I got this ball used in a trade from a fellow ballreviewer, our spans match up and the pitches are close, so all I had to do was put a new slug in the thumb. It is drilled with the pin about 1 1/4 inch above the midline, which is just about 3 3/4 from my PAP and the MB is on my VAL. The ball still appeared to have the box 1200 smooth finish.

Lane Condition: 34ft buffed to 41ft, heavy oil in the middle tapered out to the gutter, WOOD lanes.

LINE: I had to stand at about 36 board, hitting 26 and getting it out to 15 at the arrows and 10 board for my breakpoint. This line is a little more extreme than normal, but we shorten the pattern a little on Thursdays to reduce carrydown from the plastic and urethane balls these guys use.

REACTION: This ball revs up VERY early. I figured it would with that layout. Very smooth transition when it gets from the oil to the dry. Head oil is definately a must. I tried it on a different pair once the league was done and it started burning up pretty early. SMOOTH----and predictable is the best way I describe the reaction of this ball. It did not notice carrydown at all.

IMPACT: VERY strong at the pins. Much more than I expected from a ball in this price point. The only thing I did not like about it (and this is not really bad, just my preference) is that it pushed the pins back, which for me usually causes the corners to stand. They didn't stand tonight though.

READABILITY: The Alter Ego reads the entire lane very well. It has a smooth transition from the breakpoint. This could be the layout more than the ball. When it hits the dry early, it lets you know because it will roll out, or lose its energy.

OVERALL: This is my first dive into C300 since the Reaction Arc. They have not released anything for awhile that really interested me at all. The Alter Ego being their first ball in the assymetrical core I figured I would try it out. This ball is definately an oil ball, it is 2-3 boards stronger than the Ultimate Inferno that I drilled up Tuesday night. The UI is being touted as big B's oil ball (along with the warp zone), and this ball is definately stronger and much more predictable. It is not as sensative to oil as the UI is. If you are a C300 fan, and dig their equipment, you should definately have this in your arsenal. For the first time in a LONG time I can say that I feel C300 has released a WINNER.

My mini reviews are after 5-10 games USUALLY, and I post a final review in the review section after I have enough games on the ball to really post an honest opinion on the ball. Once I get some more games on it I will post a review.
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Owner/Operator
C-G Pro Shop

well what can i say, the Alter Ego is one ball that i was actually thinking of trying but i decided to stick with track for my heavy oil equipment.  i've had good luck with them.  how does the Alter Ego stack up to the Mutant from track?  i would guess the AE would hook a little earlier.  ?
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This Topic is A+ Hampster Dance Approved!!

EXCALIBUR,

  Make dang sure you keep the cover of that mutant as oil free as possible.  I am trying to bring one back to life after the guy who had it killed it by never cleaning it.

  I swear, this ball when first drilled would go long and flip hard on the backends, now it acts just almost exactly like a urethane.  On fresh lanes with really strong backends it is O.K., but as soon as the carrydown hits, it dies.

  Example: Last night I use it ( The Mutant ).  First game 279. First 4, ten pin spare, off the sheet.
  Second game- 10pin spare, 10pin spare, X, 10pin spare, 10pin spare, X, 10pin spare,etc...... Score-205

  Still got some work to do, but at least now I know it is the cover and I think I can still save it somewhat, if not totally.
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Just call me Darreyl, it's much easier to say!