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Author Topic: Mastermind still viable for today's conditions?  (Read 4700 times)

duvallite

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Mastermind still viable for today's conditions?
« on: February 26, 2022, 09:11:02 PM »
I was given a 15lb lefty-drilled Mastermind in super good condition.  I'm a right hander, and am wondering if it's worth the appx $80 or so to get it plugged and re-drilled. 

Always liked the way this ball rolled for others back when it came out about 9 years ago, just not sure how it would be for today's THS conditions.  Currently mainly throwing a Physix, Conspiracy, Venom Shock in one league, and a Crux, Phaze II, Prism in another league. Thoughts on doing a plug & drill on the Mastermind?

 

justlane

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Re: Mastermind still viable for today's conditions?
« Reply #1 on: February 27, 2022, 08:44:17 AM »

I used mine a lot on fresh conditions.  Pretty close to the Conspiracy solid, maybe a board or two less late, but close.  If it's in great shape it's worth a try in my opinion.

Lane Carter

Gene J Kanak

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Re: Mastermind still viable for today's conditions?
« Reply #2 on: February 28, 2022, 08:12:43 AM »
I had the Mastermind, the Genius, the Intellect, and the Einstein. I liked just about all of them. In its time, the original Mastermind was a great ball for longer, heavier patterns or for shorter patterns where you needed control off the end of the pattern.

Now, all of that being said, it's older tech. Bowling balls, "heavy oil" balls in particular, have made some pretty great advances in recent years. Gone are the days where these big balls roll at your toes and offer no motion down lane.

So, in terms of the viability of the Mastermind today, I think that's what you have to keep in mind. The Mastermind is old school, so it's going to dig in quickly, and the motion down lane is going to be pretty mild compared to what you see out of today's big balls (Gem, Reality, UFO, Proton Physix, etc.). That isn't to say that the Mastermind is or will be weak. It's just going to do things differently than a lot of today's stronger balls.

So, is the Mastermind still viable today? Sure. You could easily use it with success on a lot of patterns that you'll face today. Is it going to be as dynamic and do things the same way the newer big balls do, probably not. You have to decide whether or not you'll be getting enough bang for your $80 by drilling up an older ball. That's totally your call.

HankScorpio

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Re: Mastermind still viable for today's conditions?
« Reply #3 on: February 28, 2022, 08:31:18 AM »
I had the Mastermind, the Genius, the Intellect, and the Einstein. I liked just about all of them. In its time, the original Mastermind was a great ball for longer, heavier patterns or for shorter patterns where you needed control off the end of the pattern.

Now, all of that being said, it's older tech. Bowling balls, "heavy oil" balls in particular, have made some pretty great advances in recent years. Gone are the days where these big balls roll at your toes and offer no motion down lane.

So, in terms of the viability of the Mastermind today, I think that's what you have to keep in mind. The Mastermind is old school, so it's going to dig in quickly, and the motion down lane is going to be pretty mild compared to what you see out of today's big balls (Gem, Reality, UFO, Proton Physix, etc.). That isn't to say that the Mastermind is or will be weak. It's just going to do things differently than a lot of today's stronger balls.

So, is the Mastermind still viable today? Sure. You could easily use it with success on a lot of patterns that you'll face today. Is it going to be as dynamic and do things the same way the newer big balls do, probably not. You have to decide whether or not you'll be getting enough bang for your $80 by drilling up an older ball. That's totally your call.

I don’t agree with this. I just don’t buy that technology has changed that much in 10 years. Mastermind won’t be as strong as a Gem, but it won’t be mild either. We’re talking a couple boards of hook. I get that you’re talking shape more than total hook, but even then, the Reality is the only one on that list that truly feels different.

As an aside, Storm recently slapped a 10 year old cover on an asymmetrical core to make the Nova. It’s plenty strong enough for every condition a non-PBA bowler would ever face (and has been popular on tour, to boot).

Mastermind is a ball that’s been great to me, so much so that I just drilled up a fresh one and still have another NIB. It’s been just as good as it was before, and has legitimately turned my season around at one house with a heavier THS that i was struggling to carry at. If you’ve got the money to spend, drill it up.


ignitebowling

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Re: Mastermind still viable for today's conditions?
« Reply #4 on: February 28, 2022, 09:23:25 AM »
Technology hasn't changed. If you like the ball and dont mind spending $80 to get it plugged and redrilled it will roll just fine on almost anything you will face.
Ignite your game, and set the lanes on fire. www.facebook.com/ignitebowling  or @ignite_bowling

duvallite

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Re: Mastermind still viable for today's conditions?
« Reply #5 on: February 28, 2022, 04:19:00 PM »
Well, all of this sounds good.  I've had decent luck with older balls previously, so I'm going to get it drilled up.  A de-oil and fresh surface and it should be good to go. Btw, the color scheme on this ball looks really good too.  Thanks for the responses👍.

don coyote

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Re: Mastermind still viable for today's conditions?
« Reply #6 on: February 28, 2022, 07:01:42 PM »
I am still using a Mastermind Scholar weekly. I used that ball to take 5th in singles at the state tournament last year.

And to help understand, I have 36 balls drilled.

Glad I have one NIB stashed, just in case.