Radical Vs Brunswick: A Clear Winner?

Brunswick and Radical are two bowling ball manufacturers with a long history in the sport. Brunswick, founded by John Moses Brunswick, has been a key player in the global growth of bowling, from standardising rules and organising the first American Bowling Congress to opening the first bowling centre in Moscow in 1976. Radical, on the other hand, is a newer company founded by notable bowling ball innovator Phil Cardinale. While both companies offer a range of bowling balls, a direct comparison between the two is complex as Brunswick acquired Radical Bowling in a major deal, with production moving to Brunswick's manufacturing plant. This means that Radical bowling balls are now produced under the Brunswick umbrella, with the brand renamed Radical Bowling Technologies.

Brunswick Radical Inferno Bowling Ball

The Brunswick Radical Inferno Bowling Ball is the first ball to be created with Brunswick's new Urethane casting machine. This machine is part of a "state-of-the-art" room full of high-tech equipment that monitors temperatures, pressures, and flow rates at every important point in the casting process. This has enabled Brunswick to produce a new class of Reactive coverstock, called Octane. Octane is the result of three years of research and development and is a perfect complement to the Activator coverstock balls known for their early revving action.

The Radical Inferno is in the "Highly Angular" ball reaction class and has an exceptionally strong backend. It is a good ball for medium to high rev players and is best suited for medium to drier lane conditions. It is not designed for heavily oiled lanes. The Radical Inferno is best suited for players with a consistent release, as it can be unforgiving for those with an inconsistent release.

Reviews for the Brunswick Radical Inferno Bowling Ball are mixed. Some users have praised the ball for its performance and versatility, noting that it can be used on a variety of shots and that it has strong backend traction. Others have criticized the ball for being difficult to control and unforgiving, especially on dry surfaces. Some users have also noted that the ball can burn out quickly and may not be suitable for certain lane conditions.

Ultimately, the Brunswick Radical Inferno Bowling Ball can be a good choice for experienced bowlers with consistent releases who are looking for a ball with strong backend performance. However, it may not be the best option for beginners or those with inconsistent releases.

Brunswick owns Radical

Brunswick Bowling & Billiards was historically a business segment of the Brunswick Corporation, encompassing billiards, bowling equipment and products, and bowling centers. In 2015, Brunswick Corporation sold its bowling equipment and products division to BlueArc Capital Management, a private investment firm. Despite the change in ownership, the division continues to operate under the Brunswick name, alongside other brands.

In 2019, Brunswick Corporation also divested its fitness equipment business, including the Brunswick Billiards division, which was sold to Escalade Sports. This marked a significant shift in the company's structure, as billiards had been its original product line since its founding in 1845.

In recent years, Brunswick Bowling has expanded its portfolio through acquisitions and agreements with other bowling ball companies. Notably, in 2019, Brunswick acquired Ebonite International and all of its bowling product brands. Additionally, in 2024, Brunswick signed a major deal with Radical Bowling, a high-tech ball company owned by notable bowling ball innovator Phil Cardinale.

As part of the agreement with Radical Bowling, the production of Radical bowling balls will be moved to the Brunswick manufacturing plant. The brand will be renamed Radical Bowling Technologies, and Phil Cardinale will continue his role in the development, sales, and promotion of the product line. This partnership brings together Brunswick's manufacturing capabilities and global reach with Radical's innovation and cult following among bowlers.

Through these strategic moves, Brunswick has solidified its position as a leader in the bowling industry, offering a comprehensive range of products and services to bowling centers and consumers worldwide. The addition of Radical Bowling Technologies to their portfolio further enhances Brunswick's reputation for technological advancement and innovation in the sport.

Radical's high-tech bowling balls

Radical Bowling is known for its unconventional core designs and aggressive coverstocks, resulting in bowling balls that offer a unique blend of power and control. The company was founded by Phil Cardinale and is committed to pushing the boundaries of bowling technology. Their dedication to challenging traditional norms has led to the development of the Radical Reax and DynamiCore technologies, setting them apart in the market.

Radical Bowling balls, such as the Radical Inferno, are designed to provide a competitive edge to both professional and amateur players. The Radical Inferno, for instance, takes advantage of Brunswick's Urethane casting machine, which incorporates enhanced control over processing parameters. This machine includes a sensor system that monitors temperatures, pressures, and flow rates, resulting in a new class of Reactive coverstock.

The Radical Bowling Company has gained recognition for its innovative approach and performance-driven design. Their focus on pushing the limits of ball dynamics has resulted in a loyal following of enthusiasts. The company offers a range of high-tech bowling balls, including the Radical Outer Limits Pearl, Radical Bigfoot Hybrid, and Radical Katana Assault, each designed to enhance a player's performance.

Radical's commitment to innovation and performance has made them a notable player in the bowling industry. Their balls are known for their unconventional designs and ability to offer both power and control. With a range of products catering to different skill levels, Radical Bowling continues to make waves, proving that their cutting-edge approach is key to their success.

Radical's bowling apparel

Radical Bowling Technologies is a high-tech ball company founded by notable bowling ball innovator Phil Cardinale. Radical bowling balls are designed and made in the USA, with apparel that uses CoolWick technology to keep bowlers 40% cooler. The brand was acquired by Brunswick Bowling in 2024, with the production of Radical bowling balls moving to Brunswick's manufacturing plant.

Radical bowling apparel is designed to make bowlers look their best on and off the lanes. The apparel is designed to be functional and fashionable, with a focus on performance and style. The clothing is made with lightweight and breathable materials to keep bowlers comfortable during play. The range includes shirts, pants, jackets, and accessories such as hats and gloves.

The shirts are designed to be form-fitting and flexible, allowing bowlers to move freely during their game. They are made with moisture-wicking fabric to keep bowlers dry and comfortable. The pants are designed with an athletic fit, featuring an elastic waistband and breathable fabric for maximum comfort.

Radical also offers a range of outerwear, including jackets and vests, to keep bowlers warm and dry during play. The outerwear is designed to be lightweight and packable, making it easy to carry and store. Additionally, Radical offers a range of accessories, such as hats, visors, and gloves, to complete the bowling outfit.

Radical bowling apparel is known for its quality and attention to detail. The brand uses premium materials and construction to ensure that the clothing is durable and long-lasting. The apparel is also designed to be stylish, with modern fits and fashionable details, allowing bowlers to look and feel their best during their game.

Brunswick's technological and manufacturing presence

Brunswick has established a notable technological and manufacturing presence worldwide. The company has state-of-the-art research and development facilities in Muskegon, Michigan, where they have developed innovative products such as the Urethane casting machine, which incorporates enhanced control over processing parameters. This technology has enabled them to produce a new class of Reactive coverstock for bowling balls.

Brunswick's manufacturing capabilities extend beyond the United States, with a pinsetter manufacturing plant in Székesfehérvár, Hungary. This international presence ensures that they can efficiently produce and distribute their products to a global market.

Brunswick's technological prowess is further demonstrated by their advanced, technology-driven solutions in the marine industry. They are committed to challenging convention and defining the future through their innovative approach. Their solutions are informed by deep consumer insights and a dedication to industry leadership.

Brunswick's diverse portfolio includes industry-leading brands in marine propulsion, such as Mercury Marine, Mercury Racing, and MerCruiser. They also offer a comprehensive collection of parts, accessories, distribution, and technology brands, ensuring they cater to a wide range of customer needs.

The company's technological capabilities are not limited to bowling and marine industries. They have also ventured into mobile and industrial applications, leveraging their advanced technologies to deliver exceptional solutions across multiple sectors.

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