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WHERE HAVE ALL THE BOAT ANCHORS GONE?
The manufacturing process has become so sophisticated that it makes us search for new superlatives monthly.

WHY ARE ALL THESE BALL REVIEWS SO DARN POSITIVE? Why is there never a negative, down-and-dirty ball-trashing review? Believe it or not, I myself question this at times -- not just some of the readers -- especially while I am writing this column. The reality is that all new balls will have their condition on which to shine. Ball manufacturers spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on testing and research to insure they aren't producing tomorrow's boat anchors. The ball companies' R&D departments perform extensive testing, and develop enhanced covers and cores to control and/or overpower today's slicker oils and also thrive in the drier areas.

Granted, some balls will show more versatility, while others will be far more condition specific. But they all will be usable and very acceptable on the appropriate lane condition. It is our job to determine when to use these various strike machines. Choosing when to use a pearl reactive, solid reactive or a dull particle, for example, is just one of the many challenges bowlers face. Our playing field is invisible to the naked eye, which makes things even more challenging. Golfers can see their hazards, such as sand traps, the rough, trees and water. We, on the other hand, have to feel our way through our invisible mine field and depend on the key ball reaction clues.

The following is my condensed four step process to higher scores. First, bowlers need to line up correctly with both feet and also with the target. Finding hold and swing area is highly desirable. Second, we need to determine which cover type, surface finish and layout we should be using from this target line for optimal target area forgiveness and potential pin carry. Third, we need to coordinate our ball speed and release style for this lane condition and angle to the pocket. Fourth, we need to read oil transitions, as they surely will occur, and be willing to make any changes or adjustments as necessary. And for good measure, we can pray the pin gods and lady luck are in a generous mood.

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ROTO GRIP: EPIC ODYSSEY
54 Hook 12 Length 15.5 Breakpoint Shape
Core Design: The Maximus II core has extreme versatility and is found in all the Epic balls. The RG in this release has been lowered to 2.48 with a .050 Diff. We saw 6" of track flare with the 3.5 and 4.5" layouts. The 5.5" gave us 4". The mass bias strength is near the USBC limit at .026. This core can create many varied and strong breakpoint motions by altering the distance from a bowler's PAP.

Coverstock:Complementing this strong, asymmetric core is Roto Grip's most assertive solid reactive cover, called Ultimate Vision. The box finish is smooth-dull at 1000 abralon, and the durometer hardness range is 7375. This cover tunes easily and can be highly polished for those looking for added length and pop at the breakpoint. Regarding the color, making a good looking red bowling ball can be challenging. Admirably, Roto has found a way with this scarlet, maroon and crimson mix, which is pleasing to the eye whether dull or polished

Manufacturer's Intent:Roto's premium line is all about power, both in the midlane and backend. The Battle is an aggressive, early midlane solid particle; the aggressive Saga is an aggressive, later midlane Hybrid (solid/pearl reactive); and the new Odyssey fits sweetly between these two. Its newly formulated coverstock is slightly stronger and the core has a much faster spin time than the original Epic, improving the midlane read and overall traction in oil.

Test Results:Solid reactives are the most commonly used coverstock-type for many bowlers due to their hook and motion versatility. Strong solids with strong cores are even more in vogue due their ability to handle most medium to heavier volumes of oil and their tendency to be more angular than many particles at the breakpoint. The Odyssey performed exceptionally well on our heavier and longer patterns, with an extremely high carry percentage. On medium volumes we had to ramp up our speed slightly or add more axis rotation to preserve the needed energy for a high percentage of carry. These adjustments were needed due to the strong core and 1000 dull surface. Our preferred adjustment would be sanding the skin to 2000 or 4000 abralon or to apply a young polish. A young polish refers to a medium grit or satin sheen, not a high gloss. These surface modifications gave us easier length, more entry angle and lots of power, without altering our natural (and more comfortable) physical games.

When to Use:Use when encountering longer and/or heavier volumes and when a particle cover doesn't quite turn the corner enough. The Odyssey and Roto SD-73 Classic were both at home in the oil and both read the friction confidently and predictably. Sport patterns offered little challenge as we could square up in the oil and read the midlane and breakpoint easily. In our PBA Experience league, we could aggressively swing either ball from 12-out-to-2 with lots of recovery on the Cheetah pattern. I would classify both balls as strong midlane arcing products for medium to heavier volumes.

