They are similar but not exactly the same.  The Beatdown is a solid cover and the Nexxxus is a pearl.  The Brawler is a similar symmetrical ball with a little smoother motion and a similar amount of hook.  If you are looking for similar motion from a symmetrical the Brawler is a better choice.  The Beatdown is stronger than the Nexxxus in the oil and middle part of the lane.  The solid version of the cover just plain creates more friction.  If you need an earlier read than it is a good choice.  I would take a serious look at the Brawler or the Aura Mystic if you are looking for a similar motion to the Nexxxus in the new line, depending on how strong you want it to be.  The Mystic is a little stronger downlane than the Nexxxus and hooks more overall.

Jim,

My Beatdown cover reacts pretty close to the original Nexus solid, which is a good thing.  Easy through the front, and predictable on the back.  Nice, consistent read of the friction.

Jim,

In that case the Beatdown should be a good choice for you. Like Lane said, it is similar to the Nexus solid in many ways.

Jim,

I'd stick with layouts that have worked well for you, and don't get too crazy there. Certainly you'll notice a different carry percentage with a 2 lb. lighter ball, but to optimize your chances keep the cover fresh, and experiment with different entry angles.

I notice that for some reason that for bowlers who throw lighter balls, they carry better when they go Brooklyn than when they hit the 1-3 pocket.  I'm not suggesting that you line up for Brooklyn strikes, but "high flush" will give you a better chance at knocking out the corners.

In my opinion, a solid cover such as the Beatdown will give you the predictability to "dare" hitting high flush without it jumping through the nose.  Keep up your recovery efforts.  We're pulling for you here in the Brunswick family...

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You guys "almost" have me sold on the Beatdown. The only issue I have with it is the core is different in the 12# balls.

If you buy an upper level 12 lb ball you're spending a lot of money for a core you don't get.  IMO, buy an entry level reactive resin ball, I suggest either the Ebonite Cyclone or the Brunswick Strike King.  You'll get a good coverstock with a generic core similar to what you'll get in the higher priced balls.  Then, when you can move up in weight, go for the more expensive balls.  --  JohnP

John, you are right as the Cyclones are cheaper. However in looking at the Ebonite web site, it shows 7 Cyclones and the specs show the same 10.7 cover on all 7, so there is no clue to which ball is for oily, medium-heavy oil, medium oil, and etc. Another factor is that it shows the same core for a 10# ball, 12# ball as well as weights up to 16# balls and if true, then the 10-12 lb balls have to have less dense cores if it is the same core and size. On the other 12# balls in the catergories above the Cyclones, they "supposedly" (per a person from Ebonite) have 3 balls with the old Nitro R2 core, but they don't show it on their web site. They show other cores instead in those 3 balls, so I would fear buying one of them. I would think they would show the propper cores in those balls.

As for the Strike King, I have heard good things about some of them. However, the specs show a lot of length and probably too much for the conditions I bowl on plus their hook and break-point shape are less than balls such as the Beatdown. I can see a Strike King as being a possible good ball under the Beatdown on lesser conditions.

If I "knew for sure" that I would be able to move back up to 14# balls again shortly down the line, I would definitely go as you suggest with a cheaper ball, but for the shape my back is in, (soft bones and osterporosis in the area where the 2 fractured vertabrae were repaired) I have a feeling (6th sense) that I will be forced to stay with 12# balls, thus my decision to try a premium ball to start. The other thing is I gave to several people, my style, specs and conditions I will be bowling on, and they all recommended the Beatdown or Madness or Primal Scream.

I do want you to know though that I do thank you for recommending a cheaper ball as it does make sense, and I realize you weren't aware of my condition, thus my "long winded post" here.

If the cyclone is an option your considering buddies had them on their must go items this week. Here is the link. $39.95 isn't a bad price I may pick one up for my wife. http://www.buddiesproshop.com/p-2982-ebonite-cyclone-bowling-ball-purpleorangeyellow.aspx

Best of luck with your recovery

I saw that the other day. That is a good price even after adding $20 - $25 to the price for shipping unless a person adds another $12 for something else to go with order to make the order total $50 because they ship on orders of $50 or more.

Although the core is important, it's still not the part of the ball in contact with the lane surface.  If you want a ball for medium to heavier oil, find a ball with a cover that handles that volume.  The Beatdown will do that for you. 

There are lots of great balls that are priced lower, but can they handle today's slick lane oils with any volume?