not 100% true anymore with these new covers
I only know the EBI brands, but I'm sure other brands are doing a similar thing
Some of these pearls read much earlier than the traditional pearls we think of
The Maverick and Tyrant Pearl read the mids much sooner than in the past ball choices
I was at a EBI proshop seminar last spring, the talk then was focusing on the hook phase of ball motion.
The speaker had mentioned that cover technology had only begun to be explored in the industry
Along with the certain weighting areas of the core and stronger pearl covers, the ball can read at different points of the hook phase
Traditional carry down implies the same amount of oil left in the heads, which I agree would make me go to something stronger, and probably some surface
But, today's game doesn't seem to have that scenario as much anymore, this strong equipment removes the oil from the heads and mids, making it look like carry down.
That's where the stronger pearls come into play for me (when I throw it properly)
Just my $.02 worth