Drilled my Cutting Edge Pearl 40 x 5 x 40 (same as my Cutting Edge Solid) for use on dry lanes.  My Cutting Edge Solid is weaker and sharper than I had expected so I had concerns over the Pearl skidding so long that it wouldn't get much playtime.  So before even taking it out of the shop, I killed the polish with an old 2k pad.

The first time I used this ball was on 48' Great Wall of China after 2 hours of play.  For such a slick/long pattern, this ball actually rolled ok.  I kept my speed soft, hung out near the track and had enough roll to mix the pins respectably.  I know this wasn't the ideal pattern for this ball, but I felt good seeing the Cutting Edge Pearl roll up.

Next up was our house pattern and this was quite the conundrum.  My look to the pocket from the middle of game 2 and on was excellent.  Balls that were inside of target still rolled after the end of the pattern and shots that got right quick didn't dive left.  I unfortunately left more than a fair number of 8's, 9's and ring 10's, but that is somewhat expected for using a medium-weak ball on medium-heavy oil.

My best look has been at a drier house across town.  The 50 year old wood lanes have been covered with lane shield and the pattern is dressed with an old Phoenix S lane machine where most bowlers bring their beat up equipment and plunk soft 10's from inside 3 arrow.  I surprisingly didn't have to start much inside 3rd arrow and saw a nice controllable strong arc from the friction.  As the night went on, I just kept stepping left and trusting the ball right as my look continued to get better.  I had 290 my last game, felt great about snapping 10's out in a house that typically doesn't carry well and have a new piece to add to my tournament bag!

Compared to other balls in my bag, the Cutting Edge Pearl fits under my midrange balls but above my BTU/Alley Cat.  The general reaction shape most reminds me of the original DV8 Hooligan with just a little bit of that classic Brunswick midlane read.  Against the original Edge Pearl, the Cutting Edge Pearl is more arcy in shape which allows me to close my angles down a little bit.  Strangely, I have the Cutting Edge Solid at the same finish only being marginally earlier but noticeably quicker off the friction than the Pearl.  That may have a bit to do with me being able to stay more parallel with the Pearl, but the Solid has really surprised me with its angularity.

I recommend the Cutting Edge Pearl for bowlers looking for something a little weaker than their favorite midrange balls, but not wanting to get into low end equipment.  Anybody bowling on medium to drier lanes will like what they see out of this ball in league and I expect this to be a top pick amongst bowlers with softer ball speed, particularly at this price point.

Watch our latest episode of Lane Side Reviews as #TeamLSR takes Brunswick Bowling's latest, the #CuttingEdgePearl to the lanes! Does it live up to the first two, or could it be even better?

Premiers January 13, 2019 @ 6:00PM

The Cutting Edge line is designed to be a “benchmark” line where each ball in this family will provide a smooth, even, predictable roll on the backend. There is nothing “flashy” about these balls, but they are so reliable and predictable, you will want them in your bag.

The latest edition is the Cutting Edge Pearl. Given it’s pearlized cover stock, you can predict a little more length than the Cutting Edge Solid, but more “flip” on the backend. This ball is great if you want more length than the Cutting Edge Solid but don’t want to move your feet that much, if any.

Also, this ball tends to rev up on the backend. It’s great at storing energy through the front part of the lane, so when it gets into the roll phase on the backend, it’s going to hit hard.

Rev rate 390-410
Speed 17.5
Style Tweener
Conditions Typical House Shot

I was hoping to get this ball reaction as soon as I signed with Brunswick.  I really like the solid Cutting Edge, but at times I hoped for a little more motion and "pop" when I have to get deeper on the lane.  I don't create a lot of motion with my release, so like when ball has some built in.  I drilled it similar to the solid version and saw a little more push through the front and much stronger motion on the backend. 

Tried using it on fresh league but it was a bit too clean, although not unusable.  However, I didn't need it for that.  When I got to game 3 and had to move a bit left and my Vapor Zone, Fearless or Method didn't have the recovery needed, this ball gave me an easy motion and continuation I felt like my bag was missing.

A must have in my opinion.

The Cutting Edge pearl is a great option for light to medium oil patterns, or on burn squads of tournaments when the fronts tend to transition.  I would stay away from this ball on heavier patterns, or for me even cliffed house shots as a miss into the oil could cause a flat response at the pins.

But when this ball matches up, wow does it strike and hit hard.  Mine is drilled pin over ring finger and I see easy glide to the breakpoint and then a snappy (but controllable) response to the friction.

If you prefer to keep your angles square then this is a must have.  Or for high rev players there's no fear of early read with this ball.  A great choice for the right situation.

Jeff Poholsky
Brunswick Staff