BallReviews
Equipment Boards => Brunswick => Topic started by: BrunsNick on January 24, 2013, 03:08:11 PM
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Paranormal Aura // (60x5x30) // Shiny - I saw this ball like a Versamax, only stronger. As the lanes got beat up, I was able to move more left and hook around it all. I had to keep mindful not to power it through the front, as it needed little help to clear. If I fed it to the dry too quick, it responded very fast and went face. This is what a Pro Performance ball should be all about, hook on tap.
Meanstreak Brawler // (30x5.25x65) // Shiny - This ball is impressive. Even with the more even layout, the recovery on the backend was fun to watch. I could let loose with this ball, and go coast to coast because it never missed the hook spot. This is a ball I can really open up the lanes, it is not allergic to oil. I compare it a Brutal Nightmare, they share a lot of the same traits. Colors are amazing.
Ringer // (60x4x65) // Box Surface - I was reminded of my Fire Quantum with this ball, not only by shelf appeal, but how it cut through every rack. On fresher, I was about 5 right of the Brawler as it glided through the oil. When the lanes broke down, I could move left and the ball really shined. Every shot... pack! pack! pack! High flush, snap ten, trip 4, it did everything.
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All of the balls performances looks great Nick. It appears I maybe should have listened to lane and waited on the Ringer before buying the Meanstreak..... oh well, too late now. My Meanstreak is scheduled for delivery today. Still amxious to try it.
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I got the Meanstreak before the new balls were announced, but wish I picked up a Ringer! I love the old school look. How do you think it compares to the Holy Grail, Nick? (the venerable Gold Rhino Pro... Mine is still kicking! )
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Hard to compare to the holy grail... I'd have to venture that the Gold Rhino Pro does not recover as well from inside angles.
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I threw the Paranormal on a flat sport shot and was amazed at it's response to friction for a ball at 2000. This one HOOKS! I need more time with it to be comfortable.
Brawler- First one out of the bag lately. Nice, reaction with predictable read. For me it's a few boards stronger than the Meanstreak. Great colors, too.
Ringer- This ball is gonna kick some butts! Do not let the price fool you into thinking it won't perform. Super easy down the lane with a perfect angle late. For me it's few boards move outside versus the Meanstreak. Absolute Home Run.
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All of the balls performances looks great Nick. It appears I maybe should have listened to lane and waited on the Ringer before buying the Meanstreak..... oh well, too late now. My Meanstreak is scheduled for delivery today. Still amxious to try it.
Don't worry Jim, the Meanstreak is just a few boards stronger than the Ringer. You have the Versa Max. Think of the Meanstreak just a bit cleaner than the Versa with more angle when it finds friction. The Ringer just allows me to stay closer to friction a little longer.
You will enjoy the Meanstreak immensely. Keep it shined up and the ease through the heads will impress you. When the polish starts to wear off is when I really noticed how strong it can be...
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Excellent info, Nick.
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Hard to compare to the holy grail... I'd have to venture that the Gold Rhino Pro does not recover as well from inside angles.
Thanks. I'm really trying to come up with some justification to buy this ball lol.
I have a Meanstreak drilled 60x4x65 to fit between my Versa-Max and Aura. Been struggling with that ball... very over/under so I'm going to play around with the surface on it more. I want to get the reaction you described with the Ringer you laid out with the same angles.
Maybe I get the Ringer and drill it more aggressive like my Aura (50x4x30). Sounds like that would be a great ball for light to medium.
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Did your Meanstreak need an extra hole?
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Did your Meanstreak need an extra hole?
Nope. I resurfaced it to 500/compound as it barely moved OOB. Now the ball picks up on the friction but still over/under. Was going to try 2000 or 1000/polished next.
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Have them put in a P2 or P3 hole, I'd start at 7/8 x 2.5.
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Have them put in a P2 or P3 hole, I'd start at 7/8 x 2.5.
Alright will do! I'll let you know how it works out.
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For me, the Meanstreak doesn't come into play until there is enough friction to throw at, then it's game on. I was a little surprised that you wanted it for in between the VersaMax and Aura. Maybe if we can open up the flare rings a bit, you'll start seeing the ball how you pictured.
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Nick, how about that Ringer vs. Misfit Pearl comparison? Your layouts are fairly similar on the two...
