Post by: admin on December 31, 1969, 06:00:00 PM
Specifications are as follows:
Color: Blood Red/White Particle
Ebonite Hook Rating (Scale 1-30): 28.98
Length (Scale 1-30): 5.7
Ball Speed: Faster
Axis Rotation: Maximum Side Roll
Axis Tilt: Low Track
Revolutions: Low/Medium Revs & Power Player
Best Lane Oil Condition: Heavier Oil
Backend Condition: Carrydown
RG: 2.449
Diff: .043
Post by: striker300 on July 21, 2001, 05:10:44 PM
Post by: calzone on August 07, 2001, 05:56:28 PM
First off, I love the color of this ball as it really stands out. After trying to get a feel for the ball in the first game, I had a couple of minor adjustments made to the grips. This was all I needed, I was able to carry everything in the second game from light hits to high hits. The ball gets throught the heads clean and revs up nicely. IT is also predictable as it turns. This ball was able to recover on a couple of mistakes with light hits. I was able to swing it and play up in the middle of the oil. This ball has a strong backened and finishes well. But I have to warn you that this ball will hook out of the building on dry conditions. This ball will fit in anyones arsenal especially for tournament conditions and first shift. I am waiting for a sport condition to shoot on with this ball. This is alot of ball for the money.
I was able to shoot with this ball last night in another league, different house than in the above review. I was able to swing the ball and watch this baby come right to the pocket. At times, it was to much ball for this house, however, with the hot and humid conditions here in NY, I was not comfortable with my release all night.
Post by: BuddiesProShopcom - Bill on August 13, 2001, 09:34:14 AM
I left it in factory condition, and went out and threw it. I have bowled with this on both, wood and synthetics. I have used a variety of shots with this ball going up 10, or a small swing from 10 to 5, and inside around 20 to 10.
This ball is sweet. I was thinking that this was going to hook early and hook a lot, but it is able to get through the heads really smooth and give you a controlled midlane reaction. I didn't notice any problems with hit with this ball throughout the different lines that I played. I like humming this ball up 10 and watching it explode the pocket. I was amazed at the messenger I was throwing, because the lanes were dryer than I thought this ball would be good for. Since it didn't burn up in the heads, it still had good hitting power when it made it to the pocket.
If you like the Vortex 2, you will love this ball. It is another strong addition to the Cat line, and is a solid ball for anyone's bag.
On a scale of 1-10, I would give this ball a 9. This ball is very versitile. If you polish this ball up it will go longer, and give you an even backend. This is the type of ball I like in my bag. You can use this on a variety of shots and still have a great ball.
If you have any questions, please send me an email at Bill@buddiesproshop.com.
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Thanks
Bill
BuddiesProShop.com
"The Place All Bowlers Shop"
Post by: Tweener on August 21, 2001, 01:52:34 PM
Style Around 17 mphs; above average revs;
Drilled3in pin drilled above left of center of the ring finger
Medium Oil with strong backends
I will rate this ball a couple of ways. Number 1, I will tell you my experience with the ball out of the box and Number will be hit with 1500 sandpaper and highly polished.
1:Positive I got it drilled for a longer roll and a strong backend. The first night I threw the ball, I was standing on 25 and threw over 15 to 10. I was real impressed the hitting power of this ball. I hate to use the old cliche but it was really "destroying the pocket". I also played a bit outside around the 5 with less revs with speed and this line worked real well to.
Negative This ball sometimes hits too hard where you will shoot the 6 around the 10 or leaving quite a few 7s for being a righty. I tried slowing the ball down and this is a big mistake. I left some real bad spilts, the ones you say to yourself "how in the h*** did I leave that?" You have to keep the speed up on a medium oil lane with strong backends.
2:Positive Doing this to the ball calmed the reaction down in the backend. It hit softer and I stopped leaving the 7 pins. It still hit the pocket well but it did not have the stronger reaction. The ball is a little bit more controllable for me by polishing it
Negative If there is too much oil in the heads, the ball will slide a little too far out for even this ball to recover. I will actually use a sanded ball prior to bringing this ball out til the heads lose a bit I mean bit of its oil. I would also not recommend polishing it up if you are on a heavy oil lane unless you play maybe a stroker style.
Recommended for
High rev-Above average speed (16 to 17)
Medium Rev to low rev- Average speed (15 to 16)
Not recommened for
High rev - low speed player.
****NOTE THIS IS FOR THESE LANE CONDITIONS ONLY****** RESULTS MAY VARY!!
Rating
out of 10
Out of the box.
Hook:10.
Control:7.
Length:8.
