hehe.... how can you be disappointed in a ball that hasn't hit the shelves yet? It won't be for another three to four weeks before you can put your hands on it.
I've talked with Billy Yinger about this ball. The coverstock is a pearlized Soaker. The Thing was half pearlized and half solid, if you recall. The Thing is not a big hook ball, the Thing Returns will go longer and turn harder, most likely covering more boards.
Try not to mistake the Soaker coverstock for a simple resin. In my experience, it's characteristics are more similar to particle than reactive resin.
Also, Phil has hinted to the fact that he expects to have a third Thing. Based on how the Thing Returns performs in the market, the follow up ball will fill the need of the DT fans out there. I, too, like the low load particle idea... the Vendetta Particle remains my favorite ball of the bunch. However, it will be a mistake to stick every coverstock on every core just to have it... doesn't Hammer, et al, do that now?
I expect the Thing Returns to be different enough to warrant buying it. And different enough to compliment (not replace) my existing arsenal.
Tony Melendez
http://www.allBowling.com