Author Topic: Finally Going To Get A Complete Aresenal... Thoughts Are Welcome (Read 1102 times)

Rival · « **on:** December 16, 2009, 01:37:27 PM »

Hey guys, the holiday season is upon us and I finally have the money to drop on some new equipment. I'm tired of some of my equipment being 15 lbs, and some of it being 16 lbs, so I've decided to make the switch to all 16 lbs. With that means I have to re-build. I'm looking to make a complete arsenal with 4 balls, 3 of which I still have to buy and question. I bowl in two leagues back to back, and usually when they start off, the lanes are completely flooded. Since I'm left handed... it usually stays this way the majority of the night. Sadly consistency isn't a huge priority in this center so I have to make sure I have myself covered for anything I may encounter. My PAP is 5 3/4 over, and 1/8 inch up. I'm not sure what my rev rate is as I have never had it calculated, but for argument's sake let's say I'm a *slightly* speed dominant tweener. My ball speed is usually about 17.5 - 18 mph. Here's what I have in mind... any input you guys throw in will most definitely be appreciated.

Mutant Cell - Heavy Oil

My goal is to get something just a step above my VG. For some reason (based solely on bowler opinion), I can't get the reaction on Heavy Oil desired with the VG. I was considering going with the 4C drilling on the sheet (4 x 4 with a 3 1/2" Buffer) except maybe pin down.

Virtual Gravity - Medium Heavy

I got this ball about a year ago, and it just isn't the heavy oil monster I was dreaming of. Don't get me wrong, this is by no means an attempt to bash the ball. Its a very good ball, has a good motion downlane, and carries exceptionally, I just can't get this ball to wrinkle on the fresh shot my house lays out. Its drilled 4 x 4 pin up with a 2" buffer. I plan on using it as a step down from the Mutant.

Hy-Road - Medium

I've heard nothing but good things about this ball, and I'm not the least bit speculative in making in my benchmark ball. With the proper drilling and surface prep, this ball can be thrown on just about any condition. I was thinking of doing a slightly tamer drilling on it... Maybe a 5" pin to PAP, pin up.

Natural - Medium Light

I want a ball that takes the lane condition out of play and just gives me that consistent read on dry lanes. When the lanes are dry... man are they DRY! I don't mind if this ball moves slightly more than advertised... as long as it doesn't go completely sideways when it hits the dry like the rest of my equipment. I'm completely lost on how to drill this one.

I feel like I need to add a ball in between the Hy-Road and the Natural... but my budget just can't handle that right now, and it may not even be necessary. I have my RICO drilled Rapid Fire that I can polish up, and I think that may fall right into place between these two. I've given this quite some thought, and I'm ready to go punch my stuff up within the next two weeks. So come and help me out.

These balls really aren't locked in stone, and I'm not even really brand loyal to Storm/Roto Grip. They just seem to be making the most complete balls on the market in the eyes of the BR community. If you feel as if another ball will fit better into my arsenal, please feel free to suggest it.

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"So there I was... BALLS DEEP!!!"

Jay · « **Reply #1 on:** December 16, 2009, 10:09:05 PM »

Looks solid enough for 4 balls and considering the conditions you face. It's kind of disappointing to hear that the VG some how got knocked down to a med-heavy oil ball, since that just shows how more and more aggressive balls are finding their way into the market. Then again, maybe it's just that some people don't get the strength out of the VG that most others do.

Anyways, I don't feel that the Rapid Fire will fit into the slot between the Hy-Road and Natural. But I think that's okay, because you said that when they get dry, they get really dry. That being the case, jumping from the Hy-Road to the Natural probably won't seem like that big of a step since the amount of dry you see will probably be enough to just get back in a comfort zone. Maybe it would be best to keep the Hy-Road polished(whether or not you change the under grit) too.
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Justin
Bowling Boards

Rival · « **Reply #2 on:** December 16, 2009, 10:23:04 PM »

Its just my personal experience with the ball... I think its more of a match up problem than a ball problem. What I do enjoy about this ball is the ease that it clears the head for me, regardless of the surface I have it at. There are shots when it absolutely destroys... but for my typical Friday night, I struggle through game one before really any sort of comfort zone with the ball. Not to mention this ball is a year old, maybe its just losing some of its wow factor.
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"So there I was... BALLS DEEP!!!"

AngloBowler · « **Reply #3 on:** December 17, 2009, 03:50:31 AM »

If you want something strong, above your VG, you might like to take a look at the new Storm Invasion that Wes was throwing on TV recently.

