BALL SPECS

Pin Length: 3-4"

Starting Top Weight: 2.4 oz

Ball Weight: 15


DRILL PATTERN

Pin to PAP: 4-3/4"

Drill Angle (after drilling): 70

Val Angle: 40

No X hole

BOWLER STYLE

Rev Rate: 400

Ball Speed: 20 mph (at foul line)

PAP/Track: 4-3/4 right, 1/2 up


SURFACE PREP

Grit: Rough Buff (box)

LANE CONDITION

Length: 40'

Volume: Medium

Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): THS


COMMENTS

A hybrid version of the original Nexus (P+F) coverstock…Im pretty sure there is still a stain from the puddle of drool I left on my computer desk when this ball was announced.

And as expected, this ball fits right in the lineup. It is a few boards stronger than my versa-max, yet longer and sharper than my Maxxed-out. It really fills a gap. I have quite a few original Meanstreaks with a variety of layouts as I really enjoy the motion it creates, and the versatility I can create with layout and surface changes. The Brawler adds to that so well with the ability to replicate that same motion on fresh conditions, and still make it through the transition. Then it’s a seamless switch to the original Meanstreak when the time comes.  I have the Brawler anywhere from 3-6 boards stronger than my original Meanstreak with a very similar layout, depending on the condition the amount of friction in the lane.

On a 40’ medium volume house condition, this ball gives me the world. I can miss in and it tips on the back, I can miss out, and it recovers. It really is that house shot ball with the added predictability you get with a symmetrical ball. I could imagine drilling several of these with different layouts and surface tweaks and combine it with my current lineup of original Meanstreaks to create very complete arsenal.

For the price point, this ball simply can’t be beat. Not only is it a long-awaited hybrid ball, but when it’s developed from one of the most successful newer coverstocks Brunswick has developed, you’re sure to have a winner.

BALL SPECS


Starting Top Weight:2.1 oz

Ball Weight:15 lbs

DRILL PATTERN

Pin to PAP:5.5 inches

CG to PAP:

X Hole (if there is one):


BOWLER STYLE

Rev Rate:350

Ball Speed:15

PAP/Track:


SURFACE PREP

Grit:box

Type: (Matte, Polish, Sanded):


LANE CONDITION

Length:42 ft

Volume:50 ml

Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):Kegel's Stone Street

BALL REACTION

Length:Great length, same as original Aura

Back End:More than original Aura

Overall Hook:Most of any Brunswick ball

Midlane Read:Solid and predictable

Breakpoint Shape:Angular

COMMENTS

Likes:This ball outhooks the original Aura by 5 boards on the approach and 3 with the eyes. Hits hard and carries the corners like no other.

Dislikes:None yet...


PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS

The Meanstreak Brawler is the newest addition to the High Performance line. This ball utilizes the Adaptive Chemistry coverstock. The MB uses a a Hybrid version of the cover found in the original Nexus. The cover is f P+F. I am slightly rev dominant and found the original to be a little smooth when playing deep. The MB is not the same way.

My first one is drilled 60x5x80 with a hole 2" down on the VAL. This layout allows me to play straighter during the fresh. I can still chase the oil line left without loosing hit. I can only go so far though before I have to change balls. I could avoid changing balls by simply getting around the ball more but the Ringer is usually a better option. When compared to a Meanstreak drilled 30x4.5x70 with hole on PAP, the Brawler is still smoother and about 2ft earlier with about 2 boards more hook.

My second one is drilled 30x6x40 with a hole on my PAP. As with my pin down I can start with this ball and chase the oil left. The difference is that with the pin up, I can use this one longer. I can usually finish a block with this unless I run out of lane. Compared to a Meanstreak drilled 55x5x35 hole on PAP, they are very similar with hook potential. The Brawler is earlier and smoother. Not much though.

The Meanstreak Brawler is another great benchmark type ball. If you loved the Versa Max like everyone else does, the Brawler will be cleaner a little sooner but more continuation.

Bowler’s Stats:
Right handed
18.5 mph
450 rpm
7 degree tilt
35-45 degree rotation

Ball 1 Layout:
50 by 4.5” by 85
No hole
Taken to 2000 grit

Ball 2 Layout:
50 by 5.5” by 50
No hole
OOB Surface

Purpose:
The original Meanstreak works very well for me on medium volume patterns and patterns ranging from 35’ to 40’ in length. I drilled the original a little stronger than normal to tame the backend reaction. This made the ball really versatile for me (I believe the most versatile ball in my bag). In the Brawlers, I wanted to extend this versatility into the stronger range of my arsenal.  Even though I drilled these before the Nationals patterns being released, I knew that the hybrid cover and new core would allow plenty of versatility. The two drillings used I suspect will allow for a wide range of shapes by using surface changes to match up to the patterns. Ball 1 was drilled and scuffed accordingly to promote a smooth continuous reaction in the midlane while Ball 2 was drilled to mirror the layout of the VersaMax that I used at Nationals for all 9 games last year.

