BallReviews
Reviews => Brunswick => Topic started by: Ballreviews on October 15, 2013, 01:19:47 PM
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Brunswick Mastermind Ball Specs:
- Color: Black, Blue, Orange Solid All colors do vary somewhat from the picture shown.
- Core: Mastermind Ultra Low RG
- Coverstock: Honor Roll Solid Reactive
- Factory Finish: 500, 1,500 Siaair Micro Pad
- Reaction: Strong
- Radius of Gyration (RG): 2.540**
- Differential (Diff): 0.052**
- ** RG and Diff are based off of 15 lb. balls
- Recommended Lane Condition: Medium-Heavy Oil
- A few tiny pit holes in the cover stock of the ball are normal
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It is not very often that I post reviews on this website, but there is no way I can let a review of the new Brunswick Mastermind pass me by. I have drilled several bowling balls over my career, some have been wonderful and others have not suited my particular game very well. However, this bowling ball has all the characteristics of being possibly the best bowling ball of this decade.
Out of the box, the cover appears that it might be too strong for any player with above average hand, or below average speed. This is NOT the case whatsoever. The Mastermind is so amazingly clean through the front, with a motion at the breakpoint that I personally feel is unrivaled. Some equipment has that shape that is so angular that it begins to flutter down lane once the heads start to go, while other solid reactive balls have the tendency to use their energy way to soon, causing your typical flat corners midway through game 2. This ball has not done neither for me thus far. The breakpoint shape is so easy to see, and not to mention aggressive. Case in point, last night during league our center decided to experiment with ICE oil. As I watched everyone else struggle compared to weeks prior, I was able to play the basic house shot with no issues and fire games of 259 258 257 for a 774 set.
My PAP is 4 1/2 by 1/2 up.
Average speed: 18.5
Rev Rate: 490
Layout: 55 x 4 x 45
Look forward to hearing your feedback!
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The little I have used this ball, I have been very impressed. What I like the most is I haven't ball designed for heavy oil turn over this easy at the end of the lane since the original Nexus Solid. The Paranormal's for me tended to roll out a tad, especially if I didn't get around the ball as well as I would like. This ball does not have this problem. I have a 65X5.5X35 layout with the surface still being box with no hole as of yet. I haven't had the chance to bowl on extremely heavy oil yet, but on a medium heavy typical house shot this ball is quite responsive to the friction, but does not give up down the lane.
Mike Freundel
Brunswick Regional Staff
The views of this post are solely those of the writer, and not Brunswick Bowling and Billiards.
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BALL SPECS
Pin Length: 3-4" Out
Starting Top Weight: 2.8oz
Ball Weight: #15
DRILL PATTERN
Pin to PAP: 4"X PAP
CG to PAP: MB 4"X PAP Pin Buffer 2"
X Hole (if there is one): Weight hole P-2
BOWLER STYLE
Rev Rate: 300
Ball Speed: 15
PAP/Track: 5 3/8 H 1/4 V
SURFACE PREP
Grit: Factory Sanded
Type: (Matte, Polish, Sanded): Sanded
LANE CONDITION
Length: 41 feet
Volume: Medium
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): Typical House Shot
BALL REACTION
Length: 5 for such a heavy sanded ball
Back End: 8
Overall Hook: 9
Midlane Read: 8
Breakpoint Shape: Strong Arc
COMMENTS
Likes: Love this Ball. Looking for a ball to replace my Favorite oil ball the Original Nexus, also sanded around 1500. I loved the Purple/Blue Nexus because it could handle heavy oil but got through the front part of the lane clean. So for the Master mind I laid it out with a high flare drilling that still gets through the front. And the Mastermind does this perfectly. It has alot of the Original Nexus motion in it but is cleaner through the first 15 feet and has a stronger move off the dry. Reads the lane beautifully. But NOT for dry lanes unless you are extremely speed dominant. I like the new look and colors also. Has a similar motion to the Storm Sync for you Storm Nation fans out there. Watch out Storm, big B is catching up. Try, try try this ball, you will not be disappointed.
Dislikes: None so far.
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
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My Mastermind is laid out using my favorite asymmetrical layout which is extremely basic. Pin is above the bridge and mass bias is 2 inches from my thumb. Small weight hole on my axis to make it legal.
