Author Topic: Benchmark ball to replace V2 (Read 4045 times)

TamerBowling · « **on:** September 29, 2009, 02:37:55 PM »

I currently use a Cell solid and V2 solid. I love the V2 reaction. The best mid-lane read of any ball I've ever thrown with a nice arc to the pocket. There are 2 gaps I'd like to fill. 1-On a fresh shot, it would help to have a bit more bite on the backend to carry. 2-With carrydown, I lose carry with the V2.
On fresh, I could use the Cell, but it's not the usable ball I thought it would be and it eats up the condition too quickly, making it harder to use the V2 afterwards. It's a very aggressive ball, but very early reaction.
I didn't know which board to post this since I don't have a brand preference.
I'm just not crazy about the One covers. I had an Angular One which was a turd after a very short while, but had the V2 for 5 years which has only smoothed out the reaction.
Any recommendations for a benchmark readable ball on Medium THS?

makpa · « **Reply #1 on:** September 30, 2009, 02:52:55 AM »

why dont you try a gamebreaker, same core, with a updated cover.

dizzyfugu · « **Reply #2 on:** September 30, 2009, 04:29:49 AM »

From the belly, and if you are not stuck to Ebonite, I'd suggest a Copperhead from Brunswick. "Old school" PK18 solid coverstock, low RG core - would IMHO come quite close in overall characteristics.

Not sure, but a Galdiator Solid from Visionary could also be an option.

The difficult thing with such older balls is IMO the formulation of the newer coverstocks - they tend to react sharper between wet and dry lane areas, and the grip level is higher. While the V2 core is still around, the more modern shells make different balls out of the package.

From the current Ebonite balls, I agree with makpa: the Gamebreaker would come closest. But I am sure it will be a different ball.
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DizzyFugu - Reporting from Germany

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charlest · « **Reply #3 on:** September 30, 2009, 05:51:48 AM »

Dizzy,

The Gamebreaker and the Copperhead are equivalent balls and would make good replacements for the V2.

The Gladiator Pearl is a good medium oil and could be a benchmark for some people because it's a very even reacting ball but it's a polished pearl. Both of the other two are very dull solids.

t3x1,

Your Cell should not be earlier than your V2 Sanded or much earlier. I suspect, like many, the MB, which has a significant effect on the ball reaction, is far too close to your VAL/PAP for your release. It can make the ball go into a roll much earlier than expected and reduce the backend.

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"None are so blind as those who will not see."

TamerBowling · « **Reply #4 on:** September 30, 2009, 11:51:50 AM »

The Gamebreaker is no longer in their lineup. I hate when balls are in and out of the lineup so quickly. The playmaker still seems to be around, but not sure about having a pearl as the benchmark ball. Do you guys like the 10.7 cover? I hated the 12.7 on the Angular one.
It's interesting trying to compare my Cell with V2. The V2 has come to an almost natural 2000grit finish. Every few weeks, I'll take it to 2000 and tiny amount of polish. When I think about the reaction, it's true the V2 is pretty early, but the mid-lane is so readable, that's where the difference is. From the Slide/hook/roll phases of the ball, the hook portion is substantial, but it's transition between the 3 phases is very smooth. I feel like the Cell, despite being now fairly polished to get it to go longer is not as smooth in those transitions. For some reason, the backend is not consistent for me, which is magnified in it's polished state.
My shop is really liking the Lanebreaker, but not sure if it can be a benchmark ball. I haven't seen anyone throw it.

charlest · « **Reply #5 on:** September 30, 2009, 03:50:49 PM »

That only means they stopped making it. That does not mean it is not available.

Here's a place where they list it:

http://www.bowlersdream.com/gamebreaker.html
http://www.bowlersdepot.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=ebonite_gamebreaker&Category_Code=Ebonite_Balls&Product_Count=1

Plus there's EBay which has auctions of discontinued as well as new balls all the time.

A friend just started using a Lanebreaker with the pin below the ring finger. He finds it very smooth, which makes it a potential candidate for a benchmark. He still has it at its stock polished surface. A little scuffing or hazing owuld make more even reacting still \.
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"None are so blind as those who will not see."

VIXIV · « **Reply #6 on:** September 30, 2009, 04:09:50 PM »

I'd throw the Pin Slasher in the mix since it was the most recent ball with the V2 inside, but you said you didn't like the Angular One cover, which is what's on that ball.

The Lane Breaker was very smooth for me at demo day. A little longer than my Pin Slasher, but the Lane Breaker does come polished and the demo ball had the pin slightly higher and further left than on my Pin Slasher.

