Post by: admin on December 31, 1969, 06:00:00 PM
Post by: The King on December 25, 1999, 01:00:00 AM
Post by: Dale Slaughter on January 16, 2000, 01:00:00 AM
Post by: C-Mac on February 01, 2000, 01:00:00 AM
Post by: Dale Slaughter on February 06, 2000, 01:00:00 AM
Post by: striker300 on February 13, 2000, 01:00:00 AM
Post by: Paul Nosek on February 20, 2000, 01:00:00 AM
Drilling: 90 degree Cg/pin/PAP angle, pin 4' from PAP, Cg in thumb positive quadrant, essentially a rev leverage
Lane Condition: "Tested" during tournament, wood lanes oiled about 40-45 feet, 10-10 crowned, back ends very flippy
This ball was taken from the ball bench directly to a nearby Heartland Bowlers Tour event without any testing on home lanes. It performed excellent, and it allowed me to get to the breakpoint very clean and showed an outstanding pocket carry percentage.
I was not lucky enough to cash on this day (missed by seven pins) but the ball impressed a number of bowlers who were watching me use it, including a couple of pro shop op's who haven't seen one yet (?)
I had very little trouble carrying all sorts of hits. The drilling worked well to cut down on this house's super-flippy back ends by kicking it into a roll a little early. Despite most bowlers playing the same area, over the course of the day I had no trouble staying lined up. If the oil meloned out to the back end, I never saw it having any effect at all on this ball.
Bottom line: This is one helluva power pack. Buy one while you can, 'cause all these great reviews are justified.
Post by: striker300 on March 25, 2000, 01:00:00 AM
Post by: hitmanbdc on April 10, 2000, 02:00:00 AM
Post by: LuckyLefty on June 11, 2000, 02:00:00 AM
1/2 positive finger. The idea was to have length with a strong backend. The idea was to couple this ball with my control drilled sledge hammer which can cover boards but very smoothly on drier and fresher backends. This ball was to cover boards but hit a little harder on softer backends where I needed a little pop!
Pop I got! What I also got was a little less length than I expected from this factory polished coverstock. To give you an idea My first pair in a tournament recently had not been bowled on during the day at all and had a little lefty soup. I tried the wonderful Track Enforcer with a dulled with green scuff pad finish.(about 600 grit)
The Enforcer could cut thru the soup and get to the pocket but maybe grabbed a little early. 9, 9, 9, X, 9 and a couple of missed spares
80 in the fifth. Grabbed my Ti for the first time and picked the old faithful 2nd arrow and smooth midlane, smash 4 bagger 205! Lots of stored energy, lots of board coverage and recovery even from an area suppossed to have a little OB. Except for lots of pin action that resulted in a couple of unfortunate splits I may have made the tournament finals.
The closest thing I've seen to this ball was my almost great Impact Zone which was often a little too long and a little too strong in the backend. This ball is just a little earlier and though a big backend
if it is a little smoother than the impact. Big carry though from this fresh meat Super Flex. The total boards covered is similar to my Brunswick Pro Zone Violet but the carry is that bigger reactive type of stored energy sort of thing.
This ball is now part of my medium arsenal next to my maybe dying
Sledge Hammer(soon to be replaced with a clone). I believe it will lead to some honor scores on league conditions with soft backends.
It will encourage good firm speed and free revs from me; two things I am working on right now.
Watch out for me with this ball!.
Post by: LuckyLefty on June 12, 2000, 02:00:00 AM
280. My second highest game. 2nd frame a crusher. 8 pin and I'm a lefty. Should have been a 300!
Oil man came and I only had to move 3 and 1 to keep striking.
This is almost a heavy oil ball out of the box. Wow, they call it superflex!
I can't believe the energy retention. I have had many 258 and 257 games this year where I threw the ball better with my Pro Zone Violet and left only 7 pins. Once two 258's in a row! Now I think my chance for a 300 just went way up. Tremendous energy retention for this medium rev lefty!
Post by: Jerry Weller on July 23, 2000, 02:00:00 AM
Goes long, hooks a ton, etc.
Only one problem -- I need carrydown to control this son of a gun -- it gets too violent for me on fresh backends and it can get squirty on oil in factory condition.
For these reasons I never use it anymore which is a shame because it hits like the proverbial truck. Great ball for those with a little less hand.
