Since they don't have the Grudge up for official review just yet, I figured I'd give a little bit of info on it here.
I was fortunate enough to get one last week (thanks Ron Bragg and Brian Graham!). I had it punched up with the pin in the ring finger, mb just below and slightly right of the thumb, and we kept it at box finish.
The first game and a half off of the press was on an open-bowling pair that had seen 7-8 games on them. As such, it was clear that I wasn't throwing the ball on its intended conditions (heavy oil). Still, I was impressed by how the ball retained energy and still hit despite not having the fuel it wanted. One thing that stood out was that the further inside I moved, and I moved all the way in to between 5th and 6th arrow, the more the ball wanted to react. It was clear that the ball reacted stronger and stronger the more it was kept in the oil.
With the first impression positive, I took it to league last night. Our league pattern is right around 40 feet with medium volume. For me, the shot usually plays best inside with medium equipment; nevertheless, I had my new Grudge, and I wanted to use it, so I decided to ramp up my foot speed a bit to try to avoid burn up.
Long story short, I had a great look all night long. The Grudge was smooth, strong, and predictable throughout the entire lane. It almost reminded me of my original Mastermind with more pop on the back and better hit. I used the Grudge all three games and had the pocket controlled from beginning to end.
In comparison to the Nirvana and Mastermind Intellect, my other two oilers at the moment, the Grudge is earlier than the Nirvana, yet it's still stronger/more continuous off the spot. Compare to the Intellect, the Grudge is smoother whereas the 600 + polish Intellect is a bit snappy.
From what I've seen thus far, the Grudge will be the first ball I bring out on medium to heavier patterns, especially on tougher patterns where I need control/predictability. I can't wait to get it on some heavier oil to really see what it can do in its own element.
Wrapping up, obviously, three and a half games doesn't tell you all that there is to know about a bowling ball; however, based upon what I've seen so far, I've been very impressed with the Grudge. If you need a smooth, strong piece for heavier volumes, give this one a try.
As always, thanks for reading, and thanks to Ron Bragg, Brian Graham, and all of the great people at Brunswick-DV8-Radical!
