The Brunswick Fanatic BTU Pearl bowling ball combines the Low Differential I-Block Symmetric core with the BTU (Better Than Urethane) pearl coverstock to offer a "urethane" ball reaction with better consistency. This core and cover combo offers more length, smoother ball motion, control at the pocket, and bigger hitting power when facing high friction lane conditions. Get the smoothness of urethane but with more!
The pearl btu is the newest urethane type reaction that Brunswick has. Comparing it to the original btu, I would say the pearl is a good foot longer with more backend. The original was great for lower volumes or flatter patterns or shorter lengths and the pearl is also. For me the original was great for keeping my angles closed and sometimes had trouble turning the corner when I got too deep. This is where the pearl comes into play. You can move a good 5 boards and open up your angles without sacrificing any carry. Highly recommend this ball for drier conditions or shorter length patterns.
Pin Length: 3.5
Starting Top Weight: 2.3 oz
Ball Weight: 15 lbs 4 oz
DRILL PATTERN
Ball: 65 x 5 x 35
X Hole No Hole
BOWLER STYLE
Rev Rate: 375 rpms
Ball Speed:17.5 mph off hand
PAP/Track: 4 3/4 over 3/4 up
SURFACE PREP
Grit: 4000 Siaair
Type: (Matte, Polish, Sanded): Sanded
LANE CONDITIONS
Lengths of patterns: 41 foot house
Volumes: Moderate
Type: house
BALL REACTION
Length: Clean through the front with a strong and smooth backend
Back End: strong arc
Overall Hook: mild
Midlane Read: smooth with length
Breakpoint Shape: arc
COMMENTS
Likes: Length and predictable motion
Dislikes: none
The Fanatic BTU Pearl is the newest compliment to the successful Fanatic BTU. This version is a little longer and has a bit more of its reaction down lane. I went with a quicker transitioning layout to better compliment the differences in this ball compared to the original. Out of the box, the ball was a little stronger than I had in mind so I sanded the ball down to 4000 Siaair finish. This one has not disappointed and so far, has allowed me to play a little straighter and further right than my original BTU. The BTU Pearl is a little stronger on the backend and recovers a little better on errant shots wide on our house condition. I plan on using my original BTU on fresher shorter conditions and transitioning to this one later in the blocks. If you are looking for a better option on drier conditions than Urethane and you like a little extra movement on the backend, check out the BTU Pearl.
When I got the Brunswick Fanatic BTU Pearl in the mail, I took one look at it and thought "retro". It's got that classic silver look you would see back in the 70s. OK - it looks nice :-)
Knowing the specs on this ball, I wasn't entirely sure if I was really going to find a place for it in my arsenal. I'm not a high rev player so why would I want something that goes really long and really straight?
But after practicing with it, this ball definitely has a very specific place in my arsenal and here's why. It's super straight in the front part of the lane because of its cover and low differential symmetric block. When I'm bowling on a high friction pattern where the right handers get left and into the left handers' lay down point, this ball will work well for me as long as the back ends have friction.
