LANE CONDITION
Volume:
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):THS
COMMENTS This ball will fit in between the Outburst and Eruption, I drilled mine up with a 4 1/2 pin from PAP, pin below bridge and a hole by thumb. This ball was a little cleaner through the front part of the lane, and more continous on the backend than the Outburst. But not as clean through the front part of the lane, and not as sharp on the backend as the Eruption. I threw this ball on fresh oil, the ball hit really really good. Also the colors of this ball looked really good going down lane, they blended well together.This is another winner by our brand manager Bugsy Kelly and Columbia 300
Good luck and good bowling
Eddie Grace
Columbia 300 Ambassador.
Likes:Very predictable and will be able to use on most conditions, also the colors look good going down lane.
Dislikes: NONE
Eddie Grace Columbia 300 Ambassador.
LANE CONDITION
Volume:
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):
Likes:I don't know that Columbia 300 could have created a more fitting name for this piece of equipment. The Benchmark has that strong and smooth arc that you are looking for to build an arsenal around. I've had the opportunity to use this ball on the THS and the USBC pattern from Reno this past year and I'm very happy with what this ball gives me!
In my league (that uses the USBC pattern) the Benchmark has been a great piece of equipment for all 3 games. It gives you the even read you're looking for on the fresh. Then as the pattern breaks down and the lanes forces you to start moving in, with a hand position change to get around the ball a little more this ball continues to strike. In the 2 weeks I've had the ball I'm averaging over 230 and have had my 2 best sets of the season.
On your THS this ball retains energy very well and is quite forgiving to those slight mistakes we all make. The coverstock on the Benchmark is also very versatile! It takes to shine very well and still retains the similar roll characteristics that the ball has out of the box.
Overall, the Benchmark is a ball I would recommend to all styles. The Benchmark will be exactly that in your arsenal, and I know all bowlers love having that "go to" ball in their bag and this ball will definitely be that!
Dislikes:
Chris Klerk
Columbia 300 Staffer
Edited on 11/16/2011 at 10:14 AM
BALL SPECS
Pin Length:3-4 in.
Starting Top Weight:3.25 oz.
Ball Weight:15 lbs 5 oz.
DRILL PATTERN
Pin to PAP:4 1/4 inches
CG to PAP:3 3/4 inches
X Hole (if there is one):
BOWLER STYLE
Rev Rate: 320-350 rpm
Ball Speed: 17 mph off the hand
PAP/Track: 4 1/2" right, 5/8" up
SURFACE PREP
Grit:4000 wet sand
Type: (Matte, Polish, Sanded):
LANE CONDITION
Length:41 ft.
Volume: unknown
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):THS
Overall Hook:
Midlane Read:
Breakpoint Shape: Smooth strong arc
COMMENTS
Likes: This ball is great for a fresh THS and a few of the lighter volume sport patterns. it gives a really nice downlane transition towards the pins and hits with authority! I have had success playing both straight and a slight swing with this ball. It doesn't seem to want to recover very well when trying to get much farther inside fourth arrow, but I have yet to play with the surface very much.
Dislikes: Out of box finish seems to be a little oil-sensitive, bowlers on longer patterns or that are on carrydown will soon find this ball back in the bag as to the coverstock just not quite being aggressive enough