Nicanor, I wouldn't recomend this ball for short are dryer conditions, unless the proper layout is used. And then to add, maybe the polish taken off of the ball. I drilled 3 up yesterday and got to really throw them alot today in a session with Ron Clifton.
The Gemstones seem somewhat stronger off the spot than my Massacre, and maybe possibly even a 2-3 ft. earlier as well. I practiced alot on a 44 ft. Kegal Pattern with these balls and none seem to check up soon enough to give me te best of looks, although they were definitly playable balls even though the volume of oil was on the high side.
As far as the looks go for some of you guys wondering, it definitly looks like a PEARL! Dont know about the Hybrid coments but ball definitly looks more toward the pearl side.
Nicanor if I were you I would get a Chainsaw, or a Massacre and then you will be set for the lighter stuff. I dont know much about the Chainsaw so I am basing that off the reviews I have read. The Massacre however can be pretty strong to so a good layout will have to be used. Hope this helps, John