Srixon Soft Feel Vs. Bridgestone E12 Soft Golf Balls Comparison Overview
In many cases, there is very little difference between a premium-grade ball and a distance-grade ball. In fact, there is a lot of overlap between these two categories in terms of features and construction.
The fact is that some manufacturers barely cross the threshold into the premium category.
However, there are also instances where the difference between a premium ball and a distance ball couldn’t be greater.
Where do the Srixon Soft Feel and the Bridgestone E12 Soft balls land on the scale? Find out in the following article.
Srixon Soft Feel Golf Balls Overview
The Srixon Soft Feel balls are classified as distance balls. They sport a 2-piece design with an ionomer cover layer.
The first thing we noticed about the Srixon Soft Feel balls was that they were actually firmer compared to the Bridgestone E12 Soft balls.
This may ward off some high handicappers and slower swing speed players but we personally liked the extra firmness.
Off the club face, they feel more on the soft side but there is some substance to provide feedback as well. In terms of distance, these two balls were almost identical: the same testers were getting 268 yards with the Srixon Soft Feel balls and 270 from the Bridgestone balls.
The Srixon Soft Feel balls do a good job of keeping spin rates low across the board and performed well from the rough thanks to their naturally high flight.
Bridgestone E12 Soft Golf Balls Overview
The Bridgestone E12 Soft balls are premium balls but they have a 3-layer design and a trionomer cover material.
We’ve already covered distance with these balls and you already know that these have a softer feel off the club face.
The most important thing about these balls though is that short-game spin is enhanced by the 3-layer design.
We were getting noticeably higher side spin on our short and long irons with the Bridgestone balls. This made working the ball on approaches a lot easier.
While the flight is a little lower with these balls, the distance from the deck is comparable to the Srixon Soft Feel balls.
In this case, there is a difference between premium and distance balls. The Bridgestone E12 Soft balls provided more all-around performance than the Srixon Soft Feel balls.
They are a bit harder to work in the rough, but we can overlook that in light of the attuned short-game accuracy.
Srixon Soft Feel Quick Facts
Compression: 60
Cover Material: Ionomer
How Many Pieces: 2
Core Material: Gradational core
Dimple Type: 338 Speed Dimple Pattern
Spin Level: Low long-game spin
Best Suited for: High handicappers looking for more distance off the tee
Bridgestone E12 Soft Quick Facts
Compression: 50
Cover Material: Surlyn
How Many Pieces: Three-Piece
Spin : Mid-Level
Core Material: Polymer
Dimple Type: Delta Wing
Performance Off the Tee
The Srixon Soft Feel balls performed very well off the tee, yielding our testers an average drive length of about 250 yards.
Performance from the Rough
This is where we were pleasantly surprised with the Srixon Soft Feel balls.
They have an impressive launch angle even if you aren’t really that great at being angle to work the ball.
This helps not only in the rough; but when you need to maximize carry distance and get over hazards and trees.
Performance from the Fairway
Again, the easy launch of these balls will be a great asset with your mid-irons off the deck.
Don’t expect a lot of spin from your shorter irons though.
Performance Off the Tee
These Bridgestone balls were actually better for players with swing speeds under 90MPH than they were for faster swing speed players from the tee.
While they did reduce side spin, some energy was lost on fast swings.
Performance from the Rough
We really liked how seemingly easy it was to scoop the ball up and out of the rough thanks to the dimple pattern and Surlyn cover material.
Performance from the Fairway
From the fairway, the Bridgestone E12 Soft balls provided the springiness you would expect from a ball with a plunging compression rating of just 50.
Srixon Soft Feel Selling Points
- Substantial feel
- Still pretty soft
- Great for high handicappers
- Good launch angles
- Very affordable
- Good ball speed
Srixon Soft Feel Cons
- Low short game spin
- Not great for faster swing speed players
- Not very durable
- Lacking help with roll
Bridgestone E12 Soft Selling Points
- Very durable
- Good bounce
- 3-piece cover
- Good in the rough
- Good for slow swing speeds
- Good short game control
Bridgestone E12 Soft Cons
- Not great for fast swing speeds
- Loses some energy off the tee
- Seemingly thick cover material
- Smaller core
Who are the Srixon Soft Feel Balls for?
These balls will work great for any high handicapper who wants to balance out the softness of their balls but still prioritize driver distance.
We really liked the fact that the Srixon Soft Feel balls were soft without feeling insubstantial. There is some concern about their durability; but that’s to be expected from a distance ball at this price point.
How are they with Short Irons?
While they are certainly lacking side spin and overall short-game control, the high launch will definitely be an advantage with your short irons and your wedges.
It’s easy to pop ‘em high and hang on to fast greens.
On the Green
You kind of have to strike them harder than you normally would with other balls to get the roll you need on longer putts.
Overall Rating: 93/100
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Who Are The Bridgestone E12 Soft Balls For?
The Bridgestone E12 Soft balls would definitely suit slower swing speed players more.
We’re talking about players who are hovering in the 9-15 handicap range. Players in this range will love the distance and added help they get from the tee with these balls.
How Are They With Short Irons?
The Bridgestone E12 Soft balls work surprisingly well with short irons.
You get great response chipping the ball in with a wedge and the feedback you get with 8 and 9 irons is excellent.
On The Green
Once you’re actually on the green you might have a little trouble controlling roll with these balls.
They are a bit unwieldy on long eagles and have a robust spin rate even when you think you’re feathering it.
Overall Rating: 92/100
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