BallReviews
Reviews => Brunswick => Topic started by: Ballreviews on January 13, 2014, 09:56:30 AM
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Brunswick Mastermind Genius Ball Specs:
- Color: Black, Green, Gold Hybrid All colors do vary somewhat from the picture shown.
- Core: Mastermind Ultra Low RG
- Coverstock: Honor Roll Hybrid
- Factory Finish: 500 Siaair Micro Pad; Royal Compound
- Reaction: Length with a strong backend and angular entry
- Radius of Gyration (RG): 2.540**
- Differential (Diff): 0.052**
- ** RG and Diff are based off of 15 lb. balls
- Hook Potential: 220 (scale 10-225)
- Length: 120 (scale 25-235)
- Breakpoint Shape: Very Angular
- Recommended Lane Condition: Medium-Heavy Oil
- A few tiny pit holes in the cover stock of the ball are normal
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Brunswick Mastermind Genius
BALL SPECS
Pin Length - 4-6"
Starting Top Weight – 3.6 oz
Ball Weight - 15lb 4oz
DRILL PATTERN
Drilled at 60 Degrees X 5 1/4" x 30 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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BALL SPECS
Pin Length: 4"
Starting Top Weight: 3.8 oz
Ball Weight: 15 lbs 4 oz
DRILL PATTERN
Ball: 65 x 4 3/4 x 35
X Hole (if there is one): small p2 hole
BOWLER STYLE
Rev Rate: 375 rpms
Ball Speed:17.5 mph
PAP/Track: 4 3/4 over 3/4 up
SURFACE PREP
Grit: 4000 Siaair
Type: (Matte, Polish, Sanded): Smooth
LANE CONDITIONS
Lengths of patterns: 41 foot house shot and 35 foot Cheetah
Volumes: moderate and high volume sport
Type: house and sport
BALL REACTION
Length: Clean through the heads and strong continuous backend
Back End: strong continuous arc almost skid flip
Overall Hook: strong moderate
Midlane Read: late
Breakpoint Shape: sharp but predictable
COMMENTS
Likes: Clean through the heads with a strong predictable backend reaction.
Dislikes: Box finish provided a little too much lenght
The Mastermind Genius is the second release in the highly popular Mastermind series. The Mastermind has been the best performing oil ball that I have ever had due to its continuous backend reaction. The Mastermind can be a bit too strong at times when there isn't enough oil on the lanes. The new Mastermind Genius is the ticket in these situations. On our house shot the Genius was about 5 and 2 weaker than a similarly drilled Mastermind. It is several feet longer and provides a stronger and more angular backend reaction. The Genius is also very predictable and never misses the hook spot even when I fail to get the right amount of rotation on the ball. I fired a 707 with it right out of the box but it was just a little bit too long in the oil for my liking. I decided to freshen up the ball finish and then apply 4000 grit Siaair to the top of it. The reaction has been perfect ever since. The strength of the Genius is not only in the backend reaction but in the versatility it possesses. I was able to test it out on a higher volume Cheetah pattern and the ball really shined! It allowed me to move 7 and 1 left of my Melee. The Mastermind Genius was able to really bring it from the 4th arrow out the gutter and all the way back. The angularity was truly impressive. This is going to be my go to ball when I need to open up my angles on a condition that has volume and my Mastermind is too much. Take advantage of the $20 dollar rebate and get smarter instantly!
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BRUNSWICK MASTERMIND GENIUS REVIEW
James Goulding
Brunswick Ball Tester
Left Handed
350 RPM
PAP: 4 3/8†x 0â€
17* Tilt
18.0 – 18.5 MPH
Brunswick Mastermind Genius
Layout: 42* x 5†x 38*, pin over grip center
X-hole: 9/16†wide x 3†deep, 1†past VAL, ¾†above midline
Review:
41ft. House Pattern, Medium-Heavy Blend
I drilled the Mastermind Genius to be a longer, more violent version of the original Mastermind, and that’s exactly what I got. Using this ball on fresh THS is almost like cheating, it creates that much area and “miss roomâ€. Being on the left side, I am able to plat straighter with more aggressive equipment, which is why the Genius was a perfect fit for my game. My first three game set on league was an 806 with games of 278, 269, 259. The ball reaction is very clean through the heads and mid lane, but still gives a strong heavy roll into the pocket. I believe the combination of the strong motor of the Genius core, as well as the hybrid cover stock, both allow this ball to avoid that “hockey stick†type of hook, which can lead to big splits and an over / under type of reaction. You see neither of those with the Genius, and that’s a very good thing indeed. As far as comparison to other equipment, I played 3 boards further left with my feet, and 2 boards further left with my eyes than with the original Mastermind with a similar layout. I was also about 4 boards further right with my feet with the same target at the arrows as my Melee, showing just how much stronger the Genius really is than the Melee. If you’re looking for that benchmark ball to judge the others in your lineup against, then pick up a Mastermind Genius.
