BallReviews
Reviews => Brunswick => Topic started by: Ballreviews on October 15, 2012, 08:58:35 AM
-
Description: Brunswick is replacing the Nexus line with the new "Aura Line" including pro-performance bowling balls. The first ball in the lineup is the AURA created with the new Optimum-Flip Solid Coverstock. This new coverstock technology stores axis rotation, rotational energy, and ball speed so it releases in the backend for an explosive angle into the pocket. The Aura has the potential to create the most angular velocity we've seen thus far. The specially new Aura Ultra Low RG Core partners with the Optimum-Flip Solid Coverstock allowing for this extreme angular velocity. Basically what all this means is this ball will transfer YOUR energy straight into the pins, which results in a higher score. You will get great length, awesome back-end, with a ball that grips the lanes beautifully. This ball is best on medium-heavy oil lane conditions.
Brunswick Aura Ball Specs:
- Core Type : Aura Ultra Low RG (14-16#)
- Coverstock: Optimum-Flip Solid Coverstock
- Color: Black and Purple Solid All colors do vary somewhat from the picture shown.
- Factory Finish: 500 Siaair Micro Pad; Rough Buff Finish, A few tiny pit holes in the cover stock of the ball are normal
- RG max: 2.521
- RG min: 2.469
- RG diff: .052
- Hook Potential: 185 (Scale 10-200)
- Length: 205 (Scale 10-220)
- Typical Break-point Shape: Angular (Scale Smooth Arc 10-Angular 120)
- Recommended Lane Condition: medium to heavy oil
-
LANE CONDITION
Length:42 Feet Kegel's Stone Street
Volume:50 units
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):THS
COMMENTS
Likes:This ball gets further down the lane than any Brunswick ball I've ever thrown. Energy retention is unbelievable. I stand about the same place on the approach and look at the same mark as my XXX, but the motion is longer and more backend hook with the Aura. Ball is drilled pin down, 45 X 4 X 65. I went pin down because I heard that the ball goes way down the lane. Glad I didn't go pin up. However, I want to get another one and go pin up to use on the burn. I can only imagine how much a pin up ball will hook on the backend. Used this ball in league a few days ago, and never had to move in. I had to move out to compensate for carry down, but never had to go back to the left after 3 games. Amazing ball motion, great job Brunswick!
Dislikes:None yet...
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
-
Ball Reviewing Aura
Layout Used Pin at 4 ½†under fingers, MB kicked 30 degrees
Ball Surface Factory Finish
Oil Pattern Reviewed On Fresh THS, Kegel Middle of the Road, WTP Los Angeles 36’
The Aura reminds me of the original Nexus f(P+F). I saw easy push through the heads without and a quick response to the dry. The reaction off of the dry was a strong change of direction without a jerky movement. On the longer patterns this ball cut through the oil very well while on the shorter pattern it rolled up without losing too much energy to make carry suffer.
I compared this against a Nexus f(P+F) as well as a C-System Maxxed Out drilled with similar layouts and factory finishes. The Aura was stronger than both balls by at least 3-4 boards. On the short pattern this ball retained its energy better than the Nexus f(P+F)and on the long it read the oil and responded to the dry just a little better. In comparison to the MaXXed Out the Aura out performed it on both the short and the long. The MaXXed out had a slightly better shape on the medium length pattern.
This ball could be used in league play due to the ease of clearing the heads or even on some medium patterns as a benchmark ball for the rev challenged players.
Another home run for Team Brunswick.
-
BALL SPECS
Layouts: 60x5x30 and 50x4x35
DRILL PATTERN
BOWLER STYLE
Rev Rate: 400
Ball Speed: 18.5
PAP/Track: 4 5/8 over 7/8 up
SURFACE PREP
Grit:
Type: (Matte, Polish, Sanded): 500 rough buff
LANE CONDITION
Length: 40
Volume: medium
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): THS
COMMENTS
Likes: This ball is by far the cleanest solid assym ball I have ever put in my hands. Its shape is something totally new for the big b. Great ball to open your angles with it always turns the corner. The continuation factor of this ball is what makes it unique over most solids that I have thrown and watch week to week. Once this ball starts to grip the lane it never stops coming. This ball is also very versatile you can get deep with it or lay off the hand and go straighter or whatever the condition is asking for. Get one of these beasts in you hand November 14th and it will soon become you go to ball when the lanes are slick.
Greg Piper
Brunswick Regional Professional
"The opinions above are solely of the writer and not of the Brunswick corporation."
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
-
LANE CONDITION
Length:42 ft.