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ROTO GRIP: SD 73 CLASSIC
53 Hook 13 Length 15 Breakpoint Shape
Core Design: The symmetric core's differential rating (.073) inside this flare-monster is 20% higher than the current .060 limit set by the USBC last February. Since this ball's core was submitted prior to the change, it can be released by Roto Grip and used by the consumer. This high differential rating created between six and eight inches of track flare, dependent on our pin distance and weight hole location. The symmetric core's RG is medium low at 2.51.

Coverstock:This aggressive 73-75 hardness Sure-Grip purple solid reactive cover is factory-finished at 1000 abralon. We found this cover formula clears the fronts and midlane easier than the Ultimate Vision solid cover found on the new Odyssey.

Manufacturer's Intent:According to Roto Grip President Hank Boomer shine, the SD-73 Classic reintroduction offers bowlers two options in its line for an aggressive solid reactive for medium to heavy oil patterns. The SD-73 utilizes Roto Grip's strongest symmetrical core design with its second strongest solid cover, while the Epic Odyssey offers an asymmetrical core design surrounded by Roto Grip's strongest solid reactive in oil and off the dry. Symmetric cores typically respond quicker and more to friction due to the lower spin time and asymmetric dynamics.

Test Results:Bowlers looking for an all-purpose solid reactive with plenty of recovery and continuation will surely enjoy this new thoroughbred. The core's strength provides the heart and soul, while the coverstock provides the excitement. We found this ball has a very wide hook and breakpoint shape range, depending on layout and surface prep. We were also able to carry very well on patterns as short as 32" and as long as 42" with either a dull or mid-polished surface. The strong core will undoubtedly be favored by lower and medium rev rate players due to the strong breakpoint motion and continuation. But our high rev player also enjoyed the strong midlane and strong arcing motion off friction. We saw no oil-to dry sensitivity on any of our test patterns, regardless of volume or length. We all felt the ball retained its strong arc motion regardless of hand position used.

When to Use:Players can use this ball successfully on medium to heavier volumes, regardless of lane surface. We were able to play well inside the oil line and send this Classic about as far out as we wanted, yet still see ample recovery and hit. Only the drier conditions prevented us from sending- it-and-bending-it with the 1000 dull box finish. Polishing the cover with Storm's high gloss polish gave us the length and flip needed for medium to lighter patterns. Both the SD 73 and Odyssey performed very well on fresh patterns as long as we played inside the oil line. Appropriately, neither ball sparked off the friction, which added to the overall control. The SD 73 Classic has a wide range of conditions on which it will excel for most medium-high rev rate players, providing hook, control and superb carry power.

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TRACK: EQUATION 2
48 Hook 14 Length 15 Breakpoint Shape
Core Design: The ball's symmetric ceramic-nugget core is conservatively designed compared to the original Equation. Unfortunately, this ceramic nugget core will not permit the needed drilling depth for the Turbo Switch Grip. The RG is higher at 2.52 and the Diff is lower at .040. This is a prime example when less can be more...

Coverstock:The "2" utilizes Track's strongest pearl reactive cover, Goo LS. It is highly polished with Track Magic shine polish. The coloring is burgundy with purple pearl.

Manufacturer's Intent:Track designed the Equation 2 to complement the original Equation for lighter and shorter patterns. They kept the high friction-responsive cover and simply modified it to add length. Less flare potential will generally add length and reduce flip for medium and lower rev rate players. Conversely, higher rev rates will often see the additional length, but with more flip.

Test Results:Strikes, strikes and more strikes. This is as simple and as succinct as I can put it. My test staff and I had our highest strike carry percentage with this ball on all the medium and lighter patterns. Surprisingly, we also had a very high carry percentage on heavier fresh patterns as well, but we did need to see friction earlier to achieve this. A high carry percentage is desirable, of course, but it is neither the only -- nor the most important -- feature to consider when choosing to use or purchase a particular ball. We also need to determine which balls create an enhanced target area and are not overly sensitive to release imperfections so we can maintain and control the pocket. We also want balls which read oil transition intelligently, which aids in our ability to move adeptly and hopefully preserve carry. When we have all of these features and a high carry percentage, then and only then will we score our highest.

