Doc,
Thanks for all the details. Sorry I missed the piece in your 2nd post where you mentioned about matching the cover finish. I was so surprised about the similarities between Jekyll and RS I must have glossed over that vital piece of data.
I can understand and little more how they might be similar because I had a recent Columbia particle ball, the Icon2, and has it shined. It was flippier than most of my pearls; it required definite dry before it would grab the lane.
I never had a Rock Star but did want one. In box condition, the bowlers I saw use it made it appear a lot like a proactive/particle Pulse - it so even. Neve rsaw it used polished.
The strength and even-ness of the Jekyll surprise me. Your report makes it appear that it would be a ball that is too strong for me to use on my normal conditions. I can hardly use a Pearl Boss that I drilled up 2 months ago and I love that ball.
I wish I had the opportunity to try more balls; heck, even half of what you and Pchee2 try would be wonderful. Unfortunately a number of factors prevent that at this point in time. However, I do have extensive experience with Columbia's SuperFlex balls with many cores from several companies. SF is extremely reflective of the core and the drilling with which it used. I also have some experience with Columbia's particle. Not every one of either of those types of coverstocks, of course.
I have to believe that for the most part we can often, BUT NOT ALWAYS get a decent read on the gneral behavior of a ball from its design specifications, IF we know somehtign about the components. Knowing something about pearlized SF and Col300's particle, you must admit that even you had to have been somewhat surprised by the similarity you found.
In my original comments to your statement, I said I was mystified. That was NOT calling your statement false. I was more of a roundabout way of saying, "Please give me more details; I am fascinated." No offense was ever intended.