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Author Topic: Activator vs Powerkoil (old school versions)?  (Read 19523 times)

BowlingForDonuts

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Activator vs Powerkoil (old school versions)?
« on: December 05, 2018, 01:57:50 PM »
Long story short the only reactive ball I had that survived my last long bowling layoff was a BVP Rampage that I still use and absolutely love (put up zip codes with it).  Still oh so viable on modern conditions with some surface.  Love that Powerkoil 18 cover inverted bell core combo so much that I picked up a used BVP Nemesis to pair with it.  I know the BVPs were basically entry level balls and aren't spoken in reverent tones like the Infernos but curious which people like more as far as Powerkoil vs activator back in the day.  Went with what I know and like but see some old Infernos on ebay.  I can say from experience that the Powerkoil 18 is fairly low maintenance, and doesn't fade with use and is built like a tank (Storm Shift I had to next to it in bag cracked all the way around in the years the two stored to together in garage).  Do the infernos hold up well as well?  Thanks.
« Last Edit: December 05, 2018, 02:10:47 PM by BowlingForDonuts »
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BallReviews-Removed0385

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Re: Activator vs Powerkoil (old school versions)?
« Reply #1 on: December 05, 2018, 09:33:23 PM »

I still see lots of Infernos being used today.  The Ultimate and Scorchin' Infernos have been used here in the past week.  These must have hundreds of games on them but seem to still perform.

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BowlingForDonuts

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Re: Activator vs Powerkoil (old school versions)?
« Reply #2 on: December 05, 2018, 09:41:35 PM »
Quote from: notclay on December 05, 2018, 09:33:23 PM

I still see lots of Infernos being used today.  The Ultimate and Scorchin' Infernos have been used here in the past week.  These must have hundreds of games on them but seem to still perform.

Thanks.  Limited research I've done seems to show Infernos lower RG, bit stronger, handle more oil and more back end than powerkoil BVP balls.  Since activator is derived from powerkoil not surprised they are durable as well (if anything looks like activator even more durable according to posters on here).  Really like the BVP balls though.  Let others think they are old beginner balls as long as they continue to sell them to me at cheap prices.  Have several new fancy expensive balls that are trash compared to my Rampage at least on house shot.  Might have to get an old inferno someday as well.
« Last Edit: December 05, 2018, 10:17:44 PM by BowlingForDonuts »
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AlonzoHarris

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Re: Activator vs Powerkoil (old school versions)?
« Reply #3 on: December 14, 2018, 05:36:33 PM »
I have a 15 year old Lane #1 Hybrid Dirty Bomb and also a Dirty Bomb Pearl. They use the powerkoil formula from when Brunswick was pouring their covers. They’ve held up great. Actually about to plug and redrill the solid one differently for short pattern tournaments.
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avabob

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Re: Activator vs Powerkoil (old school versions)?
« Reply #4 on: December 14, 2018, 07:20:35 PM »
Power coil 18 was first used in the Danger Zone.  Very good shell the was used on many pieces after that.  Activator first appeared in the original inferno.  Both very durable shells.  Activator was considered mire aggressive, but a Brunswick rep told me the rough buff finish was what really made the difference.  Also, Inferno had a stronger lower rg core than most of the predecessors
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BowlingForDonuts

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Re: Activator vs Powerkoil (old school versions)?
« Reply #5 on: December 14, 2018, 07:21:11 PM »
Yeah as a postscript finally got that used BVP Nemesis and lo and behold it was a 14lber advertised as a 15lb ball.  Didn't realize until after had it re-drilled but decided to keep it anyway (didn't want to deal with return and drilled it and may use someday if get older or give to kids).  Did leave negative feedback for seller.  Yep from now on ebay if no scale picture not buying.  Its too bad because ball was in great shape with that awesome miss room my Rampage gives me without quite the hit (did throw it once, how figured it was a 14, karma got me back though when Orange Warlock came was in great shape and prior drill fit my hard perfect woot).  Since it was tough to find another powerkoil BVP ball said screw it and just got me an original used 15lber Inferno made in the USA.  Was looking for more of a solid powerkoil to go with the Rampage but Inferno is a legend for a reason so thinking it will be a good step up ball from the Rampage when I want to go old school.  Love how much miss room those balls give me though.  More than almost all my modern balls at least on house shot.  Might post a comparison between pearlized pk18 and activator at some point for heck of it.