When to Use:Our best results were on lighter-medium to medium-heavier patterns. On these oil volumes, we saw our best match-ups for optimal scoring. We saw very easy length through lighter volumes, and a strong arc to flip reaction off dry. When we strengthened our releases, we saw noticeably more response off friction than with our softer hand action. Strokers will be able to straddle the oil line and simply let the ball and lane do all the work. The Equation 2 was too responsive off the clean backends on our fresh Sport pattern, but matched up much better after midlane breakdown and carrydown occurred. We could move in and play the friction to create a strong move through and over the carry down. I'm sure both Wes Malott and Patrick Allen will make mucho dinero with the new 2. In my opinion, Track's lineup is becoming very formidable.

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AMF: RADAR ALERT
53 Hook 11 Length 13 Breakpoint Shape
Core Design: The Tower core boasts a low RG of 2.45, AMF's lowest ever with this core design. The Diff rated at .050. We saw 5-6" of track flare with our 3.5 and 4.5" pin layouts. The low RG core revs very easily and smoothly.

Coverstock:AMF"s One7Plus pearl particle cover is finished at 1000 dull. The coloring is sapphire with gold pearl. This is its strongest particle cover and was previously used in the Terminal

Manufacturer's Intent:According to Eric Thomas, AMF's Account Manager, the new Radar Alert will replace the discontinued Terminal. This will be AMF's earliest hooking ball and will use the stronger Tower core compared to the bell-shaped predecessor found in the Terminal.

Test Results:The particle pearl cover displayed above-average traction in the oil, yet was easy to read off dry. The breakpoint motion was smooth and steady, and backend continuation was present on all patterns. The pearl load is light so as not to interfere with the midlane read, nor increase the response off dry. Pin carry was very good on medium to heavier patterns with box finish on both fresh and carrydown. Overall hook was similar to the Nighthawk, yet slightly smoother in the last 20 feet. After high-gloss polishing, the Alert retained much more traction in the oil than did the Nighthawk. Some of the more appreciated virtues are control and versatility with readable power.

When to Use:As with most aggressive particle covers, some semblance of head and midlane oil is necessary to maintain entry angle energy. Higher speeds and lower rev rates will be able to use such products on lighter patterns; most of us will not. We did find we could open up our launch angles with the Alert and still see ample down-lane recovery and continuation. This is not always the case with dull particle coverstocks. The light pearl and particle concentrations with the symmetric core contribute to this usability. The Alert played great on our fresh Sport pattern, but labored some as the midlane disappeared and the backends tightened.

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ROTO GRIP: NEPTUNE
46 Hook 15 Length 13.5 Breakpoint Shape
Core Design: Roto inverted the symmetric Orbiter core 180 degrees to preserve the RG at 2.61, yet lower the Diff to .018. The mass displacement is nearer the center, which allows the core to rev much easier than one would think with such a high RG rating. We saw about 2.5" of flare

Coverstock:The aquamarine and violet blue pearl cover comes polished at a friendly 1500-grit. Sure Grip II base is used on all the planet-series balls. The Venus is a pearl particle, the Saturn a solid reactive, and now we find the Neptune in pearl. The cover needs only light oil for length, but does need friction to turn over.

Manufacturer's Intent:Roto takes great pride in offering above-average performance in its low and mid-priced lineup. This ball replaces the pink and baby blue Mercury, albeit with less flare potential. The Mercury's sales were not affected by poor performance, but possibly by the unusual color mix. The Neptune is eye candy with length and a smooth move off dry, resulting in good pin carry.

Test Results:We found the Neptune to be smoother off dry than the March 2006-released Saturn. Both balls were similarly straight in the oil and are best suited for dry up to light medium patterns. The roll was not loopey, nor was it overly sensitive to varied hand releases. We could play about 7-10 boards farther right with our feet than with the polished Odyssey or SD-73 and still carry well. The Neptune could be a perfect upgrade for the speed-challenged or higher rev-to-speed ratio players. Hitting power was noticeably more impressive than that of a three-piece reactive from any angle.

