The EMB pearl is every bit as good as the original and widens the window of lane conditions that you are able to use it's hard hitting core.
We drilled the EMB pearl with the pin over the ring finger, (5.5" from axis) the c.g at 1/4 ounce positive and the emb logo above the fingers. We threw it in it's out of the box shell which is polished
Our home center is now using a Kegel Elite lane maintenance machine with ‘offense' conditioner. We had the unique opportunity to throw the ball on all seven patterns that the machine comes with. Including the ABC national tournament condition as well as the pattern used at last years FIQ world championship. The patterns varied in volume and taper but all were 39 feet long with fresh back ends. Also, our home house has AMF HPL 2000 synthetic lanes.
The EMB pearl is one of those balls that performs well on any condition where the bowler can get the ball to the break point and where there is enough friction to allow the ball to react. These patterns as mentioned all had fresh back ends and because of that, the EMB was awesome on each condition from different angles. For example, on pattern number one, there is a lower volume of oil and a strong back end as well as more friction on the outside boards. The EMB pearl was easy to get down the lane from between the third and fourth arrow and such power on the back end that almost every shot seemed to have a messenger coming across, even though there were no ten pins to knock down! Players with much less than 17 mph speed could have trouble with the ball being too sharp when crossing the oil line but anything above that and there shouldn't be a problem. As we moved across patterns two, three and four we simply moved our feet right and continued to be amazed at the carry this ball showed. We threw out the results on pattern four because it was so ridiculously easy it was no test to the ball nor the tester.
The ball continued to be our best choice as we moved down to six and seven. These conditions are more demanding and because of that, it's nice to take maximum advantage of every pocket hit because they aren't automatic and the EMB pearl does just that. It carries so well that actually stands out, even among some of the best balls available today.
We truly feel as though this is one of the best three or four balls we have tested and will continue to carry it with us long after this review is posted. Our suggestions would simply be to use the pearl on conditions where length and flip is the best way to attack the pins and drill it to that strength. Use whatever layout you find creates the best length with a strong but readable reaction down the lane and then watch as the pins fly around like you have never seen before!
If you have any questions regarding this or any other review, e-mail us at: proshop@bowlero.com
