BallReviews
Reviews => Brunswick => Topic started by: Ballreviews on April 13, 2015, 02:13:09 PM
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Brunswick Soul Solid Ball Specs:
- Color: Black Smoke Solid (colors may vary from the picture shown)
- Coverstock: CPTv2 - Control Reactive
- Core: Soul Medium RG (14-16#)
- Factory Finish: 500 Siaair Micro Pad, Royal Compound
- Hook Potential: Medium
- Length: Medium
- Breakpoint Shape: Medium
- Differential: .041 (15#)
- RG: 2.583 (15#)
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LANE CONDITION
Length:Multiple Patterns
Volume: Varying Volumes
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):
THS and Sport
COMMENTS
Likes: Clean ball motion through the front with strong continuous motion through the pins without loss of downlane energy
I drilled the New Brunswick Soul with a 60 x 5.5x 40 layout. The Soul for me is a different motion than its predecessor in the ringer solid. Providing me with a cleaner motion through the front where the blue solid ringers tended to dig too early up front and lose too much energy too fast. I enjoy the ability with the soul to know that with my high rev rate the ball will not come off the spot too fast but will provide a strong continuous motion through the back part of the lane. This is to me is one of the balls strongest points. The new soul fits well into the Brunswick arsenal and for me is weaker than the Gold Rhino and earlier than the Brute. I see this ball fitting seeing a lot of time on the lanes in El Paso with the amount of friction there this year.
Greg Geering
Brunswick Regional Staff Member
** "This review is my opinion and does not necessarily reflect that of the Brunswick Corporation."
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
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I drilled my Soul 45x4x45. For me, this ball is going to see alot of play on a THS and on many patterns. This ball is comparable to the Blue Ringer with a cleaner motion downlane. if your a higher rev rate player this ball will not be to strong off the break point which in turn will give you a controllable reaction down lane. This Soul's carry is alot higher than any lower end ball I have ever seen before. It also takes to surface change very well. My THS has a very high volume. I hit the surface with 2000 and was able to close my angles down and struck for days.
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LANE CONDITION
Length:
Volume:
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):
COMMENTS
Likes:
Dislikes:
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
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HAVE MERCY! Once again challenging the "ENTRY LINE" name with performance that is ANYTHING but "ENTRY LINE", watch Lane Side Reviews bring the funk with the new Brunswick Bowling SOUL
#reviewswithlsr #LSR #bowlwithbrunswick #teambrunswick #teamTurbo #TURBOGRIPS #TeamRBT #Silvertape
Brunswick SOUL
BALL SPECS
Pin Length – 3-4"
Starting Top Weight – 2.7 oz
Ball Weight - 15lb 4oz
DRILL PATTERN
Drilled at 50 Degrees X 4†x 40 Degrees with a P2 weight hole (7/8†wide by 3†deep)
BOWLER STYLE
Rev Rate – 240 / 352 / 432 / 463
Ball Speed – 14.1 MPH / 18.6 MPH
PICTURE AND VIDEO LINKS
(https://scontent-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/t31.0-8/11174497_972855529399437_2924424744002681482_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)
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LANE CONDITION
Length: multi patterns
Volume:
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):both ths and sport
COMMENTS
Likes:
My brunswick soul and soul mate have the exact same lay out with 45X4X45. I've been looking forward to throwing these new pieces as I loved the ringer line and these will be replacing that line. The soul was very similar to the solid blue ringer to me it push through the heads so well and still gives me amazing backend with great continuation through the pins. My soul is definitely strong off the spot than the soul mate for me. I drilled the soul up last week and have already shot 4 games with 11 strikes a game. If you are looking for something with a lower price point that will give you the reaction of the high end stuff the is the ball for you
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
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What a great piece. With the lower friction cover medium core this ball is a really nice piece. I drilled mine 60 * 3 1/2* 80 with a double thumb and this ball is just really smooth for me. if you get it to the friction early it doesnt jump and if you miss in the oil its enough ball to still get to the pocket with some power. I Shot 299/792 with mine already week one. This ball is a winner
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LANE CONDITION
Length: 40 ft
Volume: 29 ml
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):THS
COMMENTS
Layout: Pin below fingers at 4.5" from PAP, hole next to thumb
Likes: The new Soul picks up where the Ringer left off. I love that It's very easy to get to the midlane and just seems to read friction perfectly. Nice strong finish without being skip/snap. I can usually play my preferred outside line with ease and confidence in the ball's ability to react where and how I need it. Keeper!!
