Personally, I've not owned the Reax Version 2 Pearl, but I do have a Reax Version 2 Solid. It took me a while to figure out the right surface preparation and actual lane condition(s) that work best for me when using the latter. I'd consider a Yeti Untamed before buying another Reax Version 2 Solid especially if you'll be using it on tournament shots.

Along those lines, I do own a couple of the original Reax Pearl, and I have used them to some degree of success on tournament shots. The cover on the original Reax Pearl takes well to surface changes.

The Reax V.2 Solid is one of my all time favorites. If you do drill it and after throwing it a few times and are not getting the reaction you're looking for don't be afraid to adjust the surface. I use abralon pads by hand (no spinner) and will make adjustments before league or a tournament if I'm not getting the reaction I'm looking for.

Robert what kind of pads do you use to adjust the surface and were do you get them?

Regular Abralon pads. I got them a few years back when Nationals was in Vegas from one of the booths they had them 5 for $20.

The solid is considerably stronger than the pearl.  You can also find abralons at your local pro shop and in some cases hardware stores in the paint department.

Solid vs pearl is nothing more than marketing. Color effects overall hook slightly........ but a pearl and a solid of the same ball, same drill and same surface will be almost identical in reaction.

Channelsurfer, Phil Cardinale will beg to differ with you about color affecting ball reaction. Phil has explained to me, and I'm sure he's mentioned it on these boards, that it's all about the additives and resin compounds that they come up with at Radical. Color has nothing to do with it. And a pearlized appearance and coloring is all about aesthetics.