This Melee is a nice Jab in the face…

First Impressions
Now I get why Brunswick called the other Melee the Cross. With the strong heavy roll, it simulates a Cross while this pearlized version simulates a shorter, punchier Jab.

Our Testers:
Kerry Smith
Stroker: 225 rpm
PAP: 5 1/8 & 3/4 up
Axis tilt: 13 degrees
Axis rotation: ~45 degrees
Layout: 85 x 3.5 x 50

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
Layout: 60 x 4.5 x 75

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.

Test Patterns:
41ft THS, 12:1, 24ml
House: 222 Dutch Lanes, Ephrata, PA

Thanks to Jeffrey Smith of Pure It Pro Shop in Lebanon, PA, our partner for ball reviews.

Value 8.5/10
The Brunswick Melee Jab offers good bang for the buck. With the change to the lower RG core in this line, Brunswick has found a gem of a line. Excellent versatility from the Cross and Jab.

Specs
The Brunswick Melee Jab uses the same Melee Low RG Symmetric as in the Cross but overlaying it in a cover called Savvy Hook Pearl Reactive. It has a nice low RG of 2.487 and diff of .050. It’s finished with 500 Siaair Micro Pad; Royal Compound. I’ve always liked the Royal Compound finish on top of a rough surface.

Overall 8.5/10
It is easily clear watching both Kerry and Brandon throw this ball how easy it was to get to the pocket and carry. The Melee Jab is another very versatile benchmark-type ball. Out of the box surface allows this ball to cover medium to medium-light conditions. Cover allows very comfortable length while the combined low RG core has this ball see a strong move on the backends. From our experience, combining low RG cores with pearlized cover stocks tends to generate very strong downlane motion and this one is no exception. You can see that whether you are a stroker or cranker. Both bowlers were easily able to use the ball on this medium condition. You can play direct lines and see strong entry angles. With higher revs, you can get in and wheel this one and it will easily make the turn back through the pins.
Another thing to point out is that it offers a very nice match to the house shot in terms of reaction. Missing outside allows the ball to wheel back. Miss in and it sits just a bit. Either way it just seems to generate the right balance of “tipping” towards the pocket which offers great forgiveness and versatility.

Highlights
The Melee Jab offers itself as the perfect partner to the Melee Cross. You can start with the Cross and transition to the Jab when you need a cleaner look through the heads and midlane. Just like in boxing, these 2 are a knockout pair. Sorry, I had to do it…

Digitrax analysis coming soon…