Dislikes: After about 30 games I can't think of anything to criticize.
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
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This ball is way more than just a Entry Level ball.
I drilled my 70x5x35 ( My ball speed is 15.7, I know a little slow and I have a 425 Rev rate )and got a motion that I don't see with my other Equipment. Bowled on THS and I was shocked to see how clean and the motion I got down lane along with the HITTING Power was Great.. BIG B has a winner here.
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BALL SPECS
Ball 1:
Pin Length: 4
Starting Top Weight: 2.8 oz
Ball Weight: 15 lbs 4 oz
Ball 2:
Pin Length: 3.5
Starting Top Weight: 2.6 oz
Ball Weight: 15 lbs 3 oz
DRILL PATTERNS
Ball 1: 60 x 5 x 75
Ball 2: 55 x 2.5 x 55
X Hole (if there is one): Small hole low on VAL in ball 1
BOWLER STYLE
Rev Rate: 375 rpms
Ball Speed:17.5 mph
PAP/Track: 4 3/4 over 3/4 up
SURFACE PREP
Grit:
Ball 1: 4000 Siaair
Ball 2: 1000 Siaair
Type: (Matte, Polish, Sanded): Smooth and Sanded
LANE CONDITIONS
Lengths of patterns: 41 foot house shot, 32 foot Wolf, and 40 foot Bear
Volumes: moderate
Type: house and sport
BALL REACTION
Length: Clean through the heads with a good predictable midlane read
Back End: Strong arc
Overall Hook: moderately strong on most patterns
Midlane Read: sure and strong
Breakpoint Shape: strong arc
COMMENTS
Likes: strength, angularity, and value
Dislikes: none
The Soul continues the Brunswick legacy of unmatched performance at the value price positions. It continues in the footsteps of balls like the Ringer Solid that offered exceptional amounts of hook and hit for the price. The Soul is a little longer and packs a stronger punch on the back end when compared to the Ringer Solid it replaces. It really rounds the corner after seeing the friction and packs a big punch. I have never experienced a stronger move down lane from a ball at this price point. This ball flat out goes! The first ball I drilled was a good bit stronger than I expected so I decided to drill a second one with a tamer layout. The second Soul rolls more like my beloved Ringer Solid providing a more controlled motion off of the friction. This is the type of ball that many different styles will enjoy on a variety of conditions. If you are looking for an affordable ball with high end performance check out the Soul.
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LANE CONDITION
Length:
Volume:
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):
COMMENTS
Likes:
Here is my video for the Brunswick Bowling Soul Mate and Soul.They are in one video.I hope you will enjoy it.
Dislikes:
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
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Length: 42 ft and 32 ft
Volume: 21-25ml
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): Both THS and Sport (PBA Wolf)
I drilled both this and the Black Soul with a RICO layout. I really wanted to compare these side by side and put a layout I don't typically use on them. I am extremely impressed with both bowling balls. The Black Soul Solid is becoming my go to ball for transition game 1 and into game 2 in league. I also had a good bit of success with it at our State Tournament. I was able to keep the back end motion in check without opening my angles up too much in the front of the lane whereas other people were finding themselves too far inside or trapped outside. The control this ball displays really amazes me. I find it fitting best in between my Mastermind Intellect and Melee Jab in my bag. It's a little earlier than the Jab but much cleaner than the Intellect. A great replacement for my Blue Ringer Solid.
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BALL SPECS
Ball Weight:16 lbs
DRILL PATTERN
Dual Angle Layout: 45 x 4" x 65
X Hole (if there is one): P3 position
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 - 500 Siaair, Royal Compund
Type: (Matte, Polish, Sanded): Matte
LANE CONDITION
Length: Multiple
Volume: Multiple
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): Multiple
BALL REACTION
Length: 8 / 10
Back End: 8 / 10
Overall Hook: 8 / 10
Midlane Read: 8 / 10
Breakpoint Shape: Smooth arcing reaction
COMMENTS
Likes: Great ball for medium oil conditions
Dislikes: none
The Soul is an upgrade to the Ringer line with a new core and coverstock. The Soul is a great ball for medium oil conditions, and has a smooth arcing motion on the lane. I have used the Soul as the first out of my bag on multiple medium length sport shots and on a house shot. I really like how I can keep my angles closed with this ball, but can throw it to the right when the lanes start to open up. Comparing the Soul to the Royal Blue Ringer, it skids 2 - 4 feet more and has a stronger motion in the back part of the lane. It is a great addition to the Affordable line and you won't be disappointed with its performance.
