Mongo, I would suggest using a Dude as your benchmark ball with a similar layout to your current Brutal Nightmare. Also, I would think that a 2000 surface on the Dude would be a good starting point to get that smoother reaction. Your other other thought of a Marauder Madness with a pin up and 4000 surface would be a good addition too. A good replacement if you can't find a Madness would be a Ruckus which would be a little stronger ball but similar reaction.
Your statement that the Brunswick balls start up early might have been true 5 years ago, but all of the newer balls get down the lane and still have a strong backend reaction. The R&D team has worked very hard to change the chemicals used in the coverstock to allow the ball to clear the front part of the lane. The DV8 line is more angular and more colorful than the Brunswick line.
Ian,
Thanks for the feedback. Yes, when I "retired" it was the days of the super heavy early rev Big B. I really like the changes they've made from what I've seen with the Brutal. It just sails through the heads, but isn't anything close to skid/flippy because the midlane read is so good and still so much movement downlane. In other words, tell your chemist geeks "Good Job".
In the end, I have no problem drilling up whatever I need, but I'm looking for solid/hybrid to pull out on the fresh that is as close to "in the middle" that I can find. I usually like to lean my benchmarks toward the stronger side just because like a smoother motion down lane. From what I've seen, I'm looking hard at the Diva with a control drilling (the old days, I'd say a pin down, 4 1/2" to 5" pin to PAP, and a little surface....still learning how that translates into Dual Angle)
I'm only 2 weeks back in. Still figuring out which foot to start with. Got a jump start when I shot 772 for my first league set in ~5 years, so my enthusiasm is a bit up.
Feel kind of bad since one of my college buddies is the Storm rep for my area, but I really like my early impressions with DV8.
Thanks again for the input.