Author Topic: Need help choosing a ball... (Read 2861 times)

stormdamage · « **on:** February 28, 2012, 10:47:19 AM »

Hey guys. I need some help. I am going nuts trying to settle on a new ball. I want a strong pearl Storm ball to cut through a fresh 40-45 ft. house/tourney shot. Ball speed is about 18-19 mph. Revs 300-350ish, so I've been told. The newest ball I have is a Paradigm Domination. I have narrowed it down to an Anarchy, Nano Pearl or Marvel Pearl. I don't have a preference as far as skid/flip vs. arcing. I have enough equipment for when the lanes transition, just need to find a new "oiler". Just wondering what the similarities/differences are in these balls other than the obvious differences in core/cover combinations. Any and all help is appreciated. Thanks.

stormdamage

"Did you see that? That just happened." - Cal Noughton, Jr. - Talladega Nights

chrischop04 · « **Reply #1 on:** February 28, 2012, 07:46:05 PM »

if ur getting a ball for alot of oil u prob dont want a pearl.

stormdamage · « **Reply #2 on:** February 28, 2012, 08:11:44 PM »

So what then? A Nano Solid, or Marvel? Too many options.

stormdamage

"Did you see that? That just happened." - Cal Noughton, Jr. - Talladega Nights

tommyboy74 · « **Reply #3 on:** February 28, 2012, 08:15:11 PM »

With that speed and rev rate, you're much better off going with a solid or a hybrid in most cases. I can tell you that from experience (avg speed for me is 19-22mph with revs from 380-420). You and myself are not that much different there on what our games are like. I can also tell you that because of the speed/rev combo, I get much better results using solids and hybrids. (I only own 1 pearl, and it is a Vital Energy pearl from Ebonite which comes at a dull sanded finish.)

I owned the Anarchy until recently and it was speed sensitive for me. If I was a touch too fast, it hydroplaned and never grabbed the back part of the lane. I was much more limited on what I could throw it on. Sanding it down to 2000AB/no polish actually caused it to die out for me on the back. Back to polish I went after that experiment. When I could use the Anarchy, I played more outside than I would like to compensate.

Now, the Nano Pearl is similar to the Anarchy but actually goes longer and is more angular. The Marvel Pearl is even weaker yet, which means it will flare less and you will lose backend capability. In my opinion, it would be the worst choice for the 3 options you mentioned.

If you get a pearl, go with a dull surface pearl such as the Roto Grip Critical Theory. The box surface is the same as the Virtual Gravity Nano solid (4000 AB), which means you will have more surface texture to grab the lane. You will get a little earlier read, but still get the angular look you want while compensating for the higher ball speed.

Unfortunately Storm/RG do not have a heavy oil hybrid at this time, unless you can find a used Virtual Energy. 900Global has 2 hybrids for heavy oil- the Train (symmetrical) and the Bank Roll (asymmetrical). Those could also give you some good options for what you are looking to do.

If you go with a solid, the Virtual Gravity Nano or Roto Grip Defiant are your best choices. Nano will be longer and more angular while the Defiant reads the midlane earlier with a hard arc motion. Between the two and having thrown both (just got the Defiant), I prefer the Defiant since it seems to be more predictable and hits just as hard as the Nano. I also think the Paragon core on the Defiant is easier to tweak ball motion with various layouts.

My Arsenal (as of February 2012)
Heavy Oil: Roto Grip Defiant: 3000 AB
Medium-Heavy Oil: Track 919C: 3000 AB
Medium-Heavy Oil: Ebonite Vital Energy: 4000 AB
Medium Oil: Hammer Brick: 2000 polished

Medium-Light Oil: Track 505T: 4000 AB

Edited by tommyboy74 on 2/28/2012 at 9:18 PM

stormdamage · « **Reply #4 on:** February 28, 2012, 08:37:07 PM »

Thanks, Tommyboy. I have a NIB Storm Triple Xtreme 800 grit matte solid reactive. Was going to drill it up and go with it because the last one I had was a beast. Bowled my best series with that ball. Just not sure if I need something newer. Has oil changed over the past 7 years? Will this ball still be strong enough? It was always the first ball out of my bag on fresh shots. Just seemed to eat up oil like it was nothing. If this will still work for me, then my problem is solved. Otherwise, maybe I need to keep looking. Regarding the VG Nano line, seems like everyone has one of those which actually makes me not want one. Sounds screwy, I know. Anyway, maybe I'll just drill up the Xtreme and see what happens. Then again, I'd hate to do that and waste money finding out it's not the ball I remember.

stormdamage

"Did you see that? That just happened." - Cal Noughton, Jr. - Talladega Nights

tommyboy74 · « **Reply #5 on:** February 28, 2012, 09:13:09 PM »

No problem. If anything, some of the oil used seems to have gotten heavier over time with the fresh. I still remember the days 10+ years ago when I could throw a C300 Cuda/C (medium oil) ball 85% of the time on the house shot. Now, I usually start with my Defiant (1 house puts down the flood) or my 919C (medium-heavy).

