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Author Topic: Maniac: BTM vs. BJI  (Read 2403 times)

JS

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Maniac: BTM vs. BJI
« on: April 03, 2009, 03:16:30 AM »
I'm thinking of picking up a Maniac to serve as a benchmark ball and also to be used for some control when the backends are ripping.  In looking at the BTM and BJI reviews they seem to be looking at different balls.

BTM:  The overall hook potential is best suited for oilier lane conditions.  The Maniac might be too much for those bowling on true medium patterns.
 
BJI: Use the Maniac when ecountering lighter or medium volumes of oil.

For those that have Maniacs, what are your impressions?  True oilers or good medium, benchmark type of ball?  Thanks.

 

leftyinsnellville

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Re: Maniac: BTM vs. BJI
« Reply #1 on: April 03, 2009, 11:37:06 AM »
My best medium condition benchmark ball.  Suppose like most balls, it really depends on how you throw.  I imagine those with more hand would consider it an oiler, but I have a weakish hand position combined with not a lot of revs.

Here's a link to a vid of me throwing it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWh6mNEX_gQ

Hit "HD" on the bottom right of the screen to get a clearer picture.

rene-

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Re: Maniac: BTM vs. BJI
« Reply #2 on: April 03, 2009, 12:22:48 PM »
i find my maniac suited for medium-heavy conditions with hard backends. drilled mine rico and is oob.
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A_P_K

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Re: Maniac: BTM vs. BJI
« Reply #3 on: April 03, 2009, 12:37:18 PM »
John with your slower speed and higher rev rate you will for certain need to change the surface of the Maniac.

I feel a weaker drilled Code will give you what you're looking for unless you really want to adjust the surface of the Maniac.

Or you can take your Bounty to 4000 without polish and probably achieve close to the same results.
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txnohandsam

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Re: Maniac: BTM vs. BJI
« Reply #4 on: April 03, 2009, 01:27:30 PM »
I just recently drilled up several new bowling balls. Starting with the Creature, Villain, Maniac and last a Code. I drilled them up all the same minus the creature as that had a short pin. The other three were about 3 inch pins, so I placed the pin in midline above fingers and kicked the CG towards my track. The code and villain I left in oob, while the maniac I added storm step three compound. My first impression was why have I not drilled a code before this ball is amazing. They all did wanted I wanted something smooth, controllable and easy to read. The code has the most backend and the most overall hook, then followed by the Villain as this ball rolls up a little earlier than the Code but softer off the spot. Next in line is the maniac with the compound alot like the villain just a little less of it, then last would be the creature.
Well that all being said, I would say weak drilled Code would be nice, or a maniac with some coverstock tweaking.

Sam

golfnutFL

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Re: Maniac: BTM vs. BJI
« Reply #5 on: April 03, 2009, 01:50:42 PM »
IMHO, Maniac--MUCH, MUCH stronger ball than the s50 Coverstock implies. I definitely lean towards BTM's interpretation of this ball.

Mine was grilled aggressively and was s-75 strong. I made multiple adjustments to the cover but never got it to be the benchmark I was looking for.

VIXIV

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Re: Maniac: BTM vs. BJI
« Reply #6 on: April 03, 2009, 02:08:27 PM »
quote:
BJI: Use the Maniac when ecountering lighter or medium volumes of oil.

I had to do a recheck when you posted that. It goes against their own ratings for the ball (51 hook, 13 length, 15 breakpoint shape), which suggest that it's quite a bit of ball.

I definitely think it's a great benchmark type of ball, though. From the ones I've seen thrown online and out in the wild, I'm immediately reminded of the Gamebreaker/Pin Slasher. I think the box finish is @ 1000 Abralon, though, which is probably too much. Maybe notch it up to 2000, or add a little polish to OOB finish.

iamone78

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Re: Maniac: BTM vs. BJI
« Reply #7 on: April 04, 2009, 03:33:49 AM »
Unless you were to drill this with a longer pin to pap for length, ideally this ball isn't for when the "backends are ripping". Please let me add some insight based on my experience with the Maniac and Creature Solid.

For me, the Maniac is definitely stronger than S50. Very rolly, controlled arc, but at the same time strong and continuous at the break point and through the pins. I went to 4000 abralon w/ a touch of magic shine. Now I am able to throw it if I need to in the 1st game on the THS. It is surprising that this seems to be a true gem that doesn't get too much talk.

I am finding that the Creature Solid is looking to be a really nice benchmark ball. Again, another controlled arc and great move off the break point with surprising carry. This ball is also capable of handling more than just a THS. I was amazed at how far inside I was able to move with it on the scorpion and still play a little bounce. I'm finding that it has amazing recovery to go with the smooth, controlled reaction. This one is quickly becoming my go to ball. Very forgiving on mistakes either out to the right or pulling left.

I find that I am leaving the S75 (another truly versatile ball) and Maniac in the bag and using more of the Creature overall.

Perhaps a Link may fill the spot for when the "backends are ripping". Yet another ball to look at. Don't let the S30 make you think that is ball is weak.

I like the look that each of the 900G balls gives. They are not so condition specific as much and can be used on various patterns.

If you do decide to go with the Maniac, as anyone else on here that has one or has seen one thrown, you will not be disappointed. Hope that helps and good luck!
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srlunatic

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Re: Maniac: BTM vs. BJI
« Reply #8 on: April 04, 2009, 04:07:19 AM »
Agree with iamone78 as well I drilled up all of that equipment he is talking about..*laugh*

The Maniac is seriously stonger than advertised.  Early roll...great read in the oil and a strong but controlled movement with the OOB on it.  For me it would be way too strong for a Benchmark.

If you are staying in the Global line...

Must check out the Creature.  Seriously a great ball at a silly price and I think it is the perfect benchmark ball.  Will still read the lane pretty early, still will have a nice controlled movement on the BP with energy to spare at the deck, but overall is weaker than the Maniac, hence why I think it is the perfect benchmark ball.

From all the Maniacs I have seen....best suited for the heavier side of mediums at OOB..

Hope this helps!

Mike
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scotts33

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Re: Maniac: BTM vs. BJI
« Reply #9 on: April 04, 2009, 04:22:15 AM »
Hei$t would be the benchmark ball for the AMF/900G line IMO.
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