Overall:8.
polished
Hook:9
Control:8
Length:9
Overall:9
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Streeker2k []
Post by: BackToBasics on August 22, 2001, 09:44:34 AM
Post by: Deadbait on August 27, 2001, 11:37:54 PM
Thinking that a lightbulb core for control and a light particle load for a little midlane read would be a good combination. Box condition turned out to be a little too much for me. Used a green scotchbrite with some 600 grit polish (medium) and tried the ball on a fairly hvy condition to 38 ft. Ball was great. Started up easy at midlane and held on the backend. My evaulation of a ball concerns mostly what happens if you have a decent roll and angle at the pocket, what do the pins do. This ball doesn't "blow the rack". Pins stayed low. Carry percentage was great. For a midpriced ball, couldn't recomend one any better. Might be a "sleeper", like the Vortex II. Luck
Post by: marylandmike on August 29, 2001, 03:39:06 PM
I bought this ball delieved UPS for $150, drilled, with inserts and thumb slug. Last weeks leagues' series were 585 and 607. Not too bad for a mid 180 bowler. I also have the Vortex and the blue 2001 Hammer. Hoping to get my average up to 190+ this year and finish in the money in some of the coming tournments.
Post by: ballard2 on September 22, 2001, 02:56:19 PM
Let me start by saying that i do love the "cat series" from
ebonite. Started with box finish and 2 1/2 X 2 1/2 layout.
house shot approximately 36ft.
this ball will not disappoint any current ebonite users and
will most likely convert the rest to loyal customer status.
ball will read the front of the lane predictably and give you a really
strong arcing look in the backends(wahsam).
may be a little strong as the lanes transition but looks like the perfect companion for the savage at that point.
Post by: DLJ on October 15, 2001, 12:34:07 AM
Drilled: Pin is at 1 o clock from center of grip.
Bowl style: High Rev, medium speed
I expected a very nasty hook and uncontrollable ball since it is a particle ball. But being only medium load particle and a slightly lower end ball as compared to the Apex range, this ball is very sweet.
With the drillling pattern mentioned above, it clears the heads very cleanly and has enough energy to come back into the pocket strong.
Pin action: As compared to my super power pearl (same drill pattern), this ball's pin action differs in that the pins 'fly' lower.
Overall: Very controllable, very versatile ball. At this price, it's a killer. 8.75 / 10. Great stuff ebonite. Thanks
Post by: TheDude on November 22, 2001, 04:29:50 PM
Thedude Says, thanks to my boss Jean(french) for the oppertunities and coaching.
Post by: Jace Peterson on November 29, 2001, 01:43:29 PM
I drilled two balls, one leveraged stacked, the other 4-3/4 stacked and polished it. The first ball revs fast and for me was smooth at the break point.
This was because of the sanded cover. It was continuous if you used it on oil as intended. The other ball I polished. This helped push the front but still gave me a particle look in the back end. I expected a sharper move from a light bulb weight block however, the move was continuous and easy to control. I only had the chance to use this ball once and I believe that there was not enough head oil for the ball. I think the ball is versatile as a light bulb should be.
I recently used the sanded one to make the finals in a PBA regional. The surface was synthetic with a fair amount of oil. This ball allowed me to play in
even with my limited hand. I opened the lane up and lost little carry.
Post by: MiLK_MaN on December 05, 2001, 07:49:00 PM
My last ebonite ball was a Sea Wolf, and that was a fantastic ball as well. But this ball tops the lot. I throw a heap of revs, and also bowl very fast (around 28 - 29 km/h average), so wanted something I could get back for wet lanes, and serious carrydown in tournaments.
I was recommended either the Predator, or the Columbia Roll, but looking at my budget, the Predator was like $230 cheaper in Australia. Drilled it up for biggest backend reaction, and a bit of mid lane hook.
Left it dull and had a chuck, but the ball gripped way early, so best not to leave it dull for super rev bowlers. Took it to my league that night, and put some TEC Renew It on it while using a ball spinner. The surface came up VERY tacky, and looked spectacular. Second game in league, 12 strikes later, my first ever 300. I have never seen a ball come so hard back into the pocket. I noticed my ball was rolling out with a slighlty lower speed, so a quicker speed allowed it to continue in the pocket.
