Volume: Heavy
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): THS
COMMENTS
Likes: Extremely clean in the front, very predictable move on the backend
Dislikes: None
This is the first ever mid-performance ball that I have ever purchased from Ebonite. It was based on feedback from my new driller after having some issues with the former shop I went to. I was looking for a ball that would fit between my Storm Anarchy and Roto Grip Nomad Dagger. Also, I wanted to move up to 16lbs as I was having control and speed issues with my 15lb arsenal.
I had the Vital Energy punched with the pin drilled out in the ring finger, 5 inch pin to CG distance as this would give me length and a sharp backend. This was a layout I wanted since most of my equipment is pin above and tends to read the midlane more. Also having a higher speed and medium rev rate (19-22mph, 380-430 rpm), it was going to be a good match. This ball delivers everything I wanted and then some.
Throwing the Vital Energy, I immediately noticed how clean it is in front and how it had a very defined breakpoint. This is a motion that I was missing from my arsenal and it's one that I fell in love with right away. Throwing it on the heaviest house shot in the area was no problem. I played further outside than I usually do, but it worked perfectly. This ball retained its energy and as long as I got it out to the 8th board, it roared back with no problem. Moving deeper was not an issue- the ball retained its energy and carried very well.
A huge positive with this ball besides the defined breakpoint is how continuous it is through the backend. I noticed no deflection whatsoever. Also, the pins stayed very low and was able to carry some off-pocket hits. As long as I got the Vital Energy to my target, the ball did the rest. The few times I pulled it or missed 2-3 boards left, it held perfectly. Even though this pattern is heavier than what this ball is designed for, it was very usable and provided a lot of versatility.
Another huge positive is that I did not find any over/under like I have with some other balls I've used with 4000 as the box finish. Consistancy was a big win with this piece.
Now, my Nomad Dagger is a benchmark in my arsenal. However, I think the Vital Energy will fast become the new benchmark as it is the cleanest up front and offers the best predictability out of any ball I own.
If you have not checked out Ebonite for a while, it's definitely time to check them out again. From a guy who switched from the Ebonite family to Storm/Roto Grip last year (threw Columbia 300 for a long time), I am very impressed. This is one of the better releases Ebonite has put out in a while.
My arsenal