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Author Topic: Help me build a new arsenal.  (Read 5441 times)

thedjs

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Help me build a new arsenal.
« on: August 30, 2015, 10:51:16 AM »
I'm going to try and build a new arsenal using an Ebonite Legacy as a base and either going up or down to cover most conditions.  Right now I'm leaning towards the new Game Breaker 2 Gold (for medium) and a Cyclone (for dry).  I'm open to any suggestions.  Will be using in a travel league with oily to dry conditions. 

Specs. are 14+/- speed, Average to lower revs. 

Any help would be appreciated.

 

JamminJD

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Re: Help me build a new arsenal.
« Reply #1 on: August 30, 2015, 12:32:51 PM »
If your going all Ebonite you have to have the GB2 with the GB2 pearl. The Warrior is a strong piece as well Adrenaline shot (Sept 15th release) its suppose to bridge the gap between the GB2 and Code of Honor, which the COH is a great oil piece as well..

tommyboy74

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Re: Help me build a new arsenal.
« Reply #2 on: August 30, 2015, 12:46:22 PM »
If you want to stay within EBI, make sure a Track Paradox is at the upper end of your arsenal.  This ball is the first EBI ball in a while that I've picked up (throw a mixed Storm/Roto/Motiv arsenal) and it's one of the heavy oil balls that actually doesn't seem to die in back.  I just picked one up and will drill it within the next week.  From what I've seen so far, it is one of the best balls any of the EBI brands has come out with in a long time, probably going back to the original Ebonite Mission.

From there, I would also want to fill a spot between the GB2 Gold and the Paradox.  I'd lean you towards the Track Tour SiC.  It's a good solid cover ball that will handle some heavier volume than the GB2 Gold but won't handle as much as the Paradox at the upper end.  This would be a good option for you on fresh patterns where you're not in the soup but need something with a little more muscle before the pattern opens up.

The GB2 Gold is a good choice for medium patterns.  To complement this, I would pick up the Game Breaker 2 Solid.  This is good on true fresh medium patterns and would likely be your benchmark ball.  Most times, you can start with this and then go to the GB2 Gold when the back opens up.  In either case, you have a complete line for medium volumes and a good one at that.

I agree with the Cyclone for light volume.  You have a lot of ball for that price point and is a great buy.  You have the proven GB 10.7 cover which has been used on high end balls such as The One in the past and a proven core.  Definitely one of the best options.

Finally, with any travel league or tournaments, make sure you have a plastic spare ball.  One option I would consider here is the Track Spare+.  It has a plastic cover, but you get the benefit of the I-Core used in Track's high performance line such as the Paradox.  If you run into a situation where the lanes are a complete desert and the Cyclone is overreacting, you could use the Spare+ to possibly to bail you out if needed.  Basically 2 balls in 1 at that price and it could be the difference sometimes between a win and a loss.

Overall, this is what your arsenal would look like:
Heavy:  Track Paradox (hybrid)
Medium-Heavy:  Track Tour SiC (solid)
Medium:  Ebonite Game Breaker 2 Gold (pearl)
           : Ebonite Game Breaker 2 (solid)
Light:  Ebonite Cyclone (pearl)
Spare:  Track Spare+ (plastic)

I think this will give you a good balance between solid, pearl, hybrid and even plastic covers to cover a wide range for you.  Good luck with your decision. 
Current Ball Arsenal
Heavy:
MOTIV Jackal Legacy
MOTIV Mythic Jackal

Med-Heavy:
MOTIV Trident Odyssey
MOTIV Forge Fire
MOTIV Covert Revolt

Medium:
MOTIV VIP ExJ Sigma
MOTIV Sigma Sting
MOTIV Pride Solid

Medium-Light
MOTIV Venom Shock
MOTIV Tribal Fire

thedjs

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Re: Help me build a new arsenal.
« Reply #3 on: August 30, 2015, 01:19:39 PM »
Thanks a lot for the replies.  From the videos I've seen, the GB2Gold looks like a perfect fit for medium conditions.  I'm still leaning towards my Legacy for oil (as much as I see around here) and maybe adding a little surface to have a bigger difference between it and the GB2G.  However, if it won't do the job, the ones suggested would probably all be good choices.  The Cyclone looks good for the dry.  I already have a plastic for spares and the extra dry. 

Thanks again.


