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Author Topic: C-(System) alpha-max  (Read 24762 times)

admin

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C-(System) alpha-max
« on: December 31, 1969, 06:00:00 PM »
Ball NPS Score: 100.00
Coverstock: CFT alpha-max 
Color: Black/Blue/Teal 
Hardness: 75-76 
Factory Finish: 500; 800; 4,000 Siaair Micro Pad Finish 
Weight Block: (14-16#) Asymmetric I - Block Core 
RG max: 16#-2.570, 15#-2.585, 14#-2.604, 13#-2.632, 12#-2.655 
RG min: 16#-2.520, 15#-2.535, 14#-2.554, 13#-2.589, 12#-2.612 
RG diff: 16#-0.050, 15#-0.050, 14#0.050, 13#-0.043, 12#-0.043 
Average RG: 4.4 of 10 
Hook Potential: 180 (Scale 10-185) 
Length: 110 (Scale 25-235) 
Typical Breakpoint Shape: 95 Angular (Scale Smooth Arc 10-Angular 100) 
Recommended Lane Condition: Medium-Oily 
Description: CFT ALPHA-MAX COVERSTOCK - CFT alpha-max is our newest breakthrough in Chemical Friction Technology. The CFT alpha-max coverstock uses a higher concentration of the CFT additive in order to maximize the chemical system. The CFT alpha-max coverstock is the highest friction factor of any Brunswick ball to date. The secret is in the technology which creates more traction with chemical friction instead of mechanical friction. Being able to use less mechanical friction for hook, allows the ball to skid easier through the front part of the lane saving axis rotation for more energy on the backend. 
ASYMMETRIC I-BLOCK CORE - The proven Asymmetric I – Block core enhances the CFT alpha-max coverstock to create maximum forgiveness, strong entry angles along with versatile drilling layouts 
BALL MOTION - This ball is off the chart! The C·(System) alpha-max is so strong we had to add a column to the Ball Comparison chart and increase our Hook Potential scale to describe the ball motion. With its 4000-grit Siaair micro pad finish, the C·(System) alpha-max offers the highest hook potential of any Brunswick ball to date. The C·(System) alpha-max skids effortlessly through the front, saving axis rotation in the mid-lane to grab the backend for strong response to friction and cuts easily through the pins. 
REACTION SETUP - The C·(System) alpha-max can be drilled using the standard drilling techniques developed for asymmetric bowling balls. 
LIGHTWEIGHT ENGINEERING - The unique core shape of each Brunswick ball is used for weights from 14 to 16 pounds. This approach to lightweight ball engineering provides bowlers with consistent ball reaction characteristics across this weight range. The same drilling instructions can be used for 12- and 13-pound balls. This is because Brunswick uses a generic core shape with an RG differential that is close enough to the 14-16 pound shape.

 

icefiction

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Re: C-(System) alpha-max
« Reply #1 on: January 07, 2011, 09:42:15 PM »
BALL SPECS

Pin Length: 2.5 "   

Starting Top Weight: 2.75 oz   

Ball Weight: 15

 
DRILL PATTERN

Pin to PAP: 4"

MB to PAP: 4"   

X Hole (if there is one): None
 

BOWLER STYLE

Rev Rate: 375 RPM   

Ball Speed: 18mph
 
PAP/Track: 4 over by 1-1/2 up

 
SURFACE PREP

Grit: 4000

Type: (Matte, Polish, Sanded): factory matte
 

LANE CONDITION

Length: 39 ft
 
Volume: 21. mul

Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): THS

 
BALL REACTION

Length: Medium

Back End: Medium to Large
 
Overall Hook: Large

Midlane Read: Medium

Breakpoint Shape: Hard Arc

 
COMMENTS

Likes:  
   
This ball provides the right motion to be useful on a very large variety of patterns. More often than not new high end releases seem to fall into two categories; long and flippy, or hook at your toes. The new C system fits perfectly right in between, for a solid reactive ball it creates very easy length through the front part of the lane, however it picks up a read in the midlane so that it doesn't explode off the back part of the lane too hard to cause over under ball reaction. One unique aspect of the cover of this ball is its ability to not over react off the dry, on the THS I was able to play straight with firmer ball speed and I was able to slow down and get the ball to turn the corner from a much deeper inside line. The new C system definitely brings back the good old brunswick roll from the 90's with a hard drive through the pins. This ball will be best suited for medium to heavy oil straight out of the box, but with a little polish it can be used on most any condition. 
 
