Ball: Brunswick Nexus f(P+F)
(or “Nexus Solid”)
Layout:
Pin 5” from PAP above fingers
60-degree locator line angle
(Dual-angle: 60 by 5” by 30)
Initial Surface Preparation:
Box finish
Purpose:
To give me a more angular option for heavier medium conditions, to complement the C-(System) alpha-max and Lethal Revolver. The Lethal Revolver is very effective on conditions where I need front-to-back roll, and while the alpha-max has a stronger change of direction, there does come a point beyond which I cannot move further left and still have the ball recover enough to carry corners consistently.
Observations:
The Nexus Solid that I drilled had a 3 1/8” pin-to-CG distance, and thus I was able to use a layout with the pin 5” from my PAP, above the fingers, and a 60-degree locator line angle.
The first chance I had to use the Solid was on a fresh house condition at a center with a fairly new SPL lane surface. There has been quite a bit of friction at this center so far this season, and thus I didn’t think this would be a good test for a ball as strong as the Nexus Solid. I did throw a few shots with it in practice, but I had to start from in front of the ball return because of how hard of a look I was getting off the dry.
I put the Solid away, but when the fronts started to go, and the condition became choppy, I decided to give it a try. Even on this transitioning condition, the Nexus was very clean through the front, especially for a ball with a 500/1500 box finish. I was pleasantly surprised at how the ball didn’t completely burn up when it did get to the dry. The Solid managed to retain enough energy to make a defined move and have a strong look through the pins. There were a few shots that I threw where I could have sworn the ball was going to die at the turn, only to see it make a sharp move to the pocket and slap out the 10.
I’ve thrown the Solid a few times on conditions with more volume, notably at a local center with Pro Anvilanes. On these conditions, the Solid reacted well as long as I was able to get it all the way to the friction. If the ball stayed in the oil too long, it wouldn’t quite make the turn in back, and I’d leave a corner. Also, on the fresh, I often found myself having to make frequent moves because of how quickly the Solid broke the condition down. I had more success after the condition began to blend, and I could get my feet further to the left and let the ball recover from the dry.
Conclusions:
The Nexus Solid gives me a reaction that I haven’t had in the bag in a very long time. Even with the dull box finish, the Solid doesn’t show the slightest tendency to check in front. This allows me to keep the ball on a line to the dry, where its recoverability takes over. I’ve found that I’ve been able to give up quite a bit of the pocket without having to worry about whether the Solid would get back to the pocket, or whether it would kick out corners once it made the turn.
For bowlers seeking a ball that will get into an earlier roll on front-to-back oil, the Nexus Solid probably isn’t the best choice; the C-(System) alpha-max or Lethal Revolver would handle this condition better. Despite the dull box finish, the Solid needs friction to be successful. However, for those conditions that are more blended, or that have a defined area of friction to the outside, the Nexus Solid gives the bowler an option for moving to the inside and sending the ball to the dry with confidence that it will recover.
NOTE: The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer and not of Brunswick Corporation.
