Layout:

Pin 5” from PAP, above ring finger
CG on midline, ¾” to right of grip center
No XH

Initial Surface Preparation:

Box finish

Purpose:

I’ve been looking for something that I can use to open up the back end on heavier medium conditions where the fronts are tight and I can’t really give away a lot of the pocket. Over the course of a tournament season, I see a number of “modified house shots,” where there is more volume than usual on the outside part of the lane. On conditions like this, the Siege and Wild Thing tend to over-read the midlanes, and the Wild Ride and Rattler don’t pick up the friction quickly enough.

Why this ball?

The Wild Card caught my attention because of its combination of a solid version of the ConneXion cover and the low-RG Paragon core. What I was hoping to get with the Wild Card was the same basic breakpoint shape and movement through the pin deck that I’ve seen with the Wild Thing, but with an earlier midlane read.

Observations:

I’ve thrown the Wild Card a few times at a center with five-year-old Pro Anvilane, in a second-shift league. The Wild Card gave me a decent look to the pocket, but I really had to watch the speed if I wanted to get the corners out. So I changed my alignment to use more of the dry on the outside, and this did the trick. I didn’t lose the pocket, and I got enough midlane help to where I could carry. I did have to make sure I maintained this more open alignment as the pattern broke down, for while the reaction was still serviceable through the oil, my carry was better when the ball hit more friction.

I also used the Wild Card at a center with HPL in front and older wood in back, on a fresh house condition. The Wild Card did a great job of blending out the ball reaction from front to back. The ball was clean through the front, picked up the midlane nicely, and was very strong through the pins. I also had more leeway to miss in the oil, because of the higher friction in back. As the condition broke down, I was able to make proportional moves to the left, and still get good recovery from the dry.

Conclusions:

The first time I threw the Wild Card, I was reminded of the general reaction shape of the Ultimate Inferno remake, with a few key similarities and a few noticeable differences. Like the Ultimate, the Wild Card has that prototypical midlane read for which the Zone and Inferno lines have become known. Also like the Ultimate, the Wild Card carries best when it can get all the way to the dry boards. Unlike the Ultimate, though, the Wild Card won’t over-bounce when it hits friction too early in the ball path. In addition, when the transition forces me inside, the Wild Card retains energy well enough to turn the corner and still strike, while the Ultimate tended to labor down lane for me when I had to give up the pocket.

For me, the Wild Card has been doing a good job of filling the “strong and sharp” spot in the bag. Because of its combination of power and forgiveness, I expect this ball to see quite a bit of action as the tournament season progresses.

NOTE: The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer and not of Brunswick Corporation.
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Ray Salas
Brunswick Amateur Staff
http://www.brunswickbowling.com

I have used this ball for two weeks in our PBA league on the Scorpion pattern. For two weeks I've had two of my best series! I really like how this ball goes through the pins. It reads the midlane well and has good continuation through the pocket. On a pattern where 2-10 splits are common, the Wild Card keeps me in the pocket.

I went with a 4.5" pin instead of my usual 5" becasue I didn't want to use a hole unless absolutely necessary. I'm happy with the flare separation.

I found I have the best reaction with the 4000 finish because of my slower ball speed.

Between the Siege and the Wild Card I honestly feel that Brunswick has two of the best solid balls on the market.

Thanks to Rich Huzina at Strikez Pro Shop, Let's Bowl Calgary, AB. Last years cover model on the IBPSIA magazine!
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Corey Clayton
Brunswick Amateur Staff
Turbo Grips Staff
Team Canada 2007, 2008, & 2009
The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer and not of Brunswick Corporation

Bowler Information:

Initial ball Speed: 16.5 - 17 mph
Tilt: 10 Degrees
Axis Rotation: 30 Degrees
Rev Rate: 300-340 RPMs

Coverstock - Connexion Solid
RG min - 2.469”
Differential - .045”

Drill Specs:
Pin to PAP - 5”
Degree From VAL: 70"
Vertical Pin Orientation: Down
Drill Angle - 65"

Surface:

OOB 2000 Siaair Micropad

The Wild Card is a new generation of benchmark ball from Brunswick. With this new release they have taken the Connexion coverstock in the solid form and placed it on the Paragon Core. This ball gives the bowler a midlane read with more response than Brunswick fans and bowlers in general have seen from Brunswick in the past on the backend. With the slower response layout I choose I was looking for a smoother rolling piece to read lanes with and keep me in play when the pattern is wet dry and I can't get to the pocked with other balls. This ball gave me a predictable read in the midlane with plenty of hook and pin action that is definitely better than smoother rolling balls that Brunswick has had in the past. Connexion coverstock definitely has improved continuation at the pins when compared with Powerkoil 18 or Activator coverstock. I got everything I asked for and more with the Wild Card. In spite of its large hook potential, I could see this ball being the go to ball across a variety of lane conditions as it is already become the first ball out of the bag for me in a short time. When you need a ball to conquer the lanes pull out the ace in the hole...the Wild Card.
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Chris Garrett
Upstate Pro Shop
Greenville, SC - 1-866-490-9980
Upstateproshop@charter.net

PBA Member
Brunswick Advisory Staff
Vise Regional Staff

The views expressed here are not necessarily those of the Brunswick Corporation.