Volume:
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):THS
COMMENTS
Likes:This ball is by far the best skid snap ball that Brunswick has made. If you like the Triple X then you will love this ball. It is longer and stronger than the Triple X. Once in a while the triple X would wiggle at the spot, not this ball!!! Mine is drilled 55X4 1/4X45 pin up. My ball speed is about 17-18 MPH with around 400 RPM's. On my second outing with this ball I shot 800, so this ball will stay in my bag for quite some time.
Dislikes:None
Thanks for reading
Joe Elam
Brunswick Regional Staffer
The options expressed are solely of the writer and not of Brunswick Corporation.
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
-
BALL SPECS
Ball 1:
Pin Length: 4
Starting Top Weight: 2.8 oz
Ball Weight: 15 lbs 4 oz
DRILL PATTERN
Ball: 80 x 5 x 35
X Hole (if there is one): No Hole
Ball 2:
Pin Length: 3.5
Starting Top Weight: 3.2 oz
Ball Weight: 15 lbs 3 oz
DRILL PATTERN
Ball: 45 x 4.5 x 80
X Hole (if there is one): Hole in P2 area just down VAL
BOWLER STYLE
Rev Rate: 375 rpms
Ball Speed:17.5 mph
PAP/Track: 4 3/4 over 3/4 up
SURFACE PREP
Grit: Ball 1: Box Ball 2: High Polish
Type: (Matte, Polish, Sanded): Ball: 1 compound finish Ball 2:polish
LANE CONDITIONS
Lengths of patterns: 41 and 46 feet house shots
Volumes: moderate to high
Type: house
BALL REACTION
Length: Clean through the heads, reads late in the midlane
Back End: Strong with lots of continuation....really hard arc
Overall Hook: A Ton!!!
Midlane Read: Late
Breakpoint Shape: Angular hard arc
COMMENTS
Likes: Ability to open the lane and overall versatility from a ball of this type
Dislikes: Needs oil or you will be throwing it from the next lane
The Brunswick line of balls has been going through a change over recent times. Each ball seems to bring a reaction to the table to fill a void in the line. This ball continues that trend in taking Brunswick ball motion to a new place. When I first heard of the Aura I was wondering how a ball that seemed so similar to the Nexxxus was being released a few months later. I was eager to test the Aura to see how it matched up. The Aura is a different shape from the Nexxxus for me all together and simply will provide options the Nexxxus will not. It is cleaner through the front than the Nexxxus by 2 or 3 boards but what really distinguishes the two is the breakpoint and versatility the Aura brings to the table. The Aura doesn't use its energy until late in the midlane and then as the Nexxxus is taking off with that skid/snap motion The Aura just keeps hooking. I find it to be less skid snappy than the Nexxxus but have more hook and angularity some how. The ball seems to defy the laws of physics with the motion you see. The Aura compared to a similarly drilled Nexxxus hooks 2 or 3 boards more. The ball simply comes back from almost everywhere on the two patterns I tested it on. If it finds some dry it will turn the corner period. There is no doubt about whether the ball will find the breakpoint. It does so predictably every time. The Aura has a breakpoint that just doesn't give up. I liked the motion the first pin up ball provided but it was simply too strong downlane for me to use most of the time so I decided to drill a second ball with the pin down to provide a smoother transition. When the first Aura is going sideways the second one provides a smoother arc to the pocket. After applying a coat of polish I can move right with it some and play a little closer to my comfort zone. It takes surface adjustments really well. Between the two Auras there is a wide enough difference in shape to carry both balls in the bag. The ball has Versamax type versatility on moderate to larger volumes of oil. The Aura is the strongest ball Brunswick has ever produced with its strongest down lane motion! If you are looking for lots of hook with plenty of down lane motion on a wide variety of conditions then check out the new Brunswick technology at your local pro shop today!
-
Aura is the newest release in the Pro Performance line. This ball provides a motion in the Pro performance line than Brunswick has ever had. Brunswick designed a new core and cover for the beast to provide a completely different motion. The Aura is designed to lessen the loss of axis rotation to increase entry angle to increase overall pin carry which results in higher scores.
I drilled 2 of these so far.
First one is drilled 50x5.5x70 no hole. First time I threw this ball it completely blew me away. It faked me out. Typically with a strong solid pin down ball I can not open up the lane. I lost half a game just bumping left little by little. Finally I just jumped left and tried that. I ended up 5 left of where I threw a 70x5x40 Nexxxus the week before. I was deeper and could throw it further right. I could throw this as far right as I wanted and the ball kept coming back and NEVER quit. Something I have never seen before out of a high end solid ball!!
