Author Topic: Brunswick Versa Max - Good Replacement for Black Widow? (Read 5584 times)

n00dlejester · « **on:** February 28, 2012, 12:51:13 AM »

Greetings Dudes & Dudettes,

I have an original Black Widow that I love. The motion is consistent, smooth, continuous as what. It's getting old, and I'm looking for a good replacement for it. Let it be known: I DO NOT want a Jet Black Taboo. I saw a few in league, and was not a fan to be honest. The cover on that was a little too strong for what I was looking for.

So with that said, do you guys who have thrown both, seen comparisons?

Thanks for any and all help

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pbaexp12 · « **Reply #1 on:** February 28, 2012, 09:06:22 AM »

I still have my black widow but it doesn't get much use these days. I replaced it with a 505t from track. That ball rolls very strong and the back end is more continious than it says. Try on at 4000 abr. Sanded and retire the widow like I did. I still have my widow but it's in my bowling ball 'hall of fame' type place. Gets used once on a while in practice.

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chrisleftwich · « **Reply #2 on:** February 28, 2012, 09:13:52 AM »

I have had a few Black Widows and the closest ball that I have found is the Columbia Ransom Demand, it gives me the same type of roll that I got from my Black Widows. It also takes surface adjustment very good as did the Black Widow.

« **Reply #3 on:** February 28, 2012, 09:59:50 AM »

The Versa Max is my favorite C-System for the reaction you are looking for. It's VERY clean through the front half of the lane, and then it makes a predictable turn towards the pocket. Not flippy, just an arc, but so far it absolutely destroys the rack. Carry has been phenomenal and I can play straighter lines than with some of my other equipment.

Lane Carter, Strike Zone Pro Shops - Salt Lake City, Utah

Allstar Lanes

Brunswick Regional Staff

The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer and not of Brunswick Corporation.

Brunswick_fan_BrandonH · « **Reply #4 on:** February 28, 2012, 10:27:48 AM »

I agree with Lane about the Versa-Max being very clean through the front part of the lane. I have used mine for a week now and want to use it EVERYWHERE! I really like how smooth rolling it is off the friction spot. I have left it in the box condition and really like how well it reacts downlane. It's not a jerky motion, just a smooth roll. If you get a versa-max, I would suggest drilling it a little stronger than you think because it is soo smooth. I have used mine for 12 games now, and I have left 5, 8 pins including one in the 6th frame last night for a 279 game. I would suggest that everyone try this ball out. Who doesn't like a solid black shined bowling ball. It has a motion on the lane that can't be duplicated.

Brunswick Advisory Staff

The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer and not of Brunswick Corporation

pro shop guy · « **Reply #5 on:** February 28, 2012, 01:27:52 PM »

Ransom Demand

Seismic Solaris Blackout

VersaMax

3 balls that all seem pretty close in roll .......but I can lie...there is no replacing a Widow, thats just how it is.

ithinkican · « **Reply #6 on:** February 28, 2012, 01:35:50 PM »

victory road solid is a very great ball. it is very versatile and easy to make ajustments with. Great on sport shots too. it is a little stronger than the black widow but the motion that i get is very similar. you would not be disappointed.

Bill Thomas · « **Reply #7 on:** February 28, 2012, 03:25:02 PM »

Lane and/or Brandon,

Got my versa-max Saturday. I am considering using a layout which I am told is for maximum control, pin under 5" from PAP, CGwithin and toward the grip center, weight hole on the PAP. I am an older bowler (71) who can't really throw speed anymore, usually around 13-14 mph off my hand, high track, PAP 4in. over .5in up. Don't know my rev rate but expect it to be in medium range. Does this drill seem to make sense in your opinions. If not, what would you recommend?

P.S. I am looking to make the versa-max my benchmark ball at Nationals this year. BTW, I have an ulti-max, pin-up over my bridge, cg kicked out slightly, weight hole 1 in down and 3in. right of thumb hole. Also, have an alti-max, pin down under ring finger with the cg kicked out 1in. and weight hole om PAP.

UpstateProShopChris · « **Reply #8 on:** February 28, 2012, 04:52:11 PM »

Lane and Brandon are correct! The Versamax is a special piece for a smoother cleaner roll on medium lane conditions. It will be a great ball for Nationals for most and it was the ball of choice for me and one of the others in our group there this weekend.

Chris Garrett
Upstate Pro Shop
Greenville, SC 864-248-4737
Upstateproshop@charter.net

PBA Member
Brunswick Regional Staff
Vise Regional Staff

The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer and not of Brunswick Corporation.

