Post by: admin on December 31, 1969, 06:00:00 PM
Color: Emerald Pearl with Silver Sparkle Engraving
Hardness: 75-78
Factory Finish: Polished
RG Diff: 0.058
Hook Ratio: 24
Track Flare: 5 - 7 inches
Available Weights: 10-16 Pounds
View the official Drill Instructions
Post by: cranker on November 20, 2001, 12:20:46 PM
tHATS ALL I GOT TO SAY I DONT KENND THAT RIGHT NOW.
http://--------------------
curt denzik
Post by: GLC300 on November 21, 2001, 01:43:15 PM
Post by: G-Man38 on November 21, 2001, 11:28:21 PM
Just getting use to the backend flip reaction.
I love this ball so far. This ball hits hard... when it hits close or in the pocket, POW, the pins Rest In Peace (RIP). It just rips those pins apart. Average is already up about 7 pins in league play in just 2 weeks using this killer ball.
I rate it a 9.5 out of 10. Not giving it a perfect 10 until I use it for a couple more weeks.
Columbia has another line of winners in the REACTION line.
Post by: Charlie Lacy on December 04, 2001, 09:58:29 AM
not jump out of the building but still have a strong enough
finish. RIP was drilled 5 by 3 and does not over react at the
backend but has devastating power. I am able to also use this
ball up the boards on a wet-dry shot and still carry. RIP has
enough turn to play deep but not enough to not play out.
Post by: bigsmoove on December 05, 2001, 09:30:24 AM
my rating on a scale of 1-10 a 9
Post by: Lane Bed on December 15, 2001, 10:54:11 PM
Post by: revjolly on January 09, 2002, 12:44:17 PM
Post by: UNObowler01 on January 28, 2002, 10:57:46 AM
My 15 lb. RIP (pin out 3 inches, 3.25 oz. top) is drilled 5 x 4 1/2. Pin just above ring finger, cg 3/4 inches right of grip center, mass bias just right of thumb in strong position. Simply a weak leverage drill.
I've tested the RIP on several conditions, but mostly on a normal 7 to 7 house shot with semi-clean backends. This condition is where Columbia's "high performance 2nd shift ball" is in its prime, in my opinion. This ball clears the heads easier than any ball I've ever thrown, and makes a strong, but not unpredictable move on the end of the lane. The pin carry is also very good. The entry angle produced just throws pins around.
Plus, after the heads break down, you can move in and still use it, because it recovers so well. In a tournament in Des Moines, I used it for 8 games straight, with an 8 board total move.
A must have for tournament bowlers, but may be a little over-priced for the everyday league bowler. Also, in my opinion, overpriced for the combination of coverstock and core. Nothing in this ball makes it worth $250. You can get nearly the same ball in a Messenger Ti Pearl.
However, strong marks in performance. 9 out of 10. Loses one point because it is NOT an oil ball. But, covers all conditions short of wading pools. Highly recommended (just ask Ricky Ward).
Good luck y'all.
Post by: TIREDofBS4 on February 05, 2002, 04:54:00 PM
Post by: MethdMan96 on February 05, 2002, 06:59:39 PM
MethdMan
Post by: towrofstgh on February 14, 2002, 05:26:27 AM
Post by: Mongo on February 14, 2002, 08:50:03 AM
3" pin
2 oz. TW
Pin over ring finger, stacked with CG (5X5)
Box finish
Drilled this Emerald Green beauty for a customer (Troy) looking for max recovery to play deeper angles. Customer in question is a power tweener, med/high speed, good revs.
Troy already has a Titanium Pearl Messenger, but it reads the middle a little early for him on drier conditions. The taller core in the Rip led him (and me) to think that this ball would go a couple of feet longer and really pop.
Tested the Rip on 2 shots, fresh house shot on synthetics and broken down wood. On the fresh shot, the Rip pounded the hole playing a 15 to 7 fade shot. However, when we kicked in with the feet to steepen the angle, the Rip didn't quite get there leaving some weak 10's and buckets. On the broken down shot (what the ball was purchased for), the Rip reacted almost exactly like a Pearl Messenger. The lanes were dry enough to play between 20 and 25 at the arrows and get friction. This deep, the ball had good length and got down the lane, but it just didn't have the umph to make it back and hit. In fact, the Titanium Pearl hit harder even though it did read earlier.
