Been throwing Elite almost exclusively this year, except for a stretch where the oiling machine fouled up, and the shot was too dry for me to throw anything reactive.

 I have been truly impressed with the ones that I have tried, with the ECHO being the one making the biggest impression.  From a highly polished surface on drier conditions, to a scuffed surface on longer/heavier conditions, this ball has delivered.

 The Espionage, while being a decent ball, seemed a bit condition specific to me. It gave the the nice roll characteristic I like to see, but wasn't really a big recovery ball to play deep with.  If I had enough volume to play up the boards, or a small swing, it was really good, but not when I needed to get deep.  The smoothness of the reaction didn't really play well with the "move deep and wheel it" mindset.  I did, however, get it into a good one-two punch combo with the ECHO, by adding a flare increasing x-hole and some polish. With it like this, I could play almost the same shot as the ECHO, but on more volume.  When the ECHO didn't want to finish up quite right, The Espionage would.

 The Treason, having a slightly stronger cover and same weight block as the Espionage, gave me more of what I was expecting. While still not being a big "wheel and deal" type ball, the stronger cover did allow it to have more recovery than the Espionage, and the carry on this one seemed really nice, due to that rolly natured weight block. This ball just seemed to push the pins backwards off the pin deck.

 I really feel that either the Espionage, or the Treason, would be the perfect candidate for the "Motion hole" drilling.


 When summer gets here, I am pretty sure I am going to get one of the new "Z" models for the lighter shot we seem to see here every summer.

xrayjay,

I wasn't talking about me.  My house is half the size of my former boss. 

And that Merc was bought used. 

Go get yourself one.  Everyone that's into cars should have the pleasure of driving something that goes through a set of rear tires every 8000 miles.  Life's too short to drive a Honda Accord.

I won a Z on here in a ball drawing.  I chose the red/black/silver one and I have to say it's a beautiful looking ball.

I am a lower revs/speed stroker (225 rpm/13 mph).  I went pin over ring stacked and OOB that ball was smooth and predictable.  A great THS piece.  Carry was very good, too.

Based on my PAP, this was eligible for a MOtion hole, which I have an old AMF Heist Pearl and love.  Looking back, I wish I hadn't done it.  The ball became flippy on the back end and too strong for me.  I think I will resurface it and see how it goes.  But it doesn't see any use now. 

The Z would be a great entry level and THS ball for most bowlers.

On another note, I found an old Elite R43 on the rack -- single drill -- stuffed some tape in the thumb hole and even without it being fitted for me threw 6 in a row once I got lined up.  With that Quantum-like mushroom core, I'm not surprised.  I keep meaning to put it up for sale as my Raven Quantum is enough mushroom for me.

just send it to me doug id like to give that R43 a try

Elite makes some great stuff! I'd drilled several of their bowling balls this past year and had two honor scores and won money in tournaments! I drilled several for my high school girls and these first year bowlers made it to the final four at state!

My wife got me the sabatoge a few years ago.  A nice ball.  Drives thru oil well.  But starting to get some bad pits on the surface.  If my pro shop can not sand them out, then think not well spent money.

Quote from: lefty2511 on April 20, 2014, 10:00:46 PM

My wife got me the sabatoge a few years ago.  A nice ball.  Drives thru oil well.  But starting to get some bad pits on the surface.  If my pro shop can not sand them out, then think not well spent money.

REALLY?

 You bought a ball "a few years ago", it is still working well for you, and you think it might not be money well spent?

 In reality, if a modern bowling ball works for an entire year without too much maintenance on it, then that would be considered an EXCEPTIONALLY good ball.

 Pits on the surface of the ball are most likely caused by bad lanes or improperly adjusted ball returns, and are NOT signs of an inferior product.

+1

Quote from: lefty2511 on April 20, 2014, 10:00:46 PM

My wife got me the sabatoge a few years ago.  A nice ball.  Drives thru oil well.  But starting to get some bad pits on the surface.  If my pro shop can not sand them out, then think not well spent money.

REALLY?

 You bought a ball "a few years ago", it is still working well for you, and you think it might not be money well spent?

 In reality, if a modern bowling ball works for an entire year without too much maintenance on it, then that would be considered an EXCEPTIONALLY good ball.

 Pits on the surface of the ball are most likely caused by bad lanes or improperly adjusted ball returns, and are NOT signs of an inferior product.

I guess I am used to my older equipment holding up well.  I still have an original teal rhino I throw.  It has held up pretty well considering it being close to 20 years old

They are like the Energizer bunny!! They keep going and going! Honestly I've drilled some for myself and my bowlers last year. They bowl at least 9+ games a week and they are going strong as day one. The amazing thing they're not the best about cleaning them either. Just my $.02, Bruce