Post by: admin on December 31, 1969, 06:00:00 PM
CORE TECHNOLOGY: 2-Piece Core
COVERSTOCK: Reactive
HARDNESS: 75-78
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:
DYNAMIC PROPERTIES
Weight Rg Differential
Rg
16 lb. 2.534 0.041
15 lb. 2.590 0.030
14 lb. 2.660 0.016
Track Flare: 3-5 inches
Color: Liberty Blue with Red and White Engraving
Finish: Polished
Available Weights: 10,11,12,13,14,15,16 lbs
Has the orignal game core with the pro hook coverstock so it gives it a nice smooth reaction
Post by: BowlPro on January 01, 2002, 12:35:47 PM
Columbia has a great ball in the Spirit in that its mild reactive cover
stock with the "Tried and Proven" weight block that comes from the
original Black Chao's (alias) The Game, provides it with tremendous hitting
power and friendly ball reactions.
The Coverstock is very friendly and adjustable!
The ball can fit a large range of lane conditions and style of bowlers!
And the price point, Its the best buy going!!!
Alot of ball for the dollar!!!
Anyone who needs a anytime ball, should have this one in their bag!
bowlPro
www.discount-proshop.com
Post by: UNObowler01 on January 04, 2002, 08:36:28 PM
I drilled a 15# Spirit (pin out 3") for myself in a 4x4 drill pattern, pin next to the ring finger, and the label stacked straight down. I then took the ball back to neutral weight with an axis hole.
The ball rolls so well, for me and nearly everyone that has bought one, that it could easily be sold for $200! Mine deliverd medium length, and an awesome backend punch. The only downside to this ball is that, unless you dull it down a bunch, it does not like wet patterns. I tested it in a wood house, dry outsides and backends, and oily from 7 to 7. I could play the oil line very easily, and the ball carried very well. Even when I had to move deeper, the ball responded by making a great charge to the hole. I then tested on synthetics, with 29 feet of oil buffed to 35, and dry outside 5. It was so smooth and powerful in the transition from skid to hook, that is was just a pleasure to watch. And, still great carry. Not a thing not to like about it! I, however, sold it to a friend, because he likes it even more than me. I'm sure I'll get another one sometime though.
As of right now, 10 out of 10 for affordability, versatility, and just plain VALUE! Way to go Columbia!
Post by: Deadbait on February 05, 2002, 11:02:11 PM
#2 Left handed stroker. He dulled ball with green scotch brite. Goes 35-40 ft. hard roll up to pocket.
#3 Right hand cranker. 5" stack. Goes long, nice smooth move to pocket. Didn't jump off the dry very bad.
Will say again, good ball for league bowler that doesn't need a whole lot of help to move the ball. Might be a secret weapon for tournament player on fried condition with high polish.
Post by: GregKoester on February 15, 2002, 08:35:45 AM
Post by: JOE FALCO on March 14, 2002, 08:11:14 PM
Post by: Greatness on March 28, 2002, 02:05:07 PM
Bowled on a 7 to 7 oiled to 30 buffed to 40 shot.
Played across the oil, held the line and snapped off the dry, threw seven strikes then left a ten. Played straight down the second arrow, held the line to 40 then ripped back and crushed. Threw 8 strikes before another 10 pin. This ball is very versitile and sends pins flying.
This ball compliments the ultra hot beautifuly, it hooks as much ultra hot but the spirit hooks about 10 feet later and a lot harder backend. It also caries a little better. Highly recommended because of the performance, cannot beat the price either.
Greatness.
Post by: Greatness on April 02, 2002, 12:07:01 AM
I have yet to find a condition that i could not throw this ball on.
On an extremely bunt up shot, the ball did not burn up in the heads and energy on the backend to carry all ten.
On a medium oil 7 to 7 with carrydown the ball clears the medium oil and just arcs beautifully on the carrydown.
On a heavy oil 5 to 5 with fresh backends the ball goes forever and rips on the backend.
On a tricky sport conditon the ball is very forgiving and eventhough they change the amount of oil weekly, i can still use this ball every week. Only minor adjustments are needed.
This ball is by far better than my messenger ti which i thought at the time was the best mid priced ball i have ever thrown. And this ball is even cheaper! This will be the first ball i own multiples of, i want to try a different drilling.
