Layout - 5 x 3 pin down with a low hole
Surfaces used - box, 1000, 1000 polish, 2000, 2000 polish
In box finish the Emerald Vibe gets down the lane with no fuss, and makes a sharp and very defined move when it hits the dry. You would think that a ball at this price point would only hook a small amount... but then youd be wrong. "wow!" is what most people say when they see the amount of area this ball covers when it finally decides to move. I say finally because on a medium pattern or THS "greeny" goes WAY the bleep down the lane before it moves.
The recovery downlane is such though that it makes its way back to the pocket every time. This IS a ball to use when the heads are hooking and you need to swing it.. or when you want to dazzle your friends by throwing it dead up the 3 board and watch it dive into the pocket like a heat seaking missle.
This is, however, NOT a dry lane ball.
On drier patterns the ball is very usable, but the cover is a bit strong even in box finish to get a ton of angle. on these drier conditions the backend is tamed down considerably in favor of a more arcy reaction shape. for the driest conditions though, take out the Razyr.
As far as other finishes go, this ball takes to surface changes well. Duller surfaces smooth out the ball as you would expect. when those heavier grits are polished the length comes back but with the earlier move you would expect with a heavier under grit. Surface durability is VERY good. The ball does not track up easily, and almost always looks clean. It does soak up a surprising amount of oil. more than you would expect for its "mid-entry" level price point.
--------------------
http://www.atomicpilot.com
