Golf ball innovation has taken many twists and turns over the years, and while most of the time the emphasis is strictly on big picture traits, there have also been some very cool outside the box innovations as well. Bridgestone Golf has long been at the forefront of both types of product creation, but today’s introduction of the new e12 SPLASH might just take the cake.
Bridgestone E12 SPLASH Golf Balls

The E12 has become a very popular golf ball within Bridgestone’s non Tour B options. Built around a low-compression core which creates softer overall feedback, the E12 also uses the company’s unique Contact Force Dimple pattern which aids in improving both energy transfer as well as overall spin control. At its foundation, the E12 is a golf ball which offers launch, speed, and distance.
In fact, it is those traits which made it the perfect candidate for Bridgestone’s newest coating innovation, which is where the SPLASH name comes it. Yes, the initial thought of tagging a golf ball with the “splash” title might create some not-so-positive mental connotations for some, there is most definitely a rhyme and a reason.


The new RPL-X Coating on the E12 SPLASH is the first of its kind in that it is a true hydrophobic application. What does that mean? According to Bridgestone, it creates superior performance in the rain and/or muddy conditions, hence the SPLASH name.
“We’re thrilled to launch the first ball that delivers truly superior performance in wet conditions. The RPL-X Coating on the new e12 SPLASH is the result of years of dedicated development and represents another breakthrough manufacturing innovation from Bridgestone’s world-class engineering team. For golfers who play in wet or muddy conditions, the e12 SPLASH is a performance game-changer.”
Adam Rehberg, Sr. – Marketing Manager of Product for Bridgestone Golf.
As if that unique innovation wasn’t enough to strike some curiosity for the “mudders” among us out there, especially as the seasons begin to change, they are also applying MindSet to the new E12 SPLASH. By now you know the story of MindSet, and while some may love it or leave it, having it come standard on an E-Series golf ball is a savvy move by Bridgestone.
The Details
Bridgestone will be releasing the E12 Splash to retail on 10/10/25 and they will be coming in at $34.99 per dozen. As always, being the #1 Ball Fitter in Golf, Bridgestone offers an in-depth Golf Ball Selection Guide for those seeking more information on if the E12 SPLASH could be the right ball for them.





So the same hydro-resistant finish we’ve heard about on wedges will now be on the ball. How long before it’s every ball?
Awesome idea the have a ball focused on performance in wet and muddy conditions.
I also am digging the name – will be a good conversation starter when you tell your group you are playing a Splash.
“Yes, the initial thought of tagging a golf ball with the “splash” title might create some not-so-positive mental connotations for some”
Nothing like “splash” being my last swing thought before hitting my tee ball ?
I’m actually really interested to see if these are a hit or a miss
Like others, I’m not sure how I feel about the name. The idea of being hydrophobic is interesting though. Good on Bridgestone for trying something to be a bit outside the box.
Not gonna lie, I thought this was going to be a colorway/graphic addition to the E12 from the name.
E12 are a great ball, love to see more innovation going into them!
When I saw the name, I was not a fan. I dont want to hear Splash and golf.
But it makes some sense. Also, dig the packaging.
The concept of a ball being hydrophobic is awesome. Building on that in any sort of way seems like a big win for golfers.
[QUOTE=”Just_Brad, post: 13512294, member: 9473″]
Not gonna lie, I thought this was going to be a colorway/graphic addition to the E12 from the name.
E12 are a great ball, love to see more innovation going into them!
[/QUOTE]
As in a splash of color? That doesn’t seem like Bridgestone haha. Even Mindset was a bit of a stretch for them it seems but it appears to have worked well since they continue to use it.
[COLOR=rgb(44, 130, 201)]That name certinaly envokes thoughts of what I expericance on every golf hole that has water on it, but after reading the write up I am really interested in trying the ball. The course we play is ALWAYS wet in the morning (they overwater the course) so this ball could be perfect for those early rounds. [/COLOR]
[QUOTE=”Just_Brad, post: 13512294, member: 9473″]
Not gonna lie, I thought this was going to be a colorway/graphic addition to the E12 from the name.
E12 are a great ball, love to see more innovation going into them!
[/QUOTE]
That was also my thought. I already enjoy playing the splatter supersofts I thought this was going to be in that same realm.
Reading about it, I get it but from the initial wording I’m with most others that it’s not the name I would have picked.
[QUOTE=”hedley_lamarr08, post: 13512100, member: 37622″]
So the same hydro-resistant finish we’ve heard about on wedges will now be on the ball. How long before it’s every ball?
[/QUOTE]
I don’t believe they’re exactly the same. Concept, yes, actual application and design, no.
[QUOTE=”Daluteh, post: 13512348, member: 59803″]
That was also my thought. I already enjoy playing the splatter supersofts I thought this was going to be in that same realm.