Greatness
Post by: IHateThe6thFrame on April 07, 2002, 06:55:00 PM
Post by: JOE FALCO on April 24, 2002, 10:33:39 PM
This has got to be the BEST BUY on the market today in Bowling Balls. Untill you throw it yourself you won't believe how good it is. I read the reviews at this site every day and see where people brag about how good different balls are and some even say how reasonable priced the ball is .. $165; $180; etc. The SPIRIT can be bought (drilled)for half that price and the reaction you get will be JUST AS GOOD. In some cases BETTER! I have a BUZZSAW C/CARBIDE that is a tremendous ball .. but I payed through the nose for it .. I'd take the SPIRIT over it any day.
How can we tell these manufacturers that enough is enough .. one way is to STOP PAYING those rediculous prices and shop around for spots like the SPIRIT!!
Post by: Mike DeSantis on April 25, 2002, 09:24:43 AM
This ball gets through the heads nicely and saves its energy for the flip into the pin deck. Carry is as good as anything else I own if not better. I will be trying this ball at a wodden lane house tonight. As Joe Falco said, this is plenty of ball for typical house conditions and very affordable for a change. Unless you bowl for big$$ tournaments or atypical lane conditions, this is probably all the ball you need except for maybe a plastic spare ball.
I will be curious to see how well this ball holds up over time and how versatile it can be. Definitely a winner in the "bangs for the bucks" department.
Post by: Patmandu on April 26, 2002, 12:11:16 PM
p.s. I left it in out of box condition - if you want to use it on a little heavier oil pattern you would probably want to sand or scuff it.......P.J.
Post by: DRILLER on May 09, 2002, 11:45:30 PM
Post by: BrianN on May 12, 2002, 09:28:01 AM
I'm moving my equipment one ball at a time to 15 # and started with my mildest resin. I had a Scout/R in 16 and wanted to upgrade, so I initially tried a Too Hot. Short story, 3 drillings in 2 different Too Hots flare over the fingers. We screwed around with various layouts and weight hole tweaks for 3 months with no joy. There's just something about me and this core with the pin anywhere near the ring.
My pro shop suggested a Spirit. First drilling worked great. The problem is, the two are not directly comparable. I'm told that Spirit is actually a light load particle, but I can find nothing to confirm that statement.
Ball specs: 15#3, 2 3/4 top, 2" pinout. 5 1/2 x 5 1/2, pin in the ring finger, mass bias in the track. Final static weights are: 1/4 side, 5/8 finger, 1 1/8 top. This is a good drilling, and it fits into my arsenal better than I'd planned. For a little wetter shot, I have a strong hunch that a 4 x 2 could work well and I plan to try that later.
Here's a lesson in specs versus experience. For a 15# Spirit, you see an RG of 2.590 (vs. 2.582 for Too Hot) and a diff of .030 (same as a Scout/R). Letting it follow its nature, you get it in a high-RG drilling. For a little extra length, maybe you drill the pin in the ring. You think this is going to be super long ball with a bit of flip, maybe something for dry lanes to the lightest oil. Even though it's not a Superflex pearl, right or wrong, you worry it may be touchy at the breakpoint.
And you'd be absolutely wrong on every count. Spirit is a midlane-reading ball. It is just a bit longer than a Ti Messenger Pearl, not as long as a Scout, not nearly as long as a Too Hot. So far, it has proven tough to throw through the breakpoint.
The backend is a strong driving arc. Summerfield referred to one ball's backend as "a patient veer", and that's the idea here as well. You could probably build flippier layout but I don't think you could make it much longer without a lot of polish. What it really reminds me of is a baby Game, transposed about 8 boards.
It is emphatically not a dry lanes ball and while it can handle a bit of dry, it doesn't get through the heads quite as well as a pearlized resin. My experience is that you have to be ready to hit it with some polish the minute the track starts to dull or it will want to start up too early. I loved it on second-day backends, but got some over/under on third-day as the shot burned up after several hours of open play.
Hits really, really good, again like a baby Game. I get a great reaction out of it, especially from deeper outside lines. Because you aren't burning up the energy to swing it 5 - 6 boards into the dry, the carry is a actually a wash between Spirit and the more powerful Ti Messenger Pearl.
Who will like it: My opinion is that Spirit is tweener heaven on a league shot or wet/dry. A great balance of strength and control for this style. There's that mythical phrase "control ball": what I mean specifically is that it was easy to get and stay lined up with it and to maintain a consistent breakpoint, it responds predictably to different releases and index and pinkie positions, and it doesn't jump on the dry.
