i think most "low end" equpiment could fall into this category. it seems, that the latest, greatest most hooking equipment is hyped. however, for many bowlers, these entry level balls fit a variety of needs in an arsenal. i really like my power groove. i rarely get ot use it...but when i can...it's performance is tremendous.

Emerald Vibe
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R.I.P. BIG ERN

the hard part of bowling is that you have a large ball and a small target....I wish I had a small ball and a large target.--T-Rich

I like Brian's comment about 'all low end equipment'.  Companies always talk about how a certain piece is a good value.  I think that people take this as a drop in performance level.  I understand that companies need to advertise to people who don't bowl much but still.  I try to keep this out of mind, but I still find myself not throwing my "value" ball as much because I know it costs less, which means it must not hit as hard.  It's hard to get over, even when you know the truth.  Imagine the people that don't know the truth!

Brunswick's entire BVP series qualifies. You could make yourself a nice arsenal from just those balls and compete anywhere.

Interesting that someone should jokingly mention Lane #1 because in a couple of occasions, it happens to be true: XXXL and Liberator, especially the XXXL. There are guys I've bowled with who badmouth Lane #1 mercilessly but when the black XXXL came out, I could walk up and down the house and see XXXLs peering out from bags all over the place.

Biggest single ball in this category in the last 5-10 years, though, may be the AMF Orbit Extreme. It has a real core and wears SuperFlex, and sold at most pro shops for $100 or less.

In general, though, the comment about entry-level equipment in general is accurate. Most all equipment is so good these days that there are very few bad balls, even at the lowest levels.

Jess

Awakening

for the $, it's much more ball than I expected.
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