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Author Topic: Melee Jab  (Read 32605 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)

 

Professorr

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Re: Melee Jab
« Reply #31 on: January 22, 2015, 03:34:23 PM »
BALL SPECS

Pin Length: 2 - 3

Starting Top Weight: 3.0

Ball Weight: 15lb


DRILL PATTERN

Pin to PAP: 5"

CG to PAP:n/a

X Hole (if there is one): n/a


BOWLER STYLE

Rev Rate: 325

Ball Speed:17 off Hand

PAP/Track: High


SURFACE PREP

Grit: OOB

Type: (Matte, Polish, Sanded): Polish


LANE CONDITION

Length: 40ft

Volume: 23ml

Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): THS


BALL REACTION

Length:Very smooth in the fronts

Back End:Strong

Overall Hook: Continuous

Midlane Read:

Breakpoint Shape:


COMMENTS

Likes: Melee Jab is the First ball out of my bag on those med to med heavy conditions. Using my favorite layout 65x5x50 provides me great length through the fronts with strong backend continuation

Dislikes: On heavier volume the Melee Jab push a little long for my style, balling up to my Melee Cross gives me enough upfront read to open up the lane


PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS

jpbowl300

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Re: Melee Jab
« Reply #32 on: January 25, 2015, 09:51:47 PM »
LANE CONDITION

Length:  39'

Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):  USBC Blue


COMMENTS

The Melee Jab is amazingly clean through the fronts and the midlane.  For me, not a huge backend move but a really predictable hard-hitting reaction.  Mine is drilled RICO and this layout is a great choice for this ball.  This will be a great ball choice for most medium patterns, and also lighter volumes with moderate speed.

It's a fantastic addition to the Melee line and everybody should think about adding this ball to their arsenal.

Likes:  Predictable and effortlessly clean down the lane

Dislikes:  Not great on long patterns


Jeff Poholsky
Brunswick Bowling Advisory Staff

The opinions above are mine and not necessarily those of Brunswick Corporation.

Gene J Kanak

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Re: Melee Jab
« Reply #33 on: January 26, 2015, 11:33:34 AM »
LANE CONDITION

Length: 38-40 feet

Volume: Medium

Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): Just THS so far

Layout: Pin under ring, cg kicked slightly toward PAP

Coverstock prep: 2000 abralon plus hi-gloss polish


COMMENTS

Likes: This ball clears the heads with ease, but it doesn't completely ignore the midlane the way some "long-and-strong" balls do. As such, it allows you to get left without being completely skid-flip.

Dislikes: Again, I didn't care for the 500 Siar plus Royal Compound box finish. For me, the ball had a strange shape and lacked continuation with that preparation; however, as soon as I changed the surface, the ball was exactly what I wanted/needed.


PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS

I was fortunate enough to get this ball sent to me from Brunswick's Ron Bragg (Thank you!), and I really appreciate it! Out of the box, the Jab was a bit earlier than I expected, and it really didn't give me the continuation others had raved about. I'm beginning to think my game and my center don't match up well to Brunswick's 500 Siar + Royal Compound box finish. No worries; I changed the surface to 2000 abralon plus a light coating of High Gloss polish, and the ball became the beast I had heard about.

The Jab is great when you have a lot of friction to clear in the front and to bounce off of at the break point. This ball can be used early in the night if you want to go up the back of it more and play with the boards (or if you have a lot of hand and/or friction); however, for me, the Jab is best as I begin moving inside later in the night. As I do, the Jab clears the heads with ease, recognizes the midlane, and gives me a strong, sweeping arc on the backend. For reference, I switched to the Jab toward the middle of Game 3 during a charity event yesterday when my Mastermind Genius began to struggle to retain energy from inside, and I promptly flushed the last 7 in a row after switching to the Jab.

All in all, the Jab is a real looker both on the rack (great color!) and on the lanes. The guys and gals who really put the revs to it can probably make this one go sideways and really turn some heads. I'm more of a tweener to power-tweener, but I still get plenty of recovery and great hitting power from this ball. In fact, I'm so impressed with this one that I will likely try to pick up a Melee Cross as well. If you're looking for a smooth, strong, hard-hitting pearl, consider a Melee Jab; you won't be disappointed!

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this review, feel free to contact me via private message. Good luck and good bowling to all!

impactbowling

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Melee Jab
« Reply #34 on: January 26, 2015, 10:03:27 PM »
BALL SPECS

Pin Length: 3-4 & 2-3

Starting Top Weight: 3.2 & 2.7

Ball Weight: 15lb 2 oz &15lb 4 oz


DRILL PATTERN

Ball #1 45x5x70 x-hole 2 1/4 down VAl
Ball #2 60x5x30 x-hole on axis



BOWLER STYLE

Rev Rate: 400

Ball Speed: 17mph off hand

PAP/Track: 4 7/8 over 3/4 up


SURFACE PREP

Grit: 4700 and 5500

Type: (Matte, Polish, Sanded): sanded


LANE CONDITION

Length: 41 ft

Volume: 26ml

Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): THS


BALL REACTION

Length:

Back End:

Overall Hook:

Midlane Read:

Breakpoint Shape:
ball #1

Provides a strong arc off the friction without over reacting and jerking off the friction. This melee jab can cover boards downlane without creating a change of direction that is too short and hard to control.

