Right Handed
Ball weight: 15
Rev Rate: 378
Ball Speed: 18.2
Axis Tilt: in flux
Axis Rotation: in flux
PAP: 3 9/16 horizontal, 1 3/8 up
Layout: 30 x 2.5 x 70
When trying to come up with a layout for the Crux Pearl, I decided that I had to get the void in the block as far from my thumb as possible. I believe that the key to utilizing this core is finding a way to get the fingers & thumb holes to change the shape of the core. This is why my initial angle was so small. It pushed the void as far from the thumb as I could get it and put the pin just under my fingers (actually drilled out part of the pin with the ring finger).
While the Crux was so strong, I really found no conditions where I could get it to work well; the Crux Pearl has become my THS go-to ball. The first game of league, this ball has rolled exceptionally well every time. Its the first ball out of the bag in both of my leagues and any tournaments using a THS. I can only use it for two games max. After that, I have to ball down. The issue I encounter when the lanes transition is that when I migrate left, I start leaving flat 10s. Once I get that far left and cant get it to kick out the 10, I have to either ball down or make a ball lateral move to something sharper. This may be due to the layout, or possibly the cover, but when its in play, this ball is great. The key for me is knowing when to put it back in the bag.
I did have the opportunity to use it on the Earl Anthony pattern this weekend and was able to strike from multiple angles; however, playing the heavier oil towards the outside didnt leave me the room I needed. If I didnt execute the shot almost perfectly, I wasnt going to strike, maybe not even hit the pocket. When I made a move left to play about 12 with a bump out, my look got much better and I was able to get away with less than perfect shots. I ended that set wishing I had jumped left much sooner.
I really like the Crux Pearl and have been using it quite a bit. I would just advise that a layout that allows you to change the core with the drilling holes will make this ball significantly better.
For a smooth rolling pearl, this ball is really good.