Post by: admin on December 31, 1969, 06:00:00 PM
Color: Plum
Coverstock: Particle
Core: 2-piece
RG: 2.525
Differential: 0.043
Factory finish: Matte
Weights: 12 thru 16lbs
Lane Conditions: Medium-Heavy Oil
Post by: BowlPro on December 05, 2002, 09:30:22 AM
The New WoW from Columbia is a mix of the old and the new! Old weight block in that it comes from the Reaction Rev and the New UFO particle Coverstock.
UFO stands for, Ultimate Friction in Oil! and Boy will it!!!
I will get to the point on this one! The New UFO coverstock is very friendly when it comes to adjustability. Dulls and Shines easy! But let me warn you, Out of the box this ball comes "Sheened" and it will most likely be TOO Strong for most bowlers. We drilled our WoW 4X4 with the pin just under the ring finger.
On our freshly dressed lanes we could not even get this ball to the pocket without tremendous energy loss and totally flat hits! after seven frames it was off to the ball polisher and we applied a generous application of "Black Magic" and then we found we could get this ball in play with much better hitting.
But we still found this coverstock to be Too strong in our hands so we again went back to the ball spinner and torqued this cover up to about 3000 polish using Storms Diamond Gloss. After this, we found the ball finally had the ablility to get down the lane and hook-up strong! Excellent hitting power!
The ball rolls smooth and strong! Good control! and great hit!
We attempted to use it last night in our Wed. Night Mens league and we could only get one complete game out of it before it started screaming at us to put it away!!! As with all particle balls, this ball needs LOT'S of oil to work well! If you have a higher ball speed, you may keep this ball in play for two games instead of our one! Those of you who "Rip" the cover, (Cranker Types) you must shine this one to the MAX!
The New UFO Coverstock does what Columbia says it will do! If you need a great HEAVY OIL ball, you should consider the WOW. Those of you who bowl on any type of "Sports League" or the PBA Regionals, will find a place for this ball also!
This ball in our hands at best was a smooth controlled hook style.
Keep the drillings on this ball simple! It Does not need much help!
We will recommend this ball to all bowlers!
BowlPro
www.discount-proshop.com
Post by: atishikawa on December 06, 2002, 10:14:41 AM
Post by: dpalamas on January 05, 2003, 11:01:51 PM
Post by: Dwight Albrecht on January 12, 2003, 04:10:46 PM
What do you write about a ball when it helps you achieve a goal that has eluded you for most of your adult bowling life. A ball that helped me shoot my 1st 800 series, an 804, shot on Friday 13th of December 2002. It also was the 1st 3 league games on the ball. Thank you Danny Speranza and Columbia 300 for producing this ball.
Please remember that NO ball is the next coming of Christ and the “Key†to success is to “Match Up†the ball to the lane conditions you are bowling on.
When Dave Smart and Jack Zuniga “my rep†came into my shop they asked me what my favorite ball for oil was. Which I answered the Track “Freakâ€. Their answer was the Columbia WOW Flipside. So I gave it a try, glad I did.
This lightly sanded particle cover stock in a plum/white color looks like a lighter shade of the Track Freak. It has the core similar to the Reaction Family of balls. Because of the lack of flip blocks and asymmetric core I was leery of the backend reaction that Columbia said would be there in the ball.
I drilled my flipside WOW with the Pin 4†from my PAP and swung the mass bias to a #3 position or approximately a 50-60 degree angle. Weight hole was positioned just slightly past my Vertical axis line.
The 1st time I tried the ball it hooked to early and too much and kind of quit on the backend, I thought,â€Not impressed so farâ€. Then I tried it again on an oily lane with carry down. The ball seemed to react better, but it had no backend when it came in contact with carry down and hit very weak, so I put it away. 0 for 2.
