Brunswick Ethos Solid Ball Review by Jeff Ussery

Layout: 60 degrees x 5 1/2" x 40 degrees

RG: 2.50"

Differential: .053"

M/b: n/a

Surface: 2000 grit sanded

Core shape: Symmetric

Manufacturer's Intent: Building on the legacy of the Ethos line, the Ethos Solid takes performance to the next level for medium to heavy oil lane conditions. Featuring the advanced SH 4.0 Solid reactive coverstock and a 2000 Siaair finish, this ball is engineered for strong, consistent traction and dynamic downlane motion—even in the toughest oil patterns. A follow-up to the original Ethos and the adaptable Ethos Hybrid, the Ethos Solid offers the control and power competitive bowlers need to stay ahead of the game.

Over the past few years, I've had really good luck with several symmetric core Brunswick balls, including Knock Out and Melee series balls. The original Ethos was an outstanding piece for many of our customers. With all of that past success, I was eager to try the new Ethos Solid from Brunswick. With a solid reactive cover finished at 2000, you know this ball is going to be searching for some oil to get through the front of the lane. The lower rg core system adds to that thirst for oil, with its high/fast revving nature.

I went with my pin up drilling for this aggressive ball and am very glad I did. A lower pin layout on this ball would have hooked extremely early for me. The pin up layout gives just enough length to the Ethos Solid to make it usable on medium oil lane conditions. As I mentioned earlier, this ball is very fast revving off the hand with its low rg, center heavy core shape. The medium/high differential also gives Ethos Solid plenty of track flare to handle some heavier oil conditions. Based on how aggressive my ball is, I could easily see this ball handling heavier oil lane patterns if a little more surface texture was applied to it.

If you enjoyed the original Ethos or Ethos Hybrid, you're going to like this piece in the upper end of your bag. But keep in mind it's going to be very smooth rolling. Lower rg balls with covers this strong are not going to come off of the spot very quickly. Even and arc is what you should be thinking when considering the Ethos Solid. It's also going to be excellent on sport conditions where you want to control the breakpoint at all times.

I didn't try any surface changes here, but they typically don't pair well with the dull covers from Brunswick. We prefer to keep their dull balls dull, and their shiny balls shiny. This one is early and strong enough that we're likely to recommend it to our higher speed and hook challenged players.

If you're looking for a new stronger arcing ball, take a look at the new Brunswick Ethos Solid. We have these in stock in both 14# and 15# at Total Bowling Gear.