Author Topic: Strike Zone (Read 19946 times)

admin · « **on:** December 31, 1969, 06:00:00 PM »

Ball NPS Score: Not Available

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Technology
The Strike Zone brings the popular reaction of the Ultimate Inferno to the Zone Asymmetric line. The Strike Zone combines the same 800-grit Activator solid coverstock used on the Ultimate Inferno with the Ultra-Low-RG Asymmetrical core system from the Zone Classic. This core/coverstock combination produces an Ultimate Inferno like ball reaction with the drilling options of an asymmetrical core.

In the front-ends: The Activator coverstock is clean through the fronts, saving more reaction for the back-ends. This provides improved hitting power and back-end recovery while reducing sensitivity to breakdown in front-end lane conditions and lane surfaces that are less than ideal.

In the mid-lane:The Ultra-Low RG core provides strong mid-lane recovery while the Activator coverstock provides improved traction in the oil with a smoother, more effective reaction off the dry. This combination reduces over/under reaction by making the wet play less wet and the dry, less dry, effectively allowing the bowler to create more area.

On the back-ends: The Activator coverstock is powerful and continuous from the breakpoint through the pins. Improved traction in the oil allows the Strike Zone to bite through the carry down and aggressively change direction without breaking loose from the lane. The strong rolling characteristics of the Ultra-Low RG core make this move more readable allowing the bowler to open up the lane.

Reaction Characteristics
Out of the box:The Strike Zone is an ideal heavy oil ball for players wanting to use a Reactive coverstock.
When shined:Using Brunswickâ€™s Factory Finish â€œRough Buffâ€ or â€œHigh Gloss Polishâ€the total hooking action of the Strike Zone can be reduced and the arc made more skid/snap.

Coverstock
Activator Reactive
Color: Blue Black
Hardness: 76-78
Glow Engraving
Factory Finish
800-grit wet sand
More Information
Core Dynamics
RG Max: 2.522
RG Int: 2.505
RG Min: 2.474
RG Diff: 0.048
RG Asy: 0.017
RG Avg: 2.9
Approx. Spin
Time = 8.6 sec
Performance
Hook Potential 155
Length 55
Breakpoint Shape 70
Available Weights
12-16 Pounds

Mike Austin · « **Reply #1 on:** August 09, 2005, 01:58:11 AM »

My Strike Zone had a 2-3 pin and 2.2 top weight before drilling. The PSA was out of line to the left, slightly like a J.

I wanted a ball for longer patterns, heavy oil, regionals really. The Ultimate Inferno has been too much ball in the past.

I used one of Denny Torgerson's layout ideas talked about in Bowling This Month.

I put the pin above my ring finger, which is 4 1/2 inches from my PAP. The MB/PSA marker is at a 135 degree position, or about 2 inches above/left of my thumb hole. Because of the low top weight and the CG being out of line, I was able to drill this ball without using an extra hole.

This ball rolls absolutely awesome! Very smooth through the front, which should be expected with fresh/heavy oil. When the ball finds the dry it does not jump, very smooth reaction. The layout is designed to created hold in the middle of the lane, when there isn't very much.

When I miss the ball a little and am left of target, the ball does exactly that. I have plenty of back end when I miss a little right on the house shot, the ball just has nice smooth, hard arc through the pins. Not the sharp break point like the Smokin Inferno. The pin carry is very good, the more I throw the ball, the better it seems to carry.

I think straight players will use this ball with factory finish and drilled strong. Definitely smoother through the front, without the rev up motion of the Ultimate Inferno. Straighties might still like the Ultimate better.

Tweeners will love this ball, I think still drilled pretty strong. Pin around 4 to 4 1/2 inches from PAP and adjust the surface as needed. This ball shines up very well, and is very versatile.

Crankers/big hook/twister guys will probably only use this ball on soup, unless you have a lot of ball speed. Shiny it could be a benchmark ball for guys with good speed.

I have drilled a few others for customers, and just like the Zone Classic, this ball rolls great! Almost impossible to drill this ball wrong with the correct surface adjustments.

I want 2-3 more of these!!! Great ball at a slightly less price point than the big dollar balls.

