BallReviews
Reviews => Brunswick => Topic started by: BallReviews-scodaddy21 on August 24, 2016, 03:54:35 PM
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The Brunswick Fanatic BTU bowling ball combines the Low Differential I-Block Symmetric core with the BTU (Better Than Urethane) coverstock to offer a "urethane" ball reaction with better consistency and bigger hitting power on lane conditions with higher friction. Get the smoothness of urethane but with more!
Color: Steel All colors do vary somewhat from the picture shown.
Coverstock: BTU (Better Than Urethane)
Core: Low Differential I-Block Symmetric (14-16#)
Finish: 500, 1500 Siaair
Hook Potential: Medium 125 (scale: 10-250)
Length: Middle 100 (scale: 25-235)
Breakpoint Shape: Smooth Arc 40 (scale: 10-150)
RG: 2.601 (for 15# ball)
Differential: 0.030 (for 15# ball)
Recommended Lane Condition: Medium to Light Oil
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Urethane with pop. This balls has that early slow motion one expects from Urethane but responds just a little quicker down lane allowing it to drive thru the pins better than urethane. This is going to be a great ball for short patterns or a bail out ball where you need a good down and in motion when reactive is over/under.
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BALL SPECS
Pin Length: 3 -4
Starting Top Weight: 3oz
Ball Weight: 16
DRILL PATTERN
Pin to PAP: 5
Pin over the ring CG 3/4†right of center grip line. ( No weight hole)
BOWLER STYLE: RH - Stroker – slightly speed dominant
Rev Rate: 320-360
Ball Speed: 16-17
PAP/Track: PAP: 5 13/16†and 3/4" up
SURFACE PREP
Box Finish: 500, 1,500 Siaair Micro Pad
BALL MOTION
The steel Fanatic BTU features the Low Differential I-Block core matched with our new low friction BTU coverstock formulation to produce “urethane†ball motion with improved consistency and enhanced hitting power on high friction lane conditions.
COMMENTS
Better Than Urethane! I drilled this ball strong looking for length knowing that normal urethane ball read the midlane and then die on the back end. I was beyond surprised when I threw this ball. It got threw the heads and did not read the midlane but I could play the exact same line as my old urethane but with a much better angle and much more hitting power. I am able to move with the shot and still get recovery when I need it This ball is a must have!
Mike Sipple
Brunswick/DV8/Radical Regional/Amateur Staff
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LANE CONDITION
Length: 41ft
Volume:
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): House
COMMENTS
Likes: Very smooth of the spot and well controlled, continues through the pins, allows bowlers to start right and stay right throughout most standard 3 game sets. this ball also allows the heavy rev bowlers to move right after the lanes burn out or the heads start to burn.
Dislikes: not to many dislikes on the ball except for low rev bowlers at some of the houses with a heavier volume of oil to the outside might not get there preferred reaction until game 2
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
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LANE CONDITION
Length: 40 ft.
Volume: 25ml
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): THS
COMMENTS
Layout is pin above fingers at 4 1/2" from PAP, no extra hole
Some balls take a few sessions to grow on me, but the Fanatic BTU has been a keeper after only a few shots. What it does is give you a real option to play outside of the oil line without worry that it will dive through the nose the last few feet.
In addition, it does give me some added recovery when I miss outside versus traditional urethane. So it's like "urethane smooth" with a little extra traction. Last league session I "fluffed" a shot a couple boards right, and instantly thought "there's a washout", but the BTU came back to the pocket, AND CARRIED!
On that topic, carry has been phenomenal! I'm used to traditional urethane balls leaving the 10 pin, but so far that's definitely not the case here. I can line up to go "high flush" with confidence that the BTU will finish predictably; and we all know that high flush carries corners at very high percentage. Frankly, the pin carry of the BTU has been a big surprise.
