THIS MONTH’S 15 NEW RELEASES will provide a plethora of ball motion paths for even the most discriminating bowler. The products all have their specific conditions on which they excel. But each month there are a few standout orbs which seem to match up on a wider spectrum of oil patterns. In golf or tennis, this might be referred to as “widening the sweet spot.” These products would generally earn the distinction of becoming a “feature” ball in my writeups. They’d also display more targeting forgiveness and release forgiveness than the norm. This month I’ve earmarked more feature balls than ever before. In no particular order they are: Storm’s Rapid Fire Pearl, Hammer’s Black Widow Venom and Emerald Vibe, Ebonite’s PlayMaker, Track’s Up Rising and Lane #1 THS. If early indications are accurate, this coming season, bowlers will have the widest selection ever of can’t-miss products from which to choose…

Storm: Rapid Fire Pearl 48 Hook 15 Length 16 Breakpoint Shape
Storm Rapid Fire Pearl	Core Design: The powerplant is the same Twin V design found in the solid Rapid Fire, which has proven to be a popular model among the Tour players. The RG is medium-high at 2.57, yet displays no lope or sluggishness. The Diff is more than adequate at .050. Testing displayed a maximum of 5” of flare with both the 3.5 and 4.5” layouts.
	Coverstock: The R2S cover is still Storm’s strongest as per its turbo-charged performance in the back-end portion of the lane, and this 1500-grit polished purple and bronze beauty reaffirms this fact. Response time off friction is rated as quick.
Manufacturer’s Intent: According to Storm’s Steve Kloempken, “For the Rapid Fire Pearl, we took a proven ball on the PBA Tour this season — one of the most popular in 2008, in fact — and added mica to the shell to create a clean projection through the heads and a crisp reaction at the breakpoint. All types of players will love the way this ball hits the pins and opens up the backends. Look for this ball to be a big player, just like the Rapid Fire.”
Test Results: This ball surprised us with its ability to handle oil. I’m talking about 44’ of the PBA Shark pattern, as well as the demanding USBC Open condition. We saw our strongest midlane read with the Rapid Fire Pearl compared to any of the other pearls in our test group. This is most likely due to the strong cover formula and surface finishing process (sanded with 600-grit and shined with a medium grit polish).Beyond its strong midlane read, we saw above average continuation through the pins throughout the oil transitional phases. Total hook was on par with the solid Rapid Fire, but coupled with a more angular move off friction.
When to Use: We found the “usability range” was quite extensive with this versatile pearl. For the most part, oil carrydown was a non-issue on all four of our test patterns on either wood or synthetic surfaces. If bowlers are looking for a versatile pearl with easy length through the fronts, a secure midlane read and plenty of pop on the back, the Rapid Fire must be given a serious look. And that doesn’t even factor in its cinnamon-vanilla scent, which is absolutely intoxicating.

Hammer: Black Widow Venom 52 Hook 16 Length 16.5 Breakpoint Shape
Hammer Black Widow Venom	Core Design: The asymmetric core is a high mass bias Gas Mask-core with a flip block. This design boasts an RG of 2.50 with a maximum allowable .060 Diff. The mass bias rating is moderate at .012. This core displayed an eye-popping 8”-plus of track flare for our high rev testers with any drilling. My 310-rev rate displayed 6-7” of track flare with the 3.5 and 4.5” drillings. The flare rings had about ½” of separation, potentially enhancing the back-end motion.
	Coverstock: The Venom’s veneer is an all-new formula called Lethal Bite reactive. Coloring is an attractive mix of copper and black. The surface is finished with 4000 abralon and highly polished with Ebonite’s Factory polish. This ball is not advertised as a pearl.
Manufacturer’s Intent: Hammer Brand Manager Jeff Ussery had this to say: “Black Widow Venom delivers even more performance in our popular Widow series by giving bowlers more length and backend movement than any Widow to date. We’ve paired our proved high mass bias Gas Mask with flip block core with a new Lethal Bite Reactive coverstock to give bowlers even more aggressive back-end motion where the bowler wants it: in front of the pins. Black Widow Venom pushes farther down lane than the Black Widow Pearl, and corners on spots from which no other ball will make it. Long and strong is a ridiculous understatement.”
Test Results: The Venom is one scary ball. This ball flat-out corners from almost any part of the lane. This phenomenon occurs only if there is sufficient friction available, however. On our longer (44’) patterns, the Venom reacted too late in the oil, and was somewhat inconsistent. Yet on all of our other patterns, we saw the “left turn” phenomenon.
When to Use: Use when you desire to open up the lane. The Venom is best suited for lightmedium to medium-heavy patterns of short to medium length. The Venom’s strength is easy length and a quick, strong, decisive move off friction. Players with average rev rates will benefit from strong pin (3”-4.5”) drillings and aggressive mass bias locations. Our strongest layout was with a 4.5 pin (above the ring), 4.5 mass bias (next to the thumb) and a weight hole drilled through the mass bias. This layout gave us the 7-9” of track flare.

