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Author Topic: Invasion  (Read 30225 times)

admin

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Invasion
« on: December 31, 1969, 06:00:00 PM »
High Performance
- Color: Violet/Crimson/Sapphire All colors do vary somewhat from the picture shown.
- Coverstock: R3X Solid Reactive
- Weight Block: Origin
- Ball Finish: 4000-grit Abralon
- Flare Potential: 6” Plus (High)
- Fragrance: Mulberry
- RG: 16#-2.49, 15#-2.48, 14#-2.52
- RG Differential: 16#-.054, 15#-.057, 14#-.045
- Recommended Lane Condition: Heavy Oil
- Description: The Invasion features the next generation of advancement in core and coverstock technology. Our first goal was to develop a strong asymmetrical design different than any other. The concept was to create contours along the RG planes to ensure a stronger preferred spin axis. We did this by developing intersecting contoured bands from the X-axis along the Y and Z axes. These bands are developed at specific arcs to maximize RG and differential values along the planes. In turn, this translates into a quicker revving core with a more defined moment of inertia or breakpoint unlike any prior design found on the market.
The all new Origin core boasts a 2.48 RG value with .057 total differential and a .017 intermediate differential. Using C.A.T.S., we tested the Origin core up against the Shape Lock-HD core with same coverstock to see the differences, and we were amazed by the results. The Origin™ core started into the “hook” phase about 3 feet sooner and created a stronger entry angle to the pocket. Usually when we get the ball started into the “hook” phase sooner we see less entry angle to the pocket, but this core with the contoured bands along the RG planes definitely showed us something different.
The finishing touch to the Invasion is the R3X coverstock. This third generation of Reactor series coverstock has the highest Ra values ever produced by Storm products. Based on the USBC Ball Motion Study we know that higher Ra values produce more ball motion in the oil, and this coverstock is no exception. We saw a 9% increase in friction values in the oil and an increase of 5% down the lane over its predecessor R2X utilizing C.A.T.S. testing.

 

Timdog

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Re: Invasion
« Reply #16 on: February 20, 2010, 03:21:40 PM »
Week two= Had little trouble with carry on games one&two and on the last game instead of moving left i moved right and shot straight up the first arrow with a little speed and shot 254. Hoping for a little better carry.

STORM CHASER

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Re: Invasion
« Reply #17 on: March 02, 2010, 01:40:12 PM »
The “ Invasion” from “ Storm”

When you think of “Storm”, The Bowlers Company you think of excellence and a standard that other companies strive to reach as “Storm” is always a leader of the industry.
The Research and Development department of “Storm”, once again made themselves atop the industry with the latest addition of the “Invasion”.
The “Invasion” starts sooner in the oil and has a stronger midlane reaction than “Virtual Gravity”. For me it was six to eight boards” and carry down was no problem.
I used a 4x4 drilling with a ½ inch pin buffer on a 15lb 4oz ball with 3.5oz top weight and a pin of 3 to 3 ½ inches.
Keeping the “Invasion” with its 4000 grit box finish and my ball speed at 13 to 17 mph  it’s easy to say that this ball is a monster and an early candidate for “Ball of the Year”
I have used  the “Invasion” on a 39’ blended house pattern on synthetics, a 42’ pattern  THS and a 44’ THS pattern with some carry down on guardian / wood surface.


Thank you “Storm” once again.
Mark Weiss
Storm Regional Staff member

Tom Hess

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Re: Invasion
« Reply #18 on: March 02, 2010, 04:38:57 PM »
I have now drilled 3 Invasions. Two with my favorite drillings and one for a certain ball motion.

The first Invasion is drilled 5 x 65 x 35. The surface was left OOB. This layout places the pin above my ring and mb next to my thumb. The Invasion with this layout reads the lane 2'-3' sooner than my Virtual Gravity (with a similar layout) with around 5 more boards total hook than the VG. The Invasion has a strong ball roll and great carry.