The solid steel color evokes fond memories from more "experienced" bowlers, while the people who buy a ball because it's pretty just give it "the look". The controlled reaction and ability to play on the friction make it valuable to me. It's gonna be difficult to not have this ball in the bag for any session where there is defined friction, as it excels on that.
If you ever have a night when everything else looks great for 55 feet, then go crazy and leave you splits, this ball will save your night and enable you, at worse case, to control the pocket very well and still hit with authority. I was a little skeptical at first that this one was different, but not anymore. Brunswick is on to something with this release. Thank you Big B!
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
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LANE CONDITION
Length:41' & 35'
Volume:Medium, Short
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):
THS & Short oil sport pattern
COMMENTS
Likes: Very smooth controllable ball reaction. A urethane roll with stronger hitting power. Blends out a wet dry house pattern perfectly.
Dislikes:I don't have more then 1 yet.
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
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Drilled the Fanatic BTU 55x4.5x45 (pin over ring) and honestly had no clue what to expect out of this ball other than rave reviews from other staffers. I have above average revs and speed, but a low track so lower response balls to help me keep my angles straighter are always welcome in my bag!
My initial reaction to the BTU was that it sees the lane the way a strong ball would, but with the overall hook potential of something weaker. One of our local houses closed a couple weeks back so I am yet to see the BTU on a proper short pattern, but I have used it on 43' Dead Man's Curve, 41' Beaten Path and a heavy house shot (Stone Street).
I've been able to start with this ball right in the track on all 3 patterns and play on top of bowlers with half of my rev rate. The carry on fresh has been average, but my pocket % has been very high due to the smooth, forgiving reaction. After about an hour of bowling, my carry is at its best. My moves with the BTU are about half of what they are with my other balls and I am able to see the track sooner without worrying about seeing over reaction on wet/dry lanes. The one really interesting thing about the BTU is that the covers absorbs some oil, meaning that unlike Urethane, I am not having to constantly move right as the cover gets slick and the oil is pushed downlane.
As for the way the BTU rolls, it doesn't particularly rev up early or roll in a Zone or Diva kind of way, but the cover is clearly making contact and not hydroplaning through the fronts the way my weaker balls do. The motion I see at the breakpoint is rounded (like my Melees and LT48) but much less responsive than any of my other reactives
In terms of overall boards covered it is more like my Freakshow and LT48 but with a much earlier/even shape. Against old school Urethanes, the BTU is way stronger down the lane and at box finish still has a step more finish downlane than the Urethane Karma, while also being a little stronger in the oil.
The Fanatic BTU is a totally different ball than anything in the Brunswick line at the moment. It splits the difference between the shape of urethanes and reactives, making it a great option for staying around the track longer, while also being effective for blending out wet/dry lane patterns. Lower track bowlers like myself will love this ball, as will those with higher rev rates, but it will also be an option for straighter players who want to stay in the comfort zone as the lanes break down.
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Bowling Ball – Brunswick Fanatic BTU
Coverstock – BTU (Better Than Urethane)
Factory Finish – 500 Siaair, 1,500 Siaair
Ball Layout – 60 x 3 ¾ x 40
The Fanatic BTU is definitely “Better Than Urethane.†I am not a big fan of urethane bowling balls as I found I got too much over/under when I threw them but this ball reacts nothing like urethane. Not only does this ball allow you to start right and in the track area but it also allows you to miss right and you won’t have to worry about it diving through the nose the last few feet.
I found that the BTU gives me more back-end than the original urethane balls do. This ball is very smooth through the heads but still has enough recovery down lane to kick the 10 pin out. There is definitely more hook from this ball than a urethane ball.
When I threw the Karma urethane ball I had a hard time if I missed right for the ball to make it back to the pocket. I normally left a wash out. Well the BTU does not do this. If I miss right the ball reads the friction very well and makes it back to the pocket and either strike or leave a swisher 10 pin which, to me, is better than a washout to pick up.
I am pleasantly surprised with the way this ball reacts and this ball is a staple in my bag right now. The BTU will work great on drier lanes or short oil patterns but will also allow you to get away from the “slop†when the lanes transition to allow you to have a better opportunity of scoring.
Troy LaBrie
Brunswick Regional Staff
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The BTU is to me, the most interesting ball on the market and in my bag to start the season. After two years of research, test, development behind that ball, Brunswick has come with a ball Better Than Urethane for dryer lanes or short patterns. That ball feature the Dual Flip I-block core that was in the C(system) Versa Max wraped with a brand new low friction response coverstock.
I was very curious about the ball. I have an old black Phantom and Brunswick did a comparison video with both so. I drilled the BTU to bowl on short sports patterns. I heard that ball was stronger than advertise so I drilled it 85x4.5x65. At first, I really appreciate the predictability of the reaction and the continuation through the pins that we rarely see in weaker/urethane ball. On second week night, we bowl on the 2016 WTBA 37’ Melbourne, it’s the longer of the short pattern. I put the surface at 1000 with Siaair pads and what happens was just magic! I never had that kind of reaction on a short pattern. The BTU rolls hard and shreds the rack. It gives you that little pop in the backend that classic Urethane ball doesn’t give you. Plus you don’t have to swipe it really hard after every single shot. Seriously, anyone need a BTU in their arsenal and yes it’s Better Than Urethane.
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LANE CONDITION
Length: 40ft
Volume: Medium THS
COMMENTS
Check out our complete review and video:
http://tamerbowling.com/brunswick-fanatic-btu-bowling-ball-review/
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
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Here is the new all-purpose ball for Brunswick, the Fanatic BTU. This ball uses the same core as the Fanatic but the coverstock is different. The BTU stands for Better Than Urethane. The engineers at Brunswick worked with the new formula of coverstock and came out with a coverstock that rolls like a urethane but you don’t have the bad backend reaction of an urethane.
I drilled this ball with 70x 4 1/4x45. On the lanes this ball allows me to play right of everybody on the same pair and I still get an amazing finish without over reacting. I used it in my league and I move one board right all night and pulled a 1052 for 4 games.
What surprised me with this ball is how much right I can stand on house shot and have a great reaction. Because the coverstock is not urethane, you can follow the transition by moving left and throw it right. The ball will recover instead of going flat on the backend.
To conclude, this ball is a must for every bowler. This will roll like you never seen before.
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Layout:::: 55x4.5x45
Box Surface
Rev Rate ::: 300 - 325
Ball speed:::: 16 mph
Condition:::::40 ft. House shot
When I drilled the Fanatic BTU I know it would get me well right of where I ususally lineup.
Wel it did get me more right than I thought I would be. I was 12 boards right from my original starting point. Moving that far right I didn't know what to expect of the reaction. I was surprised when I first threw it with how much more it responds than a normal Urethane ball.
It has a more even motion down lane that any other ball I have. In terms of comparison to how many moards it moves , I would have to compare it to my Diva XOXO and my Freakshow but with less movement. I expected more ashouts with the BTU but I found after moving that far right than normal I did not experience washouts. This ball will have a spot for me for short patters for sure and when the backends were stripped the nighted before .
I highly recommend the BTU for anyone who like me struggles with short patterns. This ball is definately BETTER THAN URETHANE !
The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer.
Jim Sabatell
DV8 Regional Staff
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BALL SPECS
Pin Length: 3 inch
Ball weight: 15lb
Bowler Style: tweener
Rev Rate: medium
Ball Speed: 16-17
Grit: 2000
Type: (Matte, Polish, Sanded): sanded
Lane condition: dry
Length:short
Volume: low
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc. ) both
Length: The BTU reads the lane early but is great on short patterns / sport shots short in length. The cover and surface makes it so it reacts like a urethane in the midlane but continues and hits like a reactive.
Back End: The backend is very smooth
Overall Hook: low, but that is what it was made for. It is great to play short patterns, burnt up patterns or playing down and in when they are a little fresher.
