- Combat

First Impressions
The Brunswick Combat comes in an eye-catching color combination of black, red, blue and purple that blend into one another and are shown off especially well by the polished surface. Behind the impressive looks sits advanced bowling technology that makes the Combat a promising entry in the asymmetric high-performance category. At its heart is the new Rampart Asymmetric Core with a 2.502 RG, a 0.051 differential and a 0.019 mass bias. This core configuration should provide high dynamics and strong direction changes. The cover is the HK22 Cohesion Alpha Premier Pearl coverstock, a further development of the proven HK22 technology with an improved Cohesion formulation. Out of the box the ball carries a Crown Factory Compound polish at roughly 5000 grit, which also brings out the colors. With a weight range from 12 to 16 pounds, the Combat is aimed at bowlers of all skill levels. Hardness is rated at 73.5, while the absorption rate is classified as "fast." This combination points to a ball that could respond on fresh as well as on transitioned lane conditions.

Comparison
In practice the Combat shows clear differences from other balls in its category. Compared to the Brunswick Crown Vic, a symmetric ball said to show more side-to-side motion, the Combat offers a different character thanks to its asymmetric construction. While the Crown Vic counts as one of the strongest Brunswick releases, the Combat positions itself as a complementary option with specific strengths. Against the Storm Equinox, the Combat shows comparable overall strength but differs in the type of ball reaction. Where other balls such as the Gremlin or various pearl versions react earlier, the Combat shows a longer skid phase followed by a pronounced direction change. Comparisons with the Harsh Reality Pearl from Roto Grip suggest that the Combat sits in a similar performance class, though with characteristics of its own. The asymmetric construction sets it apart from symmetric options like the Turbo from the same brand and gives it specific properties in the transition from oil to friction.

On the Lanes
The Brunswick Combat is particularly suited to bowlers looking for a ball with a pronounced backend reaction. Its construction makes it an option for the middle to late stages of a block, once the lane conditions have already changed. If you are speed-dominant, it may prove less suitable as a first ball out of the bag, since it needs friction to show its full potential. Surface plays a decisive role with the Combat. Testing showed that the factory polish is optimal for the intended ball character. Taken down to 4000 grit, the ball loses its characteristic angle and becomes noticeably smoother in reaction. Re-polishing to 6500 grit restores the original properties, which underlines how important surface is to its performance. For rev-dominant players the Combat offers interesting ways to create more angle. The combination of long skid and strong backend reaction should make it possible to play larger portions of the lane and still strike effectively from deeper positions. The Cohesion technology in the coverstock helps the ball stay controllable even when it contacts friction early in the lane. The Combat shows its strengths especially on patterns with enough friction outside the oil line. On fresh, heavily oiled lanes it could react too tamely for some player types. Its ideal window is in phases where other balls already react too early or no longer show enough backend motion. Classified at the pro level, the Combat is aimed at experienced bowlers who appreciate the nuances of different ball reactions and are specifically looking for equipment to fill particular gaps in their arsenal. The versatility of the ball makes it a valuable addition for bowlers who want to expand their options on changing lane conditions.