BallReviews
Reviews => Brunswick => Topic started by: BallReviews-scodaddy21 on June 16, 2016, 11:51:29 AM
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Strategy is a crucial part of any sport and bowling is no different. The Brunswick Mastermind Strategy pairs the Relativity Solid Reactive coverstock with the Modified Mastermind Asymmetric core to offer a ball that has a strong and controllable hook motion when used on medium to heavy oiled lanes. The ball motion of the Mastermind Strategy is similar to the one produced by the original Mastermind.
Color: Blue/Violet/Orange All colors do vary somewhat from the picture shown.
Core: Modified Mastermind Asymmetric
Coverstock: Relativity Solid
Finish: 500, 2000 Siaair
Reaction: Strong and controllable hook motion
RG: 2.504**
Differential: 0.048****
RG and Diff are based off of 15 lb. balls
Hook Potential: 240 (scale 10-250)
Length: 105 (scale 25-235)
Breakpoint Shape: Angular
Recommended Lane Condition: Medium-Heavy Oil
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Bowling Ball- Brunswick Mastermind Strategy
Coverstock- Relativity Solid Reactive
Factory Finish- 500, 2000 Siaair
Ball Layout- 60x4.5x55
The Brunswick Mastermind Strategy is a bowling ball that will probably be the first one to come out of my bag. If you liked the original Mastermind, you are absolutely going to love this ball. I have had the ball for about a week now, and have had a change to throw it both on wood and synthetic lanes. The Mastermind Strategy really leaves a foot print in the oil. Like the original, this ball sees the mid-lane very well, but this this one continues through the pins much harder. It’s almost the best of both worlds. The Strategy has that strong mid-lane roll of the original, but it continues through the pins just as hard as the Mastermind Brainiac. I find myself saying wow every time this ball starts up, and goes through the pins. I would say overall it’s about the same amount of hook as the original, just with a stronger continuous roll. Compared to the Mastermind Brainiac, the Strategy is probably three to four feet earlier with a stronger mid-lane roll, but continues through the pins just as hard. Make sure you check this ball out. Available July 12th!
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LANE CONDITION
Length: 40 ft.
Volume: 26ml
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): THS
COMMENTS
Ball is laid out with pin 4.5" from PAP and below the fingers. Extra hole in the thumb quadrant. Factory surface.
Likes: So far the Einstein has been my favorite, and most used ball from the Mastermind line. The new Strategy will probably take that place. It seems like a combination of strength of the original Mastermind, with more recovery like the Einstein. I do have to move in a bit and open up angles more, but that's fine. This ball reacts strongly and keeps going. No quit through the pin deck whatsoever!
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
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Mind Boggling performance at your fingertips. Join Lane Side Reviews as they take the new #MasterMind #strategy to the lanes as they do battle with the pins.
#TeamBrunswick #TeamLSR #TeamLogoInfusion #TurboGrips #Bowling#WhatsYOURplanOfAttack
Brunswick Mastermind Strategy
BALL SPECS
Pin Length – 3-4"
Starting Top Weight – 3.1oz
Ball Weight - 15lb 3oz
DRILL PATTERN
Drilled 60 X 5 1/2†x 30, no hole
BOWLER STYLE
Rev Rate – 240 / 352 / 436
Ball Speed – 14.1 MPH / 18.6 MPH
PICTURE AND VIDEO LINKS
https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13669195_1303009959717324_1909736818005328210_n.jpg?oh=89c61c2bf0eec361b80dee848dd5e56f&oe=57F09DEE
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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The Mastermind Strategy is yet another strong performer in the successful line. The ball motion is very similar to the original Mastermind but with more continuation through the pins. I can see the big difference in this new composite cover versus the original as this ball slaps out more 10’s. Even with this ball being cleaner than the original it still has that great midlane roll that everyone loved from the original Mastermind. This ball is my new benchmark ball when the lanes are tighter. I have a pin down layout on mine which helps the ball dig into the lane a little earlier and also tame the back part of the lane. I will be using this ball on flatter patterns to keep control of the pocket and possibly in league to smooth out over under when necessary. Get to your local proshop and grab one today!