I've always been a fan of Columbia. I still feel that they, along with Ebonite and Storm, are clear leaders in ball manufacturing. However, unless you want to pay $100 extra for the color, I can't see spending the extra money on what is essentially an expensive Pearl Messenger.
Post by: towrofstgh on February 17, 2002, 02:18:17 AM
I went to 3 different bowling centers in my area and used this ball to see it's reaction. Just to refresh, my ball has a 4.25 oz top weight w/ a 3" pin. I had it drilled with the pin above the ring finger.
Condition 1 (med oil to 24'- pro shop guy told me) - I tried differnt shots, but I wound up finding a sweet line standing 2 boards right of the center dot (I'm a lefty) and throwing it out 10 boards setting on the 2nd arrow. It was so amazing how many times I set in the pocket in 3 games (212, 209, 244; 665). I don't usually throw an arc, but with this particullar condition, the RIP worked best this way.
Condition 2 (med-heavy oil center/dry edges) - I took advantage of the dry area around the 1st arrow to see how I would do with a basic down-n-in shot. I stood right on the center dot and when I did a few frames, I was hitting high causing a few brooklyns. I moved 3 boards to the right and threw it down the same line and I was going light, so I went for rolling it out 5 boards laying it between the 1st and 2nd arrow so I can take advantage of some of the dry area. Oh it was flush in the pocket! After the first game (191) I stayed consistantly in the pocket for a 256 and a 248; 695.
Condition 3 (heavy oil to 30') - I stood 5 boards to the right of the center dot and tried an arc shot from when I used to bowl in this alley (out 7 boards inbetween the 2nd-3rd arrow) but I was hitting it a little light. I moved 2 boards towards the center and used the same shot, but I wound up getting 2 splits by going high. I finally found by the end of the game by standing 2 boards to the left of center and cutting down my arc by 2-3 boards. I did ok (177, 194, 201; 572) but as stubborn as I was, I realized that this ball isn't that great on heavy oil @ all unless you move to the left (or right if you're right-handed).
Overall, excellent mid to mid-heavy oil ball, but on the heavy oil you really have to adjust to get it to set in the pocket consistently. However, it does have a great back-end when you find your line! I'm looking into getting a heavy oil ball now...if any of you have suggestions, please e-mail me at towrofstgh@lycos.com. Thanks!
Post by: sbr80 on February 23, 2002, 04:19:14 PM
Post by: Michael on March 04, 2002, 10:53:02 PM
Good Luck and Good Bowling,
Michael
Post by: JayDADDY on March 11, 2002, 02:24:35 PM
Great Length, Holds energy down the lane to an extent if the oil is carrying down the rip tends to slide through no matter how slow your ball speed and hits the pocket with no energy leaving corner namely tens and if you have a bunc of hand in it you are worse for it with this ball you need good clean backends and a nice hold area because for as much as it slides in long oil it flips twice as hard in dry heads/ midlane so if you play em up the boards this is your ball but area check bowlers I suggest you leave it and Check the riccochet or the arc
and when the reaction rev arrives try it first.
Post by: WolfDawg on March 16, 2002, 08:18:44 PM
Post by: WolfDawg on March 17, 2002, 07:33:37 PM
Post by: THE DUDE on April 01, 2002, 08:17:20 PM
Stroker style
Right hander
Above average speed
Average Revs
Ball is drilled for skid/snap, Pin above ring finger and CG just outside of palm.
Note: This ball didn't work for me on heavy oil but on medium oil it ROCKED.
