The one with the (triple) “X” Factor…

Our next test is of the Brunswick Nexxxus f(P+S) or the “triple x”. As usual, keep in mind that the coverstock will account for 70% of ball reaction while the core characteristics and drilling will dictate the shape of the reaction.

Michael Raquidan is our tester this time around. He is a rev-dominant Powere Stroker with PAP of 4 x 1 5/8 up.
Layout: 50 x 4 x 45

Generally speaking, the intent of these layouts will be to get into an earlier roll and have a medium transition at the breakpoint with large flare and good length overall.

Test Condition:
THS: Kegel Main Street, 41 ft, 19.3 ml, 7.2:1 ratio
Sport: 2012 USBC Open, 39 ft, 26.1 ml, 2:1 ratio

Please work with your local pro shop operator to find what best works for you.

First Impressions
The Triple X is a beast and easily the best of the Nexus balls to date.

Price 8/10
The Nexxxus is a high end ball with a commensurate price.

Core
The Triple X uses the Nexus Arrowhead core. It’s an asymmetric core with RG of 2.56, differential of 0.056, and mass bias of 0.012. This core allows for good length, while offering a nicely defined move on the backend. You know, I feel like I’ve seen this core before… Wait, I have. The Columbia World Beater from last season used a core that was also called the Arrowhead and while it was symmetric, it had very similar specs. The big move on the backend is also reminiscent.

Cover 9/10
Brunswick calls the cover the Adaptive f(P+S) pearl. Whatever they call it, it plain works. It’s finished with 500 Siaair Micro Pad and Rough Buff so it’s a gritty pearl, even though it looks fairly shiny. The cover offers consistent traction in the midlane while still allowing for good length. It also reacts strongly to dry boards which means this ball will really move on the backend.

Reaction 9/10
The Brunswick Nexxxus f(P+S) is the real deal. This is the best Nexus ball by far. It’s not that the others were awful. This ball really is just more than the sum of its parts. What we see is a ball that combines a higher RG core with a strong pearl cover. This does three things: allow for good length, allow for a consistent midlane reaction, and allow for big backend. I think this offers the best of all worlds. You have a ball that can have a clean look up front, a consistent read in the midlane, and a powerful move on the backend. The clean look up front will make it a bit more usable than say the maxxed out which will want to read earlier. This ball seems to react like a hybrid. It reminded me a bit of the Roto Grip Critical Theory. I think there are some obvious differences in some of the reaction characteristics, but in terms of having a strong pearl ball that can be used on higher volume patterns with consistency and strong backend, they both do that.
This ball will be a little strong for medium or medium light patterns, especially if you have the kind of hand Mikey does. However, this ball will be usable on several THS patterns and volumes for most bowlers.
The Nexxxus was also usable on the 2012 USBC Open pattern, although again it’s on the stronger side for this pattern. It offered the same consistent reaction, but actually gave Mikey a little more room at the breakpoint with how strong it is on the backend.

Digitrax Analysis

I recently talked about the high entry angles the C-System maxxed-out created. The Nexxxus f(P+S) blew that out of the water on both THS and Sport patterns. Yes, I know Mikey has lots of hand but this is simply ridiculous. If a stroker can get half that entry angle, you would still have a ton of movement. These lanes do play with very strong and clean backends so you’ll have to relate this to your house. However, it’s all relative and this ball has created extreme entry angles.

Overall 9/10
The Brunswick Nexxxus f(P+S) will likely be a big hit for the big B. For those who have been looking for a strong skid/flip potential ball for use on medium or heavier THS, this is it. It also offered an above average look on the Sport shot. Recall the original Nexus Pearl also created high entry angles, but that ball was no where near as strong an overall ball reaction. It was also much more condition specific. Not so with the Triple X. Brunswick fans will have a heck of a lot to cheer about with this offering.

Brunswick Lineup