I am not certain there are bad companies, in so much as bad ball designs -- there are designs and tendencies that will or will not work for certain bowlers -- but there may be a quality control issue that is bothersome (maybe it is just my experiences). I clearly have my favorites, but what I find troublesome is buying two or three of the same balls (two throttles or x-factors or killer instincts for example) and finding that the balls react differently, surprisingly so. From my experience, and my experience only, the companies "consistency control" as I will call it, ranks as following (from best to ah not so hot):
1. Brunswick. Buy two Monster Frenzies, two Infernos, two Time Zones and get essentially the same ball and reaction with each. For me, clearly the most consistent manufacturer/maker, if not my favorite.
2. Lane One. You can pretty well exchange one Lane One ball for any other of the same "name" -- and I write this despite the fact I personally don't like the reaction I have gotten in my game.
(I know there is no three. There doesn't deserve to be a three)
4. Dynothane. I really like the stuff, but from one ball to the next...often not the same. (Yeah, I know its Storm manufactured, but the Soaker covers are different from much of Storm's stuff and the non-soaker covers and cover core combinations make the equipment more consistent).
5. Storm. I have really like some of Storm's stuff, so I bought more than one...and found...different.
6. Hammer. Yeah, I know it is Ebonite, but for some reason, some of the stuff is more consistent -- one Blue Hammer is the same as the next or very close to it. Others, not so hot.
7. Ebonite. I have not been able to get the same reaction from two of the same ball with the exception of the Savages, especially the Savage Flip. It may be why I am not a particular fan.
8. Track. I have had a similar experience as with STorm, only moreso. I really like a piece of Track equipment, buy multiples and get all sorts of reactions. I think some of that is due to the factory cover polishes.
9. Columbia. I have absolutely loved some of the Columbia stuff I have thrown. But from one Throttle to another...or messenger...or Wow... or....
Just my observations. I assume some of you have different experiences.
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"I don't mind if you don't like my manners. I don't like them myself. They're pretty bad. I grieve over them on long winter evenings."