Ball two is drilled 40x4.75x70 with a hole 1.5 inches down on my VAL. I wanted to test this one. I wanted to see how clean this ball really is. I typically use this type of layout on heavier patterns to shut my angle down on the fresh and go more direct. This layout allows me to go straighter to start and still able to move left and open up my angles without flat ten every shot.
I am drilling another one of these this week 55x5.5x45 to see what this ball can really do down lane. It has amazed me so far. I will post a review of this one after I get to throw it some. The Aura is truly something different than Brunswick has ever had available. Don't be the only one without this ball in your bag, because your competitor will beat you with it!! Available November 14th!!
-
LANE CONDITION
Length:40
Volume:24 ml
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): THS
COMMENTS
Likes: The Aura is a completely new piece that is every bit as good as advertised. This ball at factory surface gets easy length, but finishes amazingly strong for a solid.
The experts at Brunswick suggested strong layouts just because you can (finally) with this one, and I did with no regrets. The ball just keeps on trucking back to the pins, with strength. Carry thus far has been great.
I am using it on a second shift league, and frankly, I've been amazed that I can keep following the shot inward and opening up angles more and more without any "quit". It's truly the predictability of a solid that finishes strong like a pearl. If this is the start of a new day for Brunswick, they are certainly on the right track.
Dislikes: I cannot put it down?
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
-
LANE CONDITION
Length: 41
Volume: 19.3 ml
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): THS (Kegel Main Street)
COMMENTS
We recently had a chance to test the new Brunswick Aura. This is a strong ball with an overall strong hooking motion. The cover offers decent length while rarely blowing through the breakpoint, making it quite predictable. What we saw was a ball that fit perfectly in between the Nexxus f(P+R) and Nexxxus f(P+S).
This ball doesn't feel like the "snow tire" the Nexxus does as it gets down lane further before churning over. It has a slightly less heavy roll than the Nexxus does though. On the other hand, we found the Nexxxus f(P+S) to have massive backend and the Aura doesn't quite store enough energy for that huge move.
Basically, this ball is a nice step up from the Nexxxus f(P+S) in terms of handling more volume or fresh heavy to medium-heavy volumes, if you have lots of hand. If you have average hand, you will gain a bit more versatility from this piece by being able to use it on medium conditions as well.
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
For full written review, video, and Digitrax analysis, go to:
http://tamerbowling.com/index.php/brunswick-aura-bowling-ball-review-digitrax/
-
Aura 60/4.5"/40 no hole
OOB finish
Kegel Autobahn 42'
I don't always have great success with the asymetrical balls. My favorite layout doesn't always work on all the balls and you end up with a ball that will only work if the condition is perfect. The Aura, on the other hand has a great core/cover match up.
Excellent length for a solid and a strong continuous back end. The ball was constantly splitting the 8-9 going into the pits. A little tweak with the release and speed and the ball still read the lanes very well.
My house has higher friction so I do need a some head oil for the Aura to be effective. But getting deep and opening up the lanes is no problem for this ball. It isn't fair to compare this ball to the Nexus solid or the Nexxus solid because it has a completely different nature.
The Aura/Meanstreak combo is the best one, two punch in the industry right now!
-
LANE CONDITION
Length: 38 ft
Volume: not sure....
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):USBC pattern (2012)
COMMENTS
Likes: This ball is amazing! I am very impressed on how well this ball gets through the heads very well, and has a strong arching motion to the pocket, with tremendous hitting power! Very impressed how well this ball reads the inside part of the lanes very well!
The layout I used this ball is a 4 1/2 x 4 1/2. Pin located just above the ring finger. Weight hole located 1 inch short of PAP
Dislikes:None at all
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
-
BALL SPECS
Pin Length: 3"Pin Out
Starting Top Weight: 2.2 oz
Ball Weight: #15
DRILL PATTERN
Pin to PAP: 41/2 X PAP
CG to PAP: MB 60 Degree angle X PAP
X Hole (if there is one): No Weight Hole, VAL. 60 Degrees Pin Down
BOWLER STYLE
Rev Rate: 300 RPM
Ball Speed: 15 MPH
PAP/Track: 5 3/8 H 1/4" UP
SURFACE PREP
Grit: factory Rough Buff
Type: (Matte, Polish, Sanded):
LANE CONDITION
Length: 41 feet
Volume: 24 ml
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): House Shot, dry outside, heavier oil towards the middle.
BALL REACTION
Length: 6 out of 10. Does not show any sign of early hook.
Back End: 8 out of 10.
Overall Hook: 7 out of 10, because of the rough buff surface, not a monster hooking ball.
