Pin to PAP Distance: 5"
Preferred Spin Axis to PAP Distance: 5"
Balance Hole: None
Surface Preparation: Box Condition
What I Was Looking For in this Ball and Layout:
Truthfully, I didn't have much in mind when I put the holes in this ball. While I've talked about the dangers of doing this earlier on this website, I wasn't too afraid of it with the Smash Time. I was pretty confident in the type of reaction I would see from this ball.
What I Ended Up With in this Ball and Layout:
Through the front end, the Smash Time reacts like a typical particle-solid coverstock ball. It's not the easiest ball to get through the front of the lane, but it certainly clears the heads better than the dull chalk balls currently on the market. By using 1000 Grit Abralon, Ebonite has created a particle cover that most players can get through the front of the lane on most medium to heavier oil lane conditions. Note that the weightblock inside the Smash Time is the same as the Big Time Particle Solid without the flip block on top. If you own both balls you will see a significant difference in the front end. The Big Time Solid has that slightly higher rg due to the flip block, and it's noticeable in the ball's reaction. Where the Big Time Solid might skate a little too far on the heaviest lane oil in the heads and mid-lane, the Smash Time reads the lane pattern with no problem. This is crucial on fresher lane patterns that use heavier volumes in the front of the lane.
The Smash Time is incredibly consistent at the breakpoint, due to the ball's ability to read the lane pattern sooner than most balls. I get a very nice controllable arcing motion off of the end of the oil pattern from my Smash Time. If you get into a position where your Smash Time is not reading the end of the pattern every time, you are probably not throwing this ball on enough front end oil. The Smash Time is very strong and heavy rolling through the backend of the lane.
The overall hook of my Smash Time is very strong, comparing in boards to my Big One, and nearing my Infinite One in total hook. It's certainly stronger than my Big Time Solid in overall hook. Early pattern reading ability along with a controllable backend motion is what the Smash Time offers. This ball would be a fantastic solution for your mid-level league players looking for a combination of power and control.
Length from 1-10 (Early to Late)
3.0
Breakpoint Move from 1-10 (Smooth to Sharp)
6.5
Overall Hook from 1-10 (Low to High)
8.5
To see a picture of this ball layout, please visit my website at
www.proshoptraining.com.
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Jeff Ussery
Powerhouse Training Clinics
www.proshoptraining.com