Have a chance to pickup one of these at a low price.  Could someone please tell me how this compares with something in the Ebonite or Hammer line?  Would it be anywhere near the Ebonite Phenom or Phenom Pearl in handling oil?  Anyone used it with a surface change or polish?

Any help would be appreciated.

I like my Sideswipe Solid. For me, I use it for tougher tournament shots; bowled a 618 in the USBC at Syracuse this year during the team event. It wasn't a goodmatchup on the D & S pattern there, however.

I think it's a much better ball than my Fierce Phobia, and nearly as good as the Track Legion. Hope that helps you out.

Thanks DrBob.  Did you use the ball in box finish or did you change the surface?   If it's as good as the Fierce Phobia I'm assuming it will handle some oil. 

This is one of the better balls in the lineup for me, stronger than the GB2 series(also a great piece) in fact, I have a 2nd one in the box undrilled, it is that good for me. Its so controllable on the back half of the lane. Have used multiple surfaces, none were an issue, very tuneable surface

Let me clarify the comments above, the ball strength is relatively close on paper, the GB2 is earlier by a good margin. I use these 2 as different shapes and strengths, my Sideswipe Solid has a shorter Pin-PAP layout and less surface. M GB2 has more surface usually and a little longer pin-pap layout. Think of them as different shapes, not as much different strengths, Where the ball reads in the midlane is a much bigger deal than how strong it is.
I have both in my bag for tournaments. I have tried both pieces at pretty much any surfaces. Surface is the major factor in ball motion these days. Surface determines length, layouts, pin placements are down the list. Surface is #1 by alot, #2 is pin-pap distance. these 2 things make up 75% of ball motion characteristics.

The phenom pearl is another good Gamebreaker series piece, although I have Affinity which is similar.
If you want something stronger downlane than the phenom pearl, take a look at the Rhodman Pearl, probably the hottest selling piece right now.
Its plenty clean up front and plenty of motion downlane, but not the jerky hockey-stick motion, just more of an arcing motion, great rolling piece

Let me clarify the comments above, the ball strength is relatively close on paper, the GB2 is earlier by a good margin. I use these 2 as different shapes and strengths, my Sideswipe Solid has a shorter Pin-PAP layout and less surface. M GB2 has more surface usually and a little longer pin-pap layout. Think of them as different shapes, not as much different strengths, Where the ball reads in the midlane is a much bigger deal than how strong it is.
I have both in my bag for tournaments. I have tried both pieces at pretty much any surfaces. Surface is the major factor in ball motion these days. Surface determines length, layouts, pin placements are down the list. Surface is #1 by alot, #2 is pin-pap distance. these 2 things make up 75% of ball motion characteristics.

The phenom pearl is another good Gamebreaker series piece, although I have Affinity which is similar.
If you want something stronger downlane than the phenom pearl, take a look at the Rhodman Pearl, probably the hottest selling piece right now.
Its plenty clean up front and plenty of motion downlane, but not the jerky hockey-stick motion, just more of an arcing motion, great rolling piece

Thank you.