Hammer: Emerald Vibe 47.5 Hook 15 Length 15.5 Breakpoint Shape
Hammer Vibe Emerald	Core Design: The Emerald Vibe uses a symmetric core, which produces an RG of 2.51 with a Diff rating of .042. In our ample testing, we saw a fairly generous 4.5” of track flare with the 3.5” and 4.5” pin layouts. Punching in a weight hole 6” from the pin and below the midline added an additional 1” of flare.
	Coverstock: The Emerald’s green veneer is called Max-Flip, and it is sanded with 4000- abralon and then high-polished with factory polish. Response time was quick off friction, and it was surprisingly secure through the oil..
Manufacturer’s Intent: “The Emerald Vibe is Hammer’s newest low-mid priced entry,” was the report from Hammer’s Brand Manager, Jeff Ussery. “By pairing our Max-Flip reactive and our proven Vibe symmetric core, bowlers will see an aggressive skid/flip motion. The Emerald Vibe will be longer through the fronts, but sharper in the back-end portion of the lane.”
Test Results: We loved the Cherry Vibe when we tested it back in June of 2007. This year, Hammer gave the Emerald Vibe its opportunity to steal some of that spotlight, and it wasn’t shy when it got its chance in the klieg lights. However, regarding the above quote from Mr. Ussery, we agree with his observation about the stronger backend, but we simply did not see added length. For us, the Emerald is a more aggressive big brother to the Cherry Vibe, and actually read the midlane a touch sooner and stronger. The Emerald Vibe also handled heavier and longer oil volumes, yet will give bowlers a similar look down the lane as with the Cherry. This look is what can separate a good ball reaction from that of a great ball.
When to Use: The Emerald will shine on all House patterns, from the extremes of fresh all the way to beaten up. It also will handle carrydown and allow bowlers to chase the pattern inside and maintain pin carry. The only condition which caused concern was a fresh PBA Shark pattern; the Emerald simply read that pattern a touch late. A light scuffing with a worn burgundy Scotch Brite eliminated this little quirk. In my humble opinion, the Emerald will surpass Cherry Vibe sales, and maybe bump elbows with the Black Widow.