Greg
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LANE CONDITION
Length: 41 ft.
Volume:
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): THS
COMMENTS
If you liked the original Mastermind, you are going to love this ball. The MM Strategy pairs the Relativity Solid Reactive coverstock with the Modified Mastermind Asymmetric core to offer a ball that has a strong and controllable hook motion when used on medium to heavy oil. It is a bit cleaner through the heads than the original, but makes it up in the midlane. Helps me maintain control of the pocket longer than the original.
Layout is chose was 55x4.5x40, which matched up well with my PAP.
Dick Dube
Brunswick Advisory Staff
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
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BALL SPECS
Ball Weight: 15 lbs
DRILL PATTERN
Dual Angle: 45 x 6 x 80
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 Mastermind Strategy to me is the best Mastermind ball in the line. The Mastermind Strategy is so strong and continuatous in the backend and has great midlane roll. I drilled mine 45 x 6 x 80 for tougher flat patterns to allow me to get the ball to roll more throughout the lane. This ball is gonna be a moneymaker and is a outstanding benchmark ball as well.
Charles Withers II
Brunswick Advisory Staff
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BALL SPECS
Pin Length: 3.2"
Starting Top Weight: 3.1 oz
Ball Weight: 15 lbs 2 oz
DRILL PATTERN
Ball: 65 x 5 x 35
X Hole (if there is one): Small P1 hole
BOWLER STYLE
Rev Rate: 375 rpms
Ball Speed:17.5 mph off hand
PAP/Track: 4 3/4 over 3/4 up
SURFACE PREP
Grit: 2000
Type: (Matte, Polish, Sanded): Sanded 2000 Siaair
LANE CONDITIONS
Lengths of patterns: 41 foot house shot
Volumes: moderate
Type: house
BALL REACTION
Length: Moderate with plenty of midlane read
Back End: Super Strong Arc
Overall Hook: very strong
Midlane Read: Strong
Breakpoint Shape: Strong Continuous Arc
COMMENTS
Likes: Heavy midlane read, over all strength, ability to smooth out over under conditions
Dislikes: none
The Mastermind Strategy is a stronger upgraded version of the original Mastermind. The newer Composite Coverstock technology helps the ball start a bit sooner and still maintain some motion down the lane. This one is much earlier than the Brainiac and will work very well when the lane conditions are fresh. I believe I will find this ball to excel when I need something to even out the wet dry ball reaction caused by today's slicker surfaces and higher volumes. This ball possesses a controllable reaction simply not seen in most reactive balls. If your looking for strong, controllable performance with plenty of hook the Mastermind Strategy is more than worth your consideration!
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LANE CONDITION
Length: 47 ft, 44 ft, 37ft
Volume: High Volume
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): Sport patterns and THS
COMMENTS
Likes: I drilled my Strategy with the pin below the middle finger and cg kicked about 1/2 inch right with a x hole in the p4 area. Kept the ball at OOB surface for every pattern. This ball really shined on the 37 foot flat pattern and the Route 66 pattern. With this layout the ball revs up in the mid lane and walks to the pocket. This ball for me is very smooth, but compared to the original it starts up a little later down lane. With it being smooth on the sport patterns I am able to keep my angles in front of me. Out of the newer Brunswick balls this ball is about 4-5 boards less hook that the Absolute Nirvana, but stronger that the Ultimate Nirvana.
Dislikes:
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
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I drilled this ball the same as I did my original Mastermind as I’m using this ball to replace that ball in my arsenal. I drilled it 50 x 5 x 60 putting the pin below my fingers. The Mastermind Strategy goes a little bit longer with a touch more backend compared to the original Mastermind. The biggest characteristic you will notice is how clean this ball clears the front part of the lane and when it clears the pattern gives you a strong backend reaction with excellent continuation through the pin deck. My favorite part about this ball, like the original Mastermind it gives great predictability in its ball motion allowing the bowler to read transitions earlier. This ball will match all bowling styles.
