Brunswick Mastermind Genius

BALL SPECS
Pin Length - 4-6"
Starting Top Weight – 3.6 oz
Ball Weight - 15lb 4oz

DRILL PATTERN
Drilled at 60 Degrees X 5 1/4" x 30 Degrees

BOWLER STYLE
Rev Rate - 400  / 350 / 300 / 250
Ball Speed - 19mph / 16mph


PICTURE AND VIDEO LINKS

SURFACE PREPARATION
Grit - Out of the Box
Type (Matte, Polish, Sanded) - Out of the Box

LANE CONDITION
Length - 41 ft
Volume – 18.30 ml
Type (Wall, Xmas Tree, Sport) – Kegel Main Street (THS)

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BRUNSWICK MASTERMIND GENIUS REVIEW

James Goulding
Brunswick Ball Tester
Left Handed
350 RPM
PAP: 4 3/8” x 0”
17* Tilt
18.0 – 18.5 MPH

Brunswick Mastermind Genius

Layout: 42* x 5” x 38*, pin over grip center
X-hole: 9/16” wide x 3” deep, 1” past VAL, ¾” above midline

Review:

41ft. House Pattern, Medium-Heavy Blend

I drilled the Mastermind Genius to be a longer, more violent version of the original Mastermind, and that’s exactly what I got. Using this ball on fresh THS is almost like cheating, it creates that much area and “miss room”. Being on the left side, I am able to plat straighter with more aggressive equipment, which is why the Genius was a perfect fit for my game. My first three game set on league was an 806 with games of 278, 269, 259. The ball reaction is very clean through the heads and mid lane, but still gives a strong heavy roll into the pocket. I believe the combination of the strong motor of the Genius core, as well as the hybrid cover stock, both allow this ball to avoid that “hockey stick” type of hook, which can lead to big splits and an over / under type of reaction. You see neither of those with the Genius, and that’s a very good thing indeed. As far as comparison to other equipment, I played 3 boards further left with my feet, and 2 boards further left with my eyes than with the original Mastermind with a similar layout. I was also about 4 boards further right with my feet with the same target at the arrows as my Melee, showing just how much stronger the Genius really is than the Melee.  If you’re looking for that benchmark ball to judge the others in your lineup against, then pick up a Mastermind Genius.

Team USA Mexico City Oil Pattern

I was curious how the Mastermind Genius would handle the longer oil patter (45ft.) that Mexico City lays down, and was actually pleasantly surprised with the results. Even with a 5” pin over layout, the Genius still starts its move early enough to give a true readable reaction on this oil pattern. Carry percentage was the only issue on this pattern when it was fresh, but after throwing a few games, and breaking down the pattern, the Genius really shined. It’s a perfect compliment to the original Mastermind, which worked great on Mexico City until they broke down, and then I could move right to the Genius and pick up where the original Mastermind left off, playing a similar part of the lane. On this pattern, I played 3 boards further left with my feet and 2 boards further left with my target than the original Mastermind. Also, I was 4 boards further right and 1 board further right with my target than I was with the Melee on Mexico City.

Team USA Los Angeles Oil Pattern

The Team USA Los Angeles oil pattern is a 36ft. pattern, which was a great test to see how the Mastermind Genius would react to the shorter length, and it really shined on the fresh oil. I was able to start left, placing the ball down around 11, catching my break point at the 5 board down lane, and the ball reaction was incredible. Even as I had to move inside as the oil pattern wore down, I was still able to get tremendous pin carry, which is something that many balls struggle with as you increase the angle off of your hand. I was able to play much straighter than I could with my original Mastermind on this shorter oil pattern, and having that pearl blend in the cover stock mixed with the solid really makes a huge difference, especially on these types of shorter oil patterns. I played 5 further left with my feet and 4 further left with my target than the original Mastermind, and I was able to play 3 further right with my feet and the same target as the Melee. Overall, I was very pleased with how the Genius held up on this shorter pattern, and it will be the ball I start with going forward, and if they break down I can go to my Melee and then the Ringer Platinum Pearl when they really break down.

Overall Impression

I would say that overall the Mastermind Genius is a must own for any bowler looking to add a ball that can handle a wide variety of lane conditions. The cover stock is very surface adjustment friendly, so don’t be afraid to sand or polish the cover stock to your liking. This ball fits perfectly between the original Mastermind (very aggressive) and the Melee (medium oil monster) in my arsenal, and it will be in my bag for a long time. If you’re a one day a week bowler, this ball will help get you the most bang for your buck, as the hybrid cover (part solid, part pearl) will maximize the amount of lane conditions you can hit with one ball. Also, if you’re the serious, competitive bowler such as me, then this ball HAS to be in your bag at all times. I can’t wait to use it on an even wider variety of tournament conditions and see this ball shine. If you’re looking for your next benchmark ball, or looking to fill that gap between the super aggressive stuff and the milder reacting balls, check out the Brunswick Mastermind Genius, you’ll be glad you did!