Ebonite: PlayMaker 47.5 Hook 16 Length 14.5 Breakpoint Shape
Ebonite Playmaker	Core Design: There’s not much more to say about the power plant within this new ball from Ebonite; it’s the same core found in the solid version of GameBreaker, and the same core used in the venerable Black V2 Trimax, which has rated as one of the top 10 balls of all time. The RG is very easy and fast revving at 2.45, and the Diff checks in at .051. Our testing showed about 5” of track flare. The core is marketed as an asymmetric, but the mass bias strength is infinitesimal at .001. For all practical purposes, it drills and rolls like a symmetrical core.
	Coverstock: The veneer is a close relative to that used in the original One, GB10.7, albeit this time a pearl additive is infused. The coloring is an attractive mix of black, purple and silver. The surface is first sanded with 2000 abralon, then has Ebonite’s factory Powerhouse polish applied. The cover is classified as a pearl reactive. Response time off friction is moderately quick.
Manufacturer’s Intent: “The Ebonite PlayMaker is a natural follow-up to the Game- Breaker. The PlayMaker was designed to be cleaner than the GameBreaker on medium oil volumes. The ball motion will be similar to that of the GameBreaker, just longer downlane,” said Ebonite Brand Manager Ed Gallagher (who had 2141 at the USBC Open this year).
Test Results: We predict the PlayMaker will see lots of TV exposure next season. We found this core/cover duo matched up very well with our higher rev rate testers on a wide spectrum of patterns. The cover clears the fronts easily, the core revs smoothly and the combination creates a powerful, controllable breakpoint. We saw exceptional pin carry even with less than perfect releases, as well as with shots which displayed minor deflection. We find these attributes to be very desirable and necessary for the majority of us with less than perfect releases.
When to Use: Use when looking for a clean, easy move through the front 40 feet with a powerful small arc off the breakpoint. On wide-open patterns, I’m sure boomers like Jason Couch and Tommy Jones will defy the laws of physics and hook this ball from New York to L.A. On the negative side, carrydown did present problems for the medium and lower-rev group with box finish, but a light scuffing will alleviate most of this wiggle down lane.

Track: Up-Rising 47 Hook 16 Length 15.5 Breakpoint Shape
Track Up-Rising	Core Design: The strong Mega Tron asymmetric core’s RG of 2.48 is lower than what was used in the Rising (2.50). The Diff is also raised to .056 from .052. The mass bias strength is very strong at .032. Testing showed a maximum of 5” of widely-spaced flare rings.
	Coverstock: The solid reactive Up Rising’s color is a deep jet black. The surface is smoothed to 4000 and highly polished. The material is called HP Gen 2 reactive.
Manufacturer’s Intent: Notes Track’s Brand Manager, Paul Figliomeni: “Up Rising is our crown jewel, our ONE/CELL/Widow-type ball. It has it. You know what ‘it’ is when you just strike from anywhere. The solid reactive HP Gen2 coverstock is all new, and has been enhanced for a cleaner and more effortless drive through the front part of the lane, while storing all the power for where it is needed in the backend. The ball is beautifully polished to a high gloss for both performance and consumer appeal. But don’t hesitate to adjust the surface for more versatility.”
Test Results: We can’t disagree with Mr. Figliomeni — the Up Rising is one great ball. It offers incredible usability over a wide spectrum of lane conditions, and will work for any rev rate. This new black beauty didn’t hook the most, it didn’t snap the hardest, nor did it hit the loudest. So what makes it so good? It just out-carried almost every other ball during this month’s testing. This was most evident on our medium volume patterns, but surprisingly, the characteristic also was present on our heavier volumes (remember, it has a 4000 surface and is highly polished). In fact, it was reminiscent of a few other great black balls hailing from Kentucky, names withheld to protect the innocent.
When to Use: Use on all light to heavier volumes. Use on patterns from 32’ to 44’. Use on wet/dry or blended patterns. Use on any house or PBA-type condition. In other words, we found no condition that made the Up Rising look bad, and this was with the highly-polished box finish. Now remember, our testing is time-limited to about 10 days or so, so you may find the need for minor surface tweaks in extreme circumstances. In short, though, the Up Rising is our favorite Track ball to date.

Testing Parameters

This month, we again visited the USBC’s testing and research facility in Greendale, Wis. We will have the privilege of bowling there only a few more months before they relocate in Arlington, Texas, and we have really appreciated the staff’s cooperation during that run. We expect the opportunities to do this will be much more limited in the future, but in the meantime, we wanted to give a quick shout out to the USBC for their great courtesies and cooperation.

This time, we bowled on a typical house shot and the USBC Open pattern. Both were dressed on synthetic lane surfaces and oiled about 41’. My guest tester this month was Pat Gauger of Milwaukee. Pat has thrown eleven 300 games and eight 800 series in his career. His physical specs are: 340 rev rate, 17 mph, 50-degree
axis rotation and a 15-degree axis tilt.

