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Author Topic: Wild Card  (Read 13869 times)

admin

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Wild Card
« on: December 31, 1969, 06:00:00 PM »
Ball NPS Score: 100.00
- Coverstock: ConneXion
- Color: Red / Purple
- Hardness: 76-78
- Factory Finish: 2,000 Siaair Micro Pad
- Weight Block: Paragon Two-component Symmetrical Core (14-16# only, 12 and 13 # have a generic core)
- RG max: 2.514
- RG min: 2.469
- RG diff: 0.045
- Average RG: 2.6 of 10
- Hook Potential: 165 (Scale 10-175)
- Length: 95 (Scale 25-235)
- Typical Breakpoint Shape: 75 Angular (Scale Smooth Arc 10-Angular 100)
- Flare Potential: 0.045 High (Scale Low 0.00-High 0.060)
- Recommended Lane Conditions: Medium-Oily
- Description: The Wild Card utilizes ConneXion coverstock known for its unbelievable traction response from foul line to head pin. The aggressive connection of the Wild Card to the lane surface inspires confidence in the ball reaction that allows bowlers to play the lanes the way they want to. The ultra low RG Paragonâ„¢ core was designed with two intentions. First, lower the RG to create a faster revving core that will provide improved mid-lane traction. And second, raise the RG differential to increase the track flare potential which will generate more overall hook with standard layouts and the use of interchangeable thumb sleeves. With its 2,000 Siaair Micro Pad finish, the Wild Card will provide good length with a strong continuous backend reaction that matches up on medium to oily lane conditions for a wide range of bowling styles.

 

UpstateProShopChris

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Re: Wild Card
« Reply #1 on: November 04, 2009, 03:30:18 PM »
Ball Review: Wild Card
Date: 11/04/09

Bowler Information:

Initial ball Speed: 16.5 - 17 mph
Tilt: 10 Degrees
Axis Rotation: 30 Degrees
Rev Rate: 300-340 RPMs

Coverstock - Connexion Solid
RG min - 2.469”
Differential - .045”

Drill Specs:
Pin to PAP - 5”
Degree From VAL: 70"
Vertical Pin Orientation: Down
Drill Angle - 65"


Surface:

OOB 2000 Siaair Micropad

The Wild Card is a new generation of benchmark ball from Brunswick. With this new release they have taken the Connexion coverstock in the solid form and placed it on the Paragon Core. This ball gives the bowler a midlane read with more response than Brunswick fans and bowlers in general have seen from Brunswick in the past on the backend. With the slower response layout I choose I was looking for a smoother rolling piece to read lanes with and keep me in play when the pattern is wet dry and I can't get to the pocked with other balls. This ball gave me a predictable read in the midlane with plenty of hook and pin action that is definitely better than smoother rolling balls that Brunswick has had in the past. Connexion coverstock definitely has improved continuation at the pins when compared with Powerkoil 18 or Activator coverstock. I got everything I asked for and more with the Wild Card. In spite of its large hook potential, I could see this ball being the go to ball across a variety of lane conditions as it is already become the first ball out of the bag for me in a short time. When you need a ball to conquer the lanes pull out the ace in the hole...the Wild Card.
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Chris Garrett
Upstate Pro Shop
Greenville, SC - 1-866-490-9980
Upstateproshop@charter.net

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The views expressed here are not necessarily those of the Brunswick Corporation.
Chris Garrett
Upstate Pro Shop
Greenville, SC  864-248-4737
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Corey C

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Re: Wild Card
« Reply #2 on: November 06, 2009, 12:15:49 PM »
4.5" Pin to PAP below fingers
No X Hole
4000 sia air finish

I have used this ball for two weeks in our PBA league on the Scorpion pattern. For two weeks I've had two of my best series! I really like how this ball goes through the pins. It reads the midlane well and has good continuation through the pocket. On a pattern where 2-10 splits are common, the Wild Card keeps me in the pocket.

I went with a 4.5" pin instead of my usual 5" becasue I didn't want to use a hole unless absolutely necessary. I'm happy with the flare separation.