Troy Schaefer
Brunswick Regional Staff Player
#bowlwithbruns #teamBrunswick
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If you loved the original Mastermind then you are gonna love this one. I put a stronger layout on my strategy compared to my original so they wouldn’t been overlapping. For me, I see the strategy about a board or 2 less than the original but also about a foot longer. For me I’m gonna get a lot of use out of my strategy when my original mastermind is beginning to burn up. With my stronger pin down layout, I am able to open my angles up a lot more than I ever could with the mastermind. It also takes to surfaces changes well as I bowled on 47ft this weekend and had 1000 grit on it.
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Hand: Left Ball Speed: 16-17 mph Rev Rate: 400 Axis Tilt: 2 degrees
Axis Rotation: 84 PAP: 5" Left and 1/8th up Pattern: THS 39-40 ft
Ball: Mastermind Strategy Weight: 15.3 Top Weight: 2.5
Drill Pattern: 70 X 4" X 25 Weight Hole: P3 position
Smooth and predictable are the best words to describe the Mastermind Strategy. One of the best things of this ball is the hitting power and continuation through the pins. The Strategy get through the heads easily. Good back end recovery if thrown out to far. Never worried that this ball would make it back to the pocket. The Strategy is a medium to heavy oil ball, but is still tame enough to use on multiple patterns. I was easily a whole arrow deeper with my Strategy compared to my original Mastermind. Easily a ball to use when you need a little extra up front to cut through that oil, but not sacrificing on back end performance. The ball motion overall is a very strong arch. If you need something to combat the oil and destroy the pins, then the Brunswick Strategy is the ball for you! Another winner for Brunswick.
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The Mastermind Strategy uses the modified Mastermind core found in the Einstein and Brainiac releases, this core is easier down the lane than the original Mastermind or nirvana heavy hitters due to the lower Diffs and higher RG, this weight block matches up to my game extremely well as I will detail below and in the video
The Strategy features a composite relativity solid coverstock with a 4000 siaair out of the box finish, you can duplicate this finish by hand with fresh siaair pads(not on a ball spinner)
Drilled the strategy with my favorite pin down asym layout of 75 x 4 x 75 with a hole on the PAP
This ball is very easy down the lane with a perfect blend of midlane read and backend continuation and is perfection when you need a asym on fresh but the nirvanas are just too much. The strategy is very smooth and controlled with plenty of pop. The Einstein is a perfect ball down from this when you start to lose angle and carry due to the fronts going. This ball is best used on fresh patterns of various length with medium to heavy oil, this ball rolls well on the lower side of medium and does not require tons of oil to clear the fronts.
-Gary Murrell
Brunswick Regional Staff
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BALL SPECS
Pin Length:3-4
Starting Top Weight:3.38
Ball Weight:15
DRILL PATTERN
Pin to PAP:50* X 45 X 70*
CG to PAP:
X Hole (if there is one):X-hole one VAL down 1 1/4
BOWLER STYLE
Rev Rate:450-470
Ball Speed:19-20
PAP/Track:4 3/8 right up 7/8
SURFACE PREP
Grit:box
Type: (Matte, Polish, Sanded):matte
LANE CONDITION
Length:variety
Volume:variety
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):variety
COMMENTS
Likes:The Mastermind Strategy is just like the original. Very strong in the fronts which allows it to read the mids extremely well. It give you that super strong super continuous reaction on the back. This ball goes thru the pins incredibly. always splitting the 8-9.
When I compared this ball I compared it to the Einstein and Grudge. The Strategy was stronger in the front then the Einstein with 4-5 boards more overall hook, also was a little smoother on the backend then the Einstein. The Strategy was cleaner then the Grudge with way less reaction. The Strategy was more controllable then the Grudge. Strategy stays smoother when it sees the friction.