Midlane Read:early
Breakpoint Shape: arc
Comments: I was looking for a ball that I could use on short oil patterns and be able to stay under control with my speed, thus ball does that. I can play closer to the dry if not on top of the dry and still keep my speed normal. I was looking for a ball to go below my DV8 Dude that has always been my dry / down and in ball, I found it in this ball.
I also love using this ball as my spare ball, I personally have never liked plastic and this is a perfect replacement.
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I purchased the Brunswick Fanatic BTU to combat the over/under typical of most house shots. All I can say is WOW! This ball far exceeded my expectations. The BTU brings the positive attributes of a Urethane ball without the negatives. The first time out, I shot 753 and only moved 2 boards total for the night. The BTU gives me a very consistent reaction and doesn't overreact in the dry. This ball is a must have for higher rev players. #BetterThanUrethane
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The Fanatic BTU truly is unique in the bowling world today. There is NO other ball out there that will do what this does. On short oil or a burnt pattern, you can stay right, and the ball will clear the heads. It gets enough down lane to save energy and provide carry that is as good as a resin ball. I've got mine drilled (3.5 in. pin) pin straight over the bridge with CG stacked directly below right under the bridge. The pin carry will blow any urethane out of the water. The light strikes created by most resin balls are still in play with the BTU. I would recommend this ball to anybody who is struggling on short oil or a bad transition. Again, there is NOTHING out there like it.
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You asked and they delivered (and then some)! Find out how Brunswick Bowling took your wish of performance #Urethane to the next level creating something that was #BetterThanUrethane as Lane Side Reviews takes the new #FanaticBTU to the lanes in our latest episode!
#TeamBrunswick #TeamLSR #TeamLogoInfusion #TurboGrips #bowling #burn #sportbowling #shortpattern #wetdry #fanatic
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Brunswick Fanatic BTU – Drilled 35 x 3.5 x 35 – Weight Hole in P3
When I first heard of the BTU, I was skeptical that Brunswick was able to make a low load reactive ball that emulated urethane. Not only did Brunswick accomplish this, they have really set the bar with the BTU. This ball is the ultimate get out of jail free card for me. Whether it is shot patterns or just something flat out ugly, the BTU does not over read the front part of the lane and delivers a little “kick†on the back that is indicative of reactive. The name Better Than Urethane was because it carries a traditional urethane initial reaction but hits and drives through the pocket. Usually when I throw urethane, the ball hits flat going into the pocket. The BTU has energy left in the tank and thus why it is called the BTU.
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BALL SPECS
Ball Weight: 16 lbs
DRILL PATTERN
Dual Angle Layout: 45 x 4" x 65
X Hole (if there is one): P3
BOWLER STYLE
Rev Rate: Higher, between 370 and 410 rpm, aka Cranker
Ball Speed: 16.50 mph
PAP/Track: 5 3/8" over and 7/8" up with a high track
SURFACE PREP
Grit: Box - 500 Siaair, 1500 Siaair
Type: (Matte, Polish, Sanded): Sanded
LANE CONDITION
Length: Multiple
Volume: Multiple
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): Multiple
BALL REACTION
Length: 7 / 10
Back End: 6 / 10
Overall Hook: 6 / 10
Midlane Read: 6 / 10
Breakpoint Shape: Urethane like with continuation
COMMENTS
Likes: Great ball for shorter or lighter oil patterns
Dislikes: None
The Fanatic BTU has a lower differential I-Block core with a Urethane coverstock that actually absorbs a little oil and has a urethane like smooth reaction. The Fanatic BTU will not create the traditional carry down effect of most urethane coverstock bowling balls making you move right after every shot. This ball allows me to play straighter angles and farther right even with my higher rev rate. As I keep moving left on the lane, it doesn't lose reaction downlane and will keep driving through the pocket. It is great for shorter oil patterns or on a house shot to stay right of everyone and not create the carry down at the breakpoint. I really like how it doesn't read the lane early even with a first angle of 45 degrees. Also, it is great to go to when a reactive resin ball is hooking early. This ball was named correctly as BTU because it is Better Than Urethane!
