The pk18 is definatly earlier than activator and in my opinion stronger. I just looked to see if there was a ball comparison that I could use, but due to the fact that origional Activator has only been in the Inferno, Blazing, Classic, & Strike/Red I and pk 18 hasn't been on any of these cores I can't really offer a good comparison. I've thrown alot of each however and the activator balls are longer and more angular, being a bit less overall hook.
When one talks about hook potential usually this is considered hook "in oil". Bowling balls are technically not meant to hook in oil. However a high friction coverstock like the pk 18 can obtain enough grip to begin the roll phase at an earlier time and thus the hook phase at an earlier time so that on a long oily pattern it will out hook a lower friction cover like that of the activator. The activator is delaying its roll and hook phases in an attempt to concerve energy, however on a long heavy pattern this is a negative effect, delaying hook so much that the ball either never reaches the hook phase or reaches it too late to recover.
On a mendium oiled, medium length pattern it is a toss up. The pk 18 starts up earlier and is smoother, while the activator is longer and more angular.
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