FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is Seamless Cover Technology ™(SCT)?

Seams play a tremendous role in the performance of many of today's golf balls. A seam on a golf ball is a straight line or "gap" where the dimples from the top half and the dimples from the bottom half of a golf ball do not meet through the compression molding process. As a result, a golf ball struck on the seam will not produce the same result because the asymmetrical dimple pattern significantly alters the aerodynamics of the golf ball and causes a wide range of flight characteristics. If you think about the fact that the core is the engine and the dimples are the wings, then a golf ball struck on the seam is not going to get the same "lift," which translates into inconsistent distance and accuracy.

Bridgestone Golf balls do not have a seam -- they never have. That is why shot makers like Fred Couples, Shigeki Maruyama, and Nick Price rely on Bridgestone Golf balls--because they perform the exact same every time, no matter where you strike the golf ball. What Bridgestone Golf balls do have is what is called a part line. A part line is created where the tool that encases the core separates after the injection molding process. The resulting line of material is then shaved off. Since this part line is created by the tooling process used in injection molding and does not affect the dimple pattern of the golf ball, the part line has a minimal effect on the performance of a golf ball.

Recognizing that a truly seamless ball-no straight seam or part line-would be the ideal solid core golf ball, Bridgestone Golf created Seamless Cover Technology™ or SCT. SCT is a proprietary manufacturing process that eliminates the straight part line and creates a non-uniform part line around the golf ball. The result is the most consistent golf ball in terms of accuracy, distance and trajectory ever created.

If you want to know technically how SCT works, here is an explanation: instead of two halves coming together to form a solid golf ball, two pieces of a golf ball actually interlock, like gears. If you were trying to lift a person up by having them put a foot in your hand and then pushing, you would interlock your fingers because you get more stability and strength that way. To use a construction analogy, it's similar to a tongue-and-groove system for flooring. To use a golf analogy, an interlocking grip gives you more stability and more consistency than a ten-finger grip. The resulting non-uniform part line created by the two pieces interlocking eliminates the little effect a part line can have on a golf ball's performance, offering incredible consistency.

Seamless Cover Technology™	Conventional Dimple Design

What is multi-layer construction and what benefits does it provide?

Most of a solid ball's distance properties are dependent on its core/solid center portion. Spin and feel properties are a function of both the cover(s) and the core. The reason for this is because, at impact, a golf ball deforms (loses it's original shape) more off of a driver than an iron or wedge shot due to the speeds that are generated by the various clubs and the increased loft throughout the set. As a result of the large amount of deformation off of a driver, the core plays a larger role in the spin and feel of the ball. Conversely, as a result of the lesser deformation at impact with a short iron or wedge shot, the cover plays a more important role in spin and feel.

Solid (also known as multi-layer) construction, utilizes various layer thickness and material compositions to control ball deformation resulting in optimum spin and feel from driver to wedge. This type of construction allows the engineers many variations to design golf balls that meet specific types of swings.

Does Bridgestone Golf make a wound golf ball?

Bridgestone Golf does not manufacture a wound golf ball. Bridgestone Golf specializes in the production of solid construction golf balls due in large part to our belief that greater consistency in product quality and performance can be attained through the solid ball manufacturing process.

What is the difference between Surlyn®, balata, and urethane?

Surlyn® (manufactured by DuPont®) and urethane are the two main materials used in golf ball covers today. Surlyn® is a synthetic, highly resilient, durable material that is used in the majority of golf balls in the industry. This material provides for a golf ball that will stand up to the durability test that the avid golfer demands, while allowing many different options for spin & distance combinations. For example, the e6 is a Surlyn®-covered golf ball that provides reduced side spin and controllability. This versatile cover material in correlation with the core composition allows for the many variations that are found throughout the entire line of Bridgestone golf balls.

Balata is the cover material associated with wound golf balls. While once a natural material, balata has since been replaced by a synthetic material. Bridgestone Golf does not offer a balata-covered golf ball for two primary reasons. One is that it is the least durable cover material available, and the second is because Bridgestone Golf believes that solid construction provides a more consistent manufacturing process than wound construction. Many low-handicap amateurs and professionals prefer the “feel” and “spin” that a wound, balata-covered golf ball provides. Many of those players believe that a solid ball cannot provide the same feel that they receive in a wound ball.