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Ringer is just as clean, but I saw it a little slower to respond to friction. Overall hook was about 1-2 less, but it still split the 8-9 in half from multiple angles.
The Misfit Pearl really turns the corner when it hits the dry. It doesn't like oil, but if you can get it to the dry, it'll recover from just about anywhere. It really is the most angular ball in that pricepoint, nothing compares.
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Yeah I think I picked the wrong ball. I want
For me, the Meanstreak doesn't come into play until there is enough friction to throw at, then it's game on. I was a little surprised that you wanted it for in between the VersaMax and Aura. Maybe if we can open up the flare rings a bit, you'll start seeing the ball how you pictured.
I wanted the Meanstreak to be able to move a few boards left of the Versa and and bump it off the dry after the 2nd game, which is what I got. But the reaction isn't consistent and the carry is nothing like all your other new stuff for me.
My Versa has a weak label drill on it and is unrivalled for down and in. Once a nice wall is made the Meanstreak should work. If I need to move far left the Aura can come back from just about anywhere, so that gives me three different lines to the pocket and that is before I make any hand/wrist adjustments.
Reading the BTM review of the Ringer it looks like that would've been a better choice. Even if it isn't, between the Ronger's old school look and the review I think I need one anyway! After all, BTM wrote, "There is little this ball cannot handle. With the proper adjustments and lane play, most players will be able to throw this ball on nearly any condition."
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Yeah I think I picked the wrong ball. I wantFor me, the Meanstreak doesn't come into play until there is enough friction to throw at, then it's game on. I was a little surprised that you wanted it for in between the VersaMax and Aura. Maybe if we can open up the flare rings a bit, you'll start seeing the ball how you pictured.
I wanted the Meanstreak to be able to move a few boards left of the Versa and and bump it off the dry after the 2nd game, which is what I got. But the reaction isn't consistent and the carry is nothing like all your other new stuff for me.
My Versa has a weak label drill on it and is unrivalled for down and in. Once a nice wall is made the Meanstreak should work. If I need to move far left the Aura can come back from just about anywhere, so that gives me three different lines to the pocket and that is before I make any hand/wrist adjustments.
Reading the BTM review of the Ringer it looks like that would've been a better choice. Even if it isn't, between the Ronger's old school look and the review I think I need one anyway! After all, BTM wrote, "There is little this ball cannot handle. With the proper adjustments and lane play, most players will be able to throw this ball on nearly any condition."
Be careful when reading the BTM. I used to believe everything it said about balls and ended up getting "bit in the butt" more than once when I bought a ball and it didn't come close to what BTM said it to be. Those people that test the balls for BTM are far more advanced than I, thus probably the reason the ball didn't do for me what the BTM guys said it did for them.
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I too am very disappointed w/ the Meanstreak. It is much more midlane than I wanted. It is drilled pin to pap 4.5" with a 40 degree val angle. It has a hole on the pap that is for static weight only, it does not go into the core.
I have another post on the forum asking about Ringer Vs Yellow Misfit Pearl
For what it is worth my stats
Rev Rate (CATS) - 325 - 375 (Avg)
Speed (CATS) - 18
Axis Tilt - 10
Axis Rotation - 30-60
PBA-x Avg - 205
THS Avg - 226
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If the Meastreak is a little to much midlane, you can add more polish to it. This will help get it through that spot alittle more and give more of a flip. The Ringer is cleaner and more flip than the Meanstreak. I as Nick use the Meanstreak when there is a hook spot to throw it at. If that starts to hit flat I will be able to go to a Ringer.
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Didn't mean to hijack this thread and make it about the Meanstreak. I haven't given up on mine yet.
I am trying to justify getting a Ringer and decided the only justification I need is I want it! I'm with you Brick as I take all the BTM reviews with a grain of salt, but I'm going to take the Ringer and put an aggressive drill on it.
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I don't mean to hi-jack this tread, but just wanted to say that I bought a Meanstreak from another bowler here on BR. The ball has less than 10 games. The surface had been changed so I resurfaced it today to what Brunswick says it is supposed to be. Taking to pro shop tomorrow to plug and re drill thumb to lengthen span to fit my hand. Will try it Wed or Thurs.
Current lay-out on ball is 30* x 3 1/2 x 60* based on my 4" x 1/8 up PAP.
