Ball Speed: 18 mph at release
Rev Rate: 540rpms
Axis Point: 5.5 over by 1.5 down (two hander with no thumb hole)
Bowling Center: Pin Chasers Tampa (by Tampa Airport)
Lane Condition: 38 foot House Shot. Heavy volume first 20 feet.
Lane Surface: High friction, strong backends
Ball Specs (before drilling): 16 lbs, 3.5 pin, 3oz top weight
Layout: Short pin.....80 x 2 x 45
Impressions: Exactly what I expected when I decided to lay the ball out this way. At box finish, it cleared the first 30 feet like it was bowling on ice. Then I could start to see the ball transitioning at the back of the pattern. The ball held its line and made a smooth arc into the pocket while snapping the 10 pin of the deck. In fact....I threw a few of the nastiest messengers I have sent in a while. Not once in 4 games did I leave a flat 10 pin. However, once I tried moving in to about 3rd arrow, as expected there was not enough entry angle to kick the corners. But that is not the intent of this ball with this layout. I specifically wanted something I could move right and play up between 6-10 boards and control the backend and that is exactly what I got. Overall very happy with the look and hitting power playing that angle.
Comparisons: Comparing the Messenger to my Deep Freeze......Deep Freeze (5 inch Pin to PAP and 35 degrees to VAL) was about an arrow stronger overall. On similar line. the first 30 feet looked about the same but the Deep Freeze had more backend and went light brooklyn whereas the Messenger was kicking out 10 pins. Difference in adjustment was 6 left with my feet and 3 left with my eyes.
Comparing Messenger to my new Beast: Drilled Beast 4.5 pin by 45 degrees to VAL, the Beast revved up a few feet sooner than the Messenger and Deep Freeze and more continuation on the backend, but not snappier, more of a hard arc. With my feet, I was 9 boards left of the Messenger and 3 left of the Deep Freeze.
Summary: I have 3 really good looks on the low end. Lining up with my feet, I am about 10 boards difference between the Messenger and Beast with the Deep Freeze falling directly in the middle with 3 very different backend reactions. Messenger is 40 feet with smooth arc, the Beast is 35 feet, rev up and continue, and the Deep Freeze is 42 feet and more angular motion due to high friction surface, and layout.
