Just picked one up today from my Pro Shop for a great price. I am a medium revs/speed stroker who likes to play an outside line. I like my equipment to go long and arc strong on the backend, and they said the Rival would match up for me well. They used something between the #1 drilling layout (Controllable Big Hook Motion) and #4 (Length with Sharp Backend)for the ball.
They were right! This ball makes a smooth, continuous arc to the pins with a strong, predictable reaction. I started out on medium oil playing up the 12 board and got nothing but pocket shots. Moved out to the 23 board and put some more revs on it and the ball was still hitting good. The ball carries really well, keeping the pins low to the ground when it hits.
About half way through my practice they put fresh oil on the lanes. I moved out to the 28 and had the same reaction, and back to the 14 and still pocket.
I think everything I read about the Rival is right: great ball for medium to heavy oil and very versatile.
This is why I love buying from my coach at the Pro Shop, because I never would've picked a Columbia 300 ball (more inclined to go with Storm or Hammer). But these guys know how I throw a ball, what I need in my arsenal, and what will work for me.
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Arsenal:
Columbia 300 Rival
Storm T-Road Pearl
Hammer Cherry Vibe
Lane #1 Bullet
Columbia 300 White Dot - Blue Pearl
Edited on 2/21/2009 9:55 AM