Post by: A-Z Proshop-Jeff on April 06, 2002, 09:24:10 PM
Post by: StrYkeR on April 07, 2002, 05:41:56 PM
Post by: gr8bambno on April 14, 2002, 12:00:05 AM
good luck and good bowling
Robby
Post by: robert mushtare on April 17, 2002, 10:12:21 AM
awsome ball and a real good game saver.When I Need control and a little backend
I go to this pearl green beauty.Ball can string xxxx with the best of them.This ball is not a swing monster it will roll out and leave flat 10's,straiter is better.hooks less than c/lrg from lane#1 but more than my synergy ets.Best condition would be medium oil clean backends
Post by: Michael on May 18, 2002, 03:15:43 PM
Good Luck and Good Bowling,
Michael
Post by: David Taylor on May 21, 2002, 03:42:25 AM
I have seen alot of mixed emotions about how this ball reacts in general. I have my RIP drilled pin 2 inches to the right of ring finger cg kicked out 2 inches from palm, top weight 3 oz, pin out 3 1/2 inches. With this particular drilling... if you put any kind of hand in the ball, it does not matter if your throwing from 3 to 3, this ball goes long, and screams back. That isnt even the best part about it, the best part is that the coverstock is so versatile that if you want to you can throw an outside shot.. that just goes down and in..good for all conditions so far. I have bowled in 3 different houses 2 synthetic 1 wood, and one of the synthetics oiled on sport conditions, and still this ball comes back, of course after you tweak your line a bit
All in all, excellent ball from columbia... very pleased, and it sure is pretty going down the lane. 10 out of 10.If you have any questions email me at XGN_SilentNight@yahoo.com
Post by: pba2hammer on May 27, 2002, 03:25:54 PM
My total arsenal is,
Apex Adrenaline
Trauma Er
Vortex II Pearl
Optyx formula one
Optyx Spyder
Optyx Snuffy
Columbia Reaction Rip
Right now I am carrying all those except for the formula one.
If you have any questions, feel free to e-mail me at hrdyboyzlita@aol.com
Thanx
Peter Kramer
Post by: UNObowler01 on June 29, 2002, 11:23:41 PM
I had one of these when I threw 15 pound stuff, and liked it. Now that I'm changing weights, my boss let me use his, since he never does. Again, just switched the grips and away we went.
Ball is laid out in a 4 x 3 1/2 layout, pin under the ring finger, and cg swung out a bit. X-hole in positive thumb quadrant to bring weights back to 1/2 positive, 1/4 finger.
I think this is my favorite ball so far. I'm not sure why, because it doesn't cover boards, or hit like a train. Its just dependable. Starting on 20, going over 15 out to 7, and back to the pocket on a 42 foot house shot. And, when the oil carries down a bit, I can just move right, and the ball still knocks them all down. It doesn't punish the pocket so much, its just so easy to get it there, and then it throws pins around. NOT a snappy reaction, but enough on the end of the lane to get the 10 out, and thats good
Shot 300 with it the first time I used it, maybe thats why I like it so much? Well its found a place in my bag, thats for sure. 9 out of 10, just because it doesn't like TOO much oil, but I still use it
. Definitely recommended as a benchmark ball for those with higher rev rates!
Post by: Greatness on July 26, 2002, 12:26:46 AM
Before i get to the review, i would like to first give a shout out to all the members on this site i have dealt with and hope to deal with in the future. I am able to try a lot of equipment because of you wonderful members. If a ball doesnt work out or i dont like it, i meet a lot of good people on this site with the same problem and make a swap of equipment. Kudos to all on this site, i have had no problems yet, you guys are the best and first class.
I noticed as i went over the list of balls, i tend to post my reviews too early. I dont get adequate games on a ball and try it on different shots. The most important thing for me in a ball is versatility. By versatility, i mean i can play a range of patterns, different speeds, and different revolutions and the ball AMPLIFIES, not hinders, my game. I think everyone looks for that in a ball and if it doesnt meet my standards, i trade it.
I got the rip in a trade for a recovery. The recovery only worked on well oiled heads and stripped backends. Even then the ball was a little squirty but i scored well with it. As soon as there was any carrydown, the margin of error went down to about 1 board. I am not that good, i admit it.
Finally, to the review of the rip.
16# Reaction rip - 3" pin first drilled label leverage - Cg in center of grip and pin 1 1/2" to the right of ring finger. Didnt like the span or feel, got a few shots off and blah, horrid reaction. Not to mention i already have a reactive drilled label so i went to an exotic drill on the rip. Plugged the fingers only. Put the pin below my ring finger, kicked the cg to the right an inch from my midline. Now I have the cg below my midline quite a bit for some thumb weight. Now old thumb hole, way too small for my hand, is a new weight hole that i think brings the ball back to positive finger. Ball is highly polished.