Our video testing was performed at our home wood house, Classic Lanes in Oak Creek, Wis., where we bowled on their THS and PBA Shark pattern. The house shot is oiled 42’ while the Shark is oiled to 44’. This will be the last test performed there on wood; the center is converting to AMF HPL synthetics within a few weeks.

Lane #1: Retro Buzzsaw THS 47 Hook 14.5 Length 14 Breakpoint Shape
	Core Design: The symmetric core is the patented Diamond shape with an RG of 2.50 and a Diff rating of .035. We saw 4” of flare with all three drillings.
	Coverstock: The THS uses the BASF solid bleeder cover. The surface is finished with 1000 grit and polished with Bean’s Secret Sauce. Coloring is a lighter solid teal green.
Manufacturer’s Intent: Richie Sposato, Lane #1’s top dog, had this to say about his new pride and joy: “With all the high tech core adjustments we’ve made over the years, it was time to get back to our roots. The Retro Buzzsaw THS is vintage Lane #1, giving bowlers that smooth, predictable roll with awesome hitting power to dominate the typical house shot (THS) that we’ve been known for over the years.”
Test Results: Leave it to Lane #1 to have the fortitude to go back to the past to find a unique or needed ball motion to help overcome a specific lane condition. The Liberator (April BJI), the Diamond core urethane entry, has become an overwhelming success story by filling a large void in today’s high performance market. Lane #1’s latest release, the THS, is also a throwback design which can help combat over-reaction to friction on a typical house shot. The THS will hold when tugged into the heavier oil concentration in the middle of this condition, yet still roll heavy enough for excellent pin carry. When the bowler misses outside their target line, the THS will read friction, but not too early and not too strong. This area forgiveness and control will help bowlers master the dreaded wet/dry patterns common with most house conditions. We found our best layouts for control and carry were with the pin located below the fingers, with varying distances from the PAP to create the length each bowler needs individually.
When to Use: Use when stronger cores and/ or covers create too many over-under reactions. Straddling the oil line will generally be your best bet when lining up with the THS because this aligns your target line to enjoy “miss area” both left and right. Surface tweaks should be unnecessary; smooth, duller finishes are usually the friendliest on wet/dry conditions. Polishing the surface will create more skid in oil and a quicker, stronger move off drier boards, thus lessening the control offered without polish. The THS is a perfect example of when less is more. It creates more target area and limits feet and target adjustments as the lane condition changes.

Storm: Dimension 54 Hook 13 Length 15 Breakpoint Shape
Storm Dimension	Core Design: The all new Continuum core offers symmetric controllability with asymmetric angularity, an unusual combination. The numbers are medium at 2.51 RG with a strong Diff rating of .048. Testing displayed 6” of track flare with the 4.5” pin layouts.
	Coverstock: With the huge success of the pearlized Gravity Shift, it was only a matter of time before a solid reactive version would be unveiled. Sure enough, here came the Dimension. Storm decided to finish the Dimension with 2000 abralon. Coloring is a blend of red, magenta and black. Fruit punch is the scent. The response time with box finish is rated as moderately quick.
Manufacturer’s Intent: Here’s an analysis directly from Steve Kloempken, one of Storm’s chief ball designers: “For the Dimension, we were looking at an entirely new direction or [as the name suggests] dimension. We started with two asymmetrical parts, and rotated one to create an equal amount of mass displacement between the Y and Z axes. Thus, there was no mass bias by the numbers, but the core was not a true symmetrical in shape. This was truly a first for us. Many asymmetricals start out with one shape and density, and then are shaved down non-uniformly to create the asymmetrical. The Dimension goes the other direction as it is able to combine the benefits of all core designs.”
Test Results: The Dimension is yet another fine solid reactive from the brain trust in Utah. This entry gave us a slightly later and more angular motion when compared to a reasonably new 2000-surfaced Special Agent. This angular motion was most evident with the pins drilled above the fingers. Polishing with Storm’s 2500-grit polish gave us a more similar motion to that of the Gravity Shift, but still slightly smoother overall.
When to Use: The Dimension will excel on all heavier and longer patterns for most styles of players. This core/cover combo is all about midlane read and enough back-end attitude to satisfy even the greedy. The Dimension showed no signs of wiggle in oil, even with smoother and medium polished surfaces. Players will assuredly be able to play inside the oil line and throw it aggressively at their intended targets.