I think the bowler who likes the particle-type arc but needs a milder coverstock will also like it a lot.
Spirit adds a lot of value to an arsenal that already contains a Ti Messenger Pearl. It's a great complement to the TiMP, with minimal condition overlap and a very different look. My current 4-ball is Amulet (CG in palm), Spirit (MB in track), TiMP (4 x 4) or TFlash (4 1/2 x 3) depending on the heads and backends, and Game (4 1/2 x 3), and there's almost no overlap at all. Someone that uses plastic for their spare ball would want to fill the gap on the low end.
Who will not like it: To the low-rev guy, it's going to be just another dry lanes choice. Bullred pointed this out, saying that Spirit is for the "league bowler that doesn't need a whole lot of help to move the ball".
What it's for: League shot on light to lighter medium conditions. Sits perfectly below what you'd throw a Ti Messenger Pearl on.
What it's not for: fried or much above a light medium condition. The only real weakness I've seen is that, strangely enough, it's the worst thing to over/under that I own.
Overall rating: 9.
Versatility: 8. Higher-rev styles on a variety of league shots. I think it really shines in the hands of a tweener/power tweener type. Not much there for the stroker. Once you get one in a length drilling, you'll want one in an early roll as well.
I'm torn here. There are a lot of pros and cons in balance in this rating. I wound up knocking off a point because no matter what the design goal was, it's what I call a 'baby bear' ball - the style and conditions can't be too hot or too cold.
Control: 9. Lots of things to commend it.
Hit & Carry: 9. A very efficient piece of equipment. A good-hitting ball, about like a Game.
Post by: chango on May 26, 2002, 07:32:25 PM
What's all the commotion about this Columbia Spirit ball?
After reading all the favorable reviews about it and the budget price ($80.00 total for me brand new & drilled with finger inserts & thumb slug)I had to go out and give it a try.
After replacing the finger inserts to the proper size, I decided to give it a try this afternoon on full synthetic lanes (AMF I believe, and medium oily).
The 15 lb. ball is drilled strong with the pin 1" right of the ring finger and the CG kicked-out below it between the fingers & thumb.
Out of all my equipment, this ball is the strongest on the backend. Big, strong, arcing hook and the most powerful hit to the pins! Monster backend.
I'd say it hits harder than the Firehawk, Red Fuze & Purple Fuze and they're no slouches either.
If you can find the pocket it'll strike bigtime. But I found it a little trickier to get it there consistently compared to the rest of my stuff.
A little tougher to control on the backend because of it's power when it gets there - a big, sweeping hook. Was forced to play inside-3rd arrow,which I seldom do. 10-board is my usual default position.
Relatively clean in the front end and takes off when it hits dry.
If you get it out of bounds in oil, it won't recover. But it still hits good.
Very good value for the $$$. Check it out!
What I've been hearing about this ball is true.Post by: Dwight Albrecht on May 29, 2002, 08:59:37 PM
This polished dark blue reactive has the Columbia Super Flex coverstock known for years for being Columbia's top of the line coverstock in their reactive family of balls.
This ball is a limited time production ball for Columbia. Proceeds of this ball will be donated to the 9-11 fund.
The core is more of a shape from the Ti-Boss family of cores which again was known for it's marriage of strong roll with strong finish. The polished coverstock gives this ball very good length through the front part of the lane with strong sweeping arc to semi snap on the backends.
I drilled my spirit Pin 5 1/2, "pin above"fingers with the mass bias at a 75 degree angle or 4" from my PAP. I wanted this ball to react well from a inside angle or dry lane condition. It does this exceptionally well. The roll is strong but delayed initally because of my layout. The back end is predictable but strong. Can't say any bad about this ball. It can be drilled stronger for more oiler lanes or toned down through the drilling for dry lanes.
The only condition I can't see using this ball on is excessive oiled lanes.
It's nice to see a Ball Manufacturer like Columbia 300 not only think of the Victims of 9-11 with their fund raiser, but give the bowling community a "Real Deal" with a extremely affordable top of the line reactive.
All bowlers should give this ball a try for ther money, you will not be disappointed with this ball.
Thank you Columbia for making this ball and your thoughts and prayers for our 9-11 victims. Thank you for reading this review, and best of luck in your Bowling Futures.