The second Invasion is drilled 5 x 45 x 45 with a hole 4" from grip center through the cg. The surface on this ball was altered lightly by hand with an abralon pad to 2000. This layout places the pin below my ring finger and the hole down. This is the strongest ball I have ever thrown. This Invasion is earlier at the breakpoint due to the surface change, but more continuous than the first. This Invasion out hooks the first one by 4-5 total boards. Will be the first ball out of my bag on longer and heavier patterns.

The third Invasion is drilled 5 1/4 x 75 x 20. The surfaced was polished. This layout places the pin about 2" above my ring finger and the mb above my thumb. The layout and surface change are to try and make this Invasion read the friction quickly and then roll forward through the pins. I like to use this ball when a hook/stop reaction is desired. I chose an Invasion due to the large core to help with carry. I got just what I was looking for out of this Invasion. I'm able to play the middle of the lane with a quick read off the end of the pattern and great carry.
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Tom Hess
Storm Regional Staff
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bowlerfromwyo

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Re: Invasion
« Reply #19 on: March 10, 2010, 02:40:43 AM »
Ok well I just drilled an Invasion this week and its time for the review.  I kind of held of on getting one because I had a couple Rofs  that have been awesome for me, but felt it was time to punch one of these up to see what this new core and cover was all about.  Well I have figured out some things with Storm equipment that really give me a certain motion that I desire and basically I have to get the pin closer to the pap to get the midlane that I like to see with the majority of my equipment. Here is the layout

40x45 3.5 pin to pap and the mb is about 4.5 to pap/ puts the pin up an inch and just outside my ring.

I left it at box surface to give it a shot and from what i have seen, on a house shot thats around 39 on older mendes surfaces, that this ball allows you to start the ball inside and feed it to the friction without any type of burnup or over under.  I bowled both fresh and 2nd shift with this ball all 6 games and it allowed me to get in the puddle on the 2nd shift and just keep pushing it towards the dry with great recovery and continuation.  The reaction shape for me was just a smooth arc with a ball that never stopped hooking.  I think this ball will give me a similar reaction shape on a wide variety of conditions and cannot wait to give it a shot on some sport patterns.  Im thinking that anyone out there could use a reaction like that in their bag and would recommend it for any game.  

Thanks Storm for another great ball

Eddie Lallak
Storm Amateur staff

Straight Ball

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Re: Invasion
« Reply #20 on: March 19, 2010, 12:05:43 PM »
This is my review on the Storm Invasion that i purchased on 3/5/2010.
Just a quick note, i have been using Storm/Roto-Grip equipment only since 1994.

I am a right handed player, high track & low rev stroker. The Invasion i left OOB finish, drilled 4 x 4, with a balance hole, pin just to the right & slightly above my ring finger. I used it for the 1st time on 3/13-3/14 during the Green Mountain Open, Rutland, Vermont. The ball does need oil & it really hooks! For my 1st 3 game set (5 person team event), the condition was broken down a bit & i had games of 190-198-217. Next 3 game set was on a fresher condition & this ball did not disappoint! Games of 258-223-227 (no splits).
My average for the 9 games was 214, using only this ball. My league scores, the week of 3/14, using the Invasion: 234-223-206=663 (flat 43' pattern)-269-279-278-(825)-258=1084 (2nd shift wood)-236-247-216-300!=999 (2nd shift, synthetic, moderate oil). For strokers, like myself, & with fresh or tournament condition, it's a great ball! I highly recommend this ball. The Invasion keeps the pins low & really hooks!

