Let me start out by saying this is the first columbia ball I have thrown in over 5 years.  This ball had a long 1 inch pin.  2 3/4 Top weight.  I drilled it 4x4 pin next to ring finger.  I used this ball on my scratch league which is has been fairly oily lately.  This ball is speed specific if there is heavier oil but gets to the pocket and hits pretty good.  So then I had to make up for my couples league on friday.  medium oil christmas tree pattern.  Shot 236,236,300 = 772.  This ball reads the midlane awsome on medium oil patterns.  This is my best medium oil ball now.  So then I take it to my tournament on sat.  Lanes are really dry outside and light to medium oil inside.  I could even use this ball on that pattern to.  I could play a great swing shot to 10 board and it comes back and smashes the pocket.  I guess what I am trying to say in this review is that columbia has made a monster of a ball out of this one.  It is very versitile.  Since this ball is what it is for the money I know now that I am going to have to drill me up a ego.....  GREAT JOB COLUMBIA STAFF....

I've got to give Columbia props on this ball.  We put a Rev leverage pattern on the ball, and at first I was unable to control the ball.  With a high track, the ball wanted to go really early.  However, after experimenting with the ball on different conditions with different releases, I learned that if I drop the track a little bit...maybe 1.5" from the holes, the ball gets all the length you need and has amazing recovery.  I have been able to open a few sport shots up with this ball (must be a thick condition with backend).  If you want any more specifics, feel free to contact me.

Ed

Drilled this ball pin under the ring finger, no weight hole.  In box condition, I shot 300 the second game I used it, but struggled for a couple of weeks despite the honor score.  I just couldn't seem to get it to face the pocket right to carry and it gave me alot of over/under.  I then took a grey scotch brite pad to it and this ball really hooks.  With this surface, it won't make it out of the bag much, but it definately fits the bill when the lanes are really tight.  I really don't think this ball was marketed properly because with a little surface, this ball is extremely strong.

Hope this helps,
Morpheus

Sorry guys, not a review, but a question.

I have just taken up the sport again after 22 years & was never any good at it then either!!!!!

I bowl too quick (27kph is my comfort zone) & do not have a very active hand, but I am working on that aspect. Our house is wood & has just been resurfaced. The big downside is the conditions are normally very wet. Currently I use a Hammer Vicious Attack, works OK if the oil has not been applied for the day, but as soon as it has I might as well use plastic.

One of my suppliers has suggested the Formula would be a good choice for our conditions. I am looking for something I can throw which will go long & then break hard into the pocket. I do not particularly want to have to change my "style" as I just do not feel comfortable slowing it down, nor do I want anything which requires too many revs cos' that ain't me either. Other suggestions I have had include the Diesel Particle & the Throttle (according to reviews on this site there is no longevity in the latter).

My question is 2fold, is the Formula the answer, if so - how do I drill it? If not, what would be a good ball for my situation? I have no allegiance to any particular brand.

I would value all & any suggestions.
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"Australia's Discount Bowling Store"

strong roll, with great backend traction. since i've had mine the only problem is carrying the 9 pin!!

Bought this ball about a week ago and last night was the first night I threw it.  Shot a 210 230 and a 225 with it.  I love this ball.  When it hits the pocket it seems like it takes no prisoners.  This ball is very good on heavy oil.  Hopefully I'll shoot my first 800 with it.

I had this ball drilled 9 months ago, but I only tossed it about 3 frames twice in practice.  At that time the lanes where I bowl required me to swing the shot across the middle (I'm not very successful with this shot) and this ball didn't seem to help me any.  Eleven days ago my normal house recoated the lanes and changed the oil pattern.  It is now flat oil from 5 to 5 (used to be higher in the middle) with a taper from 5 to gutter.  The first night of my handicap winter league was last Friday and we had to establish averages.  Since my Formula had the least mileage (basically, none), I decided to take it to the first night.  I shot 805 (279, 278, 248).  Since I only booked at 209, I realise that my team is doomed for awhile (until I can stabilize at a more realistic average).  Of course, I am ecstatic with the score and with the ball. My highest prior series (started this darned sport 43 years ago) is 725.  Today, I took the Formula and 9 other balls down to the lanes to practice and compare behavior.  I played the same basic line as in league: straight up the 5 board at about 16 mph.  The other balls included: Brunswick Goliath, Lane 1 Golden Nugget, H2O, Uranium pearl and solid, Brunswick Fire Quantum and Power Groove Proactive Plum, Storm Hot Wire, and Track Hexplosion.  With slight adjustments to feet, hand, and speed, I was able to get to the pocket with each ball.  The Formula alone produced all strikes.  I had spent 2 hours prior to practice cleaning all the balls thoroughly with Track Clean and Dull.  Guess which ball I'm starting with in tomorrow's classic scratch league? [Hint: it's made by Columbia]
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I bowled my best score with the house lights completely off.