Dwight
Post by: RandyO on June 09, 2002, 02:39:56 PM
I've got another Spirit that's dulled up with a gray Scotch-Brite pad. Naturally the shiny one goes longer but both balls hit like a tank. I have to play the dull ball standing about 3 to 4 boards further left than the shiny one. The dull Spirit is just a board or two less ball than my Reaction ARC. It's amazing what you can do with just polish and scotch-brite. I think you could be setup for most conditons with a dull Spirit, a shiny Spirit, a mellow Pearl ball (Pearl Beast?), and a spare ball if your pearl was too much. You would have an effective arsenal for $250 to $300.
Post by: Gravy on June 17, 2002, 06:39:44 PM
Post by: Mongo on July 06, 2002, 05:41:59 PM
Specs:
15 lb. 2 oz. TW
2" Pin
Drilled 6 X 5 1/2 (pin under middle finger)
Box finish
Drilled this up for me (LH power tweener), looking for length with a smooth reaction for fresh house conditions and drier conditions. The Spirit has a pretty strong core (Chaos) and an unnamed reactive cover. I am being conservative when I say this is a nice combo.
On a fresh house condition, the Spirit clears the heads with ease. The reaction reminds me of a Pulse, long and smooth. Any ball that reminds me of a Pulse automatically gets a big, gold star. The Spirit is actually a little longer than a Pulse, but has that same backend look, a smooth curve.
This is a ball that many league players can use for an entire evening. It's smooth reaction plays well early, but the cover allows flexibility in moving in and still providing recovery.
Of course, Columbia has opened Pandora's box with this release. They have produced a ball that, most likely, would have retailed for $160+ at a price at or below $100. I realize that this was made to provide support for 9/11 and think it was a great idea. However, I would love to see this ball re-released or issued under another name. This is the kind of ball that bowlers drool over...predictable reaction and can stay in your hand for an entire set.
Post by: ctturtle on August 20, 2002, 05:48:54 PM
Now for the Spirit- out of the box the first time I used it I shot 712. My average started to steadily increase after this purchase. A few weeks later I shot 708. By the end of the winter season my average jumped to 203. I throw relatively hard down and in and try to stay behind the ball. This ball goes long and smashes the pocket. I went from leaving solid 10 pins to leaving an occasional solid 8 or 9. I even shot 287,226,267 780 in summer league. During fresh oil bowling I can turn the ball up alittle and keep the hold. The only problems that I have with this ball is when the lanes are drier. The ball bites hard when it hits the dry. Also when I polished the Spirit I lost some of the back end bite.
I intend on buying a 15lb Spirit to see if I can control the dry with speed. For under $100 how can you go wrong?
Post by: RandyO on October 30, 2002, 12:08:06 AM
I laid out the 15# identical to my last 16# drilling (I have 4 16’s drilled), with the pin over the ring finger and the CG kicked out about an inch to the right. This is a devastating combination of ball, core, and layout in a 16# Spirit, but in the 15# ball it goes way too long and makes a left turn to the pocket – a definite “hockey stick†reaction. If that’s what you like, go for it. I prefer a more even arcing reaction. On a league type shot, I could easily keep it in the hole but it had a 4 or 4-9 tendency with the back end snap. I hate that in a ball. I tried a long oil sport shot just for fun and it was a total disaster (as expected). The late breakpoint left consistent washouts and 2-8-10 combinations. Play it up a bit tighter and on the nose.
I then drilled up another 15# Spirit in a 4x4 layout. This was a little better, but still pretty long. This is kind of a bummer for me, because the Spirit WAS my first ball out of the bag. I will keep both 15# Spirits around for tournament arsenals, but if I had to choose today, my new 15# Reaction Rip will be the first out of the bag. Now there’s a strong Mutha for a pearl ball. Reminds me of my 16# Spirit – strong, predictable, arcing reaction with a powerful hit (albeit at a considerably higher price).
Post by: crankers202 on November 19, 2002, 11:32:03 AM
This ball will go long and the snap into the pocket.
Post by: Bamaman on November 30, 2002, 10:24:35 AM
Post by: Jesse James on February 11, 2003, 09:01:50 AM
16#
Top Wt:?
Pin: 3.5"
Drilled: 4x6
Bowled league last nite. Started off with a respectable 223 using Red Alert. Lanes were hooking nicely, on the backend. By the 4th frame of second game, left lane started drying out like crazy. Everyone's balls are going thru the nose, or going brooklyn.
Seemed like a nice christmas tree shot, about 38ft or so. But it must have been the infamous "disappearing" oil, cause when it transitioned, it really changed!
