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Author Topic: In need of a benchmark ball  (Read 8455 times)

Urameshii6

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In need of a benchmark ball
« on: August 18, 2011, 01:45:42 AM »
  Just what the title says.  I've picked up quite a few pieces over the years, however, I am missing that one piece that will help me get an idea of what's happening before league kicks in.  Any ideas floating out there from the Big B followers?

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charlest

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Re: In need of a benchmark ball
« Reply #16 on: September 14, 2011, 06:48:53 PM »
Anthony,
 
While I'd agree with you in basics, for about the 90% case, many advancements have been made along the years. Many companies currently make mostly pearls, with solids seeming to take a back seat for overall versatility, in many, but not all cases. Although I'd choose a solid most of the time, I think the Massive Damage, a pearl, would make a fine benchmark for many people. A lot depends on the person's release and delivery, of course.
 
Many pearls are quite even reacting these days, among them the Massive. Some very even reacting pearls that could also be suitable for use as a benchmark from other companies include the Columbia Burst, Visionary Ogre Pearl, Ebo Game Changer, 900Global Hook Blue/Blue Pearl.
BackToBasics wrote on 9/14/2011 6:33 AM:
I have to really disagree with a pearl being a benchmark ball.   Remember, a benchmark ball isn't a ball that you can use almost  everywhere (that seems to be how it's commonly understood), it's a ball used to read the lanes and determine the amount of volume and friction locations.  That generally means a smoother rolling  ball which normally are solid symmetricals.  Back before you were given  the pattern before bowling, you had to throw shots across the entire  lane and determine the pattern and solid, smooth balls were perfect for  that because they didn't overread.  Pearls skate in oil and flip in  friction.  Assymetricals tend to do the same. 
 
I believe the Karma Solid is a perfect benchmark and if  you tend to bowl on higher volumes, the Lethal.  Both have solid covers, relatively smooth and perfect for getting a read on the lanes.  The Karma is first out of my bag everywhere I go.


Anthony Chapman


"None are so blind as those who will not see."

 
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"None are so blind as those who will not see."

dougb

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Re: In need of a benchmark ball
« Reply #17 on: September 17, 2011, 11:43:37 AM »
I have to go with Charlest on this one. While I almost always prefer a polished solid as a benchmark ball, the Massive is a very even reacting ball and gives me a perfect read of the lanes. I think both the Massive and the Damage are underrated.


 
charlest wrote on 9/14/2011 6:48 PM:
Anthony,
 
While I'd agree with you in basics, for about the 90% case, many advancements have been made along the years. Many companies currently make mostly pearls, with solids seeming to take a back seat for overall versatility, in many, but not all cases. Although I'd choose a solid most of the time, I think the Massive Damage, a pearl, would make a fine benchmark for many people. A lot depends on the person's release and delivery, of course.
 
Many pearls are quite even reacting these days, among them the Massive. Some very even reacting pearls that could also be suitable for use as a benchmark from other companies include the Columbia Burst, Visionary Ogre Pearl, Ebo Game Changer, 900Global Hook Blue/Blue Pearl.
BackToBasics wrote on 9/14/2011 6:33 AM:
I have to really disagree with a pearl being a benchmark ball.   Remember, a benchmark ball isn't a ball that you can use almost  everywhere (that seems to be how it's commonly understood), it's a ball used to read the lanes and determine the amount of volume and friction locations.  That generally means a smoother rolling  ball which normally are solid symmetricals.  Back before you were given  the pattern before bowling, you had to throw shots across the entire  lane and determine the pattern and solid, smooth balls were perfect for  that because they didn't overread.  Pearls skate in oil and flip in  friction.  Assymetricals tend to do the same. 
 
I believe the Karma Solid is a perfect benchmark and if  you tend to bowl on higher volumes, the Lethal.  Both have solid covers, relatively smooth and perfect for getting a read on the lanes.  The Karma is first out of my bag everywhere I go.


Anthony Chapman


"None are so blind as those who will not see."