I would say for someone who describes themselves as speed dominant, you will probably need someting between the natural and hy-road. From what I've seen of them, there's a pretty big gap. Something like a nomad might do it?
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Reporting from England

johns811 · « **Reply #4 on:** December 17, 2009, 04:44:18 AM »

I've got a 16lb NIB Columbia High Flare Scout Urethane for sale if you want to save a few bucks instead of buying the natural.

ralphiejantz · « **Reply #5 on:** December 17, 2009, 01:16:30 PM »

I think the Mutant and the Virtual Gravity are too close in reaction

the VG is for really heavy oil as well as the Mutant

I would maybe replace the VG with something like a Cell Pearl or maybe a Reign of Fire when it comes out (if you dont want a pearl)

And like stated before I would get something in between the Hyroad and the Natural
the Hyroad has a very strong movement
maybe something like a Mars, Freeze, Avalanche something along those lines to use in between the Hyroad and the Natural
at league last week I bowled against a guy who throws way less ball than me and he was using a Hyroad and couldnt keep it on the lane,
I had a Mars and shot over 700 with it kept a nice long line and strong controlled move to the pocket
the reaction he had was just too damn strong with the Hyroad on the conditions we had which are a med/light condition when the lanes are freshly oiled

so maybe consider something like that in the lineup as well
The Nomad is very strong as well, probably similar to the Hyroad in overall movement

Dan Belcher · « **Reply #6 on:** December 17, 2009, 02:07:14 PM »

I talked to Storm's Victor Marion when I bought my Mutant Cell for layout advice. I intended for it to be a control piece on longer and heavier conditions (USBC Open, Scorpion pattern, etc.) when stuff is hard to control on fresh oil. He mentioned that despite the higher RG number core, it's a fairly early rolling ball because of the actual shape of the core and how that shape works combined with the strong coverstock. He also mentioned that the Virtual Gravity would be a good step down for it when you start to burn up some of the head oil and push some oil onto the backends. It's a lower RG core, but the ball is designed to clear the heads and be very strong in the middle and back part of the lane, so it's better suited for creating more angle after a couple games on longer patterns when you haven't dried things up enough to switch to a pearl, but everything rolly is reading the lanes too early.

For what it's worth, my Mutant Cell is ridiculously strong, but definately gives me a different reaction than I got when I tried a Virtual Gravity at a Storm Open House. The Virtual did not read the lane quite as early, and had a much more hook/set reaction with a more violent move on the back. The Mutant Cell revs up and just keeps driving as long as there's oil. As soon as the oil starts going away, put it up. I have mine at 4000 polished, then I knocked off a little of the shine by lightly going over it with a 600 pad (one of Valentino's sanding discs), and even then I can only use it for one game on a fresh, medium-heavy house shot where the backs aren't terribly clean.

ccrider · « **Reply #7 on:** December 17, 2009, 03:27:01 PM »

I see that you are looking at Storm, Roto. I have the VG, VE, 2 HyRoads, and a Natural. I have the same problem with the VG. Picked up a 930t to play above it, and have not looked back. With the 930t above the VG, I can polish the VG and use it when the heads begin to break down. The 930t carries as good, if not better than the VG, and rolls earlier. It will give you midlane read with a smooth but strong move off of the backend. No over under problems on the fresh.

It sounds like the Mutant Cell may react similar to the 930t. I have only seen it on TV, so I can not say. Not inclined to purchase one after my experiences with the Cell Pearl and Rogue Cell. Sold them both, as I did not match up with them.

CC

quote:
Hey guys, the holiday season is upon us and I finally have the money to drop on some new equipment. I'm tired of some of my equipment being 15 lbs, and some of it being 16 lbs, so I've decided to make the switch to all 16 lbs. With that means I have to re-build. I'm looking to make a complete arsenal with 4 balls, 3 of which I still have to buy and question. I bowl in two leagues back to back, and usually when they start off, the lanes are completely flooded. Since I'm left handed... it usually stays this way the majority of the night. Sadly consistency isn't a huge priority in this center so I have to make sure I have myself covered for anything I may encounter. My PAP is 5 3/4 over, and 1/8 inch up. I'm not sure what my rev rate is as I have never had it calculated, but for argument's sake let's say I'm a *slightly* speed dominant tweener. My ball speed is usually about 17.5 - 18 mph. Here's what I have in mind... any input you guys throw in will most definitely be appreciated.

Mutant Cell - Heavy Oil

My goal is to get something just a step above my VG. For some reason (based solely on bowler opinion), I can't get the reaction on Heavy Oil desired with the VG. I was considering going with the 4C drilling on the sheet (4 x 4 with a 3 1/2" Buffer) except maybe pin down.

