- Fanatic SS

First Impressions
Released in February 2017, the Brunswick Fanatic SS (widely read as "Strong Solid" or "Symmetric Solid") is a powerhouse in the mid price bracket. It was developed to close the gap between the moderate balls and the high-performance monsters. At its heart sits the extremely dynamic Dual Flip Symmetric Low RG core. At 15 pounds, this core delivers aggressive numbers: a very low 2.48 RG and an enormously high 0.054 differential. This combination of a low center of gravity and high flare potential is exceptionally strong for a symmetrical ball. The core is wrapped in the Relativity Hook Solid Reactive coverstock. Out of the box, the ball is finished with a coarse 500/2000 Siaair Micro Pad surface. Visually it shows up in a dark combination of black and purple solid, underscoring its character as an "oil eater" for the midlane.
Comparison Compared directly to the original Brunswick Fanatic (which was turquoise/blue and offered a versatile reaction), the Fanatic SS is a completely different animal. It reads the lane much earlier and sacrifices length in favor of massive traction through the midlane. It is Brunswick's counterpart to the famous Storm Phaze II: both are symmetrical solids with low RG and plenty of surface, designed to smooth out oil patterns ("blending the pattern"). Set against its bigger brother, the Brunswick True Nirvana, the Fanatic SS offers a rounder, more controllable motion. The True Nirvana (asymmetrical) tips harder at the breakpoint, while the Fanatic SS describes an even, unstoppable arc. It is stronger than the later Brunswick Edge Solid, but does not quite provide the volume handling of a Quantum Forest Green.
On the Lanes The Brunswick Fanatic SS is the ultimate benchmark ball for medium to heavy oil conditions. It is the first choice for reading a fresh oil pattern, since it is extremely forgiving of "over/under" reactions. When the lane is dry outside and oily inside, the Fanatic SS keeps the ball from sliding too far (thanks to the 2000 surface) or jumping too hard (thanks to the round symmetrical core). It is perfect if you feel your pearl balls are too jumpy. Its strength is the continuous roll: it does not stop working on the pin deck. As soon as the lane dries up and the heads burn up, though, the ball will lose energy too early and give up some hitting power; at that point a switch to the original Fanatic or a Melee Jab is advisable.