- Mastermind Brainiac

First Impressions
The Brunswick Mastermind Brainiac comes in an eye-catching Orange, Blue and Silver Pearl design. At its center works the extremely high-performance asymmetric Mastermind Ultra Low RG core, which shows a 2.488 RG, a high differential of 0.052 and an intermediate differential of 0.015. For the coverstock, Brunswick relies on the Relativity Pearl cover, polished to a high gloss out of the box with a 500 Siaair pad, Royal Compound and a subsequent Royal Shine finish. This combination of a rev-happy core and an extremely smooth surface should let the ball clear the heads effortlessly and save all of its energy for a massive hook in the backend.
Comparison
In direct comparison to the Brunswick Mastermind Strategy, which uses an extremely dull solid cover, the Mastermind Brainiac delivers noticeably more length down the boards and reacts far more explosively and with a sharper corner at the end of the oil pattern. Against a classic benchmark ball like the Storm Phaze II, the Mastermind Brainiac generates a drastically more aggressive hook once it hits friction, thanks to its pronounced asymmetric core design. When the transition sets in and the front part of the lane dries up, the Mastermind Brainiac benefits from its pearl surface, since it doesn't start up as early as dull balls and therefore carries its energy more efficiently into the pocket.
On the Lanes
The Brunswick Mastermind Brainiac finds its preferred territory on medium to slightly dried-up lane conditions. It is the logical choice if you have to move further inside after the oil pattern breaks down and need a ball that slides through the dry heads without trouble. The late but pronounced hook helps you play steep angles and still generate enough power for optimal carry. On very heavily oiled, fresh lanes, however, the polished surface lacks the necessary traction, which puts the ball at risk of missing the breakpoint reaction and sliding through.