20 Best Bowling Ball For Medium To Heavy Oil (2023 Updated)

The Roto Grip RST X-2 features a brand new ETRAX Plus Pearl reactive coverstock with the Roto Star Asymmetric Core. The X-2 has a medium RG of 2. 53 a high differential of 0. 053 and a low intermediate differential of 0.

016. To bring this all together, the eTrax coverstock is the most responsive coverstock down lane created to date by Roto Grip combined with the Roto Star core gives you a more aggressive and responsive than the Rubicon UC2 or the Idol Synergy.

The X-2 is going to give you a true reactive response on a variety of conditions by easily clearing the front of the lane while responding to the friction downlane. The layout chosen was a 15 x 3 3/4 by 45 which will give the ball a smooth reaction shape which changes direction the least, best when controlling the pocket and on wet/dry patterns we see on house shots or sport when they become cliffed.

I did a ball comparison to the Roto Grip RST X-1, Storm Dark Code and 900 Global Zen on a 42 ft house shot pattern at Pin Station Lanes. First up is the Roto Grip RST X-1. The RST X-1 with the same core but with the Microtrax hybrid coverstock gives you that blend of continuous smooth motion through the midlane then you see how the Roto Star Tour asymmetric core comes together with a very round shape dowlane.

The X-2 compared to the X-1 you will see its more continuous through the midlane but has more pop on the backend then the X-1. So basically when you start leaving the flat 10 switch to the RST X-2 to get the 10 out.

Next is the Storm Dark Code, the Dark Code has REX Coverstock which is a combination of the NEX with R2S. The Storm Dark Code is very smooth and continuous through the heads and midlane and saves all of its energy for the backend.

The RST X-2 is stronger than the dark code by several boards. The last ball in the comparison portion of the video is the 900 Global Zen. The 900 Global Zen featuring the Meditate core is is continuous and smooth through the fronts but when its sees friction it takes off.

You will see here I kept on moving 4 and 2 left to see which ball out hooks the other and the Zen won once I got really deep inside. But this comparison shows you just how strong and versatile both balls are.

In my bag, Zen, RST X-1, the X-2, the Storm Dark Code, then the Hyroad Pearl.

Gem • Performance Line • HP4 Core •Defiant LRG Core Coverstock • MicroTrax (Micro Nanoparticle Traction) Solid Reactive Finish • 2000 Grit Abralon Weight • 15 lbs. RG •2. 47 Differential •. 053 Int. Diff •.

016 Layout • 4 x 5 x 2 1/2 Tester PAP • 5″ R, 5/8″ D Tester Axis Tilt • 11° Tester Rev Rate • 325 Test Pattern • 42′ THS (Typical House Shot) • Modified, Kegel Stone Street There is truth to the statement, “Sometimes evolution can spark new life into technology.

” And with the release of the Gem, Roto Grip has sparked a brilliant new dimension into their HP4 line. With the Defiant LRG Core and MicroTrax Solid Cover combination, the Gem delivers a powerful, cutting-edge new look to your ball motion.

So let’s break it down on a THS! The heart of the Gem is the Defiant LRG Core. And I loved how this core reacted from the first shot! The Defiant LRG Core rev’s smoothly and earlier like you would see in a strong symmetrical core.

However, when it makes the turn and stands up, it enters the roll phase with a rolling thunder of power! So if you are a straighter, low rev player like me, this core is ideal for your game! And what I found most appealing about the Defiant LRG was although, being it is a low RG core, it flared (hooked) more than expected.

Yet it also delivered an impressively powerful continuation through the pins! So down and in, players will love the Defiant LRG’s potential to dispense those frustrating ten pins even without having six degrees of entry angle! The MicroTrax Solid reactive cover is well-suited for straighter and down and in players.

And being the MicroTrax is a strong solid cover, you can count on its teeth to bite into heavy oil! Yet, although it is an aggressive cover, I found the MicroTrax Solid didn’t overreact to friction. I saw a smooth transition coming off the pattern on fresh oil playing the nine board.

Then as the THS pattern began to break down, I liked how this MicroTrax cover blended the wet/dry conditions that developed. And as a straighter player, I enjoyed moving my target in decisively without worrying if I had enough hand to make the Gem turn off the pattern! The MicroTrax cover gave me the confidence to stand left while still retaining the Gem’s intense hitting power.

In closing, I was impressed with this new release from Roto Grip! The Gem performs brilliantly for down and in players and those with a challenged rev rate! And with the Defiant LRG’s asymmetrical core and the MicroTrax Solid reactive cover, the Gem will be a powerful tool to add to your arsenal.

So have your local pro shop operator drill yours up and tweak the Gem’s surface today, then see for yourself why the Gem is the jewel in your arsenal! Rick Klimowicz Storm Products Pro Shop Staff Roll the Ball Pro shop Penndel, PA.

