Bowlers Journal International - January 2008 - (Page 82) NOHOLESBARRED BY JOE CERAR JR. WAIT'LL NEXT YEAR! WAIT IT IS NEXT YEAR The slate has been cleared, and a new year brings with it the promise that things will be different. THE ADVENT OF A NEW YEAR BRINGS WITH IT MANY NEW HOPES AND WISHES. IT ESSENTIALLY ALLOWS US TO start over. Most of us undoubtedly will utter, "This year will be different!” Personally, I will attempt to eat healthier and exercise more. I also will control my many weaknesses so they don’t control me. I also will improve my bowling. Since age brings wisdom — or so they say — and since our physical skills will diminish some as we reach our next milestone, we need to think more quickly and bowl smarter. This recognition of what we need to do includes ball choice, which is where yours truly comes into play. My column should help us distinguish between varying ball motions. Differences such as total hook, ease of length, responsiveness to friction and breakpoint shape come to mind in helping us decide between ball A and ball B. This month begins with two "feature balls," a name for those orbs we find to perform above and beyond the average call of duty. This includes attributes such as user versatility, hitting and carry power and overall uniqueness of ball motion. Our first feature ball this month is Mo Pinel’s latest entry in the premium ball segment, the ‘Nsane levRG. The ‘Nsane offers psyche-ward backend with the ability to handle heavier volumes of oil. The second feature ball is Roto Grip’s Cell. The Cell introduces all new DNA, such as a completely redesigned asymmetric core and newly formulated skin (coverstock). The Cell’s skin is designed for medium to heavy oil with increased cover durability and less (yes, I said less) oil absorption. Rounding out the scintillating six this month are Hammer’s Black Widow Bite, Columbia 300’s Momentum, Ebonite’s Complete NV and Track’s Kinetic Energy. All available just in time for the $$$ time of year, a.k.a. tournament season. MORICH: 'NSANE LEV RG 54 Hook 14 Length 16.5 Breakpoint Shape Core Design: Mo Pinel tweaked the original EZ Rev core by creating a heavier and denser upper cap. This high-powered asymmetric core boasts an RG of 2.48, a .052 Diff and an industry-leading .035 mass bias rating. We saw an average 5” of track flare. If you’re looking for strong asymmetry, you need to look no further. Coverstock: The RDX pearl reactive cover is very strong and needs a fair amount of head and midlane oil for its length. The coloring is a mix of cherry red and burgundy. Box finish is at middle ground with its 4000 dull surface. Dull it for earlier motion, or polish it to add length and flip. Response time off friction is quick to very quick, depending on surface and layout. Manufacturer's Intent: Mo’s PBA hoss, Walter Ray Williams, calmly went out and won the first tournament in which he used this new EZ Rev release. WRW methodically disposed of Chris Loschetter (who I think has never looked better throwing the ball) in the Great Lakes Classic in late November. About the ‘Nsane: Pinel designed this piece to carry 10-pins better for Walter just kidding, Mo. He actually wanted the ‘Nsane to complement the LevRG when more length and back-end reaction are needed. He modified the core cap to match the strong pearl cover to achieve this super-hooker with flip look. A job well done; this ball rocks. Morich definitely picked an accurate name — this piece is ‘Nsane when it comes to back-end reaction. Test Results: The ‘Nsane LevRG is the alter-ego of the original LevRG, which was all about monster total hook with a well-mannered breakpoint shape on medium to heavier oil volumes. The ‘Nsane, on the other hand, is more like the rebellious little brother with bad manners. This bad boy is all about back-end reaction in the last 20 feet. We were able to use the ‘Nsane on volumes as heavy and long as the PBA Shark pattern down to most medium volumes of house-china. We needed to play well inside the oil line on the house patterns to create enough push through the front 40 feet, however. The ‘Nsane reacts both quickly and aggressively off the drier boards, as advertised. This ball is not like your father’s Oldsmobile, but more like your rich uncle's Corvette. When to Use: Bowlers will be able to use the ‘Nsane levRG when looking to open up a pattern and create additional entry angle. We did see a more defined skid/flip on our synthetic test patterns compared to the wood surface on which we bowl, which is due to the wood surface being softer and more porous. Conservative down-and-in bowlers need not apply, unless your game parallels that of Walter Ray’s ball speed, axis tilt and rotation. The ‘Nsane loves to be thrown away from the pocket and return with authority. This ball is one of the strongest-hooking skid/flip-type balls we’ve ever tested. In summary, most bowlers will be able to stand left and throw right, and see an end game that will make others envious. 82 bowlers journal international JANUARY 2008
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