 
 
Dislikes:  
   
As with most aggressive solid reactive balls, once there is too much friction on the lane its time to put the ball the away. I made it through 2 and half games in my league tonight and then I had to ball down to a pearl that would read the lane a little differently. If you are planning to use this ball on medium oil conditions that will break down fast, I would strongly suggest selecting a layout that will create a little more length to keep the ball online a bit longer.  
 
 
 
I will be posting a video on youtube next week sometime; here are two shots that I threw today immediately after drilling the ball.
 
 
 
Thanks to BrunsNick & Brunswick Bowling
 
-Scott D. 
 

 

 
 
 







frike300

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Re: C-(System) alpha-max
« Reply #2 on: January 12, 2011, 07:32:47 PM »
BALL SPECS


Pin Length:3"                     


Starting Top Weight:
2.5   

Ball Weight:15   


 


DRILL PATTERN


Pin to PAP:5"      


CG to PAP:


X Hole (if there is one):P2

 





BOWLER STYLE


Rev Rate:300


Ball Speed:17.5

 

PAP/Track:4 1/2 over


 




SURFACE PREP


Grit:4000


Type: (Matte, Polish, Sanded):Matte

 




LANE CONDITION


Length:42

 

Volume:


Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):Modified White #2 40 ml stream


 



BALL REACTION


Length:early


Back End:strong

 

Overall Hook:  Strong                                                                                                                                                                   


Midlane Read:Reads Mid lane well   


Breakpoint Shape:Strong Arc


 



COMMENTS



Likes:This ball is about 6 boards stronger than the 3.5 C System.  It is very continuous even when the lane carries down.  It is very good for long patterns and heavy overblocked house patterns.  I was impressed with the continuation even with this ball having a quicker response then it's predesessor.  The ball rolls through the pins very well.



Dislikes: This ball does not like the front or midlane to hook which makes sense with the cover strength.  If the front half of the lane goes you have to be more rotationally challenged then I am to throw it. 
This review is the opinion of the writer and not of Brunswick.

Mike Freundel

Brunswick Regional Staff



 


PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS

 

 

 



BrunsChad

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Re: C-(System) alpha-max
« Reply #3 on: January 14, 2011, 10:47:05 AM »
BALL SPECS

Pin Length: 3-3.5 in.

Ball Weight:15 lbs.

 
DRILL PATTERN

Pin to PAP: 5 1/4 in.

CG to PAP: 4 7/8 in.

X Hole (if there is one): No Hole
 

BOWLER STYLE

Rev Rate: 425 rpm   

Ball Speed: 18.5 mph

 
SURFACE PREP

Grit: OOB

Type: (Matte, Polish, Sanded): 500, 800, 4000 siaair
 

LANE CONDITION

Length: 41 ft

Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): THS

 
BALL REACTION

Length: 6 out of 10

Back End: 8 out of 10
 
Overall Hook: 9.5 out of 10

Midlane Read: Strong roll, with the ball beginning its motion at the end of the midlane and not losing energy.

Breakpoint Shape: Very strong, continuous arc

 
COMMENTS

Likes: This ball is strong...VERY STRONG! The best part about this ball is that for how strong it is, even on second shift it retains its energy and provides a continuous backend motion. The best part about this ball is how it drives through the pins. Since the ball is so continuous, it keeps the pins very low allowing for increased carry! I put my favorite layout on this one placing the pin above the bridge and the MB slightly kicked out. It was drilled to be a controlled oil ball, but this ball has proved more versatile than the previous C-System line balls. This ball has the front lane motion of the 2.5, the midlane of the 3.5, and the backend of the 4.5! If you are looking for a strong ball that can be used to open up the lanes on oilier conditions, THIS IS YOUR BALL!