I really like this ball overall. For me it starts to hook in the same spot as my Paranormal Aura but does not layoff. The Paranormal I could get to roll out. This ball I have not been able to do. Now saying that it is really strong and I cannot use it when the mid lane starts to break down. It is absolutely great when the volumes are higher on patterns. The motion is just a really strong arcing motion. I would not attempt to use this ball on lighter volume patterns or as the lanes break down.
Another great piece from Brunswick!
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My Mastermind is laid out using my favorite asymmetrical layout which is extremely basic. Pin is above the bridge and mass bias is 2 inches from my thumb. Small weight hole on my axis to make it legal.
I really like this ball overall. For me it starts to hook in the same spot as my Paranormal Aura but does not layoff. The Paranormal I could get to roll out. This ball I have not been able to do. Now saying that it is really strong and I cannot use it when the mid lane starts to break down. It is absolutely great when the volumes are higher on patterns. The motion is just a really strong arcing motion. I would not attempt to use this ball on lighter volume patterns or as the lanes break down.
Another great piece from Brunswick!
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LANE CONDITION
Length: 40
Volume: Medium
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): THS
COMMENTS
Likes: This is without a doubt one of the best looking heavy oil balls on the market. This Mastermind shoots through the front like no other heavy oil ball on the market. The ball reads the midlane strong and continues on the back part of the lane more than any Big B ball to date. This ball is great to battle the slickest lane conditions. The original Nexus Solid was such a great ball because it felt like it would get back from anywhere. This Mastermind takes that to a whole new level. Have one of these in your bag ready for longer patterns and you'll outsmart the competition.
Greg Piper
Brunswick Regional Staff Member
"The opinions above are solely of the writer and not of the Brunswick corporation."
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
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The Mastermind comes out of the box at 1500 grit which will be great for heavy oil but heavy oil is not the case around my home town. So I wet sanded the ball with 4000 so it took a little shine. Now it's a ball that I can open up the whole lane with. Heads start to go a little? No problem, get in and send it, recovers every time. With the color scheme of the ball you can see it rev in the front then turn over on the back - easy to read and excellent entry angle to carry lots of off hits as well as solid pocket hits. You want to cover lots of boards? Get the Mastermind. You bowl on heavy oil? Get the Mastermind. You want carry from extreme angles? Get the Mastermind. You want to score big? You know...get the Mastermind.
Ray J. Edwards
Brunswick Regional Staff
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BALL SPECS
Pin Length: 3.5"
Starting Top Weight: 3 oz
Ball Weight: 15 lbs 2 oz
DRILL PATTERN
Ball: 60 x 4.5 x 35
X Hole (if there is one): No Hole
BOWLER STYLE
Rev Rate: 375 rpms
Ball Speed:17.5 mph
PAP/Track: 4 3/4 over 3/4 up
SURFACE PREP
Grit: Box Finish
Type: (Matte, Polish, Sanded): Sanded 1500 Siaair
LANE CONDITIONS
Lengths of patterns: 41 foot house shot
Volumes: moderate
Type: house
BALL REACTION
Length: Clean through the heads and strong read in the midlane with a booming backend
Back End: Super Strong Arc
Overall Hook: Bunches!!!!
Midlane Read: Strong
Breakpoint Shape: Strong Continuous Arc
COMMENTS
Likes: Hook and ability to cover boards without quitting
Dislikes: none
The Mastermind is the strongest ball I have ever thrown but it is a bit off a puzzling ball reaction. I've never thrown a ball that is this strong at the breakpoint that hooks on oil and doesn't quit down lane ever. This ball glides effortlessly through the first 30 foot of lane no matter whether the lanes are broken down on fresh in box finish! If I need more hook I simply add more surface and if not I smooth the surface out some. It is a very simple ball to adjust without having to worry about early hook in the heads. The mastermind will also recover from well from extreme angles. Fifth arrow was in play on our house shot with this ball and nothing else got close. Playing traditional lines it was a full 5 and 3 move left from my Paranormal with a much quicker move. If you are looking for help on heavier conditions pick up a Mastermind and let er' rip!!!!
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I am a little late on my reviews. I really wanted to give a real solid review on these.
The Mastermind is the newest release in the Pro Performance. The Mastermind brings a new core and cover with a great shelf appeal. Colored in Orange, blue and black.
A little about me, I am slightly rev dominant, 12 degrees of tilt and 35 degrees of axis rotation. PAP is 4 over and 3/4 up.
