Steven,

Do I think it would be no value? I wouldn't go that far. But for reasons I've listed earlier, it's hard to compare against a ball that was used 10 years ago because the conditions have changed enough.

I think Brunswick tries to fill a gap in their current, and relatively recent, line-up reaction-wise (as does any other company, hopefully) when designing the next ball.

The other thing is to keep tabs on what's selling in the marketplace and try to have something that may be close to that reaction. For that reason they have released with the Rattler (and especially with upcoming releases) a ball that will be very angular for that customer who desires that type reaction.

One cannot completely ignore what the Cell Pearl, for example, has done (think Mallot) and that has a direct bearing on future sales. There have been years when Brunswick's definition of "angular" and Storm's definition (for example) of angular meant two different things.

The fact remains that for every style of bowler, and regardless of core design, a pearl reactive will go longer and turn sharper (assuming adequate friction) than a solid reactive, which will go longer than a heavy load particle cover, and so on.  

If I can see that the ball has a low RG core, I'm thinking it's easy to rev up versus the high RG core. If I combine it with a pearl reactive cover I'm thinking they've got a hit. Why? The average league bowler who plays up 10 board has a great chance to make that one hit.

So, in summary, to PREDICT reaction, one needs to look at only a few things. Bowler style, cover, and core (to a lesser degree).

There aren't any "true oil balls" that provide a skid/snap reaction, and there aren't any pearl reactives that are great in heavy oil. Are there exceptions? Maybe. But for the masses I think most companies do well in designing their ball line-ups. Predicting ball reaction doesn't have to be rocket science, although sometimes we make it seem that way. I hope this helps.


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Lane Carter, Strike Zone Pro Shops - Salt Lake City, Utah
Brunswick Pro Shop Staff

www.brunswickbowling.com

The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer and not of Brunswick Corporation.

Just so you'll know, the Maxxx Zone is the last planned Zone for the time being. I say "for the time being" because it's foolish to say any ball name will never make a comeback. The Zone series took a break for awhile, and will be doing so again. For how long, who knows? For now it's the WILD series.

And has already been stated, it really does no good to compare any of the older ones due to the changes in all aspects of the game. I can promise you this, if you're looking to recreate a reaction of a Zone ball from the nineties, you'll probably have to lean more towards the Avalanche line to even get close, but not on top of those reactions. All that matters is how the current balls react to todays oils and lane surfaces and your game.

RoB LaW

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I'm gettin' old, I'm hurtin', but I've got Brunswick balls.......Color me competitive.

CGsSuK: Matrix numbers by themselves don't tell the whole story on relative ball reactions. If you're interested in any specific Lane#1 reactions, take it over to the Lane#1 forum and I'd be happy to give my perspective. Others will have the chance to chime in too.

As far as statics, it's usually a safe bet to make sure you end up with positive finger, side and TOP. Just in case you didn't know......

As usual, thanks for your inquiries.