Just curious if anybody can shed some light into the processes that the different companies use to determine which balls will fall into the subject category, and where in the process the decision is made.
For example:
Ebonite uses the X-out label on balls. The balls are also labeled as to what they are. You can get a V2 Sweet x-out and you know its a V2 sweet, maybe just the colors are off a little, or the the pin is too long or short, or maybe the top weight is off, etc.
AMF Changelings all use a standard core wrapped around left over coverstock - I guess these balls don't necessarily fall into the blem category, but the coverstocks also don't necessarily look exactly like the balls from the run either, so they can be lumped in just for discussion.
Bonanzas are blems for any of the same reasons as Ebonite's X-outs, but the balls are only labeled as Bonanza, with no real way of knowing which ball you are getting. It could look like a Big Bully, but there is no guarantee that it is the Big Bully core.
I personally prefer the companies in the order listed. With X-outs you know exactly which ball you are getting, you might just have to get creative to make the ball legal, or the colors might be a little off (and with some of their balls, the x-outs might even look better!). With the Changeling you are getting a proven core wrapped with leftover coverstock. The ball might not give you the reaction you are looking for because the coverstock was designed to be used around a totally different core. Either way, you get a cool looking ball with a proven core. The Bonanza's are completely pot luck. You might get a ball that looks similar to a current ball, but there is no real way of knowing if it is really that ball. Maybe that Bonanza was the first run in that batch of coverstock/colors and they decided to use a left over core from a different ball, so maybe you get a ball that looks like a Big Bully but it might have a Scout core.
Just my opinions, and thought it might be an interesting discussion. If any of my reasonings are wrong, or if you have any first hand knowledge as to the process please share.