Ball #2
The pin up jab is extremely clean through the front part of the lane and to me misses the midlane a touch too much except for when I need to get left and store energy downlane to get around the corner.

To me both of these balls are very reminiscent of the versa max ball motion with more pop off the friction.     



FranVarin

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Re: Melee Jab
« Reply #35 on: January 27, 2015, 09:56:19 PM »
LANE CONDITION

Length:  Medium Sport, House and various tournament shots

Volume:

Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):  THS and Pro Anvil


COMMENTS

This is a ball that I instantly liked from the very moment I threw it. In my opinion this is the best of the Melee line. I love the way the Melee Jab is clean through the front and provides a strong continuous move off the spot. There are no surprises ever when you throw this ball, it is very predictable and that's one reason I like it. I like a ball that I can gain confidence with quickly and the Melee Jab is such a ball. Make no mistake, it needs to see a little friction on the lanes so, I typically go to this ball when the lanes start to transition. It really springs to life in that case. Shorter patterns and those with a bump to the right are ideal for this ball. Brunswick continues its tradition of producing awesome pieces of equipment and the Melee Jab is one of the newer examples of this. It fits great in the middle of an arsenal and is quickly becoming a go to ball for me.

PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
Fran Varin
USBC Silver

tmento08

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Re: Melee Jab
« Reply #36 on: January 28, 2015, 09:26:11 AM »
The Melee Jab is a great ball to be first out of your bag. Whether your bowling on a sport pattern or a house shot, this ball will match up to many conditions. It is very clean through the front part of the lane with a reasonably strong continuous motion down lane. The Jab matches up perfectly when the cross starts to burn up in the front part of the lane. In my opinion it also fits in between the Brunswick Royal Blue Ringer and the DV8 Rude Dude. This ball is very versatile and i believe it will make many bowlers happy they decided to "jab" some holes into one!

jvarno1

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Re: Melee Jab
« Reply #37 on: January 29, 2015, 10:45:28 PM »
The Melee Jab is an outstanding ball. This ball has a strong angular ball motion on the backend but it is very predictable. For me it does not jump out of control off the friction but it makes a hard move to the pocket. The best thing I like about this ball is if I miss left it still recovers strong where as usually with a pearl ball if I miss left they tend to skid a lot in the oil come up light. I can play this ball on a fresh shot and I can also play it late in a tournament from deep inside and still have great carry. This is a great compliment to the Melee Cross. When the cross starts leaving flat tens and is hooking to early I can jump to the Jab to clear the fronts a little better and still have a good backend reaction. Very versatile ball and would be good for anyone.

Jim Varno
Brunswick Regional 1 Staffer

**This post reflects my opinion of the ball and not necessarily those of the Brunswick Corporation.**

devildog819

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Re: Melee Jab
« Reply #38 on: January 30, 2015, 03:04:19 PM »
45 X 4 1/2 X 70....small WH on VAL

I wasn't sure about this ball because of the way I drilled it. I tend to have more of my equipment pin up, but I went pin down and I have to say I am truly impressed with this reaction. 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, controlled ball motion.....exactly what I was looking for in this ball for both leagues and tournaments. This ball is a great compliment to the Melee Cross.

Roger Harley Jr.
Brunswick Advisory Staff
IBPSIA Advanced Certified Pro Shop Technician
USBC Bronze Certified

JoneseR

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Re: Melee Jab
« Reply #39 on: January 30, 2015, 08:52:18 PM »
The Melee line is the line that I never leave home without.  This line provides great all-purpose ball motions on various conditions.  THe Melee Jab has been a ball Brunswick has been missing for a very long time.

The ball is very sharpe looking and has great shelf appeal.  But the when the you take the ball to the lanes, that's when it really starts to show off!

The Melee Jab is offers a pearlized coverstock allowing the ball to get down the lane and have a very strong yet predictable backend reaction.  For a pearl ball this ball still works very well on heavier/longer patterns.  I like to use this ball when my original (red)Melee just isn't cornering hard enough for me.

Jason Jones
Brunswick Staff
Co-Owner Pin Action Pro Shop - Bloomington, IL

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

rlychin

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Re: Melee Jab
« Reply #40 on: January 30, 2015, 11:58:27 PM »
The Brunswick Melee Jab is the most responsive ball off the friction that I have seen in awhile. When this ball enters the pocket, the carry is unbelievably good! I feel like when I have to get left during college tournament, this ball will turn out to be really good.

I witness a Melee Jab during league, he went 836 and 797 the last two weeks of league on the THS. I feel like this ball is good for any kind of pattern.