The Dark Code was one of a few I was able to test out in my initial looks at the 2020-2022 Storm Products. You see it’s been 10 years since I have actually thrown the SPI products. A lot has changed but not the motion you get out of them.

They definitely react down the lane. The Dark Code included. In my first initial thoughts, I felt like it would be a great game 2 or game 3 ball when rolling it. Seemed like for me the ball was hit and miss on fresh until the lane developed more.

Like some I went into the first few fresh shots, thinking of the Code series of balls and I feel that is a slight mistake. The role of the Dark Code is to roll a bit smoother and save energy with that R2X Cover.

It’s a tad weaker cover and allows for a clean entry angle through the fronts. Leaving room for a whippy change of direction down-lane. On the fresh I found that using a 3000 abralon pad to knock the shine off the cover and it is very user friendly from game one through game 3.

For me this ball would fit in between the 900 Global Altered Reality and the Wolverine. This would be a great addition to anyone’s bag! Very Predictable.

I love Storm bowling balls and this one is my absolute favorite. This ball does exactly what I need it to do everytime! My average has gone up 30 points in 2 weeks since I got this ball. I’ve been bowling for the last 7 years and while my average has increased, its never increased this much this fast.

This ball should be in everyone’s bag. Thanks Storm!!.

The Hyroad pearl is the latest addition to the Thunder line of bowling balls in the Storm catalog. The Hyroad has been a mainstay of the Storm line for about five years so it doesn’t come as a surprise (albeit how long it took) for another version of this ball to come down the pike.

The core is the same as the T-Road series, as well as the Hyroad, Fe2. The cover is R2S pearl, which is much stronger than the R2S pearl that was on the T-Road pearl. Materials are much improved upon compared to the original release on the R2S pearl cover, allowing the current version to read oil better, while still having a strong change of direction.

The Hyroad pearl replaces the Victory Road in the current line-up. I drilled the Hyroad pearl with pin over ring finger and CG on the grip line. It is the same layout I use on almost all pearl balls, when drilling a new one to be able to give accurate feed back with my reviews.

The comp balls will be a Victory Road, and a Freak’n Frantic. One thing I would like to mention before going further with my review has to do with how core RG relates to different styles of players. It is important to keep in mind that how higher RG cores may react for my style can be different for how they react for another player.

For example, for me, a low to medium rev player with a higher ball track (lower tilt) and softer speed, I really see the difference in high RG to low RG balls. Bowling balls like the Hyroad pearl with a higher RG and medium diff, actually goes down the lane longer and has less board coverage than what the lower RG, lower diff Freak’n Frantic does for me.

So for my unique roll, the Hyroad pearl is actually a ball down from the Freak’n Frantic. Now a player that has more revs, and can apply more torque to the ball than what I do, will find that this increased torque actually makes the Hyroad pearl a stronger piece than the Freak’n Frantic, because of how the core reads the lane based on applied rotation.

They can get the ball to cover more boards because the ball hasn’t “spun up” as quick as what the Freak’n Frantic would. Plus, the added speed would not allow the Freak’n Frantic’s lower RG to “read” the front of the lane the way I can get it to.

So with all of that said, I have the Hyroad pearl as about a three with my feet and two with my mark, left move compared to my Freak’n Frantic. It gets to the spot much cleaner, and has less over all motion.

The shape is a skid snap for me. The Hyroad pearl gets down the lane a touch longer than an identically drilled Victory Road, and “flips” off the spot a touch more than the Victory Road. I have the Hyroad as a one and one left move from the Victory Road.

The Hyroad has a hook-set shape closer resembling the original Reign. The Victory is more rounded and continuous. This ball seems to like the new Kegel Fire oil, as it doesn’t slow down too early, and doesn’t over hook.

At 38 feet, and 18ml’s of oil on our house shot, It glides easily to the spot with very little effort and has a great change of direction for good entry angle and pin carry, especially as the shot dries up and I have to move in.

The Hyroad pearl will see a lot of use from me when the fronts start to go away, and I need push to the spot. This ball will allow me to keep my angles in front of me on lower ratio side to side patterns, that don’t have much built in hold.

Thank you for taking the time to read my review of the Hyroad Pearl. And always remember to bowl up a Storm.

The 900 Global Zen Master features the S77 Response Cover and the Mediate Symmetric Core. The Zen Master has a low RG of 2. 49 a high differential of 0. 051. To bring this all together, the solid S77 coverstock will rev up quickly going through the fronts and midlane and have a rounded shape on the backend.

The layout chosen was a 60 x 3 x 40 which will give you a strong angular arc reaction shape, normal transition time and a hook/set ball roll. With this layout the Zen Master will be great on a variety of patterns such as a medium to long sport or a fresh house shot.

I did a ball comparison to the 900 Global Reality, Zen and the Storm Dark Code. At two different houses, at Rainbow Lanes there was a THS down and at Before the First Frame in Henderson is the 45ft Dragon Pattern First up is the 900 Global Reality.

