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Author Topic: Melee Jab  (Read 32609 times)

Ballreviews

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Melee Jab
« on: November 18, 2014, 12:06:03 PM »
Features:
- Color: Deep Bruise Pearl (colors may vary from the picture shown)
- Core: Melee Low RG Symmetric Core (14-16#)
- Coverstock: Savvy Hook Pearl Reactive
- Finish: 500 Siaair Micro Pad; Royal Compound Finish
- Hook Potential: Medium-High
- Length: Medium
- Breakpoint Shape: Medium
- RG: 2.537 (for 15# ball)
- Diff: 0.050 (for 15# ball)

 

BrunsWolf

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Re: Melee Jab
« Reply #16 on: January 10, 2015, 11:54:20 PM »
Bowler Stats:
18.5-19.5 mph
400-450 rpm
7-9 degree tilt
40-60 degree rotation

Layout: 60 degrees by 5.5" by 45 degrees

Initial thoughts: The Melee Jab takes the tried and true Melee Low-RG core and combines it with a new pearl version of the Savvy Hook coverstock. A symmetric Low-RG pearl is historically very good on my wallet. Couple this with talk of this ball being a slightly stronger (and more angular) version of the original Melee and Versamax and I can't wait to throw it.

On the lanes....WOW! This ball gets back from anywhere for me. Plenty of length through the front part of the lane before absolutely unleashing on the backend. On fresh house shots, all I have to do is just send it into the friction and let Jab come screaming back. I can almost stand as far left as I want on house shots and hook it as much as I want, as long as I get it out to the right. The pearl cover at the OOB surface combined with the low-RG core gives the perfect amount of push with misses outside (thanks to the cover) but goes through the pins well even when pulled inside (thanks to the low-RG core). It's perfect on medium to long tougher patterns after a couple of games where some friction has been created to the outside. Once that happens, it's the exact same story: send it to the friction and watch it come back. So far with this Jab, I have been able to play as deep as I want without ever worrying about it not coming back strong enough to send 10 back or snap out 10 pins. Compared to the LT-48 with the same layout, the Jab is about 5 boards stronger for me with all of that coming from the backend. This gives me a great 1-2 punch later in blocks.

Closing Remarks: Backend, backend, and more backend! All this ball does for me is turn left at the breakpoint and absolutely run the pins over from any point on the lane. Mine has earned it's spot in both my tournament bag and my league bag by giving a strong backend reaction and a shape that I've never seen before.

Jared Wolf
Jonesboro, AR
Brunswick Advisory Staff

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

Andyman3333

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Re: Melee Jab
« Reply #17 on: January 12, 2015, 01:01:50 PM »
Layout 5” 40 degree VAL

I’m a heavy roller with about a 350 rev rate.  Don’t have much axis tilt, don’t get around the ball much and struggle lots of times to get a ball to retain energy and corner at the pins. 

They should really sell this ball with the optional blinker.  Just so you can be prepared for the left hand turn it makes downlane (for a righty).  I really like the direction Brunswick has been going lately.  Designing bowling balls for a variety of styles with defined motion types.  This ball doesn’t come from the Flip line, but it does just that.  Weaker than the Intrigue and Exile with a Symmetric Core for more control on medium to dry lanes, the Jab is more like a Right Hook that makes you say whoa. 

First time I threw this ball was during the 3rd game of league.  The team we were bowling were using a ton of surface and just eating up the lane.  My Intrigue and Exile weren’t matching up quite right with the pattern at that point and I needed something to smooth it out in the fronts, the mids, and still corner through the pins.  I swear after I threw the shot, I turned around after all 10 pins settled in the pit and gave that wide eyed look to my teammates like… Did you see that?  Imagine the original Melee reading the lane like it was designed to do, looking very controlled, and then flipping the blinker on and making a lane change to slam the 1-3 pocket.  I absolutely love this ball.  Gives me great comfort on drier lanes and matches up so well for my ball roll. 

Andrew Adler

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Re: Melee Jab
« Reply #18 on: January 12, 2015, 05:11:30 PM »
Andrew Adler
Right Handed
PAP 4 ½ over 5/8 up
Rev Rate 500, Speed 17 mph
Brunswick Regional Staff

Yes. This ball is amazing. I absolutely love the Melee line and this ball is fast becoming one of my favorite balls of all time. I’m a fan of strong symmetric bowling balls and the Jab doesn’t disappoint. It is very clean through the front and midlane, allowing it to store energy for maximum hitting power. I actually drilled this one pin down under the middle finger and cg kicked out. I usually find myself using this ball later in league night, end of game 2 and game 3. It really allows me to get left and keep the line tight without losing carry. A great ball for when the asymmetric balls start to burn up too fast.

