SD-73 or Epic Odyssey might, in general, "hook" more than the Battle on most heavy conditions featuring dry boards down or across the lane.  The solid reactive covers, coupled with the powerful cores on both, make for a dynamic combination that will react strongly.  However, I think that on a true flood, the Battle, assuming you have a strong drilling on it, would still be your best bet, given the particle cover.  Since you already ordered the SD-73, put that one over the Battle, for most shots.

Below the Battle, consider the coming Mystic.  Looking at your profile, you have a lot of balls that are reactive that would also fit under the Battle.  The pearl-particle cover will give you a different look on the lane, and make your arsenal more useful.  Proper surface prep, and drilling, of course, are needed.

Hope this helps.
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I am the University of Virginia's Bowling Team.  After all, one All-American is all you need.

RotoDave,

I just picked up a used Saga a couple weeks ago.  So far I like what I see.  I have the SD-73 on its' way.  Is the Odyssey too strong to sit under the Battle?
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Loyal Disciple of Rick Leong

tberk35,

So in your opinion, the SD-73 and the Odyssey sit above or could sit above the Battle with the right layouts?  Hmm...maybe the SD-73 and Battle are enough for me then if the Odyssey could overlap them.  Have you tried the Mystic yet?  If so, any thoughts on that ball?
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Loyal Disciple of Rick Leong

kgee15:

I have to echo the comments here by tberk and revTrex.  For the flooded patterns, you have to go the route of the Battle.  On more THS or even modified patterns you might actually "see" more hook down lane out of the SD and the Odyssey.

We recently started a PBA Experience league (tberk is in) and the Battle far outperfomed the SD on the heavier patterns (SD had to be super soft with the speed and usually went sideways out of the pattern leaving designer splits).

The SD in general we're seeing around here is smooth and strong for tweeners and crankers while it's creating backend for the stroker styles.  Layouts with good success (here) are: Crankers/Tweeners - longer pin distances and 75*-90* layouts.  Strokers - 4-1/2" - 5-1/2" pin to PAP layouts with CG kicked out, balance holes on axis.


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Steve Richter
Roto Grip Amateur Staff Member