I found I have the best reaction with the 4000 finish because of my slower ball speed.

Between the Siege and the Wild Card I honestly feel that Brunswick has two of the best solid balls on the market.

Thanks to Rich Huzina at Strikez Pro Shop, Let's Bowl Calgary, AB. Last years cover model on the IBPSIA magazine!
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Corey Clayton
Brunswick Amateur Staff
Turbo Grips Staff
Team Canada 2007, 2008, & 2009
The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer and not of Brunswick Corporation
Corey Clayton
Brunswick Regional Staff
Turbo Staff

RSalas

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Re: Wild Card
« Reply #3 on: November 07, 2009, 07:19:00 PM »
Ball: Brunswick Wild Card

Layout:

Pin 5” from PAP, above ring finger
CG on midline, ¾” to right of grip center
No XH

Initial Surface Preparation:

Box finish

Purpose:

I’ve been looking for something that I can use to open up the back end on heavier medium conditions where the fronts are tight and I can’t really give away a lot of the pocket.  Over the course of a tournament season, I see a number of “modified house shots,” where there is more volume than usual on the outside part of the lane.  On conditions like this, the Siege and Wild Thing tend to over-read the midlanes, and the Wild Ride and Rattler don’t pick up the friction quickly enough.

Why this ball?

The Wild Card caught my attention because of its combination of a solid version of the ConneXion cover and the low-RG Paragon core.  What I was hoping to get with the Wild Card was the same basic breakpoint shape and movement through the pin deck that I’ve seen with the Wild Thing, but with an earlier midlane read.

Observations:

I’ve thrown the Wild Card a few times at a center with five-year-old Pro Anvilane, in a second-shift league.  The Wild Card gave me a decent look to the pocket, but I really had to watch the speed if I wanted to get the corners out.  So I changed my alignment to use more of the dry on the outside, and this did the trick.  I didn’t lose the pocket, and I got enough midlane help to where I could carry.  I did have to make sure I maintained this more open alignment as the pattern broke down, for while the reaction was still serviceable through the oil, my carry was better when the ball hit more friction.

I also used the Wild Card at a center with HPL in front and older wood in back, on a fresh house condition.  The Wild Card did a great job of blending out the ball reaction from front to back.  The ball was clean through the front, picked up the midlane nicely, and was very strong through the pins.  I also had more leeway to miss in the oil, because of the higher friction in back.  As the condition broke down, I was able to make proportional moves to the left, and still get good recovery from the dry.
 
Conclusions:

The first time I threw the Wild Card, I was reminded of the general reaction shape of the Ultimate Inferno remake, with a few key similarities and a few noticeable differences.  Like the Ultimate, the Wild Card has that prototypical midlane read for which the Zone and Inferno lines have become known.  Also like the Ultimate, the Wild Card carries best when it can get all the way to the dry boards.  Unlike the Ultimate, though, the Wild Card won’t over-bounce when it hits friction too early in the ball path.  In addition, when the transition forces me inside, the Wild Card retains energy well enough to turn the corner and still strike, while the Ultimate tended to labor down lane for me when I had to give up the pocket.

For me, the Wild Card has been doing a good job of filling the “strong and sharp” spot in the bag.  Because of its combination of power and forgiveness, I expect this ball to see quite a bit of action as the tournament season progresses.

NOTE:  The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer and not of Brunswick Corporation.
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Ray Salas
Brunswick Amateur Staff
http://www.brunswickbowling.com
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BrunsWolf

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Re: Wild Card
« Reply #4 on: November 22, 2009, 03:23:36 PM »
Brunswick Wild Card
15lbs
3” pin
2.3 top

Layout:
30* by 4.25” by 75*
x-hole: 1” past PAP
OOB surface (2000)

Personal Stats:
18+/- mph
325-350 rpm
PAP: 4.75” right

Purpose:
I needed a ball to fit in the spot of “Just Plain Strong” in my bag. All of the other strong balls I have I’ve drilled weak to smooth them out, but not this one. I wanted this ball to be all that it was meant to be in order to be my go-to ball on longer patterns where I need strength.

