Hey guys,
Sorry about the little hiatus, things have just been a little crazy lately.
getuaload,
Glad to hear that the ball is working now. I figured that the different layout would help out a lot, so it's good to know that it actually worked.
wkf0908,
It would be possible to do another version of the core, with a different mass bias, but I think that the core shape has run it's course. We used this core design as kind of an experiment, to show bowlers how modifications in densities and slight changes in shapes can make a very significant difference in ball reaction. As can be seen by looking at the core design, the Green/Blue Centaur, AMB Centaurs, Immortals, and the Ogres all have used a fairly similar shape, with a wide variety of cap and density changes. By adjusting the cap locations and densities, we made balls with virtually no differential (G/B Centaur) all the way up to balls with highest approvable differential (Immortal line). In addition we were able to create balls with a mild arcing reaction, skid/snap balls with huge backends, and balls that will hook on an oil slick.
Dbar71,
I wish that I could give you an answer in one direction or another with the spare balls. Obviously, we would love to have our clear ball back in the line. We have been trying unsuccessfully for several years now to try and find someone who can make them to our standards. Unfortunately these balls cannot be made here in the US, and keep a competitive price. Clear polyester here in the states is very expensive, and trying to make them domestically would be too cost prohibitive. We have not given up with the search, and we are going to continue our attempts at trying to find someone to make them properly.
Charlest,
You are absolutely right. At the time we released the Purple Ice Executioner, the idea of a particle pearl was a little different than it is now. Back then, the goal for a PP was to create a ball with a consistant roll, yet still hit and carry like a reactive. We combined a few basic urethane polyols with a reactive blend, and threw in a soft, non-abrasive particle to create the Purple Ice. It wasn't the most aggressive ball nor the most forgiving, but it was consistant and hit very hard. I think part of the reason that it didn't go over as well as anticipated, was because the ball did not correct user error. If you released the ball differently or missed your mark, most of the time you knew it. However, it did blend out tough/spotty conditions so that bowlers could use it on sport or tournament patterns.
Jason Wonders
Visionary Bowling Products
Edited on 11/2/2007 12:47 PM