 
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Brandon Riley

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Re: In need of a benchmark ball
« Reply #18 on: September 20, 2011, 12:25:19 AM »
Both balls are great options.  I personally like the Karma Solid.

I would tell you more about the ball but it would just sound like a FIGJAM.  I like the way the ball rolls that much.


Brandon Riley

Brunswick Advisory Staff

The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer and not of Brunswick Corporation.
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Brandon Riley
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TidalKnight

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Re: In need of a benchmark ball
« Reply #19 on: October 13, 2011, 09:51:42 PM »
Is a benchmark ball just to see how the lanes are or is it a good overall ball? If I had to have ONE ball to start with should I go massive damage?


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scotts33

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Re: In need of a benchmark ball
« Reply #20 on: October 13, 2011, 10:01:33 PM »
Just drilled this one this week a Reckless (close enough to Big B?)  55* 4.25" 35* x hole at P2 25/32" 3"s deep.  As you can see moved PSA right of thumb for a close to "benchmark" drilling angle for me.  I prefer 55* to 60* drilling angles for benchmark pieces for my stats.  Stats. in profile. 
 
Reckless is pearl Class 3 cover roll/arc ball for me and shows what's there and what's not.  I've found the Reckless a great benchmark ball and the Misfit the perfect ball under it.  I use both at OOB surface.
 
 
 
 


Scott

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Scott

BrunsNick

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Re: In need of a benchmark ball
« Reply #21 on: October 14, 2011, 12:39:01 AM »
Scott, have you spun that ball on a DeTerminator? On symmetrical balls without a mass bias, the psa usually ends up right in or near the thumbhole.


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dizzyfugu

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Re: In need of a benchmark ball
« Reply #22 on: October 14, 2011, 02:58:08 AM »

 



Brandon Riley wrote on 20.09.2011 0:25 AM:
[...]I personally like the Karma Solid.

That would be my suggestion, too. PK18 solid with a mid-range core - this is THE average ball for medium conditions which should allow a good reference for other balls and their reaction.

 

The DV8 Misfit also looks good, saw one in league in action on a rather tough and quickly changing oil pattern. I'd assume that it is a tad stronger than the Karma Solid, but reaction-wise it looks like a good benchmark piece, too.


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scotts33

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Re: In need of a benchmark ball
« Reply #23 on: October 14, 2011, 06:06:46 AM »
Nick,
 
First round mark on the Reckless just left of the thumb hole looking at the label is the PSA before the x hole was put into the gradient line at P2.  The 2nd round mark just right of the thumb hole is where the PSA shifted to after the x hole was put into the ball.....makes a perfect 55* drilling angle for benchmark for me and my stats.  I have all my equipment spun on a DeTerminator and list the dual angle layout from pin to PSA which would be the real drilling angle and not a straight line extending from pin thru CG. 
 
This pic is my Misfit without an x hole which shows the difference in layouts.  I have not put in an x hole yet to see how I liked the roll.  I put in gradient line x holes til after I roll them.  You can see the PSA near the thumb just left of it. 
 
The Misfit is a great ball under the Reckless.  78* 5.50" 44*
 
 
 
 
 
BrunsNick wrote on 10/14/2011 0:39 AM:
Scott, have you spun that ball on a DeTerminator? On symmetrical balls without a mass bias, the psa usually ends up right in or near the thumbhole.


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Scott

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Scott

sport300

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Re: In need of a benchmark ball
« Reply #24 on: October 14, 2011, 06:27:11 AM »
2 choices i suggest. if the volume is a medium to slightly more, than i would go with the massive damage. if the volume is medium or less, karma solid. both those pieces are benchmark type pieces made for different volume conditions.


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BrunsNick

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Re: In need of a benchmark ball
« Reply #25 on: October 14, 2011, 10:41:54 AM »
Awesome...

 

Good looking bowling balls you have there buddy! :)


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Nick Smith
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The Stroke

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Re: In need of a benchmark ball
« Reply #26 on: October 14, 2011, 11:27:02 AM »
Isn't there a DV8 forum?


Toodles
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