Brunswick Revolver Bowling Ball Review

The Revolver is the newest ball from Brunswick in their upper mid-price category. It features a new core shape, which retains energy longer than previous cores at this price point. In addition to the new core, the Revolver’s outer shell is also a new offering from Brunswick. This latest cover is called ConneXion Grip. It’s a modified version of the ConneXion cover used on the Wild Ride. It comes out of the box at a 500/4000 SiaAir finish, giving it some traction in the oil.

The Revolver needs some head oil and gave us our best look on our heavy oil test pattern. All three testers experienced a strong move in the midlane and an equal if not stronger move at the breakpoint. This is one of those balls that will always make the turn. As the pattern broke down during the testing period, all three testers could easily make two and one adjustments to chase the oil line. As long as we found enough oil to get it down the lane, the Revolver continued its strong hooking motion. Players who have more speed than revs, such as our Stroker, will get plenty of use out of the Revolver on medium patterns as well.

All three were able to use the ball at first on our medium pattern from lines about an arrow deeper than they were playing on the oily test pattern. Those with an above average rev rate will benefit by having some polish applied for medium conditions. They won’t need a super high gloss finish, just enough to push it through the front more easily.

The dry test pattern didn’t offer much of anything due to the lack of oil. We strongly suggest you stay away from the dry stuff with the Revolver. We feel it has plenty of potential when it comes to sport patterns. There needs to be a decent volume of oil to use the ball with its box finish. Polishing will get the length necessary on medium to dry sport patterns but the angularity will be increased, which isn’t what you want on a fresh sport pattern.

Strengths

The new core and cover combination of the Revolver offers a large amount of hook in the midlane and back end where most bowlers want to see it. The Revolver brings a different and much needed look for Brunswick.

Weaknesses

This ball needs oil in order for it to perform at its highest level. Surface adjustments will help on medium patterns, but there isn’t much that can be done for the short and dry stuff unless you like the hook out shot.

Overall Summary

The Revolver doesn’t have the look of the typical Brunswick ball as it rolls down the lane. We experienced something totally different. This new release is less about reading the front of the lane, but rather all about the back of the lane.