On the lanes:
The only pattern that I’ve thrown this ball on so far is last year’s Shark at 50uL per board instead of 40uL (I knew better than to even try to keep it to the right of the headpin on my THS). I started off with my semi-weak Siege for a few shots in order to compare the two. With the Siege, I could play a shot that I call a “Stinger” up the 13 board. A “Stinger” is a shot that is at a semi-fast, high revving, fairly tight, and direct but never turns the corner completely and it just slaps pins silly.

With the Wild Card, I was able so down just a tiny bit (maybe .5mph) and play a small swing with a laydown of 15 out to 11 at the breakpoint. The breakpoint was definitely strong and defined and every single shot turned the corner with ease and I had more margin of area for the ball to make it to the pocket. I would classify the reaction shape as a very strong arc. As the shot broke down, I was able to make small moves inside and didn’t have to worry about the ball not cornering enough to get the 10 out.

Since it wasn’t the new Shark, I knew there was a potential shot on the twig. Just for fun, I moved out and threw a couple shots with the Wild Card playing straight up 3 after slowing down to about 17mph and making sure that I got around the ball. I had decent success playing the pattern this way as long as I had enough axis rotation. In about 10 shots, a small area on the 3 board was burnt up and I could play a very small bump off of it instead of playing straight up.

Overall:
The Wild Card is exactly the ball I wanted in the strongest spot in my arsenal. I’ve had strong equipment before but I don’t think I’ve had anything this strong AND this forgiving. Personally, I’d say this is a truly amazing strong symmetrical ball and I can’t imagine my arsenal without it.

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Brunswick Advisory Staff

Jared Wolf
Jonesboro, AR
www.bowlingchat.net

The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer and not of Brunswick Corporation.
Jared Wolf
Jonesboro, AR
Brunswick Advisory Staff

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

baer300

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Re: Wild Card
« Reply #5 on: December 09, 2009, 07:06:01 AM »
I have finally thrown this enough to post a review. I drilled mine 75x6x30. I wanted a stronger ball drilled weaker, more for THS. I polished it some and it is great. The WC is about 2 stronger than my Wild Thing drilled 65x5x35. I like this ball alot. It is smoother than the WT and C System but does hook a little more. Also carries very well. Very predictable(trademark Brunswick). I have just drilled another one as well. I drilled it 70x1 1/2x40. Hit it with 4000 then polish. I needed this ball for the one center I bowl at. Needed to stay closer to the track longer and it fits the bill great. Haven't thrown it much but will post more later. If you are looking for a ball that hooks and controls the breakpoint, look no farther than the Wild Card.
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Adam Baer
BRUNSWICK ADVISORY STAFF
VISE REGIONAL STAFF
The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer and not of Brunswick Corporation
Adam Baer
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Vise Regional Staff

baer300

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Re: Wild Card
« Reply #6 on: December 15, 2009, 08:39:01 AM »
Ok, I have thrown my 70x 1 1/2x40 enough now to post a review. This one center I bowl at really breaks down. I am a high rev player and even when it is only me playing in, they still break down alot. So I drilled this ball to stay farther right longer. This way when this ball doesnt work I can change balls and go deep.
Now, with this layout and surface prep(4000 then polish) the ball clears the front with a trace of oil. Reads the midlane well and then a smooth roll off the spot. No flip or strong turn at all just a roll.
I have found that the Wild Card takes surface changes very well and responds to them well also. Polishing will add more downlane motion and more surface will smooth it out.
Between the two I have they are the first balls out of my bag right now. It should be the first ball out of your bag too!!!
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Adam Baer
BRUNSWICK ADVISORY STAFF
VISE REGIONAL STAFF
The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer and not of Brunswick Corporation
Adam Baer
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Brunschick

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Re: Wild Card
« Reply #7 on: January 07, 2010, 09:42:14 AM »
I have had my Wildcard(s) for about a week now and have had the opportunity to throw them quite a bit. Both are drilled differently - one with my favorite drilling pin in the palm, cg kicked out with a hole and the other has the pin way above the fingers with no weight hole. Both have box fnishes on them as well.