Post by: Retroman on December 06, 2000, 07:58:40 AM
Post by: 1fife on January 04, 2001, 07:04:58 AM
Drilling
cg to pin 2"
pin to pap 5"
cg to pap 5"
no weight hole
i used this ball on a flat condition and it rolled very well. Hit the dry and it banked back very well and hit very hard.
Wet/dry
well not as good as expected. Hit the very heavy juice and it does seem to skate a lot
lots of 2-10 leaves.
for the price one the better balls out there
over all
8 out of 10
ps
i did redrill this ball
cg to pap 2 1/4
pin to pap 2 1/4
still roll ok, but reversed the previous problem
dry hooked way to early, in the juice it rolled better but not strong enough. The 5 X5 drilling was better for this ball
Post by: Plane Facts on January 16, 2001, 06:55:18 AM
After reviewing this ball and doing some additional research I decided to buy it based on the fact I felt it would accommodate the majority of houses I bowl in, and with the lanes being conditioned with a Christmas tree pattern set up.
The oil is spread out to 40 feet with the oil tapering off on the out side boards, this condition qualifies as a medium/dry lay-out.
The ball I purchased is 16 LBS and is drilled according to Columbia 300's medium oil specifications, and are as follows:
Pin position ( B ) , falls below the bridge inline between my middle and ring finger.
CG position ( 2 )
Distance from Pin x CG to PAP is 4x4, no axis hole required.
This set up gives me a remarkable read, the break point was measured at a constant 48 Ft. then a strong roll creating 5 inches of flare, and the end result is a very solid finish.
My ball speed is about 16 M.P.H., and I subscribe to the theory of playing the plane, I get average revolutions from my delivery with a great deal of lift and forward roll. I have been rolling the TI between the 3rd and 2nd arrow in the earlier sets of play and as the lanes start to make their changes I usually swing it from 15 to 5 and carry the ten pin with out any trouble.
A couple of very impressive facts about the TI, when I have to make adjustments as dictated by the lanes, the adjustments are always less than 5 boards with my feet and no more than two boards at the target point. The light pocket hit carry percentage is also a breath of fresh air, over all this is a great ball.
Mike
Post by: unabowler on March 07, 2001, 09:05:01 PM
I'm a low speed and low rev bowler and this ball rally gave me an angle to the pocket which I could not achieve with my urethane ball. The shot that I played with the urethane ball was a down and in shot on the first arrow. I tried this shot with the Ti Messenger but it went WAY brooklyn. What turned out to be my best shot was to start in the middle, about the 21 board and aim for the 7 board just inside the first arrow. When the ball got through the oil it rolled like one of those trick golf balls that are designed to roll crookedly, but it broke toward the pocket. It was actually quite controllable, though.
I had read in the promos for this ball (or perhaps one of the reviews on this site) the claim that this ball doesn't leave corner pins. It does. (Not any more than my other ball). With this drilling it was absolutely IMPOSSIBLE to pick up the 10 pin, however. I eventually grabbed a house ball to throw at spares on the right hand side (I didn't have the urethane ball with me).
Like everyone I think I want to stand left, throw right and have the ball come back to the pocket. I still couldn't do that with this ball, probably because of my low revs. When I tried to do this shot, the ball didn't come back to the pocket. Consequently, I'm guessing that this wouldn't be a good ball for the heavy oil.
Nevertheless, the stronger angle to the pocket that I can get with this ball gives me potential for a lot more strikes. It took me 8 games of practice to really find my shot, but I finished with six strikes in a row (the best ever for me).
Post by: tonygee on April 11, 2001, 03:23:30 PM
Ball was drilled 1:30 (lefty) 4.5x3.5 to PAP.
Post by: UCLAboy0202 on April 13, 2001, 07:48:29 PM
Post by: abowlerguy on April 17, 2001, 11:55:57 PM
I have a TiMessenger, drilled with the pin next to my ring finger, Cg kicked out about an inch. This is one of the best balls i have ever thrown. Gets through the heads great, has a strong backend, and the Titanium core is obviously in action when it hits the pocket. Columbia strikes again. definately a 10.
Post by: Elliot Renshaw on April 26, 2001, 10:19:59 PM
It is drilled stacked leaverage with the pin way out.
I have fount that this ball is good for heavy oil and shoking for light oil.
