- Kingpin

First Impressions
The Brunswick Kingpin, released in October 2017, marks a significant technological leap in the heavy-oil category. With this release Brunswick introduced the asymmetric Kingpin Ultra-Low RG Core, which features an extremely low RG of 2.483, a high differential of 0.055 and an intermediate differential of 0.020 (in 15 lbs). These dynamic core numbers are designed to get the ball into rotation as early as possible. Wrapped around this engine is the newly developed Enhanced Composite Adhesion (ECA) solid coverstock. This chemical formula was developed to create more adhesion in oil than any previous Brunswick surface. The coarse factory finish of 500 and 1500 Siaair Micro Pad underlines the intended purpose: maximum traction. Visually the ball shows up in a marbled mix of black, gold and violet, which signals right on the shelf that this ball was made for the "dirty work" in deep oil.
Comparison
Compared directly to the Brunswick Magnitude 055, which is also designed for heavy oil, the Kingpin differs primarily in its core dynamics. While the symmetric Magnitude 055 reads a very even, controlled path, the Kingpin uses its asymmetry for a noticeably quicker response to friction and more torque in the backend. It generates more overall hook and feels more powerful entering the pocket. Compared with its predecessor, the Brunswick Absolute Nirvana, the Kingpin offers even earlier midlane readability thanks to the new ECA cover and recovers better from bigger angles. Against a competing model like the Storm Sure Lock, the Kingpin shows similarly massive oil traction, but tends to carry its energy a bit more continuously through the pin deck instead of "braking" immediately after the change of direction.
On the Lanes
The Brunswick Kingpin is the ultimate solution for heavy oil conditions, long sport patterns or very slick house shots. It acts as the "snow tire" in your arsenal: it digs through the oil in the heads and the midlane, where polished or weaker balls would only skid. It's ideal if you throw the ball fast and need help getting the ball to work, or for tournament bowlers who have to start on a "flood" of oil. Because of the early roll it smooths out overreaction at the breakpoint, since it handles the transition from wet to dry not abruptly but powerfully and steadily. As soon as the lane dries up ("burn-out"), however, the Kingpin should be put away, because otherwise it loses too much energy in front of the pins and carry suffers; at that point a switch to a shiny pearl ball or a weaker hybrid would be advisable.