Team USA Mexico City Oil Pattern
I was curious how the Mastermind Genius would handle the longer oil patter (45ft.) that Mexico City lays down, and was actually pleasantly surprised with the results. Even with a 5†pin over layout, the Genius still starts its move early enough to give a true readable reaction on this oil pattern. Carry percentage was the only issue on this pattern when it was fresh, but after throwing a few games, and breaking down the pattern, the Genius really shined. It’s a perfect compliment to the original Mastermind, which worked great on Mexico City until they broke down, and then I could move right to the Genius and pick up where the original Mastermind left off, playing a similar part of the lane. On this pattern, I played 3 boards further left with my feet and 2 boards further left with my target than the original Mastermind. Also, I was 4 boards further right and 1 board further right with my target than I was with the Melee on Mexico City.
Team USA Los Angeles Oil Pattern
The Team USA Los Angeles oil pattern is a 36ft. pattern, which was a great test to see how the Mastermind Genius would react to the shorter length, and it really shined on the fresh oil. I was able to start left, placing the ball down around 11, catching my break point at the 5 board down lane, and the ball reaction was incredible. Even as I had to move inside as the oil pattern wore down, I was still able to get tremendous pin carry, which is something that many balls struggle with as you increase the angle off of your hand. I was able to play much straighter than I could with my original Mastermind on this shorter oil pattern, and having that pearl blend in the cover stock mixed with the solid really makes a huge difference, especially on these types of shorter oil patterns. I played 5 further left with my feet and 4 further left with my target than the original Mastermind, and I was able to play 3 further right with my feet and the same target as the Melee. Overall, I was very pleased with how the Genius held up on this shorter pattern, and it will be the ball I start with going forward, and if they break down I can go to my Melee and then the Ringer Platinum Pearl when they really break down.
Overall Impression
I would say that overall the Mastermind Genius is a must own for any bowler looking to add a ball that can handle a wide variety of lane conditions. The cover stock is very surface adjustment friendly, so don’t be afraid to sand or polish the cover stock to your liking. This ball fits perfectly between the original Mastermind (very aggressive) and the Melee (medium oil monster) in my arsenal, and it will be in my bag for a long time. If you’re a one day a week bowler, this ball will help get you the most bang for your buck, as the hybrid cover (part solid, part pearl) will maximize the amount of lane conditions you can hit with one ball. Also, if you’re the serious, competitive bowler such as me, then this ball HAS to be in your bag at all times. I can’t wait to use it on an even wider variety of tournament conditions and see this ball shine. If you’re looking for your next benchmark ball, or looking to fill that gap between the super aggressive stuff and the milder reacting balls, check out the Brunswick Mastermind Genius, you’ll be glad you did!
James Goulding III
Brunswick Ball Tester
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This ball took a little dialing in for me. Laid it out 70X5.5X45 and threw it on a THS, and it did not clear the front quite as much as I would have liked. I polished with Brunswick Factory finish and it went a little too straight, but like the story of the three bears, I put a hole at P3 and it was just right. This ball clears the front unless the heads are totally burnt, stands up and makes a very nice move off the break point. This has quickly become my favorite ball in my bag. It gives me the same length as a Mystic Aura with a 3-4 board stronger move at the end of the lane.
Mike Freundel
Brunswick Regional Stafff
The views of this post are solely those of the writer and not Brunswick Bowling and Billiards.