The Reality features the S84 Response coverstock with the Disturbance core. The Reality is stronger on how it starts up sooner but downlane the Zen Master will keeps up with the Reality. Next is the 900 Global Zen.

The Zen has the S77 Response Pearl cover and Mediate Symmetric core and a great compliment to the Zen Master. You will see how the Zen Master starts up sooner but the Zen will jump harder into the pocket where you can really open up your angles.

The last ball in the comparison is the Strom Dark Code. The Dark Code features the REX cover with the Rad 4 asymmetric core. The Dark Code was weaker by 4 boards which will be great on the transition on either house or sport.

In the Bag, the Zen Master will be the first out the bag followed by the Zen, the Dark Code, RST X-2 and Storm Hyroad.

Color: Megenta/Black/Green Core: Meditate Symmetric Coverstock: S77 Response Solid Reactive Finish: 3000 Grit Abralon Hook Potential: High Length: Medium Recommended Lane Condition: Medium-Heavy Oil RG: 2.

50 (for 14# ball) Differential: 0. 051 (for 14# ball) The Zen Master is a very strong ball. It hooks more then the original Zen and is a little smoother having the solid cover. On THS this ball would be a great option for longer THS or heavier volumes.

On drier THS or shorter THS, this ball might be too much for slower speed and higher rev players. Layout: 55 x 4 5/8 x 55 which puts the pin in my ring finger. surfaces tried 1000, 500/2000, 500/3000.

Sport Shot: This ball was so much better on sport shots then on THS for me. This worked extremely well on 46ft Dragon. I found 500/3000 to be the best surface for me. Compared to the original Zen, this ball was more controllable but sometimes would just hit flat after burning up in the dry.

If you are a speed dominant player or matched, then this ball will shine. If you are rev dominant with slower speeds this might be a hard ball to succeed with and will be more lane pattern specific. Dan Schank PBA Member Storm Pro Shop Staff Turbo Grips Staff.

The Nova is a bowling ball that I can see myself throwing a lot in multiple environments. The Nova features a revolutionary Ignition core which is paired with an innovative R2X coverstock technology.

A strong asymmetrical core has a lot of flare potential and this coverstock seems to get down the relatively easy. I drilled my Nova with a pin-down layout with hopes of stretching the roll phase and reducing the flare potential.

I am pleasantly surprised with the cleanliness of the Nova as well as its continuation. The Nova seems to be quite versatile and responds very well to changes in release. The R2X coverstock allows the Nova to stay online easier and the Ignition core produces enough continuation for more open launch angles.

I believe the Nova fits well between the Proton PhysiX and the Dark Code. I think the Nova works best on fresh medium patterns, especially at the bowling centers that have older/more worn lane surfaces.

The Nova allows me to start with straighter angles and then open-up my launch angles as the patterns transition. I also believe that, with a little more surface, the Nova works well on shorter patterns when there is a lot of carry-down from urethane bowling balls.

Lastly, because the Nova is quite versatile, I think it works well on fresh house-shots as it blends the over/under reaction quite well. The Nova will be my go-to asymmetrical bowling ball in the upcoming tournaments.

Cover: NeX (Nano Extreme) Solid Core: Atomic Core Finish: 2000 RG: 2. 48 Differential: 0. 053 ME: Right-Handed Tweener Speed: 12-13 mph Rev Rate: 315 PAP: 4 7/8 Right 3/8 Up Ball Layout: Pin in Middle Finger 60 X 5 1/2 X 50 The new Proton Physix takes two powerhouse performers; the Atomic core featured in the Physix and Astro Physix combined with the NEX solid cover featured on the original Axiom.

The result is. you guessed it, HOOK! The NEX coverstock’s Nano formulation will dominate high volume patterns while the Atomic core provides the hook and hit. I tested the Proton Physix (or attempted to) on my normal house shot.

My league house is notorious for friction in the front of the lane. It didn’t take many shots to figure out that even on a freshly oiled lane, the cover of the Proton Physix would not ignore the front of the lane enough to be useful for me in league.

Rather than trying to make it work, I opted to wait until I was on a condition where it would be right. I got my opportunity when the pattern league in our house put out the PBA Dragon pattern. I managed to get some practice in on a freshly dressed lane and boy oh boy did the Proton look great.

I usually try to get a feel for what a ball will do in multiple parts of the lane. On 45 feet of oil I often don’t feel like I have the flexibility to play different parts of the lane. I first tried playing straighter with the Proton, using the friction in the track but not really trying to be under the ball.

The Proton was exceptional here, probably due partly to the weaker layout I had opted for. This by far was the area where I felt like i had the most miss room. The cover corrected shots where I was a bit too clean out of the ball and the pattern length gave me plenty of hold.

I then figured I’d move in and play where I would normally play when looking at the graph, a slight left to right fade but keeping the ball fairly tight to the headpin. This also gave me a good look, somewhat better than i was expecting as I usually opt for ball that are a little quicker to create the angle in a smaller window down-lane.

