Brunswick Ethos Hybrid Ball Review by Jeff Ussery

Layout: 80 degrees x 4 1/2" x 40 degrees

RG: 2.50"

Differential: .053"

M/b: n/a

Surface: 2000 grit sanded

Core shape: Symmetric

Manufacturer's Intent: The Brunswick Ethos Hybrid is a dynamic addition to your bowling ball arsenal. Designed to fill gaps with its dull hybrid cover, the Ethos Hybrid excels in creating strong overall motion on the lanes. With a 2000-grit Savy Hook and Cohesion finish, it thrives in oil, delivering a consistent, powerful reaction without burning up early. The HK22 coverstock incorporates advanced nano micellular phase separation technology, enhancing color and clarity while improving the cover’s translucency for an eye-catching appearance. Engineered for performance and durability, the Ethos Hybrid boasts Durability Optimization Technology (DOT)—a groundbreaking innovation that ensures long-lasting reliability. At its core, the ball features DynamiCore outer core technology, a durable material that minimizes compression on impact, increasing pin carry, power, and sound. Don’t overlook the Ethos Hybrid this season—it’s designed to take your game to the next level.

I was looking for something a little rounder and smoother when I drilled the Ethos Hybrid, and this layout accomplished just that. Ethos Hybrid is a low rg/medium differential combination paired with an extremely aggressive cover. The 2000 grit cover that's enhanced by the Cohesion additive makes Ethos Hybrid perfect on medium to heavy oil. This is a very aggressive ball that will certainly handle some heavier oil patterns with the proper layouts. It's also one that due to the cover strength, is going to read the back of the pattern a bit softer than most. This will not be your super skid/snap option. Instead, you can expect Ethos Hybrid to excel when the lane is slick, and you can play more direct angles through the front of the lane.

By using the more aggressive pin and a larger drill angle, I was able to create the rounder and smoother shape I was looking for. Ethos Hybrid isn't particularly long through the front of the lane. It does need some oil or some speed to make it easy to the breakpoint. From there, you're in complete control of the mid-lane with the Ethos Hybrid. You'll never see this one over jump off of the friction, as it's just not built for that.

I do think this ball is going to be an excellent choice on heavier oil sport patterns, such as the Open Championships or Greater Ozarks. This ball digs into the mid-lane and then creates that controllable finish that sport patterns demand. It's also one that doesn't snap off the friction, so you'll likely be able to throw it longer than expected as the lane transitions. Overall, this piece is just an excellent medium hooking, arcing shape that keeps the bowler in control.

Brunswick fans will find this piece far stronger than the Ethos that came out last season. It's also going to hook far more and earlier than a Teal Rhino Pro or Ivory Rhino Pro. We see this as a piece that can be used on oil when you don't prefer to use asymmetric core shapes.

Ethos Hybrid is in stock now at TBG, and we have these in stock in both 14# and 15# weights.