LANE CONDITION
Length: 43 ft on AMF HPL, 43ft on Pro Anvilane
Volume: Heavy
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): THS
Layout: 3-1/2 x 5 x 3
COMMENTS
Likes: Unique ball motion, continuation, carry, does not quit in oil
Dislikes: None
For anyone that has read my reviews in the past, you know that I haven't bought a new ball from EBI in a long time. In fact, the only ball that I really liked recently from Track was the 505T. Well, I can now safely say the Paradox is the best ball EBI has introduced in a very long time. It's also one that I've really grown to like for heavier volume and long patterns over the past couple of weeks.
The Paradox name suits this ball well. I have not seen the unique ball motion it offers with any other brand on heavy oil. This ball is clean in front, reads the mids well and also offers a lot of continuation in the back. That is a huge advantage. Usually most heavy oil balls tend to be in more of a heavy roll in back and thus can die out or start leaving flat 10's, flat 8-10's, etc.
Using the same layout on my Defiant for the Paradox with the exception of not swinging out the mass bias as much, I found a very versatile ball to accomodate my higher speed and rev rate. On a heavy 43' house pattern with a HPL surface, I found that I was playing much deeper than I was used to. Normally I like to play straighter angles through the front or can get in around 3rd arrow and swing it a bit depending on how the back is reacting. The Paradox allowed me to go deeper- 4th arrow and a little further left. It loves oil and I had to get deeper so it would not over react. That opened up some new options and I appreciate it.
On a brand new Pro Anvilane surface that also uses a heavy 43' pattern, I did square up a little more due to having a little less friction in back. However, I could play straighter or move in as needed with no problems at all. The Paradox easily continues in back and doesn't hit like a marshmallow.
An interesting thing I noticed earlier today during a practice session on Pro Anvilane is that on a shot, the Paradox continued too much in back. I have not left a stone 4-7-9 split in the past. I did convert it but it left me speechless in the sense that I had never seen that much continuation before.
The Paradox has a great cover/core match. It's hybrid cover works very well on heavy oil and it offers a great option to the traditional solid covers you see. At the same time, the I-Core 2.0 is driller friendly and does a great job with retaining energy and keeping pins low. It didn't matter if I hit light or was solid 1-3 on a shot. The Paradox hits hard and provides excellent carry.
I will warn you about using this ball on short patterns and short volume. The Paradox is not really meant for that. You absolutely want medium-heavy to heavy oil to really get the benefit of having this in your arsenal.
I see the Paradox being an asset for those who have a speed dominant game. The box finish will work very well and give versatility to open up angles. For those with an average speed/rev rate, you absolutely will be able to open up angles and play parts of the lane that you normally would not or couldn't before. Slower speed or high rev players may need to add polish or add a weight hole to reduce flare. In either case, I can see this replacing my Defiant. I may also potentially buy a second Paradox to have with a different layout.
Anyone following the PWBA tour this summer knows that most of the wins have been with this ball. Quite simply, if you bowl in tournaments or heavier sport patterns, this is a great ball to have in the bag. If you have a heavier THS and want to have an option to play deeper, this is also a great choice. The Paradox is easily the best ball that EBI as a whole has produced in many years. I also think it's the best from Track since the 505T.
I'm glad I bought one. Now it's time for you to buy your Paradox.