When to Use:The low flare will be an asset to those looking for unbridled length with a smooth arc in the late midlane. Heavier patterns will cause oil-squirt and an inconsistent breakpoint for all but the higher rev-to-speed ratio players. We could line up just a board or two inside the oil line on our medium and light house patterns, simply feather the ball toward friction, and let the ball and lane do the work. Our Sport patterns proved too challenging as they were oiled to 42".

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EBONITE: TOTAL NV
49 Hook 16 Length 15 Breakpoint Shape
Core Design: Ebonite's new Spike core provides asymmetric performance, yet is symmetrical in design; that is an intriguing characteristic, to say the least. The RG 2.50 is and the Diff is .051. Testing showed 5" of track flare with all three pin distances (3.5, 4.5 and 5.5). The mass bias strength is potent at .022.

Coverstock:The coloring mix is an eye-grabber, bathed in purple, black and gold pearl. The 4000 highly polished pearl reactive cover is called Traxion Reactive .030.

Manufacturer's Intent:Ron Hickland, Ebonite's R&D chief, had this to say: "The Total NV was designed to be a more usable version of the Angular One. It has a brand new coverstock and we are now exploiting a new technology called micro texture. The Spike core is a much stronger design than the Centrex, and we have the ability to move the low RG in different locations depending on the version of the core we use in a ball, making it the most versatile core designed to date."

Test Results:We naturally compared the Total NV to the Angular One that we tested a while back. Both balls utilize an aggressive asymmetric core, surrounded by a very strong pearl reactive cover. For us, both balls covered a similar stretch of lane, regardless of pattern type. The most noticeable difference was in the average length we saw before it began its move to the pocket. The NV started about 6-9 1/2" sooner with a slightly less angular move off the friction. The NV's carry was average in the oil, but exceptional when sent to the dry. When sanded to 1000, 2000 and 4000 abralon, the Total NV had about 2 boards less total hook than the Angular One with comparable surface grit. We all preferred the Total NV with slightly less gloss than the factory finish provided. We felt the ball performed more seamlessly with this satin shine throughout our test conditions.

When to Use:We had our best results with created area and pin carry once we broke down our typical test patterns. On fresh patterns, we saw a little too much sensitivity in the oil, but we also saw a consistently strong move off our breakpoints. The ball will turn the corner for softer releases better than most pearls with lesser cores and/or covers. We had very good carry from left of fourth arrow for all testers once enough friction was created. We could play near the track area if we removed lots of hand from our releases, but the strong characteristics of the core/cover combo made this difficult if we didn't maintain very firm speed.

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COLUMBIA 300: WRATH SF
46 Hook 16 Length15 Breakpoint Shape
Core Design: The familiar Ti Boss II core is at the heart of this symmetrical design. The RG is medium at 2.51, with a strong Diff rating of .050. We saw 4-5" of flare with all three pin layouts (3.5, 4.5, 5.5).

Coverstock:The highly-polished Magic Shine provides extreme length. The coloring is teal, purple and red pearl. The cover is called STS XP (Stuff That Strikes Xtra Power).

Manufacurer's Intent:Columbia's newest entry in the Wrath line is developed primarily for lighter volumes of lane dressing. The SF's main focus is on easy and long length with a thunderous move off friction. For a ball to excel on lighter volumes and provide a long and strong reaction, the cover must have minimal friction on lighter volumes, yet respond quickly when encountering friction.

Test Results:The Wrath SF lived up to its billing as a skid/flip ball for lighter volumes. When we attempted to use this ball on our medium and heavier volumes, we definitely saw the skid, but the ball read the breakpoint too late and never gave us the flip we saw on lighter patterns. Pin carry was good on lighter patterns, especially from angles at third arrow out to the gutter. We experienced some squirtiness on shorter patterns of 32-36" with medium volumes, yet the breakpoint was strong and early enough.

When to Use:For best results, use on lighter volumes exclusively if your speed is medium to firm, or if your rev rate is medium or lower. Heavier volumes caused inconsistent roll through the midlane, but with a late reaction off the breakpoint (sometimes too late). Track players with a more end-over-end roll

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