"Does anyone have experience with this ball? "
Of course I do.
With the stock surface, it needs medium-light to medium oil in the heads and the midlane to operate effectively. You can feel the particles in the surface with the stock finish. I took it to P3000 grit + a light polish (now I could barely feel the particles) , put the pin over the ring finger (4.75" pin to PAP), to give it a little more backend, as this is a very smooth piece.
If you put the pin below the bridge area and left the stock surface, you'd need a higher than average ball speed and/or some tilt AND rotation to your release to get an effective hit from this ball, in my opinion.
I wouldn't use too long a pin-PAP distance as the RG differential is only .040. You do want to retaing a good percentage of that.
Thomas, with your and my ball speed, I think pin over the level of the bridge (not necessarily over the bridge itself) and possibly a light shine would be best.
Recently I found it very useful on some Anvillanes at which center they have started putting out true medium oil. The ball is/remains very controlled and hits Lanemasters hard, carrying a lot of light hits.
If you slow up a bit, the backend gets harder and more abrupt. Even I could through it through the breakpoint with the slightly shine I have on this ball, if I used too much speed. I'd suggest trying it with the stock surface first, then adjusting it as needs be,
Oh, it is a particle pearl, and while I got it to handle medium to almost medium heavy oil, in general, even with a dull finish, I don't think it will handle true medium-heavy oil or heavier. That said, I find it to be fairly flexible, given the particles in the ball. they are not the super hard diamonds or carbons that Lanemasters started to use. Their ability to stick above the surface of the resin can be esily manipulated with Scotch Brite pads.
I think you have a possibly very good ball on your hands.
"None are so blind as those who will not see."