The ball would save shots that leaked a bit into the track but I could still overthrow the ball and take three off the right if missed it with this angle. This again may have been due to the layout I chose.

I didn’t spend alot of time deeper and trying to roll it as I felt with the slower transition layout I had less miss room as I got left. My takeaway from the testing was that I wouldn’t recommend the Proton Physix in any house where you don’t have oil in the front of the lane.

It should look best on house shots for Rev Challenged/Speed Dominant players. However this is a ball that any bowler who bowls on tournament patterns should own. My single criticism is that this ball is too strong for higher friction surfaces and lower speed bowlers.

Another addition to the historically successful line of Hustle’s at Roto Grip is the Hustle Camo. Featuring the VTC solid coverstock, a symmetrical weightblock, an RG of 2. 53 and differential of. 030, the Hustle Camo is specifically designed for medium-lighter oil patterns.

The purpose of the Hustle line has never changed but continues to be very successful. I’ve noticed players have the most success with the Hustle Camo when some of the high performance balls are simply too strong such as the Reality, Zen Master, or Rubicon.

I’ve also noticed players who like to “camp out” in one spot of the lane and simply “ball down,” the Hustle Camo should be the next ball you drill. I’ve drilled one so far and think it rolls great. I always recommend drilling balls with a low differential (.

030) stronger to make sure they flare and hook enough. I drilled mine as 4 x 4 x 75. This puts the pin above my middle finger and I also left the surface at box (1500). If you need a ball for lighter volume oil patterns or if you want something you don’t have to move major zones with and let’s you stay to the right longer, consider drilling a Hustle Camo.

I think you’ll be impressed, especially for the price point.

Admittedly, I haven’t been able to throw a lot of urethane. Even though I am left-handed, my speed and rev rate doesn’t seem to typically match up to where urethane can be in play for me. This has changed, given the Purple Hammer.

For me, this ball has the shape of a urethane ball but the look and power of a reactive resin ball. This ball will see a lot of action when the patterns are shorter – probably nothing longer than 38’ – and the volume is medium to heavy.

This will help me get the ball down the lane, still retain some energy, and make a predictable move to the pocket. Recently, I competed in a PBA Regional on the Marshall Holman Pattern (38’), and I was able to play around the first arrow and get the ball to the pocket.

The ball didn’t overreact, and the only time I had trouble with it was when I threw it through the breakpoint. This ball will be in my bag when traveling to tournaments and the upcoming league season when the lanes get a little over/under, and I’m looking for a piece to help me manage the pocket but still score.

If you are a tournament bowler, you must have the Purple Hammer in your bag. There truly is something special about it.

After watching the reviews and researching this ball I took the plunge and ordered one. Ireally liked the hooking action on the end of the ball run which is why I got it (Left handed bowler). I have been practicing with the ball for two weeks now and I just cannot get the hook I am looking for.

My Bowling instructor cannot figure it out as he has the original Purple Hammer and has a wicked hook on his throws. I’m trying to figure out if the ball was not drilled correctly?. I dunno, I aout to give up on this ball and write off the expense.

The Wolverine by 900 Global is an awesome bowling ball if you are looking for a bowling ball to be super clean and wildly aggressive on the backend. The shell is the S70 Pearl Reactive and the core is the Lacerate 2.

0 Symmetric which puts the RG at 2. 54 and the diff at. 053 (15lbs). That just means distance with a lot of recovery! The Wolverine is Phenomenal when the fronts get blown up and you must move left and get it going to the right, there is no quit on the backend for this fella.

The layout I chose for the Wolverine was 5 ½ X 5 X 2 1/2, The pin position will emphasis length (5 ½), the second number is not important it just gets the imaginary mass bias close to the thumb hole and the buffer is at 2 ½ in my experience for me that allows the bowling ball some time to transition.

My coordinates are 300 rev rate, PAP 5 5/8 over and ¾ up and I like to play close to the friction. The Wolverine will push and recover with ease. What I found that by taking some of the shine off maybe with a 2000 or 3000 pad the squirt through the front is diminished but the backend is still ferocious.

I always have issues with over under with pearlized bowling balls at the beginning of league or whatever. What I found with the Wolverine is it only lasts during practice or the first couple of shots, but you must be careful not to get it out too far or it will jump….

Later, in the session that jumpiness is a total blessing and will help you open the lane like a can opener. The combination of strength with aggression down lane makes this ball a must for bad backends, rotational challenged or just like to stand left and get it right.

The Wolverine’s motion is very similar to Idol Pearl but just stronger overall. The Wolverine is a bowling ball that can be used under different conditions and different styles. This is one Pearl Bowling Ball that I would recommend especially if the center is a touch on the dry side or the backends are beat up! The Wolverine is another great bowling ball by 900 Global.

Wolverine Ball Specs Cover Stock: S70 Pearl Finish: 1500 Grit Polished Layout:5 x 4 x 4 RG: 2. 54 Differential: 0. 053 Review A new ball with the great s70 coverstock, always gets my attention. Then combining the cores of my favorite 900 global balls, badger and honey badger, the only question I ask myself was why did I wait on this ball.

When reviewing this ball, after testing the Nova, I immediately remembered everything I every loved about all badgers. These balls are just good. Here comes the wolverine, and like its superhero counter part, it pulls out its claws and goes to work.

To me, this ball was a little sooner than the gold honey badger, later than the white hot badger, with all the back end you could ever ask for. If you were a fan of the honey badger or the white hot badger, ask yourself now, WHY DO I NOT HAVE A WOLVERINE.

The cover is versatile and while this may not be a typical benchmark ball, this ball is certainly one that should be in your carry bags to all events. My ball review videos are posted on YouTube channel: Sean Daniels.

Sean Daniels 900 Global Staff Member Hillsboro, Oregon.

Summary The Black Widow Ghost features the original Gas Mask core shape the bowling world knows and loves and is combined with a Carbon Fiber outer core for durability and power. This familiar core system is wrapped with the Aggression Pearl and has a 500, 1000, 1500 Siaair/ Crown Factory Compound finish.

BALL SPECS Pin Length: 3-4 Ball Weight: 15lb DRILL PATTERN Layout: Pin up with everything stacked half inch to the right BOWLER STYLE Rev Rate: 400 Ball Speed: 15 mph PAP/Track: 4 inches over SURFACE PREP Finish: 500,1000,1500 Siaair/Crown Factory Compound LANE CONDITION Length: 40ft Volume: 45 UL Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): THS BALL REACTION On a scale of 1-10 ( 1=Low, 10 = High ) Length: 7 Back End: 7.

5 Overall Hook: 8 Midlane Read: 3 Breakpoint Shape: Aggressive Midlane and backend COMMENTS Likes: This ball is a can’t miss piece. The original widows were the balls that got me on the Hammer team nearly 15 years ago now.

The Ghost is very clean through the heads and is snappy off the spot. Once it touches the friction it will make a strong move to the pocket. I am able to the loop the lane with less speed and get up the lane with some speed and bounce it off the friction.

This ball is just a touch weaker than my Obsession Tour Pearl with the pin up drill. This ball is a very bright White, if you’re into shelf appeal this one does have it, but will get dirty easily, so pick up some Hammer Tough Scrub too.

This ball would make a great addition to anyone’s bag. Go out and see your local Pro Shop operator Today, you won’t be disappointed. Nothing Hits Like a Hammer.

Here is my take on the new Hammer Black Widow 2. 0. The Hammer Black Widow 2. 0 features the well-known, proven Gas Mask core wrapped by the Aggression Solid cover. The Black Widow 2. 0 is Black/Red in color and factory finish is 2000 Siaair.

My “vitals” are a 405 rev rate with a PAP of 5 9/16 over and 1/8 up. I drilled the Black Widow 2. 0 with a 55 x 5 ½ x 28 layout and have used on both fresh and leftover THS, a left over medium distance challenge pattern and fresh Kegel Tungsten.

I have thrown it at factory finish and 4000 Abralon. The purpose of the Black Widow 2. 0 was to recreate the original ball motion of the 2006 original Black Widow, but for today’s slicker oils/higher volumes etc.

Over the years, I have had good success with Gas Mask core equipment because they always seem to clear the fronts and retain energy to show strong continuous back end motion. After working with the new Widow 2.

0 for several days in different environments, the stated objective of the Widow 2. 0 was achieved. Notwithstanding the aggressive cover and surface preparation, the Widow 2. 0 did clear the fronts with ease.

The backend motion is best described as strong/continuous. Compared to a similarly drilled Redemption Solid (which shares a similar cover/surface prep) the Widow 2. 0 is definitely cleaner through the front and stronger in the back.

When prepped with 4000 Abralon, the ball shows even greater length but I preferred the box surface as I felt the more aggressive surface was a little less sensitive to transition. My experience with the Gas Mask core has shown that different ball motions can easily be achieved with different layouts.

From what I have seen, this ball should be very versatile for a number of different bowlers in many environments. The Widow 2. 0 ideally should excel on medium to heavy volume patterns with medium to longer distances.

See your local proshop for more on the Hammer Black Widow 2. 0.

LANE CONDITION Length:43 Volume: High Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):THS COMMENTS Cover: S62 Pearl Reactive Core: Centroid Symmetric Finish: 1500 Polish RG: 2. 53 Differential: 0. 037 ME: Right-Handed Tweener Speed: 12-13 mph Rev Rate: 315 PAP: 4 7/8 Right 3/8 Up Ball Layout: Pin over Ring 5 inch pin to pap 1 1/2 inch pin buffer The new Burner series ball add a great performing pair of balls to the entry level price point for 900 global.

