Brunswick Karma Pearl Purple/Pink
Bowler’s Stats:
Speed: 18.5 mph
Rev Rate: 400rpm
Axis Tilt: 10 degrees
Axis Rotation: 30-45 degrees
Ball #1 Layout:
45* by 5.5” by 45*
Purpose:
The original Karma Pearl was awesome on medium-dry conditions where I could move in and hook it or if I wanted to play straighter on medium patterns. Even though the cover on this ball is a little stronger, I went with the same layout to give me a similar overall shape with just a board or two more hook overall.
On 39’ medium volume THS:
The new Karma pearl reacted exactly as expected. Plenty of push though the heads and midlane, and then making a strong yet controllable move on the backend. The ball is still angular, but it’s definitely a very controllable motion still like you’d expect from basically any ball with the Danger Zone core. Compared to the original Karma Pearl, the overall shot shape is identical with about 1-2 boards more hook overall from the new Purple/Pink with both at the box surface. From shot to shot the reaction is very consistent and always finds a way to give you a good consistent look to the pocket. When it gets to the pins, the pins stay very low to the ground for me (which of course equals more carry over all) and the ball finishes just as strong as a higher end ball. Compared to an out of the box Versa Max with the same layout, the Karma is about 4 boards weaker overall with the difference being in the backend. This isn’t to say the Karma doesn’t have a strong backend, but I’m just saying that doesn’t corner as hard as the Versa Max. Basically, when the Versa Max starts to be a little too much, I know I can jump directly to the Karma Pearl and maintain stability in the backend.
Final Thoughts:
For the price point, you really can’t beat the reaction of this Karma Pearl. Day in and day out it’s a great ball for when the lane starts to dry out and you have to make sure you not only get the ball through the heads, but that you get it to corner enough and do it consistently so that you can keep scoring. Simply a must have for the lower end of your bag!
Jared Wolf
Brunswick Technical Staff
The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer and not of Brunswick Corporation