I have a pic of the drilling on my web page.
http://www.richmanzerjrbowling.com

Rich Manzer Jr.
USBC Level 1 Instructor

tommygn

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Re: Invasion
« Reply #21 on: March 22, 2010, 11:44:44 AM »
I drilled another Invasion with the pin 1/2" above my ring finger, and the mb in the strong position. The ball was a 4" pin, with 3.5 oz top weight to start. I needed an x-hole that I placed 1" down my VAL from PAP, and used pitches to angle the hole up and toward the grip. I have a Virtual Gravity drilled the same way(smaller x-hole), and I wanted to compliment it. I used a brand new 1000 sair pad (by hand) for the surface prep. The VG is at a new 2000 abralon pad.
What I wanted out of this drilling, is a ball for the fresh shark pattern. On the shark, I need to use surface, while still allowing the ball to have a good change of direction down lane. This drilling does that for me. By locating the mb in the strong position, I also get a good amount of flare out of this drilling. This is a plus when bowling on a long pattern.
I used the ball for a couple of weeks now, and really like what I see. The first chance I had to use it, was on Scorpion. I was able to play up the boards with the fresh surface, but started to see a little too much push, once the cover started to get some lane shine on it. The high volume of the pattern, combined with the length, allowed for my other Invasion to give me a more consistent, smoother read of the break point.
Next, I was able to use the Invasion, as well as the VG on a fresh 39 foot house pattern (DBA surface). I had to move in on the lane, and look 18-19 at the arrows out to 7-8 at the end of the pattern. I was very surprised at how well the ball read the pattern, as normally a ball with this high of a pin for me, just pushes too far, and then I get a very erratic ball motion down lane. The Invasion would push through the front (even with all of the surface), and give me a controlled hard arch motion into the pocket. When I switched to the VG, I had to move 1 board left, and keep the ball straighter through the front (less surface prep), and have more of a flip into the pocket. This is good for when the lanes break down a little, but not so much on fresh, higher volumes of oil. I was very surprised at how well the Invasion rolled on an over walled house shot with this drilling! The Invasion gave me miss in, and still make the corner, as well as miss out, without over reaction.
I have yet to have the chance to use it on Shark, but as soon as I do, I will up date my review.
So far, everything I am seeing out of the R3X cover, is consistent ball motion. I have been able to stay with the Invasions longer than other balls that I have in the bag. I also see more pattern usage with the Invasion as well. I have been able to use the Invasion on Cheetah, Scorpion, Shark(the first Invasion I drilled) and Viper, and a variety of different lane surfaces. When bowling on todays sport patterns, you need hook AND control. I feel the Invasion is the perfect combination of both.
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Storm Regional/Pro Shop staff
Red Crown Pro Shop Harrisburg, PA
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LABRat

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Re: Invasion
« Reply #22 on: March 22, 2010, 06:42:55 PM »
Pattern: THS approx 40' with a lot of friction outside of 10
Bowler: See profile for specs
Ball: 15#, 4" inch pin, out of box finish
Layout: 5" pin to pap (well above ring finger), 2" buffer to VAL, MB 3" from pap
Balance hole: none

As much as I liked my Virtual Gravity I ended up using it just long enough to break down a pair then switch to the Virtual Energy most of the time. The reason I like the VE so much is the stronger backend.  I don't have "the hand" to get the high entry angle that scores so well on a THS unless I've got the right ball and up to this point that ball has been the VE on the medium patterns and either the Reign or the Fast on the drier conditions...nothing for the wetter conditions.

After using the Invasion for several weeks now I know I've got something in the bag that will work better for me when the lanes are playing a bit wetter than usual...and something that I can more easily move in with as the track gets worn.

The strong back-end of the Reign and the Fast reminded me of how I felt the first time I threw a reactive resin ball about 15 years ago...skid, skid, skid, skid, skid, flip!  With today's heavier oils (much heavier than 15 years ago) I haven't seen that look in a while on a fresh pattern. It was usually skid, skid, skid, skid, skid, hook a little.  Now with the Invasion I have skid, skid, skid, FLIP, STRIKE!!!

I'm basically echoing Erik Forkel's earlier review...great ball!

