BallReviews
Reviews => Brunswick => Topic started by: BallReviews-scodaddy21 on December 03, 2015, 04:51:58 PM
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Description: The Brunswick Melee Hook combines the Melee Low RG symmetrical core with the Relativity Max Reactive coverstock and finishes it with 500 grit then 2000 grit Siaair Micro Pad. This combination provides versatility on different lane patterns for different style bowlers. This ball revs big at the mid-lane but stores enough axis rotation for the backend to offer a larger margin of forgiveness at the pocket. Due to it's chemically designed surface texture the Melee Hook offers better traction on several different lane patterns.
Features:
- Color: Midnight Blue Solid (colors may vary from the picture shown)
- Core: Melee Low RG Symmetric Core (14-16#)
- Coverstock: Relativity Max Reactive
- Finish: 500, 2000 Siaair Micro Pad
- Hook Potential: High 235 (scale: 10-250)
- Length: Early 70 (scale: 25-235)
- Breakpoint Shape: Medium
- RG: 2.537 (for 15# ball)
- Diff: 0.050 (for 15# ball)
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LANE CONDITION
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): THS, 43"flat sport patterm, 2015 USBC Team pattern
COMMENTS
Likes: No matter the pattern I was able to use this ball. The Melee Hook is a smooth rolling ball that still has some pop in the backend. I have been able to score on a flat pattern keeping angles straighter and the Nationals pattern from around 15 to 6 with no problem. This ball is aggressive, but at the same time it makes its move in the mid lane and just does not stop. If you are looking for a benchmark reaction that can still handle some oil, this is the ball for you
My Melee Hook is drilled pin above the ring finger with the cg kicked out about 1/2 inch and no weight hole. I will be drilling another one with the pin below the fingers to give me a much stronger look.
If you have any questions feel free to contact me. Thanks
Dislikes: OOB was a little too much for THS, but after a few practice games it mellowed a little.
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
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BALL SPECS
Pin Length: 3-4
Starting Top Weight: 2.6oz
Ball Weight: 15
DRILL PATTERN
Pin to PAP: 4.5
40 X 4.5 X 60
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: Factory 500: 2000 Siaair micro pad
Type: (Matte, Polish, Sanded):
BALL MOTION
With its 2000 grit Siaair Micro Pad Finish, the Melee Hook revs strong in the mid-lane and retains plenty of axis rotation for the backend to produce a wider area of forgiveness to the pocket. The Melee Hook will provide better traction on a variety of lane patterns with its chemically designed surface texture.
COMMENTS
This symmetrical ball has a strong mid-lane motion and has a very predictable motion. This is one of the first balls out of my bag now.
Shot 300 the 4th game out of the box with this ball
Mike Sipple
Brunswick/DV8/Radical Regional/Amateur Staff
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BALL SPECS
Pin Length: 2.5
Starting Top Weight: 3.4 oz
Ball Weight: 15 lbs 3 oz
DRILL PATTERN
Ball: 50 x 5 x 75
X Hole (if there is one): xhole low on val
BOWLER STYLE
Rev Rate: 375 rpms
Ball Speed:17.5 mph
PAP/Track: 4 3/4 over 3/4 up
SURFACE PREP
Grit: 500/2000 Siaair
Type: (Matte, Polish, Sanded): Sanded
LANE CONDITIONS
Lengths of patterns: 41 foot house
Volumes: Moderate
Type: house
BALL REACTION
Length: Clean through the front with a strong midlane read
Back End: strong continuous arc
Overall Hook: aggressive
Midlane Read: strong
Breakpoint Shape: strong arc
COMMENTS
Likes: smooth predictable reaction and new composite durability
Dislikes: none
The Melee Hook is a strong symmetrical ball that excels on patterns with more oil. On our house shot, this Melee allows me to play more direct angles while being able to handle the extra volume in the heads. This ball also allows me to continue to move in as the night goes on. It seems to allow me to stay in the same area longer. I have been able to make it through several league sessions without changing balls which is abnormal for me. The Melee Hook also tends to display the durable characteristics of the other newer composite technology balls. It is cleaner through the heads than similar older releases and it seems to maintain its hooking ability longer, while needing less frequent maintenance. The reaction shape is a blend of a Melee Cross and a Versamax. It is later than the Cross and Earlier than the Versamax. I can see myself using it in situations where the lane pattern is more wet/dry or anytime a smoother reaction is needed. I also can see it being the first ball out of the bag for many bowler styles. If you are looking for a smooth, predictable, and strong benchmark symmetrical ball the Melee Hook will exceed your expectations.