My first ball was drilled 50x4.5x45. I really wanted to see how clean this ball really was. It really surprised me. I was expecting it to not be that clean, but was very clean but still slowed down to early. I put polish over top of the box finish. This got the ball farther down lane and provided a pretty good pop off the spot. When compared to a similar drill Paranormal Aura, the Mastermind is at least an arrow more hook.
The second drilled is 50x6x70. This ball has been left at box surface. Even with the 1500 grit surface, the ball sails through the front and makes a nice move downlane. I am able to chase the oil as deep as I have wanted to go so far without sacrificing great pin carry. I use this ball a lot at the one center in league. This center is a little tighter than most and this ball is great on that.
The Mastermind does need oil to perform at its best. Brunswick has knocked this one out of the park. It is by far the strongest ball they have but is stronger in all the right places. If you are looking for the a ball that hooks but still gets you down lane, this is the perfect ball for you!!
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Brunswick Mastermind - Lane Side Reviews
BALL SPECS
Pin Length - 2-3"
Starting Top Weight – 2.9 oz
Ball Weight - 15lb 6oz
DRILL PATTERN
Drilled at 35 Degrees X 4 1/2" x 65 Degrees
BOWLER STYLE
Rev Rate - 400 / 350 / 300 / 250
Ball Speed - 19mph / 16mph
PICTURE AND VIDEO LINKS
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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Brunswick Mastermind Review:
Ball Weight: 15 lbs.
Drill Pattern: 57* x 4” x 49*
PAP: 4 3/8” x 0”
SPEED: 18.0 – 18.5 mph (release)
TILT: 17*
I drilled the Brunswick Mastermind to be the most aggressive ball in my bag, and it has not disappointed. With the 57* x 4” x 49* drill pattern, the pin ended up in my ring finger with the PSA about 1” to the left of my thumb (I’m left handed). I did not need a weight hole, but have the option to add one if needed. I have used the Mastermind on a wide variety of lane conditions. I will post them below, as well as a brief synopsis of how the ball performed.
41 FT. TYPICAL HOUSE SHOT:
As you would imagine on a typical house shot (THS), I was able to play inside and create a lot of area with the Mastermind, with a good amount of “miss room”. The great thing about the Mastermind is that I am able to keep migrating further into the lane with my target and my feet and still have very good pin carry, which is not always true of other, high end, aggressive balls I have reviewed and used in the past. Being on the left side allows me to stay further out longer, but having the ability to move inside and know you can carry is a valuable tool for all bowlers to have, and the Mastermind gives me that peace of mind.
KEGEL “ABBEY ROAD” OIL PATTERN:
This 40ft. Challenge Series pattern proved to be a very interesting pattern for the Mastermind. I tried it on the fresh, and found that even with 40ft. of oil, the Mastermind was getting too early of a read to get consistent pin carry. But, I bowled a (5) game block on the pattern, and by midway through game three, I was able to get further inside with the Mastermind and found a very nice ball reaction, where other balls were laboring to get back to the pocket. This was very impressive to me, and having the Mastermind to go to later in a block when others were starting to struggle with pin carry and angle to the pocket, gave me a leg up on other bowlers. In the tournament I used it, I was out of the cash cut until I took out the Mastermind the last game and a half, and ended up pulling out a check when it looked like I might not cash. The Mastermind will be my go to ball going forward on carry down and late block adjustments when I need to get further inside.
KEGEL ROUTE “66” OIL PATTERN:
This 45ft. Challenge Series oil pattern is by far my favorite oil pattern for the Mastermind. I was able to bowl a (6) game block, all with the Mastermind. The extra length of this pattern brought out the best in the Mastermind, as I was able to start deeper, around 17-18 at the arrows, and actually migrate left, out the about 13-14 at the arrows as the block progressed. Pin carry was phenomenal, and the ball never made the “herky-jerky” type of motion some balls do as the oil pattern breaks down. It was a very readable reaction, and strong off the back of the pattern. The Mastermind has to be your go to ball on longer and/or heavier blend oil patterns.
