General Info
| Brand: | Brunswick |
| Name: | Meanstreak Brawler |
| Reviewed: | March 2013 |
| Empty | |
| Coverstock Specs | |
|---|---|
| Name: | Addaptive f(P+F) Hybrid |
| Type: | Reactive Hybrid |
| Box Finish: | 500 SiaAir / Rough Buff |
| Color: | Blue Solid / Bronze Gold Pearl |
| Empty | |
| Core Specs | |
| Name: | NA |
| Type: | Symmetrical |
| RG: | 2.536 |
| Diff: | 0.048 |
| Int. Diff: | 0.000 |
For details on our standard test layouts, please click here.
The Meanstreak Brawler utilizes the same shape core as the Meanstreak. The differential is the same and the RG is just slightly lower. The cover has been changed from a pearl finished with High Gloss Polish to a hybrid at a lower Rough Buff finish. These changes all give the Meanstreak Brawler more teeth in the oil than the original Meanstreak.
This ball performed best on our medium test pattern. Tweener had a phenomenal reaction on this pattern. He could be fast with his ball speed and the Brawler made it back to the pocket for the duration of the testing session. Stroker was right behind him with a pretty good reaction himself. The slightly rough finish allowed these testers the extra read in the midlane that they lacked from the original Meanstreak. The added hook allowed them to crush the pocket on this pattern. Cranker had this ball picking up just a little too early for his liking. After a few shots he applied Brunswick’s High Gloss Polish and saw much better results. Even with the polish, the Brawler was still stronger than the Meanstreak on this pattern.
Moving to the heavy test pattern, Cranker was the only one able to use the ball at the box finish. His higher rev rate allowed him to square up to the lane and let the ball get back to the pocket. Tweener and Stroker both needed some help getting the Brawler to the hole. We used a 2000 SiaAir pad to remove the Rough Buff and create more traction. The added hook was just what was needed to get the ball to the pocket.
The sport pattern was next up and again Tweener had the best reaction of the three. His speed and rev rate really matched up well with this ball regardless of the pattern. We again knocked the Rough Buff off all three test balls with a 2000 SiaAir and this improved all three testers’ reaction.
The short pattern did not offer much for such a high performing ball. Even adding the High Gloss Polish did not help with this much friction.
Strengths
The added motion from the Meanstreak Brawler is a nice addition for bowlers who liked the Meanstreak and would fit into an arsenal that includes it. The Brawler can handle heavier volumes of oil with the right layout.
Weaknesses
Floods will not offer enough friction for the Brawler. On the other end of the spectrum, really dry lanes will also force users to put this ball away.
Overall Summary
The Meanstreak Brawler’s hybrid cover provides a motion that was not present in the Brunswick line. The symmetrical core with the hybrid shell can cover all types of medium patterns.