Good luck, hope this helps ya!!!
--------------------
Mike Austin's Precision Pro Shop
Houston, TX
Drilling and Tech Advice BirdDogbowling.com

Check out bowlingballauctions.com !!!
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Driller to many "Stars" and Tony Melendez too!

"So Many Balls, only ONE drill press!!"

DrBob806 · « **Reply #2 on:** September 01, 2005, 06:50:26 PM »

This is my first adventure into a Brunswick ball since the Purple Rhino (one of my all-time favorites). Pin is a bit outside the ring finger, locator pin below thumb hole (about 1 1/2"). (On Brunswick web site, it would be the bottom left drilling diagram).
I threw three games right out of the box with it today, and there was carrydown present. The ball rolled real nice, and splattered the pins around. I played various lines, and found the ball would not squirt in oil, but really arced hard off the drier areas of the lane. The hit is very impressive. I am going to try it in league tonight, and see what happens...I'm thinking it will be too much ball for me on a wet/dry condition, but I can test it in practice. I bought this ball to replace my Full Throttle, which was my main "oil" ball that I sold to a friend.
Update- just as I thought, it is too much ball for my Thursday scratch league. Tried it in practice, and I could have probably used it, but by the end of game #2, I would have had to switch. This house has a lot of backend, so this piece isn't needed. I'm happy though, I've found a "oil ball" for sure.

LeftyintheZone · « **Reply #3 on:** November 21, 2005, 04:55:22 PM »

I have had this ball for two weeks and have to post a review, hoping it helps out someone with their ball choice. I am a stroker, 15 mph, got the ball for a new shot with fresh up front and carrydown on the back. Laid it out like this...(I am a lefty)...

....0....0
......P...
..........
....C.....
..........
.......0..
..LP.......

Pin under fingers about 4.25" from PAP for me, CG out, no weight hole, Locator pin/MB about 2 inches past thumb on the strong side.

The ball comes 800, try this surface before shining or sanding it. For me with this layout, the Strike Zone gets into a nice early roll, starts to read the mid lane and has a nice smooth/strong/controllable arc back toward the pocket, cutting right through the head oil and carrydown without wavering. The Strike Zone gives a nice little mass bias influenced kick at the end of it's path. In other reviews I have avoided the phrase "hits hard", but this ball does...power at the pins that makes the ball act and sound like it is 20 pounds, driving through the pins. The Strike Zone just seems to pound the pins. If there is not enough oil overall, or the head oil disappears, you will not be able to use this ball, as it will burn up early.

For those of you (like me) that loved the original Danger Zone on the oil of it's heyday, the Strike Zone is similar to it on today's heavier oil. A little earlier, smoother and rollier (lower RG), and overall stronger (due to the assymetric core). Since many people have shined up the Ultimate, I would imagine the cover will shine up nice if you want to make it a medium condition ball. Thanks to BrunsRicH for his input!

bowl me over · « **Reply #4 on:** November 21, 2005, 10:05:28 PM »

Lane Conditions:Heavy Oil
Typical Conditions:House
Type of Lane: Combination
What part of the lane did you play? 2nd arrow
Did the ball track out? Normal
Weight of bowling ball: 15
Surface of bowling ball: Factory/Box
Likes: The ball rolled great in med-heavy oil.
Dislikes: A little jumpy at times.

I have had this ball a while,so I thought why not post my review ball is drilled with the with pin over the ring finger has a 3inch pin and 3oz top weight.I use this ball when my hawg cuts through the oil first and the heads start to break down.I like throwing this ball,although I do leave some very weird spare tries,ie 2/8.I do recomend this ball though for players with a lot of speed it seems to read that style great.I do like the coverstock a lot,it seems to hold up very well.
--------------------
"THE NAME IS NOT BOY,IT'S ROY,ROY MUNSON".

Bigmike · « **Reply #5 on:** November 29, 2005, 09:42:31 AM »

See my profile for stats;

Drilled with the PSA at a 65 degree angle with the pin under the middle finger. This left the ball with close to 3/4 pos side so I didn't put a weight hole in the ball saving that for future tweaking options.

I have rolled this on a couple of different conditions, one being a 38 foot house pattern on Anvil Lane Pro. I left the ball in box condition and on this shot it might be too much. I was able to find a good shot by getting very far left and picking up my speed and swinging the ball from about 23-9. The ball hits very hard but to throw it on this condition regularly, I would need to take the dullness off the ball.