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DanielM13

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Re: Invasion
« Reply #23 on: April 01, 2010, 07:07:04 PM »
I drilled the ball with a 5" pin, 5" MB, and a 2 5/8" pin buffer. I bowl on a 41' typical house pattern on wood lanes. I am close to a cranker, but not a true cranker. I loved my Virtual Gravity and my Virtual Energy with this layout, so I figured it would be a good one for the Invasion. I would recommend a stronger layout for most people, but wood lanes makes it hard to throw aggressive equipment with strong layouts in my house. This ball actually makes two separate moves on the lane. It makes a solid mid-lane read and then at the break point makes a second move to create a great angle into the pins. Because of this two move reaction, it makes it SO easy to make adjustments. I can clearly see if it is checking up too early in the mid-lane oil, or if it is coming in to sharp because of oil being burnt up at the break point. I make simple 1 and 1 adjustments all night long and can throw this ball from game one through game 4. I really like the core on this ball, and the reaction it makes. This ball definitely will be in my bag every week for league, and is the first ball I grab each week since I got it. This will be the ball I throw first at Nationals this year!

Daniel Mareina
Storm Staff Member
Bowling Center Manager/Pro Shop Operator/Bowling Coach
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Daniel Mareina
Storm Staff Member

Bigmike

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Re: Invasion
« Reply #24 on: April 26, 2010, 11:21:30 AM »
See profile for stats.

Lay Out: 5.25" from PAP at 75* PAP angle and 40* VAL angle. Dual angle measurement would be 75/5.25/40. The pin ended up above my bridge. I added a weight hole down on gradient line P4. Out of the box this layout was very tight flaring and I wanted it to open up a little more.

Surface: I hit it lightly with a 4000 abr, then used the Surface Factory at the Storm/RG USBC booth to knock it down to 2000abr.

Purpose: I wanted to have a strong ball for longer patterns and higher volumes.

Lane Condition observations: I have thrown it on our house shot and also thrown it at USBC Nationals along with the Ohio state tournament at the D/S house (Stonehedge in Akron). On our house shot, it was very smooth and a little slow off the spot so I added the P4 hole which is down in the thumb/side quadrant. It separated the flares more, but the ball was using up too much energy trying to get back to the pocket. At USBC's, it was too much ball and I had a hard time getting it off the headpin playing at them. I moved in some and this one labored and I had better options with me so I bagged it. USBC's for me this year were strong on the back end and we bowled the low end of the stadium which historically has hooked more than the high end. I hit the Surface Factory up before we left just to try it with a uniform 2000 abr surface on it. Our second shift league is now on the fresh since the league in fron of us finished up and the center has finally rediscovered what the oil button is. The Invasion was money as I threw it during both sets all three games moving across the lane with it. At the Ohio states, it was too much ball during the team event which was on older wood. At the S/D house on older Anvillanes with newer pro anvilane heads, this ball was unreal. Once I got it out and went to a roll-up-the-back release and a little more straighter up the lane, I had the world from about 13-7 and went 177 over for the 5 games I threw it on a sport pattern!


Final Thoughts: I will be completely honest on this one, I was expecting the big motion that the Virtual Gravity gave me right out of the box. This one was more slower off the spot and controllable for me. I was debating plugging it and trying a stronger layout since when I drilled it up I was worried that a strong drilling out of the chute was going to make this ball a once in a while ball. I almost left this one at home when packing for USBC's. Since I put this ball in the Surface Factory at USBC's, this ball has been a beast and hard for me not to start out with. Now I am debating drilling a second one up with a slight tweak to get a little more stronger layout to compliment this one and possibly another to put a shine on the get an even stronger motion at the spot from.

Additional thoughts: I have read some of the comments on the message board about this ball being a dud. I would hope that the folks doing the commenting have made some adjustments with surface and/or layout before making that declaration. I was a skeptic also, but a surface change has made an entire different outlook regarding this ball. The coverstock is very strong, probably too strong for the volume of oil that many centers put out in todays game.
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Mike Craig - Storm Products Pro Shop staff -Columbus, OH
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Mike Craig - Storm Bowling Amateur Staff - Westerville, OH

Reconditioned Bowler

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Re: Invasion
« Reply #25 on: April 29, 2010, 04:21:50 PM »
This ball is a great step up from the Gravity and Energy. Definitely need some head oil and hand position and ball speed is critical when throwing this ball. Although box finish doesn't work for me, bowlers looking for something aggressive with a smooth roll will Definitely benefit from this ball.

