I'm thinking about retiring my excessive, outdated 5-ball arsenal and replacing it with a new 3-ball arsenal (including spare). I'm wanting to buy two of the same ball and use different layouts, top weights, pin placements and such to cover the majority of lane conditions and surfaces out there.

I consider myself a 'power tweener' with medium ball speed (15-16 mph), medium revs, about 45 degrees of axis tilt and I track high close to my fingers and thumb. My PAP is about 4 1/2" over and about 3/8" up.

Based on the video reviews I've seen so far, I'm considering the Storm Sure Fire. It looks to be very versatile so I can play different parts of the lane using the same layout, condition and surface. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe the Fire Line from Storm is a 2-piece construction (weight block inside resin, no filler). I've always preferred this type of construction since it has a higher CoR for better pin action and carry. And this also allows the thick coverstock shell to be very durable and long lasting. And since it's a mid-performance ball, it's a great value to boot.

I've also considered Legends/Lane Masters, but no one in my area owns or sells their equipment. So I have no first hand knowledge besides what I've seen online. Not to mention their high end lines are more expensive than the Sure Fire. Since they recently produced a mid-performance, 3-piece construction (with filler) line of balls with no difference in CoR to their high end line, I'm curious as to the durability of the coverstocks over time.

What do you think? I'm open to any comments, critiques and suggestions. And I thank everyone in advance for any advice.
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Dan, you may be onto something there. I'll definitely consider that 1-2 punch combination. I'm sure they're the same price. Thanks again for the advice.
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Well, I've had the Sure Fire for a little over a month now.

I'm a low speed (16-18 mph off my hand) with about 250-300 rpms and 19 degrees of axis tilt.  My PAP is 4 1/2" over, 1" up.  I drilled up a Sure Fire as follows:

-1 1/2 inch pin
-~2.5 oz. of top weight
-Pin 4 3/4 in. from PAP over the bridge
-CG rolled out slightly (about 4 1/2 in. from PAP)
-Small hole drilled on the VAL a little below my PAP

As you can see, I drilled it for a more skid-flippy reaction, and I will say that this ball shows absolutely no quit on the backend.  I love the reaction, but I do have to be careful when I'm playing straight because it can jump high.  It does squirt a bit on oil, but that is the drill and not the cover at all.  A great ball, and it is versatile, but for me, on the hook side of versatile.

I would say that it is a great idea to start an arsenal, but for you, I would probably use a more controlled drill on it.  Probably something like 4.5 pin-pap under the bridge, CG 4 in. from pap and a medium hole put in around the midline-VAL intersection.  This should keep it very consistent on the backend and make sure it won't squirt at all.  I'd probably then use a similar drill on the Spit Fire.  However, I would use a higher pin (over your bridge, and in a slightly weaker position) and try to keep the CG near the center, then only add a weight hole if needed.  I think that should give you a lot of different looks with the two balls and keep them from being condition specific.

Just my random musings, feel free to take it with a grain of salt.

How about a T-Road Solid and Pearl?

Both versatile and they compensate each other.
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Team Banger Bowling Test Staff

Edited on 10/30/2007 12:31 PM