I have thrown this on a couple of longer sport shots(42-44 feet) and the ball reads the pattern just fine in the box condition. This is what I had hoped to lay it out for initially but the proposed sport league that I was signed up for didn't materialize. I think the zone classic core gives many more tweaking options for the ball.
--------------------
Mike Craig-Columbus,OH

Dwight Albrecht · « **Reply #6 on:** December 06, 2005, 12:08:40 AM »

Posted: 12/4/2005 10:43 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Brunswick Strike Zone:

Ball Specs
The ball being drilled was a 2â€ pin out with 3.00 oz top weight.
Drilling: Pin 4 1/2" from PAP and Mb 45 degree angle or 3 3/8 from my pap with small riser pin. Pin is Above Ring finger, 3" above grip midline. No weight Hole. Factory Sanded

Bowler Information:
Track diameter is 10 1/2.
PAP is measured at 5 1/4 over and 3/8" up.
Average ball speed (foul line to head pin) is 17 mph.
Axis rotation is typically 90 degrees
Initial rev rate is typically 300 rpm, "Tweener"
Lane Condition and Pattern:
AMF Bowlero, HPL 9000 Panel. Oil Pattern: Medium Heavy Oil and slightly clean back ends. Fairly Flat condition from edge board to edge board.

REVIEW:
One of the best coverstock weight block combinations out there right now. Talk about pushing all the right buttons. This ball has it all. Predictability, Power, Versatility, and just a great ball roll. Spins up quick off the hand alot like the Black Danger Zone's. One ball you can have many of drilled differently for different breakpoints and still know where it is going. I have tried it on HPL Panels and wood and the ball adapts extremely well to both. The Ultimate Inferno coverstock proven to hold up longer in reaction than older technology coverstock makes this ball a sure winner. If you want a ball to roll smooth down the lane but have the ability to create back end when needed this is the ball. Great Job Brunswick.

Dwight

bowler0690 · « **Reply #7 on:** January 15, 2006, 02:02:00 PM »

I think this ball is perfect
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There is NO BALL that could compair to the Strike Zone
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-Just a person who loves bowling

donnydeutch · « **Reply #8 on:** January 21, 2006, 10:15:45 PM »

15 lbs

drilling:

pin under ring finger about 1/8 in. weight hole drilled about 3 inches to the right of the thumb hole.

drilled to hook in heavy oil, and that it does. Roolls out a little bit late, do to the drilling, but i like it like that. can use it for med, but its a bit to jumpy. overall, id say that its a great ball to own.

drilled by Mike Dugan at Striking Motion Pro-shop at brunswick zone river grove

MFlynn91005 · « **Reply #9 on:** January 29, 2006, 12:05:02 AM »

I got my Strike Zone to fit in with my Absolute which does absolutely nothing, and my Ultimate, which is for extreme oil.

The pin is below ring finger, with cg a hair right below, 2". Finish is out of box/factory.

This is probably the easiest to control of any of the balls I have. It is forgiving, and hits like a truck. In heavy oil, you can bump 5 or 10 boards right, and shoot straight down 10, or if it is a little drier, you can play in the middle, and it will come back with no problem.

Overall a good ball, I will not leave it at home.

--------------------
Forget the 10...I hate the 8

DerHornen · « **Reply #10 on:** March 03, 2006, 04:52:14 PM »

3-4" Pin slightly below ring, 2" out, same as layout 4 on Brunswick sheet. Sanded to 1200 grit.

I had the ball surface tamed a bit to bowl on wood lanes 2nd shift league.

I really like the control I have with this ball. I can play from the right in heavy oil and move deeper when it's drier. Ball gives a very predictable reaction and doesn't get too jumpy unless the backs are really dry. The ball hits with authority and really knocks the ten pin around.

Overall I'd say this is a great ball for those who like a predictable reaction with a good strong roll and hitting power to spare. It's my first ball out of the bag.

switch44 · « **Reply #11 on:** March 17, 2006, 01:27:13 PM »

I had recently baught a strike zone and had it drilled for heavy oil.
The ball has not let me down. It hits like a train after it makes the smoothest transition from the fronts to the backend. I wouldnt attempt to throw it on dry lanes but if u play in lots of oil, this is the ball!