The Invasion blends the over/under and can be drilled for hard direction change, or a gradual arcing pattern into the pocket. It offers recovery for bowlers who miss slightly, but will exaggerate the bowlers mistake when pulled. An open hand at the bottom of one's swing, allowing the ball to read the lane offers that directional change to the pocket with high power and an explosive finish.
If purchasing this ball, make sure the driller gets your PAP and sees you throw something before you decide to drill. Make sure you take advantage of this ball's ability to really store energy and impact the pocket with authority. By far, a great ball for bowlers who are aggressive on the lanes.

Southern_Info

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Re: Invasion
« Reply #26 on: May 25, 2010, 10:57:43 AM »
I've heard all kinds of rumors about this ball being a dud before purchasing it.  I bought my invasion about a month ago to be exact.  This ball is a very well engineered piece of equipment.  The asymmetrical core delays the ball from finding it's axis a little slower than a symmetrical core Which I think is a remarkable design for playing deep parts of the lane, saying around broads 15 and deeper.  The ball does not skid/flip with a monster hook on the back end of the lane. The hook is more even through out the whole lane until the back end with a very predictable break point. The ball reads the lanes before the arrows, and it continues to hook through mid part of the lane, all the way to back end with a strong hook into the pocket. This reaction is not like a skid/flip.  In my honest opinion, I think this ball is more suited for power tweeners and power crankers, who are looking for a piece of equipment designed for medium-heavy oil conditions Who needs a bowling ball that can be controlled, is predictable, that has a strong hook with out the aggressive reaction on the back end like a skid/flip bowling ball.
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2010 is the first time joining a league since 1999.  Over a 10 year lay off and haven''t lost much of my game.   This year currently HG-279, HS-733.

STORM CHASER

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Re: Invasion
« Reply #27 on: June 02, 2010, 02:37:45 PM »
The saying you can't get enough of a good thing is so true when it comes to the Invasion.

After discussing my previous drilling and ball reaction on my other Invasion with Storm's Mr. Ernest Goedicke I told his suggestions of the following and I have even more success.

The first is a 4x4 x 3 1/2 with a 2 to 3 in pin. Using an Invasion of 15.4 lbs and having a top weight 2.74. This set up put the pin under the ring finger and it weighed out with 1/2 in the thumb and 5/8 side.
This ball was awesome. Strong midlane reads and a destroying finish.

The other suggestion was a 5x5x4 drilling with a very light polish. Using a 15.4 lb Invasion with a top weight of 2.92 top weight and a 3 to 3 1/2 pin.
This drilling has been great when the lanes have started to dry up. Moving a couple boards to the right and watch it pound the pins. This drilling left the pin under the middle finger with 3/4 in the thumb and 1/2 in the side.

Used both a blended 41' house pattern.

Storm keeps ahead of the industry with the best designs, equipment and most of all its employees.

Thank you for your efforts.

Mark Weiss
Regional Staff member

Activator

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Re: Invasion
« Reply #28 on: June 02, 2010, 10:53:28 PM »
Bowler Stats: Left handed, 19 mph, 320 rpm, pap 4.5 by .5 down
Layout: Pin in middle finger 6" from pap mb below thumb(x hole 2" below pap)
Test pattern: Scorpion and THS

I wasnt sure what to expect with this layout on the invasion, but what i hoped for was a controlled reaction...which is what i got especially when i added the extra hole. This ball works well on medium length and medium volume patterns...anything too long or heavy and its not quite enough. This ball is very clean thru the front of the lane and has a strong mid lane read which is what i was hoping for. Bowlers with high rev rates or slow speeds will need to alter surface or consider different drilling options when considering this piece of equipment, however the ball does serve its purpose very well! Thank you Storm!

