The Honor gives me a totally different shape than the Energy Source, but that was the plan. Here are my thoughts:
The Honor has been a welcomed addition to my bag this season, especially in league.
For those who understand the technical stuff, it is drilled 45x5x40 with a low extra hole. For everyone else, it is drilled to provide me a nice arc-y motion and works best when there’s a good amount of friction to the outside.
It rolls a little bit earlier, but the box surface (500, 500, 500, 1000 Abralon w/ Factory Finish) gives it a little more length and allows it to store some energy.
On a house pattern, or when the lanes open up later in a block, the Honor allows me to move right (I am left-handed) and throw the ball to the spot. I find the shape similar to my Innovate, but it’s a bit stronger down the lane.
At some of the local houses, the Innovate is the right choice when the pattern is fresh, but it doesn’t take long for lanes to tighten up. If I want to sacrifice the entry angle, I can move left and play straighter, or I can keep the line and angle with the Honor, which will be more responsive on the backend.
I haven’t had to adjust the surface at all with the Honor.
On more challenging patterns, like at the PBA regionals in the Southwest, I have not used the Honor much. I prefer to play the lanes a little safer and straighter and use balls with some surface. That smooths out the reaction. The Honor is not the choice for this.
With less traffic on my side and newer oils that don’t break down as much, the lanes don’t usually open up enough during an eight-game block for the Honor.
I am looking forward to the release of the new Code of Honor because I am hoping to duplicate the shape on heavier patterns.
Matt Cannizzaro
Ebonite Regional Staff
