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Author Topic: Question On Matching A New Ball to Current Favorite Ball  (Read 5968 times)

Necromancer

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Question On Matching A New Ball to Current Favorite Ball
« on: July 06, 2016, 08:08:59 AM »
My 2005 Storm Vertigo isn't going to last forever.  It's still relatively in great condition (no major scratches or dent, has been through 1 resurface), and can be used in both league play and in tournaments.  If I want to find a new ball that is as close to the Vertigo as possible, will just matching RG, differential, ball weight, and drilling layout be all I need? 

Or is the different core design going to make the new ball not quite the same?  I would try to first look at Storm balls to see if a core matches identically, but that might not be possible.

Current Arsenal Gallery
H: Brunswick Fury, Columbia 300 EPX T1
M-H: Storm Shift Gravity, Hammer Black Widow
M: Storm X-Factor Vertigo, Ebonite Predator
M-L: Storm Recharge
S: Viz-A-Ball White
Bench: Brunswick Target Spare Zone, Ebonite 14 Fun Ball
GEMS: Brunswick Quantum Helix, Brunswick Quantum Double Helix

2008-09 Year 215.000 2008-09 Tourney 177.360 Last Tourney 182.667

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spmcgivern

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Re: Question On Matching A New Ball to Current Favorite Ball
« Reply #1 on: July 06, 2016, 09:30:46 AM »
I think once you get to a point where the ball you are using is several years old, you may want to start from scratch.  A good pro shop can evaluate how you bowl (speed, revs, axis, tilt) and be able to find a good match for your style on the conditions you bowl. 

Trying to match the Vertigo will be difficult for a couple of reasons.  One is the ball's coverstock isn't being used anymore and it will be difficult to match a current one to it.  Second, it is hard to determine how much of the original reaction is left.  Regardless of how a ball looks, you just can't tell if it is at 90% of original strength or 40%.

Go to a good pro shop without your Vertigo and let them match you from scratch.  Get a new fit, a new evaluation and a new ball based on those measurements. 

Wish you the best of luck!!!

bergman

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Re: Question On Matching A New Ball to Current Favorite Ball
« Reply #2 on: July 06, 2016, 09:56:07 AM »
Great advice, Spmcgivern.

charlest

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Re: Question On Matching A New Ball to Current Favorite Ball
« Reply #3 on: July 06, 2016, 02:18:30 PM »
Good advice, so far, but I have a question, whose answer may help?

According to Storm, the cover on the Vertigo is something called SFA solid reactive. I don't recall, offhand, any other balls using that. Was this a particle coverstock, by another another name? I'm looking at "SFA" and I'm thinking "Storm Friction Additive". Of course, it's probably not that, but if we knew what it was or if it was used in some other ball, maybe you've have a better feel for a good replacement.

Also wasn't the Vertigo an asymmetric? If so, how did you have it drilled?
Once drilled, an asymmetric, especially a strong MB/PSA core has a fairly fixed reaction.
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billdozer

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Re: Question On Matching A New Ball to Current Favorite Ball
« Reply #4 on: July 06, 2016, 02:24:49 PM »
I would try to find an overseas domination that has a solid cover....


Honestly that's your best bet. Get on Facebook...find Marc Arca...tell him ball reviews sent you..

And try to have him find you a solid domination line ball.

Thats your best bet!!!
In the bag [Infinite Physix, Volatility Torque, Night Road, Phaze III, Burner Solid, Hustle AU]
*Now Testing* IQ Ruby, Renevant, another IQ Tour solid
Coming soon...???

Necromancer

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Re: Question On Matching A New Ball to Current Favorite Ball
« Reply #5 on: July 06, 2016, 02:35:14 PM »
Good advice, so far, but I have a question, whose answer may help?

According to Storm, the cover on the Vertigo is something called SFA solid reactive. I don't recall, offhand, any other balls using that. Was this a particle coverstock, by another another name? I'm looking at "SFA" and I'm thinking "Storm Friction Additive". Of course, it's probably not that, but if we knew what it was or if it was used in some other ball, maybe you've have a better feel for a good replacement.

Also wasn't the Vertigo an asymmetric? If so, how did you have it drilled?
Once drilled, an asymmetric, especially a strong MB/PSA core has a fairly fixed reaction.
Mine is drilled with pin to the right of ring finger similar to 12:00 leverage giving medium overall hook.  I saw one being sold on ebay now used but the guy did not take care of the ball haha. 
I would try to find an overseas domination that has a solid cover....


Honestly that's your best bet. Get on Facebook...find Marc Arca...tell him ball reviews sent you..

And try to have him find you a solid domination line ball.

Thats your best bet!!!
Thanks.  I will look into that.
Current Arsenal Gallery
H: Brunswick Fury, Columbia 300 EPX T1
M-H: Storm Shift Gravity, Hammer Black Widow
M: Storm X-Factor Vertigo, Ebonite Predator
M-L: Storm Recharge
S: Viz-A-Ball White
Bench: Brunswick Target Spare Zone, Ebonite 14 Fun Ball
GEMS: Brunswick Quantum Helix, Brunswick Quantum Double Helix

2008-09 Year 215.000 2008-09 Tourney 177.360 Last Tourney 182.667

Hall of Fame BR Member Since: April 3, 2001


Currently Retired from Bowling

spmcgivern

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Re: Question On Matching A New Ball to Current Favorite Ball
« Reply #6 on: July 06, 2016, 03:48:01 PM »
If my memory serves me correctly, the Vertigo was a particle ball (this was the beginning of the changes in marketing of particles).  To be honest, your ball is probably still somewhat strong. 

If you want to match the Vertigo as close as possible, you will have better luck trying to find something current unless you are okay with a used ball or willing to shell out extra money for international or collectible.

I personally like the idea of a Motiv Forza GT if you are trying to match core numbers and shape.  I realize it is symmetrical, but you have stated you like the early rolling smooth motion and this ball has that. 

But I still stand behind my original suggestion.
« Last Edit: July 06, 2016, 03:50:14 PM by spmcgivern »

JohnP

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Re: Question On Matching A New Ball to Current Favorite Ball
« Reply #7 on: July 07, 2016, 11:08:46 AM »
Call Storm, get someone in tech service on the line and ask him.  --  JohnP

Necromancer

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Re: Question On Matching A New Ball to Current Favorite Ball
« Reply #8 on: July 07, 2016, 12:29:56 PM »
Call Storm, get someone in tech service on the line and ask him.  --  JohnP
Sometimes the simplest solution is the most overlooked lol.  Why not ask Storm themselves?  Here is their response for future info and in case I forget.  I was definitely looking at this ball and may try to get one before they stop making it haha.  I know PDW uses it and it's smooth smooth smooth.  Or maybe that's just how he rolls haha.

"Currently the ball that is closest to the X-Factor Vertigo would be the Alpha Crux. The technology is much different today so the Alpha Crux will hook more. Both have lower RG weight blocks, high differentials, and solid covers with surface. They are in different lines, but we don’t have anything really comparable to that in the Master Line today. The Alpha Crux will be your best bet.

Thanks,
Storm"
Current Arsenal Gallery
H: Brunswick Fury, Columbia 300 EPX T1
M-H: Storm Shift Gravity, Hammer Black Widow
M: Storm X-Factor Vertigo, Ebonite Predator
M-L: Storm Recharge
S: Viz-A-Ball White
Bench: Brunswick Target Spare Zone, Ebonite 14 Fun Ball
GEMS: Brunswick Quantum Helix, Brunswick Quantum Double Helix

2008-09 Year 215.000 2008-09 Tourney 177.360 Last Tourney 182.667

Hall of Fame BR Member Since: April 3, 2001


Currently Retired from Bowling

CoorZero

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Re: Question On Matching A New Ball to Current Favorite Ball
« Reply #9 on: July 07, 2016, 02:37:16 PM »
An IQ Nano (discontinued a few months ago) might be comparable too. Good luck finding one though.

spmcgivern

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Re: Question On Matching A New Ball to Current Favorite Ball
« Reply #10 on: July 07, 2016, 02:42:52 PM »
Of course Storm is going to suggest the most expensive ball they make.

If you want to stay in the family, look at Roto Grip and 900 Global also.

Necromancer

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Re: Question On Matching A New Ball to Current Favorite Ball
« Reply #11 on: July 07, 2016, 02:54:24 PM »
Haha.  I did notice that it was their most expensive ball.  Other balls I like are: Storm Crux, Storm Phaze, Roto Grip Menace... I am not familiar with 900 Global, but I think the 300 I saw on Tuesday looked like a Black Ops.  Not positive though.  I just know the ball was solid black and polished haha.
Current Arsenal Gallery
H: Brunswick Fury, Columbia 300 EPX T1
M-H: Storm Shift Gravity, Hammer Black Widow
M: Storm X-Factor Vertigo, Ebonite Predator
M-L: Storm Recharge
S: Viz-A-Ball White
Bench: Brunswick Target Spare Zone, Ebonite 14 Fun Ball
GEMS: Brunswick Quantum Helix, Brunswick Quantum Double Helix

2008-09 Year 215.000 2008-09 Tourney 177.360 Last Tourney 182.667

Hall of Fame BR Member Since: April 3, 2001


Currently Retired from Bowling

avabob

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Re: Question On Matching A New Ball to Current Favorite Ball
« Reply #12 on: July 07, 2016, 08:32:57 PM »
Almost impossible to answer.  First are you trying to get the reaction as the ball originally came out of the box, or a reaction closer to how it is performing today.  I think I would go with an asymmetrical with similar core specs to the original, lay it out the same, then tweak the shell after you throw it to see what happens. 

I was actually going to suggest the Alpha Crux with the cover taken up to 4000 simply because it is such a good ball on todays oils.  I have no idea how it matches up to the Vertigo, but we are playing on totally different oils today than when you got the Vertigo. 

billdozer

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Re: Question On Matching A New Ball to Current Favorite Ball
« Reply #13 on: July 09, 2016, 10:05:44 AM »
There's no way I'd recommend an alpha to replace a rad core....y'all are smoking something.
In the bag [Infinite Physix, Volatility Torque, Night Road, Phaze III, Burner Solid, Hustle AU]
*Now Testing* IQ Ruby, Renevant, another IQ Tour solid
Coming soon...???

2handedrook12

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Re: Question On Matching A New Ball to Current Favorite Ball
« Reply #14 on: July 09, 2016, 10:33:50 AM »
I would try what Billdozer said if you're willing to spend the money. I know that the Lock isn't the same RAD core as the Vertigo, but it might offer a similar motion. Maybe it's just me but the No Rules core looks a lot like the RAD X (Lock).
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