« **Reply #9 on:** February 29, 2012, 12:14:31 AM »

Bill,

I am a little confused. If your PAP is truly 4" over then you don't track very high. If it's the lower track I'd probably stay pin down, however I'd recommend a little closer to the PAP, maybe 4.5 or 4" so it's more versatile. This ball glides easily through the heads for me, even when the lanes start to get pretty dry. If you track higher then your PAP is probably at least 5" over and your layout idea may be fine. You should have the PAP re-checked before you proceed, in my opinion.

Tonight when my Massive Damage was too strong (2nd shift league) my Versa Max allowed me to play the area I had vacated with my Nexxus and Massive with ease. If I stayed on target it was money, and if I missed outside it came back strong, but predictable. What a ball!

Bill Thomas wrote on 2/28/2012 4:25 PM:Lane and/or Brandon,

Got my versa-max Saturday. I am considering using a layout which I am told is for maximum control, pin under 5" from PAP, CGwithin and toward the grip center, weight hole on the PAP. I am an older bowler (71) who can't really throw speed anymore, usually around 13-14 mph off my hand, high track, PAP 4in. over .5in up. Don't know my rev rate but expect it to be in medium range. Does this drill seem to make sense in your opinions. If not, what would you recommend?

P.S. I am looking to make the versa-max my benchmark ball at Nationals this year. BTW, I have an ulti-max, pin-up over my bridge, cg kicked out slightly, weight hole 1 in down and 3in. right of thumb hole. Also, have an alti-max, pin down under ring finger with the cg kicked out 1in. and weight hole om PAP.

Lane Carter, Strike Zone Pro Shops - Salt Lake City, Utah

Allstar Lanes

Brunswick Regional Staff

The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer and not of Brunswick Corporation.

Edited by notclay on 2/29/2012 at 1:20 AM

n00dlejester · « **Reply #10 on:** February 29, 2012, 02:22:05 PM »

Hey Guys! Thanks so much for the help with this!

I was looking into a Ransom Demand myself, but I might just stick to Big B on this one. I have a 3.5 that I LOVE LOVE LOVE when I use it. I might as well stick with the C-System stuff

I'll also keep in mind the drilling thing. I was literally going to put the pin in the same spot, but if I need to get it done a little bit stronger, I will.

Blogging Contests!

Obviously, you aren't a golfer.

Some stayed in the foothills, some washed logs like teeth.

holland1945 · « **Reply #11 on:** February 29, 2012, 09:01:47 PM »

Guy in league tonight was absolutely TEARING it up with this ball tonight. Mine comes tomorrow as a part of my new nationals arsenal, can't wait!

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BBU · « **Reply #12 on:** February 29, 2012, 09:16:39 PM »

I will be purchasing a Versa Max within the next few weeks. The closest ball to the Widow is the Columbia Full Swing. At least for me.

900 Global
www.900Global.com

frike300 · « **Reply #13 on:** March 01, 2012, 06:41:52 PM »

Versa Max is an outstanding ball. Again as expressed in my review of the ball, I disagree about it being smooth, I see a pretty aggresive move down lane when this ball see's friction. Not sure it is the perfect replacement for a Widow, since they are asymetric, you might want to go more in the direction of the new Nexus. Just a thought.

The views of this post are solely those of the writer, and not of Brunwick Bowling and Billiards

Mike Freundel

Brunswick Regional Staff

Author Topic: Brunswick Versa Max - Good Replacement for Black Widow? (Read 5584 times)

n00dlejester

Brunswick Versa Max - Good Replacement for Black Widow?

pbaexp12

Re: Brunswick Versa Max - Good Replacement for Black Widow?

chrisleftwich

Re: Brunswick Versa Max - Good Replacement for Black Widow?

Re: Brunswick Versa Max - Good Replacement for Black Widow?

Brunswick_fan_BrandonH

Re: Brunswick Versa Max - Good Replacement for Black Widow?

pro shop guy

Re: Brunswick Versa Max - Good Replacement for Black Widow?

ithinkican

Re: Brunswick Versa Max - Good Replacement for Black Widow?

Bill Thomas

Re: Brunswick Versa Max - Good Replacement for Black Widow?

UpstateProShopChris

Re: Brunswick Versa Max - Good Replacement for Black Widow?

Re: Brunswick Versa Max - Good Replacement for Black Widow?

n00dlejester

Re: Brunswick Versa Max - Good Replacement for Black Widow?

holland1945

Re: Brunswick Versa Max - Good Replacement for Black Widow?

BBU

Re: Brunswick Versa Max - Good Replacement for Black Widow?

frike300

Re: Brunswick Versa Max - Good Replacement for Black Widow?