Dislikes: I had to adjust the surface to remove the strong grit under the 4000 finishing. I took a 1000, 2000 finish to it and that evened out the ball. This gave it a more continuous, controllable motion that allowed me to get more use out of it due to my high speed, high revs.
 
 
“The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer and not of Brunswick Corporation”
 
Edited on 1/14/2011 at 9:51 AM

BrunsWolf

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Re: C-(System) alpha-max
« Reply #4 on: January 14, 2011, 02:26:15 PM »

 

Brunswick C-System Alpha Max


 


Bowler Stats:


Speed: ~19 mph


RPM: ~400


Axis tilt: ~12 degrees


Axis rotation: 30-50 degrees


 


Conditions Tested On:


39’ THS (19.6uL) (Tons of carrydown from women's league)


 


Layout:


60 by 2” by 30 (P1 hole)


 


Purpose of Layout:


After reading up on the ball and watching the video by Brunswick, I soon realized how aggressive this ball was going to be. With my stats, especially the rev rate and lower-ish tilt, I wanted to make sure that the ball didn’t stand up too soon on the lane. As you can refer to my Wicked review, this layout will seem strange for some people, but it is one that offers more continuation downlane, based on my stats. This layout doesn’t provide the largest amount of hook potential, but with this ball, I really didn’t need a strong layout to get the ball to hook. Also, when I finish the semester, I plan on bowling more regionals and megabucks so I really don’t need a ball that needs a ton of backend angle for those patterns. Besides, Mo Pinel suggested this layout for me and I’m not stupid enough to go against him.


 


 


On the lanes:


Wow…. I really underestimated the strong midlane this ball was going to offer. The 4000 grit cover for me provided an easy read of the midlane while still getting through the heads, even on our medium-ish THS. The ball gave me a controllable arc with more than enough response to the friction. With the Alpha Max, I was able to play around 27 at the laydown out to 8 at the breakpoint for the absolute best look. As mentioned, the cover allowed the ball to clear the heads and pick up in the midlane with a strong move. The layout tamed the sharp breakpoint seen in the vids, but even with the more controllable layout, this ball still recovered exceptionally in the back part of the lane. With our THS, there isn’t enough volume in the middle for balls like this to hold line on pulled shots, but when I missed right a little; the ball flipped enough to get back to the pocket with authority. The Alpha Max was also very playable with different hand positions. I could go up the back of the ball up second arrow or get in front of the ball return and loop the lane, all with the angle and drive need to send all 10 back.


 


Compared to the Wicked at the same layout, the Alpha Max, for me, hooks about a board to two more overall, with all of that coming in the midlane. The Wicked had less midlane read in comparison, with probably about 2 extra feet in length, but stored most of its move for the backend. I’m honestly very proud to own this combo of balls with the same layout. When I start with the Alpha Max and it starts to go high or check too early, I’m able to stay in the same zone and just switch to the Wicked and regain the length downlane and the slightly less overall hook.


Sadly, I have not had the chance to test this ball on any other patterns besides my 39’ THS. Our sport/PBA league collapsed and my center isn’t too keen on laying out tougher patterns for practice until I beg enough. That being said, I absolutely can’t wait to take this ball for a spin on a longer pattern like the Scorpion, Dead Man’s Curve, or Shark.


 


Bottomline:


C-System Alpha Max? More like the Alpha Male! This ball makes its presence known. The look this ball gives me is one that is needed on heavier volumes of oil If you need a ball for some serious midlane read, this is it. If you need a ball and have high ball speed, less revs, or both, this is it. If you need a ball to handle some serious oil, this is it. If for some reason you need more ball then the Revolver or Wicked Siege, this is it. I can guarantee this, for any heavy or long pattern, this will be the first ball out of my bag. The consistently strong midlane read, combined with the strong response at the breakpoint, is exactly what any bowler should look for to fill the most aggressive position in their arsenal.


