Brunswick balls, Aura vs Mastermind?

[zdawg]

So I'm looking into new balls, and one in particular that was recommended to me is the Aura which I guess is about a year old (the ball is brand new I mean it came out about a year ago). The local proshop still has about four of these, that he is selling for 179.99 (includes drilling) which is his clearance price I guess. After doing some research, it looks like the Mastermind is about $135 plus the $50 to get him to drill it, is about the same price - $5 difference.

Reading the stuff on bowlingball.com it appears that these two balls are pretty similar (lane conditions etc), my question is what's the difference with the finish as the Aura is very shiny and the Mastermind doesn't appear to be.

Is there any significant difference between the two that I might be missing, because if not I'm thinking I might as well go with the newer ball.

[e-tank]

OOB the master mind is going to hook sooner due to the lower rg and 1500 grit sanded finish vs the polished finish of the aura

OOB finish isnt set in stone and both could be changed if need be

[bowl1820]

Both balls are very similar in spec's, The Mastermind looks to be a little stronger.

The Aura is shiny do to it being finished with Rough Buff, The Mastermind on the other hand was finished without using a polish. This may be what contributes to it having a slightly higher hook rating.


Aura: Box Finish: 500 Siaair Micro Pad;Rough Buff
Strengths: The new coverstock is the biggest asset of the Aura. The cover is long and strong by nature and takes to changes exceptionally well.

Weakness: At the box finish, some bowlers will struggle on heavy volumes of oil while others will struggle on dry. Too much of either of these conditions will need surface adjustments.

Overall: This one is best on medium heavy conditions and offers more length and back end that earlier Brunswick products.

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Mastermind: Box Finish: 500/1500 SiaAir
Strengths: The ability of this ball to create traction is its biggest strength. We have not seen anything close to this much hook from Brunswick besides the Paranormal Aura.

Weakness: Dry lanes will have this ball in the bag quickly. There are plenty of weaker options than trying to tame down this hooking monster.

Overall: The Mastermind is the Brunswick ball to own for heavy oil patterns. This ball can hook on anything.

[zdawg]

Thanks guys, looks like the balls are pretty similar. I think I may have found a really good deal online on the Aura, if so I think I'll go with that. Otherwise, I think I'll go with the Mastermind.