Here is a video of me throwing the Soul, Soul Mate, and Mastermind Scholar.
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Length:42ft
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):House Shot
Likes: Control,Control, Control. Great entry level ball that matchs up well when the lanes start breaking down. When you start getting over/under this is a must have ball. It will not over react in the burn part and will make the turn when you pull it in the oil. Once again its an entry level ball. that means great price for a big bang ball.
Dislikes:NOPE!!!!
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BALL SPECS
Pin Length:4
Starting Top Weight:15.3
Ball Weight:
DRILL PATTERN
Pin to PAP:
CG to PAP:
X Hole (if there is one):
BOWLER STYLE
Rev Rate:
Ball Speed:
PAP/Track:
SURFACE PREP
Grit:factory
Type: (Matte, Polish, Sanded):
LANE CONDITION
Length:40 ft
Volume:
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):
BALL REACTION
Length:
Back End:very controlled
Overall Hook:again controlled
Midlane Read:exceptional
Breakpoint Shape:controlled
COMMENTS
Likes:Med to low rev bowler, drilled this ball with a 50x4x40 layout, this is the most controllable bowling ball I have ever thrown, you know exactly what this ball is going to do right out of your hand, this ball creates the expected skid and transitions to the hook very smoothly and has one awesome and controlled transition to a roll with extraordinary hitting and carry, not sure how Brunswick can call and sell this ball as entry level because it performs as well as most high performance pro line bowling balls, I would suspect I mean expect this ball will be Brunswicks #1 selling bowling ball.
Dislikes:absolutely NONE
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
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LANE CONDITION
Length:
Medium length - 40'
Volume:
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):
House and Kegel Challenge patterns on THS and Brunswick Pro-Anvil
COMMENTS
Likes:
The Brunswick Soul is very clean through the heads with a strong mid-lane read with good continuation through the pins. Given solid entry angle into the pocket, I have not seen where the Sould loses energy and deflects or hits flat. The cover and core match on this ball is on the money. I can see where this ball will be a permanent resident in my tournament bag.
Without a doubt, this ball will make huge waves with most league players on a typical house shot as well. I see this as the best, most versatile ball for that application on the market. It is a log of ball at this price point.
In terms of tournament players, this will fit for most medium shots or late in a block where some friction is present. The Soul does a great job of smoothing out a pronounced over/under reaction.
Dislikes:
None to speak of
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
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BALL SPECS
Ball Weight: 15 lbs
DRILL PATTERN
Dual Angle: 55 x 5 1/2" x 55
X Hole (if there is one): Yes
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): Matte
COMMENTS
The Soul Solid is a very versatile ball that can be used on a variety of different house shots and most sport shots. I drilled mine with this layout to roll a lot through the lane and to allow the coverstock and weight block to take advantage of the backend, so its a smooth, continuous arcing motion into the pocket. The Soul Solid is about 3-4 boards weaker in the backend and about a 2 feet more skid than the Brute Strength, so both of them will be great bowling balls to have in your bag. The Soul Solid is a one of a kind ball you don't wanna miss out on getting, be sure to get one from your local pro shop.
Charles Withers II
Brunswick Advisory Staff
The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer and not of Brunswick Corporation.
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LANE CONDITION
Length: 41', 37'
Volume: Heavy (41'), Medium (37')
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): THS
COMMENTS
I drilled my soul with one of my more typical pin up layouts (5" pin to pap with 40 degree VAL angle). The Soul is a very unique ball at this price point. It rolls much like a higher end midline piece for me. With this layout and box finish, it was pretty strong down lane. I used it mostly on fresher patterns so it tends to store a fair bit of energy when there is a good amount of volume which can make it a little less predictable. I don't think 41' heavier pattern I typically shoot on is ideal for this ball as it is just too clean with box finish. But as the center I bowled in transitioned to their "summer" pattern at 37' and medium volume, I found the Soul to give me the strong motion I would see out of a high end ball as if I were on heavier conditions. In this case, it was very predictable and better suited for this type of lane condition.
As for comparing this ball to other releases in the line, I'd say it's comparable to the LT-48, but a little less overall and more abrupt motion downlane. I think with the right surface this ball could be very versatile. Overall, its definitely a great ball for the price point. It introduces more of a high performance shape/hook potential for transitioning conditions versus trying to switch into typical entry-level type balls. This will still give you the confidence and reliability you would expect with high-end equipment at a fraction of the cost.