Virtual Gravity - Medium Heavy

I got this ball about a year ago, and it just isn't the heavy oil monster I was dreaming of. Don't get me wrong, this is by no means an attempt to bash the ball. Its a very good ball, has a good motion downlane, and carries exceptionally, I just can't get this ball to wrinkle on the fresh shot my house lays out. Its drilled 4 x 4 pin up with a 2" buffer. I plan on using it as a step down from the Mutant.

Hy-Road - Medium

I've heard nothing but good things about this ball, and I'm not the least bit speculative in making in my benchmark ball. With the proper drilling and surface prep, this ball can be thrown on just about any condition. I was thinking of doing a slightly tamer drilling on it... Maybe a 5" pin to PAP, pin up.

Natural - Medium Light

I want a ball that takes the lane condition out of play and just gives me that consistent read on dry lanes. When the lanes are dry... man are they DRY! I don't mind if this ball moves slightly more than advertised... as long as it doesn't go completely sideways when it hits the dry like the rest of my equipment. I'm completely lost on how to drill this one.

I feel like I need to add a ball in between the Hy-Road and the Natural... but my budget just can't handle that right now, and it may not even be necessary. I have my RICO drilled Rapid Fire that I can polish up, and I think that may fall right into place between these two. I've given this quite some thought, and I'm ready to go punch my stuff up within the next two weeks. So come and help me out.

These balls really aren't locked in stone, and I'm not even really brand loyal to Storm/Roto Grip. They just seem to be making the most complete balls on the market in the eyes of the BR community. If you feel as if another ball will fit better into my arsenal, please feel free to suggest it.
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"So there I was... BALLS DEEP!!!"

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Those that can do. Those that can't complain. Pimpin ain't easy, but it's mandatory.

Most things we like, we don't need. Most things we need, we don't like. Don't confuse your likes with your needs.

Rival · « **Reply #8 on:** December 17, 2009, 03:35:59 PM »

Thanks for all of the input guys... keep it coming.

I''ve pretty much have a lock on the Hy-Road and Natural, just trying to decide on that ball that let''s me polish up the VG.

Also, what layout do you recommend for the Natural... I''ve never owned Urethane before (I have thrown a game or two with a couple older Hammer''s) and I''m afraid to drill it too strong or too weak.
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"So there I was... BALLS DEEP!!!"

Edited on 12/17/2009 4:36 PM

David Lee Yskes · « **Reply #9 on:** December 17, 2009, 05:35:33 PM »

Rival,

If you do encounter Bone dry conditions, urethane is the way to go... I have a old Red Hammer I tote along for those just in case situations... And I did use it last yr, on a second shift league where the track was burnt, and i was able to play the track so easily because it would Hook n Set into the pocket and still carry, and when i did use said ball, i never had a set below 600....

So Urethane still does hold a spot in todays conditions.

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" Lift Your Skirt Grab Your Balls and Learn How to Bowl " http://coolluvr4u1976.bowlspace.com/

Rival · « **Reply #10 on:** December 21, 2009, 12:22:36 AM »

Went to my local pro-shop and talked it over with a reputable owner, we went ahead and ordered my gear. Just waiting for it to get in.

Got a Mutant Cell with a 1-2" pin, a Hyroad with a 3-4" pin, and I decided to get a Freeze and drill it a little weaker for the Medium-Light conditions. I figure I can get the Natural for my birthday upcoming in January.

I will report back sometime next week with my results if you guys are interested.
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"So there I was... BALLS DEEP!!!"

Author Topic: Finally Going To Get A Complete Aresenal... Thoughts Are Welcome (Read 1102 times)

Rival

Finally Going To Get A Complete Aresenal... Thoughts Are Welcome

Jay

Re: Finally Going To Get A Complete Aresenal... Thoughts Are Welcome

Rival

Re: Finally Going To Get A Complete Aresenal... Thoughts Are Welcome

AngloBowler

Re: Finally Going To Get A Complete Aresenal... Thoughts Are Welcome

johns811

Re: Finally Going To Get A Complete Aresenal... Thoughts Are Welcome

ralphiejantz

Re: Finally Going To Get A Complete Aresenal... Thoughts Are Welcome

Dan Belcher

Re: Finally Going To Get A Complete Aresenal... Thoughts Are Welcome

ccrider

Re: Finally Going To Get A Complete Aresenal... Thoughts Are Welcome

Rival

Re: Finally Going To Get A Complete Aresenal... Thoughts Are Welcome

David Lee Yskes

Re: Finally Going To Get A Complete Aresenal... Thoughts Are Welcome

Rival

Re: Finally Going To Get A Complete Aresenal... Thoughts Are Welcome