Ebonite: The One 52 Hook 14.5 Length 16 Breakpoint Shape
Ebonite The One - Original	Core Design: The same Centrex “symmetricasymmetric” core that was found in the original version of this ball is used in this remake. I guess if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. The RG is low at 2.46 and the Diff hefty at .056. The mass bias strength comes in at a powerful .027. Testing displayed 6” of track flare with the 3.5” and 4.5” pin distance layouts.
	Coverstock: This time around, Ebonite decided to finish The One with 4000 abralon, sans polishing. This surface finish allows for better match-ups on heavier, longer or carrydownladen patterns. Those looking for max skid-flip characteristics simply need to apply their favorite polish. Coloring is a medley of purple, navy and teal, so essentially nothing — not even the colors — has changed from the last time around.
Manufacturer’s Intent: Ebonite’s intent was to simply re-offer the ball that helped put Hopkinsville back on the map in a big way. As it turned out, The One was just the beginning of many standouts from the Big E down Kentucky way, such as the Angular One, Total NV and GameBreaker, just to name a few. This ball also fills a needed void for a premium solid reactive in Ebonite’s already great lineup.
Test Results: We all preferred the 4000 finish on this newer version of The One, primarily because it played truer on heavier volumes and it allowed us to read the oil transition better. The 2008 One also plays better on synthetics — as compared to the original, of course — because it transitioned more smoothly once leaving the oil. Hitting and carry power was superb, as was its creatively versatile ability to play from the 1st board deep outside, all the way to 25-board. Higher rev rates will naturally push these limits even more.
When to Use: As with its predecessor, The One will match up well on most medium to heavier volumes; this is true practically regardless of pattern length. Bowlers looking for a quicker and more dynamic move off friction should polish the surface and use layouts of 4.5” or longer with pins even or above the finger holes. Those looking for an earlier read and more arcing motion should abralon the cover to 1000 or less, and use lower pins at 3” to 4” from their PAPs. Like we said, not much has changed, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

Hammer: Raw Psycho 51 Hook 14 Length 14.5 Breakpoint Shape
Hammer Raw Hammer Psycho	Core Design: The Psycho’s symmetric core has a 2.48 RG and a .050 Diff. This is a slightly faster-revving version than what was used in the very popular Raw Anger (2.50 RG). Testing showed a maximum 5.5” of track flare with the 3.5” layout. Our 4.5 and 5.5” layouts produced 4” of flare. Most of this flaring occurred well downlane.
	Coverstock: No one will have trouble spotting this beauty. The Max-Hook pearl reactive is a mixture of shiny silver and fiery orange. The surface is smoothed with 4000 abralon and polished with Ebonite’s Factory polish.
Manufacturer’s Intent: “… Bowlers looking for ease through the front of the lane with heavy mid-lane roll and a strong backend have the perfect ball in the Raw Hammer Psycho,” was the word out of Kentucky from Hammer’s new Brand Manager, Jeff Ussery. “Overall, the Raw Hammer Psycho continues our theme of Raw Hammer balls that not only roll great on the lane, but also stand out on the shelf.”
Test Results: The Psycho would bring a smile to the face of Alfred Hitchcock, who directed the classic film of the same name years ago. We saw unbridled aggressiveness in the midlane on all of our test patterns. The Psycho revs easily, and its breakpoint shape was all arc. We had no trouble overcoming higher volumes or longer patterns, even with the box finish. The only deficiency we saw was when the midlane oil vanished down the drain of the Bates Hotel. It was at this point that we experienced either too early a read or not enough recovery when bumping inside the pattern. Switching to our 5” pin drilling overcame this deficiency by creating more length and more stored energy.
When to Use: Use on most fresh house patterns with medium to medium-heavy volumes. Longer patterns of 39’ or more will offer little resistance for this Psycho maniac. Most light and shorter patterns did not provide a satisfactory look, unless the player is more speed dominant (more ball speed than revs). Overall, the Psycho offers plenty of performance at an affordable price. Slower speed “track” players will be better served with the Vibe series on wet/dry type oil patterns.

