Well, I'll chime in here. From what I've seen, the Total Shock & Awe, in box finish, is the grabbiest ball I've ever seen. Mine literally took out the 4-pin the first time I threw it on my normal strike line. Since then, I've polished it up to make it a viable option on a more frequent basis.

The Robo Rule looked good when I've seen it. It's rare to see a particle ball have as much continuation on the backend as that one does.

The Awesome Hook loooks like a good ball, but I don't think it's as strong as the Total Shock & Awe or Robo. It will get down the lane further and offer a sharper backend look. So, if you want the ball for heavy oil, that probably wouldn't be the choice.

Lastly, the Scorchin' looks like a decent oiler, but, again, I don't think it holds a candle to the Total Shock or Robo.

I guess what I'm saying is that I would suggest going with the Total Shock & Awe or Robo Rule. Personally, because I have one that I love, I would go with the Total Shock. I prefer resin to particle. Plus, I think the Total Shock offers more versatility. If you polish it up, the ball becomes a medium heavy condition backend monster!

However, if you truly like particle balls more, then I would go with the only particle that you have listed there, the Robo Rule.

Good luck and good bowling.
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I've only bowled 300, but I've benched 345

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If you really want a particle cover hook monster -- wait for the new Brunswick BVP Mammoth -- Activator coverstock with particle, new, lower rg core...plus, it's cheaper than all the ones you listed!

Out of the ones you listed, I really don't think the Awesome Hook is a good SCB replacement.  It has a lot of backend continuation, even in heavy oils, but it does not pick up quite as early.

The Robo might work if you kick the MB out farther to your VAL, which should get the ball into a forward roll a bit sooner.  The Scorchin and the Total Shock & Awe might be close also...have you considered a Seek & Destroy?  I have one, drilled stacked leverage, and it handles the heaviest oil I see.  Never had a problem not getting the ball to hook.

Just to wrap up though -- in my personal opinion, for a true SCB replacement, wait for the Mammoth.
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I am the University of Virginia's Bowling Team.  After all, one All-American is all you need.

The Robo, with the Robo Core, is exactly what the other poster said...the earliest rolling ball I have ever seen that continues as much as this ball does....it comes out of box at 800 grit and the low load particle cover is a perfect combo.

Clint
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Clint Daley-Owner
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I would say, go with a Robo Rule for a heavier oiled shot that has some carrydown on it. The Robo takes carrydown very well.

If you don't go Robo, then i would go Mean Machine, and that would be for heavier oil, with cleaner backends.

Hope this helps some.
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-BrIan
Formerly known as Hammer33
MEan MAchine, INertia, ACtion PAcked, DEsert HeAt
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I would have to vote for the TSA personally.  I have a BW drilled fairly strong & shined up a bit.  First game of league at 1 center im at, the BW wont move at all unless i play up 5ish.  The TSA at 1200 wet sanded flat out HOOKS on that shot.  I play about 17-8 with it, & it hits like a TRUCK.  OOB the ball hooked off my hand, first shot was in the ditch at about 45ft.

& BTM still shows the TSA as being the most hooking ball released.


Shawn