First Impressions
The Brunswick Kingpin Max was introduced in March 2018 as the new flagship for maximum oil volume in the Brunswick lineup. Visually, the ball stands out with a striking color combination of Navy, Green and Sky Solid. The technical heart is the Kingpin Ultra Low RG asymmetric core, which in the 15-pound version carries an extremely low RG value of 2.471, a high differential of 0.055 and an intermediate differential of 0.020. These numbers are designed to produce very early rotation and massive flare potential. The coverstock is ECA-X (Enhanced Composite Adhesion) Solid Reactive, finished at the factory with a very coarse 500/1500 Siaair Micro Pad. This combination should deliver aggressive traction that cuts through even the heaviest oil films to set up a powerful move in the midlane.
Comparison
Compared to the original Brunswick Kingpin, the Kingpin Max offers even more overall hook and a noticeably earlier read of the oil pattern thanks to the further developed ECA-X cover. While the original Kingpin was already a heavyweight for oil, the Max pushes the hook point even further forward into the heads. Compared to the Storm Sure Lock, the Kingpin Max is somewhat more aggressive in the midlane and shows a more continuous follow-through into the pins, whereas the Sure Lock often displays a slightly more angular finishing move. Compared to the Motiv Jackal Shred, the Brunswick Kingpin Max often provides superior carry at very flat entry angles due to the special Dynamic Core Technology, which delivers improved energy transfer. Against a symmetric powerhouse like the Roto Grip IDOL, the Kingpin Max covers vastly more boards and gives a much stronger asymmetric response at the breakpoint, making it the first choice for extremely long, high-volume sport patterns.
On the Lanes
The ideal application for the Brunswick Kingpin Max is on heavy oil conditions and long oil patterns where conventional balls would skid too far past the breakpoint. Thanks to its extremely dull surface and quick-revving core, the ball provides enormous confidence and traction through the heads and midlane. It is the ultimate tool for starting a tournament block on fresh lanes to gain immediate control over the pattern. If you throw the ball fast or have a low rev rate, you'll benefit enormously from the built-in friction, which effectively prevents the ball from sliding through the oil. On typical house shots or already broken-down lanes, however, the Kingpin Max should be used with caution, since the aggressive ECA-X cover taxes the heads very quickly and the ball can lose all of its energy prematurely as a result. In the pocket, the Dynamic Core Technology provides impressive hitting power and minimizes deflection on contact with the pins. All in all, the Kingpin Max is an indispensable "hook monster" for demanding conditions.