On the lanes:
On my fresh 39’ medium volume (20 mLs) house shot, the Brawlers gave me the arc and reliability I was banking on. I started out with Ball 1 due to the layout and surface promoting straighter angles through the front part of the lane. This Brawler looked best crossing the arrows at 16-17 and being sent out to a breakpoint of 8-9. Despite me roughing up the surface, the Brawler ignored the fronts and gradually read the midlane and backend for a smooth and controllable arc. Brawler #1 is drilled most similar to my original Meanstreak. Although not identical in layouts and surface (Brawler taken to 2000, original at 4000), Brawler #1 was a 3 board move inside with my feet that corresponded to a 2 board move inside with my breakpoint compared to the original Meanstreak. This allowed the scuffed cover to see more oil through the lane whereas the original Meanstreak is a little weaker and loves being flung out to the dry boards. Compared to Brawler #1, Brawler #2 was a 2 board move inside with my feet coupled with a 1 board move outside with my breakpoint. The OOB surface and weaker drilling saved more mojo for the end of the pattern and allowed me to open up my angles more through the front part of the lane. Both Brawlers where extremely cooperative with user errors. Hybrids really give you the best of both worlds in a pearl ball and a solid ball. Send a shot wide into friction and the pearl helps push through the friction while the solid promotes a gradual reaction off the spot (as opposed to overreacting and going through the nose). Pull a shot inside and the solid gives you enough read at the end of the pattern and the pearl gives a little pop at the backend to get the corners out. When I compared Brawler #2 to my identically drilled VersaMax, I found the Brawler to let me stand 2 boards deeper and target 1 board further inside. The shapes of these 2 balls were similar just with Brawler #2 starting up about a foot sooner with slightly less angle. That being said, there’s still plenty of angle in this ball to let me stand left and send it right without the worry of leaving any corners. First time out with this ball I was absolutely sawing out 10 pins from inside of 4th arrow, even with the pin down 2000 grit Brawler!
Overall Thoughts:
The Meanstreak Brawler is the model benchmark ball. Mid RG cores offer versatility, as do hybrid covers. Put them together and you have a highly versatile ball that is going to prove itself on a variety of conditions from a variety of angles. This is now the first ball (specifically Brawler #2) out of my bag to help me read the reaction shape/strength needed for the condition at hand. For me, it sits exactly in the middle of my arsenal in regards to both overall hook and the shape of the reaction. Also, both of my Brawlers have been useful on combating the over/under of my house shot. I’m exicited for the USBC Nationals patterns to be released to hone in my desired surfaces of these two pieces. As versatile and reliable that these balls are continually proving themselves to be, I have no doubt that they will be my go-to pieces in Reno, and other tournament conditions where consistent midlane reactions are a must. This is a special ball and is one that deserves to be the benchmark ball in your arsenal. I suspect that the Brawler will see the most play of any ball in my arsenal this year and I firmly believe that any style of player has a need for this ball. For 99% of players, this is going to be the ultimate go-to ball when you need a dependable motion and the ability to play across as much of the lane as your game can allow.

Good luck and good bowling!

Ball Roll - This ball quickly found a spot in my bag as I have fallen in love with this new Brawler!  The hybrid cover get’s the ball through the heads.  However, the ball reads the lanes pretty early in the mid-lane, which makes it very controllable.  However, when this ball starts to make its turn, it does not stop! I would describe the backend reaction as being very strong arcing.

Comparison - I compared this ball to my Aura, as they are both drilled exactly alike.  I liked the overall reaction/length of the Aura; I just wanted more backend with this Brawler.  I got just exactly what I wanted!   The Brawler fits in between my Maxxed Out and Versa Max.  Very controllable as my Maxxed out with a very predictable and strong backend reaction of my Versa Max.

Strength: This ball has unbelievable shelf appeal!  The solid blue with bronze/gold pearl makes this ball very attractive.  The benchmark type ball reaction is also very beneficial.  This allows me to be able to use this ball to get a good read of what is on the lane.

Weakness:  Is that a trick question?

Go talk to your local pro shop about how a Meanstreak Brawler can fit into your bag!!

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

Jason Jones
Brunswick Staff
Bloomington, IL