Post by: Da Truth on May 01, 2001, 07:43:56 PM
almost a year. I have it drilled with the pin
slightly above my pinky and the cg under my palm.
This ball was test on a pattern oiled 38 ft. from
10 to 10. I have also tested it on a 38 ft. Christmas
tree pattern.
This ball works best on light oil and medium conditions.
It gives very good length and it turns hard in the backend
taking care of the corner pins. This ball provides good power
and great pin action. One heavy oil it works good going up the
boards.
Great ball!! I give it a 9.5 out of 10.
Post by: Phatdon on May 02, 2001, 03:37:21 PM
On a scale of 1-10, this ball is a 9.5!
Post by: Sniper206 on June 07, 2001, 05:41:30 PM
Post by: Strider on July 31, 2001, 06:28:59 PM
Top Weight: 2.75 oz (before drilling)
Drilling: 3 3/8" x 3 3/8" stacked leverage, pin out 1.5" and up 1" from ring finger
I used the ball for several weeks in the box condition (2000 grit polish). It tended to skid too far down the lane than try to snap back. It hooked too much like my Buzzsaw Cherry C2 pearl. I didn't need 2 balls that hooked the same, plus I wanted a heavier oil ball for a few tournaments.
Liquid sandpaper took the sheen off, but it started to shine back again after throwing a few sets. I had my pro shop guy sand it to 800 grit. Now the ball hooks like what I want. Much more of an arc (instead of a hockey stick). I can now throw it in the oil without worrying if it will come back. If I miss a little right (even with carry down) the ball will recover.
The ball seems to rev up easier than anything else I have. I just seem to have a lot of confidence throwing it. Like all the new balls it hits great. It doesn't throw around a lot of messengers, but it's mostly because it's solid in the pocket. With the price, it is one of the best bargains out there.
Post by: thetrackman2001 on August 11, 2001, 11:09:48 PM
at baldwin lanes. standing on 30 trowing over the second arrow, the ball rips pins, regrettlessyly.
Pin placement tight above the thumb holes. truly a ball for the masses
gives versatile a new name. an arsenal in and out of itself.
I will admit you do need speed for this thing to work to its potential.
But it works for strokers, crankers and tweeners; which i am
I deemed it the "wow" ball because its that good, its works on any condiiton
cant be rated, no number system can touch this ball.
Post by: thetrackman2001 on August 11, 2001, 11:11:18 PM
sorry
Post by: mikeyhammer on September 05, 2001, 04:31:45 PM
M.G.
Post by: LuckyLefty on October 26, 2001, 07:34:43 AM
I read over and over in this forum that this ball was over/under with the factory polish. I did nothing about it, left it as it was as I liked the hit and the flip with factory. But it was very conditional and jumpy.
My friends sanded version was a whole different animal a great medium to medium oily ball very smooth with big hit, puts a whole new light on this ball.
Regards,
Luckylefty
Post by: Greatness on November 12, 2001, 02:31:29 PM
Greatness
Post by: Necromancer on November 18, 2001, 09:35:46 PM
Necromancer
Post by: kc_canadian on December 17, 2001, 11:26:33 AM
Post by: Mike Carlson on December 20, 2001, 11:06:14 AM
--------------------
Mike Carlson
pbamike@aol.com
Post by: Babz299 on January 04, 2002, 03:54:57 PM
Post by: acoppola01 on January 15, 2002, 10:30:38 PM
Post by: tankantc on January 20, 2002, 10:57:05 PM
Post by: Bosoc_13 on February 11, 2002, 11:17:54 AM
Post by: mikeyhammer on March 09, 2002, 02:41:30 PM
Just wanted to add a new review I have been using this ball for about almost a year now I have been averaging a 191 steady with it. This is the most versitle ball I have ever used. I used it in heavy oil and just went outside with it. It came back with a vengance. I went thru light oil almost bone dry. I was shooting 25 to ten and it would come back and strike hard. I can almost always change shots with this ball and find a pocket shot. And I can also change my hand position to help as well. I recommend this ball to anyone.
Post by: SAApatriot on May 13, 2002, 12:45:08 AM
Post by: Messenger Ti on May 29, 2002, 05:06:08 PM
bowler and some say it's hard to be consistence but that doesn't bother me.
