I have tried just about every manufacturer over the past year and a half, and here are some, not all, of the balls I have used.
Track Rising SE(Good), Storm Virtual Energy(Bad), Ebonite Complete NV(Good), Columbia Arch Rival(Good), Brunswick Power Groove(OK), Roto Grip Mars(Good), Hammer Raw Anger(OK)
However, over the past two months I have purchased two of the best overall balls I have ever owned.
Columbia 300 Total Bedlam (Great)
Columbia 300 Freeze (Great)
The "Total Bedlam" should be renamed "Bad Intentions" based on its ball characteristics. This is be the most heavy rolling, big hooking, hardest hitting ball I have personally ever thrown. What a great design Columbia manufactured for this piece. The ball hooks alot, stores up a ton of energy, and hits like a bulldozer. I am amazed at the performance of this ball especially at it''s medium price point.
The "Freeze" is the most value per dollar of any ball on the market. The ball rolls extremely well, and has so much more down lane reaction than all the balls sold at similar price points. The ball allows me to attack the lanes in various ways also. Something generally not associated with lower priced equipment.
I have no ties to any specific ball manufacturer like some people that get on and tote about the "best ball on the market" phenomenon. Nevertheless, what I will say is that Columbia, over the past two years, has developed some very good technology that makes the game more enjoyable for average bowlers like me. Good job Columbia 300.
Edited on 3/3/2010 2:44 PM