Brunswick Melee Jab Midnight Blue Ball Review by Jeff Ussery

Layout: 45 degrees x 4 1/2" x 70 degrees

RG: 2.50"

Differential: .050"

M/B: n/a

Surface: 1500 grit w/ Crown Factory Compound

Core shape: Symmetric

Brunswick's most popular symmetric core is back with the introduction of the Melee Jab Midnight Blue. This single colored pearl addition to the Brunswick line is designed to fill the gap left by the discontinuation of the purple pearl Melee Jab. With a low rg, high differential core design, the intent here is length with a smoother and continuous shaped breakpoint.

I tested out this Melee Jab at Olathe Lanes East, which is a nice matchup for this ball at this time. The lanes have been a bit drier than expected this season, so longer pearls are excelling on their current house condition. I took the Hammer Web Pearl that I like so much as a comparison ball. For my style this Melee Jab was just a touch longer than the Web Pearl while being every bit as strong off of the backend. I actually prefer the shape of this ball a little bit to the Web Pearl. The Melee Jab has that familiar "hard arc" type of shape. It just seems like it never stops in the backend. It keeps coming more and more until it contacts the pins (hopefully the one in the front).

The layout chosen here also helps create that smoother/continuous shape I was talking about. I tend to use this a lot for symmetric core bowling balls, as the shot shape just fits my eye well. It doesn't always translate into the maximum backend potential, like a traditional taller pin above the finger area would. But it does suit my style and the way I like to see balls roll. With the Melee Jab, this layout basically accentuates the strengths of this ball. I mentioned in a previous review that the Web Pearl was going to be a league ball killer this season. The Melee Jab might actually be a tick better at that task. This ball is going to provide the ultimate reward when the lanes are really easy.

Brunswick and the other 6 brands they own have come out with a lot of new products early in this '21-'22 season, but this is easily one of the top 2-3 in my opinion. It has the right combination of power, control, and pin action for the wide majority of our customers. Stop by the store and learn more about the new Melee Jab Midnight Blue from the TBG staff. They're available now and in stock in both 14# and 15#.