For a budget ball, this one superb ball. Ive seen the Tiger in action, and that also looks like a great ball. I think I might get myself a tiger now :^)
Post by: Eddie Williams on December 08, 2001, 06:01:15 PM
Post by: Garcia on December 13, 2001, 03:29:34 PM
I drilled the Predator to combat the wet/dry conditions we face in the morning squads at our regionals. Out of the box, the shell was much too aggressive to play up the lane. I went to the ball spinner and took it to 1000grit wet sand, no polish. I got just enuff length to get it thru the heads and still get an even reaction thru-out the lane. The Predator is one of the hardest rolling balls on the market, great for wet/dry conditions. Dont expect a swooping backend on this ball, there are definitely better choices for that (Savage). For those of you wanting a strong rolling ball for wet/dry conditions, Predator is for you!
Xeno Garcia
Ebonite Regional Staff
Post by: Jim Lewis on December 17, 2001, 03:59:04 PM
Jim Lewis
Ebonite Regional Staff
Post by: Mongo on December 19, 2001, 02:59:23 PM
5" Pin
3 1/2 oz. TW
Drill specs:
5 X 0 (CG on PAP)
Weight hole 1 " past PAP
Box finish
3/4 oz. positive side
The cover/core combination makes the Predator an excellent ball for sport/tournament conditions. This ball was drilled for a heavy handed player looking for a ball with an early, even move with some pop left.
With this drilling, the ball definitely starts revving up early, but not as early as you might think. On a fresh top hat, the Predator cleared the heads, but started to dig in midlane. Given the fresh backends and box finish, the ball definitely reacted to the dry. However, the move was a hard arc and not flip you would think given the wet/dry.
On a 36' Sport pattern, the Predator really flexed its muscles. The core allowed the player to tighten up and play a more direct line, but the cover gave him the pop in the last 15 feet to create a little bit of room.
Overall, I would say that the Predator is a tournamnet players dream. A combination of a weaker core with a strong cover that allows players to play tight on oil yet move in as the heads go away and still get recovery. This isn't a super hooker like the X-It or Roll (just a notch below), but it is not as condition specific, either. The medium load particle and lightbulb core gives the Predator a predictable, even move on most medium to oily conditions.
Post by: bilbobagins4 on January 03, 2002, 06:48:42 PM
Post by: morpheus on January 20, 2002, 12:25:28 AM
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Pin: Out 2"
Top Weight: 3 1/2 oz.
Finished Specs
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Side Weight: 3/4
Finger Weight: 1/8
Top Weight: 1 1/2 oz.
Pin and CG 4" from the axis, no weight hole. Pin is at approximately 1:00.
Factory finish was not altered.
I have above average revolutions with average speed (15-16mph). I tend to use very weak drills (5+" pin to axis) with lots of shine, so this is a strong drill for me and it definately shows with this ball. Though I probably won't get to throw this much because I spend most of my time inside the 4th arrow, I do like the smooth arcing reaction this ball gives me. Definately a much different look than my weak pin balls (Vortex II and Stinger). The one thing that somewhat suprised me about this ball is the continuation on the backend and through the pins. Even though the condition I bowled on was slightly dry (4th arrow) and the ball was burning up a lot of energy early, it still continued through the pins and hit very well. This is a very readable ball and reminds me a little of the reaction I used to see with my Blue Hammers (back when bowling was fun). The shell appears to be very versatile because I have seen other players polish this ball to get more length, with great success. I see this ball working well for a wide variety of styles, but especially for high rev players looking for a predictable low flare particle ball.
Hope this helps,
Morpheus
Post by: matjoh300 on February 02, 2002, 08:07:20 PM
Post by: ripandip on February 11, 2002, 10:28:10 PM
First night out in league 650, second night league 550 (missed 6 ten pins, lanes a little too dry) then we took the show on the road first tourney of the year he bowled 901 for 4 game block. Won ladder playoff. Then on his birthday bowled a 708 series (first ever).
What does all this mean? This ball creates all kinds of area when you find the oil line. Push it out it comes back, pull it, it glides to the pocket and carries everything. High, light, flush this is definately one of the best balls I,ve seen. Length is good for proactive does't squirt, Motion is strong arc to the pocket. Doesn,t seem to have much weakness unless on dry then coverstock is too much. But havn't bothered trying to polish wouldn't make sense with the results he is having. I would rate this ball 9.5 pout of 10 . Would highly recommend this ball to anyone looking for a srong everyday ball with excellant value.
Ripandip
Post by: Norm Titus on February 16, 2002, 03:55:19 PM
Norm Titus Ebonite Staffer
Post by: cool_kevin1029 on February 24, 2002, 06:49:34 PM
Condition one:Medium to dry wood lanes buffed to 40 feet
Well I took this ball out of the pro shop and onto the lanes. I was suprised
about how much this ball really hooked. I played with my lay down on 25 out to 6 and the ball was still coming high so after one game I left because I couldn't handle that ball on those conditions.
