Th Virtual Energy is a strong ball. It is a slight step down from the Mutant, but not a big one. The Reign is more of a step down and will not handle the amount of oil that either the VE or Mutant will. For the money, IMHO you don't NEED both a Mutant and a VE. I have both but don't carry them at the same time. Locke had mentioned the Nomad Pearl, I think that or the Reign would be your best bang for the buck for stepping down from the Mutant.
I've owned all four--VE/Mutant and Nomad Pearl/Reign are a good combination. For me personally, I prefer the Mutant/Reign pairing. Not that the VE is a bad ball, but for a lot of conditions it will overlap your Mutant, albeit with a different shot shape.
