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Brunswick has expanded its line of Carmen Salvino's C-(System) bowling balls by introducing the new C-System 4.5.  The 4.5 features the Chemical Friction Technology (CFT) coverstock that all the C-System balls utilize. The difference with the 4.5 is the ball has a lower friction factor than the 3.5, which gives you more length through the heads than the 3.5, but shorter than the 2.5, so it gives you more of a middle ground when the 2.5 doesn't hook enough, and the 3.5 is too much ball.

The I-Block symmetric core is a modification of the original asymmetrical I-Block core. By combining an asymmetric base with an asymmetric flip block, the two from a symmetric core, but maintains the high differential.

As always, we test all balls on 2 different patterns, the first being the typical house shot, and the second on the Cheetah pattern. The Cheetah pattern is 39ft with a flat oil ratio of 2:1.

Ball Test - House Pattern 40’

The C-System 4.5 is really a great general ball. This is the one you can start out with to get a good read of the lane. It’s shape is very predictable and gets a good read from the heads all the way through to the backends. It’s definitely a ball whose playability can be extended even when the lanes transition.

Brunswick recommends this ball for medium to oily lanes, but I found that its reaction is  better suited to medium to medium/dry lanes.

This ball is rated as having a very angular backend, however I would say its more like that strong arcing reaction you see with other balls like old Ebonite's Widow series. The backend is very smooth and predictable, but it does seem like it hits a lot softer than the other C-System balls.

On the typical house pattern, I lined up playing deep, crossing somewhere around 20, and swinging it out to 5-7. The balls reaction was smooth and predictable, you always knew where it was going off your hand. The ball definitely handles transitioning lanes well, as I really didn’t have to move much the entire time.

The C-System 4.5 gives a nice reaction on a typical house shot, you won’t evert get into trouble, but you will have to change angles around if the ball has trouble carrying.

Ball Test - Cheetah Pattern

This 39', sport compliant pattern features a flat, 2:1 ratio. It is a well balanced condition designed to appeal to varied bowling styles, from the straight player to the high rev rate, power player. Although the pattern allows multiple angles to the pocket it still requires consistency and accuracy to achieve and maintain a good scoring pace.

Most players choose to play as far outside on this pattern as possible, this is where the C-System shines.

I actually had quite a bit of room with this ball right from the start. It was very easy to read the front and mid-lane with this ball. I was able to play anywhere from 6 to 13 in the heads, and as long as I sent it to the gutter, the ball stood up and arced back to the pocket. This is where the balls weaker hit actually helped as the entry angle was so high.

When to Use this Ball

This is a great ball to use when your trying to line up, or your having trouble finding the pocket. Although the ball hits a little on the weak side, its extremely playable and predictable on virtually all lane conditions.

Like all the CFT coverstocks, the surface is very adaptable, you can sand or polish it to any grit and not lose the balls reaction.

Conclusion

I think this ball is a great “line-up” ball, but for some reason, I thought the ball hit too weak. But when your bowling and just can’t find the pocket, the 4.5 is a great choice to help you out when you lost.

I would be interested in hearing other comments if you have this ball, what you like and dislike. Login and Comment below!