Stats in profile...
Control Layout:
Pin to PAP - 2.5"
MB to PAP - 6.25"
Pin above MidLine - 1.75"
small weight hole on my VAL on line from center of grip through cg
Lane conditions:
(1) second shift synthetics, medium oil house shot, drier heads and some carry down.
(2) wood, medium-heavy house shot, oil in the middle and dry outside.
On lane condition (1), ladies league bowls prior to ours. Typically the heads tend to be on the dry side and lots of oil is carried down in the middle....almost plays like a reverse block with carry down. I found the Sahara to roll up early in the midlane, but not over react. It was able to clear the heads and get to the midlane The ball had a strong continuous arc. Seemed to get into a heavy roll prior to reaching the carry down and for the most part wasn't greatly effected. I had some room playing inside with a little swing. Missing to the outside caused the ball to catch too much oil and it just wasn't strong enough to recover... partially due to the oil being pushed out there and partly due to the carry down. Overall, the ball performed as well on this condition as anything else I have found.
On condition (2), the ball was a surprise. I expected it to not be able to handle the volume of oil as typically I use my WMB on this condition (play 15 at the arrows out to around 8 at the break point). WRONG! Although I wasn't able to play as deep as with the WMB, the Sahara w/ the control layout allowed me to square up to the lane, which I hadn't been able to do in quite some time, and play a nice down and in shot. Targeting around 8 at the arrows, the ball seemed to ignore the heads. Once it was into the midlane area, the ball started to pick up its "signature" heavy roll. Strong heavy roll and an even more impressive HIT. I have gone through a lot of equipment, but never have I had a ball hit so hard. For the first time ever, I had comments from other bowlers on how hard and how loud the ball hit. On this shot, the ball was wonderful and out performed all my other equipment, with one exception. This ball does need some dry. Any shots which I tugged a little and got inside into the heavier oil would under react. They seemed to still make it to the pocket, but lacked the drive/angle to carry. Otherwise the ball had exceeded my expectations. Since I have bought this ball, I haven't picked up any others.
If anyone is looking for a GREAT ball for most house shots or medium oil tournaments, take a look at the Sahara. If you are hoping to use this ball on toasted conditions, probably should look for something else unless you have rocket speed and/or no revs. Overall the Sahara is one of the better balls I have thrown in quite some time.
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