Then at the same center, â€two nights laterâ€, that has HPL panels this time with cleaner outsides and better backend reaction the ball found it’s home. The impressive thing about this ball is once you find the condition to use this ball on, it strikes at will. The hit ability of this ball is something, I still do not think it backends as hard as the Track Freak†but definitely hits as hard if not harder. The ball reaction is a smooth more even curve as the Track Freak is more of a “Hockey Stick†reaction.
My physical game is one of a “tweener†with average to above average speed and turn. I tend to circle the ball at the point of release, so a ball with a smoother arc benefit’s me and my style. The Columbia WOW flipside will definitely be a ball that I will sell in my shops and one that I will suggest for the bowler struggling on oily lane conditions.
Columbia has something special here in this new ball and I think you should give it try. Hopefully you can achieve your goals with this ball and I did with mine.
Thanks again Columbia for producing this ball and being part of my 1st 800 series.
Thanks for reading my review. Dwight
Post by: DKLShooTeR300 on January 22, 2003, 06:46:35 PM
Post by: Bob Hanson on February 27, 2003, 05:38:55 PM
I was very tempted to put a little shine on this one before I even threw it, but I resisted the urged and tried it out in box condition. There was plenty of heavy oil in the middle so I really didn't have any trouble getting some push through the heads around 3rd arrow. Another reviewer mentioned that it likes to be rolled rather than turned, and that was my impression also. As strong as my Inferno is, I had to get a couple boards further left with my target, well inside the oil line to play this ball. Like all particle balls you don't try to swing the lane with the WOW, but rather keep it in the oil and let it gradually move on the back end. My first impression is very good, but it was just as good with the Rock. The real issue will be how the cover transition after 50 games. With the Rock it still seemed strong, but it really stopped hitting and fooled me into staying with it way to long. Hopefully that won't be the case with the WOW. Alternatively, it may be the kind of ball you can make some real money with even if it turns out to have a short life.
Post by: UNObowler01 on March 09, 2003, 10:30:07 PM
16lb 3oz.
Pin out 3.5, 2.75 Top
Box Surface
See profile for my specs.
A dull particle that HITS? I said yeah right. But I was wrong, and its true! If you're looking for that nugget to combat long, wet patterns or carrydown, look no further, my man. This is the one.
Drilled 4 x 4 with hole on axis to go do 0 static weights, and hit the lanes. Typical wall shot, 41 feet 7 to 7. A very defined breakpoint, but no real early check in the heads. It lopes thru the fronts pretty clean for a big hooker, and flips over nicely. Was able to play inside and hold in the oil with good sucess. Very strong roll thru the pins. 760 first set.
Just to check the versatility, polished it up (and it does polish VERY easy) and went to league play (spotty pattern with carrydown after a womens league). Squared up a little and had the same strong roll and good carry. 721 this time.
I did start to dislike the roll on the end of the lane, so to push the breakpoint farther, redrilled it to 6 x 4 pattern instead. Created more rounded and less pronounced breakpoint, but still just as strong and just as good a look in oil as before. Used first on the slickest pattern I see, 43 feet christmas tree, not great backends. Worked with great success, carried great! 724.
I was a bit leary of this ball to begin with, but it has served me well to this point. 9 out of 10, best oil ball I've had in some time. Has earned a spot in the bag.
Coming soon: Wicked Black/Red/Teal Review
UNO
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UNO Mens Bowling, representing Omaha and Nebraska at the 2003 IBC Sectional Tournament in St. Louis, Mo.
GO MAVS!
Post by: Smokey on April 29, 2003, 01:11:06 PM
Try to put it on a MoRich "Determinator" and it'll just "rock side to side", never finding a "preferred" axis (you can see it by the silver logo). IMHO, that's the secret of this ball because this ball WILL HOOK, and hook well! Throw it as a "straight stroker" (little imparted spin, full roller) and it'll bend 10-12 boards. Impart more spin (i.e. "crank" it) and the ball will hook EVEN MORE! Throw it fast (17+ mph), it won't hook much (unless you crank it!); throw it slow (below 16), and WATCH OUT! I attribute this behaviour to the fact this ball is almost ALL CORE with a dynamite shell (check it out at http://www.columbia300.com/balls/balls.cfm?cat=1&id=155).
