Cores matter, I didn't mean to sound like it doesn't matter what size or shape core they put in the ball.  I meant that core names and their aesthetics are marketing.  Does DV8 really get any performance benefit out of the face on their Nightmare core?  No.  Marketing.  Does this new core have to be shaped exactly like that to get the reaction they're after?  No, but it looks cooler.  Does a ball smelling like something increase performance?  No, but it's cool.  Do they really need to keep making wildly different cores?  No.  The lightbulb core still works just fine.  Does making it look like a gear change anything?  No. 

In other words, they could have gotten exactly the same reaction out of the core with a more boring look or name.  But is that interesting?  No.  Just gets hype about something that doesn't matter that much. 

Quote from: Gizmo823 on May 16, 2014, 10:05:38 AM

It rolls like the Byte.  Storm needs to do something other than just change core shapes (which is really just marketing in the first place). 

How do you know?

I see the point gizmo is making.  However I feel that the other manufacturers change drastically because their product doesn't sell and they need to attract new customers.

No branding,  no recognition..

I'd rather buy something so good that they refine it, and not trash it for the next 1 season release...

Some companies gotta change to improve, like motiv.  When they first came out, they were cool looking balls that suck, now they are cooler looking balls that second to none. 

C300 is trying to keep that resurgence core alive...
Hammer with the widow.

If it ain't broke don't fix it.  I'll drill the next NRG cover with any core and know what I'm getting.  I'll do the same with a cell core, fe2 hy-road core, etc.

How many pros are freaking out cut there are not any more VR solids?
How many relieved that the hy-road solid is coming?

Here is the reason the manufacturers keep bringing out the same stuff.  There has been no real break through in core or surface technology for years.  They all kept pushing the envelope on aggressive shells and ever stronger asymmetrics ( neither represent any real technological change ) to the point that much of the high price end stuff is less useable than the mid price equipment with less exotic cores, especially on tournament patterns. 

Marvel Pearl was by far the best of the Marvel series because it was a great core shell matchup.  It was one of those shiny pearls that you could still get a great reaction staying behind the ball and putting it into a roll.

The original resin enhanced shell was a huge breakthrough because it brought a total  different type of friction to the shell.  With prior shells it was only possible to increase friction in the dry by making the shell more abrasive ( scuffing ).  The problem with this approach was that it also increased friction in the oil, which made it more difficult to get the ball to the dry, and caused energy to burn off too early unless the bowler had mega revs.  Resin increased the friction coefficient in the dry without increasing it significantly in the oil.  Thus you could get a great reaction off the dry without such an abrasive shell that caused energy to burn off early.   Nothing really new under the sun since resin.       

I definitely agree . . but the manufacturers have been banking on consumer ignorance for so long that I think it's going to catch up with them.  Everything used to be new and better, now it's just old and recycled.  Again, Storm is putting out great stuff, and balls do wear out over time, but the manufacturers have been convincing people that the new stuff is revolutionary and an advance in technology . .

I feel Storm sales are so good because unless the ball is a complete dud, they keep it in the line at least a full season. Too much stuff on the closeout list that was released after the beginning of the season, 900 Global/AMF included. Discontinued both the Network and Darkness, and have basically cleared out their entire product line. AMF wasn't keeping a lot in their current line up as is, but 2 months for a ball? If I was a shop owner, I'd be a little salty.

But then again, now I can get a Darkness for another great price.

I'm not one to say anything until someone official says something.

You guys are over thinking the whole Darkness thing.  How many distributors and pro shops do you think supported this ball when it was introduced directly to consumers for $99 at it's introduction.  They made a batch of balls, blew them out and are moving on.

I don't think ball technology really has anywhere else to go, but when you keep a ball like the Hyroad in production for as long as they have, that sends a couple messages.

The reason the Hyroad has been in the line for as long as it has, is because it keeps selling so well. Same with the Marvel pearl. If it didn't sell, it would get discontinued. 

And why does it sell so well?  Because it's a good ball.  But it's over 5 years old now, and is still outperforming "new and improved" equipment.  I'm surprised more people don't see that.  A 5+ year old ball is better than most of what they're releasing now, but they never stop and think about exactly what that means. 

Quote from: Gizmo823 on May 16, 2014, 12:39:33 PM

I don't think ball technology really has anywhere else to go, but when you keep a ball like the Hyroad in production for as long as they have, that sends a couple messages.

The reason the Hyroad has been in the line for as long as it has, is because it keeps selling so well. Same with the Marvel pearl. If it didn't sell, it would get discontinued.