Bowled on THS 42' and 43', with 24-25ml of oil.

bowler001

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Re: Melee Jab
« Reply #19 on: January 14, 2015, 01:28:40 PM »
DRILL PATTERN

Pin to PAP: 5"

Val Angle: 35 Degrees

X Hole (if there is one): None


BOWLER STYLE

Rev Rate: 400

Ball Speed: 18

PAP/Track: 5-1/8rt, 1/2 up


SURFACE PREP

Grit: Box Finish

Type: (Matte, Polish, Sanded): Polish (Royal Shine)


LANE CONDITION

Length: 41

Volume: Medium

Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): THS


BALL REACTION

Length: 9/10

Back End: 9/10

Overall Hook: 7/10

Midlane Read: 4/10

Breakpoint Shape: Very Hard Arc


COMMENTS

The Melee Jab....wow....this ball is everything you could ever ask for in a symmetrical pearl. So smooth and predictable. A shape I have yet to see from any other ball manufacturer. Strong enough it's not completely allergic to oil, but clean enough it's useable on just about everything.

I drilled this Jab with a pretty typical layout for me, 5" from my axis point, pin up. My original Melee used the same layout and I have the Jab about 2 to 3 boards hookier, but more importantly, the biggest difference is not that it hooks a few boards more, but that it doesn't squirt as much on bad shots or carrydown like the original Melee was susceptible to. The Jab is much more consistent, and versatile in and out of the slicker spots.

On the 41' league condition I bowl on, the Jab can be used for all 3 games. I can start between 2nd and 3rd arrow, and continue to migrate left as more friction develops. If the condition is playing particularly long on a given night, which is common, I may start with a Fortera Intrigue for a little more motion and midlane read, and then switch to the Jab and stay in the same zone versus making big jumps left with the Intrigue.

This ball isn't going to do you much good on super heavy volumes, or torn up lanes with tons of friction, but anything in between, just grab your Jab and get comfortable! Overall, I really enjoy throwing this ball. The purple pearl color really pops and the unique hard arcing motion down lane is unmatched by any other brand!

piper3595

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Re: Melee Jab
« Reply #20 on: January 15, 2015, 10:04:29 AM »
BOWLER STYLE

Rev Rate: 400

Ball Speed: 18.5

PAP/Track: 4 9/16 right 1/4 up


LANE CONDITION


Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): THS

Layout 60 x 4.5 x 30

The Melee Jab is a great compliment to the Melee Cross in the current All Purpose line of balls. This ball’s pearl cover enables this ball to go much further down the lane than the Cross. I am able to angle this ball further away from the pocket and it gives me plenty of recovery due to how well it goes through the front part of the lane. When the lanes start to hook too early for the Cross this ball is a great go to ball. The color of this ball is a really good looking purple which makes it really easy to be able to see what the ball is doing going down the lane.
« Last Edit: January 15, 2015, 10:06:20 AM by piper3595 »

msipple

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Re: Melee Jab
« Reply #21 on: January 17, 2015, 10:31:34 AM »
I drilled the Melee Jab 70 x 5.5 x 50. I drilled this ball so I had a ball to get through the fronts when the heads go. This ball is very clean through the from with a strong continuous motion on the backend. Even drilling this ball with the pin under my ring finger it still goes long with a strong continuous motion. This is a great ball and will not disappoint!
















 

Kenny Lawson

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Re: Melee Jab
« Reply #22 on: January 17, 2015, 01:45:08 PM »
LANE CONDITION

Length: 40

Volume: medium

Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):THS


COMMENTS

Likes:The Melee Jab is a lot longer and more angular down lane than the Cross. I use this ball when I open up the pattern for better entry angle to the pocket. The Jab gives me a great look when the front of the lanes start to breakdown because the ball clears the front with with ease and maintain energy for great pocket entry. The Jab fits nicely in Brunswick"s all purpose line.

Dislikes:none at this time


PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS

cuzy51

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Re: Melee Jab
« Reply #23 on: January 17, 2015, 02:45:02 PM »
LANE CONDITION

Length:
Multiple
Volume:
Different every league night
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):


COMMENTS

Likes:
The Melee Jab is not what's advertised,this ball does so much more, it really clears the fronts,picks up momentum center lane and finishes real strong. Hits hard and has outstanding carry, Brunswick was very modest in it's advertised expectations. This ball exceeds everything they say and in my opinion there is nothing offered in the current market that gives you a bigger bang for your buck. Works well on a variation of lane conditions. Dilled mine with pin 4" from PAP and balance hole on the VAL 1 1\2" below midline.I tell everyone it's like buying a Volkswagen but getting Porsche performance
Dislikes:


PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS

seabreeze

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Re: Melee Jab
« Reply #24 on: January 17, 2015, 03:04:12 PM »

This ball is going play a big role in my arsenal. I have been missing a strong pearlized symmetrical bowling ball and this one is just what the Dr. ordered! This ball is super clean through the front and middle part of the lane and is all back end hook. This is the perfect compliment to the Melee Cross, a little further down the lane and quite a bit more continuation. This ball will be a great option for you once the lanes start to dry up, medium to dry lane conditions are when this ball will shine. Perfect step down ball from my Exile. If you don't think Brunswick Balls hook down lane you might try this one!