 









 

PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS


 

 

 

 


Brunswick Advisory Staff

Jared Wolf
Jonesboro, AR
www.bowlingchat.net

The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer and not of Brunswick Corporation.
Jared Wolf
Jonesboro, AR
Brunswick Advisory Staff

The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer and not of Brunswick Corporation.

piper3595

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Re: C-(System) alpha-max
« Reply #5 on: January 16, 2011, 09:27:04 PM »
LANE CONDITION






Length: 43'

 

Volume: Med Heavy


Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): THS


 



COMMENTS





Likes: This ball continues through the pins unlike any other "heavy oil" ball I have ever placed in my hands. It clears the front part of the lane easily for a very strong ball. It digs in very strong in the midlane and goes through the pins in a strong continous way with plenty of energy to slap the 10 out when needed. Experience a reaction that your not used to seeing from a heavy oil friction monster ball and get one of these in your hands on January 24th.
 

 

Greg Piper

Brunswick Advisory Staff Member

 

The opinions above are those of the writer and not of the Brunswick corporation. 



Andyman3333

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Re: C-(System) alpha-max
« Reply #6 on: January 18, 2011, 12:22:53 PM »
LANE CONDITION





Length: 41 FT THS and 40 Foot Team USA Athens Pattern   

Volume:  Various

Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):



 



COMMENTS

Likes:  The WOW ball of the year in 2011.  Meaning, when I throw it, anyone watching goes... "WOW!"  And that isn't a FIGJAM, the ball really makes an incredible move toward the pins and is absolutely destructive in the pocket.  It makes me look like I have 500 revs when I really don't.  I started the night about 5 & 2 left of where I have been starting with my Wicked.  The ball just made it so effortless.  We had two of them on the pair.  My bro (who is Brunswick Pro Shop Staff) was tossing his and after every strike, you could look 2 pairs left and right and people were staring at us walking off the approach.  I swear I saw some jaws drop.  The other guy on our team throwing all Columbia wanted us to put them away because we were tearing up the pair, but we had new-ballitus.  Even an Ebonite Amateur staffer was watching and discussed with my bro trying to re-create that reaction with his Mission Domination. 
Used the ball this past Sunday on the Athens pattern and had essentially the same reaction.  When other balls wouldn't recover from the right, the Alpha Max did and with plenty of power to punch the pins into the pit.  Saw a few shots of the Mission Domination with my same layout and didn't see nearly the recovery and angles that my Alpha Max had. 

The ball is probably somewhere between 5-6 boards stronger than my Wicked and 2-3 stronger than my 3.5.  Though my 3.5 is a very heavy rolling ball in my hand.  The Alpha Max is clean through the front.  When the fronts burned up, I simply moved deeper and never lost any hitting power.  The ball was as strong from the inside as it was with the more preffered outer angles on the fresh.  It recovers from places I have only dreamed of when playing 4th & 5th arrow!  

Dislikes: Per any new ball, I have issued putting it away when the Wicked or Damage may be a better option.  It's such a fun ball to throw that I just want to keep throwing it no matter what.  With this ball in my bag, I feel my three ball arsenal of the Alpha Max, Wicked Siege, and Damage give me everything I need to compete on any condition. 

 

 


PROFILE
340-370 revs
18 mph
230 book on THS
200 book on PBA

In the bag:  C-System Alpha Max, 3.5, 2.5, Wicked Siege, Evil Siege, Damage, Slingshot, Avalanche Slide, & my trusty Swarm. 

bingadot

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Re: C-(System) alpha-max
« Reply #7 on: January 20, 2011, 06:32:04 PM »
LANE CONDITION






Length:

 


Volume: 42 Foot Heavy Tophat



Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): THS



 



COMMENTS







Likes: I drilled my Alpha Max 5-1/2x3x2 with the extra hole on  my PAP (4-5/8 right 1/4 down).  This ball is AMAZING!  With the box 4000 finish I am able to cut through heavy oil while retaining plenty of energy for the pocket.  The impact at the pins is so powerful that I can't help but keep a free armswing. 

 

After testing the box finish I added a touch of polish trying to match up with the lighter volumes I encounter in other bowling centers and found fantastic results.  The ball cleared the heads easily and showed no tendency to wiggle at the breakpoint.  

 

If you haven't rolled a Brunswick ball in a while this is the reason to drill one again.  Don't let your opponents gain an unfair advantage, buy an Alpha Max today! 



Dislikes:  Early tests have not disappointed me yet!



 


PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS

 

 








 



UpstateProShopChris

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Re: C-(System) alpha-max
« Reply #8 on: January 20, 2011, 10:46:40 PM »
BALL SPECS


Pin Length: 4 in


Starting Top Weight: 3 oz


Ball Weight: 15.4


 


DRILL PATTERN


Pin to PAP: 4 3/4


MB to PAP: 55 degrees



VAL Angle: 40 degrees 





BOWLER STYLE


Rev Rate: 325-350


Ball Speed off hand:16.5-17 mph 

 

PAP/Track: 43/4 over by 7/8 up
 


Axis Tilt: 10 degrees 
 
 




SURFACE PREP


Grit: Box finish


Type: (Matte, Polish, Sanded): Sanded

 




LANE CONDITIONS


Lengths: 41 foot house pattern, Scorpion 41 feet, Shark 43 feet

 

Volumes: moderate to heavy


Types (THS, Sport Pattern etc): THS and PBA Patterns


 



BALL REACTION


Length: Early but not as early as expected


Back End: A ton for an oil ball...

 

Overall Hook: Out of the building


Midlane Read: Strong


Breakpoint Shape: Angular with an extremely fast response time


 




COMMENTS


 If your looking for a hook monster that likes carrydown the C-System Alphamax is your ball! This is the strongest oil ball I have ever thrown or watched go down a lane.  The Alphamax clears the heads takes a quick read of the midlane and then makes the turn before you could flip the switch for the blinker.  Carrydown isn't a problem with the Alphamax, in fact, it hooks in about the same spot regardless of the amount of breakdown on the lane.  This is exactly what makes this release special it has the same fast transition time on any lane condition.  This ball doesn't stop hooking when the lane breaks down, rather, it hooks more the further I move inside.  Its the only ball I have been able to create enough angle to leave a 4-9-10 from past 4th arrow on any condition.  I also noticed that I was unable to wash out with it once I dialed it in on any of the conditions I tested it on.  My carry suffered when I muscled it through at the bottom, but the ball hit the headpin every time!  I was also surprised by the consistant reaction I recieved when I rolled it on a pair of lanes with Scorpion on one lane and Shark on the other.  The Alphamax read both patterns almost identically allowing me to play the track about 12 to 8 on both lanes.  This consistant reaction allowed me to shoot 295 with a greek church on the fill ball in the tenth.  This is hands down the quickest-response best carrying oil ball Brunswick has made to date.  If you need a ball that offers unconditional hook and unbelievable carry, its time to max out with the C-System Alphamax!

 


Chris Garrett
Upstate Pro Shop
Greenville, SC - 1-866-490-9980
Upstateproshop@charter.net

PBA Member
Brunswick Regional Staff
Vise Regional Staff

The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer and not of Brunswick Corporation.
Chris Garrett
Upstate Pro Shop
Greenville, SC  864-248-4737
Upstateproshop@charter.net

Brunswick Regional Staff
Vise Regional Staff

kennie300

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Re: C-(System) alpha-max
« Reply #9 on: January 25, 2011, 08:40:02 AM »
LANE CONDITION






Length: 43 ft

 

Volume: med - heavy


Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): ths


 



COMMENTS




Likes: Everything...I drilled this ball with a 6" pin layout and normally this pin distance goes forever for me... not in this ball. By doing this you can really see how good the ball revs up and how strong this core cover combination really is. This ball has become the benchmark ball for me. By adjusting the surface i have found it to roll good on just about any pattern ive bowled on so far. With the rebate going on right now, this ball is a no brainer



Dislikes: On the very heavy oil with carry down the RG is a little to high. the ball doesn't get into a roll quick enough. U can adjust this with a bit more surface
 

The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer and not of Brunswick Corporation.



 


PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS

 

 

 



RSalas

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Re: C-(System) alpha-max
« Reply #10 on: January 30, 2011, 11:20:15 PM »

Layout:


 


Pin 5” from PAP below fingers


45-degree locator line angle


(Dual-angle: 45 by 5” by 75)


XH on VAL, 2” below PAP, 31/32” by 2 1/2” deep


 


Initial Surface Preparation:


 


Box finish


 


Purpose:


 


I’ve been looking for a ball that can handle higher volumes, but has more of an angular shape at the break. The Siege works well for me when I need midlane roll, but is more controlled down lane. The C-(System) 3.5 has the sharper break down lane, but requires a defined area of friction in order to be most effective for me.


 


Why this ball?


 


The new CFT alpha-max cover was designed for faster oil absorption and a stronger response to friction, while maintaining the cleanness through the front part of the lane of the other C-(System) balls. I felt that the combination of these attributes would give me the reaction that I was seeking.


 


Observations:


 


I chose a layout for the C-(System) alpha-max that was very close to what I have in my C-(S) 3.5. I’ve really liked the continuous back end reaction that I’ve gotten from the 3.5, and I wanted to be able to use the difference in coverstocks to get the right shape.


 


The first opportunity I had to use the alpha-max was on a fresh house condition on a new SPL lane surface. Given the amount of friction that we usually see in this center, I really didn’t think I’d be able to use this ball. I was expecting the ball to either check as soon as it hit the dry in back, or start burning in the midlane and be flat at the pins. What I got was a look in front that was similar to that of the Wicked Siege, and the angularity and pin carry of the C-(System) balls, but without the abruptness at the break or sensitivity to oil that I’ve sometimes seen in the C-(S) 2.5 and v4.5. I was able to use the alpha-max for most of the league session, making small parallel moves to the left to stay in the oil.


 


I also carried the alpha-max to my second-shift league on a Pro Anvilane surface. The league in front of us has a number of bowlers who use plastic, so there are weeks where we will draw pairs that play very tight in back. That was certainly the case for the first pair I drew, as I couldn’t get anything else in the bag to slow down quickly enough to carry. The alpha-max was the right choice for this condition. I did have to square up and play the lane more direct, but the ball was reading the midlane and tipping in the right spot, and I had no problem getting corners out. The second pair had more friction overall, but I was able to get my feet further left and float the ball from the oil to the dry, and still have an angle to the pocket for carry.


 


I also got the opportunity to use the alpha-max in a tournament on a condition with more volume on the outside and more overall length than the usual house shot. On patterns like this, I’ve gotten used to having to choke down and keep the ball more direct in order to get a reaction off of the end of the pattern. I didn’t have to do this with the alpha-max. While I did have to be careful with the ball speed, I was able to give the alpha-max some room on this condition, and still have it recover to the pocket. I wouldn’t go as far as to say that the alpha-max was hooking from the out-of-bounds, but it did make the playable portion of the lane seem somewhat wider.


 


Conclusions:


 


The bowlers I know have had a love-hate relationship with the C-(System) line. Those bowlers who are comfortable with giving the ball a lot of room to hook have had more favorable experiences, while those who prefer playing more direct have had mixed results. From what I’m seeing, the C-(System) alpha-max is different. While it did inherit the strength through the pin deck that has come to be associated with the C-(System) balls, the alpha-max doesn’t have the abruptness of its predecessors when it hits the friction, and thus it can be played up the oil line when the condition calls for it. However, it does have enough response to friction to where it will recover when you need to send it, even from deeper angles on the lane.


 


I can easily envision the C-(System) alpha-max becoming the first choice for many bowlers for heavier conditions. With my normal release, I can use this ball to open up the dry, and by going more up the back, I can play a direct line on higher volumes without worrying about whether the ball will get into a roll quickly enough.


 


NOTE: The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer and not of Brunswick Corporation.



Ray Salas
Brunswick Amateur Staff
http://www.brunswickbowling.com
#TweetYourScores

Dennis Rhodes

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Re: C-(System) alpha-max
« Reply #11 on: January 31, 2011, 12:25:43 AM »
BALL SPECS


Pin Length:  4 Inches


Starting Top Weight:  2.5 oz.


