Edit: Ha, sorry for the novel but if your bored, as I, you'll have some extra time on your hands.
A Pic of the ball and layout:
http://www.we-todd-did-racing.com/wetoddimage.wtdr/wOTk1MjMzNnM0MTNkZmQzMXk1NDE%3D.jpgI've had this ball a little over 5 months now, put a lot of mileage on it, and it hits and carries very well if not better than day one. I have mine drilled with pin 5" to pap, 2.5-3 in above midline in an attempt to get some length out of this beast. The ball has not taken much abuse from the lanes and could pass off as barely used. I love the "stuck to the lane" quality found in the Activator+. It slows down at the breakpoint really opens up the lanes when need be. I think that's what sold me. I saw this ball being used at the Pepsi tournament and loved the reaction, the stuck to the lane quality.
First game I used it and that was in league, was a 279 and frankly I wasn't throwing it all that well. I must thank the THS for that. They changed the shot recently with more oil and slightly different pattern, harder that is, and everybody in the house was struggling for a while. 200 avg bowlers 170's. I think this ball can give you a good look on the majority of patterns we see. It's that versatile. VERSATILITY: 9/10
One of the things I love best is the strong arc and continuation which results in pin punishing power. Light hits? The entry angle just slaps pins silly. High hits though, can be disasterous. The drive behind this baby is formidable. Ever since I got this ball, I've carried more off hits than any other ball I've owned or thrown. Just today in league, I was sure I left a split when I missed outside and and it hit the split pocket but lo and behold the power behind this ball shined. I'm sure it was just plain luck but that must have been one of the nastiest strikes I've witnessed. And then the next shot...pull the ball, barely nick the headpin, and it proceeds to knock down all ten. And our house is notorious for poor carry. HIT/CARRY: 10/10
Another thing I noticed is that this ball allows you to see just where the oil is. You could pass this ball off as a benchmark ball. It's smooth yet powerful and gives you a good read on the lanes. You can see it burning up when there isn't enough oil present and skid when there's too much. Some other balls with contrasting logos like the Ultimate Inferno, or too much color like the Backyard Bully, make it hard to determine when it's burning up or read, although they do look nice
A lot of times with other balls, I couldn't see the ball starting to check up a couple feet too early and costs me a few frames. It does however burn up in lighter amounts of oil, not hook off the lane. My V2 Sanded, I think is the perfect benchmark as it only burns up in dry situations, skids in too much oil, smooth, etc. So BENCHMARK-NESS and READABILITY: 8/10
As for the boards covered, I'd say this is my 3rd strongest ball only to the Ultimate Inferno and Apex Obsession. On our shot, these two balls burn up and can barely cover half the boards the Absolute does. To the Backyard Bully, on fresh oil it's only useable playing inside angles, real straight as it struggles to get into a roll. The Absolute on the other hand, is a good 10+ boards stronger than the Backyard on the same condition. To the Trooper, well, that ball just plain out confuses me. It hooks more than the Backyard Bully even when it's not burning up. But I'd say it's comparable to the BYB so the Absolute would be at least 10-15 boards stronger. HOOK: 7/10
I would not be surprised if the Absolute Inferno brings home the title "Ball of the Year" since I find it, in short, amazing. I guess my game really matches up with this ball. My two inferno's the Ultimate and Absolute have both proved themselves already. Both have given me a 279 and a 700. So Brunswick you got some winners here. If anybody is looking to try a Brunswick, give the Absolute a look. You can't go wrong with it. Can't wait to try out the Smokin'
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Bully Your CompetitionEdited on 10/15/2005 4:02 PM
Edited on 10/15/2005 4:02 PM