I took this ball out on a flat 5 to 5 really heavy oil pattern. It wasnt too long, to about 34 ft i believe. Backends were not stripped, some carrydown. I really, really like this ball. I can play anywhere from 4 boards all the way to 30 and get it to carry well. Definition of versitile. I hope the cover holds up and i will keep this one hopefull for a while.
I took this ball out the next day on a pattern to 42 but stripped and same thing. Hard charge to the pocket and excellent carry. Should stay in the bag for a while joining the...
Long and Heavy - Predator - Dulled 400
Heavy Carrydown - Spirit Dulled - 600
Medium Heavy- Buzzsaw Carbite C Pearl - Polished
Medium - Rip - Polished
Medium light - Hex - Polished
Spare - Basketball
I will have to remove one, think six is a little much.
Greatness
Post by: jbc2398 on August 30, 2002, 01:25:41 PM
I don't put alot into where the pin is or top weight or my axis tilt or any of those other very technical terms when reading a review because they are misleading to what is the actual potential of the ball. In other words a ball will only do what the bowler has it do; bottom line however I have a ball set up, it probably won't react the same for you as it would for me. So when it comes to a review you should be only interestd in what a ball can and cant do.
With that said, the rip is a very good rolling, very predictable with good backend best if used on a mediun oil condition with fairly clean backends.
Not a good dry lane ball even though it has alot of length, will loose too much energy getting through the heads, and because of its length usualy not a good ball to play across the boards unless your on a dry condition with a little haed oil and oil in the center of the lane.
In heavy oil goes too long unless sanded then sanding makes it roll earlier which takes from its backend.
So this ball is best for a medium oil condition with clean backends. Exactly what columbia said it was for.
For what its meant for it is a great ball that everyone should have in their bag.
Post by: CUSMAN300 on December 24, 2002, 10:43:53 AM
I have a stroker style with a good hand. I throw the ball about 18 mph with about 17-19 revs. I like to play an inside swing to a breakpoint usually about 40 feet down the lane.
My RIP had a 4 inch pin and a starting top weight of 3 and 3/4. I drilled it with the pin above the center of my fingers with the CG at the center of my palm. I polish it with 3000 every 20 games.
My RIP goes very long on a medium oily pattern that is 37 to 40 feet. On the medium dry shot with clean backends, it flips as soon as it reads the dry, witch is a few feet after it hits it. The recovery on clean backends is very good. On more oil or carrydown, this ball tends to squirt or jump. I would'nt say an over under reaction, just a bit to sensitive. The ball hits well. I've seen, better, I've seen much worse.
Overall an A+ on fresh oil with a clean back end, and a B+ on longer oil and or carrydown.
Post by: Waialae_House_Bowler on January 01, 2003, 12:01:04 PM
This ball gives me a very interesting reaction. It goes the longest out of all my bowling balls and once it flips over it gets into a very strong roll and turns hard, but it doesn't cover that many boards. The best way I can describe it is a skid/flip ball that doesn't hook very much. (I imagine guys with a lot of hand would absolutely love this ball)
This is a ball that I have to keep on a relatively straight line to the pocket whether I'm deep or outside but it hits really hard despite not being able to generate much entry angle to the pocket.
When the lanes are on the drier side of normal and call for a small swing or for those shots that require the old "frozen rope" to the pocket... this is the ball. When the lanes are oily or if they call for a fair bit of swing, there's much better stuff on the market than the Rip for those conditions IMO.
Post by: Arcticzr on February 06, 2003, 10:33:36 AM
One day I was watching Ricky Ward bowl on TV with alomst the same style as myself and hola he was using a reaction rip ball.