Here is a video of me throwing the Fanatic BTU:
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I am amazed with the BTU. Looks like a urethane but doesn't hook and act like urethane. Throwing this ball the first couple of times and having to move my feet right (I'm left handed) and leaving some unbelievable smash 8-pins, this ball hits like a truck. Another wonderful smooth ball by Brunswick. The Fanatic BTU is very smooth down the lane and has surprisingly strong power and drive through the pins, not like typical urethane. Similar to urethane through the front part of the lane but a WOW factor on the back end. It has versatility in playing multiple shot angles. I can throw straight up 10 with speed and it still reacts with power on the back to drive through the pocket. I can move right and play more of the lane and the BTU stores enough energy to drive right back through the pins, great recovery and not characteristic of ordinary urethane, guess that's where the BTU comes from. I am a fan and so are my "looking over my shoulder" friends as well.
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Original purpose of drilling this ball was strictly for short patterns and spares. however, after drilling, I quickly realized this ball is MORE than a normal urethane piece. The way the Fanatic BTU rolls in comparison to other urethanes is truly amazing. When first testing this ball, I was expecting this piece to roll and stand up like traditional urethane balls. When I expected this piece to start its roll, it continued to retain its energy. The BTU glides through the spot where I expected it to hook, and retain energy for another 3-4ft down lane before it started a gently arcing motion into the pocket. Once the ball reached the pocket, it definitely didn't hit like a traditional urethane ball. This ball hits like a reactive resin ball, and sounds like it too. No dull sound when going through the pins like I had in the past.
For anyone who is fighting shorter house shot patterns, or patterns with a lot of over/under conditions where you need to control the break point, this is definitely the ball of choice.
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LANE CONDITION
Length:
Volume:
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):
COMMENTS
Likes: With the BTU I get a very smooth controllable ball reaction. A urethane roll with a stronger backend, It blends out a wet dry house pattern perfectly. My layout 60 x 4 1/2 x 35 with a P3. What surprises me with this ball is how much right I can stand on house shot and have a great reaction. Currently on our house shot every ball I have except this one is over/under and makes bowling frustrating, however I just pull out the BTU and blend everything out and am no longer fighting the condition anymore. I'm finding that I can just follow the transition by moving left and throwing it right, and not have the ball over react on the backend. This ball is like a get out of jail free card a must have for every bowler
Dislikes: None
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
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Brunswick Fanatic BTU Review
James Goulding
Brunswick Staff
Speed: 17.0 – 17.5
Rev rate: 350
PAP: 4 5/8†x 0â€
Drill Pattern: 60 x 4†x 30 (no x-hole)
Typical House Shot:
I drilled the Fanatic BTU to be in my tournament bag but have found that as the lanes transition on two different house shots that I bowl on, it performs quite well there too. I tried it at a few surfaces: box finish, which I found to be a little too early of a roll for my liking, though I may go back to that on a shorter and heavier sport pattern, 4000 polished, which was WAY too sensitive to any sort of wet/dry on the lane, and then I took it to a 3000 sanded finish and that is where it really shined on the house shot. I bowled a 36 frame clean set with it last week, going games of 217, 228, 236 for a nice 681 series. I only had to move 3-4 boards all night, playing a more direct line to the pocket, but the pin carry and hit in the pocket was incredible. If you are looking for a ball that hits like resin, but has that nice heavy roll of a urethane ball, the Brunswick Fanatic BTU is for you!