#GoDogs
#Brunswick

LANE CONDITION

Length: 41"

Volume:

Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): Multiple


COMMENTS

Likes:

Dislikes:


PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS

BigB

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Re: Melee Jab
« Reply #41 on: February 13, 2015, 07:51:25 AM »
The Melee Jab is clean through the fronts with good midlane and backend continuation. I drilled my Jab with the pin under ring finger with a weight hole down. This ball is hands down the most continuous ball motion that I have seen from Brunswick in quite some time. Being a pearl it is quite responsive to friction, but never really jerks off the spot and is a controlled yet strong and very continuous motion on the back.

The Jab is a very versatile ball as I've been able to play many different angles on the lane without any doubt of recovery and striking. I would suggest using the melee jab on mostly any oil pattern but fresh heavy oil patterns. For me, the Jab requires a little bit of friction the more oil/longer the pattern may be. Get a Melee Jab, you'll be surprised at how continuous it is and won't be disappointed!

Auntj300bowl

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Re: Melee Jab
« Reply #42 on: February 16, 2015, 04:14:28 PM »
Bowler Style:
   Rev Rate: 280-300 rpm
   Speed: 16 mph
   PAP: 5' right x 1/2" up
Layout
   70 x 3.5" x 25
   x-hole: N/A
   Surface: OOB
Comments:
   This ball is not like any other ball that I have thrown from the Brunswick name. It is extremely clean through the front 2/3 of the lane, and then it makes a strong movement and continues all the way  through the pins. I have had both of the preceding melee balls and this one is the most versatile for me. I have had an opportunity to throw this ball on fresh challenge and sport shots and this ball still didn't go too long for me. It has been one of the best balls on medium level house shots as well, on them I was able to start straighter and use it all night while chasing the shot inside.
   Overall this ball has been very good for me, compared to the Brute it is cleaner, longer and more backend (2-3 boards).
Jeremy Angevine
Poughkeepsie, NY
GT's Pro Shop
Brunswick/DV8/Radical advisory staff

Bustysmalls

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Re: Melee Jab
« Reply #43 on: March 18, 2015, 02:42:41 PM »
LANE CONDITION

Length:

Volume:

Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):
THS


COMMENTS

Likes:My first time back in a couple years throwing brunswick bowling balls and let me tell you, we never saw a motion like this. Bowled league with it last night for the first time and was able to use it the whole night. I have never been able to use a ball the whole night of league at the house im at now without having to make a complete zone change or fight to carry. This ball gives you the length you need through the front and reads the middle part of the lane just right and gives plenty of motion through the pins. for those curious about layouts, I just used my favorite pin up (45x5x30). Helps promote that natural clean length from the ball with a strong angular motion down lane.

Dislikes:


PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS

BeansProShop

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Re: Melee Jab
« Reply #44 on: March 22, 2015, 11:41:43 PM »
Melee Jab

BALL SPECS

Pin Length: 3 Inches

Starting Top Weight:2.25 oz

Ball Weight:13 lbs
DRILL PATTERN

Dual Angle:45 x 4 x 70

X Hole (if there is one):P3

BOWLER STYLE

Rev Rate:400+

Ball Speed:17-18 Avg

PAP/Track:4 3/4> 3/4^

SURFACE PREP

Grit:Out of Box

Type: (Matte, Polish, Sanded):Polished

LANE CONDITION

Length:39 ft on HPL Synthetics

Volume:Med Volume on smooth surface

Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):THS

BALL REACTION

Length:9 out of 10

Back End:9 out of 10

Overall Hook:7 out of 10

Midlane Read:7 out of 10

Breakpoint Shape:10 out of 10

COMMENTS

Likes: Purple Pearl cover without too bright of a logo. Gives that smooth look regardless. Probably the best pearl symmetrical I can remember throwing. Easy length and sparks in the back off the friction.
Dislikes: I really haven't seen anything bad about this ball other than not being able to handle heavy oil but it wasn't built for that!
Looking for a great place to sell your bowling equipment?? Auction style,Fixed Price and FREE For A Limited Time! Try www.bestintheworldauctions.com and to Purchase The "Secret Sauce" visit www.beansproshop.com
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tonybowler

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Re: Melee Jab
« Reply #45 on: March 28, 2015, 10:18:28 PM »
The Melee Jab is one of my favorite bowling balls in my bag. I used it for a Tournament in Jan in Las Vegas and shot 300 the first game. I used it on the fresh THS pattern. I have the pin under the fingers and the CG is about ½ inch right of center line. I kept the OTB surface. My rev rate is around 360. I really liked the roll of the ball. The ball pushed through the fronts picked up a good mid lane roll. The pocket hit kept the pins low and the ball had good drive through the pins. A few weeks later I tried some surface on the ball and was surprised the ball didn’t roll out. With the surface I could use the ball in heavier oil. On either pattern I could move in when the shot broke down and the ball didn’t lose the hitting power. The other great aspect of the ball is great color.