Ball Weight: 15 lbs.


 


DRILL PATTERN


Pin to PAP: 50 x 6 x 35 (pin over the bridge, mass bias next to thumb due to measurements based on pap)


CG to PAP: NA


X Hole (if there is one): NA

 





BOWLER STYLE


Rev Rate: 375 RPM


Ball Speed: 17.5 on Qubica

 

PAP/Track:  PAP= 5 3/8 right no vertical


 




SURFACE PREP


Grit: OOB


Type: (Matte, Polish, Sanded): Sanded then Polished

 



LANE CONDITION



Length: Multiple Houses
 

Volume: Multiple


Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): THS


 



BALL REACTION


Length: For me, this ball was cleaner than the Siege through the heads, but read the mids just as hard. 


Back End:  Strong continuous roll through the pin deck.  It is a more pronounced backend than the Siege.

 

Overall Hook: Equivalent to the Siege, but a much different shape.


Midlane Read: The ball picks up in the midlanes really well.  You have to make sure that you are bowling on the proper amount of oil, or this ball will seem to labor when it starts to pick up.


Breakpoint Shape:  I would consider this a banana hook shape.  It is not a read early and roll shape, but I haven't seen it as a check mark either.  It gives a great look on the lane.


 




COMMENTS


Likes:Ball This ball excels on fresher conditions or on conditions where control is needed (but you still need to generate angle). It is great on tournament conditions due to how well it manages the breakpoint (this is side to side and front to back for me). It has an aggressive roll to it, and carry is very good from multiple angles.


Dislikes: Due to how hard it rolls, it is not as continuous as I would like (I believe that this is caused by the surface, and if I stepped it up through the different grits, it would help retain a little more oil). Right now, this does not allow me to use it very long for most blocks.  


PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS

 

 

 



FranVarin

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Re: C-(System) alpha-max
« Reply #12 on: January 31, 2011, 10:11:55 PM »
LANE CONDITION

Length: 42'
 
Type (THS, House Pattern):

 
COMMENTS

Likes:
After seeing what the 3.5 was capable of I was really excited to see what Brunswick was trying to accomplish with the C-System Alpha Max. I decided to drill the Alpha Max to complement the 3.5. I drilled it 55 X 4.5 X 75 with a 3 X 2.5 X-Hole 2 1/4" down from my PAP. What I was trying to accomplish was a strong ball to use on longer blended patterns or heavy oiled house patterns. In the case of the later I was looking for a ball that would cut through the Oil without skidding and respond to the friction either at the end of the pattern or to the right as is usually found on a house shot. Essentially, something that would help me play in the flood to avoid the over/under trap.

I only threw the ball for one practice game before my doubles league. I scored a 258 with the ball on a chopped up house shot. I was completely shocked to find that the Alpha Max still got through the heads well even on the chop. I've thrown the Alpha Max for two consecutive weeks in my doubles league and have averaged 244 with it. What is impressive about the ball is that it loves to just roll and it reads the lane very well. It is one of the strongest pieces I've seen and seems to roll well on all but the most burnt of conditions. Brunswick has managed to create a very aggressive ball that does not burn up easily. My doubles league is 4 games switching pairs after the first two games. I am able to stay with the Alpha Max for all 4 games. The key is to just get the ball into a roll and let it do the rest.

In terms of the shape on the lane goes, it reads the mids very well and makes an impressive angular move to the pocket. Continuation is excellent through the pin deck. I have not left a lot of corners with it and it creates a lot of mistake room on the lane. The only time I have seen bad carry is due to "operator error", in cases where I make a bad shot.

I have a tournament coming up where the Alpha Max will be tested on a tournament condition. From what I've seen, I anticipate a great performance from the ball.

The first two I sold were drilled the day the ball was released. The customers I drilled them for were very impressed with the roll and reaction. I would not be exaggerating by saying they were "astonished" with the ball on the lane. the ball sells itself when you see it roll, it is very impressive.