KEGEL “BROADWAY” OIL PATTERN:
I used the Mastermind on this 37ft. Challenge Series pattern, and found that this was the only pattern where I had a hard time using the ball for an entire block at box finish. I believe the shorter length of the pattern really steers away from the strong nature of the Mastermind, and I was able to get to the pocket from multiple angles, but pin carry was not as good as some of the longer or heavier oil patterns I have used the Mastermind on. But, the Mastermind takes to cover changes very well, and I applied some Brunswick Royal Shine to the cover stock, and transformed the Mastermind from a ball I had to leave in the bag, to one that dominated the Kegel Broadway oil pattern. The extra length provided by applying the Royal Shine allowed the Mastermind to get through the front part of the lane easily, while retaining enough energy to strike consistently from multiple angles. This is another great reason to own more than one Mastermind, keep one dull for the heavier patterns, and have one shined with Royal Shine for the shorter and broken down oil patterns. I was pleasantly surprised with the results after the cover change, and shows that the Mastermind really is a great all around bowling ball.
In closing, I would like to thank Parker Bohn and everyone at Brunswick Bowling. Brunswick truly has the best, most versatile lineup around. Showing what the Mastermind can do across a variety of oil patterns, from THS to long and short Challenge Series patterns, will help bowlers see the versatility of the Mastermind, and just how easily this ball can be used on a wide array of conditions. It is the first ball out of my bag on heavier patterns, and when the lanes carry down, I grab the Mastermind, move inside and have fun. I hope you enjoyed my review of the Brunswick Mastermind bowling ball, good luck and good bowling everyone. Go get your Mastermind today!
James Goulding III
Brunswick Advisory Staff
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LANE CONDITION
Length:42ft
Volume:
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):THS
COMMENTS
Likes:I like the aggressive movement it makes even before it touches the backend. When it enters the pocket, pins explode everywhere. This ball would easily be used in higher volumes of oil. In league I had to play fairly deep to use the higher concentrations of oil.
Dislikes:No dislikes.
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
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LANE CONDITION
Length:40
Volume:Heavier
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):THS
COMMENTS
Likes: Even with surface the ball is pretty easy to clear the fronts. Responds well late and keeps going. The ball seems to carry very well so far.
Dislikes: Too dull at 1500 for my taste. Much better for me around 3000-4000.
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
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LANE CONDITION
Length:40 foot Kegel's Bourbon Street
Volume:50ml
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):7.5 to 1 Recreational Pattern
COMMENTS
Likes: I drilled my Mastermind 45 X 5 X 70. Left the surface in box condition, 500 - 1500. After a few games on our THS, Kegel's Bourbon Street, I brought the surface up to 4000, no polish. Still out hooks everything in my bag, especially on the backend. Bringing the surface up helps me play a little straighter through the front. At box finish, better have a long, heavy volume pattern, or lots of ball speed. Strongest piece from Brunswick in a long time. Reads the midlane like the maxxed out, but just stronger, period. Great oil ball!
Chuck Mogavero
Brunswick Regional Staff
The opinions expressed are those of the writer and not of Brunswick Corporation.
Dislikes: You're kidding right?
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
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BALL SPECS
Ball Weight: 16 lbs
DRILL PATTERN
Dual Angle Layout: 75 x 5 1/2" x 45 which is a pin up
X Hole (if there is one): No Hole
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 - 1500
Type: (Matte, Polish, Sanded): Sanded
LANE CONDITION
Length: Multiple
Volume: Multiple
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): Multiple
BALL REACTION
Length: 8 /10
Back End: 9.5 /10
Overall Hook: 9.5 / 10
Midlane Read: 7 / 10
Breakpoint Shape: 8 / 10 (Angular)
COMMENTS
Likes: Strong reaction that doesn't hook at your feet even with the 1500 surface
Dislikes: None
The Mastermind is the strongest ball in the Brunswick Lineup. Even with the 1500 box surface and my higher rev rate, I can use this ball in league or tournaments. This ball clears the heads with ease, stores energy, and has a very aggressive motion when reaching the friction. I have been able to use ball in my one league that uses the slicker kegel ice oil, and stay inside of everyone on the pair. I have used it in a few tournaments that have heavier oil conditions. This ball is great for anyone looking for a strong ball that can handle heavier oil conditions.
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LANE CONDITION
Length:38 houseshot
Volume:
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):
COMMENTS
Likes: This ball is amazing. I layed this ball out with a basic straight up layout. This ball gets down the lane so well for a ball with surface. Love this ball with box finish. It hits hard and seems like I don't ever wanna put it away
Dislikes:
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
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LANE CONDITION
Length: Kegel Abbey Road (40)
Volume:
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): Brunswick Anvil
COMMENTS
Likes:
I know that saying a ball with a strong cover and core combination is not consistent with also saying it is clean through the front. But, this is truly the case with this ball! I think that’s what I really love about this piece. I find I can play the Mastermind outside around 5 on Abbey road. It gets down the lane before and stores plenty of energy for the back end. I really opens up the pocket with a pronounced move off the friction. Because it’s so clean, I’m able to stay on the ball for quite a while. I’ve yet to see anyone else able to play outside and get the ball back to the pocket on this shot. The Mastermind handles this with ease. The cover and core complement each other very well and you can see it pass through all three phases as it moves down the lane. Very predictable, controllable ball that belongs in everyone’s bag.
