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Author Topic: what are epoxy coverstocks like.  (Read 6291 times)

sneaky PETE

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what are epoxy coverstocks like.
« on: July 21, 2018, 06:58:14 PM »
saw a Columbia EPX T1 on ebay and was wondering how good can an epoxy cover be.
can i AXE you a question

 

don coyote

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Re: what are epoxy coverstocks like.
« Reply #1 on: July 21, 2018, 07:58:02 PM »
First of all-they suck up oil(which makes maintenance a PRIORITY!) You will need to be comfortable with hot water baths weekly. Second- they crack(almost all of the ones that I knew about cracked!) Third-did I mention they suck up oil! While bowling with them if you rest your hand under the ball you will have a greasy spot that looks like you hand. I am serious!

Let me put it to you simply-I gave mine away!

bowler100

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Re: what are epoxy coverstocks like.
« Reply #2 on: July 21, 2018, 08:06:00 PM »
saw a Columbia EPX T1 on ebay and was wondering how good can an epoxy cover be.
The epoxy cover is very unique. It has pores (caverns really) that are much larger than a regular particle or reactive resin. It has a weird chemical smell (not too pleasant) and it soaks up an INSANE amount of oil which will cause it to darken up quickly. I am guessing that it creates it friction from the caverns acting like suction cups on the lane, but I could be wrong. Some early batches of EPX T1s were so brittle that they were known to detonate on impact with the pins.

As far as the reaction goes, the strength in oil depends on the batch. Some are easily as strong as the earliest high load particle balls but some seem to be much tamer. It does not really react like any particle ball. Particle balls will rev up hard/roll out/stand up in friction. The EPX T1 looks like a pissed the **** off urethane curving into the pocket. It starts burning rotation early but it retains it throughout the lane (continuous). The only particle ball I know that I know that had a very slow continuation was the Visionary Midnight Scorcher (urethane particle) and to a lessor extent, the Storm La Nina. The EPX T1 is still more continuous than both on high volume patterns with the same surface (burgundy scotch brite). The EPX T1 and Scorcher completely beats out the La Nina on floods.

It is a crap shoot due to issue with some of the batches but if you want smooth continuation and you are willing to take a risk, there is absolutely no better coverstock than epoxy.

DP3

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Re: what are epoxy coverstocks like.
« Reply #3 on: July 22, 2018, 10:35:20 AM »
The EPX, when you could fire it from outside created a reaction and finish that was pretty unique. The "Pissed off urethane" is so spot on. Adjustments were minimal. You could just throw it harder from the same area if it was still carrying.


JOE FALCO

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Re: what are epoxy coverstocks like.
« Reply #5 on: July 22, 2018, 06:46:09 PM »
Just a quick comment .. seller claims NIB yet claims no noticeable niches .. doesn't make sense to me!
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MI 2 AZ

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Re: what are epoxy coverstocks like.
« Reply #6 on: July 23, 2018, 02:02:46 AM »
Joe,

Could have been a display ball for awhile.

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2handedrook12

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Re: what are epoxy coverstocks like.
« Reply #7 on: July 23, 2018, 03:50:09 AM »
Man if a company ever made something like this today with the high rev rates out now, there would be a huge fit...
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BowlingForDonuts

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Re: what are epoxy coverstocks like.
« Reply #8 on: July 23, 2018, 11:24:40 AM »
Joe,

Could have been a display ball for awhile.

Probably would want that behind glass to avoid the customers getting a whiff of that ball.  You get used to it but its very noticeable at first.  As for if its worth it I enjoy my EPX (think I paid $135 single drill plugged) but best to think of it as a gem instead of filling some critical need in your arsenal imo.
« Last Edit: July 23, 2018, 11:48:36 AM by BowlingForDonuts »
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bcw1969

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Re: what are epoxy coverstocks like.
« Reply #9 on: July 27, 2018, 05:45:40 PM »
Just wanted to mention that the seller dropped the price 10 dollars down to 165.00

Brad

BeerLeague

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Re: what are epoxy coverstocks like.
« Reply #10 on: July 31, 2018, 09:21:49 AM »
These EPX balls were the final nail in the coffin for Columbia when they were still an independent company in San Antonio.  They were awesome .... for about a month until they literally disintegrated into pieces as you threw them.  They ALL cracked.  I watched 2 (yes 2) of them actually fall apart into 3 pieces on the ball return.  TOTAL JUNK.

BowlingForDonuts

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Re: what are epoxy coverstocks like.
« Reply #11 on: July 31, 2018, 12:22:33 PM »
These EPX balls were the final nail in the coffin for Columbia when they were still an independent company in San Antonio.  They were awesome .... for about a month until they literally disintegrated into pieces as you threw them.  They ALL cracked.  I watched 2 (yes 2) of them actually fall apart into 3 pieces on the ball return.  TOTAL JUNK.

Yeah NIB makes me nervous on those balls.  Saw an rare A1 NIB on ebay but wouldn't bid over $130 for it so didn't win.  Paying new ball price to have the lane guy have to bring your ball back in several pieces is painful I am sure.  Been lucky with mine so far but mostly use to burn a hole in the pattern in shadow practice (ultimate oil sponge).
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don coyote

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Re: what are epoxy coverstocks like.
« Reply #12 on: July 31, 2018, 03:57:55 PM »
I replaced my cracked EPX with a Centaur Particle.

If you can find one-even used, they are awesome when creating friction on a flood. Warning!-You will not be able to use it very long. I believe they come at 360 grit.

avabob

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Re: what are epoxy coverstocks like.
« Reply #13 on: August 06, 2018, 12:07:38 PM »
Nice collectors item, almost worthless as a competitive piece of equipment.

bcw1969

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Re: what are epoxy coverstocks like.
« Reply #14 on: August 06, 2018, 05:58:31 PM »
I started a thread back in 2016 with this...it's a 1960's patent for an epoxy resin coverstock.   check it out here

https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/pdfs/US3208750.pdf

that would have been interesting if it ever came to pass.

Brad
« Last Edit: August 06, 2018, 06:00:30 PM by bcw1969 »