Switch

Fatboy8 · « **Reply #12 on:** March 27, 2006, 10:59:42 AM »

Ball surface: 400 grit wet sand/800 grit wet sand/ polished
PAP: not sure (right hand)
Layout: Pin right next to ring finger, cg stacked
Pin distance: 3" pin
Style: medium revs/stroker
Ball Speed: 16.5 mph
Lane Condition: Heavy oil- wooden and synthetic lanes/THS wooden lanes

This is by far one of the most versitile balls I've ever owned. I've changed the surface 3 times, and had much success with each one. Here's the breakdown of each surface:

400 grit wet sand- I wanted this to be a heavy oiler. The test on this was a heavy oiled shot on synthetic lanes. The SZ held it's line, and made a great turn to the pocket. The carry is awesome, and creates alot of pin action. Once the shot gets a little broken down it's time to put it away, due to it's burning up.

Polished/shined- I was wanting this surface to be more of a THS, but playing a little straighter. Shined up, this thing is a beast also. It makes a great move, and is really consistent. You can play alot of angles with it in this condition, and have alot of room on the lanes. It's almost worth buying another, same drilling as my 800 grit, but shined up.

800 grit wet sand- This is where I currently use my Strike Zone. This surface suits me better with how it fits in my line up. This surface on a THS works unbelievably well. I can make minimal adjustments, and can get at least two games out of it, if not three for the night. It's predictable line, great carry, and pin action is unmatched. This ball is in the same condition and set up the same way that my Ultimate Inferno was. The UI was a great ball, and this one is even better.
--------------------
Second place is first loser.

khaderach19 · « **Reply #13 on:** April 09, 2006, 07:52:18 PM »

15lbs Rough Buff Finish
pin: 4.5" from PAP, CG: 2" from grip center
Style: Tweener (I think, axis of rotation pointed towards the 7 pin, for lefties)going at about 150rpms going at 12mph.
Drilled by: Rich Moores, Players Corner. Aurora, Illinois

Bought this ball to compliment my Smokin Inferno, and I am totally satisfied. Tried it on the lanes with the OOTB coverstock and found that it went to short (i could've thrown harder, but I would lose control). Shined it up to a Rough buff and got the reaction I wanted. this ball recovers extremely well. Especially on shots that I know the inferno would gutter, the recovery into the pocket is amazing. I drop it 20 boards from the left towards the 3 arrow. The breakpoint is about 50 feet from the foul line on the 5 board. The hook potential on this ball is HUGE!!(second for all brunswick products I think, behind the scorchin')

I would totally recommend this ball for heavy oil players. Its smooth reaction bodes better than sanding down a ball meant for a skid-snap reaction.

tom_288 · « **Reply #14 on:** May 16, 2006, 05:10:44 PM »

Finish - Out of box (400-800 grit?)

This is the best ball ever!!

It has got an amazing hook potential considering how late the backend is. It does not matter how oily/dry the lanes are, it will always have the same breakpoint. It is the easiest ball to use for control. (I've gone through alot of balls considering ive only been bowling for 2 years - 6 balls, and this is the best yet)

Using this ball, I have been able to hit some of the highest scores in my bowling centre. My most recent being a 288, which is the second highest that has been bowled in the centre (not bad for a 13 year old)

I hope Brunswick realease more balls like this

--------------------
Aldershots youngest hi-scorer - GREAT

Author Topic: Strike Zone (Read 19946 times)

admin

Strike Zone

Mike Austin

Re: Strike Zone

DrBob806

Re: Strike Zone

LeftyintheZone

Re: Strike Zone

bowl me over

Re: Strike Zone

Bigmike

Re: Strike Zone

Dwight Albrecht

Re: Strike Zone

bowler0690

Re: Strike Zone

donnydeutch

Re: Strike Zone

MFlynn91005

Re: Strike Zone

DerHornen

Re: Strike Zone

switch44

Re: Strike Zone

Fatboy8

Re: Strike Zone

khaderach19

Re: Strike Zone

tom_288

Re: Strike Zone