Track: Tantrum 47 Hook 15 Length 15 Breakpoint Shape
Track Tantrum	Core Design: The new Legion core supplies the power for this equally new entry. It boasts a rather low RG of 2.46 with a Diff rating of .041. Our testing revealed a ball that displayed 4” of maximum track flare.
	Coverstock: The Tantrum’s veneer is the MP Gen2 reactive. This head-turner is a beautiful medley of red, gold and silver. The surface finish is sanded with 1000 abralon and then polished with factory polish. Response time is rated as quick when encountering friction.
Manufacturer’s Intent: “The Tantrum is the second ball for Track in its mid-price category,” is the observation of Paul Figliomeni, Track’s Brand Manager. “Its performance is longer and stronger than the Temper. The core/cover combo makes for a combination of control and power. This ball will more than satisfy the price-conscious purchaser, and/or the first-time Track buyer.”
Test Results: The Tantrum gave us a very impressive look on all three wood test patterns; it read the breakpoint at 38-41’ consistently, which is a beautiful thing. Overall backend motion was assertive, and was minimally affected by carrydown once the oil patterns began to deteriorate. On our synthetic test patterns, we saw the best reactions on our light-to-medium volumes due to the harder lane surface. Carrydown did create some downlane wiggle, which was not present with Track’s Up Rising (check out page 65 for the review of that ball). Higher rev rates will generally be able to overcome this wiggle, while the rest of us will either have to scuff the finish or switch to a stronger ball.
When to Use: The Tantrum is not designed for a conservative reaction when the ball leaves the oil pattern. Therefore, players looking for a swingit- and-bring-it reaction will be pleased… provided, of course, that there is minimal carry-down and/or enough natural surface friction (courtesy of, say, wood lanes). Down-and-in bowlers may experience a touch of over-reaction off friction, but this can be remedied with a longer pin layout placed below the fingers to help smooth and/or slow down the response time off of those dry boards.

Columbia 300: Arch Rival 52 Hook 13 Length 14.5 Breakpoint Shape
Columbia 300 Arch Rival	Core Design: The symmetric core used in the Arch Rival is tweaked from the earlier version. The RG is low at 2.47 with a medium Diff of .045. We saw 5” of track flare with the 3.5 and 4.5” layouts. This core revs easily and produces a continuous strong arc all the way through the pindeck.
	Coverstock: The 4000 abralon-sanded cover also has been strengthened, compared with the original Rival. Even the name has been tweaked; it’s now called 300 Reactive Plus. Coloring is a simple, but warm blend of red, green and black. The response time of this cover is moderately quick off friction, but above-average in oil. Columbia rates this cover a 37 in the slick stuff and 29 on drier boards.
Manufacturer’s Intent: The Arch Rival will complement the original Columbia Rival when bowlers need more total hook. It is our observation that the ball’s enhanced coverstock formula and finish both contribute to this stronger read in the midlane on heavier volumes.
Test Results: The Columbia 300 Arch Rival devours medium and heavier oil patterns. When this ball commits to the midlane, it really commits. Our test staff found the Arch Rival to roll and carry from all angles between board 2 and 20, providing there was sufficient oil volume and/or length. When compared to a Resurgence with 12 games of use, the Arch Rival had a reaction that was about a foot later with a slightly more angular look. Total hook was comparable on most of the patterns as well. I would rate the overall ball motion as a hard arc on the majority of patterns.
When to Use: The Arch Rival can be used on medium to heavier patterns when attempting to cover some serious lane real estate. This ball definitely offered the testers the ability to take the scenic route, if so desired. When smoothed to 2000 and polished, we saw two feet of additional length and a more crisp reaction in the final 20 feet. With this type of finish, it displayed a ball roll very similar to that of Columbia’s original Rival. Players wishing to play more down and in will only be able to do so if they possess firm ball speed and a moderate-low rev rate.

