I used to buy the latest and greatest. Then I found out the truth. Like the supplement industry and bodybuilding, it is generally all unnecessary. If you want more hook, hit the gym and develop forearm, finger, hand, and wrist strength. Get your timing down and learn about leverage. Learn to control ball speed. Get a spinner and adjust the balls you have. In the end, coverstock rules all. I do plan on getting a new ball but it will be urethane only because I don't have any urethane balls and my center's oil seems to evaporate by the 2nd game. Like I see 0 oil rings by the middle of game 2.