The Mastermind is Master…

First Impressions
The Brunswick Mastermind is a beast. This ball does such a good job reading the midlane, it’s scary. Once it reads the midlane, it just trucks to the pocket giving the bowler an overwhelming confidence throwing this piece.
Our Testers:
Brandon Hinderer is a PBA Member as well as Brunswick and Vise Staffer.
Power Player: 450 rpm
PAP: 5 3/8 & 7/8 up
Axis tilt: 10-15 degrees
Axis rotation: >45 degrees
Pin Down Layout: 45 X 5 1/2 X 70
Pin Up Layout: 75 X 5 1/2 X 45

Kerry Smith is a top notch bowler and Brunswick Staffer.
Stroker: 250 rpm
PAP: 5 1/8 & 3/4 up
Axis tilt: 13 degrees
Axis rotation: ~45 degrees
Layout: 40 X 5 X 45

Test Pattern: 41ft THS, 12:1, 24ml

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.

Value 9/10
Despite its strength, it really can be used more often than you would expect and can be used by strokers and crankers alike as our reviewers can attest. Because of that versatility, it gets high marks here.

Core
The Mastermind Ultra Low RG core has an RG of 2.488 and diff of 0.052 with mass bias of 0.013. This core is meant to roll!

Cover
The Honor Roll Solid Reactive cover is finished at 1500 grit Siaair out of the box which gives it lots of traction.

Overall
Brandon had a pin up and pin down Mastermind to test. The pin down version is very rolly. To my eye, it really looks like what this ball is meant to do in its most powerful form. It’s midlane read was simply undeniable. It was quite a bit of ball for Brandon on this condition especially considering his higher rev rate. Nevertheless, you could see how easily this ball always revved up which gives you added control on tougher and slicker conditions. With the pin up, its his favorite ball right now. It’s drilled to add more length and less flare with the longer pin to PAP distance. Brandon seems to be able to throw this ball on so many different conditions including this medium THS which you would think it might just be too strong. The pin up set up seems to give him just enough length while still being strong on the backend.
Kerry’s Mastermind is a pin up with medium drilling and VAL angles. Kerry simply had a great look with this piece on this THS. With the early roll this ball offers, it just consistently read the midlane and walked to the pocket. Her carry was simply outstanding. This ball was like a laser beam to the pocket on each shot. Whether the shot was fresh or broken down, she was able to take advantage of the Mastermind’s strength in the midlane and watch this ball just roll really heavy into the pocket.

Brandon’s test video:

Kerry’s test video:

Kerry’s Lineup Comparo: