First Impressions
It has to be good, it’s a Melee Jab in Red. We love us some Melee Jab.

Let me introduce our new partner Haley’s Pro Shop. A big thank you to Jeff Miller and Ron Hoppe. Don’t forget to check out Haley’s Pro Shop for world class drilling and coaching!

James Kasee (Righty)
Style: Power Player
RPM: 425 rpm
PAP 4 1/2 & 1/4 down
Average Speed: 19 mph (at release)
Axis tilt: 19 degrees
Axis rotation: 60 degrees
Test Equipment: 15 Pounds
Layout: 4.5 x 40

“Keep in mind that coverstock accounts for 70% of ball reaction, but the core creates the dynamic shape of the reaction. Your driller will alter the shape to suit your game.”

Pattern
THS: 40ft, 23ml
Sport: Kegel Arsenic 41ft, 27 ml, 1.3:1 ratio

Specs
The Brunswick Melee Jab Blood Red uses the Melee Core (symmetrical) inside the Savvy Hook 2.0 Pearl coverstock.

15 pound = RG of 2.487, diff of .050
14 pound = RG of 2.503, diff of .050
Coverstock finish: 500, 1000 Siaair / Crown Factory Compound

Overall
What can we say that hasn’t been said about the Melee Jab. Brunswick rightfully is essentially re-releasing one of their best pieces. The purple on the original and SE is pretty but red bowling balls are good as well! When we started the video shoot, we really needed to get about a games worth of shots to break it in. I was a little surprised the Blood Red needed so many shots to settle in to be honest as I’ve always enjoyed the crown factory compound straight out of the gate. Nevertheless, once “broken in”, the Melee Jab Blood Red finally rolls exactly as we remember the Melee Jab. Clean reaction through the fronts while generally not worry about it scooting too far downlane. The higher differential means it’s going to flare a pretty decent amount which gives it that booming rounded shape. We didn’t play around with surface changes but you certainly could with this piece. However, we both like the factory finished basically lane shined. And the crown factory compound tends to feel like lane shine out of the box. I already mentioned this one felt a little different nevertheless it became very clear that the Blood Red finally behaves just as we expected. I liken the Melee Jab to Storm’s Marvel Pearl. These are special pieces that are very versatile where you can drop down to them once you don’t quite need the big traction but can stay with this cleaner piece for quite a while. It doesn’t generally destroy it’s own path. It’s both strong enough to sniff the Mid Control slot while really being quite effective in the Mid Late slot. However, when thinking about the drier house shots, I can see bowlers being in that part of the bag quite frequently.

Sport Shot
TBD

Final Thoughts
The Brunswick Melee Jab Blood Red is bound for success. We already know what thing does and it does it well. If you are a red bowling ball fan, and don’t have a Melee Jab yet, you’re welcome.