James Goulding III
Brunswick Ball Tester

LANE CONDITION

Length: Kegel Beaten Path and Abbey Raod

Volume:

Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): THS and Brunswick Anvil


COMMENTS

Likes:
This is the second release for Brunswick in the Mastermind series. It is an awesome hybrid that makes a great complement to the Mastermind. On Beaten path, I’m able to open the block with it since the THS surface we are on is 11 years old and exhibits a great deal of friction. Typically the mids blow out on the pattern during the first game bringing about a situation where the mids start to hook and the back end plays tight. Carry becomes a real issue at that point. I’m able to stay right of the burn and use the Mastermind Genius’ great length and strong move off the friction to control pocket. When it’s time to move, it’s usually a huge move left across the burn. But, The Mastermind Genius usually remains usable. I’ve also used this ball late in the block on Kegel Abbey Road when the Mastermind has burned through the pattern. I’m usually able to go to this ball during game three and regain the push down the lane. The Mastermind Genius gets great length and retains its energy with plenty of pop at the pin deck. If you liked the Mastermind then don’t miss this ball, it’s a great complement and follow up to the Mastermind.

Dislikes:
none at this time.

PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS

Ball Reviewing: Mastermind Genius
Ball Surface:  OOB
Layout used:  55 x 5 7/8 x 40 same as original
Oil Pattern:  House Shot

How did the ball roll & react:  The Genius is drilled exactly as my original Mastermind and kept it out of the box.  I used my favorite layout with the pin over my middle finger with the cg kicked a little with no hole needed.  It was extremely clean in the front part of the lane for a high end ball. Gave me good control in the midlane, as well as a predictable backend motion.  I was able to move inside with ease and not worry about it hooking back.

Did you compare this ball to another ball? If so which one:  Comparing the Genius to the original Mastermind. I would say the Genius is easily a foot longer down lane and more versatile.  It’s an easy transition from the two balls.  Mastermind on fresh until you see it labor down lane, then move in with the Genius. People that also liked the Brawler, would love this ball as well.  Cleaner in the heads than the brawler, with a stronger backend motion.

Strengths & weakness’s of the ball:  The cover it what gives the Genius its strength.  You know what its going to do.  From the control in the mids, to the predictability of the backend the ball is amazing.  I can use this on a wide variety of conditions compare the original

Bowler style:
   Rev rate: 280-300
   Speed: 16-16.5 mph
   PAP: 5" right, 1/4" up

Layout:
   60 x 3 3/4 x 30
  X hole: n/a

Surface:
   Out of box

Comments:
   This is probably the top selling ball in my local area. I personally loved the nexus line and the original mastermind so was very stoked about this release.
   I personally had some issues with this ball. I didn't see the big backend motion that I was expecting, like what previous hybrid covers by Brunswick have given me in the past. When I throw this ball it rolls up nice in the mid lanes and then rolls out and dies. This could be because of my high axis rotation and very low axis tilt, matched with an aggressive pin position.
   The one amazing thing that I like about this ball was the ability that it gave me to play straight down the boards, being a stroker type player I do this a lot. When I can keep my target in front of me this ball is the only choice for me personally.

BALL SPECS

Pin Length: 3 Inches

Starting Top Weight:3.50 oz

Ball Weight:13 lbs (Rehabbing Injury)


DRILL PATTERN

Dual Angle:65 x 4.5 x 35

X Hole (if there is one):No Hole


BOWLER STYLE

Rev Rate:400+

Ball Speed:17-18 Avg

PAP/Track:4 5/8> 3/4^


SURFACE PREP

Grit:Out of Box (500 then Royal Compound))

Type: (Matte, Polish, Sanded):Polished

LANE CONDITION

Length:43ft on old wood

Volume:High Volume on High Friction

Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):THS


BALL REACTION

Length:7 out of 10

Back End:8 out of 10

Overall Hook:7 out of 10

Midlane Read:7 out of 10

Breakpoint Shape:9 out of 10


COMMENTS

Likes:With throwing 13lb balls I get a true feel of how good the coverstocks truly are. 13lb Assyms have the same core shape as the old Vapor Zones and roll really good. The first thing I noticed was the amazing color combo of Black/Green and Gold Flake. After drilling this ball I was able to square up compared to the Mastermind and was really strong down lane. This is currently my favorite Asymmetrical I have drilled. Ball strikes for days on the THS even in 13 lbs. Love it!

Dislikes:I can't have this ball in my hand every single night!