Last week I purchased a new Black Widow Bite. My first two experiences (Friday league, Saturday tourney) with the ball were less than optimal; the ball was too much for the condition. However, when I went to my Black Widow Pearl, the ball skated and my reaction was too weak.
When purchasing the Bite, I had talked myself out of purchasing another original BW. I was worried that the gap between the Pearl and the Bite would be too large... but I "bit" anyhow with the new model. Well, my concern was exactly right. It really killed me in the tournament; I had a great shot for the BW, but spent all day fighting with the Bite by lack of choice of having anything else to use.
I did use the Bite again Sunday in a fundraiser. Had a great shot with the Bite for one game; the oil breaks down quickly in this wood house, and again, too big a gap to use the Pearl (tried a few shots -- bucket city).
So, yesterday I picked up another original BW. I've worn out two in the last year, and had been somewhat hesitating on buying the 3rd, but pulled the string out of desperation.
Tonite I bowled in one of my leagues; the shot is usually drier due to following a four person league. However, tonight the oil was much more robust; we believe that the early league bowled a blind score.
I was able to use the Bite for most of the first two games. The ball really carries well and has a strong backend reaction. The hit is superb. The midlane read is great as well.
Late in the second game two consequetive shots jumped, leaving a 4-9 followed by a 3-6-10. Time to change! I switched to the original for the 10th, keeping close to the same line. I was able to strike out with three flush shots. The ball was able to get doen the lane further in the transitioning condition (about 5 feet) before starting to read, and the back end was strong, but not as pronounced....say 5 or 6 boards.
I didn't get a chance to throw the Pearl. My guess, based upon past use, is that once the BW began to over-react or ring 10 pins, I would stay in the same spot and bring out the Pearl. The ball gets even further down the lane, but its back end reaction is larger.
By the way, the layout on all three balls is very similar.
I think these three balls will give me a very complete arsonal that I can use 98% of the time, and make ball changes with speed and confidence. Thank you Hammer!
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pjr300
live from the Bowling Capital of the World
Team Hammer
specs and transaction record (positive and negative) in my profile