Bowlers Journal International - November 2008 - (Page 90) Clinic Pro Tips And Ball Reviews NO HOLES BARRED BY JOE CERAR JR. { joec@bowlersjournal.com } Low RG Cores and a 5” Track Flare Keep These Reviews in the Pink er, Purple EACH MONTH, WE TRY TO ASCERTAIN the differences between the new releases and our control group of balls. This month, we focus on the similarities of the new orbs, substantiated with help of our Ebonite software programs of Digitrax and BowlersMap Gold. Of the five new releases, four have low (2.45 to 2.48) RG cores. This means the internal weight block revs quickly and easily, thereby providing more revs and a smoother downlane motion. The lone higher RG core at 2.62, creates more front and midlane lope, then picks up later downlane revs. This type of core can create a shaper breakpoint and added angle of entry. The other common thread this month is the color purple. Four of the five new balls incorporate this easy-to-look-at “flavor” of the month. The final common thread this month is the Differential rating — four of the five entries boast a .049 or .040 differential. The differential determines the relative amount of track flare which the core can create, and the range cited here will provide an average of 5” of flare. The lone maverick of this group was only 4/100 lower at .045, yet we still saw 5” of track flare. STORM: VIRTUAL GRAVITY 56 Hook 12.5 Length 15.5 Breakpoint Shape Core Design: The Virtual Gravity utilizes the same Shape Lock High Density asymmetric core found in the other two Storm Gravities. The RG is low at 2.48 and the Differential is strong at .052. The testing showed flaring up to 7” with any of our three base layouts (4.5, 5.5 and 6”), which all had weight holes in the lower quadrant. The mass bias strength of .020 helped alter the breakpoint shape of our test group. Coverstock: The R2X solid reactive cover is said to be one of the strongest available. The tri-coloring is a unique combination of royal blue, black and a heavy dose of orange. The surface is finished with a 4000 dull abralon. The scent is orange peppermint. Response time for the ball when dull is quick, and it’s very quick when polished. Manufacturer’s Intent: Company officials say that through extensive testing, R&D has matched the surface of the R2X coverstock to the Shape Lock core to create Virtual Gravity, Storm’s best performance ball ever. Test Results: The Virtual “strike machine” uses the Dimension’s coverstock with an asymmetric core. During testing, I pitted the Virtual directly against the Dimension and five other super-hookers in the solid reactive category. The Virtual hooked slightly earlier and stronger on the backend than a comparably balanced Dimension. Total hook was also 1-2 boards stronger on most test patterns. More importantly, the roll predictability and pin carry were vintage Storm: excellent on both good and “off” releases. When revved, the ball’s coloring reminded me of the earlier Passion, but with more attitude on the backend portion of the lane. When to Use: Use on any medium to heavier pattern, as long as you adjust the surface accordingly. This R2X cover handled oil surprisingly well, even with higher grit polishes, providing the under grit was at 2000 or lower. One astonishing finding during testing: the ball’s ability to match up well from any part of the lane, given some head and midlane oil. The Virtual’s ball path motion is more of a strong arc with great continuation, even through patterns with lots of carrydown. 90 Bowlers Journal International | November 2008 www.bowlersjournal.com http://www.bowlersjournal.com
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