Reading about it, I get it but from the initial wording I’m with most others that it’s not the name I would have picked.
[/QUOTE]
Definitely how I felt when writing the release article. I get why this name, but it feels a bit aloof to what is going on with the rest of the industry (in terms of actual splash like designs)
Love the box art, and I dig the name personally. Sounds like the coating is something that may make its way to all of the Bridgestone golf balls at some point.
Firstly big fan of the e12 line good ball for the price.
As someone who play a lot of dewey morning rounds would I give a ball with this kind of coating a try sure I am not sure but that is only because it is on a ball that I already see as a good mid-level ball.
I will be really interested to see if this coating makes its way up to the tour ball line.
I believe they offer this with their SHANK CB irons and their BRM2 CHUNK wedges.
lol
Interesting concept but how did that name make it past marketing haha
[QUOTE=”Daluteh, post: 13512348, member: 59803″]
That was also my thought. I already enjoy playing the splatter supersofts I thought this was going to be in that same realm.
Reading about it, I get it but from the initial wording I’m with most others that it’s not the name I would have picked.
[/QUOTE]
This is where my brain immediately went. Like oh cool Bridgestone is finally getting into some fun colors on their golf balls. Nope.
Reading the article the name sort of makes sense, but I do wonder what addtional benefits the golf balls get from this new coating? Is it meant to give players less mudballs, does the coating help keep the ball cleaner? Not sure I understand what they are saying it does (could be my reading retention is just down today).
So this is interesting as it relates to other balls specifically the matte finish balls. Wasn’t that a big knock on the matte balls was their performance in wet conditions compared to traditional? If this finish can alleviate that and it’s applied to matte balls I think that is a pretty big deal.
Will be interested to see how this turns out in real world testing!
[QUOTE=”TWright, post: 13512376, member: 11048″]
This is where my brain immediately went. Like oh cool Bridgestone is finally getting into some fun colors on their golf balls. Nope.
Reading the article the name sort of makes sense, but I do wonder what addtional benefits the golf balls get from this new coating? Is it meant to give players less mudballs, does the coating help keep the ball cleaner? Not sure I understand what they are saying it does (could be my reading retention is just down today).
[/QUOTE]
I’m right there with you. So it’s more resistant to things staying on it, does that mean it’s also slicker so that it doesn’t interact as well with the grooves leading to less spin?
[QUOTE=”Daluteh, post: 13512389, member: 59803″]
I’m right there with you. So it’s more resistant to things staying on it, does that mean it’s also slicker so that it doesn’t interact as well with the grooves leading to less spin?
[/QUOTE]
You can have sticky/soft and still repeal water -TUNE OUT GIANT NERD POST COMING
Hydrophobic is all about the bonding properties, hydrophobic molecules are non-polar and don’t interact with water and other water based substances because they lay the partial positive and negative charges of a polar molecule like water. You could still have a soft and tacky urethane like covering that is hydrophobic it is more about the ionic properties for the material. Most plastics as they tend to have an oil (be it plant or animal based or fossil fuel based) have some hydrophobic tendences as a result.
I don’t really love the name but it doesn’t bother me either. I do like the innovation and a big fan of Bridgestone Tour B line but haven’t really dabbled in the E12
[QUOTE=”GolfSquatch, post: 13512403, member: 85082″]
You can have sticky/soft and still repeal water -TUNE OUT GIANT NERD POST COMING
Hydrophobic is all about the bonding properties, hydrophobic molecules are non-polar and don’t interact with water and other water based substances because they lay the partial positive and negative charges of a polar molecule like water. You could still have a soft and tacky urethane like covering that is hydrophobic it is more about the ionic properties for the material. Most plastics as they tend to have an oil (be it plant or animal based or fossil fuel based) have some hydrophobic tendences as a result.
[/QUOTE]
So, individually I know what almost all of those words mean. =)
Sarcasm aside, that’s awesome to learn. Do the same hydrophobic properties exist that repel water and mud or should we work under the assumption that it’s the water that’s gathered on the dirt to form mud that is being repelled?
I love Bridgestone balls, always have. But this is throwing off the skeptic warning flags big time. What actually is this coating? Just a spray on coating at the end, like a ceramic car coating or topper? If it’s anything like that, sure it may make stuff stick to it less for a very brief time, but it would also make it slicker and definitely impact spin.
I understand THP probably has none of those details other than a press release sheet, but I would have to see more to even consider trying a dozen of them.
Also put me in the bucket of folks that was expecting to read about a color pattern on the ball, not a coating.
[QUOTE=”Daluteh, post: 13512409, member: 59803″]
So, individually I know what almost all of those words mean. =)
Sarcasm aside, that’s awesome to learn. Do the same hydrophobic properties exist that repel water and mud or should we work under the assumption that it’s the water that’s gathered on the dirt to form mud that is being repelled?
