The Defender brings a new core shape and a new coverstock to the Brunswick Pro Performance line. The Activator Composite Technology cover is updated to the ACT 3.0 Solid version for this ball. It is finished with 500 and 2000 SiaAir, which allows the Defender to dig into the oil. The new Portal X core shape is based on the Portal core from the Prism line, with a slightly higher RG and total differential compared to the original design. The Defender is built for oil, and it handles it well.

Cranker was very comfortable with the Defender on the heavy oil pattern. He played 2-and-2 right compared to the Quantum Evo Solid on the fresh, seeing a sharper change of direction downlane. The extra angle was very useful later in the session after the pattern transitioned. He could move left to find more oil in the front to keep the ball strong in the pocket when smoother offerings like the Knock Out Black and Blue were losing a little more energy. The box finish was best on both the ...