This is a little old, because I'd almost bet that Brunswick was considering replacing the Absolute (not publicly). Personally, I think the Absolute is a great ball, possibly one of the most versatile ever produced.

I believe the consensus was that the Absolute is slightly stronger, intended to be a relacement for the original in that it would do similar things in the slightly heavier oil. The ball will hook a little earlier on the same oil and a hook a little more. It'll handle medium-heavy oils a little better.

PLUS the cover is prepped a little differently: more of a compound polish result (around 1000 - 1200 grit polish produced by a 220 grit base under a Rough Buff compounding), while the original had a 400 grit sanding under Brunswick's high gloss polish.

SOmetimes I think putting an Absolute in a good bowler's hand is like giving a good golfer a 3 or 4 stroke lead in a tournament.

Its hitting power & pin moving power is as good as it gets, when used on the right oil pattern.

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"None are so blind as those who will not see."