I had problem in the past with the Ti kept on sticking to my middle finger, but i
had my local Proshop open it up. Here is some fact about my TI, I have it drilled
to go long, and strong back end. I didn't know it true potential until i had room
to work with. I had the hole opened up yesterday (May 28,2002)and went to a local lane. I had 5 200+ games and several respectively 180+ out of 7 games, but one one game i had 8 straight X in a row and starting the next with 6 X in a row = to 14 straight in a row. I'm really happy with this ball.
" IF YOU WANT TO SEND A MESSAGE, SEND IT WITH THE MESSENGER!!!"
Post by: bandaid on August 25, 2002, 12:06:42 PM
I bought this ball in April. I just started bowling again after laying off for 18yrs.
The ball is great on lanes with a little oil. It doesn't react well on oily lanes, and It just keeps on hooking on dry lanes... I'm getting older so I dropped down to 15lbs. It carries very well I don't have too much of a problem with 10 pins.
Post by: jay coney on January 12, 2003, 09:04:13 PM
Post by: Riverkeeper on January 28, 2003, 03:21:08 PM
Post by: jay coney on February 13, 2003, 03:41:51 PM
I stated using this Messenger Ti and I have to admit this ball is the best ball that I have ever thrown, it hooks on every condition and every oil pattern to date. My average has increased from 175 to 198, my high game is 279 that I just shot with this bowl and my high series is 776.
I would say this you can't go wrong buying this ball what a great ball!!!!
J
Post by: C-G ProShop-Carl on May 29, 2003, 07:01:27 PM
This ball, even given the popularity was simply UNDERRATED. As many people have had this ball, more should have.
Controll, power, acts like a reactive polised, sand it down and it gives you the predictability of a particle.
Easy length, good backend, and "messengers" all over the place.
The Ti messenger is a definate 10
Post by: seadrive on March 08, 2004, 12:00:13 PM
I'm a medium speed, low-medium revs stroker with a fairly low track. I don't spin the ball, I just turn it a bit earlier than most. See my profile for more info on me.
I bought this 14# ball used from srlunatic, almost a year ago. The span was perfect, but the thumb didn't have enough reverse pitch, and the ball kept falling off my hand, no matter how tight I made the thumb hole. It takes my local pro shop a year and a day to plug and redrill stuff you didn't buy there, so I put the ball aside for the time being, and pretty much forgot about it.
I was sitting around one night with nothing to do, and the Mess Ti caught my eye; I don't know why! I took a piece of 60 grit sandpaper, and basically sanded the top part of the thumb slug in such a way as to add a little reverse pitch. I had to do some funky things with tape and velcro on the bottom, to get it to fit my hand, but lo and behold, it worked! Time to try out the Mess Ti.
As I said, the ball is 14#, I have no idea what the top weight was. It has a 3" pin. With my unusual track (5" over and 1 5/8" up), the layout is about a 2 3/4" x 3 1/2", and it has a weight hole exactly where my PAP is (strange...).
I first tried it the way I got it, with the surface slightly dull. On our typical fresh house shot (38' Christmas tree, buffed to 42', puddle in the middle, 4 units or so on the outside), the ball hooked too soon. It hooked a lot, more than I expected (I thought this was going to be my dry lane ball <sigh> ), but too early, and rolled out.
Slapped a coat of Renew-It on it, and it started to come alive. Pushed down the lanes an extra few feet, and made a real nice turn left. I decided to try a little less surface to see what would happen.
Well, with one more round of Renew-It, the Mess Ti now has a nice little gloss shine, and is far and away the best-carrying ball I currently own, perhaps second to my old, retired Super Power, but a close second.
This ball gives me area to the right that I have never had. This thing will come back from almost anywhere, assuming that the outside of the lane is dry, of course. The midlane "read" is excellent, and control is excellent. It doesn't overreact when it hits the dry, and the angle (remember the Dorin sisters, "It's all about entry of angle." hahaha) it creates to the pocket is something to behold.
I've resisted using this ball from the start of a league match, somehow convincing myself that I'm better off starting out with something "stronger", but no more. This ball will be the first ball out of the bag until it dies on me. Although I have no idea how many games this ball has on it, I don't foresee that happening any time soon.
The Messenger Ti is a great ball. There, I did it, I said something good about a Columbia ball. Will wonders never cease...
--------------------
seadrive
Cogito ergo bowl
Post by: Tony Banks on December 05, 2005, 07:26:30 PM