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
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Soul Black Smoke Solid
This ball has a medium RG with the CPTv2- Control reactive coverstock. This is a low friction cover that allows this ball to easily get down the lane. It projects through the fronts while gripping the mid lane. It is finished with a 500 Siaair Micro Pad with the Royal Compound finish, allowing this ball to grab in the mid-lane leading to a controllable and continuous hooking motion. I love how predictable the roll is on this ball, and it also allows the bowler the confidence to play medium oil lanes without having to move so deep inside. This is a symmetrical ball, and multiple layouts will work for this ball.
My Soul is drilled with the pin under. I went with a 4 1/2 inch pin, 75 degree mass bias drilling, a 70 degree VAL drilling. I love this balls reaction so much, will be drilling my next one 75 x 5 x 35 to have one with a pin up, to get more length down lane with an even quicker response. This is a must ball for your bag. Check out my Facebook video to see the ball in motion, or email me for any questions at troy_300_1999@yahoo.com with any questions.
Troy Schaefer
Brunswick Regional Staff Player
#bowlwithbruns #teamBrunswick
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LANE CONDITION
Length:40
Volume:25
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):house
COMMENTS
Likes:Drilled up this ball based on recommendations of a very close friend, due to my low to med rev rate I did not think it was something that would complement my game. Boy was I wrong, for an entry level ball I am not sure how Brunswick can put out a ball with this kind of performance at a low reasonable price. I drilled this with my favorite layout 60x3 3/4x35 and for the squirrely house shot that I have to bowl on The Soul Solid is perfect. I have always been primarily asymmetrical core, but am slowly converting to more symmetric cored balls. The Soul is by far the smoothest transition ball that I have ever thrown, there is never any over or under reactions with this ball, you know as soon as it comes off your hand what you have. Because of this our local pro shop cannot keep this ball on his shelf. Everyone who has purchased this ball has so many positive remarks about it, some have never owned a Brunswick ball ever and have immediately become Pro Brunswick. For the price everyone should drill up a Brunswick Soul, this is a can't miss ball for the money, it's like driving a Porsche but paying for a Volkswagen. The opinions expressed is solely the opinion of the writer and not that of Brunswick Corporation.
Dislikes:NONE
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
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BRUNSWICK SOUL REVIEW
Ball Weight: 15 lbs.
Drill Pattern: 4 1/2†x 62*
X-hole: ¾†wide x 2.5†deep, 2†down VAL
PAP: 4 5/8†x 0†(up)
SPEED: 18.0 – 18.5 mph (release)
TILT: 17*
I drilled the Brunswick Soul to be the third most aggressive ball in my bag, behind the Mastermind Einstein and Brute Strength, and it has not disappointed. With the 4 1/2†x 62* drill pattern, the pin ended up below my bridge. I did need a weight hole, located 2†down on my VAL. I have used the Soul on a wide variety of lane conditions. I will post them below, as well as a brief synopsis of how the ball performed.
41 FT. TYPICAL HOUSE SHOT:
As you would imagine on a typical house shot (THS), I was able to play inside and create a lot of area with the Soul, with a good amount of “miss room†both inside and outside of target. The great thing about the Soul is that I am able to keep migrating further into the lane with my target and my feet and still have good pin carry, which is not always true of other, mid to high end, fairly aggressive balls I have reviewed and used in the past. Being on the left side allows me to stay further out longer, but having the ability to move inside and know you can carry is a valuable tool for all bowlers to have, and the Soul gives me that peace of mind. I liked the box finish, but I also used this ball quite a bit sanded to 2000 with Royal Shine and Royal Polish, and with less traffic on the left side, this surface was absolutely incredible on this ball. It allowed me to play straighter while actually INCREASING my carry percentage over playing more angle with the polish on the ball. This ball takes very well to surface adjustments and do not be afraid to tune it to the specific shot on the lanes, the Soul can handle it beautifully.