Scot Archabal

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RH1818

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Re: Invasion
« Reply #29 on: June 08, 2010, 01:09:30 PM »
I have a 5 inch pin to Pap. CG 31/2 to PAP
Mass bias is 1/2 from VAL. Weight hole is below axis on Val.
2000 Abralon.

I used it at USBC in the team event playing straight. Had 750. Itgot  down the lane pretty clean  and stored good energy.  Ball is very versatile. I also used it a lot of the time  at the U S Open playing in around 20 where I was plus a 100 in qualifying.

Mike Austin

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Re: Invasion
« Reply #30 on: June 15, 2010, 04:49:42 AM »
First, let me state that I read some of the grumblings about this ball not being very good.  I sure can't see that at all.

My PAP is 4 9/16 over and 3/4 up.  I used a ball with a 3" pin out and 3 1/4 top weight before drilling.  I drilled the ball with the pin 5 inches from PAP with the MB strong, or in about a 75 degree position.  MB is about 2 inches right of my thumb hole.  Pin is under and just left of my middle finger.  I used a low extra hole, 1" by 2 1/2 deep.  The statics ended up about zero/zero with 7/8 top weight after drilling.  

I shined this ball out of the box with Storm #2 Polish, which is very gritty and leaves some texture to a shiny ball.  I have a Virtual Gravity at box and a Furious box with very little games on it, so I didn't need/want another snow tire.  I wanted a little more versatility, and with my medium speed, a little shine works well on strong, solid balls.

This is quickly becoming my favorite layout.  As this is a very strong ball, I wanted it for fresh and oily lanes.  I've used it on PBA Shark in a regional in Houston, fresh house shots in a few different centers, and the PBA World Championship pattern during practice.

The Invasion gets good length on the fresh, but struggles to get down the lane when the shot starts to go away.  I just have to keep moving left to keep the ball in the oil in the front.  The ball is very smooth/even off the end of the pattern, almost too lazy on a house shot.  I'm able to create more area with other balls on the THS.  It worked great on the Shark, as I was able to start left of 4th arrow and keep a tighter line left of third arrow to the pocket.  It was strong enough to give me some area right and smooth enough to hold on tight shots missed a little left.  I had a good shot on the World Championship pattern playing outside 5 (older AMF Synthetics) with less hand, I could bump the gutter and get some hold around 5 when I was clean off my hand.

This ball hits really well, seems to carry light hits really well.  It carried high hits well on the Shark pattern.  I seemed to ring a few 10 pins when I missed right on the house patterns as the ball did not jerk in the track area, and seemed to be lazy off the spot in the drier track area. (Not necessarily a bad thing)  The ball worked best on the house pattern when I played it a little left of where I thought I should be, gaining some hold, and like I said, ring 10 on misses right, snappier balls would probably go high on the same condition.

This ball sure seems like a winner from Storm.  Fairly versatile, needing oil.  Straight players could probably use this ball on mediums with some polish.  The boomers will probably want a pin up drill to get some extra length.  Compared to the Virtual Gravity, this ball has a similar rolly feel to it, but much cleaner up front, and a more defined break point down lane.  Total hook is about the same.  The Virtual hooks more on fresh soup as the shiny Invasion is just too long.  The Virtual is not really usable on the THS as it is really early, rolly, and does not have much recovery down lane, even with it's pin up drill.  These two compliment each other pretty well for me.  The Furious hooks only about a board or two more than the VG, but the hook is more down lane, more back end.  On the Shark, the Furious hooked about 4 and 2 more than the Invasion, but was a little more critical to make a good shot as it read the dry in the front even faster.  I like all three balls, they are all different from each other.  I think I would like to try another Invasion with a pin up drill and no hole, I think this could be an awesome THS ball if there is some volume.

Sorry so long, hope this helps ya!!
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