Condition two:fresh synthetic lanes again buffed to 40 feet
I gave the predator another shot on this condition a day later. On this condition I again laid the ball down on 25 out to 5 and the ball hit very hard but the line wore out after two games and again I had to put it away.
Condition three:heavy oiled wood lanes
I started a tournament on this condition, in practice I used all the balls in my bag and not one of them would hook up to the pocket even on a straight line. (Command zone,Gargoyle,Trauma)I threw the Predator and WHAM!!! the ball smashed the pocket. My lay down was 18 out to 4 and flush in the pocket. My average for 6 games was 255 with a high of 298. I finally found a condition to fit this ball.
All in all this ball is great when the oil is right. Heavy oil this ball is a dream definatly a 10+
Any less oil then a worn medium oil pattern this ball hooks way to much. Great ball for a serious bowler not a good ball for a beginner.
Post by: James Campbell on February 25, 2002, 08:24:12 PM
James Campbell
Ebonite Regional Staff
Post by: CRSmith on March 06, 2002, 08:50:22 PM
Post by: miobolts on March 23, 2002, 08:45:53 AM
And now for the bad news on it, in 3 weeks, 7 major unexplained pocket splits... not one of these splits can explain by the angle or the speed or the point of impact... 4,6,7,10 on light hits. 4,6,7,9,10 right in the pocket. 4,6,7,8,10 on a high hit.... seems like every once in a while it will just die on impact and you will not notic any differance except the leave. Many have thought it is like the ball hitting without a 5 pin it will just jump into the pit,,,
I have it drilled with full top weight and the cg directly centered in the palm. and the 4" pin at 12 oclock. It hits better then any ball I have had out of the Cat line, ( Pantera - Puma ) and carries even better then any Columbia I used to throw ( Compaires to a extreme chaos ) But what I cant explain is those splits, and no one in a scratch league can either???
Ball rated 9 good for early shot better have speed though for second shift or move inside
Post by: DrBob806 on March 24, 2002, 06:32:01 PM
Post by: JuniorBowler on April 09, 2002, 05:02:13 PM
This ball however is not for dry or burnt out lanes! It hooks as soon as it hits the dry and takes off. And if u can make it to the 1-3 pocket, It hits like a marshmallow because it burns up all its energy getting too the pins. I have not tried to polish it up but that's not what I bought this ball for.
I believe this ball is best suited for stroker looking for a little more hook on those tough oily lanes but I'm sure a cranker would find success with this ball. Great job ebonite! 10 out of 10
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JuNiOrBoWlEr
Post by: Greatness on July 06, 2002, 04:52:04 PM
This is the first particle ball i have liked of all i have tried. One reason, its the only one i have thrown that gets down the lane pretty far and has a huge sweeping arcing backing. No buring up or overhooking in the heads causing weak hit. Very forgiving on oil and great carry. Perfect for very heavy oil and is great with carrydown. Avoid anything less than heavy.
Greatness
Post by: landercompguy on August 09, 2002, 03:45:01 PM
Post by: cursedinvt on August 12, 2002, 02:31:35 PM
Post by: mikecbowlz on November 27, 2002, 11:24:52 AM
On Regional or Sport conditions, it works very well; the head-oil gets it down-lane far enough before it reacts, and it arcs strongly once it runs out of the oil, and carries well. Also, characteristic of this type layout, it's very 'vocal' about telling you that it is DEFINITELY time to put it back in the bag. On Sport patterns, it tends to tame down the major effects that relatively-minor errors tend to produce with other equipment on that condition.
The BIG surprise was, when I tried it on a house shot in league, a fairly-typical Xmas-tree wall, I took it out of the bag and instantly shot 300 with it. In fact, the first 14 in a row were dead-flush, none of them so much as a hair off. The 15th, which felt identical in every way, went through the beak high for a Greek church, which was the "Put me away NOW" signal; unfortunately, my team captain, who is large and belligerent, threatened bodily harm if I changed balls after shooting a perfect, so I held onto it too long and shot only 179 second game-- but that was my mistake, not the ball's. I've used it several times since on house conditions, with good results; but if even one person has practiced on that pair before the league, I can't use it. Perhaps with less early-rolling layouts it would be more forgiving, but with this drilling, it ABSOLUTELY NEEDS HEAD OIL. When this ball hits any kind of dry wood, it is going to MOVE.
Rating: AT LEAST 8.5...... probably higher if you count the PRICE of this ball. An EXCELLENT oil ball, at a VERY attractive price. It also cleans up well, without undue maintenance efforts, and has not shown any tendency to die out with age or increased use. GOOD selection.
