I think I am the unofficial BR resident expert on this ball. I am always hyping it on the Lane #1 forum, so maybe it is time to do a review of it.
I have had two of these babies. I threw the first one for around 150-200 games then traded it away. I liked the layout and the reaction it gave me so much that when I got a second Solid Uranium, I put the same layout on it.
It is drilled label leverage, pin 3 3/8 from PAP. My new one has a 4 5/8 pin, so the pin ended up pretty high above and right of the ring finger hole.
One of the first things to know about this ball is that it likes to track high. In fact, this has been discussed at length on the Lane #1 boards here at BR but I don't recall anyone articulating a reason that this happens that makes sense to me. Nonetheless, it tracks high; so much so that in my case the track can become inverted!
The next thing you need to know is that in my opinion, the matchup of cover and core is one of the best I have ever seen. For my game (350-375 rpm, 17 mph, PAP 5 over and 1/2 up on most other balls) and the conditions I see (heavy mediums on synthetics, crown patterns usually in the 39-42 ft range) it is a match made in heaven. Activator Solid + dense Uranium diamond core= big scores if you have enough oil.
This ball gets surpising length considering the dull finish it has (800 grit) OOB. With the label layout I have on it and the longer pin out, it actually likes to pop a little on the back. Compared to my Scorchin' Inferno, Strike Zone, and Awesome Hook, only the Strike Zone goes longer and is more angular.
Of course angular is a relative term, keep in mind this baby is designed to pick up a heavy roll, but it does save enough energy that you can swing it a little easier than you can with the Scorchin' or the Awesome Hook. The hit and carry are what I would consider well above average, but the cover is grabby enough that you really have to be watching for signs of burning up when the lanes transition and stay in the oil as much as you can.
I shot my first 800 with this ball (806) and the predictability of reaction is such that I use this ball as my benchmark ball. Solids usually perform far better for me in this area than do pearls, which are relegated to 2nd shift duty most nights.
I have also had success with this ball on the PBA patterns, notably the Shark pattern. In that circumstance you want a ball that gives you proper feedback as to what the lanes are giving you, as well as how you are throwing the ball, and the Solid Uranium does that. You can bet that if you throw this ball poorly, you will know it, and you will be equally rewarded if you throw it well. I say this with my Black Widow in mind, where it feels like no matter how poorly I release it off of my hand or in what position my wrist is in, it will still come screaming back as soon as it hits dry. Not the SU; it has made me a better bowler because it gives great feedback as to how I am releasing it, and reacts accordingly.
This ball responds well to the hot water bath treatment. I recently performed the treatment on this ball and it came ALL the way back to its original reaction after 150-ish games. It had just started to have a noticeable loss of reaction at that point. Just like new and worked like a champ after a nice bath.
It is a bonus that this is one great looking ball. Black and blue reminds me of how the pins must feel after the Solid Uranium is done with them. This is my favorite ball of all time, and I have thrown quite a few from different companies. If you want power and predictability, as well as durability, look no further.
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~SprayNpray
-formerly known as SawFreak
