Well, after several months, I finally found the ball I've been searching hi and lo for: A Winning Streak, one of Roto's overseas balls.

I'm told this thing is the same as a Silver Streak Pearl, although when I look at the USBC approved ball lists, there's a three-year gap from the SSP (2002) to the Winning Streak (2005).

Anyway, since there's no Winning Streak in the review section, here's my mini review:

If you can find one, buy it. Not only is it a good, solid ball but it's very attractive. It's a high-pearl red and light blue swirl.

Since my Silver Streak SE is drilled pin-over-bridge with the CG kicked out, I had this one drilled with the CG in the palm and pin down and under the ring. Thanks to Chris at Bowlers Advantage Smyrna for the great drill.

The surface on this ball allows it to clear heads easily. The backend reaction is the real eye-catcher. It's much like the SSSE -- big ol' booming backend, but it's a little more controllable than my SSSE. Probably a function of the drill as much as anything.

What impressed me about it was that I was able to take it out on some very squirty wet-dry, over-under lanes Tuesday night and salvage a third game in a three-game league set after not getting anything to work with my other stuff in the first two games. I was afraid the big backend on this ball would be hard to control, but it's not.

If you're wondering how I got it -- I called Roto Grip direct. No joke. I got some very nice secretary who pointed me out to the guys in Texas (bowl expo?) who had taken the last few Winning Streaks with them. I had to call Storm's booth and get one of them to hand the phone to a Roto salesperson (no phone in the Roto booth), but they shipped the ball from there for cheap. I think I paid about $130 shipped for a NIB Winning Streak.

So, I'd like to thank the Roto guys for helping me out. The ball is a good one, and will stay in the bag for hopefully a long time to come.

And by the way, Roto, RELEASE THIS THING STATESIDE. It will sell.

Jess