Urethane is an extra-soft, synthetic material that provides high-spin performance and greater durability than balata. In fact, urethane is softer than both Surlyn® and balata. This unique cover material in combination with Bridgestone Golf's patented Core technology allowed us to develop the Tour B330 line of golf balls. These urethane-covered, solid core balls provide optimum spin and soft feel while providing a more consistent performance alternative to their wound balata-covered counterparts. Nick Price, Fred Couples and a host of others are currently using the Tour B330 line on tour.

How do dimple patterns affect the flight/trajectory of a golf ball?

Dimples provide the lift needed to get a ball airborne. Without them a golf ball's performance would be severely restricted. Bridgestone golf balls come in a variety of different dimple patterns. Some promote a higher flight trajectory that many golfers need (e.g.- e5), while others promote a lower, or straighter ball flight (e.g.- e6). In general though, balls with deeper dimples will tend to have a lower trajectory. Those with shallower dimples typically will generate a higher trajectory.

It is Bridgestone Golf's goal to engineer golf balls that possess piercing trajectories, longer carries, and additional roll after landing than our competitor's golf balls.

How long can a golf ball last under normal storage conditions?

Under normal storage conditions (70-80 degrees Fahrenheit) a golf ball can last forever. However, it must be understood that certain factors can affect a ball's overall performance. Golf balls can lose their performance characteristics in cases of extreme heat or cold, and their construction is such that even under normal storage conditions, there can be a loss of performance over time. Generally, a solid golf ball can experience a substantially longer shelf life than a wound golf ball without evidencing performance loss, however, both are susceptible to performance loss over extended periods of time.

How long has Bridgestone Golf been in the golf ball industry?

Bridgestone Sports Co, Ltd. (Japan) has been producing golf balls since 1935, with Bridgestone Golf, Inc. (USA) manufacturing its first golf ball on U.S. soil in 1990. For more information about the history of Bridgestone Golf (USA) brand, access our Corporate section.

What are the advantages of urethane?

Urethane is the premier cover material utilized by Bridgestone Golf on three of its four golf balls – Tour B330, Tour B330-S and e5. Urethane, when formulated correctly, can provide many different performance characteristics. One may desire more spin (Tour B330-S), or one may desire moderate spin (Tour B330) and another may require optimal spin rate for a higher flying tee shot (e5). Bridgestone Golf's urethane has been formulated to provide better durability and soft feel on all shots.

Is the tungsten weight in the sole of the driver adjustable?

The tungsten weight in the sole of the driver is not adjustable. The purpose of the weight is two-fold. Its primary purpose is to bring the driver CG lower and deeper in the club head for optimal ball flight. The weight is in a neutral position so that a player has the option to maneuver the golf ball in either direction and not be limited to one ball flight. The second purpose of the weight is to hold in place the elastomer compound insert that is pressure injected into it's housing in the sole of the driver.

What is the Ultimate Combo Set?

This new concept, called, "The Ultimate Combo Set," allows golfers to choose where they need the most forgiveness and precision in their iron make-up. For instance a player that needs more height on his 3 and 4 iron shots may opt to choose the J36 Pocket Cavity model, but still want more workability in the rest of his set, so choose the Cavity Back or Blades for the rest of the set. You can also mix in the J36 Hybrid instead of the long irons.

The mixed-set approach is one of the hottest trends on TOUR, with at last count nearly 1 in 3 players relying on a non-traditional set make-up. In fact, newly signed PGA TOUR Team member, Charles Howell III uses a mixed-set of J36 irons. Every swing has its own personality, so we want the consumer to mix and match based on their needs. Every player has different needs and therefore should play with different clubs. Your game, your choice.

Which set should I play with?

It depends on the player and their needs. The J36 B are designed for players (0 – 5 handicap) that want total control. The J36 CB are designed for players (0 – 10 handicap) needing a little more forgiveness yet wants the ability to work the ball. The J36 PC are designed for players (0 – 15 handicap) who needs forgiveness with the feel of a premium forged club. The J36 Combo are designed for players (0- 15 handicap) that is looking for forgiving long irons, stable mid-irons, and controlling short irons; the best of the J36 series. Please visit an authorized dealer to demo our products and to see which set fits you.