Dave81644

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Re: Help me build a new arsenal.
« Reply #4 on: August 30, 2015, 03:04:34 PM »
the cyclone isn't a weak ball, maybe a little longer pin layout might help, but without knowing your specs...
it could fit under the GB2 gold rather easily, but its not a dry lane weak piece IMO
i have several weaker pieces in the EBI lineup under the GB2 gold
Columbia disruption
Columbia eruption pro hybrid
Hammer Arson low flare


thedjs

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Re: Help me build a new arsenal.
« Reply #5 on: August 31, 2015, 11:29:06 AM »
the cyclone isn't a weak ball, maybe a little longer pin layout might help, but without knowing your specs...
it could fit under the GB2 gold rather easily, but its not a dry lane weak piece IMO
i have several weaker pieces in the EBI lineup under the GB2 gold
Columbia disruption
Columbia eruption pro hybrid
Hammer Arson low flare


 
Thanks Dave.  I agree about the Cyclone but I believe it's what I'm looking for.  That is a ball that will work on dry lanes and have a hard movement on the back-end when I have to move inside.  I tried the Columbia Eruption Pro Hybrid, but never could get it to work for me.  Just went too long even after a motion hole and changing the surface.  I'm looking for something just a little stronger (ie the Cyclone).  I'm still thinking about the Ebonite Legacy for the oil ball.  Probably have to put some surface on it.  Then for the medium conditions, the new GB2 Gold looks like a winner.  What do you think about that line-up?  I realize the Legacy won't handle heavy oil but I don't run into that much around here.  Also, how does the Columbia Eruption Pro solid compare with the Cyclone?

Thanks again.


Good Times Good Times

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Re: Help me build a new arsenal.
« Reply #6 on: August 31, 2015, 12:14:27 PM »
What's our plan for toasty heads and also shorter patterns with lower volume that have sparky back ends? 

GTx2

Dave81644

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Re: Help me build a new arsenal.
« Reply #7 on: August 31, 2015, 02:29:38 PM »
The EP orange (solid) compared to the cyclone are 2 different pieces
I for one, did not care for or match up at all with the orange EP
it just slowed down to quick for me, some people just love it, generally, IMO, the higher rev guys don't do well with it.
I have a black EP which I absolutely love, supposed to be same ball, just different color.
the black EP seems to be more pearl like IMO

the cyclone is a must for any bag, I always have one with for tournaments
My EP hybrid is mostly for flatter tougher patterns, I have the pin below the bridge and surface at 1000+ polish, its very straight and rolly for me

the legacy is more of a medium piece
the new Columbia Swerve is a piece to watch, it goes through the pins like no other
it would be stronger than the legacy
it all come s down to what patterns you will be on and what shape you are looking for
you will be fine with what you have and your plan.
I just get 1 at a time and see how it works for my particular need and go from there, adjust surface, maybe add weight hole, then get another piece to fit a certain gap in my arsenal that i may have

thedjs

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Re: Help me build a new arsenal.
« Reply #8 on: August 31, 2015, 06:52:52 PM »
The EP orange (solid) compared to the cyclone are 2 different pieces
I for one, did not care for or match up at all with the orange EP
it just slowed down to quick for me, some people just love it, generally, IMO, the higher rev guys don't do well with it.
I have a black EP which I absolutely love, supposed to be same ball, just different color.
the black EP seems to be more pearl like IMO

the cyclone is a must for any bag, I always have one with for tournaments
My EP hybrid is mostly for flatter tougher patterns, I have the pin below the bridge and surface at 1000+ polish, its very straight and rolly for me

the legacy is more of a medium piece
the new Columbia Swerve is a piece to watch, it goes through the pins like no other
it would be stronger than the legacy
it all come s down to what patterns you will be on and what shape you are looking for
you will be fine with what you have and your plan.
I just get 1 at a time and see how it works for my particular need and go from there, adjust surface, maybe add weight hole, then get another piece to fit a certain gap in my arsenal that i may have


Thanks again.  Don't know what the patterns will be like this year as we are bowling in a traveling league in some houses that I haven't bowled in yet.  Just have to wait and see.

Thanks again.

jrs813

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Re: Help me build a new arsenal.
« Reply #9 on: September 01, 2015, 07:28:28 AM »
I am also  switching to ebi this season.  going with red widow solid, warrior, legion, viral, spike black and gold, track spare +.  feel confident in these choices no matter what the lanes may bring this season.

rieg0199

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Re: Help me build a new arsenal.
« Reply #10 on: September 01, 2015, 11:03:54 AM »
I think you might find that that you have a gap between your Game Breaker 2 Gold and Cyclone. Sometimes the jump down to a Cyclone from the lower RG V2 style cores can be dramatic, especially when the mids and backends tighten up and you need something to pick up and not be too squirty down lane. If you want to stick with Ebonite an original Source might work. If you are willing to try different companies the Roto Grip Wrecker, Motiv Venom Panic, and Lord Field Judgement would be a nice step inbetween as well.

The cover on the Legacy responds really well to surface changes, especially taking the surface down and using it to play the track area on heavier patterns. If you struggle to find a ball that would give you a stronger look than the Legacy I would not be afraid to find another mid priced ball that you like and play around with the surface on both depending on where and what you are bowling on.

Good luck deciding on your arsenal!

thedjs

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Re: Help me build a new arsenal.
« Reply #11 on: September 01, 2015, 12:25:05 PM »
Thanks to everyone.  Great info.