict

Overall, the Bridgestone e12 High Launch isn’t built for the low-handicapper with high clubhead speed. But for the vast majority of amateur golfers I think this is a compelling option.

While I do believe it lacks some finesse around the greens, it compensates with impressive launch characteristics, added carry yardage, and surprisingly solid spin performance with both irons and wedges. If you’re looking to hit it higher without sacrificing too much control, this ball is definitely worth a test run.

Bridgestone E12 High Launch Golf Ball Review: The Details

Available: Now

RRP: £29.99 / $34.99

More information: Amazon UK / Amazon US

Have you used a Bridgestone before? Let us know on X!

About the author

Callaway Epic Max driver review
Jack Backhouse

A member of the PGA for 13 years, Jack has lived golf for more than half his life. Inspired by Tiger Wood’s winning putt at the 2008 US Open, an obsession began with watching slow motion golf swings on the internet and reading What’s In The Bag articles in magazines.

Not destined for a life behind the desk in a pro shop, Jack has focussed more on coaching, working closely with regional teams in North Yorkshire and helping golfers of all levels on their journey to enjoying playing the game more. Jack has coached many junior golfers into the county teams, and once worked with a player at the 2018 Open Championship at Carnoustie.

After letting his game fall apart prior to COVID, Jack rediscovered his love for playing golf after joining Silloth Golf Club in 2020 and whipping round the windy, firm links course. Playing regularly with a half set of clubs he has a passion for shot making and developing skill, and claims to have the sharpest 30-100 yard game in the North of England (only because he doesn’t know anyone in the South), and now maintains a +1 handicap at a club much closer to home, Sand Moor GC.

Jack has always tinkered with his equipment, once building his own Frankenstein one length set of clubs after watching Bryson DeChambeau burst onto the scene after winning the US Amateur. He firmly believes in getting custom fit and is happy to debate anyone about blade irons being superior to any other iron category.

Jack loves: playing quickly, 2 ball golf, match play, heathland courses, pencil bags, foursomes, Tiger Wood’s swing 2005-2009.

Jack hates: buggies, unnecessary trees, giving shots, the 7 iron loft debate, graphite shaft lovers weird superiority complex.

What’s In Jack’s Bag:

Titleist TSR2 Driver

Titleist TSR2 Fairway wood

TaylorMade P7MB 3-P

Titleist SM10 wedges

TaylorMade TP Reserve Blade putter

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Bridgestone E12 High Launch Golf Ball Review: Designed for Maximum Carry and Distance | National Club Golfer