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You guys aren't hi-jacking the thread. Just trying to get some inside help.
Dougb, I can go straight to the Meanstreak from the Versa. I usually don't have to move my feet when I go to it. Sometimes I do but not often. The Ringer would be a few boards less than the Meanstreak. I would say if you can budget it, a Ringer is a ton of bang for the buck and you can add that to your arsenal as well. As Nick stated adding a weight hole to open up the flares will really change how the ball rolls.
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Brick, If you have a higher rev rate, that may be a little on the strong side. I have one drilled 30x4.5x70 and it is pretty aggressive. My dad is a tweener and I drilled him one similar to what you mention and it allows him to go straighter without loosing hitting power. Let us know how it works out.
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Baer, I have a low rev rate. I am on the low side of medium revs. Probably around 175 revs (maybe a wee bit less) and 15 mph speed.
My game is playing along the oil line such as throw over 10-12 out to 8 and various combos in that area. I am not a move left and throw it right bowler as I lack the revs to get the ball back to pocket properly.
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Brick, that layout sounds good for your game. That is the one great thing with the newer Brunswick releases is they can be drilled stronger without sacrficing hitting power. I have been drilling alot of the new ones stronger than I have drilled in the past. The Meanstreak will provide you with good length and nice pop down lane. With the layout you describe there should be a weight hole. Is there one in it now? Also where is it? If you feel the ball isn't doing what you want it to, you will be able to plug the weight hole and move it to a stronger position to open up the flares more and get more out of the ball. Let us know how it works out for ya.
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Brick, that layout sounds good for your game. That is the one great thing with the newer Brunswick releases is they can be drilled stronger without sacrficing hitting power. I have been drilling alot of the new ones stronger than I have drilled in the past. The Meanstreak will provide you with good length and nice pop down lane. With the layout you describe there should be a weight hole. Is there one in it now? Also where is it? If you feel the ball isn't doing what you want it to, you will be able to plug the weight hole and move it to a stronger position to open up the flares more and get more out of the ball. Let us know how it works out for ya.
Ball has a 3 1/8" Pin. I have it in the pro shop right now getting thumb plugged and re-drilled to lengthen span to fit my hand. Here is a picture of it's layout and weight hole.
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll178/PBAJS/2012_05270358_zps462c6f45.jpg
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Absolutely loving my Aura/Meanstreak combo. While I haven't been able to throw the Aura as much due to the lack of oil in my town, I did throw it for the back 8 games of a tourney in St. Louis and avg 243 with it. The Meanstreak however has been getting it done. 300/762 last Thursday with it and backed it up with 800 even last night. It's exactly what I had in mind. I have the Versa Max as well and it does just what I've read in this thread, gets a little further down lane with a little more angle, perfect for the THS in my area.
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Brick, it already has a low hole and you show be just fine with that.
BT808, great bowling. I must agree, the combo of those two are great. The Meanstreak Brawler fits right in between those 2 with a little smoother transition.
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How does the Paranormal compare to the orginal Nexus (p+f)? I have one of these and while it hooks I don't see the outrageous hook that a lot bowlers were talking about on these boards. I am about 375 RPMs and ball speed is about 19 MPH, with a tilt of 26 degrees. I am thinking about trying the Paranormal for our Sport league, but not if it similar to Nexus, no need to double up there. Thanks for your help.
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Jorge,
I don't have your speed or revs, but my Paranormal is stronger than the Nexus by probably 3-4 boards. The thing that amazed me was how clean it was at the factory (2000) surface. It responded faster than expected on the back end, too.
I have since tweaked the surface to about 1000, then Rough Buff so I could use it more often with my game and conditions I typically see and it's still a beast. Do not be afraid to lay these new ones out strong and let them perform.
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How does the Paranormal compare to the orginal Nexus (p+f)? I have one of these and while it hooks I don't see the outrageous hook that a lot bowlers were talking about on these boards. I am about 375 RPMs and ball speed is about 19 MPH, with a tilt of 26 degrees. I am thinking about trying the Paranormal for our Sport league, but not if it similar to Nexus, no need to double up there. Thanks for your help.
Jorge,
The Paranormal is cleaner through the front and stronger downlane. I agree with Lane, it's about 2-4 more depending on conditions. What I like about it more is that I can chase the oil MUCH longer with it and have it not quit. I've been using mine box on a heavier THS to blend out some of the over under and it's worked well.
Anthony Chapman
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Thanks Lane, Tony. I'll keep the Paranormal on my radar.
Nice to hear from you again Tony, been a long time. You were and I assume still are one of the best I have ever seen. I am a little bit farther away now, living in Calgary at the moment. One day maybe we can get together again and relive the old days, lol. Take care my friend.
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Jorge,
As Tony and Lane said I find i to be cleaner through the front than the Nexus you are speaking of. It hooks anywhere from 2-5 more boards depending on how I am throwing it and likes to play more angle than the Nexus P+F. The newer coverstocks used in the Aura series are cleaner through the front with more recovery down lane when compared to the nexus balls.
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Brick, that layout sounds good for your game. That is the one great thing with the newer Brunswick releases is they can be drilled stronger without sacrficing hitting power. I have been drilling alot of the new ones stronger than I have drilled in the past. The Meanstreak will provide you with good length and nice pop down lane. With the layout you describe there should be a weight hole. Is there one in it now? Also where is it? If you feel the ball isn't doing what you want it to, you will be able to plug the weight hole and move it to a stronger position to open up the flares more and get more out of the ball. Let us know how it works out for ya.
Ball has a 3 1/8" Pin. I have it in the pro shop right now getting thumb plugged and re-drilled to lengthen span to fit my hand. Here is a picture of it's layout and weight hole.
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll178/PBAJS/2012_05270358_zps462c6f45.jpg
Got to try my Meanstreak today and will have to use it more for a final judgement, but initially, I am a bit disappointed as it was too smooth with no "pop" on the back end and the hit was soft with poor pin carry. I resurfaced the ball to Brunswick's initial NIB finish of 500 grit-Rough Buff-Brunswick Factory Gloss Polish. May have to change the surface to????? Open to suggestions.
This ball needs some thing to make it "pop" a little bit at least on the back-end. As it is, it has nothing and is simply blah. I was really surprised at this as it is not what I expected.
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Brick, that layout sounds good for your game. That is the one great thing with the newer Brunswick releases is they can be drilled stronger without sacrficing hitting power. I have been drilling alot of the new ones stronger than I have drilled in the past. The Meanstreak will provide you with good length and nice pop down lane. With the layout you describe there should be a weight hole. Is there one in it now? Also where is it? If you feel the ball isn't doing what you want it to, you will be able to plug the weight hole and move it to a stronger position to open up the flares more and get more out of the ball. Let us know how it works out for ya.
Ball has a 3 1/8" Pin. I have it in the pro shop right now getting thumb plugged and re-drilled to lengthen span to fit my hand. Here is a picture of it's layout and weight hole.
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll178/PBAJS/2012_05270358_zps462c6f45.jpg
Got to try my Meanstreak today and will have to use it more for a final judgement, but initially, I am a bit disappointed as it was too smooth with no "pop" on the back end and the hit was soft with poor pin carry. I resurfaced the ball to Brunswick's initial NIB finish of 500 grit-Rough Buff-Brunswick Factory Gloss Polish. May have to change the surface to????? Open to suggestions.
This ball needs some thing to make it "pop" a little bit at least on the back-end. As it is, it has nothing and is simply blah. I was really surprised at this as it is not what I expected.
You took the words right out of my mouth, Brick. I resurfaced mine to 1000 polished (down from 500+compound) and tried it today. Same reaction.
I want to be able to move slightly left of my VersaMax and open up the lane just a little with this ball... a slight bump off the friction and a little angle into the pocket. My VM is drilled for a down and in shot, but it actually had more room on the outside and holds oh so well on the inside.
I have a 60x4x65 drill on the Meanstreak and need to play with more surface. Maybe take the polish off or try a maroon scotch brite plus polish. Eventually I may need a more aggressive drill. BrunsNick suggested a weight hole but my driller frowned on it. Bottom line is It doesn't turn the corner as well as I'd like.
My other option is to polish it up and use it as a light oil ball when I want to move right and get something else to fill this spot. I have a Massive Damage and a Gold Rhino Pro that would need to be plugged and redrilled to accomodate a recent change in span and pitches. Or maybe I look at the Ringer, which is reportedly skid/snap.