Dislikes:
None at this time
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
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Bowler style:
Rev rate: 280-300
Speed: 16-16.5 mph
PAP: 5" right, 1/4" up
Layout:
X hole: n/a
Surface:
used 2000 abralon pad
Comments:
This ball is the strongest of all the Brunswick name balls I have thrown in awhile. Much better finish for me in this ball compared to Paranormal Aura and Nexxus (last two big hook potential balls from Brunswick). This ball is different than almost any high aggression ball I have thrown, it has a lot of roll but it is the backend and the ability through the pins that this ball differs from other balls in this category. In the wood lane house I bowl in this ball even with the weak pin position is still too strong. I bowl at another synthetic house and it is a gem there. It goes just long enough so the ball doesn’t burn up through the heads and it makes a nice turn into the pocket.
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BALL SPECS
Pin Length: 4 Inches
Starting Top Weight:2.75 oz
Ball Weight:13 lbs (Rehabbing Injury)
DRILL PATTERN
Pin to PAP: 4"
CG to PAP:3.5"
X Hole (if there is one):P3
BOWLER STYLE
Rev Rate:400+
Ball Speed:17-18 Avg
PAP/Track:4 5/8> 3/4^
SURFACE PREP
Grit:Out of Box (500, 1,500 Siaair Micro Pad)
Type: (Matte, Polish, Sanded):Sanded
LANE CONDITION
Length:43ft on old wood
Volume:High Volume on High Friction
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):THS
BALL REACTION
Length:4 out of 10
Back End:6 out of 10
Overall Hook:9 out of 10
Midlane Read:10 out of 10
Breakpoint Shape:7 out of 10
COMMENTS
Likes:With throwing 13lb balls I get a true feel of how good the coverstocks truly are. 13lb Assyms have the same core shape as the old Vapor Zones and roll really good. This ball didn't dissapoint for heavy oil and might be the best oil coverstock ever produced by Brunswick. With my pin under layout and P3 hole this ball still scoots through the front of the lane and picks up perfectly in the midlane and still manages to continue down lane. This is a really special ball and should be in everyone's bowling bag!! It also handles polish really well!!
Dislikes:Nothing!
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Mastermind 70 x 5 x 40
Pattern Route 66, 45' long
Rough Buff finish
This ball is very aggressive with the OOB finish. My house has older lanes with higher friction so I rough buffed the coverstock. I haven't been able to use this ball at all until we put out the Route 66 pattern for our league. In four games I never had to change balls, chased the pattern left all night and still carried the corners. It reads the lane very well with good continuation through the pins.
You definitely need some oil for this ball. The cover responds very well to surface adjustments for fine tuning!
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LANE CONDITION
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): THS
COMMENTS
Likes: The ball gives me everything I want in an oil ball. It grabs the lane quickly and gives me total control throughout the lane. A pleasant surprise is that this ball doesn't burn up and quit the way many oilers do.
Dislikes: I really don't have any. If you use this piece on the conditions for which it was designed, you'll love it. I just wish I saw enough oil to use it more frequently!
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
Basically, this is what an oil ball is supposed to be. It's early, strong, smooth, and powerful. I haven't had many opportunities to use the Mastermind just yet; it's just that strong; however, when I do find enough oil for it, it's all that I need and then some!
The biggest selling point to me is the continuation displayed by the Mastermind. Many strong balls burn up early and offer nothing down the lane. That's not the case with the Mastermind. For me, the Mastermind reads very early, but it doesn't burn up and stop; on the contrary, it keeps hooking all the way down the lane and through the pins.
This isn't a stand left and open up the lane kind of ball. It's a ball that's ideal when you want smooth, strong motion throughout the lane on heavier patterns. Basically, use the ball on the conditions for which it is designed, and you'll love it!
If you have questions or comments, please feel free to message me. I'm always willing to try to help fellow bowlers. Good luck and good bowling to all!