Paranormal Aura // (60x5x30) // Shiny - I saw this ball like a Versamax, only stronger. As the lanes got beat up, I was able to move more left and hook around it all. I had to keep mindful not to power it through the front, as it needed little help to clear. If I fed it to the dry too quick, it responded very fast and went face. This is what a Pro Performance ball should be all about, hook on tap.

Meanstreak Brawler // (30x5.25x65) // Shiny - This ball is impressive. Even with the more even layout, the recovery on the backend was fun to watch. I could let loose with this ball, and go coast to coast because it never missed the hook spot. This is a ball I can really open up the lanes, it is not allergic to oil. I compare it a Brutal Nightmare, they share a lot of the same traits. Colors are amazing.

Ringer // (60x4x65) // Box Surface - I was reminded of my Fire Quantum with this ball, not only by shelf appeal, but how it cut through every rack. On fresher, I was about 5 right of the Brawler as it glided through the oil. When the lanes broke down, I could move left and the ball really shined. Every shot... pack! pack! pack! High flush, snap ten, trip 4, it did everything.

Yeah I think I picked the wrong ball.  I want

Quote from: BrunsNick on January 26, 2013, 01:07:57 PM

For me, the Meanstreak doesn't come into play until there is enough friction to throw at, then it's game on. I was a little surprised that you wanted it for in between the VersaMax and Aura. Maybe if we can open up the flare rings a bit, you'll start seeing the ball how you pictured.

I wanted the Meanstreak to be able to move a few boards left of the Versa and and bump it off the dry after the 2nd game, which is what I got.  But the reaction isn't consistent and the carry is nothing like all your other new stuff for me. 

My Versa has a weak label drill on it and is unrivalled for down and in.  Once a nice wall is made the Meanstreak should work.  If I need to move far left the Aura can come back from just about anywhere, so that gives me three different lines to the pocket and that is before I make any hand/wrist adjustments.

Reading the BTM review of the Ringer it looks like that would've been a better choice.  Even if it isn't, between the Ronger's old school look and the review I think I need one anyway!  After all, BTM wrote, "There is little this ball cannot handle. With the proper adjustments and lane play, most players will be able to throw this ball on nearly any condition." 

Be careful when reading the BTM. I used to believe everything it said about balls and ended up getting "bit in the butt" more than once when I bought a ball and it didn't come close to what BTM said it to be. Those people that test the balls for BTM are far more advanced than I, thus probably the reason the ball didn't do for me what the BTM guys said it did for them.

If the Meastreak is a little to much midlane, you can add more polish to it. This will help get it through that spot alittle more and give more of a flip. The Ringer is  cleaner and more flip than the Meanstreak. I as Nick use the Meanstreak when there is a hook spot to throw it at. If that starts to hit flat I will be able to go to a Ringer.

I don't mean to hi-jack this tread, but just wanted to say that I bought a Meanstreak from another bowler here on BR. The ball has less than 10 games. The surface had been changed so I resurfaced it today to what Brunswick says it is supposed to be. Taking to pro shop tomorrow to plug and re drill thumb to  lengthen span to fit my hand. Will try it Wed or Thurs.

Current lay-out on ball is 30* x 3 1/2 x 60* based on my 4" x 1/8 up PAP.

Brick, If you have a higher rev rate, that may be a little on the strong side. I have one drilled 30x4.5x70 and it is pretty aggressive. My dad is a tweener and I drilled him one similar to what you mention and it allows him to go straighter without loosing hitting power. Let us know how it works out.

Brick, that layout sounds good for your game. That is the one great thing with the newer Brunswick releases is they can be drilled stronger without sacrficing hitting power. I have been drilling alot of the new ones stronger than I have drilled in the past. The Meanstreak will provide you with good length and nice pop down lane. With the layout you describe there should be a weight hole. Is there one in it now? Also where is it? If you feel the ball isn't doing what you want it to, you will be able to plug the weight hole and move it to a stronger position to open up the flares more and get more out of the ball. Let us know how it works out for ya.

Absolutely loving my Aura/Meanstreak combo. While I haven't been able to throw the Aura as much due to the lack of oil in my town, I did throw it for the back 8 games of a tourney in St. Louis and avg 243 with it. The Meanstreak however has been getting it done. 300/762 last Thursday with it and backed it up with 800 even last night. It's exactly what I had in mind. I have the Versa Max as well and it does just what I've read in this thread, gets a little further down lane with a little more angle, perfect for the THS in my area.

How does the Paranormal compare to the orginal Nexus (p+f)? I have one of these and while it hooks I don't see the outrageous hook that a lot bowlers were talking about on these boards. I am about 375 RPMs and ball speed is about 19 MPH, with a tilt of 26 degrees. I am thinking about trying the Paranormal for our Sport league, but not if it similar to Nexus, no need to double up there. Thanks for your help.