Ebonite Big Time Reviewed by: proshoptraining.com review by Jeff Ussery 06/03/2006 00:00

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Pin to PAP Distance: 5 7/8"
Preferred Spin Axis to PAP Distance: 3 1/2"
Balance Hole: 29/32" x 1 1/2" Deep – 1" Past PAP
Surface Preparation: Box Condition

What I Was Looking For in this Ball and Layout:

Here's a great example of what NOT to do with a brand new bowling ball. I drilled this ball with no real objective in mind. The aggressiveness of the coverstock and the high differential of the ball scared me into a weaker pin to PAP distance than I would normally use. I drilled this ball with only one thing on my mind; keep it from over-flaring too early.

What I Ended Up With in this Ball and Layout:

The result of drilling a ball without a desired ball reaction is that you really don't know what you will end up with. Unfortunately for me, not thinking about the ball layout before throwing some holes in it created an overlapping reaction in my bag. This Big Time ball clears the head area of the lane better than anything in my bag right now. The smooth coverstock and weak pin position combine for an unbelievably low amount of friction in the front part of the lane, and I've yet to find a lane that I can't get this ball through the front on. I drilled a balance hole beyond my PAP to try and open up the flare rings a little, but the effect of this was very minimal.

Here comes mistake number two with my brilliance. I placed the preferred spin axis of this ball 3 1/2" from my PAP. When combined with all of the front end skid I created through pin position and ball selection, this PSA location creates a very medium type of backend reaction. The ball sneaks through the front part of the lane and then needs an incredible amount of friction in the backend to get started. If the ball does get into a transition, it does make a very strong move towards the pocket. With the skid created by step 1, I can really create some steep entry angles with this PSA location.

The overall hook of my Big Time is significantly less than the One and Big One balls that were also reviewed on June 3rd. While the surface makes it slightly stronger than my Overtime, the ball does not have any real purpose for me. The real issue with this ball lies in the lane conditions we bowl on. I said that the ball clears the front of the lane extremely clean. This means that I really can't throw it on slicker heads because it just skates out in the backend. So I'm really looking for a condition that is slightly broken down in the front of the lane for this Big Time. I also need an incredible amount of friction in the backend to get the ball started. In tournament play, far more often than not, when we see broken down fronts, we see a lot of oil down lane. So again, it's near impossible for me to match up this ball properly.

In summary, don't drill bowling balls without a purpose in mind. I hope you can learn from my lesson and keep situations like this from happening to you.
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Other Products Reviewed by proshoptraining.com review by Jeff Ussery

• Ebonite The One - Original
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• Ebonite Whirl Wind
• Ebonite Smash Time
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• Ebonite Total NV

Ebonite Big Time Reviewed by: TheJim666 04/27/2007 03:49

1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
I am in my second year now using the Ebonite Big Time bowling ball, and it is still performing very well. This talk of the coverstock "weakening" and needing to use a special kit to restore tack can be easily remedied by using an old bowlers trick. Just take your normal ball rag and throw some rubbing alcohol on it and scrub that sucka till it squeaks. I have heard that this is bad for a ball with this coverstock, but I tried it about a year ago anyway and the ball is still performing like it was right out of the box.
When I bought the ball in 2005 I was averaging 140-ish, I am now at a 187. As long as I keep improving, I believe this ball is in it for the long haul. But that's just like, my opinion man...
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Other Products Reviewed by TheJim666

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Ebonite Big Time Reviewed by: the_eboniter 11/04/2006 01:33

1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
Ebonite's Big Time bowling ball is awesome..... but after a year or two, the coverstock dies down and the ball won't finish and you'll start leaving 5 pins and corners pins everywhere believe me. Cleaning the coverstock and having the balls oil removed will help greatly, try using Ebonite's Hook Again Kit.
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Other Products Reviewed by the_eboniter

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Ebonite Big Time Reviewed by: 500man 08/30/2006 16:41

1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
I'm 11 years old and the Ebonite Big Time is by far the best ball I own. I shot my 222 high game using the Big Time.I'm in my second year of league and I already have a 186 average since buying the Ebonite Big Time. Thanks ebonite for making the best balls in the world!
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• Brunswick BVP Rampage
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Ebonite Big Time Reviewed by: MVB 01/17/2008 01:11

The Ebonite Big Time is the greatest ball I ever owned and over time it's only been getting better with age and I bowl at one of the hardest alleys to bowl at where I live and I'm rocking the pocket better this year then the first and second year. I had this ball so maybe the ones who can't do good with the ball anymore don't really know how to adjust with it..and let's be honest adjusting is like bowling 101.
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Ebonite Big Time Reviewed by: lgz58 09/20/2007 23:21

I have noticed that as the Ebonite Big Time gets more games on it, it hooks less and less, but it still snaps out those corner pins pretty well. It has become a much better weapon on medium conditions, but you'll need something more aggressive for oily conditions. I average 210 and have shot 300 with it.
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Ebonite Big Time Reviewed by: STEVEHALSTED 06/12/2007 13:35

The Ebonite Big Time bowling ball is a pretty good good ball but I noticed the longer I had the ball the worse I did. I thought it was a pretty good beginner ball. So overall I was satisfied with it.
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Ebonite Big Time Reviewed by: trief 05/09/2007 09:32

The Ebonite Big Time bowling ball hits very hard at first but absorbs oil like crazy and then does not seem to grab good. Once cleaned it was much better again. The other 2 balls I have are Ebonite Smash Time and a Tornado I like the Ebonite Big Time the best ad far as hitting power. This ball made my game better by 30 pins. It leaves very few pins standing even on bad hits.
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Ebonite Big Time Reviewed by: hawkman9 03/15/2007 17:02

The Ebonite Big Time bowling ball is one of the best balls I have ever owned. It is a very forgiving ball. It reacts well on dry and heavy oil without burning up to much energy. A must buy if you bowl.
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