Ball NPS Score: 100.00
bowling.com has the largest selection of bowling balls
Click here to shop.

Brunswick is reaching back to old school sucess with the Vintage Phantom bowling ball. They have added some modern touches to the look of the original Phantom. This ball introduces the Cynosure core with DynamiCore, DOT which has a different reaction shape due to the low RG and low differential. This upper mid-performance ball features an updated version of the Savvy Hook with an aggressive finish offers a consistant and powerful sweeping reaction through the backend.

Color: Black/Steel Grey
All colors do vary somewhat from the picture shown
Core: Cynosure
Coverstock: Savvy Hook Solid 2.0
Finish: 360, 1000 Siaair Micro Pad
Reaction: Predictable and strong sweeping motion throughout the backend
RG: 2.471**
Differential: 0.032**
** RG and Diff are based off of 15 lb. balls
Recommended Lane Condition: Medium to Heavy Oil

BALL SPECS

Ball Weight: 15 lbs


DRILL PATTERN

Dual Angle: 45 x 5 x 65

X Hole (if there is one): No


BOWLER STYLE

Rev Rate: Medium , between 250-275 rpm

Ball Speed: 17-18 mph

PAP/Track: 5 1/2" over and 1/2" down


SURFACE PREP

Grit: Box Finish

Type: (Matte, Polish, Sanded): Solid


COMMENTS
Never threw the OG Phantom, but this Vintage Phantom is phenomenal.  The Phantom rolls very smooth through the midlane and a smooth flip motion on the backend.  Anyone that threw the original Phantom, trust me you will not be disappointed with the remake Vintage Phantom
 

Charles Withers II
Brunswick Regional Staff

I was super excited to see this release because this ball fills a great spot in the Brunswick line as the new benchmark, all-purpose type ball. The Phantom has a low RG and low DIFF, and with Dynamicore and DOT Technology, this ball is going to give you that predictable shape without sacrificing pin carry. I’ve thrown this ball on house shots and sport patterns. I can play straighter with it or open the lane, and all of the results are good. I really enjoyed the Magnitude .035 and this ball is all of that and then some. It’s a classic-looking ball, with a great legacy, that’s been updated for today’s game.

Drilled my Vintage Phantom 45x4x50 (pin in ring) and have kept it at box surface.  My intention for this ball was to have something to be a step up from my tired grey BTU as my struggles have historically always been on fresher patterns when I need to stay straighter.  The idea of this ball being marketed as Brunswick's IQ Tour was very appealing to me as I haven't had anything that has given me that shape as the Mag035 Solid was just a little too touchy given my ball roll.

Out of the box the Phantom was very easy to read.  It gives me plenty of traction, doesn't flare too much in the midlane and gives me a soft, controllable angle down the lane.  So far I have used it on our house pattern along with 2 Challenge Patterns (40' Mercury and 36' Pegasus).  The Phantom has been in play on all 3 patterns allowing me to get closer to the track, controlling my response off the friction and not doing very much down the lane.

I have found my best success keeping my speed up while getting right on top of the friction.  The further right I got my feet, the better my carry would be.  Softening up, circling the ball and moving in gave me plenty of predictability to get to the pocket, but I have struggled carrying once I have gotten past 3rd arrow, particularly on balls that were late seeing the friction.

Compared to other balls in the bag, it is one step cleaner and more angular than my Jagged Edge Solid, while being a little less responsive to the friction against my Mag035 Solid.  The general shape reminds me a lot of my BTU Solid, but able to handle heavier volumes of oil without relying on so much sandpaper.  I can definitely see the comparison between the Phantom and the IQ Tour and my eye tells me that the Phantom can handle just a tad more oil volume.

This is a great ball for staying straighter in the track, particularly when the lanes are a bit touchy and I recommend the Vintage Phantom for anybody looking to straighten out their angles. 

The Vintage Phantom was designed to perform on today’s lane conditions while reminding you of yesterday’s ball reaction. The low RG and low differential core paired with a strong cover and finish create a predictable, must-have ball motion.

I drilled this ball specifically for the lower RG and Diff numbers as I was looking for a predictable ball motion from a strong cover bowling ball. This ball is as advertised and I love the ball motion and hitting power it provides.

https://youtu.be/ozKdZ0AQaj0

LANE CONDITION

Length:40

Volume:

Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):THS


The Phantom is a great benchmark ball that allows me to keep the ball in front of me.  Smooth rolling with a predictable finish.  This is the first Brunswick ball I have thrown in nearly 15 years and have to say I am pleasantly impressed.

Likes:Very Smooth and strong, predictable finish

Dislikes:None


PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS

LANE CONDITION

House Pattern (42'), 2020 US Open (Pattern 1), 2019 PBA Viper

Layout Used: 
Pin Up - 65 x 5 ¼ x  25
Pin Down – 80 x 4 ½ x 65

COMMENTS

I heard great things about the Phantom and had to try one to compare to my trusty Web Tour. The Phantom is very similar shape, but I see this about 4-6 boards more overall hook than the Web Tour. This ball is so versatile that really blends out the over/under – wet/dry on a lot of patterns. I was so impressed with the 1st Phantom that I drilled and had to drill another one with my favorite pin down layout. The Phantoms does offer a cleaner ball motion through the fronts and allows me control the mid-lanes & backends when needed. With the lower DIFF, every bowler needs to have one of these types of balls in their arsenal for when you need controllable ball motion on the over/under of flatter lane patterns. The coverstock is easily tuneable and have decided to keep my pin down layout with 1000 w/ factory crown shine, which gives me a great ball motion for the house shot patterns that I face down here in the South. Get yours today!

PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS