win a ball from Bowling.com

Author Topic: Reaction Shape  (Read 3769 times)

machine189

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 176
Reaction Shape
« on: July 06, 2016, 09:49:18 AM »
Curious but is there a reaction shape that you prefer and have better success with? Personally I cannot stand flippy or delayed reacting balls. To me be backed reaction is harder to read and less consistent. I prefer an earlier and smoother transition. Starting to notice that ball manufactures today are making different reaction shapes in all there lines two companies that stand out in particular is STORM, MOTIV and BRUNSWICK probably others also. Bowlers now can build an entire arsenal based on their favorite reaction shape and not worry about being limited to certain conditions. Thoughts?

 

SVstar34

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 5460
Re: Reaction Shape
« Reply #1 on: July 06, 2016, 10:24:16 AM »
I like balls that give a strong backend reaction, but aren't flippy. Basically a smoother transition and strong continuation. I've always liked solid covers the most I believe for that reason

Necromancer

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1698
Re: Reaction Shape
« Reply #2 on: July 06, 2016, 12:03:12 PM »
When I was younger and dumber, I used to always look for whatever ball had the most hook rating.  More was better to me.  But after understanding what the real goal is in bowling and finding a ball - hitting the pocket across the most amount of user variability, I quickly found that balls that snap, flip, or seemingly go horizontal across the boards at the very last minute is NOT what I wanted.  I still see this today in my current league and those that do have some of the worst averages.  Yeah it looks cool when you strike, but enjoy the splits and brooklyns.

What I have had success with given how I bowl and how I want to generally throw from the left side of the 20th board out to between 5-10 and come back strong but predictable, I like balls that roll strong into the pocket.  I leave very few 10 pins relative to other RH I see.  Last night I left a lot of 4 pins. 

So basically I've tried almost all the main bowling companies and found Storm meets my need the best.  Back in the day the Columbia Messenger Ti was my favorite ball.  Now it is a polished Storm Vertigo.  Both balls FAR from industry 'hook monsters'. 
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

St. Croix

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 644
Re: Reaction Shape
« Reply #3 on: July 06, 2016, 01:26:03 PM »
Curious but is there a reaction shape that you prefer and have better success with? Personally I cannot stand flippy or delayed reacting balls. To me be backed reaction is harder to read and less consistent. I prefer an earlier and smoother transition. Starting to notice that ball manufactures today are making different reaction shapes in all there lines two companies that stand out in particular is STORM, MOTIV and BRUNSWICK probably others also. Bowlers now can build an entire arsenal based on their favorite reaction shape and not worry about being limited to certain conditions. Thoughts?

My preference is also a smooth back end reaction. In May, I bought a Venom Panic that my local pro shop had on clearance sale. I have practiced several times with the Panic and really like its reaction---a continuous arc even on pretty light oil. The Venom Cobra probably has a sharper reaction to friction, but the Panic is a better match for me.

My primary ball is the Sigma Sting---a good benchmark ball with a strong but not flippy back end. For the coming season, I will move down from the Sting to the Panic.
Yes, I like Motiv!!!
"I spent half of my money on women, gambling, and booze. I wasted the other half."

W.C. Fields

todvan

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 234
Re: Reaction Shape
« Reply #4 on: July 08, 2016, 10:58:22 AM »
The reaction shape of any ball depends on a bunch of things.  Some are manufacturer design, some are layout and surface, some are how you release the ball.  A ball designed for a rolling arc motion may work best for higher rev higher axis rotation bowlers because they get too much snap with a skid flip ball.  But the skid flip ball might be perfect for an up the back bowler that needs help on the backend. 

I'm glad the manufacturers are better defining their ball motion design ( like MOTIVs ball guide ) so we can make good choices with what we need - instead of trial and error.
MOTIV Jackal LE .................40 x 4.5 x 40 p2.5
MOTIV Revolt Vengeance......45 x 4.0 x 50 p3
MOTIV Forza GT ..................50 x 4.0 x 70 p2.5
MOTIV Sigma Sting..............50 x 4.0 x 45 p3

Brandon Riley

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1156
Re: Reaction Shape
« Reply #5 on: July 08, 2016, 12:48:18 PM »
There is a time and place for every reaction shape.  Flatter shapes look better on fresh and when the cliff is taller (league), whereas the sharper shapes will give you that extra kick when you need to get deep inside (late in a tournament).
Brandon Riley
Brunswick Regional Staff

BallReviews-Removed0385

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 0
Re: Reaction Shape
« Reply #6 on: July 08, 2016, 07:59:38 PM »

I'm with those who prefer the strong finish, but not too angular. 

When I feel like I know where it's going to finish it breeds confidence, which keeps me more relaxed, which helps me to bowl more consistently, etc...

charlest

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 24524
Re: Reaction Shape
« Reply #7 on: July 08, 2016, 08:16:39 PM »
Oddly, my brain likes to see the more gentle arc, not quite as mild as a urethane, but I leave tons of 10 pins (both ringing and flat tens) and 4 pins with that type of ball shape. My scores say I like a sharper break, but nowhere near a skid/flip - hockey stick. As much as I prefer the control of the gentle arc, I have to go with the higher scores generated by the sharper break.
"None are so blind as those who will not see."

avabob

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2779
Re: Reaction Shape
« Reply #8 on: July 09, 2016, 11:29:33 AM »
It really depends on what angle I am playing.  If I am playing out, I want a smooth reaction with nothing jumpy.  Low flare layouts on symmetrical solids matches up for my game and gives me such a look.  As I move toward 3rd arrow or deeper I want something that will go long and make a hard move, even with my end over end roll.  Strong asymmetrical higher flare layouts are my choice from deeper angles.  Not looking to open up the lane, just get a strong move off the breakpoint which ideally is not outside 10 board.