Struggled to a 176 game with the Red Alert, then pulled out this baby.
Set up standing about 25 using a tight line, shooting 3rd arrow. This ball glided thru the heads like a great white shark looking for the kill. Then, abruptly but very smoothly made a left turn and devastated the pocket like Shamu, pouncing on an innocent seal. Can you say BACKEND!!! Pins went flying like there had been an explosion!
Next shot, I shot about 13, standing at 25. Wanted to give it a little bit more room. Used a rolled wrist on the shot,and sent it wide to about the 7 board. Now I was in an area that had already been tracked. There was a lot more bend in the trajectory. Started arcing early. Same result....sudden but very strong and smooth SLAM of the pocket!!! Total devastation.
I only shot 214, but I love this ball!! Fabulous backend. The ball is very deceptive. Makes you think there's oil out there when there really isn't. While everyone else was struggling with fried heads, and overused track area, I was able to literally play anywhere I wanted to, and open up the lanes at will. I just need to remember to trust the ball. Cause it WILL COME BACK!! This ball turns the corner, even though it may look like it's not. Silky smooth, controllable and powerful, what a combination!
I have two of these. The 15# goes longer and seems to fair better in heavier oil. I am able to rev it and the backend H>I>T>S!! This 16#er is awesome though.
This will be a great tournament ball, no doubt. Great, great job Columbia!!
Post by: Gravy on February 12, 2003, 11:08:53 AM
One last note about this ball, There is quite a difference between a #16 and a #15. The #15 has a higher rg 2.59 compared to 2.52-3 in the #16. This does create a different ball reaction.
May all your luck be good, Gravy
Post by: Greatness on February 16, 2003, 01:26:57 AM
I got one with same specs and same drill as the previously reviewed. Took them both down to 220, then brought both up to 600 and highly polished them. Both are drilled 5 X 5.
The speculations are true, the sprits are different depending on color. The light bluish solid spirit goes longer and is really oil sensative.
The darker spirit with the flecks in the cover works harder in oil and snaps off the dry harder as well. I love the darker spirit.
I havent found a spot for the light colored spirit but the darker is my best reactive oil ball since taking it down to 400 grit. It is right up there in strengh as the polished icon with a really different look on the lanes.
Greatness
Post by: 1 rookiestorm160 on February 18, 2003, 07:10:05 PM
. Now I believe that no lane condition can stop my X Factor,Icon, and my Spirit combo
Post by: LuckyLefty on July 10, 2003, 09:46:30 AM
That's this ball as well described by Greatness in a previous review!
What exactly is in that deviled ham deli man???
So it is with the Spirit!
All one can be sure of (sort of) is the shape of the core! (The Game core)
Which is original Chaos core without rg lowering titanium nugget!
The ball comes in what looks like blue reactive superflex. It also can come in black sparkly what looks like holoflex(better for oil). The ball has a very low rg version 16 pounds at about 2.52 and a higher rg version at about 2.59 for the 15s and up.
In my league this fall/spring we had a guy average 222 with a 16 pound black one! WOW on a tough lefty condition. Lefties 10 to 15 pins lower than comparable righties(don't see that often do you!)
NOw see the black one with the low rg (16 pounds works pretty good on oil).
I got the 15 pound blue one!
Drilled pretty mild 4 1/2 X 5 1/4(mass bias in track), and sanded to 600 and then polished with black magic the best description for this ball is arcy and uninspiring.
I have other control balls which control the midlane just as well and hit better!
The problem could be coverstock fixable but in all reality my Sledgehammer drilled control or my Smash/r really fit the bill in this sort of fresh condition controlled backend big hit category(also a control drilled Ti hawk).
I believe that because of the medium to weaker control core this ball should be drilled a little stronger, closer to stacked or with the mass bias not as far out in the track. I may do it as I think this is a wonderful smooth core.
If I get the time!
Reaction reminds me of a weak AMF Hawk!
Mystery meat! Pick your color and weight wisely if you find one of these on the internet cheap!
Hey Mr. Deli Ham salad mixer, that's not HAM! What is that! eewwwwwww!
REgards,
Luckylefty
Post by: louie on November 22, 2003, 03:32:10 PM
--------------------
Why does everyone laugh when I bowl?
louie
Post by: ctturtle on December 26, 2003, 06:23:26 PM
Just purchased the Spirit II and will post on that ball as soon as I get it drilled.
Post by: bowlerXXL on May 02, 2005, 09:07:02 PM