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Bowler Stats:
18-19mph
425-475rpm
5-7* tilt
40-60* axis rotation
Layout:
45* by 4.5 by 70* (with hole 2" down VAL)
Intent:
The Melee Hook is designed to be the perfect benchmark ball. Solid, low-RG symmetrics tend to be the first ball out of my bag on most patterns (unless they are super short or super long).
Combine that with a layout that smooths out the shape a little and a hole that brings it a little closer to me, and what I have is a ball to carry around to most events.
On the lanes:
I've had the pleasure of throwing the Hook on several different patterns at different houses. These include Beaten Path on Pro-Anvilanes and house and Athens on AMF HPL. Each time the Melee Hook gave me a consistent look to the pocket, especially on the fresh. The Melee Hook gives me a stronger and earlier shape than my Deviant with the same layout and I see it as being a more consistently rounded shape than the Einstein with about the same hook potential. Basically it's the bigger ball with the same shape in my Melee hook, Deviant, LT-48 combo (all have the same layout)
As with most low-RG solids with my low tilt, the Hook does tend to struggle when I want to get really deep. However, that's not really what this ball is for. The Hook is designed to be that stable rolling staple in your bag when you need a strong midlane read.
Closing Remarks:
The Melee hook is that strong, smooth ball reaction that Brunswick is widely popular for being able to provide. The midlane roll makes this ball very forgiving across the board, from wet-dry house shots to the tighter sport patterns. I imagine this ball being a favorite for most people at Nationals this next year provided that the pattern is anywhere in the 38-43ft range (which 99% of the time it will be). The stable and predictable reaction will keep the Melee Hook in my bag for quite a while.
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I drilled my Melee Hook with a pin down hole down drilling, similar to all of my others, with the pin in the grip line this time instead of under the middle finger. I wanted to make this ball a little stronger, as I have been struggling to get the ball to read the lane right on tighter tournament conditions. I threw this ball on a modified Statue of Liberty pattern, and on a THS. I was very impressed with how this ball did on the longer Statue pattern, as well as the response on the 43 ft THS with out of the box finish. This ball is a good arrow stronger than my Melee Cross on both which is the ball I deem this to be most comparable to. I see a very similar shape and distance that the ball starts up, just more of it with the hook.
Mike Freundel
Brunswick Regional Staff
This review is solely that of the writer and not Brunswick Bowling
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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): P2
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 - 2000
Type: (Matte, Polish, Sanded): Sanded
LANE CONDITION
Length: Multiple
Volume: Multiple
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): Multiple
BALL REACTION
Length: 6 / 10
Back End: 7 / 10
Overall Hook: 7 / 10
Midlane Read: 6 / 10
Breakpoint Shape: 7 / 10 More midlane roll
COMMENTS
Likes: Great midlane roll with continuation
Dislikes: None
The melee hook is a good addition to the melee symmetrical core line that will give you a stronger midlane roll compared to the previous melee series balls. With the box 2000 surface, it will match up on many oil conditions. The melee hook utilizes the new composite coverstock technology which will go longer in between oil extractions and won't get that lane shine a quickly compared to the melee cross. With the pin in the ring finger drilling i used on mine, I can use this as the first ball out of my bag to help break down the lanes and make minor adjustments during the game. I have used this ball for heavier oil conditions and on a house shot. It would work well as a benchmark ball.
Here is a video of me throwing the Melee Hook
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BALL SPECS
Ball Weight: 15 lbs
DRILL PATTERN
Dual Angle: 55 x 5 x 55
X Hole (if there is one): No
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
The Melee Hook is the ball in the Melee line i have been waiting on. A strong solid with the new Composite solid cover makes this ball one of the most versatile ball Brunswick has produced. The Melee Hook is about 2 feet sooner than the Melee Cross with more continuation on the back. If you love the Melee Jab, you will definitely love the Melee Hook.
Charles Withers II
Brunswick Advisory Staff
The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer and not of Brunswick Corporation.
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Its a battle against the oil! Can you win? Join the #MELEE with theBrunswick Bowling Melee #Hook!
#TeamBrunswick #TeamLSR #TurboGrips #TeamLogoInfusion#TeamRBT #bowling #sports
Brunswick Melee Hook
BALL SPECS
Pin Length – 3-4"
Starting Top Weight – 3.0 oz
Ball Weight - 15lb 3oz
DRILL PATTERN
Drilled 70 x 5" x 20 w/ MOtion hole 10" from Pin (1†x 3†deep)
BOWLER STYLE
Rev Rate – 240 / 352 / 436
Ball Speed – 14.1 MPH / 18.6 MPH
PICTURE AND VIDEO LINKS
(https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/t31.0-8/12244700_1079857175365938_1674644738026388546_o.jpg)
SURFACE PREPARATION
Grit - Out of the Box
Type (Matte, Polish, Sanded) - Out of the Box
LANE CONDITION
Length - 41 ft
Volume – 18.30 ml
Type (Wall, Xmas Tree, Sport) – Kegel Main Street (THS)
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LANE CONDITION
Length:
Volume:
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):
COMMENTS
Likes:This ball comes out of the box at a 2000 grit Siaair Micro Pad finish. The Relativity Max coverstock allows for major forgiveness on the lane and great performance predictability. The Melee Low RG core allows this ball to rev up quicker and give the bowler some versatility with their favorite drillings. This ball is great on all types of patterns and will give the bowler the room they need to maximize their performance.
I drilled mine 65 x 5 x 70 which is more of a drilling I do for league shots. The pin is under my fingers making this ball a very predictable yet strong moving off the spot bowling ball. I feel with this drilling this ball will match up to any league pattern. This ball is incredibly versatile so using your favorite drilling will only help enhance the natural characteristics of this ball. You will definitely see this ball move off the spot, as its the most hooking ball in the Melee line. Its such a great ball because it allows you to play multiple angles. Definitely can be a benchmark ball!
Troy Schaefer
Brunswick Regional Staff Player
#bowlwithbruns #teamBrunswick
Dislikes:
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
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This ball will produce more overall hook than anything previously released in the Melee line. Mine is drilled pin above the ring finger to increase flip and it matches up well with long patterns, or anything medium heavy to heavy volume.
This ball really hits hard and can create mistake area outside of your target area. I highly recommend this ball be added to your bag.
Jeff Poholsky -Brunswick Advisory Staff.
The opinions listed above are mine, and not necessarily those of Brunswick Bowling.
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LANE CONDITION
Length: 41
Volume:
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):
COMMENTS
Likes: Drilled it over the ring finger without a weight hole. 3.5 pin. Everything....very compatible with the Mastermind Brainiac that I drilled at the same time. On the fresh it was almost unlimited reaction to the right. Got through the fronts better than the Brainiac. Stored energy very well. Hitting power did not go down when the lane carried down. Good addition to my bag.
Dislikes: Ball was not as good at the Brainiac when the lane carried down. But, it was a monster on the fresh. Still was able to carry. Just did not create the room.
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
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The Melee Hook is a great new benchmark ball. This ball good to use to figure out what the lanes are doing. It has plenty of length and great continuation to usable on a wide varitey of patterns. If you liked that famous two lettered Storm ball you need to give this one a try. It has a very similar motion and takes very well to surface changes. This ball is really going to show its strengths on tougher patterns as it has a very predictable motion that goes through the pins very well. Get one punched out at your local pro shop it is for sure a must have.
Greg
Greensburg, Pa
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I was initially hesitant to drill the Melee Hook because I was not impressed with the Cross but really enjoyed the downlane motion of the Jab. I laid out my Melee Hook 55x5x35 (pin tall over ring) and it did not disappoint! It picks up strong in the midlane much like the Cross which suits my med/heavy oil needs, but has the downlane continuation more reminiscent of the Jab. The Melee Hook gives me above average hook potential combined with moderate length and above average backend.
Melee Hook splits the gap by being a few boards weaker than my tanks (Grudge, Ultimate Nirvana), while picking up a little earlier, yet still giving me the same kind of down lane continuation as my middle of the bag symmetrics (Divas, Danger Zone). It is closest in overall hook to my Einstein, but just a little flatter around the corner.
The Melee Hook is the ideal benchmark ball for bowlers on medium to medium oily lane conditions. It has given me success on both fresh and transition on a wide variety of patterns in medium to long length and has definitely earned its spot in my tournament bag!
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Bobby Benton
Maryland
Brunswick Melee Hook (http://www.bowlwithbrunswick.com/balls/detail/melee-hook/)
70 x 5 x 35 (OOB Surface)
Personal Stats:
400-450 RPM
18-20 MPH
PAP - 5 5/8" over, 1" up
Axis Tilt - Estimated 8-12 Degrees
Current League Average: 238
Intended Use:
Knowing that this was a strong solid, I went with an angular pin-up layout to hopefully create a good house pattern motion.
Reaction:
The cover on the Melee Hook is strong! With the pin-up layout, the cover digs in nice and early for a symmetric and the layout gives it just enough pop off the back of the pattern to slap corners out. This is a great choice when the Danger Zone isn't strong enough or the Vandal is just too clean.
Overall:
I have thrown this ball a LOT since getting it. Allows me to be left on house patterns with higher volumes because of the strong cover, but still stores energy and gets the corners out with the pin-up layout.