I have the LT48 Vintage and just don't match up well with this ball. Have made several surface changes with no better results. My question is, would a Melee be a stronger ball? I have a Melee Cross and love that ball. I am looking for a ball that gets thru the heads when the Cross is reading too soon. I thought a Melee with the same drill might be the answer. I have also been told the Melee Jab was the way to go. Pearl covers and I don't usually work to well. Generally my style seems to work better with a solid cover stock. The exception is the NeXXXus taken to 1500 Royal Shine. Any thoughts?

CaptZap

The original melee will give a more similiar look to the cross when compared to the jab. The jab is more angular.

What surface changes have you tried with the LT? Surface changes are financially better than investment in new equipment. I would think a simple 2000 would round off the LT so it is smoother off the spot.

gave up on the original melee as well, junk...has only worked for me on wood for some reason, everything else it was over under and or squirty at any surface

the lt48 on the other hand is my go to for the past 6 months, best ball ive ever owned probably

cross is a awesome ball, love the low rg core in that one, super early midlane read

Problem here is everyone is kinda right. The Melee did seem to be hit or miss for people. I loved the ball. That's all I threw for some time. Others, well hated it. The LT compared to the Melee for me was mostly angle down lane. They were similar through the fronts but the LT was slightly more angle and slightly more overall hook.

The Jab will be much longer and more angular, but you can add some surface. This changes the ball greatly. I have one that has 2000 on it and is an absolute monster. If I drilled one exactly like my favorite Cross, they would go great as a combo.

Someone also said Brute, I agree with that too. This would be a little closer to the original Melee but a little more versatile.

I don't feel that you could go wrong with any of the above choices. Good luck!

I have both drilled the same with lower drilling angles and they rolled well for me. After speaking with a few people who didn't care for the Melee I adjusted the drilling angles for both ball and added some surface and they rolled well for me. The Melee went a few boards longer, but both were very smooth. The lower drilling angle with an adjustment to the VAL angle helped me get the ball to turn the corner better. I liked the Melee so much that I actually had the Jab and Cross set up to drill today. Most of the bowlers who didn't care for the 1st one I drilled up the Cross for them. Shortly after they come back for the Jab that I absolutely love. Most of the tourney bowlers I speak with use the Melee when the lanes are broken down pretty good. I'm just glad I didn't use a longer drilling angle for this and the LT-48.