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LANE CONDITION
Length: Kegel Beaten Path and Abbey Raod
Volume:
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): THS and Brunswick Anvil
COMMENTS
Likes:
This is the second release for Brunswick in the Mastermind series. It is an awesome hybrid that makes a great complement to the Mastermind. On Beaten path, I’m able to open the block with it since the THS surface we are on is 11 years old and exhibits a great deal of friction. Typically the mids blow out on the pattern during the first game bringing about a situation where the mids start to hook and the back end plays tight. Carry becomes a real issue at that point. I’m able to stay right of the burn and use the Mastermind Genius’ great length and strong move off the friction to control pocket. When it’s time to move, it’s usually a huge move left across the burn. But, The Mastermind Genius usually remains usable. I’ve also used this ball late in the block on Kegel Abbey Road when the Mastermind has burned through the pattern. I’m usually able to go to this ball during game three and regain the push down the lane. The Mastermind Genius gets great length and retains its energy with plenty of pop at the pin deck. If you liked the Mastermind then don’t miss this ball, it’s a great complement and follow up to the Mastermind.
Dislikes:
none at this time.
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
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LANE CONDITION
Length: 39'
Volume: Heavy from 10 to 10
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): THS
COMMENTS
Ball is drilled roughly 5" pin to PAP and above the fingers.
Likes: Great ball that fits under the Mastermind. On the fresh conditions it's usually about a 2 and 1 or 3 and 2 move outside from the solid version. Easy to clear the front with a little faster move off the friction.
The hybrid cover is very, very versatile. Dull to shiny it will not disappoint.
Dislikes: None yet, the ball does what it's supposed to do.
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
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Ball Reviewing: Mastermind Genius
Ball Surface: OOB
Layout used: 55 x 5 7/8 x 40 same as original
Oil Pattern: House Shot
How did the ball roll & react: The Genius is drilled exactly as my original Mastermind and kept it out of the box. I used my favorite layout with the pin over my middle finger with the cg kicked a little with no hole needed. It was extremely clean in the front part of the lane for a high end ball. Gave me good control in the midlane, as well as a predictable backend motion. I was able to move inside with ease and not worry about it hooking back.
Did you compare this ball to another ball? If so which one: Comparing the Genius to the original Mastermind. I would say the Genius is easily a foot longer down lane and more versatile. It’s an easy transition from the two balls. Mastermind on fresh until you see it labor down lane, then move in with the Genius. People that also liked the Brawler, would love this ball as well. Cleaner in the heads than the brawler, with a stronger backend motion.
Strengths & weakness’s of the ball: The cover it what gives the Genius its strength. You know what its going to do. From the control in the mids, to the predictability of the backend the ball is amazing. I can use this on a wide variety of conditions compare the original
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BALL SPECS
Ball Weight: 16 lbs
DRILL PATTERN
Dual Angle Layout #1: 65 x 5 x 40 (Pin Up)
Dual Angle Layout #2: 70 x 5 x 70 (Pin Down)
X Hole (if there is one): None
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: Pin Up - 500, Royal Compound (Polished
Grit: Pin Down - 500, 2000, 4000 (Matte)
LANE CONDITION
Length: Multiple
Volume: Multiple
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): Multiple
BALL REACTION
Length: 8 / 10 (45 feet to breakpoint)
Back End: 7 / 10
Overall Hook: 8 /10
Midlane Read: 7 /10
Breakpoint Shape: More Angular than Mastermind
COMMENTS
Likes: Works great on any condition
Dislikes: None
The Mastermind Genius is a great compliment to the Mastermind. With the cover and core combination, the Genius has a strong but smooth reaction. And, with the Hybrid cover, it doesn't snap as hard as a pearl when reaching the friction. I have used both the pin up and pin down balls on a house shot and on sport patterns with similar performance. I can use the pin up ball on the fresh to allow me a stronger motion or when the Mastermind is too strong. When the lanes break down or I need a smoother reaction, I can use the pin down ball. Both of these clear the front part of the lane and can handle heavy to medium oil conditions. I have yet found a condition to give me an unpredictable reaction with either ball. I would recommend the Mastermind Genius to anyone who is looking for a versatile ball that can be used on a variety of conditions.
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Bowler style:
Rev rate: 280-300
Speed: 16-16.5 mph
PAP: 5" right, 1/4" up
Layout:
60 x 3 3/4 x 30
X hole: n/a
Surface:
Out of box
Comments:
This is probably the top selling ball in my local area. I personally loved the nexus line and the original mastermind so was very stoked about this release.
