The main problem, at least with the original, is that the core was much smaller than the red/black versions, so the core dynamics were crippled. The clear shell magnifies how big the core looks. I love my red for really dry lanes and short sport shots, but a friend with much more hand than me bought a Crystal years ago and his would barely move. Great for an expensive, cool looking spare ball, but useless if you want it to pull double duty.