so I went out the next day had one drilled one up and I could not beleive the
consistant arc this thing had I could swing the ball or play down in, and it never over reacted and carried the corners keeping the pins low to the deck unlike alot of other columbia balls that hit hard but shoot pins up 10 pinning yah to death. only downfall to the ball is long heavy oil with dirty backends the ball will reach the 1/3 pocket but loses to much energy tring to get there and doesnt have the carry leaving me alot of 7 pins
but is easily rectified with a ebonite ball that rolls much earlier
all in all id rate this ball 9 out of 10 but wouldnt say this ball is for everybody does require some hand due to high rg, definitly not a stroker choice
Post by: Jesse James on June 10, 2003, 07:32:38 PM
Ball:
wt:16#
Topwt:3.5oz
Drill: 4x4 stacked
Pin: Pin-out 3"
So far I love this ball. Definitely for your dryish to dry lane conditions. An easily controlled ball with a very heavy, pin-clearing hit. Deceptively strong, with a lot of length. I think the guy that drilled his ball 5x5 was being wishful. It has a strong flip, but not that strong. The cover already gives you extreme length, so no need to have a length drill. I still follow the axiom of drill weak balls strong and strong balls weak. (not that I consider this a weak ball, mind you) but it does lean towards that group.
This ball is excellent for the down and inner, or someone that likes to play the twig, or even a direct shot. What amazes me is its hitting power. It doesn't devastate the pins.....but it sure enuff hits harder than you expected it to do.
With this ball on dryish, I can stand 17, shoot out to 5 and back with no problem, and use relatively slow speed. Or I can stand at my normal line of 25 to 15 at the arrows out to 10 and back with no problemo. This is a very good ball for me, for the third game of most sets, or when there is a lot of carrydown. With carrydown present,I square up and go direct with more roll. This ball is a definite winner.Good job Columbia!!
Post by: sosby300 on January 06, 2004, 08:07:19 PM
Post by: LuckyLefty on February 07, 2004, 01:19:15 AM
The Reaction Roll, my favorite heavy oil ball(never clean it, just keeps going and going and going).
The Reaction Rev, love it on the next oil step down and now this Emerald beauty!
From the land of the luckylefty Ireland!
Drilled 3 1/2 inch pin out 4 1/2 X 4, nearly stacked for me. No weighthole!
cg down slightly below the grip center equator, maybe 1/2 inch. Pin off to the side and up from the ring finger about 3/4 of an inch both directions.
Ranking among the 3 best go long pearls I've ever used, this may be #1.?
Compared to my awesome exciting Impact Zone and the just as spectacular Battle Zone bullet($18 used) the move is very similar but different. The Impact Zone just had that mica pearl highly reactive coverstock that would explode off dry.
The BZ Bullet has the slower reacting pk 17 which could still pack a wallop if the ball didn't find too much dry in it's trip to the break point otherwise the PK 17 would sort of grab and make this ball meander to the pocket losing it's energy, but this ball was super high rg and could really project way down to the break point on lighter volumes.
This ball is different(I've always felt that superflex pearl) in general just didn't handle carrydown as good as Brunswick pearls. And in a way I find this still true. This ball's cover seems a slight bit weaker but therin lies it's strength. (note all 3 of these balls could cover more oil than one would expect at times) as at times I would use the above two on heavier oil shots and beat wonderful bowlers using ideal fit solid particles.
And so it is with this one. The other day it was real wet and medium long.
Let's guess 42 feet. To give you an idea I was only swinging 13 to 8 with my Roll. Then with a Victory SPT drilled real weak, I was playing 9. with a small point. This ball could strike.
All of a sudden I grab the Emerald goddess and move out to 6 or 7 and play straightup and this energy saver goes on a pocket bashing session.
Long thru what I felt would have grabbed the impact zone or the above BZ bullet
The Reaction Rip slid right thru the dryer wide boards and proved it by being matched up with a Fuze Ignitor which could not be played as wide but then seemed to have trouble with finding dry for the breakpoint in the 9 board area. Therefore when the Rip got to the breakpoint near 6 7 it created plenty of angle and created the famous tharummmpass! that the Impact Zone and Reaction Rev and Pro Zone Violet are famous for. The move was less angular than the Fuze Ignitor but at the same time powerful with tremendous continuation. Notreally angular in the least.
Vicious loud smashing crashing, with high energy retention for the pocket. Resulting in Slash attacks against the 7 pins, numuerous messengers and a sense that all was well with the world!
This is truly one of the go long and wide and make em cry balls ever.
Remember Ricky Ward doing just that with this ball a couple of years ago!
This ball is in the bag!
REgards,
Luckylefty
PS I remember a friend using this ball exclusively when he started in this game and wiping up on dry and oil. (great talent). He then got a messenger Ti pearl andback tracked a little(more midlane from Messnger Ti Pearl).