Midlane Read: 6 out of 10. Reads farther down lane. Goes 4-5 feet longer down lane from the Nexxxus.
Breakpoint Shape: Strong Arc.
COMMENTS
Likes: The ball is the most impressive motion I have seen from Brunswick EVER. I have tested Brunswick balls for over 10 years and have never seen such motion from Brunswick ever. The ball is very clean through the front of the lane, does not read early at all, the ball does not over boomerang off the dry either like typically reactives. The ball reads the back end of the lane only which is what Bowlers what to see. This is a must try ball for all bowlers. Out of the box the ball would be perfect for most house shots.
About the same hook as the Nexxxus but totally different motion. Much cleaner through the fronts and much stronger down lane. Pretty simple color and still leaves ten pins like any other ball, BUT, what ball motion and I NEVER moved my feet all night long when the lanes transitioned. Truly what a ball.
Dislikes: None, you must try this ball.
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
-
Bowler’s Stats:
18.5 mph
450 rpm
7 degree tilt
35-45 degree tilt
Layout:
50 by 5.5†by 30
No hole
OOB Surface
Purpose:
I really wanted the Aura to let me wheel the lane on medium to medium-heavy conditions. This is an area of my game that I routinely struggle with due to low tilt and somewhat lower rev rate and expected this ball to fill that necessity. The layout used is something similar to what I use for all of my asymmetric equipment. However, it was slightly tweaked for a little more pronounced backend move.
On the lanes:
I’ve thrown this ball on 2 conditions at my home center with Pro-Anvils: 44’ WTBA London and our medium volume 39 ft house shot. On both, the Aura turned heads and gave me a great look to the pocket that is different than anything else I’ve had on these fresh patterns.
I’ve bowled on the London pattern in a local sweeper and twice in practice. In each instance, I was well inside of others around and had more miss room than expected. Even with my tilt and rotation, I could easily start out at throwing over 4th arrow on the fresh, send it out to 10-11-12, and watch it shred racks (provided I slow my ball speed down to about 17.5-18mph). Even the heaviest handed guys were having issues playing past 3rd arrow and getting a consistent reaction. As the pattern broke down from the track wear I could keep making small moves in with my feet. Usually I could make a 2 and 1 move inside followed later by a 1-1 move in and repeat the cycle when needed. It’s an awesome feeling having a terrific ball reaction while sliding in the left gutter when others are getting nosebleeds at 4th arrow. Next time we bowl a sweeper on a long sport pattern, I expect to see several Auras on the racks. On this pattern, I had the Nexxxus requiring about a 3 board move outside with my feet while sending it to the same breakpoint. Also on London, the DV8 Marauder Madness covered the same amount of boards. However, it did so by digging in hard in the midlane for more of an arc to the pocket. On this pattern, what really impressed me about the Aura is that even though it is a skid/snap ball, I had no issues with it wanting to scoot past the breakpoint due to the longer length and heavier volume. Typically this fear would lead me to go to a ball with surface for the fresh but the Aura really shined in this environment. This ball wins some major points from me for this reason alone!
On our fresh house shot, I didn’t even think I could really use the Aura just because of how strong it is. Typically it’s easier to score on this pattern with weaker equipment and play further right. That was definitely not the case with the Aura. Normal speed throwing 4th arrow out to 7-8 destroyed the pins. The Aura finishes strong though the whole pindeck and routinely finishes off the deck behind the 8 pin.
The clean cover never checked up early and allowed me to project the ball to the breakpoint with ease and without having to worry about grabbing too soon. Now on this house shot, the Nexxxus was only about a board weaker due to having plenty of friction downlane.
On both patterns, there’s one distinct characteristic that caught my attention more than anything else. My Aura reads the midlane almost identical to how my Wicked Siege would. For me, I had more success with the Wicked Siege than any other asymmetric ball to date. Naturally, any ball that reads the hard of the pattern similar to that is golden in my book. While the midlane roll for me is very similar, the Aura absolutely unleashes on the backend whereas the Wicked was more of an arc in comparison. It was a sad day when I had to put away the Wickeds so I’m very excited to see if the Aura eclipses that type of performance for me. If so, I’m going to end up getting a case of these and stashing them away!!!
Overall:
The Aura is going to be a smash for virtually every bowler. Consistent midlane reaction with a ton of recovery is hard to beat. High speed/low rev bowlers will love the strength off the breakpoint (as I did when piping it up 2nd arrow) while lower speed/high rev players will love the push through the heads while still being able to fill the high end of the arsenal. If you are closer to the medium rev/medium speed type of bowler (or matched with high speed and high revs or low speed and lower revs) then this ball is absolutely a no-brainer. The Aura in all honesty will probably end up being the next ball of the year. Get this ball in your bag before your competition does!