What do you guys think?
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The ball dosen't hook as much as your versamax pinhead so why would you think you could move left unless your left handed. Maybe I"m missing something but with the mean
streak you should want to move right not left
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The ball dosen't hook as much as your versamax pinhead so why would you think you could move left unless your left handed. Maybe I"m missing something but with the mean
streak you should want to move right not left
Wow, thanks for reminding me why I don't post here often!
My VM is drilled weak. I stand two boards left of it with Meanstreak and six boards left with my Aura. The Meanstreak hooks earlier exactly as I wanted, it just doesn't have much backend action or recovery from the outside as I expected. Anyone else want to insult me next lol?
On another note (and the original topic) the Aura is amazing for it's continuous drive through the pins and I think the VersaMax might be the best ball I've ever thrown. If the new stuff is anything like these two they are sure winners!
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I have a Ringer on order from my pro shop. It looked a little cleaner through the front part of the lane with a better defined, yet not flippy, response to friction compared to the Mean Streak. Hopefully it's what the doctor ordered for some of patterns I'm struggling on.
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Sorry about the pinhead. Even if your VM is drilled weak the meanstreak is not going to out hook it. Instead of moving 2 boards left move 2 boards right then it will recover. You are trying to make a ball do something it can't.
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I bought my Meanstreak to fit under my Versa-Max for lighter oil, which is where I tried it on today. Maybe there was too much carry down? I am at a loss at the moment.
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Sorry about the pinhead. Even if your VM is drilled weak the meanstreak is not going to out hook it. Instead of moving 2 boards left move 2 boards right then it will recover. You are trying to make a ball do something it can't.
Yes, I'm afraid I bought the wrong ball for what I wanted. It is a great light oil piece though, so I need to find something to fill that slot. I think redrilling my Massive Damage might be the ticket. Curious about the Ringer.
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Meanstreak Brawler
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Guys,
Keep throwing the Meanstreak. The factory finish was a little hit/miss for me until I burned a little of the high gloss off, then it came to life. Mine is now at 500, then a SMALL dose of Rough Buff and it still recovers well once it finds some friction. Feel free to P.M. me if I can be of further help.
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Guys,
Keep throwing the Meanstreak. The factory finish was a little hit/miss for me until I burned a little of the high gloss off, then it came to life. Mine is now at 500, then a SMALL dose of Rough Buff and it still recovers well once it finds some friction. Feel free to P.M. me if I can be of further help.
Okay Lane, I won't give up. I haven't exhausted every surface variation yet anyway.
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Doug,
Grab a 2000 pad in your hand and just spin the ball around lightly. Sounds simple, but sometimes it's all you need to wake up a polished ball. It will still look polished after a few throws, but it usually gives you that little bit of forgiveness when the lanes are fresh and you want it to read more consistently.
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The Meanstreak is a couple boards less than the Versa on the fresh, but as they transition you can actually get deeper than the Versa and have it retain energy better than the Versa. It was said on the conference call a while back and I see it almost everytime I use those two balls together.
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I agree with Lane about the high gloss polish on the Meanstreak having a inconsistent reaction. I resurfaced my with a 500 pad and then put rough buff and not the high gloss polish. This gave me a stronger reaction when reaching the friction and a more consistent reaction. The Meanstreak is a higher RG ball which will get it down the lane farther than the versa-max. I my experiences, the Meanstreak works best when I can move in a little and sent it to the friction. Another suggestion was to lightly take a 2000 pad to it which would take some of the shine off of the ball. Don't give up yet, and good luck with the ball.
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The numbers are about the same as the versa max. Why haven't people who say they are on the bruns. advisory staff just explain the meanstreak is a pearl, the VM is a solid If both balls are sanded the same grit the meanstreak is going to be longer BECAUSE ITS A PEARL IT WILL GO LONGER
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The numbers are about the same as the versa max. Why haven't people who say they are on the bruns. advisory staff just explain the meanstreak is a pearl, the VM is a solid If both balls are sanded the same grit the meanstreak is going to be longer BECAUSE ITS A PEARL IT WILL GO LONGER
Because that is not necessarily the case anymore. "Hook" means any deviation from a straight line. Most people don't see the ball reading the midlane, because they are watching for the big back end move.
