Test Ball: 15 lb., pin 3-1/4", drilled with pin 4-1/2" from PAP; CG kicked right, approx. 1/2 oz. positive side weight, no X-hole.
BOWLER: RH, 'rotationally-challenged', medium ball-speed.
I have awaited this low-load particle entry for a long time, since most high-load particle balls tend to vacuum "house" conditions into unplayability within a game or so, frying all the conditioner off the heads and making midlanes spotty and unpredictable. The moderate-flaring layout selected was intended as either a beginning ball for fresh 'house' conditions, or a 'go-to' ball for Sport or longer house patterns. It succeeded, but with cautions.
On a standard house oil pattern, this ball, despite the low particle load, is still a VERY STRONG ball. A 'low-load' particle coverstock this may be, but the particles they did put in there, spent a month doing pushups before being blended into this cover. The ball makes a VERY decisive move down-lane, but doesn't overreact. However, on the shorter house patterns, it seems to be 'too much gun': the breakpoint tends to be VERY early on these conditions. It needs head oil, and seems to require a fair amount of midlane oil, as well. When it sees dry wood, it MOVES. The upside of this is, on a Sport or longer oil pattern, the ball will play all day and all night. It saves energy and holds down its lane movement to a degree unexpected for a higher-differential ball; it may move early on shorter oil, but it doesn't seem to want to over-react anywhere. The real thing to watch is the break-point; the break itself won't give you any surprises. If the ball breaks too early, either move left into a lot more oil or put it away til later; if it gets down-lane, smile and prepare to enjoy yourself.
And the HIT!! Lord, does this ball hit and carry. As noted, it seems to save up energy and not waste anything on big, sweeping moves on the lane. The reaction is a strong, continuous arc, very controllable. Low-pocket hits are blown away completely, and flush hits have no chance either. High-flush, it's still possible to get into trouble, since the finish is so strong.
OVERALL: 8.5 out of 10, only due to early break on 'house' conditions. On Sport, it's a 9.999.
MCC