This ball NEEDS OIL! "fresh" patterns will accommodate this ball, "dry" lanes will cause too much hook, heavy carrydown will require you to either move to the center OR "crank" it a little (again, it don't take much!). My driller once applied a "polish" to the surface and, unfortunately, it LOST its' hooking "action". I removed the "polish" (thank God for Isopropyl alcohol and "scrubby" sponges) and the "action" returned. For me, the "box finish" (1500 "matte" grit, I believe?) is perfect for my style (fire it straight down the 5 board @ 16 MPH and watch it bend into the pocket!).
If you need a "oil-loving" ball, you won't go wrong with this ball. However, be aware that it CAN "get away" from you, especially if you misjudge lane conditions.
Post by: Smokey on April 29, 2003, 01:44:36 PM
The link I provided is the pearlized version of the WOW!
Please forgive my error...
Post by: theHHHgame on April 30, 2003, 05:22:11 PM
OVerall the only thing that i cannot do is play this ball in dry and that is not what it is intended for anyway so
Length is great for a ball the creates so much friction and the backend is a nice hard arc not a skid flip so it is easily controlled you know what the ball is gonna do off your hand
Hit- This ball hits just as hard and carries just as well and maybe better at times than my freak out I do leave less 10's with this ball but have gotten some weird leaves on solid pocket shots
In the end i rate this ball a solid 9 as it would be a great addition to anyone looking to put an oiler in their lineup
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TheHHHgame
Post by: Deadbait on May 16, 2003, 11:24:18 PM
Post by: topbowlinlyricist on July 07, 2003, 05:27:20 AM
couldn't find much use for it this way, just wasn't enough punch or hook. decided to redril it up a couple weeks ago,
now the pin is about and to the right of the ring finger, cd out 1/2 in. from center of grip.
MUCH BETTER. a little more length than before but much better reaction when it makes its turn for the pins. and MUCH better pin reaction than before. not to mention the great roll this ball has, i love the way this ball keeps its roll. since redrillin i've shot 742, 722
great ball, when you find the right use for it
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damn that little voice speaking to you
got you convinced someone's using voodoo...on you
Post by: laner7pin on July 16, 2003, 04:53:12 AM
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If I could only pick up a 7 pin.....
Post by: John Figueroa on July 31, 2003, 03:41:34 AM
Purchased in NIB condition
Weight 15-pounds
Pin 2-3 inches.
Review:
I had this ball drilled up for a flat oil pattern, forusing more on a strong mid-lane roll.
I've been basically used this ball on my wednesday night league, on a 6pm shift pattern.
I've tried different releases'and the one thing i do notice is that when i release the ball with the hand well underneath the ball with more of a stroker roll, i receive a very readable roll, which in turns means you can adjust more quickly.
The ball in box condition, rolls and arcs nicely into the pocket without a over reaction on the backends so long as you keep the release the same.
This ball must be used for the condition that this ball was designed for.
This ball has found a place in my bag.
John
Post by: Rock77 on July 31, 2003, 11:19:13 AM
Specs: 15#, 1" pin. Drilled with my favorite pattern, pin under ring, cg stacked below.
I needed something to combat the heavy oil. Thought this ball would do the trick. It rolled nice and smooth on a med/hvy house pattern. Tried it on long flat oil and I couldnt get the ball to move. Altered the cover a bit with a green scotch brite. Still not enough movement for me. I was trying to play straight up the boards with it and it kept leaving me washouts. The hit on the ball was incredible. Very smooth ball, true rolling when I could find the right area to play. I dunno, maybe it was me!! I give the ball a 7/10. Not as much an oiler for me as I thought it would be.