PBA Wolf:
I was excited to see how the Fanatic BTU would perform here, and I was NOT disappointed. I took the cover down to 2000 sanded for my best reaction, playing 7-8 at the arrows, going to 3-4 at my break point. The line held up very well over five games, my low game was only 192, and my average for the day was 210. I was very consistent all day and the ball kept me “in play†which is what I want out of ANY tournament ball in my bag. Leave makeable spares and stay clean, getting strikes when you can, and this ball keeps me around the pocket better than any ball in my bag on tough tournament conditions. This ball is a real winner from the R & D department at Brunswick bowling. DO NOT hesitate to get this ball, just put your favorite layout on it and enjoy!
WTBA Paris:
I tried the Fanatic BTU on the longer, 47 ft. Paris oil pattern, and found that the reaction wasn’t too bad at all. I had to take the cover down to 1000 sanded to get it to pick up the mid lane better, but once I did that, it rolled great through the pins. I had games of 189 and 193 before the surface change, and games of 211, 235, 221, 238 after the surface change. Anytime I can shoot games like that on a tough sport pattern I will take it! Once again, the hitting power of this ball is incredible, and do not be fooled by how smooth it is, it retains more than enough on the back end to carry the corner pins you may leave with other “urethane type†of balls. They don’t call it “better than urethane†for nothing, it’s legit.
In closing, I am really impressed with the Brunswick Fanatic BTU. I have never been a huge fan of the traditional urethane ball roll, but since this was “better than urethane†I decided to give it a try. I am SO glad I did! This ball does not leave my bag, especially for tournaments. If you have an oil pattern that is blotchy, or you just can’t match up with some of your regular stuff, just tighten up the line a little bit, pull out the Brunswick Fanatic BTU, and waste your competition. You will not be disappointed in this ball, make sure you get to your local pro shop and pick one up today, you’ll be glad you did! Thank you for reading my review, and thank you for considering Brunswick for your next purchase. Good luck and good bowling everyone!
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BALL SPECS
Ball Weight: 15 lbs
DRILL PATTERN
Dual Angle: 30 x 4 3/4 x 70
X Hole (if there is one): Yes
BOWLER STYLE
Rev Rate: Medium , between 250-275 rpm
Ball Speed: 17-18 mph
PAP/Track: 5 1/2" over and 1/2" down
SURFACE PREP
Grit: Box Finish
Type: (Matte, Polish, Sanded): Sanded
COMMENTS
Brunswick Fanatic BTU is way BETTER THAN URETHANE. This ball is absolutely a must in everyone bag if you are looking for a ball that is clean through the fronts and read a little in the midlane and have a slow urethane reaction to the pocket. I laid mine out to blend more of the midlane and rolls into the pocket on more wet/dry conditions. The Fanatic BTU, get it or you will struggle on these dry house shot conditions.
Charles Withers II
Brunswick Advisory Staff
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Bowler Specs:
left handed
PAP 5 over 3/4 up
rev rate 425-450 rpm
ball speed 17-18mph
Ball specs:
Pin 3-4
top 2-3
drill pattern 45x4 1/2x65 dual angle
The Fanatic BTU is a ball that really only sees the lanes on tournament conditions that aren't a house shot. The BTU loves the shorter patterns where there is a lot of friction. The BTU truly is better than old school urethane, It gives you the consistency and reaction of urethane with the hitting power of a reactive bowling ball.
If the Fanatic BTU is used on the proper conditions, there wont be any dislikes about this ball.... On shorter sport shots or high friction patterns this ball will keep you in the pocket and strike a lot. it will struggle on the longer heavier patterns but it wasn't mean for those patterns.
If you're trying to find a ball for your arsenal that will excel on the higher friction stuff do not Hesitate to put a Brunswick Fanatic BTU in your Bag
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Right Handed
Ball Speed 17-18
Rev Rate 450
PAP 4 3/4 right 1 5/8 up
Ball Specs
2-3 pin
Top Weight
2 3/4 ozs
Lay out I kept simple pin above bridge cg 1/2 inch right of the center of span. Pin is about 4 1/2 from my pap. Very impressed with this ball. It is super clean through the fronts with a similar ball motion to a urethane ball but it has a way better entry angle. For it being such a smooth rolling bowling I was fascinated with how much hitting power this ball has. I use this ball when the lanes get dirty or when I need that smoother ball motion on shorter patterns when other balls get to angular. I don't use plastic for spares so this ball is a multi purpose for me as I use it for spares and have a smoother rolling ball in my bag everywhere.