(edit:  Orange Warlock significantly stronger overall than Nemesis.  That ball must have been hella strong 20 years ago)
« Last Edit: December 14, 2018, 08:13:37 PM by BowlingForDonuts »
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BowlingForDonuts

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Re: Activator vs Powerkoil (old school versions)?
« Reply #6 on: December 16, 2018, 04:09:40 PM »
Quote from: avabob on December 14, 2018, 07:20:35 PM
Power coil 18 was first used in the Danger Zone.  Very good shell the was used on many pieces after that.  Activator first appeared in the original inferno.  Both very durable shells.  Activator was considered mire aggressive, but a Brunswick rep told me the rough buff finish was what really made the difference.  Also, Inferno had a stronger lower rg core than most of the predecessors

The original Danger Zone had at least as low RG as Inferno correct (little lower I think)?  Did the Danger Zone have a symmetric core?  Get confused by those old zone balls as it was my understanding the original zone core was fairly strong asymmetrical.  Finally does anyone know of any powerkoil 18 balls that were 2 piece (coverstock and core only, no filler)?
« Last Edit: December 16, 2018, 04:13:41 PM by BowlingForDonuts »
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BeerLeague

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Re: Activator vs Powerkoil (old school versions)?
« Reply #7 on: December 18, 2018, 07:17:17 AM »
Quote from: BowlingForDonuts on December 16, 2018, 04:09:40 PM
Quote from: avabob on December 14, 2018, 07:20:35 PM
Power coil 18 was first used in the Danger Zone.  Very good shell the was used on many pieces after that.  Activator first appeared in the original inferno.  Both very durable shells.  Activator was considered mire aggressive, but a Brunswick rep told me the rough buff finish was what really made the difference.  Also, Inferno had a stronger lower rg core than most of the predecessors

The original Danger Zone had at least as low RG as Inferno correct (little lower I think)?  Did the Danger Zone have a symmetric core?  Get confused by those old zone balls as it was my understanding the original zone core was fairly strong asymmetrical.  Finally does anyone know of any powerkoil 18 balls that were 2 piece (coverstock and core only, no filler)?


The original Danger Zone was a symmetric core.  Yes, they are 2 piece - no filler. THey had the bismuth nugget in the center of the core that the remakes do not.  I think the RG was .046 - something like that.
 
I still have an old 16# that you can have if you pay to ship it.

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BowlingForDonuts

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Re: Activator vs Powerkoil (old school versions)?
« Reply #8 on: December 18, 2018, 10:21:25 AM »
Quote from: BeerLeague on December 18, 2018, 07:17:17 AM
Quote from: BowlingForDonuts on December 16, 2018, 04:09:40 PM
Quote from: avabob on December 14, 2018, 07:20:35 PM
Power coil 18 was first used in the Danger Zone.  Very good shell the was used on many pieces after that.  Activator first appeared in the original inferno.  Both very durable shells.  Activator was considered mire aggressive, but a Brunswick rep told me the rough buff finish was what really made the difference.  Also, Inferno had a stronger lower rg core than most of the predecessors

The original Danger Zone had at least as low RG as Inferno correct (little lower I think)?  Did the Danger Zone have a symmetric core?  Get confused by those old zone balls as it was my understanding the original zone core was fairly strong asymmetrical.  Finally does anyone know of any powerkoil 18 balls that were 2 piece (coverstock and core only, no filler)?


The original Danger Zone was a symmetric core.  Yes, they are 2 piece - no filler. THey had the bismuth nugget in the center of the core that the remakes do not.  I think the RG was .046 - something like that.
 
I still have an old 16# that you can have if you pay to ship it.