Personal opinon, going to be a great ball when there is a little oil in the front. It can be the house shot that has the puddle in the middle or a sport shot that has a little volume. The Strategy reads the mids very well and is sneaky strong on the backend. It has a predictable yet strong motion on the back. Allows this ball to go thru the pins like NO OTHER!
Dislikes:ball does like a lot of friction.
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
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Brunswick Mastermind Strategy Review
James Goulding III
Brunswick Advisory Staff
Left Handed
350 RPM
PAP: 4 5/8†x 0â€
17* Tilt
18.0 – 18.5 MPH
Brunswick Mastermind Strategy
Layout: 37* x 5.25" x 63*, pin under middle finger
X-hole: None
The Brunswick Mastermind Strategy is a great new addition to the now legendary Mastermind lineup. All bowlers who have yearned for the reaction from the original Mastermind, then this is the ball for you. Think of it as a Mastermind on steroids. The new Relativity solid cover, combined with the proven Mastermind core, deliver a combination that is both aggressive in the mid lane, and has enough back end punch to snap out even the most stubborn of corner pin. It should be THE benchmark ball in any bowlers bag.
I have a full video and audio review of the Brunswick Mastermind Strategy on my YouTube channel, Check it out right here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2OGz_CYs70s
Thank you for choosing Brunswick!
James Goulding III
Brunswick Advisory Staff
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Strategy is a crucial part of any sport and bowling is no different. The Brunswick Mastermind Strategy pairs the Relativity Solid Reactive coverstock with the Modified Mastermind Asymmetric core to offer a ball that has a strong and controllable hook motion when used on medium to heavy oiled lanes. The ball motion of the Mastermind Strategy is similar to the one produced by the original Mastermind.
Color: Blue/Violet/Orange All colors do vary somewhat from the picture shown.
Core: Modified Mastermind Asymmetric
Coverstock: Relativity Solid
Finish: 500, 2000 Siaair
Reaction: Strong and controllable hook motion
RG: 2.504**
Differential: 0.048****
RG and Diff are based off of 15 lb. balls
Hook Potential: 240 (scale 10-250)
Length: 105 (scale 25-235)
Breakpoint Shape: Angular
Recommended Lane Condition: Medium-Heavy Oil
Length:
Volume:
Type (THS,
Likes:
Dislikes:
I drilled this one 50 x 4 x 35 pinup slightly off to right of fingers. Ball is very smooth and controllable. Ball is quite strong off the spot definitely as strong as the original mastermind.
Tom Bohannon
Brunswick Advisory Staff
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Drilled my Mastermind Strategy 55x4.75x65 (pin below bridge) to compliment my Brainiac which has continued to grow on me as one of the staples of my tournament bag. The Strategy gives me traction in the midlane with a heavy roll that sets up in front of the pins. Our local house has been kind enough to lay down 43' Dead Man's Curve all summer and this ball has been an absolute killer on fresh. Most of my other stronger balls are too responsive downlane on fresh sport patterns, causing mediocre shots to hook through the face. The rollier shape of the Strategy gives me more forgiveness and predictability on fresh allowing my marginal shots to be 9 counts from around the pocket instead of 7-8 counts from hooking into the pins.
The only negative of using a pin down solid ball playing inside on long patterns is that the carry is just so so. I personally am more comfortable moving in and circling the ball more than staying up the back to the right so this ball fits right into my wheel house. As a player who typically struggles on fresh, this ball has been an absolute godsend by giving me a look that the "clean through the front/explosive on the backend" balls cannot offer.
To compare this ball to anything in my bag, it is a step more early/even than my Guru Supreme (the wall killer) and is a great option for fresh in my tournament bag. It starts up a few feet sooner and is a couple stronger than my Brainiac, which is drilled very similarly and is the perfect step down once the Strategy either starts up too soon (forces me too far left) or begins to labor around the corner. In terms of overall hook it is close to my Vandal Smash and Melee Hook, but with an earlier, lower response shape reminding me most of my Hell Raiser Revenge.