Now he's a real stick and he's looking for one just like mine. "Get away!"
PPS At first I used this ball without a wrist brace and true to my style with this method I saw another ball than this review. One that would skid a long way to my breakpoint and then cut sharply with my softer (non wristbrace style). This style this drilling and this ball was 7 pin city.
Now with the wristbrace the flight pattern is less angular and more direct and 7 pins were nonexistant!!!
Tomahawked out so to speak!!!! Chop chop!!!
Post by: peanut_299 on July 30, 2004, 11:15:20 PM
Post by: dirtbikebowler on September 18, 2004, 07:24:22 PM
my PAP is 5 3/4s over 3/8s up.
Have had this ball for a long time. It was my 1st high performance ball but, im still always using it. I use it for dry lanes or a control ball. For leage it comes in handy at the house i bowl at bc its always dry. I love this ball carries light hits liek solid pocket shots. i get good carry with this ball all the time.
I know most ppl hate it but o well its great and i love it.
--------------------
Tom Kelleys Pro Shop
Post by: dizzyfugu on August 11, 2005, 09:48:17 AM
Well, after almost 1 year, some personal impressions with this emerald gem:My Reaction Rip is the result of a long search for a ball with length and "pop" on short patterns or broken-down lanes with grippy back end. In fact, originally I was not looking for this specific ball.
I also had an eye on a NIB Power Groove, did not want a BVP Punisher, but accidently I found "my" Rip on a German pro shop web site. The specs sounded promising - despite the fact that the ball saw its market introduction 4 years ago and that it had already 1 drilling to it. But „old“ balls need not to be bad, especially for control jobs and since their coverstocks are not soooo aggressive as today's material. It proved to be a very good choice
Respect and thanks at this place to Marco at Bowling Shop Berlin (www.bowling-shop-berlin.de) for his quick response, providing me with many good pictures and specs of the already professionally plugged and polished ball. A great deal for EUR 65,- (about $80) plus shipping, and real good customer service. Even during holidays...
And, once more, thanks to Michael Kraemer in Duisburg for his drilling expertise and patience with the 2nd-hand-ball-ball-nut of mine.
About me:
Style = Stroker/mild Tweener, right-handed
Speed = 13,5-14,5 mph
PAP = 5" & 7/8"^
Axis tilt = 18,7°
Revs = 250-300 RPM at release
For more details, check out my profile, please.
The ball setup:
My Reaction Rip is 15 lbs., top weight unknown. It is a 4 1/8“ pin-out, a very good basis for my desired late reaction setup. The ball was drilled rather weak for hooking heads and toasted lanes: pin over bridge, 5 1/2" from PAP. CG ended up 5“ from PAP, putting it in a 75° position. No X-hole to influence flare, which gives this ball still a nice pop at the back end, taking advantage of the high flare potential.
====*====
===o=o===
=========
======#==
=========
====O====
* = Pin
# = CG
Ball picture (pin colored at PC): http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=3473649
Surface was wet-sanded to 400 grit and received a high-gloss polish finish. Excellent choice for the coverstock. A urethane thumb slug and silicone oval inserts (all white) completed the setup.
The testing program:
As mentioned before, the ball is laid out rather weak for medium-dry and toasted conditions, so that I do not take full advantage of the ball's potential. Please keep this in mind when you read further.
Short 35' tree pattern (probably buffed to 38') with 8 dry outside boards:
This is what I needed this ball for, and it works excellent! Just in the first test, when I needed to adjust the thumb slug for proper fit, the second game was a whopping 220 clean game with this baby. The ball did not move much, for the best results I stood at 33th board with my right shoe tip, played a tight line over 18th board at the arrows and let the dry outside boards work for me when the ball went too far to the right gutter. It recovered well and consistently found the pocket, with a late and sharp breakpoint at 40-43' down the lane. Even though the back end was dry and grippy, the Rip had still lots of energy when it entered the pins. Nice, low pin action, cracking strikes.
Additionally, the Rip showed that it is very easy to control by hand position – flattening out or cupping the wrist makes it easily move or not, changing the entry angle as you like for special occasions and odd leaves.
I am very content with the Reaction Rip on this turf: an ideal match of coverstock, drilling and my style.