What is the main difference between the J33 and J36 irons?

The J36 series has added two key design elements and a new shaft. The first is the tapered sole design which gives the players more versatility in shot making. The second is the trailing edge relief which gives better performance from a variety of lies, especially out of the rough. The new J36 series will be stocked with the Tour-Proven Project X Flighted shaft.

What is the difference between forged and cast clubs? Do I have to be a low-handicap player to play with forged irons?

Forged irons, generally preferred by better players for their feel and playing characteristics, are a suitable choice for golfers of all abilities.

Forging and casting are two processes by which iron heads are manufactured. The forging process generally involves a mild carbon or stainless steel which is heated to a malleable state and then hammered into its finished form. The typical casting process consists of pouring liquefied stainless steel into a cast which, once cooled, yields the finished club head. Forged clubs are renowned for their greater feel, playability and versatility with regard to custom fitting options.

My forged irons have rust showing up on the face of the club. Is this normal?

Yes, rust can happen. Forged heads are made of mild carbon steel that is chrome plated. Once you start hitting balls you scratch the surface of the chrome, which can eventually expose the raw steel to moisture, and chemicals that can cause rust to form. The best way to minimize rust is to keep the irons dry at all times, wipe them after every shot and at the end of the round with a dry cloth. When cleaning use only nylon brushes (no metal) and dry them with a dry towel. If you get some rust forming, spray the surface with WD-40 and clean with a nylon brush pad and wipe them clean with a dry cloth. Some high nitrogen fertilizers, sandy soil conditions and water with high iron content can accelerate the production of rust. The use of iron head covers is not recommended as they trap moisture and accelerate the production of rust.

Do you offer any products in left hand?

At this time we do not have any left handed options. We are committed to providing both RH and LH products that we feel fit the market.

Can I order products directly from Bridgestone Golf?

Since we do not have a retail license we are not able to sell directly to the Consumer. For pricing and purchase information of our products you will need to contact your local Bridgestone Golf Retailer or an authorized Bridgestone Golf online retailer.

What is the warranty on Bridgestone golf clubs?

There is a 1 year warranty on new clubs purchased through an Authorized Bridgestone Golf Retailer to the original purchaser for manufacturer's defects which are not the result of misuse, abuse, accident, damage in transit or have been altered by someone other than Bridgestone Golf (i.e. loft, lie, or shaft replacement). If you require warranty service you will need to take the club and a copy of your receipt to a Bridgestone Golf retailer. They will obtain a return authorization number from us and send it in for inspection. If it is ruled under warranty, it will be repaired and sent back. If it is ruled not under warranty, you will be contacted for further instructions.

If I buy clubs on the Internet do I get a factory warranty?

If the person you purchased the items from were an Authorized Dealer you would have a factory warranty (receipt would be required). Auction sites like EBay, Golf Club Exchange, etc. are classified as a reseller environment and products purchased there may not have a factory warranty.

Where can I find Bridgestone Golf accessories, such as gloves, bags, headwear, towels and umbrellas?

For a list of the Bridgestone Golf Retailers near you, please visit our dealer locator. If at this time you still cannot find the Bridgestone Golf accessories you are looking for, please contact the retailer and have them place an order for you.

Who should I contact regarding employment opportunities with Bridgestone Golf?

All Bridgestone Golf employment opportunities and inquiries should be directed to our office headquarters. You may call our headquarters at 800.358.6319. You may also forward a resume via e-mail to rwzillgi@bridgestonegolf.com or via mail to:

Bridgestone Golf, Inc.
Attn: Human Resources
15320 Industrial Park Blvd, NE
Covington, GA 30014

Who should I contact regarding products, product information, website information, hole in one information, etc. if I am inquiring from outside of the United States?

For all inquiries outside of the United States, please refer to the International Distributor in your area. If there is a distributor in your area, please inquire all questions with them. They will be better able to handle your questions regarding your particular region.