The pin in the palm WC picks up an early rolls but still has a continuous motion down the lane. My pin up WC gets down the lane pretty long with more of an angular motion in the back. They compliment each other really well so it's easy for me to go back and forth between the two.

Both are a GREAT addition to any arsensal that is lacking this type of equipment.

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Stefanie Nation

K Lawson

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Re: Wild Card
« Reply #8 on: January 23, 2010, 11:05:27 AM »
The Wild Card utilizes ConneXion coverstock known for its unbelievable traction response from foul line to head pin.  For a ball with a  solid coverstock the Wild Card gets easily through the heads, staying on line to target on medium and heavy oil conditions, but the coverstock really comes to life when the ball reaches the end of the oil pattern and moves aggressively to the pocket. The Paragon core was designed with two things in mind. First, lowering the RG to create a faster revving core that provides a strong mid-lane traction. And second, raise the RG differential to increase the track flare and generate more overall hook with standard layouts.

     I drilled my Wild Card 70x5x40 and took the finish to 4000 with Siaair Micro Pads. I was looking for the Wild Card create length with a smoother motion in the back part of the lane. This ball is incredible on our 39ft THS being that it clears the front while maintaining a smooth predictable move at the end of the pattern. It also worked great from a deeper angle because it never lost its continuation through the pins. Every once in awhile you get that ball you know is going to be great before you even get on the lane and this is one of those balls. I rarely include personal accomplishments in my reviews, but during the first 10 games with the Wild Card I averaged 250, had a 300, couple of 279's and a low game of 220. The Wild Card is one ball that would definitely be a great addition to anybody's arsenal.

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Re: Wild Card
« Reply #9 on: January 28, 2010, 06:38:07 PM »
BRUNSWICK WILD CARD

LAYOUT: Pin 4" from PAP, slightly above fingers, CG stacked about 2"right of grip center. No extra hole used.

FINISH: Box finish (2000)

OBSERVATIONS: What I was hoping for was a solid with a little more angularity than most Brunswick solids. Typically reading the midlane has never been a problem with Brunswick equipment, however, creating more angularity late hasn't been too easy for me.

This ball is DIFFERENT than it's predecessors! After using it for a few months I can honestly say that this one is my favorite Brunswick solid in a long time. For the "typical house shot" I have found it best at 4000 where the ball recovers very strong late.

Recently I bowled on a VERY LONG AND FLAT PATTERN. I adjusted the cover back to 2000 in anticipation. The Wild Card was the ball choice over the Diamondback for this reason. Both read the lane at roughly the same point, however the Wild Card responded faster to the friction on the back end. This allowed me more room to "miss" and still find pocket.

SUMMARY: Both this ball and the Diamondback have been great on house shots to blend out the pattern front to back as well as side to side. The difference is that this (Wild Card) cover and core seem to do better when the lanes are on the slick side. I gave one to my son for Christmas and it's his "go to" ball whenever the lanes seem spotty or his game isn't quite "on" and he always finds a way to score with it. I plan to use mine more and more because of it's versatility. Dull to shiny this one is a keeper!


--------------------
Lane Carter, Strike Zone Pro Shops - Salt Lake City, Utah
Brunswick Pro Shop Staff

www.brunswickbowling.com

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

Mvpbowler

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Re: Wild Card
« Reply #10 on: February 10, 2010, 03:39:55 PM »
--- Brunswick Wild Card ---

I drilled 2 Wild Cards for some tournaments I have had the last couple weeks.

Wild Card #1 -

Layout 5 1/2 x 4 with a large hole down. Pin down

This ball started up a little sooner and was pretty strong overall. It wasn't a sharp motion in the back part of the lane but a smooth stronger arc. I definitely had no problems playing anywhere I needed to with this ball. Actually as the tournaments went on this became the benchmark or first one out of the bag to be thrown. Worked very well on the fresh as it never over hooked or did anything funny when it hit the dry. I actually really liked the motion of this ball that I drilled a 2nd one.

