Perhaps you should explain what the El Nino 2000 has or did that the others do do or don't have. There are particle balls and then there are particles balls of different charcteristics. Not all are the same. We need to know what you're looking for or people will suggest the particle ball.
The main aspect I'm missing from the El Nino is the length and shape of the ball to the pocket. I have weaker balls which get me down the lane (505A) but most of them are a more continuous roll type look for me. The El Nino was a great "go long, go hard" ball that gave me the ability to play many lines and always know that ball had a ton of energy for the dry and could recover due to being a pearl and having an aggressive particle load cover.
I'm not looking for a "hook in a box" ball, my span is 6" and I produce enough revs naturally without trying that I need to get back to lining myself up with equipment that will work with me instead of "for" me. I love throwing my 505, but in heavier oil the shape lacks continuation thru the pocket with the oil I see around here (new lane house putting out heavier THS conditions with outside bounce taken away and a really old house who floods the heads to try and protect the lanes).
I guess I knew particles were still around, they just aren't labeled as such and those who are particle covers do not really give enough info about particle load, everyone keeps using only the "fancy" cover and core names to be flashy.
Thanks. I think I have a better idea what you need.
Keep in mind that some particle balls (usually those with medium to higher loads) are meant to enhance control and some (usually those with medium or light loads of particles) are meant to handle more oil but to give more backend.
I recently tried a Lord Field Nasty,
http://www.lordfield.com/en/products/nasty_ball_view.php. The ball review in BJI indicated a control ball with the stock surface, 2000 grit dull, and with polish. I needed that kind of ball for my sport league. I added some polish but ball was still on the strong backend side or neutral. I think there wasn't enough oil for that coverstock. I suspect my drilling (pin over the bridge) added too much strength to the backend. I think at some dull grit, maybe 2000 or 4000 grit, it will suit my purpose. Maybe yours also? Not sure.
AS mentioned by someone above, Lord Field makes several particle balls, both perl and solid, of different strengths. Roto-Grip also makes a pearl of your Defiant, the Defiant Edge. Between LF's choices and the Edge, AND the right surface, I'm sure one of them will be exactly what you need.