I did some research on the Triple Xtreme and it is actually classified as medium-medium heavy for conditions. That would put it in the same category as the Marvel Solid, Roto Grip Outlaw, and for comparison, my Track 919C. You could still use it, but probably not for the heaviest of oil which is what you were looking for initially.

I'd probably talk with your driller about the suggestions I mentioned earlier if you want something more effective for the flood or long patterns. If the driller thinks you can go with more surface on the Triple Xtreme, that could be an option. My concern is adding more surface to 800 grit OOB is that it could burn up in the back.

My Arsenal (as of February 2012)
Heavy Oil: Roto Grip Defiant: 3000 AB
Medium-Heavy Oil: Track 919C: 3000 AB
Medium-Heavy Oil: Ebonite Vital Energy: 4000 AB
Medium Oil: Hammer Brick: 2000 polished

Medium-Light Oil: Track 505T: 4000 AB

stormdamage · « **Reply #6 on:** February 29, 2012, 08:19:15 PM »

I don't have a driller. Don't ever buy new balls. The guys in the proshops around here make you feel like an idiot if you don't know something most of the time and if it's not that they just act like they don't really know much more than you do when you walk in. I honestly hate the thought of taking a new ball or any ball for work to any of the local shops. They never ask what my PAP, rev rate or anything else is. They just ask me how I want it drilled. I'm really starting to get annoyed with the whole process.

stormdamage

"Did you see that? That just happened." - Cal Noughton, Jr. - Talladega Nights

tommyboy74 · « **Reply #7 on:** February 29, 2012, 09:02:14 PM »

That's messed up. Sounds like the original driller I had where he just asked how I wanted it drilled. I learned the hard way when my arsenal was not performing the way it should. Since that time, I found a great driller at a house about 20 minutes from me. She requires everyone go out on the lane first to throw multiple shots. From that point, she can then determine PAP and everything else needed to recommend drill layouts and ball choices. That's why she has the busiest shop in my area and people from other houses recommend her too. Plus, pro bowler Ryan Ciminelli has her drill his equipment. 30+ years experience and good service goes a long way there.

If you don't like any of the shops, Buddies and many of the online stores now offer drilling. Basically you send a ball that you like the fit of best and they replicate that. They can also help you determine layouts and equipment to work with.

My Arsenal (as of February 2012)
Heavy Oil: Roto Grip Defiant: 3000 AB
Medium-Heavy Oil: Track 919C: 3000 AB
Medium-Heavy Oil: Ebonite Vital Energy: 4000 AB
Medium Oil: Hammer Brick: 2000 polished

Medium-Light Oil: Track 505T: 4000 AB

Edited by tommyboy74 on 2/29/2012 at 10:10 PM

ithinkican · « **Reply #8 on:** February 29, 2012, 09:50:40 PM »

roto grip is storm. the defiant is the greatest ball that i have ever thrown. easy to adjust with. great on long and medium patterns. Dont waste your money on the nano pearl great ball but it comparisons to the defiant it doesnt stand a chance. i have sold 16 of them thus far and have drilled 20+. everybody loves the power of this masterpiece. you wont be disappointed i can guarantee it

tommyboy74 · « **Reply #9 on:** February 29, 2012, 10:05:15 PM »

I found a basic guide to asymmetrical layouts from Storm that can help give you some ideas:

http://www.stormbowling.com/drill-specs/PSA_Lightning_Stikes.pdf

On my heavy oil equipment throwing similar speed with slightly higher revs, I usually go with a 4 or 5 inch pin distance and like the 4x4x2 or 4x4x1 layout. Pin up will help give it more length whereas pin down will have the ball read earlier in the mids. Compared to the shops you've dealt with, that can give you a starting point on what to base your equipment on.

My Arsenal (as of February 2012)
Heavy Oil: Roto Grip Defiant: 3000 AB
Medium-Heavy Oil: Track 919C: 3000 AB
Medium-Heavy Oil: Ebonite Vital Energy: 4000 AB
Medium Oil: Hammer Brick: 2000 polished

Medium-Light Oil: Track 505T: 4000 AB

stormdamage · « **Reply #10 on:** March 01, 2012, 05:52:32 AM »

Hey guys. I really appreciate all the help. Regarding the local shops. It seems you actually have to ask them to determine you pap and everything. Don't know if they just assume everyone knows theirs or if they just don't wanna mess with it anymore than they have to. Either way, it's not cool. Got a tourney coming up on the 24th on a 40' THS. Just trying to figure out how much surface I need with my ball speed to get off to a good start since I have to bowl scratch that morning.

stormdamage

"Did you see that? That just happened." - Cal Noughton, Jr. - Talladega Nights