BallReviews

Equipment Boards => Ebonite => Topic started by: MSC2471 on August 11, 2008, 11:43:24 AM

Title: Playmaker- initial thoughts
Post by: MSC2471 on August 11, 2008, 11:43:24 AM
Drilled one out today and had the chance to throw a couple of games with it at my pro shop's center on fresh oil. I would say this ball isn't necessarily the best choice in box surface for the fresh shot, unless you are willing to make adjustments with your speed and release. As the oil migrated, this ball makes a similar consistent move as my Gamebreaker, steady arcing all the way to the pocket.

Can't wait to see how this will work in my bag all season long... I will talk more about this as I get more games on it at different centers.

Matt
--------------------
Tag Team Coaching Success Story
Title: Re: Playmaker- initial thoughts
Post by: Brickguy221 on August 11, 2008, 07:50:22 PM
I will be getting mine drilled either tomorrow (Tue) or Thursday. I hope my initial impression is positive, but I am prepared to make some surface changes if necessary, same as I did to my V2 Pearl a few years ago when it became the first ball out of my bag after some surface adjustments.
--------------------
"Whenever I feel the urge to exercise I lie down until the feeling passes away."

Brick
Title: Re: Playmaker- initial thoughts
Post by: bowl 2 win on August 11, 2008, 08:14:45 PM
I have had 2 of them drilled for about a month now and as Matt said, they are not for a fresh shot. I use mine after about the first game and a half, right after my SR 300 or Gamebreaker, I just stay on the same line and the Playmaker really comes to life. Gets through the heads well and makes a nice arc to the pocket with excelent carry. I hope you guys find the right times to take advantage of this ball. Good Luck!

Miles
--------------------
Ebonite - "Bowl to Win!"

link for some pics of my arsenal:
http://s201.photobucket.com/albums/aa41/bowl-2-win/Ebonite%20Balls/
Title: Re: Playmaker- initial thoughts
Post by: tdub36tjt on August 11, 2008, 09:26:02 PM
I keep seeing people say that the Playmaker isn't that strong, but I have thrown my friends and it is about the exact same as his Complete NV. I can watch them both go down the lane and they do the exact same thing. They have a strong midlane move with a STRONG backend. I have even thrown them both on the Scorpion so its not an oil issue.

Maybe its the drill he has on it but I think it is quite angular and strong even on fresh oil. They are drilled differently tho,the Playmaker is a longer Pin to PAP, which will obviosly make it more angular, but I don't see how this ball can't handle oil. I actually think it needs oil. Just weird that I hear people say tha, not that I don't believe them.

Edited on 8/11/2008 9:26 PM
Title: Re: Playmaker- initial thoughts
Post by: Joe Jr on August 11, 2008, 09:52:34 PM
I was not a fan of my playmaker, it was just way too much ball for it's own good. The ball was too much for medium conditions so I'd be forced deeper on the lane or I had to find a longer condition to use it on, and when I did that the core isn't strong enough to get it around the corner.

For heavy handed players the Complete NV is much better choice, overall hook is very similar but the core makes it better for heavier conditions or when your looping the lane.
--------------------
My Vid (http://"http://s37.photobucket.com/albums/e56/RevLefty/Vids/?action=view¤t=ArchRival1.flv")
Formerly Brunswick Lefty & Richard Cranium

Edited on 7/9/1997 12:43 PM
Title: Re: Playmaker- initial thoughts
Post by: omphlet on August 11, 2008, 10:02:28 PM
needs to have the trimax cover
Title: Re: Playmaker- initial thoughts
Post by: BXTECH on August 11, 2008, 11:12:52 PM
I find that the playmaker (oob) is not suited for fresh oil. Tried it after about 2 games in league it just wasn't turning the corner as strong as i expected. Raised the surface to 1k, but it began to labor as it reached the 1-3, so hit it w/ 2k and with that adjustment the ball shows its true worth (angular  but with a strong curve at the breakpoint).

--------------------
DEFEAT is only MOMENTARY!!!!!!

I have no special talent, only passionately curious!
Title: Re: Playmaker- initial thoughts
Post by: Brickguy221 on August 12, 2008, 12:19:50 AM
I plan on drilling mine in the area of 4 1/2 x 3 3/4 with Pin under fingers.

What drilling are those of you that don't like the ball or don't like it on a fresh shot using?
--------------------
"Whenever I feel the urge to exercise I lie down until the feeling passes away."

Brick
Title: Re: Playmaker- initial thoughts
Post by: Joe Jr on August 12, 2008, 09:49:49 AM
Mine was pin under middle, probably close to 5"
--------------------
My Vid (http://"http://s37.photobucket.com/albums/e56/RevLefty/Vids/?action=view¤t=ArchRival1.flv")
Formerly Brunswick Lefty & Richard Cranium

Edited on 7/9/1997 12:43 PM
Title: Re: Playmaker- initial thoughts
Post by: BKloss on August 12, 2008, 09:58:23 AM
Anyone try this with Pin in Ring?, CG stacked? or kicked out?
anyone recommend something a little different?

current Stats:
Right handed
Stroker
PAP 5 3/16 x 1/2 up
--------------------

 
Title: Re: Playmaker- initial thoughts
Post by: MSC2471 on August 18, 2008, 03:12:29 PM
Second visit with the ball in the Monday house I bowl in during the fall season (wood house, THS)- amazing ball on the fresh here, but then again I've always found decent friction here compared to other houses. I had to use more of an up the back release with it but had anywhere from 5-9 at the breakpoint for solid strikes and mixers when it leaked out to 3-4 at the break. Averaged 236 with it for 4 games...

Love the look of this ball.

Matt
--------------------
Tag Team Coaching Success Story
Title: Re: Playmaker- initial thoughts
Post by: DP3 on August 18, 2008, 03:26:40 PM
This is the ball every staffer and free agent will be throwing alot of this season.  TJ can throw this ball with optimal reaction on all 5 patterns + the majors.  Expect to see alot of this ball this upcoming season, especially from Couch, Jones, Van Daniker, and Castillo who I believe will all make multiple shows without a doubt.
--------------------
-DJ Marshall
...The Twelve In a Row Pro Shop.  AMF Bowie Lanes -- Bowie, MD