- Ivory Rhino Pro

First Impressions
The Brunswick Ivory Rhino Pro (release: October 2024) is the latest iteration of the legendary Rhino Pro series, pairing the nostalgia of Brunswick's first reactive bowling ball with up-to-date technology. The visually striking design in Ivory comes with a high-gloss surface created by Crown Factory Compound, applied over 500, 1000 and 1500 Siaair Micro Pad. Inside works the proven symmetrical Vintage Light Bulb Core with a higher RG of 2.568 (15 lbs) and a low differential of 0.032, which should provide predictability and controlled motion. The big new development is the HK22 – Activator Plus 3.0 Pearl Reactive coverstock, which for the first time at Brunswick is combined with Thick Shell Technology. This two-piece construction does without filler material and maximizes the influence of the cover. Flare potential values sit in the medium to low range (2-3 inches), while Brunswick assigns the ball a Reaction Shape Strength of 62 and places it in the "Flip" category – balls that skid through the heads and show a strong change of direction at the breakpoint.
Comparison
In a direct comparison with the Brunswick Teal Rhino Pro, which uses the identical Vintage Light Bulb Core, the Ivory Rhino Pro is noticeably more angular and longer through the heads. The HK22 base of the coverstock produces a cleaner reaction and more backend motion than its predecessor, which used an older Activator formulation. Within the Brunswick lineup, the Ivory Rhino Pro positions itself as the logical step up from the Brunswick Ethos Hybrid when that ball reads too early. Compared to the Brunswick Endeavor, which also uses an Activator Plus 3.0 Pearl coverstock (though without the HK22 base) and has a lower RG value, the Ivory Rhino Pro offers more angularity and a quicker reaction at the breakpoint. The Endeavor presents a rounder, more continuous motion. Compared to the Hammer Ocean Vibe, the Ivory Rhino Pro has a somewhat stronger coverstock combined with a weaker core, which results in slightly higher hook potential and makes it better suited to medium oil conditions, while the Ocean Vibe is primarily designed for light to medium conditions.
On the Lanes
The Brunswick Ivory Rhino Pro shows its strengths on medium oil volumes and is particularly effective on lanes that have already been played on as well as in later tournament blocks. The combination of high RG and low differential minimizes track flare and maximizes predictability, which makes the ball ideal if you have a higher rev rate and need control on drier conditions or on medium to heavy oil patterns. The length through the heads lets you start further outside than with more aggressive options. According to the manufacturer, the ball glides effortlessly through the heads and only sets up powerfully at the breakpoint when it encounters friction. The polished surface ensures a clean passage through the heads with a strong, arcing backend. If you have slower speed and a higher rev rate in particular, you'll benefit from this characteristic. The Ivory Rhino Pro works both on straighter lines and with steeper angles and offers room for error to the outside, while balls thrown too far inside could potentially develop too much length. Through the transition phase the ball maintains its length and stays consistent, so it still performs when duller balls have already burned up the oil in the heads. As a versatile ball, it suits ambitious recreational bowlers as well as tournament players looking for a reliable option for later stages of a block or for lower oil volumes.