I personally had some issues with this ball. I didn't see the big backend motion that I was expecting, like what previous hybrid covers by Brunswick have given me in the past. When I throw this ball it rolls up nice in the mid lanes and then rolls out and dies. This could be because of my high axis rotation and very low axis tilt, matched with an aggressive pin position.
The one amazing thing that I like about this ball was the ability that it gave me to play straight down the boards, being a stroker type player I do this a lot. When I can keep my target in front of me this ball is the only choice for me personally.
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Type of bowler: Tweener
Avg Speed: 17.5
Rev Rate: 375-400
PAP: 5 x ¾ up
Layout: 52 x 3 ½ x 55 with a balance hole 2 inches below PAP on VAL
Drilled my Mastermind Genius to play off a Disturbed that I absolutely love. The intent was to drill something that gives me a similar shape but with more distance. This ball delivers.
The ball keeps its energy very well and is a truck through the pins. The only downside I have seen overall is that carry down may be a bit of an issue, but that’s what the Disturbed is for in my case.
1. 40 foot House Shot – Shot has quite a bit of volume, so I was able to use this ball left to right and the good news was that it did not over read the oil line. Strong, balance shape all 60 feet. Move in the back was very good.
2. Nationals team pattern – Obviously this is an approximation of the pattern as it is at a local center, but it has been fairly true in years past. Ball read the pattern very well and was very controllable. With the flat nature of the pattern, the over-under inside was always present, but it read the end of pattern very well and consistent. Just what you want.
If you’re looking for a strong shape that won’t rev too early, the Genius is a ball for you.
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BALL SPECS
Pin Length: 3 Inches
Starting Top Weight:3.50 oz
Ball Weight:13 lbs (Rehabbing Injury)
DRILL PATTERN
Dual Angle:65 x 4.5 x 35
X Hole (if there is one):No Hole
BOWLER STYLE
Rev Rate:400+
Ball Speed:17-18 Avg
PAP/Track:4 5/8> 3/4^
SURFACE PREP
Grit:Out of Box (500 then Royal Compound))
Type: (Matte, Polish, Sanded):Polished
LANE CONDITION
Length:43ft on old wood
Volume:High Volume on High Friction
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):THS
BALL REACTION
Length:7 out of 10
Back End:8 out of 10
Overall Hook:7 out of 10
Midlane Read:7 out of 10
Breakpoint Shape:9 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. The first thing I noticed was the amazing color combo of Black/Green and Gold Flake. After drilling this ball I was able to square up compared to the Mastermind and was really strong down lane. This is currently my favorite Asymmetrical I have drilled. Ball strikes for days on the THS even in 13 lbs. Love it!
Dislikes:I can't have this ball in my hand every single night!
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Length: 38-40 feet
Volume: Medium
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): Just THS at this point
Layout: Pin above ring finger, MB just right of thumb
Coverstock prep: 3000 abralon
COMMENTS
Likes: Benchmark reaction - it is smooth, strong, and controllable throughout the lane; the ball is eye candy (looks great visually)
Dislikes: The OOB finish didn't work for me; the ball bled too early and didn't have much of anything left for the break point; however, a surface adjusment corrected that problem instantly.
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
The Mastermind Genius is one of the first Brunswick pieces I have bagged in a long time, and I am really impressed. The out-of-box finish of 500 Siar plus Royal Compound wasn't good for me. The ball was fine through the heads and mid, but there seemed to be nothing left at the break point. As such, a friend recommended I take it up to 3000 abralon. I did, and, voila, the ball was an immediate winner. With the 3000 matte finish, the ball was still plenty clean through the front and read the midlane nicely, but now the backend was smooth and strong as well. The lesson here is do not be afraid to alter the surface to fit your needs. The box finish kills it for some, but it didn't give me what I needed. As such, I changed it, and I immediately found a ton of success.
At the moment, the Genius is serving as a good benchmark ball for me. It is just butter-smooth from foul line through pin deck. I can usually use this ball for the first two games or so of league; however, if the Genius isn't reading soon enough, I can ball up to my Brutal Nightmare or original Mastermind. If the Genius starts to labor as I continue moving inside late in the set, I can immedately switch to my Melee Jab and get the look and shape I am looking for.
All in all, I am very, very pleased with the Mastermind Genius. The combination of smooth, strong motion, predictability, hitting power, and awesome color scheme make this ball a real winner in my book.
If you have questions or comments after reading this review, feel free to contact me via private message. Good luck and good bowling to all!