Krumpy300 · « **Reply #7 on:** September 30, 2009, 04:27:24 PM »

LaneBreaker could definitely be a benchmark ball with the right drilling and surface prep. Used it a little bit on Viper and it did corner harder than on both house shots that I normally bowl on. Then again, the backends are normally squeaky clean on the PBAX shots.

You can see some video on Buddies Pro Shop, Matt O'Grady and Mike Mullin did some video of it.
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Repetition is everything..

NoseofRI · « **Reply #8 on:** September 30, 2009, 04:28:44 PM »

The lanebreaker possibly with a bit of a cover tweak would work very well to replace the V2 reaction or even leaving it at box to get a little more length than your V2. It could actually help to take away the two gaps you are looking to fill, as at box it''ll be a bit cleaner than the V2, you''ll be able to square up a bit more and it still makes a nice strong continuous move in the back. Same goes on carry down, it''ll get through the heads easier storing more energy for the back. You could probably get away with putting a stronger layout than whats in the V2 and leaving it at box. Or if you are going to consider 2 balls look into the Acid from Hammer with the Lanebreaker, or you could go Lanebreaker brought to a surface like 2000 and an Onyx Vibe. The Onyx is surprisingly strong, nice hard move as well, but very readable and predictable.

Edited on 9/30/2009 4:32 PM

TamerBowling · « **Reply #9 on:** September 30, 2009, 10:35:06 PM »

Interesting what you say about the Lanebreaker potentially filling both holes. That would be perfect. At the moment, I can use the V2 all night with 5 board adjustment (when there are not many lefties on the pair). If carry is particularly bad on fresh, I will use the Cell. I usually stick it out with carrydown or throw the Cell a couple of frames to break it down again. The carrydown is most problematic as the V2 is smooth and does not wiggle or overreact on fresh. That will allow me to work it as needed. The problem is if I start with the Cell, it burns the line so much, it turns the night into a 10-15 board adjustment with the feet, even with the V2. The V2 just doesn't burn a hole in the lane like the Cell does.
How would the Lanebreaker do? Will it break down the condition like the Cell does?

Doug Sterner · « **Reply #10 on:** September 30, 2009, 10:54:26 PM »

RotoGrip Nomad Solid, Storm Furious, Brunswick Copperhead, Lane 1 Dynamo

In my mind any of the above will fill the voids you mention.
--------------------
Doug Sterner
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Owego, NY
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www.dougsproshop.net
Lane 1 Buzzsaw...The Official Power Tool Of Bowling
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Gazoo · « **Reply #11 on:** October 01, 2009, 08:15:44 AM »

quote:
I''d throw the Pin Slasher in the mix since it was the most recent ball with the V2 inside, but you said you didn''t like the Angular One cover, which is what''s on that ball.

The Lane Breaker was very smooth for me at demo day. A little longer than my Pin Slasher, but the Lane Breaker does come polished and the demo ball had the pin slightly higher and further left than on my Pin Slasher.

Angular One was a pearl, the Pin Slasher is a solid version. Apply Powerhouse Factory Finish if needed and your good to go all day long. Personally I would go with the Hammer Acid. One of the best balls on the market and can handle all but the extremes.
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"I don''t want to be remembered, I want to be forgotten"

Edited on 10/1/2009 8:17 AM

charlest · « **Reply #12 on:** October 01, 2009, 06:29:46 PM »

Here is a Gamebreaker for sale:

http://www.ballreviews.com/Forum/Replies.asp?TopicID=245040&ForumID=26&CategoryID=12
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"None are so blind as those who will not see."

ambi1 · « **Reply #13 on:** October 27, 2009, 04:49:39 AM »

Gamebreaker @ 2000 would be a good benchmark ball. The Pinslasher would be too strong as benchmark.
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DARK BEER IT IS THEN!

cheech · « **Reply #14 on:** October 27, 2009, 04:55:36 PM »

if you cant get a gamebreaker the lanebreaker seems like a good benchmark. if you dont like it with the shine you can just take it off
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greatest accomplishment:shooting 603 and not shooting one 200 game(130,173,300)...lol
balls for sale in my profile
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Author Topic: Benchmark ball to replace V2 (Read 4045 times)

TamerBowling

Benchmark ball to replace V2

makpa

Re: Benchmark ball to replace V2

dizzyfugu

Re: Benchmark ball to replace V2

charlest

Re: Benchmark ball to replace V2

TamerBowling

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charlest

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VIXIV

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Krumpy300

Re: Benchmark ball to replace V2

NoseofRI

Re: Benchmark ball to replace V2

TamerBowling

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Doug Sterner

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Gazoo

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charlest

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ambi1

Re: Benchmark ball to replace V2

cheech

Re: Benchmark ball to replace V2