The Pearl verison of the S62 coverstock is definitely the more responsive of the two balls. The centroid core provides predictable motion where you see more friction and the S62 pearl cover makes it kick when you get it there.

I tested the Burner Pearl this summer on the higher friction house pattern at my home center. I was a bit surprised at where I had to stand on the fresh. This ball really gets off the spot so I couldn’t cheat as close to the friction as I did with the solid Burner.

This made it ideal for when the lanes broke down a bit more and I needed a ball that could get through the front and create angle through the pins. THe Burner pearl didn’t disappoint, it was nice not to have to really hit up on the ball to make it shape enough to carry.

I’ve also found since our pattern has been lengthened and the volume raised that balls that can create more shape on a shorter back-end have been helpful. The burner pearl gives me a great option once the track burns up a bit.

BALL SPECS Ball Weight: 15 lbs DRILL PATTERN Ball: 65 x 5 3/4 x 50 X Hole (if there is one): none BOWLER STYLE Rev Rate: 375 rpms Ball Speed:17. 5 mph off hand PAP/Track: 4 5/8 over 3/4 up SURFACE PREP Grit: 4000 Siaair BALL REACTION Length: Clean Back End: Skid/Flip COMMENTS The Melee Jab Carbon is a great long and strong medium condition type ball.

This one brings back memories of the original Melee Jab and is great in any situations where friction is present. This one is currently may favorite ball in my bag. The Jab Carbon plays well from multiple angles and I have successfully bowled 3 games of league with 10 people on a pair with it.

Amongst recent balls, this one is as responsive as the Midnight Blue Jab with the length of the Blood Red Jab. In my opinion this is the most angular ball currently in the line. If your looking for long and strong, hit em’ with the Melee Jab Carbon.

The Brunswick Melee Jab Carbon has looked awesome for me so far. My PSO put holes in it Saturday and I won a tournament with it Sunday averaging 246 for the 6 games I used it. That Melee core is a proven staple in the line.

It has proven itself over and over and over with all the Melee’s, Knockouts, The Uppercut & others. This particular one is using a new formulation of pearl coverstock called A. X. H. For me it is nice and clean with easy length and hits really hard.

I really like this ball to be in the arsenal.

The new Axiom Pearl in the Master line of bowling balls from Storm, the Bowlers Company, uses the same Orbital core found in the solid version, but with a new cobalt/graphite/candy apple pearl cover called NeX pearl Reactive.

This version comes from the factory with a 1500 grit polished finish. The Axiom pearl numbers in 15lb bowling balls is 2. 48 Rg with a differential of 0. 050. I drilled my Axiom pearl with a 4. 5” pin and a 4” pin buffer.

This layout puts the pin just below my ring finger, as I have a PAP of 5” straight across. Comparing the pearl Axiom to a solid Axiom drilled with the same pin placement, the pearl is cleaner through the front part of the lane, and is a more pronounced change of direction off the spot.

This motion is better suited for when the lanes have a bit of play on them, and the backends have softened up a touch, or when there isn’t enough oil in the heads to get a solid Axiom through the front of the lane.

The Axiom pearl is also better suited when chasing oil depletion of a pattern throughout the course of a tournament. I have used the Axiom pearl on many different patterns from sport to challenge as well as blended league patterns, and like it a lot.

The pearl Axiom is at least a 3 and 2 move in to find more oil than my Idol pearl, drilled the same. The Axiom pearl is on the list for every tournament that I go to that has a pattern of at least 39 feet in length with medium to medium high volumes of oil.

Even though the Axiom pearl has a defined change of direction, it is still very useful on more blended patterns and sport shots that have lower left to right ratios. I really like the Axiom Pearl. Not only does it have a great color combination, but the performance on the lanes is outstanding.

Seek out your local Storm VIP pro shop and drill an Axiom pearl so that you too can bowl up a Storm!.

Ball Specs: Coverstock: NeX Pearl Reactive Weight Block: Orbital Core RG: 2. 48 Diff:050 Rev Rate: 325 rpm Speed: 15. 5 mph Layout: 50 x 4 ½ x 40 Condition: local area house shots and synthetic lane surfaces All I have to say about this ball is what a great addition to the arsenal.

With my speed and rev rate I usually have trouble with the pearl covers giving me too much length and then being too slow or too sharp off the dry. With this core and cover combination I have a readable midlane reaction and a strong or quick response off the dry.

This reaction gives me versatility on different bowling center’s house shots in my area because I can see a noticeable change of direction in the midlane and beyond. Along with the Axiom it is a good 1-2 punch.

The motion or shape each ball makes rolling down the lane compliments each other. If the lanes are a little tighter I can use the Axiom to start and just switch to the Pearl without making a big move left or fishing for other balls to use.

From the bowlers I have seen use this ball around town there has not been many who have done big surface adjustments. It rolls well right out of the box and has the same ball motion (shape) for all types of players.

