First Impressions
The Track Proof Pearl looks to be a pretty strong ball, meaning it can handle a good amount of volume for a pearl ball. The Original Proof is clearly a strong asym.

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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: 60 x 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 Track Proof Pearl uses the Proof Asymmetric core inside the Prime Response Pearl coverstock.

15 pound = RG of 2.519, diff of .052, .020 mb
14 pound = RG of 2.538, diff of .052, .020 mb
Coverstock finish: 500, 1000 Siaair / Crown Factory Compound

Overall
The Track Proof Pearl follows the pretty successful Track Proof. With Covid, the Proof basically was released at an unfortunate time. A new ball coming out right at the time when no one can bowl was just bad timing. Nevertheless, it was obviously a capable piece. Bill O’Neill used it several times in championship competition. I guess before we get into the Proof Pearl, it probably helps to understand the Proof solid to start. Both balls use a strong squarish shaped asymmetric core. The reason why I call out the shape is it usually clues you into the motion it will likely create. That is to say it reminds me a lot of the Tactix. And honestly, this is the one standout characteristic of Track balls even when it was Ebonite. The core shapes meant a little more even skid hook roll phases but more specifically a bit of a hook stop shape where the transitions are a little sharper. From the left side, the Tactix was one of my favorite balls because it was strong enough to be the top of the bag while not feeling like I have to open up the lane tremendously. That’s a huge benefit when you can use more forward motion and not have to worry about covering boards. It seems the Proof is very similar in that regard but even stronger, yet still in the mid-performance line. With the Proof, it’s just that, very strong and kind of has that aggressive hook stop shape from a big asym. That means you want to find oil to get a more continuous motion. There’s also some limit to how open your angles are but then onto the Proof Pearl. The Proof was ultimately on the strong side for the test condition. We saw a little touchiness in terms of carry due to that. If your house has cleaner heads, you will likely get more use from the Proof.

Onto the Proof Pearl then, it’s clearly a very close relative. It doesn’t take the Proof from early hook to skid flip or anything. It really just creates a bit more natural length which allows more stored energy. In that regard, once we had some shots to break in the cover, it started to look fairly easy to strike. Now the pearl made the shape a little more “rounded” downlane and a bit more continuous. It still likes oil as the Prime Response Pearl still seems to carry a decent footprint. But it was certainly easier here than the Proof. Not a knock on the Proof but rather giving you a reference so you know when to use it. Because it didn’t feel like the Proof Pearl is a huge step down in traction, you can really step into it if you feel like the Proof is just hitting flat. And it doesn’t look like you will feel like it will just go from early hook to skid city. It’s very possible that for many house bowlers, the Proof Pearl is the strong ball in their bag for a medium volume typical house shot for example. It’s slightly higher than medium speed responsiveness which means above mid range angularity but not huge which means controllable.

Sport Shot
TBD

Final Thoughts
Brunswick didn’t stray far from the formula that is Track and therefore, if you’re a Track fan, you will like the Proof and Proof Pearl a lot. It really too bad that the Proof was released right when we shut down. I hope bowlers don’t miss out on a potentially really good release but now there’s the Proof Pearl to remind you as you get back into fall leagues.