Layout: 5 x 4 x 3
Surface: 2000 + Storm Step 2 Polish
The Zen Gold Label brings back the Meditate Symmetric Core with the all new Reserve Blend 801 Pearl Coverstock. What this new coverstock brings is more length and more angular backend compared to the original Zen. Where the original Zen was better for heavier oil and fresher conditions, the Gold Label is great for that transition period as a great next ball out of the bag after the Zen. I was able to try this ball on both a typical house pattern and 38ft Marshall Holman pattern.
On the typical house shot, I saw easy length through the front part of the lane with a very strong angular backend motion. The amount of length that it gave made it a little harder to control on the fresh. It would read the friction very strong but would have slight issue reading the oil. As the lanes transitioned and the lanes become more open, this ball really shined. It allowed me to move my feet further inside and throw it to the dry without worrying about recovery. As the middle part of the lane dried up some, this ball really controlled it and drove through the pins well. Depending on the lane conditions you are on, this ball could be good for the fresh if you need to hook a lot of the lane early on. Those who like to be straighter could have issue on the fresh controlling the pocket. An adjustment of surface to make it smoother would make this ball better on the fresh. This ball in my opinion would be a great transition ball. Good to use after your benchmark ball where you can move in and open your angles up.
On the Marshall Holman pattern, very much like the house pattern, it was tough to use on the fresh. The strong response in the backend made it tough to control it. As the lanes transitioned again and was able to open up my angles, this ball was much better. Due to the high oil volume, the polished finish made it a little bit tough to still control so I made an adjustment to a fresh 2000 grit finish. This allowed the ball to read the pattern sooner and not be as angular in the backend. Certainly don't be afraid to remove the polish on this one if you need a stronger footprint on the lane. Compared to the Zen, at the 2000 grit finish, the balls were definitely closer in reaction while the Zen was still smoother overall. The Gold Label still gave a more angular motion even at the same surface prep. For heavier oil volume, consider removing the polish for more control and consistency. For medium to lower oil volume, leave it shiny for more distance and recovery down lane.
Adam Chase
Storm Staff