This ball definitely needs to be in everyone’s arsenal. Pete Dohan Storm Amateur Staff #StormNation.

HAD TO GO DOWN TO PLASTIC DUE TO AGE AND SLOW SPEED. TRIED IT OUT AFTER GETTING USED TO BALL REACTION BOWLED 3 GAMES HIGHER THAN I HAVE IN QUITE AWHILE. THE BALL STARTS REVING UP THE LAST 18″. HAS GREAT CARRY POWER.

ONLY ROLL 10 MPH. HAD MORE STRIKES THAN USUAL WITH REACTIVE RESIN.

Father’s Day gift. He loved it. We’ve already bowled with it and he loved it even more.

Bowler Stats: 18 mph (off hand), 420 RPM, Axis: 4 â…ž” right, ¾” up Ball: Ebonite GB4 Layout: 45 x 4 ½” x 70 Surface: Multiple Review: Ebonite’s GB4 is a true benchmark ball. Paired with a modified version of the tried and true V2 core and the GB 12.

0 coverstock, provides a smooth rolling motion on medium oil that allows for bowlers to control and read the pattern. The GB4 finds its success on fresh medium oil patterns. The 500, 1500 Siaair finished cover provides adequate levels of traction on all but the slickest patterns.

When bowling on these heavy oil patterns, the GB4 provides an easy read to know you need to “ball up” and choose a ball with a bigger and stronger coverstock. The GB4 provides a relatively large usability window in its box finish, but as the lanes start to transition and more angle is created through the front it can begin to labor downlane resulting in reduced carry.

Switching to something cleaner like a GB Asym provides the opportunity to store more energy downlane resulting in more backend motion and improved carry. Summary: The GB4 provides an opportunity to add a true benchmark reaction to the bag through its smooth and controllable reaction downlane.

The ball provides an ideal controllable ball motion on medium oil patterns but can struggle to create the desired motion on the truly slick patterns. To handle the heaviest of patterns, a ball with a stronger coverstock will be needed to get the ball to pick up in the right part of the lane.

As the lanes begin to transition and more angle is needed through the front part of the lane, more success can be found by utilizing something with a cleaner cover in order to store more energy through the pins.

Rating: 9/10.

Speed: 17. 9 RPM: 480 PAP: 5 7/8 RT x 2 1/4 DN No-thumb, one league per week, tournaments when I can. The Ebonite Game Breaker 4 (GB4) is a contender for THE ‘benchmark’ symmetrical ball and THS killer.

Easily a “first ball out of the bag”. The Game Breaker series from Ebonite has been the brand’s most famous in recent years because of it’s performance and value. The core engineers dissected the Enhanced V2 core to recreate the physical shape and numbers, knowing that this was the root of the GB line’s success.

The GB4 is a solid reactive, featuring the proven GB 12. 0 veneer, ensuring the performance and success us bowlers demand from a Game Breaker branded ball. With the out of box surface at 500/1500 and the Enhanced V2 core this ball reads the mid lane and digs it’s teeth in the back end to give me a motion that’s more of a hard arc than smooth and continuous.

And that’s with an all purpose layout that I chose (70×4. 5×35). But don’t get me wrong, this ball has excellent continuation. This ball is an excellent option to start a shift for league and, depending on the pattern you’re rolling on, should be plenty useful late into that shift even if you need to move to a deep inside line like I do.

Don’t be afraid to adjust the cover (before your USBC sanctioned event starts) with some polish/shine to get the GB4 further down lane as you’ll still be able to get that shape that you’re looking for.

With the Dark Red/Red colored cover stock and Orange lettering this ball looks great sitting on the ball rack and rolling down the lane, crushing the pins. Moderately priced, the GB4 outperforms expectations and the price point.

With the intent for medium/med-heavy patterns I see the GB4 excelling on heavier volume patterns and with some polish/shine can be just as useful on lighter patterns or when the pattern transitions and a solid with surface is reading too early.

Be well, rip racks. and shred pins.

Roto Grip Hyped Hybrid – 60 x 1 1/2 x 55 – 1500 grit sanded on SPL THS and 2000 grit with polished Ball test conditions: Practiced on 44ft THS on SPL and 46ft THS on older HPL The HP2 line just got HYPED UP!!! Knowing Roto Grip King Pin “Schlem” was working a making the HP2 line stronger then ever, the Hyped Hybrid was going to be the first I drill between the Pearl and Hybrid.

Knowing in the past on the SPL house I bowl in that pearls are NOT the way to play in or around the track area. The panels are super slick and the pattern is super juicy even with only being 44ft in length.

Hitting it with 1500 grit before testing the ball was the best decision I made. It created a better overall look then the Electrify Solid I drilled earlier in the season for there and not a “lengthy” as the UC2 and Zen I was trying to use there.

I needed a hybrid with a little stronger pearl percentage and that was easy to change surface as needed. It was very versatile on both patterns and type of lane surfaces. Adapted very well to the surface changes and held up through practice, testing and league.

