BallReviews

General Category => Miscellaneous => Topic started by: trash heap on August 26, 2008, 06:26:13 AM

Title: What is the biggest difference.....
Post by: trash heap on August 26, 2008, 06:26:13 AM
in ball technology today as compared to 3 years ago.

What has been the improvement?

 

Title: Re: What is the biggest difference.....
Post by: livespive on August 26, 2008, 02:40:15 PM
Where they are made.
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 Visionary Test Staff Member
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Title: Re: What is the biggest difference.....
Post by: KDawg77 on August 26, 2008, 02:42:38 PM
Refinements in mass bias technology, better understanding of surface prep, and oil-absorbing coverstocks versus particle.
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Ken
Title: Re: What is the biggest difference.....
Post by: 3835 on August 26, 2008, 02:49:12 PM
I would have to agree with K Dawg. There has not been much advancement in ball technology itself, just a better understanding of what we can do with what we already have.

What speaks volumes on this matter is considering Visionary just came out with the Particle Ogre. The Particle Ogre uses the same cover that is on the Granite Gargoyle, with a couple MINOR adjustments, most of which were to change the pigment of the ball color to make it so the ball does not show dirt as quick as the Granite did. The Granite came out in 2000. Yep, 8 years ago, and the same cover is still being used today on a new ball. No different than Brunswick using Powerkoil still, or Global using BASF which we all know is SuperFlex. AMF came back out with the Nighthawk remakes, those balls came out over 10 years ago and they are still being used today.

Just goes to show all of the marketing we buy into, how much of it is really not needed on our part?  Also shows that the new newest, greatest thing since sliced bread is essentially marginally better than the previous offering.

-3835-
Title: Re: What is the biggest difference.....
Post by: six pack on August 26, 2008, 04:28:18 PM
The Hype!
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The harder I try the harder they fall
Title: Re: What is the biggest difference.....
Post by: LuckyLefty on August 26, 2008, 05:05:15 PM
Coverstock understanding.  Oil absorbing coverstocks is the main thing....they are awesome but fragile!

On the remaining particles the understanding of how to get them to still backend through size.

These engineers both chemical and I believe mechanical?  Really have gained a tremendous understanding of what creates hook in the topography of a ball.

I don't work in that industry....but one can just TELL!


REgards,

Luckylefty
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Open the door...see what's possible...and just walk right on through...that's how easy success feels..
Title: Re: What is the biggest difference.....
Post by: Smash49 on August 26, 2008, 05:10:57 PM
In many ways there has been no improvement.  One of the best is it seems there are less balls released each year.  

Smash49
--------------------
Smash49

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Title: Re: What is the biggest difference.....
Post by: DP3 on August 26, 2008, 05:24:02 PM
We are only on the tip of the iceberg as far as what is readily availible coverstock and core wise.

Biggest problems are:

a) The lane is not wide enough to unleash what can be done.
b) The oil is not thick enough and patterns are not long enough, nor will they hold up long enough to use what can be readily availible.


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-DJ Marshall
...The Twelve In a Row Pro Shop.  AMF Bowie Lanes -- Bowie, MD

Title: Re: What is the biggest difference.....
Post by: charlest on August 26, 2008, 05:27:54 PM
We're still in the evolution phase. There's been no revolutions yet.

Refinement and knowledge are the current catch words.

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Title: Re: What is the biggest difference.....
Post by: DON DRAPER on August 27, 2008, 05:52:08 AM
i haven't seen any real improvement in ball technology in this time. there has been more talk about certain factors that effect the balls motion, oil absorbtion, etc.
Title: Re: What is the biggest difference.....
Post by: dizzyfugu on August 27, 2008, 07:48:35 AM
IMHO, the biggest advancements in recent years are the more sophisticated use of mass bias technology in the cores (any major manufacturer uses this in the high end ball lines), and the refined production technolgy of resin coverstocks with fine-tuned surface texture that enhances friction and seems to render particle technology obsolete - and also causes balls to absorb oil like a sponge and seems to have negative effect on durability.

I am not sure if both are a path for the near future, but that is just the hype right now.

One next step I think we could see is a new coverstock material generation. The epoxy ball failed, but not because of poor traction, rather through lack of durability. I am sure something similar will creep up again and launch the next evolution generation.
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