Columbia 300: Jazz 43 Hook 16 Length 14 Breakpoint Shape
Columbia 300 Jazz Orange/Yellow	Core Design: If you want a high RG level, you can strike up almost any kind of band with the Jazz, which should be music to your ears. The RG measures in at 2.66 with the Diff checking in at a strong .040. We saw 3.5” of flare with the 3.5 and 4.5”pin layouts.
	Coverstock: As with the other models in this series, Columbia’s Jazz utilizes a Super-Flex solid reactive coverstock. The coloring of this edition is a bright orange and yellow mix, while the surface is finished with a high gloss polish.
Manufacturer’s Intent: As with the earlier variations in the Jazz series, this ball is destined for use on medium and lighter volumes. The cover is reasonably strong, but with the higher RG core combined with its lower Diff rating, the Jazz will go long and finish just fine… providing, of course, that there is enough friction present on the lanes.
Test Results: The Jazz proved to be a worthy entry when compared to many of it entry- or mid-priced counterparts. With good releases, we saw plenty of total hook and hitting power on all light-to-medium volumes of oil. However, the if you miss it a little at the bottom of your swing, you’ll likely see more deflection when compared to a similar two-piece ball with an identical total hook rating. Don’t get the wrong idea, though — bowlers who never miss-hit the ball and possess PBA-type leverage at the foul line will be able to use the Jazz when encountering plentiful friction and not give up anything.
When to Use: The 43 hook rating should be a strong indicator of the Jazz’s intent. Bring on the friction — the higher RG core creates later revs and more downlane hook potential. The conservative cover formula will not create adequate friction in heavier oil or through carrydown, however. The 14 breakpoint shape rating is accurate when matched up with cleaner backends, whereas oil carrydown will reduce this number significantly. The weak, polished cover, naturally, just isn’t enough on longer or higher volume oil patterns, unless you possess sloth-like ball speed.

900 Global: The Break S-75 55 Hook 12 Length 14 Breakpoint Shape
	Core Design: This Break has the same powerful core used in the two earlier versions. 900 Global has found no need to change this powerhouse. The RG is low at 2.49 with a huge Diff of .058. The mass bias strength also is stealthy, coming in at .024
	Coverstock: The Break S-75’s cover is a mix of the black solid (Break) and silver pearl (Creature) along with a special additive to enhance the oil absorption rate and create more friction with the lane.
Manufacturer’s Intent: Eric Thomas of 900 Global makes the following observations about this new ball: “We really want to show the world how versatile our new covers are, as well as how good this core is. We haven’t tweaked the core yet because we can attain different down-lane motions by adjusting coverstock strengths. This cover was designed to help bowlers combat slicker oil conditions, yet give them that awesome down-lane hook that they have come to expect out of the Break series.”
Test Results: The S-75 will be somewhat of a conditional ball for the majority of users. In fact, we actually found this ball to be too strong on four of our six test patterns. The S-75 revs easily and quickly, and the cover reads the midlane very strongly. Thing is, it doesn’t stop there, as the backend reaction is angular and decisive. I wouldn’t classify this ball as having a flippy reaction by any means, but I would classify it as possessing a hard, quick arc. On medium and drier patterns, we found the S-75 required far too much launch angle and/or ball speed to maintain the pocket. Smoothing the surface with 4000 and applying Secret Sauce polish gave us an additional three feet of length and enhanced the backend motion and carry as well. Only then did the ball become more usable on “normal” patterns.
When to Use: With the S-75’s out-of-box finish, most bowlers will be limited to heavier and longer patterns. Players who possess more ball speed than revs will undoubtedly be able to use the S-75 more often and for longer periods. Those looking for the most hook possible could sand the S-75 with 500-grit. This surface finish would earn this aggressive veneer a 58 hook rating, one of the highest ever.