Wild Card #2 -

Layout 5 x 4 with a medium hole. Pin Up

With WC #1 being pretty smooth overall off the dry, I needed one that was a just a little sharper in the backends. So I drilled one with a pin up and an extra hole straight across. This allowed the ball to save just a little more for when it got down the lane. Definitely was what I was looking for!!

Overall 2 great products by Brunswick. I thank them for their help and developing another great ball!

devildog819

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Re: Wild Card
« Reply #11 on: February 24, 2010, 03:37:30 AM »
Ball Name - Wild Card

Bowler Specs

Right Handed
Tweener
15 MPH
4000 Polished Surface

Description - The Wild Card introduces Connexion Solid Coverstock to the Wild Series of bowling balls.  This coverstock along with the Paragon Core is destined to be another success.

Drilling - This ball is drilled 4 x 5 with not weight hold.  This drilling will give the look of a basic "over the label" drilling.

Reaction - The ball is exactly what I expected.  Clean thru the fronts, easy pick up in the midlane, and a smooth continuous arc on the backend.  This ball's reaction helps me keep control of the pocket and does not over react at any time.

Overall - I like this ball and will drill another with a stronger drill and different coverstock.

Thank you to Billy O, new product rep Brian Bever, and all the good folks of Brunswick.


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Roger Harley, Jr
IBPSIA Certified
USBC Certified Coach
Brunswick Advisory Staff

***The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer and not of Brunswick Bowling & Billards Corporation***

leftyl

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Re: Wild Card
« Reply #12 on: May 19, 2010, 10:56:40 AM »
Just drilled up a Wild Card for myself a couple of days ago to replace a the balls that I just shipped out to Reno. I have a few tournaments this week and needed something to take the place of my favorite Diamondback.
I used the exact same layout as my latest Diamondback which was 35 X 4.5 X 20. This puts the pin about 1.5" above and left (left-handed) of my ring finger. X-hole in the P3 position 3" deep.
I rolled this ball in the same event (re-entry) that I bowled in last week with my Diamondback. The pattern placed a heavier volume up front with a fairly clean back-end. Ball speed was an important factor at this center for me. A bit too firm and the ball will have a tendency to skid through the break point. A soft hand was the key to good ball reaction.
What I saw with the Wild Card was a bit of an earlier read than my Diamondback and also a slightly faster response to the friction at the back-end. This gave me an even better look on the lanes as I had a bit more recovery room to the left than I saw with the Diamondback. I was very impressed with the performance of this ball and am seriously thinking about taking it to Reno. Looks like I may have to check a bag at the airport after all...
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Geoffrey_Young

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Re: Wild Card
« Reply #13 on: June 09, 2010, 01:00:40 AM »
The first thing that comes to my mind about this ball is pure control. This is one the balls first out of my bag to read the lanes. Drilled this wild card pin in the middle finger and cg kicked out. This layout made this ball extremely smooth. Recently got back from USBC Nationals and was able to use this ball all thought doubles and also for about a game in team. This ball just absolutely read the lanes perfectly!!!!!!!!!

Brandon Riley

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Re: Wild Card
« Reply #14 on: November 30, 2010, 12:23:37 PM »
My Wild Card is laid out Pin in the Ring (4" to PAP)

This ball is all about control and results.  It is extremely smooth, provides lots of read in the midlane with a lot of control at the backend.  It never does anything unexpected and is great on all kinds of fresh patterns.

I found that for house patterns I required polish and this really livened up the Wild Card in the backend.  I personally have found it to be more responsive downlane than my Revolver, and has enough pop to allow me to get left and still carry.  A more speed dominant player would likely see more success on house with this piece than me.

I really like my Wild Card on fresh sport patterns.  For sport I keep the surface dull around 1000 grit.  The Wild Card has kept me out of trouble early on the shark pattern in my PBAX league and has allowed me to at least stay in the pocket on some rough Kegel Sport Patterns in college bowling.  The Wild Card is definitely a ball I like to use when grinding on flat, slick patterns as it gives me a strong read of the midlane without any surprises in the backend.  Its consistency keeps me from leaving too many splits and has enough carry to reward me when I make good shots.
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Brandon Riley
Brandon Riley
Brunswick Regional Staff