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Author Topic: Wheel  (Read 16403 times)

admin

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Wheel
« on: December 31, 1969, 06:00:00 PM »
The Wheel: The Wheel features a Mass Bias Bismuth Trioxide high density, high torque encapsulated core and a new Reactive Neoflex 9485 with aluminum silicate coverstock and Mica. The result is a low R.G., high differential ball designed for medium to heavily oiled lanes. The specifications are: Hook Potential: overall 20, backend 18; Length: 12; Radius of Gyration: Low 2.450; Differential: High .060; Flare Potential: 4"-8"; Hardness: 73-75 Durometer; Available Weights: 14-16; Color: Bright Red

 

hammer_o_the_way

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Re: Wheel
« Reply #16 on: July 08, 2002, 11:06:36 AM »
I always like hammer product line and I figured I needed a new ball so why not try the wheel.
The wheel is a different beast compared to my black 2001.  
I got a 16# but it feels lighter than my 15lb black 2001.
The light core really let the ball loose and rev up very fast.
I've bowl about 30 games with wheel and I also like this ball too.
This ball require rev generated by the bowler.  If you just throw straight
then the ball will only go straight.  If you drive the ball down with good
rev then the ball will produce good hook.  I had the ball drilled to medium
agressive hook and it helped me picked up the 7 pin since I'm a left handed.
This ball doesn't hit hard but it bounce the pin around with chaotic reaction.
Since the external shell is heavier than the core,  the momentum on the shell
knocks the pins wild.  It is similar to the "helecopter" style of bowling where
it drives the pin in "spinning" motion.   The ball is not for everyone and it
will not work in heavy oil for this drill pattern.  The ball is more for the
pros rather than the average bowler.  It did improve my average by 10~15 pins.
If you like to hook the ball ( not ball to hook for you .)  then this is wheel
to get you there.
I don't recommend this ball for beginner.

kingrob76

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Re: Wheel
« Reply #17 on: February 11, 2003, 11:07:12 AM »
I bought my Wheel almost a year ago, and I was very pleased with the results.  Mine was drilled to produce a steady arc throughout the lane and for the most part thats the reaction I got, esp on medium lanes.  I would not classify this as a heavy oil ball, although that could be as much my drilling as anything.

The coverstock is very soft and basically absorbs oil like a towel.  If you want a consistent reaction with this ball you are going to have to clean it between each set, and sometimes use a cleaner during a set.  I would classify this coverstock as "high maintenance".  Someone mentioned shooting two frames, moving right, two frames, move right, and I have to agree my Wheel had some of those same characteristics, especially as it absorbed oil.

I got exceptional carry from my Wheel, especially on light hits.  After about 100 games I started getting noticeably less reaction from this ball, even with all the coverstock maintenance, and I have pulled it from my bag.  All in all, I would by another Wheel, but I would drill it much stronger than I did here.  If you can pick up a new one on the cheap I would do it, without hesitation.

g_thing

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Re: Wheel
« Reply #18 on: June 04, 2003, 07:21:16 AM »
I feel I have gotten enough in with this ball to comment of it now.

My driller drilled the ball odd, so let's get that out now.  Have got the pin 12:00 above the ring finger about 2 inches in distance. CG is kicked out about 4:30 to ring finger about 1.5 inches in distance. Hot spot is 6:00 below ring finger about 4 inches in distance. No weight hole as I believe he has the ball at exactly 1 oz side.

He did this after doing some testing on his own Wheel to see where it was rolling, that being over the thumb and fingers. With this, he just missed in that it rolls over the fingers, but hasn't yet caused a performance issue.  Macdash actually mentions the same thing.

As BowlingJunkie6 mentions, the ball is not a hook monster.  What it is though, is a great ball for a medium oil condition, or even less for that matter.  Revolutions PS states it the best when talking about how the ball is ideal for straight up, however, with my shot it’s straight up between 5-7and walk the ball into the pocket once it reaches the breakpoint.  Note, this is not the same type of shot he is talking about I believe.  My shot is still breaking from 5-8 over the last x amount of feet to hit the pocket.

This is not your typical Hammer sounding ball.  It hits the pins with the same intensity as any Hammer and really mixes them up well on light hits.  I do not find a lot of 10 pins though.  I’d say it’s average in terms of that in that I get the same amount no matter what.  Just depends on the lanes and my shot.

My shot is as described above.  I have had moderate success swinging the ball out, perhaps from 10-12 out past 5 and then right back in.  When playing this line, there can’t be much in terms of oil out there.  If so, ball will not make it back.  With drier backends though, this baby comes back with a vengeance like any of the other Hammers I have.  Only thing that may hurt is when it decides to roll heavily on the fingers.  Then I got a little problem.  Just depends on when it gets past the thumps.  The only other thing I can think of is that with my shot, too much speed, even on the dry, will kill the ball.

Overall, I rate this ball excellent, but not for heavy oil.  The ball is high maintenance, but I’m anal so all my stuff gets cleaned that night no matter what.  Even if only thrown 2 shots.  I have recently started summer league and planned on playing around with the ball.  I can say I am probably averaging an easy 215 with the ball.  Finished with a 490 for 2 games at end of fall league and then shot a 674 with it for start of summer.  Ball gets used in practice as well, but only for 1 or 2 games.  Gotta have a little TLC session with all the Hammers I take when practicing.

G
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The_Spirit

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Re: Wheel
« Reply #19 on: July 14, 2003, 11:36:43 AM »
Picked up one cheap on ebay and had it drilled for the leveraged positions (3-3/8" for pin & c.g.), but needed a weight hole which reduced some hook (but we must remain lane legal!) Was expecting med oil but got moved to light oil/dry lanes, but drilling was still appropriate for those conditions. 1st game shot 203 (2 opens, a 6 & a 10 pin, poor spare shooting), next games all 234+ (with no 10's at all!) I am a tweener or a power stroker or a mini cranker (whatever!), and whether I through it outside the 1st arrow or just inside the 3rd arrow with speed, it ALWAYS SNAPPED BACK WITH AUTHORITY!!! If you can pick one cheaply as I did (around $50.00), you will not be disappointed! I highly recommend this ball to anyone except my competition!
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T. Michael Crosby