I recommend this ball for tournament bowlers looking for help on fresh sport patterns. This ball will be a step stronger and flatter off the spot than your benchmark ball, giving it that perfect shape for keeping you out of trouble while tricky patterns settle in for those first couple of games.
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A really well designed, predictable rolling ball to complement the Mastermind line. Mine is OOB finish, drilled pin under ring finger, and I've found it to work well on any volumes medium to heavy. I have slow to average ball speed, and don't have any problems with this ball hooking too much.
In fact, it picks up just enough on the fresh to kick out the corners while still giving me the feeling that I'm in control of the ball reaction. As the midlane begins to transition, and this drilling causes the ball to burn up a bit, I can then move to an ultimate Nirvana and open up the lane nicely.
I've used this ball primarily on Kegel Autobahn (42'), with good success on the fresh. Highly recommend it if you're looking for an aggressive asymmetrical that you can manage confidently. A nice enhancement and upgrade to the original Mastermind.
Jeff Poholsky
Brunswick Advisory Staff
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Bowler Stats
Left Handed
pap 5 over 3/4 up
axis tilt 17degrees
rev rate 425-450
ball speed 17.5-18mph
Ball Specs
15lbs
pin 2-3
top 3oz
I drilled my Mastermind Strategy 65 x 5.5 x40 this put the pin in my middle finger and the cg about 1/2in off my grip centerline.. no x hole was needed....
The Mastermind Strategy is the ball I go to once the heavier oil patterns I see in tournaments starts to transition... this is a ball I can throw when I need to move in and get around it but it still has enough teeth to cut through the oil and make it back. The great thing about the Mastermind Strategy is that it continues through the pins better than any ball in its price point......
The Mastermind Strategy is a ball Every Bowler Should have in their bag
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Bowling Ball – Brunswick Mastermind Strategy
Coverstock – Relativity Solid
Factory Finish – 500 Siaair, 2,000 Siaair
Ball Layout – 60 x 5 5/8 x 60
The Mastermind Strategy is going to be a benchmark ball for most bowlers in my opinion. The Strategy is very similar to the original Mastermind but continues through the pins much harder than the original. Like most Brunswick balls the Strategy gets through the heads very clean and reads the mid-lane very well.
My benchmark ball has been the Mastermind Brainiac. The Brainiac gets down the lane further than the Strategy and when the Brainiac sees friction it snaps harder than the Strategy. The Strategy reads the lane about three to four feet earlier than the Brainiac and has a stronger mid-lane roll and is smoother off the spot than the Brainiac. However, it drives through the pins just as hard as the Brainiac.
When I need a ball to read a little earlier and not snap as hard off the spot the Strategy will be the ball I choose. The Strategy is going to be a great ball for medium to heavy oil especially when the Absolute Nirvana, or any of the other balls in the Nirvana line, are too much hook. I am very excited about this release because it’s a ball that fills a gap that I have had in my arsenal.
Troy LaBrie
Brunswick Regional Staff
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Likes: Another great Brunswick ball that has an even roll all the way down the lane. I also like that it is smooth when it checks up to the pocket - NO skid/flip. It has a rough cover stock and I was thinking that it was going to really hook but it was so tame and didn't overhook like I had thought - great control through the whole lane. I am left handed - it is 15-lb and the pin is at 11:00 to the upper left of the ring finger about a half inch away from the finger hole. I'm really liking the whole concept that Brunswick is bringing to the public. You have control of the ball and not the ball having control over you.
Dislikes: Is that I don't own more than one.
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LANE CONDITION
Length: 40ft
Volume: medium THS
COMMENTS
Check out our complete review and video:
http://tamerbowling.com/brunswick-mastermind-strategy-bowling-ball-review/
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YpMQQD37uD8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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Left handed
Average: 230
Rev Rate: 390
Pattern Length:39'
Volume:22 ml
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):THS
The Mastermind strategy has a great ball motion, and tremendous hitting power! This ball seems to pick up the pattern much better than other balls with some type of surface to it. The Mastermind strategy has a much better response for getting into a roll much quicker, picking up the mid-lane and the ball still has plenty of energy for changing direction on the backends and driving through the pins.
