First off, I appreciate Matt C's posts, I find them very informative and helpful.
My comment about the Raven is based only on my house and myself. This season the house decided to rotate between three patterns for all leagues, 42, 40 and 39 ft. I don't believe there is a lot of volume in any of the three. When I had the Raven drilled up, they had just switched over to the 39 ft pattern. I did not try the Raven very many times, perhaps three times. The first time, it seemed to hook very early, so I changed the surface in an attempt to get more length. I did but I did not like the reaction so I then changed it back to the factory stated surface of 2k and decided to wait until they change the patterns back to one of the other ones to see how it reacts. That might not be until next season as the leagues have ended.
I have found in the past with other balls that due to my slow speed and low rev rate, that medium to med-light balls work better for me on my THS patterns the last couple of years. Most of the stronger balls at factory surfaces appear to be weak (burning up?) even though they look great in other bowlers' hands. Some of them will work better for me after a surface change and/or polishing. I am a stroker who's A game is more of a straight up the line with a slight swing type of game. I am not comfortable any longer moving deep and swinging the ball.
In the past, when they had longer oil patterns and/or more volume or sport patterns, some of the Med-Hvy and Hvy balls would work for me so I keep hoping that they will change back to those type of patterns. I have had my best series' this season when the new lane machine has broken and they had to use the older lane machine which is programmed with a 44ft pattern.
Visionary balls are quality balls and very easy to adjust surfaces on. My driller always comments on how hard it is to drill into a Visionary ball, no soft filler material and usually deeper coverstock.