Brunswick: Swarm 46 Hook 16 Length 15 Breakpoint Shape
Brunswick Swarm	Core Design: The Swarm uses Brunswick’s new multi-sided Honeycomb Core System, which incorporates a honeycomb-like series of high and low density fillers. The Swarm’s medium RG of 2.53 helps push the ball through the mid-lane while the Diff (.041) creates plenty of track flare for backend reaction. Testing showed an average of 4” of flare.
	Coverstock: The black and yellow pearl bumblebee look is sanded to 400-grit, and then highly polished. The coverstock formula is the proven and durable Powerkoil 18, which has been used on many a Brunswick ball. Response time is rated as quick off friction. The ball’s length in oil is easy and effortless.
Manufacturer’s Intent: The Swarm is basically a replacement for the Rampage. Easy length and a strong back-end reaction on medium and lighter volumes should be the Swarm’s forté… unless the surface finish is drastically changed, of course.
Test Results: The Swarm performed best for us on lighter and medium volumes with clean backends. Too much oil downlane and we saw squirt or wiggle downlane with a lack of entry angle. Cleaner backends produced a quicker and stronger breakpoint move. This is the intended condition for the Swarm with its box high gloss finish. The ball roll and motion shape is very reminiscent of the older Rampage, even with the new core.
When to Use: Bowlers looking for a skid/flip reaction on light and medium volumes at an affordable price will be very pleased with this new entry from south of the border. The Swarm is somewhat condition-specific due to the fact that it skids easily in oil and responds quick and decisively off dry. Scuffing with Scotch Brite or abralon pads will naturally subdue the sensitivity to these elements and increase overall hook, but personally, I would just use a different ball and leave the Swarm as intended. Hitting power was both predictable and consistent, and this core/ cover combo will let you know rather quickly if it’s the correct choice on a given pattern.

Brunswick: Copperhead 49 Hook 14 Length 14 Breakpoint Shape
Brunswick Copperhead	Core Design: The Copperhead uses Brunswick’s multi-sided Rocket symmetric core system, which provides a low RG of 2.49 to help the ball rev up sooner and create more mid-lane recovery. The moderate .043 Diff displayed 4” of track flare.
	Coverstock: A Powerkoil 18 solid reactive cover supplies the needed traction in oil. The surface is finished with 800-grit sandpaper out of the box, but it is easily tuned with smoother grits and/or polish. Coloring is a vibrant medley of ivory, copper and blue. Our best reaction for THS conditions (typical house shot) was with a 2000-sanded surface. The 800-grit factory finish matched up great on our longer 39-44’ PBA-type test patterns, though. High polishing created more length but produced little increase in angularity.
Manufacturer’s Intent: The Copperhead replaces the Wizard of the BVP series. This edition hooks slightly earlier and more, primarily due to the Rocket core’s lower initial RG value. This ball, which was given a 130 hook rating by Brunswick, will handle most medium and heavier patterns.
Test Results: The Copperhead matches up very well on most medium to heavier volumes of oil, providing the user does not want to circle the ball too much. In other words, keeping one’s launch angles more closed seemed to be paramount for the Copperhead in creating area and producing above average pin carry. Track players with above average speed will enjoy the strong midlane move with a controlled motion off friction. The Copperhead definitely complements the above reviewed Swarm as these two are at opposite ends of the spectrum in regard to ball path motion.
When to Use: Use the Copperhead when looking for an earlier midlane read with a controlled move off the friction areas of the lanes. The response time is rated as moderately slow, which should allow bowlers to keep their target lines more closed and more controlled. We also noticed our best carrying angles were from the 17th board and out. The Copperhead’s smooth breakpoint motion held true for all drill patterns, including our 4.5” pin above the fingers.