I have drilled mine 4 1/2 inches off my axis point, with a small weight hole right on my axis point, to help keep the ball smooth throughout the motion on the lane.
So if your looking for a strong rolling ball for that heavy oil condition, this is the one!
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LANE CONDITION
Length: 42 feet
Volume: Medium
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): THS
COMMENTS
Likes: Very easy length; good energy retention; strong move off the spot
Dislikes: The big move down-lane can lead to some ugly misses.
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
I was fortunate to receive a Strategy from Ron Bragg and the other nice folks at Brunswick after my beloved Mastermind Intellect (underrated ball) was no more. I've heard many people claim that the the Strategy is like the original Mastermind. To me, it's actually more like the aforementioned Intellect.
I enjoyed the original Mastermind a great deal. It was early, smooth, and never too jumpy. The Intellect was a perfect next ball up when the original began to struggle making it back with energy. For me, that's just how the Strategy is. The Strategy gets through the front of the lane with ease on most patterns before reading the mid and really exploding in the back. Where the Strategy and Intellect differ for me is in the shape they take as they move on the back end. Where the Intellect was flippy (at least at box finish), the Strategy is a bit smoother, which promotes better movement through the pins and better carry.
I haven't tried any surface adjustments yet, but that will be coming soon. I'm guessing that will make the ball just a bit earlier and smooth out the backend a bit, which could make this ball just about perfect!
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BALL SPECS
Ball Weight: 16 lbs
DRILL PATTERN
Dual Angle Layout: 40 x 5 x 70
X Hole (if there is one): P3
BOWLER STYLE
Rev Rate: Higher, between 370 and 410 rpm, aka Cranker
Ball Speed: 16.50 mph
PAP/Track: 5 3/8" over and 7/8" up with a high track
SURFACE PREP
Grit: Box – 2000
Type: (Matte, Polish, Sanded): Sanded
LANE CONDITION
Length: Multiple
Volume: Multiple
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): Multiple
BALL REACTION
Length: 7 / 10
Back End: 8 / 10
Overall Hook: 9 / 10
Midlane Read: 7 / 10
Breakpoint Shape: Great length with strong backend motion
COMMENTS
Likes: This ball is good in heavier oil conditions and has good length
Dislikes: None
The Mastermind Strategy is as good as the Original with more backend reaction. This ball matches up well on heavier oil conditions or where you need a stronger overall motion. Even with the box 2000 surface and a pin under drilling drilling with a strong 1st angle of 40 degrees, my Mastermind Strategy goes 40 - 45 feet before starting to hook and has great continuation through the pins. Plus, I can keep chasing left to stay in the oil on a house shot without losing downlane reaction. The changes to the coverstock formulation from the original Mastermind and the use of composite technology will help keep the ball hooking longer before having to have the oil extracted. Also, this ball doesn't lane shine as quickly which will allow the surface adjustments to last longer. This ball would make a great first ball out of the bag and when it starts to hook too much, you could go to the Mastermind Brainiac to get more length. I have been able to use this ball in league and on longer sport shots.
Here is a video of me throwing the Mastermind Strategy:
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The Mastermind Strategy is by far my new favorite ball in my bag. This ball has that original Mastermind shape but is more continuous through the pins. This ball can cover a lot of boards as the original did but a more continuous ball motion that creates better angle through the pins. This ball shoots through the front part of the lane further than the original did. This creates the ability to open up your angles more with this ball and not lose pin carry while doing so. This ball is my go to when tackling a fresh heavier oil lane condition. This ball has quickly become a favorite of mine and is a must have in anyone’s bag. Stop by your local pro shop and pick one out today.
Greg