I feel Brunswick has a winner in the C-System Alpha Max. If this ball is not a candidate for ball of the year, I would be shocked...it's that good.
For those of you who have never tried a Brunswick ball, give the C-System Alpha Max a look. Brunswick is on top of their game with this one.

Special thanks to Chuck Gardner at Brunswick!
 
 
Dislikes: 
None.
 
 
Fran Varin
USBC Bronze
Strike F/X Proshops
Brunswick Advisory Staff
 
 

 
Edited on 2/2/2011 at 3:55 PM
Fran Varin
USBC Silver

BigGameBrewer

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 3
Re: C-(System) alpha-max
« Reply #13 on: February 04, 2011, 09:01:43 PM »
LANE CONDITION

Length: 42 ft 
 
Volume:

Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): THS

 
COMMENT
  When I received this ball,I talked it over with my pro shop owner and we decided to go with the drilling of 60x70x4.5 which ended up being pin down and cg swung about 45 degrees.  This layout is similar to my C-System 3.5 but the 3.5 has a hole down.  The first thing i noticed with the Alpha-Max is how clean it is thru the heads, strong it is mid-lane, and the continuous drive thru the pins.  I'd say the Alpha-Max is 5-6 more boards stronger than my 3.5, but the 3.5 starts hooking earlier and the Alpha is all mid-lane and back-end.  I would always have to contend with the front part of the lane drying out and causing my 3.5 to start to hook early. I have yet to encounter anything of that nature with the Alpha. When other people are fighting with the front part of the lane, I'm just pushing the ball thru like theres no problem and am able to play the "bank" easier without moving left.  When the pattern does require you to move left, this ball really shows how good it is with the strong mid-lane and continuous drive thru the pins. This is probably the hardest hitting and most forgiving mid-heavy ball that I have at the moment, with my 3.5 and Wicked Siege right behind.  I would have to recommend this ball to anyone looking for a ball that skids effortlessly thru the front, makes a very strong mid-lane movement and doesn't stop hooking till it hits the backstop.
 
 
 
 
Leon Brewer
Brunswick Advisory Staff
 
 
 The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer and not of Brunswick Corporation
 
 
 

 
Edited on 2/4/2011 at 8:03 PM
 
Edited on 2/4/2011 at 8:04 PM

atltnpnr

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 292
Re: C-(System) alpha-max
« Reply #14 on: February 05, 2011, 02:42:45 AM »
BALL SPECS





Pin Length:2-3"





Starting Top Weight:3.5oz





Ball Weight:15lbs 3oz





 








DRILL PATTERN





Pin to PAP:





CG to PAP:





X Hole (if there is one):




 

















BOWLER STYLE





Rev Rate:265rpm





Ball Speed:18mph initial ; 15.68mpg at pins




 




PAP/Track: 4 5/8 over 1 1/8 up





 
















SURFACE PREP








Grit:OTB








Type: (Matte, Polish, Sanded):







 



















LANE CONDITION





Length: (1)42 foot  
(2)44 foot






Volume: (1) unsure
(2)heavy



Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):



(1)Kegal "the beaten path"


(2) flatter modified house shot




 















BALL REACTION





Length: long





Back End: hard




 







Overall Hook: lots but controled








Midlane Read:








Breakpoint Shape: angular








 















COMMENTS




(1)This is my first review of a bowling ball. Also this review is only based on one night of a 3 game set.
(2)Bowled in a doubles tournament 1st and 2nd squads.




 




Likes: drives through the pin deck. Used it all 3 games and for a ball that hooks this much that is saying something. Not that this means anything but 3 out of 4 practice shots were buried in the hole strikes. Started first game with the front 6. From the pots payed for half the ball now.









Dislikes: 




Not much to dislike about this ball. The one thing is and it's is a minus and a plus at the same time. You have to be firm with this ball or it will nose drive and leave a split. Got soft 3 times and split each one.




 








PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS




 




 




 


Bowling is like life. Sometimes you are the ball. Other times you are the pins.

 


Edited on 2/6/2011 at 8:14 PM

 

Edited on 2/6/2011 at 8:31 PM
 
Edited on 2/6/2011 at 8:43 PM