MC
Post by: C-G ProShop-Carl on January 07, 2003, 12:32:43 AM
This ball hits really well for a solid particle. Infact it is the only ball I have ever thrown and broke a pin with. I sent the ball way too far outside and came in light, leaving only the 2 pin. I threw at the 2 pin and the damn ball hit it so hard it went straight up and hit the machine. I struck the next shot (10th frame), and when the pins set up for the next bowler the 4 pin looked funny. They brought it out to us and the top was nearly separated from the bottem of the pin. WOW!
Anyways, on to the ball. I have experienced absolutely NO decline in reaction as some have posted about this ball. It has a strong ARC reaction to the pins and continues through them. If the heads are fried, forget out it. This ball will burn up immediately. It works really well when there is alot of carrydown.
My favorite ball in the CAT series. I give it a solid 8.5 out of 10. The predator shines up with ease, to give you extra length if you need it.
Post by: Cloud68 on January 30, 2003, 02:44:21 PM
When I started taking care of the ball again I shot a high game of 279 and high series of 724 with it. Not to mention, my last 3 series have been 640-679-653.
It is the hardest hitting ball I own.....but then again, I just got the Apex Addiction and can't wait to see how it hits. Will let you know when I start bowling with it.
But if you want an inexpensive ball with a bunch of hitting power....just two words.....EBONITE PREDATOR!!
Post by: elmo31135 on October 11, 2003, 11:08:39 PM
"Ebonite is a company not afraid of imitators but innovators but wait... Ebonite is the only innovator in bowling. If you bowl, Bowl to Win."
Post by: 123bowler on January 07, 2004, 03:34:43 PM
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Sup G dawg
Post by: 123bowler on February 21, 2004, 01:27:39 PM
Put a coat of polish this week and have found this particle to hit even harder then before. I was having trouble with the ball burning up to early so slapped on a coat of polish. Great just Great
Value: for a solid particle at the mid price point that hits like that 9.5
Light oil: 1.0 takes off and if i get it to the 1-3 it hits like a fly
Medium oil: unless there is alot of carrydown this ball is too strong but i can still score with it 7.0
Heavy oil: Great never have problems getting it to the 1-3 Always rolls true too 9.5
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Intill the day i die, i spill my heart for you
Post by: gunner6963 on March 10, 2004, 11:42:34 AM
Post by: bOwLiNgPiMp243 on November 26, 2004, 03:55:02 PM
Lane Conditions: Medium-Heavy Oil
Typical Conditions: House Shot
Type of Lane: Combination
What part of the lane did you play? Second Arrow
Did the ball track out? Normal
Weight of bowling ball: 15
Surface of bowling ball: Sanded
What grit was the surface of the ball? 600
Likes: This ball was awesome, you can throw this thing hard as you can(w/accuracy!!) and get awesome scores. Play the 2nd arrow on right, or inbetween the 2 and 3 on the right, either one will do.
Will do good on all lanes.
Dislikes: Nothing... Just get a towel and wipe oil off EVERY THROW! This ball is like a sponge to oil, and if u don't it will soak it up and stop reacting right. This is a HIGH MAINTANANCE PARTICLE BALL!!!!!!!
This ball was awesome, you can throw this thing hard as you can(w/accuracy!!) and get awesome scores. Play the 2nd arrow on right, or inbetween the 2 and 3 on the right, either one will do.
Will do good on all lanes. Get a towel and wipe oil off EVERY THROW! This ball is like a sponge to oil, and if u don't it will soak it up and stop reacting right. This is a HIGH MAINTANANCE PARTICLE BALL!!!!!!! I really like this ball, and i can throw it hard on oil and still get strikes and spares
Post by: Rook on March 12, 2005, 04:39:34 AM
Man this ball freaking moves...i don't gotta do ANYTHING to it to have it come back ot the pocket. It hits HARD...i haven't left so many stoned 9 pins in my life!
I have a Puma, Pantera, and now a Predator...Predator hooks WAY more than the other 2 and rolls earlier. Hits harder than the Pantera(which i never thought would happen) and the messenger pins are a plenty.
Now my Arsenal is a Puma, Predator, Pantera, Trimax, TPS II, and a Maxim, than a Triple Threat and X-Factor Duece...haha. Love those Ebonites.
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Bowler that is a car enthusiast
unfortunately all my money goes into my 99 Silverado and 91 Mazda B2200 pickup instead of bowling...so my equipment is old..Matrix Trimax/TPS2, Pantera, Triple Threat and a X-Factor Duece(or something) and SST4's that are 4-5 yrs old lmao....