KEGEL “ABBEY ROAD†OIL PATTERN:
This 40ft. Challenge Series pattern proved to be a very interesting pattern for the Soul. I tried it on the fresh at box finish and really liked the look I got. I was able to play 14 to 9 and move in as the pattern transitioned, keeping pin carry the same as I moved. I then used it polished at 2000 w/ Royal Shine and Royal Polish and found that with 40ft. of oil and the higher gloss finish, the Soul was getting too spotty of a read to get consistent pin carry. But, I bowled a (5) game tournament block on the pattern, and by midway through game three, I was able to get further inside with the Soul and found a very nice ball reaction, where other balls were laboring to get back to the pocket, and this was at a straight 2000 sanded cover stock prep. This was very impressive to me, and having the polished Soul to go to later in a block when others were starting to struggle with pin carry and angle to the pocket, gave me a leg up on other bowlers. In the tournament I used it, I was out of the cash cut until I took out the Soul the last two games, and ended up pulling out a check when it looked like I might not cash. The Soul will be my go to ball going forward on carry down and late block adjustments when I need to get further inside without having a ball over react.
KEGEL ROUTE “66†OIL PATTERN:
This 45ft. Challenge Series oil pattern is by far my favorite oil pattern for the Soul. I was able to bowl a (6) game block, all with the Soul at the 2000 sanded surface. The extra length of this pattern brought out the best in the Soul, as I was able to start deeper, around 17-18 at the arrows, and actually migrate left, out to about 13-14 at the arrows as the block progressed. Pin carry was phenomenal, and the ball never made the “herky-jerky†type of motion some balls do as the oil pattern breaks down. This is due to both the low rg symmetrical Soul core, and the pin down layout. I had games of 226, 218, 240, 289, 235, 248. It was a very readable reaction, and strong off the back of the pattern. The Soul has to be your go to benchmark ball on longer and/or medium-heavy blend oil patterns.
KEGEL “BROADWAY†OIL PATTERN:
I used the Soul on this 37ft. Challenge Series pattern, and found that this was the only pattern where I had a hard time using the ball for an entire block at box finish, but I did like the look of the ball at 2000 with Royal Shine and Royal Polish on this pattern for a five game set. I believe the shorter length of the pattern really steers away from the strong nature of a sanded Soul, and I was able to get to the pocket from multiple angles, but pin carry was not as good as some of the longer or heavier oil patterns I have used the Soul on at box finish. But, the Soul takes to cover changes very well, and I applied some Brunswick Royal Shine and Royal Polish to the cover stock, and transformed the Soul from a ball I may have to leave in the bag, to one that dominated the Kegel Broadway oil pattern. The extra length provided by applying the Royal Shine and Royal Polish allowed the Soul to get through the front part of the lane easily, while retaining enough energy to strike consistently from multiple angles. This is another great reason to own more than one Soul, keep one dull for the heavier patterns, and have one shined with Royal Shine for the shorter and broken down oil patterns, or buy a Soul Mate for easy length. I was pleasantly surprised with the results after the cover change, and shows that the Soul really is a great all around bowling ball.
In closing, I would like to thank everyone at Brunswick Bowling for making another winner. Brunswick truly has the best, most versatile lineup around. Showing what the Brunswick Soul can do across a variety of oil patterns, from THS to long and short Challenge Series patterns, will help bowlers see the versatility of the Soul, and just how easily this ball can be used on a wide array of conditions. It is the first ball out of my bag on medium-heavy patterns, and also when the lanes break down, I grab the polished Soul, move further in and have fun. I hope you enjoyed my review of the Brunswick Soul bowling ball, good luck and good bowling everyone. Go get your Soul today!
James Goulding III
Brunswick Ball Tester
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What really interested me about the Soul was how our staff info about this ball compared it to the Versamax, while at the latest demo, overheard that the technology used in the ETS coverstock from the Vandal/Einstein/Nirvana was first used on this ball.
I chose a 45x4x60 (pin in ring) layout to provide a more even shape and hit it with a 4k pad to further smooth out the reaction. So many of the mid to higher end balls these days are becoming so strong (particularly on the backend), that finding options to stay straighter has been a bit of a problem for me as of late.
Of all patterns so far, this ball has honestly been most effective on our house pattern, where starting as close to the track as possible is always the best course of attack. The interesting thing is that by putting more hand/tilt into the ball, I have also had a great look at the end of a league session crossing 4arrow and still experiencing good ball reaction.
I have also used the Soul on 41' Beaten Path and 43' Dead Man's Curve with a respectable look to the pocket, but with the volume in the mids, my carry % is not as high as it could be with something stronger. The next pattern in our scratch league will be 37' Broadway, and I am anticipating the Soul being one of the first balls out of the bag.
I recommend the Soul to bowlers of any style looking for a versatile, benchmark type reaction for all but extreme lane conditions.