Thank you for the info and the offer.  Already picked one up on ebay in 15#.  Was the remake they did ten to fifteen years ago and is made in the USA but with the USBC* line (no vintage on ball so sure not the recent remake).  Not sure if has nugget or not.  Went crazy and picked up original Inferno, the DZ and even found a 15# Nemesis.  Hate to say it but some of those balls from that 2004 to 2008 time frame (Hy-Road, PK18, Visionary, etc) in many ways are better than modern balls on medium volume house shot at least for me.  Top of the line then is great mid range now.
« Last Edit: December 18, 2018, 10:32:54 AM by BowlingForDonuts »
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bowling4burgers

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Re: Activator vs Powerkoil (old school versions)?
« Reply #9 on: December 19, 2018, 02:29:05 PM »
Anyone know how the PowrSurge on the Combat Zone compares (meaning falls short since it wasn't remade   ;) ) vs. those two? Got one for free and it's close enough to throw a bit and it certainly makes a hard left when it hits the dry.
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BowlingForDonuts

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Re: Activator vs Powerkoil (old school versions)?
« Reply #10 on: December 20, 2018, 10:28:56 AM »
Quote from: bowling4burgers on December 19, 2018, 02:29:05 PM
Anyone know how the PowrSurge on the Combat Zone compares (meaning falls short since it wasn't remade   ;) ) vs. those two? Got one for free and it's close enough to throw a bit and it certainly makes a hard left when it hits the dry.

Just because it wasn't remade doesn't mean it wasn't good.  Brunswick made a metric crap ton of different zone balls so won't remake but a few.  Thread below has some good info.  Personally I would punch it up for sure but I like older pieces as well.

https://www.ballreviews.com/brunswick/combat-zone/
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bowling4burgers

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Re: Activator vs Powerkoil (old school versions)?
« Reply #11 on: December 20, 2018, 03:05:46 PM »
Quote from: BowlingForDonuts on December 20, 2018, 10:28:56 AM
Quote from: bowling4burgers on December 19, 2018, 02:29:05 PM
Anyone know how the PowrSurge on the Combat Zone compares (meaning falls short since it wasn't remade   ;) ) vs. those two? Got one for free and it's close enough to throw a bit and it certainly makes a hard left when it hits the dry.

Just because it wasn't remade doesn't mean it wasn't good.  Brunswick made a metric crap ton of different zone balls so won't remake but a few.  Thread below has some good info.  Personally I would punch it up for sure but I like older pieces as well.

https://www.ballreviews.com/brunswick/combat-zone/
Some day I probably will if this PSO doesn't tell me I'm wasting my money, like my former one said my dad's Forest Fire Storm wasn't worth redrilling for me.

Have a Web Tour coming I'll be occupied with figuring out first though.
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charlest

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Re: Activator vs Powerkoil (old school versions)?
« Reply #12 on: December 20, 2018, 04:34:29 PM »
Quote from: bowling4burgers on December 19, 2018, 02:29:05 PM
Anyone know how the PowrSurge on the Combat Zone compares (meaning falls short since it wasn't remade   ;) ) vs. those two? Got one for free and it's close enough to throw a bit and it certainly makes a hard left when it hits the dry.
PowrSurge coverstock was slightly less powerful than the PK-18 coverstock.
Around here (central NJ) they were very popular.

Problem with the Combat Zones were the same as every other step down from the most powerful balls, everyone wants maximum hook to prove they are macho. So any lesser hooking balls suffered in sales.
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JustRico

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Re: Activator vs Powerkoil (old school versions)?
« Reply #13 on: December 20, 2018, 09:46:56 PM »
Just so everyone has it correct...PowerKoil18 is a stronger cover than Activator and both were very durable
BVP was not entry level it was more of a mid level versatile line, multiple reaction pieces 
Activator was Brunswick’s attempt at a quicker/faster cover similar to a Utah reaction but was also known for its durability....1000’s of game before cracking and easily recoverable as far as reaction through baking in a Rejuvenator type oven
Surprisingly neither are currently being used
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BeerLeague

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Re: Activator vs Powerkoil (old school versions)?
« Reply #14 on: December 21, 2018, 08:37:23 AM »
Quote from: JustRico on December 20, 2018, 09:46:56 PM
Just so everyone has it correct...PowerKoil18 is a stronger cover than Activator and both were very durable
BVP was not entry level it was more of a mid level versatile line, multiple reaction pieces 
Activator was Brunswick’s attempt at a quicker/faster cover similar to a Utah reaction but was also known for its durability....1000’s of game before cracking and easily recoverable as far as reaction through baking in a Rejuvenator type oven
Surprisingly neither are currently being used

"Surprisingly neither are currently being used "

-- isn't that the truth.... they haven't had anything come close in reaction since they quit using them.  The PK18 and Activator balls were some of the best I have ever owned.  I would still be throwing them if I wasn't forced to go to 15# from an injury.
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