Only 3 games on this beauty but I think I'm going to like it!!! Shot 190,278,277=745 on a fresh (double stripped) scorpion pattern, applied to 1 yr old Brunswick Pro Anvil lanes.
Big thanks to Betsy for sending this ball out Monday, and even bigger thanks to Jason for the cover stock comparisons and all the layout advice today. You were spot on with your recommendation.
Gladiator came in at 15.25 lbs, 3 3/4" pin and 3.70 top. I used a 50x4.625x30 dual angle layout. (Basically a 4 5/8 x 3 1/2 pin up with 2" pin buffer) This required a 7/8†x 3-inch deep hole on VAL to bring back to 1/2oz side and 1/4 finger.
Check out pics of balls compared to tonight at
http://www.putfile.com/redlinebowling They are listed under the Gladiator folder.
First impressions compared to Cell & Horizon Solid: didn't bring FMG for comparison
After playing with different lines the first game settled in on line from 20 over 14 to 9 at the break with normal speed and rotation. (See profile for specs) This ball is about 3 ft longer than my cell which is 45 x 4.25 x 30 and has a more defined breakpoint than the cell. Cell is little stronger overall but its also laid out to be earlier and stronger overall. I also threw my Horizon Solid which is a good 5 ft sooner than the Gladiator and arcs considerably more than either the Cell or Gladiator. The Gladiator is definitely more forgiving when it comes to speed and release errors than the Cell or just about anything I've thrown in a while. My Rico Horizon Pearl is also very forgiving but I have a sneaky feeling the Glad creates more room for error.
The move off the break point is more defined than the Cell is but not as quick/strong as say the Odyssey or Frankie May. I threw the Cell, Horizon Solid (5x5 pin under ring) and Gladiator tonight and obviously had a great look with the Gladiator. As the pattern broke down made 2&2 move left and continued to split the 8/9. This ball has as much if not more continuation through the pins as the Cell. The only non strikes I had in the last two games were two 8 pins and two 9 pins. I could literally watch the Gladiator split the 8/9 on the majority of the shots. I bowled with a friend who used a Big Bully on a similar line as me so we were able to breakdown the pattern fairly quickly. Once it transitioned I had 3-4 boards at the break point.
I can't wait to throw this ball the next couple nights during league. This ball should really shine on Friday night as I normally use the Cell but will be throwing the Gladiator this week as it looks like it gives me more room for error on tougher conditions!!! I usually use an Ogre Pearl and Ogre SS on Thursday's so there probably won't be enough oil to use the Gladiator but will give it a shot during warm-ups. That house has been having problems with their oiler and we never really know what to expect from week to week.
It's only been 3 games but it looks like the Gladiator Solid is a great new release. Makes me wonder what I missed with the Executioner line. Great job Jason and Crew!!! Should be a great ball for Nationals……………
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Todd
USBC Bronze Level Certified Coach
07-08 All Air Force Bowling Team Member
Redline Bowling Services
Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota
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