[/QUOTE]
It is probably mainly he water being repelled as water is basically the most common solvent in nature.
One weird side thing is that a lot of the green color in chlorophyll are alcohol soluble compounded which I assume this courting would since it is hydrophobic so I wonder if the white ball will pick up grass staining more then an non-coated ball
The technically has been on the Japan JGR ball in 2022:
View attachment 9382553
[QUOTE=”TWright, post: 13512376, member: 11048″]
This is where my brain immediately went. Like oh cool Bridgestone is finally getting into some fun colors on their golf balls. Nope.
Reading the article the name sort of makes sense, but I do wonder what addtional benefits the golf balls get from this new coating? Is it meant to give players less mudballs, does the coating help keep the ball cleaner? Not sure I understand what they are saying it does (could be my reading retention is just down today).
[/QUOTE]
Correct, less adverse situations due to mud balls as well as better moisture repellency to aid in ball to groove contact being cleaner.
[QUOTE=”Iceman!, post: 13512463, member: 32688″]
The technically has been on the Japan JGR ball in 2022:
[ATTACH type=”full” alt=”1759842338274.jpeg”]9382553[/ATTACH]
[/QUOTE]
Yes, the Japan and US offices often work together, and it’s not uncommon for Japan to get the release first with Bridgestone.
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 13512353, member: 1579″]
Definitely how I felt when writing the release article. I get why this name, but it feels a bit aloof to what is going on with the rest of the industry (in terms of actual splash like designs)
[/QUOTE]
Me too! I thought…wow Bridgestone finally getting into the color, pattern, print game.
I’m curious to see if this coating can be some how integrated into the tour urethane cover. I know urethane is sort of hydrophobic as it is oil based, right? Definitely helps with morning dew.
I wonder how many people who play those type of balls also play a lot in wet conditions or if this is very limited in application. I have played the e12 in cooler weather and wonder if this will improve spin
Add me to the camp of initially not loving the name, but I see the vision. Hydrophobic coating is something that makes a lot of sense for a ball.
[QUOTE=”jdtox, post: 13512340, member: 5944″]
As in a splash of color? That doesn’t seem like Bridgestone haha. Even Mindset was a bit of a stretch for them it seems but it appears to have worked well since they continue to use it.
[/QUOTE]
Yeah, I was thinking along the lines of Callaway’s splatter lineup lol.
Bridgestone has dabbled in color. E12 in Matte Red and Matte Green are in my ball collection now. Nothing wrong with color, it provides options for people.
Would love to see how these would fare on dew-covered mornings!
I couldn’t imagine every northeast golfer not asking for a box of these this Christmas. Springtime golf is rough. This is super intriguing.
Also, I opened the link expecting “splashy” color ways etc. nope they kept it classic looking with just the right amount in the logo itself. Incredibly well done looks wise.
This would have been a good ball to put in play this last spring when it seemed like we were CPO for a few months.
[QUOTE=”brians, post: 13512493, member: 44109″]
I couldn’t imagine every northeast golfer not asking for a box of these this Christmas. Springtime golf is rough. This is super intriguing.
Also, I opened the link expecting “splashy” color ways etc. nope they kept it classic looking with just the right amount in the logo itself. Incredibly well done looks wise.
[/QUOTE]
I, for one, wish they would get into the fun alignment/visual game.
But, they seem pretty resistant. So, instead we get boogers (mindset). ?
This looks like a perfect opportunity. Maybe this dips their toes into the water a bit and they can do limited edition “splash”?
At this price point they have room to experiment imo.
[QUOTE=”brians, post: 13512504, member: 44109″]
This looks like a perfect opportunity. Maybe this dips their toes into the water a bit and they can do limited edition “splash”?
At this price point they have room to experiment imo.
[/QUOTE]
They’ve been pretty adamant that they’re not going to enter into that realm. Which I do think is a bummer.
[QUOTE=”Just_Brad, post: 13512489, member: 9473″]
Yeah, I was thinking along the lines of Callaway’s splatter lineup lol.
Bridgestone has dabbled in color. E12 in Matte Red and Matte Green are in my ball collection now. Nothing wrong with color, it provides options for people.
Would love to see how these would fare on dew-covered mornings!
[/QUOTE]
Not a ball I’d typically play but I agree, I play or used to play a lot of early morning rounds where there is plenty of moisture. At the very least curious to see how it reacts when wet
Interesting release. Especially to release this first on the e12 ball vs one of the premium releases.
I love the blue color.
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 13512350, member: 1579″]
I don’t believe they’re exactly the same. Concept, yes, actual application and design, no.
[/QUOTE]
Makes me wonder “what’s next”
Being far into the splash season here, I’ll try to find a box of these go try, as there’s plenty enough moisture and actual water on the courses to warrant a try.