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How am I supposed to knock all 10 down with one ball?!?
Post by: Mongo on August 19, 2003, 09:36:39 PM
15 lb.
2" pin
Drill specs:
4 1/2 X 4 (pin under ring)
White scotch brite
Double coat of Black Magic
Short but sweet on this one.
Hooks at your feet on anything and everything. This ball wouldn't recover on a lane tilted toward the pocket. Have thrown on flooded heads, long patterns, short patterns....I get more hook out of my Flame
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Mongo the UnLefty
@#%^@#$! Atkins Diet
Post by: laner7pin on September 09, 2003, 04:48:36 AM
0 0
. <--pin
. <--cg
0 <--thumb
Ball went straight, thats about it. Got on top of the dry and it would move, but no hit whatever. After redrilling, stacked it:
pin --> . 0 0
cg --> .
thumb --> 0
After the redrill, I noticed I was coming out of the shot, and ball was skidding more than rolling, gettting less hook. After pulling my head out of my rear, fixed the problem and Bang! ball hooked like I had pictured and hit was decent. Playing a little 10-5 shot, ball rolled, turned and hit. After a couple of games, ball was hooking early and going high. Also, when it got to the pocket with slight carrydown ball lost some hit. Went into the shop and shined it with Ebonite extender polish. Now the ball was money. Through another game on it, ball had a more hit than before, made a sharper move in the backend but still overall had the same "hook potential". Took it to league and threw the ball all 3 games while moving only 3 boards in (1 board a game). Shot 649 first night out with a ton of opens, my signature says it all. Ball got to the hole, but once I started to move in, started to get tapped with 7's and 8's. Adjusted for a couple of 6 pins, but all in all not a bad performance. I went from practically hating this ball with the old drilling/dull to loving it and putting it in the main bag with the new drill/polished. Give it an 8 out of 10 now (compared to a 6 before), ball hasnt done anything super special, but it definately gets the job done. Now if I could make spares......
erock666
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If I could only pick up a 7 pin.....
Post by: Sniper206 on September 29, 2003, 08:25:09 PM
Check my profile for specs.
I made a trade on here and ended up with this 15 lb. monster. It was set up rev leverage with a weight hole in the thumb quadrant. I can use this ball on anything except short oil. This ball rolls exceptionally well for a heavy load particle and hits good to. It never shows any sign of roll-out down the lane, it isn't overly jumpy off the dry, and reads the middle of the lane almost as good as any reactive out right now. It hooks enough now, I'd be scared to scuff it. Whoever says this ball doesn't hook, is blind!!!
control- 9
versatility- 9.5
hook- 10
the WOW! gets a 9.5
todd
Post by: spweener on October 06, 2003, 07:38:23 PM
So for the price, I would definetly recommend this ball.
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Your freaks are cryin' but your back is still turned
Post by: landercompguy on January 03, 2004, 04:42:54 PM
Post by: Hellbound on January 13, 2004, 05:49:40 AM
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There's no time like the right time!
Post by: Walking E on March 21, 2004, 08:54:24 PM
I have had this ball since May or so of 2003 and I have never shot well with this ball. I have the pin right above my right finger and the CG about 1 1/2 inches below and to the right of my ring finger.
I find that this ball will bend a little after it hits the lane but doesn't make a turn on the backend. It looks like it's going to flip and finish as it's still revving, but it just stays right so I tend to leave buckets or washouts. If I tug it I leave 3-6-9s all night.
I have shot a few 240s and 250s with this ball when I had fresh backends. That seems to be the only way I can get the ball to finish well on the backends, but I have enough other balls to do this that I can't get excited about this ball doing the same thing.
I'm not sure that I want to commit the money to redrill this ball with a different layout. Fortunately for me, the ball was a gift, so at least I'm not out the $180 or so it would've cost me new. Nevertheless, I'm not sure it's worth salvaging under a different look.