Yes, the cover is very strong and wrapped around a good core. I tried several different cover preps, the best I found was 1000 Abralon. I find at 1000 the ball is quite versatile. The layout is 4.5 from my pap, pin up with CG swung and 3/4 X 2 1/2 weight hole 2 1/4 down from my PAP. This layout and cover prep allows me to play the ball int he oil on a fresh house shot. Reads the end of the patter well, if I miss right it reads the friction and hooks out of the house. Good work horse ball...you will certainly find a lot of use from it.
Fran