This is a must have ball in every bowlers bag! Buy with confidence Ball does exactly as it is described.
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The Fanatic BTU is one of the most unique balls Brunswick has ever launched. It creates a shape that is similar to Urethane but it is a lot more continuous through the pins. This ball is very good when you want to stay to the right and keep your target in front of you. It gives you a classic Urethane shape but transfers a lot more energy through the pins than the old Urethanes did. I use this ball when I’m on a wet dry condition as it blends out the lane very well due to its unique cover. If you looking for that classic Urethane shape with better pin carry you need to have one of these in your bag.
Greg
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Honest review here
Nothing special
Not like Urethane
Good Dry Lane Ball
Overpriced dry lane ball compares similar to Freezes, Breezes, etc.
Disappointed
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The BTU has been a polarizing ball for many people as it is not, nor does it react like traditional urethane and when drilled pin up has the potential to cover some backend boards. My first BTU was drilled pin up and although I had no problem finding the pocket with it, my carry was often suspect. I recently decided to drill my second Fanatic BTU 50x4x75 (pin below ring) and kept it at box surface.
I've had lot of success in the past with stronger pin down layouts on lower diff cores and since dropping to 15# don't have anything weak + low response other than my old Karma Urethane which fails to shape left of 7 board. The pin down Fanatic BTU has been an absolute godsend when playing up the boards and has surprisingly carried well. I've used it on 40' Bourbon Street playing up the track on fresh. In that particular house the backends were snappy inside, so the BTU let me ride up the 8-9 board and on off hits would send the 5 into the 4-7 just like the seniors who were scoring. My absolute best look with the pin down BTU has been on 36' Pegasus which is a short pattern in our Challenge league. I started up 5 for 289 last week and continued to step left until I was crossing just inside 2 arrow swinging to the ditch. What has impressed me the most about this ball was bowling a 20 game baker tournament this past weekend on a THS. By the end of the tournament the right side was toast, yet there was a cliff at 5 arrow. All of my pin ups and pearls would either instahook right or skid when missed left. I ended up playing 5th arrow to a breakpoint of 12 tilting my hand with the BTU resulting in a very high pocket % (as expected) but with surprisingly good carry. Urethane would not make the corner, yet all of my other reactives were either too much hook or too flippy.
The BTU is closest in reaction to the Blue Ringer or original Blue Karma but with a more predictable response to wet/dry. If you own a BTU and can't figure it out, try redrilling it pin down and keep your speed up near the friction. I highly recommend this ball with a pin down layout for drier house patterns or for anything short.
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LANE CONDITION
Length: 41 feet
Volume: 27ml
Pattern: "THS"
Likes: The ball has a predictable roll; even in a violent hook at the pin rack.
Dislikes: As an over revving speed challenged senior bowler I find that the 13# BTU (with .040 Rg Diff) that I have drilled pin up 5" from PAP, is way too strong on the back end of the lanes.
My mistake - I way under estimated the ball's hooking power. I have tried changing the cover surface but at very dull it is rolling out at the headpin; having rolled over the 25 board to the 5 board and back to the pocket. At 4000 grit polished it out hooks by my 13# Brunswick Python Pearl (same core). About the same amount of hook as my Fuze Eliminator which the BTU has joined on the shelf in the closet:(
Even lofting the ball as far as I can makes this a marginally useful ball.
I don't think I want to buy a second one to drill pin down and I am not fond of the idea of plugging and re-drilling all the holes in the ball.
Better ball for faster ball speed.