Will keep it at 3000 grit to use for league and practice at Colony Park Lanes being the middle ball, and having the UC3 as the weaker ball, and Idol Helios and RST X*2 for two stronger pieces. The Hyped Hybrid looked really good for two other bowlers I have worked with that don’t have a ton of speed, ( 12 to 13 mph off the lane), and more end over end.

The ball for them ready all three parts of the lane really well and where they usually have to switch to a stronger ball in length in the 3rd game, they kept the Hyped Hybrid in their hands and felt very comfortable with just making small adjustments as the matches went on.

Don’t be shy of the colors in this ball – it is a WOLF in Sheep’s clothing.

60 x 4 1/2 x 45 on the layout Axis point is 4 7/16 over and 3/8 up. Revrate in the upper 300s, ball speed between 15 and 16 mph. I typically like to start at 15 on a typical house shot and migrate in from there.

Initial reaction. Roto has been doing a great job with color combos. The color of this ball pops off the shelf and looks very nice going down the lane! On to the review: I drilled this with the intention of being able to throw it on higher friction surfaces or to be able to play some straighter angles but this ball definitely has a lot more bang for the buck than anticipated.

First couple of shots after getting warmed up, I threw in the same spot as my normal starting point, not expecting it to make it back and adjusting accordingly. The ball floated through the fronts with ease and to my surprise, made it back to the pocket and struck with a thunderous messenger! This ball gave me a reaction shape that I’ve seen previously with the Hustle RAP but more pop down lane! I would say that it covered 3-4 more total boards with similar length to my RAP.

I tried some different hand positions and I think this ball performs at it’s best (for me) with an up-the-back hand position to gain a more consistent read of the breakpoint. It is naturally very clean through the front, so I did not need to help it be more snappy.

I would say that my intended use for this ball was right on the money and will find a spot in the tournament bag for those higher friction centers! If you are looking for something to get you a little extra added length and not sacrifice too much in the hook department, this ball will certainly do the trick.

Go out and drill one today!.

Roto Grip Ultimate Concept (UC3) Cover Stock: Tour-ethane Pearl Finish: 1000-grit Abralon Core: Rondure Asymmetric RG: 2. 49 Differential: 0. 052 Int Diff: 0. 011 Layout: 4 1/2 x 4 x 5 – 2LS Layout Extras: 2 1/8 Finger Depth, “X” – 4 1/2 D and 1 Inch Left Tester: PAP 6 1/2 R, 1 1/4 D Review: What an awesome concept that has hit the Roto Grip line.

This unique core and coverstock combination just might be the tournament and/or cliffy THS pattern solution you are looking for. The blended coverstock allows the ball adequate length while the core concept provides flare over fresh surface of the ball.

Use the UC3 on drier conditions where traditional urethane is not getting the job done and where reactive pearls do not provide the control needed to manage the pocket. Also, if you tend to see a lot of higher friction lane surfaces this may be a ball for your arsenal.

The UC3 will allow you to move inside compared to previous offerings in urethane lines. For me, the UC3 has impressed me the most regarding pin carry. I tested this ball on both a fresh and also a very beaten up THS pattern.

Although more testing is needed on my end, I am satisfied with what the UC3 has shown me so far. When comparing the UC3 to previous urethane or urethane type options such as the Honey Badger Urethane, Badger Infused and the Shadow Ops I am liking what the UC3 brings to the table with its core and coverstock combination.

For example, the HBUs provided an asymmetric option in urethane, however, at times with it’s longer roll phase would not quite carry the pins the way I desired. However, I absolutely love my 900 Global Shadow Ops, so for me the UC3 is a must have.

The UC3 definitely has a space in the bag for shorter and high friction patterns. If you haven’t jumped into urethane or dislike overreaction in pearl lines or simply looking for a urethane “look and feel” with some extra features you’ll be happy with this offering from Roto Grip.

Be sure to try out a UC3 today! Michael Slatky 900 Global Staff Member York, PA.

The Brunswick Quantum is synonymous with bowling ball greatness and since the launch of the new Quantum Evo Line, the bowling industry is once again introduced to bowling ball greatness. The new Brunswick Quantum Evo Hybrid is an incredible addition to the already successful Quantum Evo line.

The new Quantum Evo Hybrid is the perfect blend of continuous ball motion and hitting power. This ball gives you a bit more length than the original Quantum Evo Solid, but retains its energy and incredible hitting power.

As a hybrid fan, this ball performs as most hybrids do…VERY predictable and controllable. The Quantum Evo Hybrid is drilled just above the ring finger to allow the ball to give me just a little more length and store its energy better, so when the ball hits friction, it makes a strong continuous move through the pins.

This ball is the perfect fit into the Evo line and is a great fit for any league or tournament bowler. The new Quantum Evo Hybrid is a definite must have in your bag.