Bridgestone e5

This review is for the 2010 model of the e5. I bought it at reduced price once the 2011 version came out, but for the "value" rating I assumed the standard price of $26.99. Also, for what it's worth, I tried the e5 coming from playing the Gamer v2, so most of this comparison is against the Gamer v2.

The e5 is designed to fly higher than a typical ball. I didn't notice any ball flight difference in my short and mid irons. I did, however, notice that my ball flight on flush hits with my hybrids and driver would peak a little higher and I got the impression that their total distance was a little longer.

Being a two-piece ball, the e5 had a solid feel off the tee and with my long clubs -- not too hard, but not soft either. Definitely not the feel of a 3-piece ball. Off the putter, it felt a little hard and sounded a little clicky. The e5 is definitely not a soft ball, but it's not a rock. It's somewhere comfortably in the middle, but not as soft as the Gamer v2.

Since the e5 has a urethane cover, I was hoping for some good wedge spin. I was not disappointed. I once hit a 30 yard pitch over a short tree onto a downhill green with my 52* wedge opened up a little bit. The e5 only rolled out 8 to 10 feet. It wasn't even a great pitch (I hit a bit fat) so I was impressed that the ball held onto the green as well as it did on a downhill lie. I had a couple full PW shots that only rolled out 6 or so feet. I think that it matched the Gamer v2's greenside spin, if not slightly exceeding it, and is probably as good spin as a ball will get for under $30.

I was impressed with the e5's durability. I was afraid that the urethane cover wouldn't fair well in wedge play, but it turned out that I had nothing to fear. I played the same ball through 9 holes on a pitch-n-putt course (a bunch of full wedge and half wedge shots) and didn't get a scratch on it. I don't hit the spinniest of wedge shots, but between that and the few holes I used it for on the next full course I played, I was impressed to not see a single scratch show up. It's a little more durable than the Gamer v2.

Overall, compared to the Gamer 2, I felt like I got a little more performance for a little more money. At the same price, I'd go for the e5. At an extra $7/dozen for the e5, it's kind of a toss-up depending on how many balls I anticipate going through.

Verdict: Smile Around the Greens Again - an Excellent, Two Piece Urethane Ball for the Swing Speed Challenged. The 2011-12 Version is the Green-Shaded Box with Dimple in Dimple.

 

I played the first iteration of the e5 about 5 years ago. At that time, it flew high, short, and felt firm when compared to the 330 Series balls I played at that time. 

 

The current version of the e5 is a new ball game - literally. It is still a two piece with a urethane cover to give  you stopping power on finesse shots, and what adds to the good-good is that the ball is longer, plays better in the wind, and feels softer off all clubs. My normal ball was the 330-RXS - a soft feeling ball with tour stopping power. But as my swing speed is now below 90, I find more distance off the driver with the e5.

 

Scuffability - don't know if it was the wedge or cart path (ahem) but the first two balls I put into play were scuffed. Having played 3 more rounds with the ball, I haven't had the issue with scuffing. Until I confirm, I'll say durability is fine, although it is a urethane (i.e., softer cover) ball.

 

Greenside Spin - I used a low bounce Mizuno MP T11 (60-08) and the e5 put on the brakes immediately. I think milled grooves make a difference. I used a Miura (stamped grooves) on the same ball and it would check and roll a few feet. So if you want absolute braking power -- go milled (as most do now) grooves.

 

Feel of Irons and Putter - On the firm side of soft and acceptable. I don't have any hesitation using it on the greens.

 

The 4.5/5 rating is for the player for whom this ball is meant. If you find your SS hovering in the 80's-low 90's, needing more carry, and can't bear to part with green side spin, take a test ride on the e5 side. For that player, it's the only ball in town.