Good luck and good bowling!
-
BALL SPECS
Pin Length:3
Starting Top Weight:3.5
Ball Weight:15
DRILL PATTERN
Pin to PAP:
CG to PAP:
X Hole (if there is one):
BOWLER STYLE
Rev Rate:320
Ball Speed:17
PAP/Track:
SURFACE PREP
Grit:box
Type: (Matte, Polish, Sanded):
LANE CONDITION
Length:42
Volume:ths
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):
BALL REACTION
Length:
Back End:solid
Overall Hook:
Midlane Read:very good
Breakpoint Shape:
COMMENTS
Likes:This is my new go to ball. It is just what I need to read the midlane and still has a great backend finish. It is really clean through the heads and picks up the middle lane and really dives hard on the back. the Aura really keeps the pins low when it hits and rarely leaves me a corner pin. My first game out of the box was A 275 on a pretty oily shot. I highly suggest that anyone wanting a new benchmark ball that they give this one a shot. Thanks Brunswick keep em coming
David Rogers
Brunswick advisory staff
Dislikes:none at all
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
-
BALL SPECS
Pin Length: 3"
Ball Weight: 16 lbs
DRILL PATTERN
Dual Angle: 45 X 5.5" X 70
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, rough buff
Type: (Matte, Polish, Sanded): Polished
LANE CONDITION
Length: multiple
Volume: multiple
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): THS and sport
BALL REACTION
Length: 7/10
Back End: 8/10
Overall Hook: 8/10
Midlane Read: 7/10
Breakpoint Shape: 8/10 (Angular)
COMMENTS
Likes: It has a strong arcing reaction and clears the front part of the lane
Dislikes: None
This is another great addition to the Brunswick line. This ball clears the front part of the lane, and has an arc type of reaction. I can use this ball on a THS which allows me to play deeper and still have the recovery when reaching the friction. Even with the stronger drilling angle that I used, the Aura doesn't read the lane early. This ball can handle the heavier oil conditions, and still have the recovery down lane when reaching the friction. Even with the rough buff finish, the ball doesn't jerk off the friction. If you need smoother reaction, I would suggest taking the polish off and using a 4000 Siaair pad because it has a solid coverstock. If you are looking for a stronger versatile ball, then I would suggest picking one up at your local pro shop.
-
LANE CONDITION
Length: 43'
Volume: high volume
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): THS
COMMENTS
With the layout used (105 degrees x 4" x 70 degrees), the Aura was exactly what I was looking for on the wet-dry house shots we face in Metro Detroit. Right out of the box, I saw the Aura create, for me, the length in the front as advertised, but a much smoother transition off the dry at the end of the pattern than my NeXXXus. My first league set with the Aura resulted in a 300 game on the fresh in game 1 and an 826 series!
During a league set at the same house, I ended up having to transition to my NeXXXus by game 3 as my original alignment with the Aura started to dry up in the heads. I was able to move in 4 boards off of my Aura alignment and pitch my NeXXXus to the dry area that the Aura created and see the backend motion I needed to continue carrying the corners.
With this layout and in this type of bowling environment, the Aura does not allow me to continue to move in and still see the backend motion I need to strike like the NeXXXus does, but if I had an Aura with the same layout as my NeXXXus, I’d be confident that the Aura would not have any problems creating the proper ball motion as I have to move further into the giant puddles we face in Metro Detroit. This ball lets me stay straighter up the lane longer than any other product I’ve drilled this year and I LOVE that! With this layout, the Aura is predictable, smooth, and continues through the pins effortlessly.
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
-
Ball Role - The Aura is probably the cleanest Brunswick ball I’ve ever thrown! For a solid ball this ball skids effortlessly through the heads. The Aura even gets through the mid-lanes very easily. The backend reaction of this ball is strong and controllable. I would describe the backend reaction of this ball to be a strong/continuous flip. The ball certainly has a quick reaction to the dry part of the lane.
Strength – Ball skids effortlessly through the heads. Provides a strong and continuous flipping backend reaction. A TOTALLY different ball shape! Something the Brunswick has never had!
Weakness – Feel like this ball doesn’t hook as much as I expected. At times I feel this ball gives me an over/under reaction because it gets down the lanes so easily.
I can use this ball the most when I need a ball to get through the head cleanly and need a ball to give me the most control on the backend.
The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer and not of Brunswick Corporation.
Jason Jones
Brunswick Staff
Bloomington, IL