Bowler Ratings

PatternStTwCr
Oily:X.XX.XX.X
Medium:X.XX.XX.X
Dry:X.XX.XX.X
Sport:X.XX.XX.X

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

Note: Ratings are only available to our premium members.

General Info

Brand:
Name:Ultimate Defender
Reviewed:March 2024
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Coverstock Specs
Name:HK22 - ACT 3.0 Hybrid
Type:Reactive Hybrid
Box Finish:500 / 2000 SiaAir
Color:Violet / Pink / Navy
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Core Specs
Name:Portal X
Type:Asymmetrical
RG:2.473
Diff:0.054
Int. Diff:0.015

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

The Ultimate Defender is the third Defender offering from Brunswick, following in the footsteps of the original Defender and the Defender Hybrid. This ball uses the HK22-based ACT 3.0 Hybrid coverstock, which surrounds the asymmetrical Portal X core that was used in both previous Defender balls. Coming out of the box at a rough 500/2000 SiaAir finish, the Ultimate Defender is built for oil. It made easy work of BTM’s test conditions while they were fresh, and it offered unexpectedly good results as the patterns broke down as well.

Stroker

Stroker loved the amount of boards he could cover on the fresh heavy oil pattern with the Ultimate Defender. As the fronts started to hook in transition, he could make small moves left to keep the ball in the pocket. This was a huge benefit for his lower rev rate on this pattern. He could start the ball farther left, swing it to the dry that was being created, and see it come back to the pocket. The dull box finish provided traction, hook, and continuation from the first shot until the last for him.

Stroker had just a little less area on the fresh medium oil pattern compared to the heavy oil pattern. The additional hook he saw on this condition forced him to start the ball farther left, which made him a bit less comfortable as the lanes broke down. The box finish was still able to create traction in the heaviest part of the pattern, allowing the ball to finish strong through the pin deck. While he was able to

Brunswick Ultimate Defender Comparisons

Click below to see a comparison table of each pair of bowling balls shown:

To compare the Brunswick Ultimate Defender to any other bowling ball(s), please use our Bowling Ball Comparison tool.

Additional Brunswick Ultimate Defender Resources

Click here to visit Brunswick's website to read the manufacturer-supplied information on this ball. Also, see below for the manufacturer-produced promotional video for this ball.

Please remember that our reviews are solely based on our own testing and that you may sometimes find differences between our comments and ratings and the manufacturer's claims. Links to these manufacturer resources are provided here strictly for convenience purposes.

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.