I picked up a NIB 15lb Hybrid Hook.
I had a Link pearl before and liked the S30 coverstock, but wanted something a little stronger and earlier...decided to go with the hybrid S43 cover. I liked the core from the original Code, and the Hook looked to have a similar shape and numbers.
The ball I purchased had 5" pin to cg and just under 2 oz top. Seemed like perfect spec for a double thumb layout, so I went ahead and layer the ball out for it. Ending being a 65X4X30 layout, which puts the pin above and right of ring, cg just below midline and a little right of ring. Weight hole drilled 1.5" right of thumb, pitched right....7/8" hole drilled 2.75" deep. I left the ball in box surface...polished.
I've thrown the ball a few times now on a standard house pattern, compared against an AMF Shred-It with the same layout. First, the ball really flares a lot. The core in the Hook is actually quite strong. With the very strong layout, this results in a super smooth reaction. Lots of mid lane reaction, with a smooth transition. This gives an easy to read arcing reaction. Overall hook is about 8 boards less than the shred-it, but with a similar shape. I think this will be a great ball for lighter patterns, due to the weaker coverstock. I'm still waiting to see performance on broken down conditions, but suspect, the reacting will be fine. On the fresher shot, I wad able to get in somewhat and create a little angle, but still carry. The ball didn't seem to push too far down the lane. Slowing the speed down allowed me to get even further inside.... Carry was still pretty good. Overall, I'm happy with the reaction, shape, and carry or the price point. I could see this being a great low-cost option for many league bowlers that battle with lighter oil conditions.
