I'm not a very hard core bowler. Typically when I buy a ball, unless I dont like it, I tend to hold on to it for 5-10 years. I had to mention that hoping to avoid being laughed at when I say what I'm looking to replace.
I'm looking for a ball with a similar play/roll to my NoiZe. I was recently asked to join a friend's team, after being out of leagues for about 6 years due to working during league nights/times, needless to say my ball didn't exactly respond well to being thrown after sitting unused for so long (cracked during game 2 of my first series).. I was always happy with the way the NoiZe plays, it fits my throwing style perfectly, I love the huge back end movement, and punch so I'm looking for something with a similar performance.
So far the only balls I've found that seems to have a similar roll pattern (based on watching videos) are the Hammer BW Assassin, or the BW Legend, and the C300 Mad Antics (I prefer keeping my ball OOB, with the Mad Antics I may have to do some sanding)
I've always liked a more aggressive cover stock and asymmetrical cores. I'm not a big fan of glossy polished finishes but I'm not THAT picky. Also it may be worth noting that I have problems with my shoulder and can't throw a 16 lb ball for more than one game a night. I can throw 14 all night without too much pain, and I think I could handle 15 if it means getting a ball that wont require changing my throwing style, or adding a lot more speed. I'm not a slow roller but if I would go to 15 I would have to slow down due to my physical limitations.
My typical conditions range from light-heavy, I'm covered for dry-light conditions, so I'm looking for a ball to cover medium-heavy oil.
Like I said, I've been out of the game for a while, I did a lot of research and comparisons back in 08 when I bought my noiZe, but all of the other balls I had looked at have been discontinued so I'm back to square 1. Ball technology seems to have changed quite a bit since then, and C300 doesn't appear to use any of the components that were used on the noiZe, and with all the new developments since then I feel totally lost. Especially since most of the websites I used back then don't have the same comparison "tools" I used to make my decision.
Any Help,suggestions,recommendations will be greatly appreciated. It looks like I'm finally getting back in the game for the long run, now that my work schedule will allow it, so I would really like to find something. As far as my price range goes I'd like to stick between 100-150 but my absolute limit is 200. I'd like to stick with C300 or Hammer (the brands I've had the most luck with) but I'm open to trying others if they are good quality and the right performance.