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Author Topic: Brunswick Brands Dissing BTM?  (Read 11435 times)

Snakster

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Brunswick Brands Dissing BTM?
« on: August 19, 2015, 08:33:24 AM »
As a BTM subscriber, I couldn't help but notice that recently, the brands under the Brunswick umbrella have only been providing the HP balls for review to BTM.  I received confirmation of this when I sent a message asking if/when there will be reviews posted for the mid and lower tier balls.

Specifically these are:
Brunswick Brute Strength, Soul and Soul Mate
DV8 Vandal and Holligan Taunt
Radical Primo, Rave, and both Rack Attacks

Now I know there are review balls being provided to other entities and publications (e.g., Bowlers Journal and Lane Side Reviews).

Perhaps I'm in the minority, but I put a lot of stock into the rating system I find in BTM;.  I find it invaluable in quickly identifying equipment that may fill a hole.  I can make a short list based on ratings and whittle it down from there.  These Brunswick family balls will not be making those lists. 

I'm sure they have their reason for short shrifting BTM; maybe they have internal numbers indicating not a lot of return from BTM subscribers?  I have no affiliation with BTM other than being a paid subscriber.

I have been a big Radical fan (I've bought at least 9 of their balls and I only started bowling less than three years ago).  I can't say they have all been winners for me, but I generally like their stuff.  But I can't say that I will give serious consideration if I can't screen their ratings with BTM.
Current bag:
DV8 Turmoil 2 Pearl
Radical Squatch hybrid
Motiv Forza GT
Hammer Black Widow Gold
DV8 Vandal
DV8 Creed Rebellion

 

spmcgivern

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Re: Brunswick Brands Dissing BTM?
« Reply #31 on: September 30, 2015, 10:58:53 AM »

BJI doesn't directly pit ball "A" from Storm against ball "B" from Brunswick. They do however have a scoring system that allows balls to be compared against each other in different categories (hook, length, breakpoint shape). 
 
I understand what you are saying.  However, as Snakster stated above, his son chose a ball strictly based on a hook potential number in a magazine.  Perhaps the Guru Master is the hookingest ball on the market.  But does that make it the best?  Now, every ball company who produces a hook monster ball has to compare its overall hook number from a magazine to the Guru Master whether fair or not.  If the numbers don't compare, then it is viewed as inferior. 

"Don't have the highest hook rating, then I don't want it!!!"

And that is how the buying process goes for a lot of bowlers.  They want a ball that hooks.  They may know BJI has unbiased reviews (or sees the magazine in the pro shop) and looks to see which ball hooks the most.  BAM!!!  Radical gets a sale.  But is that ball the best for them.  The pro shop should tell them whether it is or isn't.  But the Guru Master is high end so it is a big sale for the shop. 

Eventually it turns into a numbers competition.  Can you get BJI to produce big hook numbers?  Can you get BTM to produce big back end reaction?  If you can't beat them with the numbers, then you won't get the sale.  I'm not saying it is right or wrong, but I have seen this happen.

Steven

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Re: Brunswick Brands Dissing BTM?
« Reply #32 on: September 30, 2015, 12:12:53 PM »

I understand what you are saying.  However, as Snakster stated above, his son chose a ball strictly based on a hook potential number in a magazine.  Perhaps the Guru Master is the hookingest ball on the market.  But does that make it the best?  Now, every ball company who produces a hook monster ball has to compare its overall hook number from a magazine to the Guru Master whether fair or not.  If the numbers don't compare, then it is viewed as inferior. 

"Don't have the highest hook rating, then I don't want it!!!"


What you're describing is a fundamental failing of the bowler. All the magazines can do is provide a realistic assessment of a given ball's capability, and the conditions under which the ball performs best. Unfortunately, the "I want the ball with the highest hook rating" is a phase that most bowlers have to go through. I certainly did, and I wish I had learned the fallacy of chasing hook earlier. Most of those who successfully progress up the bowling food chain grow out of it.
« Last Edit: September 30, 2015, 02:05:26 PM by Steven »

txbowler

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Re: Brunswick Brands Dissing BTM?
« Reply #33 on: October 01, 2015, 11:41:43 AM »
In another thread on this forum, one of the radical designers Phil posted that "Hook Sells".  Bowlers see bowlers on TV or at their local houses throw something that hooks a lot and they want to duplicate that look.  So they know they don't the physical game or talent to do that, so they attempt to buy it in the ball.

dR3w

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Re: Brunswick Brands Dissing BTM?
« Reply #34 on: December 09, 2015, 01:56:46 PM »
The Brunswick Nirvana has been reviewed on BTM. 

Snakster

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Re: Brunswick Brands Dissing BTM?
« Reply #35 on: December 09, 2015, 05:27:52 PM »
The Brunswick Nirvana has been reviewed on BTM.

Indeed it has and balance has been restored to the universe. This consumer really appreciates the reversal by Brunswick brands.
Current bag:
DV8 Turmoil 2 Pearl
Radical Squatch hybrid
Motiv Forza GT
Hammer Black Widow Gold
DV8 Vandal
DV8 Creed Rebellion