My Nexxxus pearl reads earlier than my Versa Max did with the same surfaces on some conditions. The response time to (adequate) friction is different. So while your assessment of a pearl going longer may be true most of the time, it's impossible to know what everyone is bowling on. One person's definition of "dry" may be medium oil to the next guy. Even the same lanes play different on different days...
Many of us staffers try hard to help here on the site, but don't have all day to hang out and anticipate every possible angle to answer a question, but thanks for your insight.
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I understand about time. So if your going to advise then you should have the right facts. The meanstreak is not a higher rg than the VM. This has nothing to do with it. Nor does the xxx coverstock. In this case it has everything to do with the coverstock of the 2 balls we are talking about.
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The Meanstreak is a couple boards less than the Versa on the fresh, but as they transition you can actually get deeper than the Versa and have it retain energy better than the Versa. It was said on the conference call a while back and I see it almost everytime I use those two balls together.
Well then I did read the specs/reviews right because that's exactly what I wanted it for. I will keep playing with the surface and report back.
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I don't get caught up too much in the "numbers" of the balls. I actually use every one of them and report what I see, based on the conditions I see.
I also share what adjustments I make that have enhanced ball performance, again, based on conditions I see. I have spent countless hours in the past several years making surface adjustments in the pro shop on just about every ball that our shops sell, which currently includes Storm, Roto, Brunswick, DV8, and some from the Ebonite plant. I try to pass my experience on, and do answer lots of personal messages from this site. Although I am not perfect, I do try to help.
To sum it up, on the fresh my Meanstreak at factory finish was an over/under ball that was cleaner through the front than the Versa Max, and needed to be fairly close to friction. Once I tweaked the cover it became a more forgiving ball with lots of recovery.
The Versa Max has been an awesome ball that allows me to play straighter angles on fresh, with an outstanding read of the mid-lane and back end. Not jumpy, and not as angular as the Meanstreak, but a great read of what's out there. Both balls have been great as long as I use them at the appropriate time.
Now it's off to work. The bowling center I run is packed all afternoon and evening based on our current reservations, not to mention the walk-ins.
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Prob. one of the best (advise ) reviews i"ve seen on this sight. Most people have know clue about #s and choose to keep it that way. So a review like this means more to all of us
Thanks
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Lane: I really appreciate your insight into these balls and taking the time to share it. I am going to play around with the surface more. Either way I win because I know if I can't get the reaction you descrive then I can polish it up and strike down the far outside all day with this ball.
If that happens, then I need to look to line up for a stronger pearl to fit between the VM and Aura. Maybe the Brawler or an aggressively drilled Ringer. Or I wait to see what goodies Brunswick/Phil/Mo come out with this month!
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Okay everybody so earlier this week I drop in on my pro shop and who happens to be in there but BrunsNick himself! I pulled out my Meanstreak and he asked if it was one I was having problems with. Took a quick look at it, grabbed the pro-sect and a grease pencil and drew up the measurements for a P3 hole. My driller punched it up and BINGO! BrunsNick unleashed the backend!
I have it at 1000 abralon polished and the ball still glides through the mids, gets good length, but has way more backend than before. I can stand two boards left of my VersMax and throw this farther right when the lanes are breaking down, just like I wanted.
Between the VersaMax, the Meanstreak, and the Aura I have three completely different lines to the pocket on anything from light to heavy -- and that's before I make any hand/wrist adjustments. Next on my list to round out the arsenal? RINGER!
THANKS NICK!
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Great news Dougb. Good to hear its all figured out. Enjoy the great reactions you have.
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Tried out the P.A. and Brawler today and have to say I was impressed. Wanted the P.A. drilled for a local tournament this weekend and the ball is strong. Drilled identical to my Burning Siege and it has the same shape but will definitely handle more oil. It is drilled 55 x 4.25 x 40 with a p3 x-hole. It has good length before really turning over hard.
The Brawler is drilled 65 x 3.75 x 30 with a p3 x-hole. It really looks great on the lanes. It is stronger then expected. It gives me the same look as the P.A. but with less hook. A lot more controllable for when the lanes aren't as oiled or for playing a little more direct. Still a lot of hook to be had. Still have to get some more games in but have to say they have made a great first impression.