Bowler Ratings

PatternStTwCr
Oily:777.5
Medium:999
Dry:6.565
Sport:887.5

Bowler ratings are from 1 to 10 in order of Stroker (ST), Tweener (TW), Cranker (CR)

General Info

Brand:
Name:Wicked Siege
Reviewed:November 2010
Empty
Coverstock Specs
Name:Propel X
Type:Reactive Pearl
Box Finish:500 SiaAir / Rough Buff
Color:Black / Purple Pearl
Empty
Core Specs
Name:NA
Type:Asymmetrical
RG:2.529
Diff:0.050
Int. Diff:0.020

For details on our standard test layouts, please click here.

The Wicked Siege joins both the Siege and Evil Siege in Brunswick’s Pro Performance category. This new ball uses a modified version of the MACE core combined with new version of the Propel cover. The core modification increased the RG and lowered the overall differential. The Propel X cover matched up with the MACE medium RG core allows the Wicked Siege to skid farther than the Siege, while picking up the lane sooner than the Evil Siege. We also found the strength at the breakpoint to be in between these two balls as well. The length and strength at the breakpoint will match up best with medium-oily patterns.

We found our best reactions on our medium test pattern. Cranker was the deepest of the three testers, giving this one plenty of room through the front part of the lane. Tweener was playing a small swing shot and Stroker played a more direct line to the pocket. We never found pin carry to be an issue with the Wicked Siege.

When we moved over to the oily test pattern, each tester was forced to play much closer to the track area. We were able to hit the pocket on this pattern as long as we kept the speed down, but the carry wasn’t the best. We added some surface to each test ball, which improved our reactions greatly. We hit all three test balls with a 1000 SiaAir pad which allowed the Wicked Siege to start up sooner, giving all three a stronger entry angle into the pins along with improved pin carry. Although this surface change gave us a better look on the oily test pattern, it made the Wicked Siege pretty much useless on the medium test pattern.

When it comes to drier conditions, only those with lower rev rates and higher ball speeds will be able to keep it on line to the pocket. Stroker had the best reaction of our three testers. Weaker layouts combined with some polish will be required for those bowling on medium-dry and drier patterns.

The Wicked Siege showed a tremendous amount of potential on our sport pattern. The strong predictable motion that this ball provides will allow it to work for all styles on flatter patterns of medium volume or higher.

Performance Ratings

NameValueComments
Torque6
We found the Wicked Siege to be as aggressive in the midlane as it was at the breakpoint. This gave us a strong overall ball reaction.
Length12
The Rough Buff Finish on the Wicked Siege allowed it to work on both our medium and oily test patterns, with it favoring the medium pattern the most. Those who are speed dominant may need a touch more surface for the heavy stuff.
Back End15
The downlane recovery is similar to the first two Sieges. There aren’t any surprises out of this ball, just a consistent reaction shot after shot.
Total Hook50
The overall hook potential is between the Siege and Evil Siege. This one doesn’t start as early as the Siege, but does pick up the lane sooner than the Evil Siege.

Strengths

What we liked the most about the Wicked Siege was the overall predictability that it offers. It just seemed to offer the right amount of length and back end, giving a consistent line to the pocket.

Weaknesses

The Wicked Siege will find its way back into the bag when the lanes have less than a medium volume of oil. Polishing will help create more length, but it won’t be enough for the dry stuff.

Overall Summary

The Wicked Siege creates a look on the lanes that is between the Siege and Evil Siege. It will match up best with medium to oily patterns. The reaction off the dry is strong yet very consistent.

The BTM Ball Testing Team

About The BTM Ball Testing Team

The BTM Ball Testing Team is led by Eric Martinez. Our team of three testers has thrown and reviewed hundreds of bowling balls for Bowling This Month. When not testing balls for BTM, Eric owns and operates University Pro Shop in San Antonio, TX and he is an avid competitive bowler. Click here to learn more about how we test and review bowling balls.