Just for reference: I used to play my trusty pin-in Trauma (pin 1“ below ring, 1“ towards PAP) on these lanes, standing at 35 or further, aiming at 15-17 behind the arrows, and even with a broken back wrist and raised speed I sometimes was not able to get the ball into the pocket. It simply moved too much and too early, and my release was not consistent at all due to the struggles with the dry back end. But with the Rip, I can now play my A-game and the normal release I use e. g. with the Trauma on sport oil conditions, and it feels nice and confidence-inspiring.
If I was to compare it with other stuff, I think the Reaction Rip works well on conditions which are suited well for Brunswick's BVP Punisher or the older Monster ScreamR and Frenzy. With some stronger drilling it might even handle medium conditions and might reach into the realm of Brunswick's original Inferno from the dry side. Tough ball.
Played down 40' sport pattern:
Surely still too much oil for the ball to perform well, but the Rip with the 5 1/2 x 5 drilling is a serious option here for late games and high humidity. I use to stand at 26th board with my right shoe tip and play over 3rd arrow, as well as at 22nd board and playing over 2nd arrow as a down-and-in alternative. Ball went much straighter than on the tree/THS pattern, moving only 6-8 boards, and I could see the coverstock struggle for grip on the longer pattern, so that the ball could move to the pocket and deliver its energy in a forward roll. Carry was so-so, simply because the ball tended to skid, was hard to keep in the pocket and did not finish. I made similar experience with my TPC Shooter on this turf. Too much or too long oil will render the pretty Rip useless.
Another line which seems to work better (on the sport shot, but also on any condition so far) is the 33th-board-aiming-at-18th-board method which worked fine on the short THS mentioned before. The ball seems to stay long enough in head oil, and has plenty of room in the backend to make its move. Occasional 4-pin leaves are the only drawback so far.
Some conclusions:
With the drilling and for the specific job I buyed this ball, it was a very good choice. And the Reaction Rip is a strong ball! You can really feel that it is/was a performance ball. Overall, I'd rank it at 8,5 out of 10 with a tendency up. Currently it has a safe place in my tournament bag as an ultima ratio for scorched lanes and short oil, when I wnat to open up the lanes and I need much entry angle. I like the power and impact I can generate with it on these tough conditions.
The tall high RG core (2,57“ in the 15 lbs.) delivers what Columbia promises: late reaction, strong backend performance and energy for dry boards far down the lane. Through the higher RG it is a bit difficult to put revs on it, it feels "heavier" during the release than a low RG ball. But it holds this energy through the dry backend for a late delivery, better than a low RG ball, hitting hard and keeping pins nicely low. It should generally make a great THS ball, or a 1st choice ball for stripped back ends. The SuperFlex stuff is very versatile, and very durable.
Lane utility for tested ball (pattern length vs. oil volume):
|S M L
|h e o
|o d n
|r . g
|t
_______
|+ X X| Light volume
|X X +| Medium volume
|+ 0 0| Heavy volume
Legend:
X = Best suited with effective control & carry
+ = Fairly suited (works, somehow, but lacks control)
0 = Unsuited (ineffective, either slips or burns up)
The chart concept is borrowed from Storm's 2003 catalogue. Surface prep and drillings may change the results, it is just personal experience with my style
A stronger drill, with the pin at 4“ from PAP and above the fingers, would surely make a Rip a long-going skid/snap monster, which will still be competitive on current lanes.
And, besides performance, this ball looks awesome! If nothing else, the Reaction Rip is... beautiful. I like its "old-school" design very much. It shines like a gemstone, bright emerald green, with its flashy, silver sparkling engravings. It is one of those few balls IMHO, like the Raging Red Fuze from Brunswick, that have some classy style to them.
Finally, some pictures from Columbia (also from the core), since they are missing here:
http://www.columbia300.com/images/balls/ball_reactionrip.jpg
http://www.columbia300.com/images/cores/core_reactionrip.jpg
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DizzyFugu --- Reporting from Germany
Team "X": http://homepage.mac.com/timlinked/
"All that we see or seem, is but a dream within a dream..." - Edgar Allen Poe
Edited on 26.09.2011 at 7:37 AM
Post by: number1wwefan on August 01, 2009, 07:22:30 AM