Perry Goldman



revitup18

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Re: Melee Jab
« Reply #25 on: January 18, 2015, 01:38:47 PM »
LANE CONDITION

Length:

Volume:
I have purchased all three of the Melees and this one is my favorite! The first time i used this ball was on the Viper pattern at parkway lanes in NJ in the PBA experience league. I was plus 100 after our 4 game set. The Melee jab was so clean thru the front and had incredible down lane reaction.
I also used the Jab on THS and it was just as impressive! i will will buy more than one!
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):
Viper Pattern

COMMENTS

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PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS

fatman_FUBAR

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Re: Melee Jab
« Reply #26 on: January 21, 2015, 07:59:32 AM »
Following up a viscous left CROSS with a MEAN #JAB, watch Lane Side Reviews go toe-to-toe with Brunswick Bowling's Melee Jab!
#TeamBrunswick #melee #lsr #teamTURBOGRIPS #TeamRBT #TeamAXIS
http://youtu.be/a4sGG2iU_W4


Brunswick Melee JAB

BALL SPECS
Pin Length – 3-4"
Starting Top Weight – 2.9 oz
Ball Weight - 15lb 2oz

DRILL PATTERN
Drilled at 70 Degrees X 4” x  25 Degrees

BOWLER STYLE
Rev Rate – 240 / 352 / 436
Ball Speed – 14.1 MPH / 18.6 MPH

PICTURE AND VIDEO LINKS

https://scontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/t31.0-8/10842236_908895782462079_7193236805292899949_o.jpg

SURFACE PREPARATION
Grit - Out of the Box
Type (Matte, Polish, Sanded) - Out of the Box

LANE CONDITION
Length - 41 ft
Volume – 18.30 ml
Type (Wall, Xmas Tree, Sport) – Kegel Main Street (THS)

Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook @ http://Http://www.Facebook.com/LaneSideReviews

MattSBrunswick

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Re: Melee Jab
« Reply #27 on: January 21, 2015, 06:35:12 PM »
LANE CONDITION

Length:41'

Volume:

Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): THS

This ball I wasn't sure of only because of the way I drilled it. I tend to have more bowling balls drilled pin up, but I went the way of going pin down, and I have to say I am truly impressed with this reaction with the pin down layout. I throw this ball on more of a burned up pattern and I can get way left, and project it out, and it recovers nicely. It is a very smooth, and controlled motion, and that's exactly what I look for in any ball that I throw in league or a tournament. This ball is a great follow up to the Melee Cross.


COMMENTS

Likes:

Dislikes:


PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS

iumatrix

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Re: Melee Jab
« Reply #28 on: January 21, 2015, 07:55:34 PM »
LANE CONDITION

Length: Varies

Volume: Varies

Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): Sport


COMMENTS

Likes: Very smooth through the heads... No need to over power the lane (which I tend to do sometimes, even being a lefty). Pin down drillings are my favorite but this one I actually drilled it pin up above the bridge. Gives me the length I need and it sure does recover well.

Dislikes: On the sport patterns, there tends to be quite a bit of over/under...


PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS

No pics/videos...  The ball looks good and it hits like a truck! Not to mention it's very affordable and worth the price point.

Storey
Brunswick Regional Staff

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

ryne299

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Melee Jab
« Reply #29 on: January 21, 2015, 09:27:56 PM »
I drilled 2 Melee Jabs. Here's what I see out of both

First one drilled pin 1" below my fingers, cg kicked out 45 degrees.
WOW!!! This is by far my favorite ball to throw on a house shot. It's so clean threw the heads and very readable and strong. For the first time in a long time I feel like I can compete on a house shot when it is pretty much a shoot out. This ball really opens up the lane for me, and carries incredibly well. This is the first ball out of my bag anywhere I go

2nd one drilled pin above my middle finger, cg out 1" from my center grip
This ball has incredibly easy length, soooo clean and smooth through the heads no matter how beat down it is. Easily an extra 4 ft longer than my first one. Makes a strong but very predictable move at the break point

I left both balls OOB surface wise, and they play extremely well off of each other. I would put the melee jab up against any other companies mid level balls, it reminds me of a hyroad pearl but a smoother more predictable, stronger roll. Id definitely recommend the Melee Jab to just about anyone, this ball is soooo versatile.


Likes:

Dislikes:


bingadot

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Re: Melee Jab
« Reply #30 on: January 22, 2015, 12:25:59 PM »
LANE CONDITION

Length:

Volume:

Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):


COMMENTS

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PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS