Post by: admin on December 31, 1969, 06:00:00 PM
Post by: Tony Glickley on May 11, 2000, 02:00:00 AM
Have had a chance to throw the Vortex II for a couple of weeks and It took me a little fine tuning and a little time to find a place to throw it.
I have mine drilled with the Pin over the ring finger 5" from my PAP and the cg 4-1/2 away from the PAP . The ball started out with a 2-3/4inch pin out and 3-1/4 top. I slug my thumb and use no grips span 4-3/8....4-1/2.
Smoothed the surface of the ball to 1000 grit sand paper and used Ultimate Quik Kut.....love that stuff.....and went bowling.
The first night lanes were fresh strip, 20 units from 10-10, 5 to the ditch ran 42 feet and all I had to say to describe this ball was...HOOK. :) and shot 630 throwin a BIG over/under shot until the whole 60 feet of lane had 10 units on it.
The next night my Skull Ball wouldn't stay right of the head pin so in the bag with the Vortex II but I took It to the press and put a hole on my axis point( 6" ). Just a 5/8" hole deep enough to nick the core.
Next night, new house,league, this thing is making the prettist move to the pocket but too strong for that house to carry well with(what my Vortex III will do)but leave it alone because I know It will work at the house up north which I had a chance to sub there tonight so here's the good news.
The Vortex core has the ability to let the bowler change hand positions and vary the lenth of the break point, meaning I could use the ball for all four games without having to change balls which is what I look for in a good ball.
The shell on the ball intreaged me because it is the only solid Trimax cover in their whole line up which should alow it to be fine tuned more than the pearl which we all love on our Matrix's.
Oh Yea, I didn't shoot a 300 or 800 but I shot 972 for 4 games winning $60.00 in the eliminator pot :) Great Core,Great shell, great price, Great Ball! Thanks Brian! Tony
Post by: BuddiesProShopcom - Bill on November 29, 2000, 01:29:17 PM
The layout on the ball was 4 1/2" by 4 1/2" from my PAP. I lightly polished it will 600 grit polished, and I put a weight hole in it to take it back to around 1/2 to 1/4 side.
This ball is great. The polish allowed the ball to glide through the front and give me nice mid-lane reaction, with a strong arc throughout. I have used this ball two weeks straight in league, and this ball still hooks quite a bit, but a couple boards less than the Pantera.
With the Vortex 2, I found that the ball is 3 to 4 boards less than the Pantera, with a similar drilling.
On a scale of 1-10, I would give this ball a strong 8. The ball is very versitile and will be a great ball to add to your bag.
If you have any questions, please email me at Bill@buddiesproshop.com
Thanks
Bill
Post by: REVOLUTIONS PS on December 14, 2000, 08:15:07 PM
Perhaps our favorite ball of the Vortex and Cats is the Vortex II. This ball is as versatile as anything on the market. Depending on drilling pattern and shell preparation the Vortex II can handle a wide range of lane conditions from the heavier side of medium to the very dry.
We have drilled the Vortex II for a number of different styles including; straighter players with speed (18 1/2 to 19 1/2 mph.), lower trackers, spinners and power strokers. We had excellent results with all the above mentioned styles. With our faster players, strong pins 3-4" with dull shells are well suited to league conditions and walls. Our lower track player throws less speed (15mph) and likes to swing the ball from inside. A 600 grit polished shell with the pin over the fingers 5 1/2 to 6" from p.a.p. works really nicely for him on most common oil patterns we see here. The power stroker uses a 6 1/2" pin over the middle finger with a 1500 high gloss polish for dryer lanes, in fact his Vortex II is his last reactive option before urethane.(for dry)
All of our bowlers have commented about the II's consistency and outstanding carry. The ball seems to have just enough deflection to carry well under virtually any circumstance. To summarize: The Vortex II is an extremely versatile ball which we can recommend for virtually any stlye on a wide range of lane conditions, as long as the proper layout and shell preparaion are employed. Our only caution in related to the ball's low r.g. If the shell is too dull, it can start it's move too soon as the lanes dry up.
You can e-mail us at proshop@bowlero.com if you have any questions about this or any other review.
Post by: Paul Gault on January 16, 2001, 10:57:26 AM
It is drilled with the pin just above the ring finger. With this drill I get a liitle more than medium length and a very predictable break point. I am not an Ebonite fan, but they keep putting out balls like the Vortex II, that could change.
**** UPDATE ***** L would just like to say that this is still a great ball, I am on 3 leagues, I am averaging 227, 210 and 202 across those 3 leagues with this ball. I was only a 195 average bowler before switching to the Vortex II. I have gotten a little better but the consistency of this ball helps a great deal.
Post by: boytoy on January 24, 2001, 11:33:25 AM
Post by: Ray Edwards on February 23, 2001, 01:42:38 PM
I believe it's Ebonite's second best ball in their line right after the Apex. It's a 10.
Post by: Jim Lewis on March 04, 2001, 04:16:41 PM
Jim Lewis
Ebonite Regional Staff
Post by: gator on March 31, 2001, 06:42:16 PM
Post by: drillwizard on April 04, 2001, 03:37:25 PM
Ball drilled stacked 3 3/8 X 3 3/8
with a 9' hole in thumb quadrant
3 to 2 ratio of top to side
highly polished with 800 grit
Ball is an early revver with an
excelent backend.
Carry is very good also.
very controllable unless you have a desert
outside. Wont cut through soup with the polish.
I never tried it it with the box dull finish.
I like this ball from Ebonite I give it an 8/10
Post by: D Scott Johnson on April 04, 2001, 06:09:45 PM
I bowl league in two houses: wood lanes with a taper, fairly dry backends and a guardian/wood lanes with inconsistent oil pattern and little back end.
Ball is laid out 3 3/8 x 3 3/8, no weight hole, pin next to ring finger.
The Vortex II seems to want to roll very early for me. The difference between this one and others is that the Vortex is not dead by time it gets to the pins. The hard driving, continuous back end gives me more room than I am used to and the carry is great.
The only drawback to the ball for me is that I have to know when to put it up. I reach a point where it no longer is feasable for me to throw it. I definitely need oil up front for the ball to work.
Very good ball for a very good price. Don't let the lower price fool you, this ball is first class.
8 out of 10 rating.
Scott
Post by: Tex on April 07, 2001, 10:42:23 PM
This has to be one of the best balls to come out in a long time. When I finally got my hands on one, the local supplier had been out for over a month, I thought it would be a nice control type ball. Surprise, if I want to open this one up I can cover the lane. It is also with a little hand postion adjustment can create a nice smooth arc. On the team I bowl with in a local mixed league all four of us now have one of these, including our lady, each with a different style game and it works for all of us. We currently average just under 850. This is a must for any arsenal and is my first out of the bag. I have mine drilled withnthe pin a 4 1/2" from the PAP and the CG out 2" from center of my grip towards the PAP, the weight hole is located 2" below my PAP. This allowed me 1/2oz of positive side and finger weight. Having rolled this one for one week and in three different centers, I have not found anything that has some oil this did not work on. My first game of full competition was 280 and the first night on my house condition produced a 767/287 (pattern 42 1/2ft edge to edge, blended.) This one is a 10+ and very versatile.
Post by: ooutlaw99 on May 07, 2001, 07:33:07 PM
My Vortex II is drilled with the pin above the ring-finger, and the c.g. below the ring-finger, I added a weight-hole about a month after drilling the ball to cut the backend down.
The first night I had my Vortex, I went to a 12-game sweeper on a "Sport Condition." The condition was very long, it played as if it was about 45-50 feet long, with mildly crisp backends. The ball worked very well on this long oil. I had all the room to the right b/c of how much this ball recovers. It was incrediable. I know that I had the most on that condition, unfortunately operator error occurred and I only finished second.
The greatness of the ball was lost after getting off the long-oil, I couldn't throw the ball anywhere, it just hooked to much w/ the box finish. So, I added some polish,w/ a weight-hole to bring the pos. weight to 3/8, and finger weight to 5/8. This made the ball throwable for me in most centers with heavy oil. Still to much ball for me in most cases. I believe that it is too much for me b/c it clears the heads so well that it has all of it's energy in the backend, therefore creating an unpredictable reaction on most conditions. Overall this ball is a good ball for those who don't have a tremendous amount of revolutions, but can be thrown by most players. It goes real long, makes the turn, and doesn't stop for anything. This is a great arsenal ball for most players and can be a great "house" bowlers ball if the time is taken to prepare it in the best condition to the style of bowler. Another nice feature is the price, this is one of the greatest values on the market. Good job Ebonite. This ball recieves a 8 out of 10.
Post by: Slimjuggalo on May 18, 2001, 08:14:10 AM
Post by: LuckyLefty on July 01, 2001, 01:08:54 AM
Purchased used from drill wizard, he's lefty too but his span is about 1/2 of an inch longer than mine! Therefore I threw a ball with no inserts. Sort of sharp edges. A little less speed and revs.
OK, I'll come back with another review with the same drilling and my own custom finger layout. This ball is awesome!
Ball is duller than box about 600 wet sand. Drilling is a modified rev leverage or what is sometimes called thumb leverage. Pin about 4 inches from pap and cg stacked about an inch below the grip midline. Pin is barely 2 1/2 inches from the CG and a weighthole is drilled about 6 3/4 from grip center on a line thru the grip center and CG.
This ball reminds me a lot of my wonderful Crimson Red Sledgehammer from
Hammer. It is heavy rolling and hard hitting. Very even in reaction.
This one hits a little harder because the drilling is stacked versus the Sledgehammer which has the CG is kicked out quite a bit on the sledge.
It also reminds me of my reactive Nighthawk, but smoother.
This is one of the best balls out there and it just hits so hard. Tremendous continuation. I was playing Feet on 30 launching the ball over 16 at the feathers out to 8. This is very deep for this medium rev lefty and I was not even revving like usual. I expect to smooth or polish this ball to play a few less boards.
This ball is a lot like my Pantera but maybe a little cleaner thru the heads and maybe not as jumpy on the back. Both have incredible continuation, the Vortex II smoother.
I think this one is going to be carried in the "A" bag.
Regards,
Luckylefyt
Post by: mcarney on July 11, 2001, 10:35:11 AM
I drilled it with a positive vertical shift. CG 1/2" out with the pin under my ring finger. I can play all of the oil with this ball. I left it witha 600 grit dull finish. It gets through the heads cleanly, even scuffed, rolls up and moves. It doesn't quit in the backend and consistently keeps the pins low. I rarely leave a 10-pin when playing 5th arrow or further in with this ball. How nice is that?!?
I need to keep a few new ones in my basement.
Post by: LuckyLefty on July 20, 2001, 12:33:24 PM
Got this ball from drillwizard and thru it the way he had it slight thumb leverage with a 3 3/8 pin. I left the thumb spot and moved the fingers a tad to get this ball to 4 by 3 1/2. CG now on the midline.
This ball is still heavy rolling even after my proshop guy polished without me asking. Ball revs very early and keeps on tickin'. My impression so far on the summer patterns I've tried is a lot like Bowler's Journal review that the lane needs to be 8 feet shorter! I'm going to save for a long pattern on synthetic before I shine the surface.
In contrast to my Pantera which I think is a helluva ball, the Pantera seems to be more sensitive to the dry and the oil. Skids more in oil and jumps more off of dry. This ball just keeps on arching and seems due to the trimax to have a little more traction in oil and a little less jump off dry.
However, this ball covers some serious boards. As the marketing material says
"if the ball seems to shoot off your hand, this is the ball for you" is true.
This is to be used on long heavy patterns where you need big continuous backend.
Regards,
Luckylefty
Post by: Eddie Williams on December 14, 2001, 07:29:40 PM
--------------------
Eddie Williams PBA Regional member
Post by: Jim Lewis on December 17, 2001, 07:46:20 PM
Jim Lewis
Ebonite Regional Staff
Post by: ballard2 on January 25, 2002, 08:57:55 PM
I can't believe that I had not posted a review on
what is probably our most popular ball, the vortex II.
I used the medium rg - strong drilling(#5) with this ball
and just left it in box condition. Bowled on the fresh china
with this and just as you would expect with the VORTEX II,
it revved up early and often, very strong continuation through
the pins. If you are looking for a strong non-particle ball I
don't think you can go wrong with this one.
Matt Ballard
Ebonite regional staff member
Post by: LIFTERPULLER on January 29, 2002, 10:00:26 AM
3 days later I bowled in my league, and did I bowl a great series. My average series is around 430 and I bowled a 490 which is pretty good.
Now to my second series in League. I pull the ball out for a few practice toss's. Low and behold there is a hairline fracture around the circumfurance of the ball. So the ball lasted 5 games. Luckily the website said they would take it back and exchange for a new one. Now I have to deal with shipping and re drilling.
Post by: rtbowlr300 on January 31, 2002, 11:44:35 AM
Post by: Jace Peterson on February 01, 2002, 11:17:08 AM
Post by: Bob Hanson on February 05, 2002, 11:10:35 AM
Overally impression, a good low rg ball that revs up and has a nice strong shell out of the box. If the shell holds up reasonably well this will be way up at the strong end of my reactives. Even if the shell goes a little it should be a good control ball where I have some back end. Very similar roll pattern to my Tour Power, but much stronger shell in box condition.
Post by: Huddersfieldybc on February 14, 2002, 04:30:39 PM
Well i bought this ball with high hopes all my mates said it will be the best ball out. I got rid of it after 3 weeks and a grand total of 33 games! It goes longer than a London marathon runner and has less backend than a supermodal. Not only that if you do manage to get anywhere near the pocket you will find that the 10 pin and the 8 pin and the 7 pin and the 9 pin and the 7 and 10 pin etc all stay up, this ball is like a pair of large smelly pants!!
Overall rating: 2/10 (i think only a pineapple can get 1, this ball is very close though)
Post by: Michael Gaither on March 15, 2002, 02:04:16 PM
The vortex 2 just sees the lane all the way down,helps you stay in control
of the breakpoint and still has a strong backend.I like this ball all the
way from oily to semi dry conditions.Again,a must have.I have never talked
to anybody that didn't at least like it a lot.Get one or two of them you
won't be sorry.
Michael Gaither
Ebonite Regional Staff
Post by: ebonitekid on March 22, 2002, 06:11:56 AM
Post by: Aloarjr810 on April 12, 2002, 08:14:01 PM
Ball info- Weight 16#, CG to Pin is 3 1/2" Factory finish.
Drilling- Pin is 4" from axis point slightly right & above the ring finger, CG
is about 1/2" below and a 1 5/8" right of the center of the grip. Looks similar
to Ebonites vortex series drilling instructions drilling #2 12:00 leverage.
Lane type used on was Brunswick ProAnvil Lanes, Total length of oil pattern 40ft.
Wow is the first thing to say! This is a great reactive ball. Had it drilled just
a few hours before my mens league. Just after they oiled the lanes I got to throw
two practice games with it.The first game just to check the fit and find the best
line. The second game for score and score it did 276. Standing on thirty throwing
the ball out to about seven, it was blasting the pocket. During league it was
about the same finishing the night with a 696 (A split cost me a 300game in
league).
Best of all it was carrying the corners good. Leak it out and it recovered great.
Had to make sure not to pull it, as it would hold going down the center and not
cross brooklyn side and drive right in to the head pin.
The ball made it all three games and the lanes just seemed to get more open for
me as the night went on. The V2 was very consistent and I felt I had great
control in every shot. It would continue nicely through the pins.
Very good ball and low cost too.
Post by: dime on May 04, 2002, 07:48:49 AM
Post by: ringmaster on May 17, 2002, 09:37:41 AM
Post by: joedubstyle on May 21, 2002, 09:46:23 AM
I have no idea what my average is, since I am waiting for the fall to join a league. I have had the opportunity to visit a whole bunch of houses between Pittsburgh and Cleveland, and I typically will throw around 15-20 games a week. I had tried a few other balls from friends, but when I got this I knew it was a keeper. The two hundred games just keep coming...
I guess you could say I am somewhere between a stroker and tweener, about 14-15mph, and I throw a full roller, tho I like to play around with the hand action and tinker with speed too much
Now, the drilling...... I actually had two vortex balls, yes the first one hairlined, and it was drilled for the full roller recommendation from ebonite. I later found that the pin and cg were almost on top of one another, and in this conditon, the ball would really roll out on dry lanes..so much that it was like trying to play a bank shot .When the ball cracked after about a month, I thought, well, this might be a blessing, but despite my repeated instructions to the lane owner in my hometown, he re-drilled it full roller because he noticed the pin and cg were spaced a little differently, and he thought it would be better. At first I was 
but I figured it would be best to learn with a difficult ball, and this one actually rolls out a little less. What I found tho was that it is a great ball to throw from the far right, straight down ten , or even inside out to five depending on the conditons. I kept box finish so far, and I find this ball to be very controllable and predictable, it hits brutally, and when you find the line and miss a little, it gives you some really fun junk strikes.
I just wish could buy a couple more, I'm dying to see what some drillings and grits will do..
Post by: bigsmoove on May 24, 2002, 11:54:58 AM
a solid 9.5 on a scale of 1-10
Post by: Phatdon on June 17, 2002, 02:36:55 PM
This ball, with this drill, requires oil. Too little and it is way too agressive. But, with the right adjustments, it is THE ball to own! Coverstock is easy to adjust up or down, box finish is just fine for most folks. Hits like a truck and usually clears the deck.
Definately worth using.
--------------------
PHATDon
If it don't say Ebonite, it might as well say K-mart!
Post by: Brendaka on August 12, 2002, 03:23:19 PM
It's my number one goto ball
Post by: thegame on October 11, 2002, 01:37:20 PM
Post by: morpheus on November 18, 2002, 04:21:42 PM
Post by: Lefty210 on December 26, 2002, 11:15:04 AM
I have had the ball for a little over a month now and I have not been
able to throw that often but I can see the potential monster that is going
to be. Well I got mine drilled 3 1/2 x 3 with the mass bias 2" out. All
I can say is WATCH OUT OIL. I was able to throw the ball once when I was in
York bowling on the sports shot. It was the short pattern but 8 and out were oiled to 42 feet. While the other lefties were playing really direct around
5-7, I was able to move as deep as 28 and swing as wide as 3 without the ball flinching a bit. I drove through the oil as if I was on a normal "block" pattern. All I can say is if you are looking for a good ball for heavy oil this is your ball. THUMBS UP to EBONITE. I am definitely going to crossover
Lefty210
Post by: dafetz on January 04, 2003, 01:50:50 PM
My Vortex II is drilled approximately 5x5, wet sanded to 1500 and polished with Finesse-it II. It is my first ball out of the bag at almost every house (except my local house) since it plays well on many inside angles. My V2 clears the heads extremely well and saves up plenty of energy for the back end. It also reads the midlanes just enough to give very good control. Although it has a strong skid/flip look most of the time, it is also pretty easy to control.
Post by: Zack Pelton on January 30, 2003, 01:06:34 AM
Pin: 3-4"
Top Weight: 2.34
Weight: 15.52
Surface: I started at 220 and took it down to 1000 and left it.
Drill: Pin up and over from the ring finger, cg under the middle finger
-------o--
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----O-----
First of all I have put so many games under this ball I put it through the Ebonite Hook Agian. That stuff works nice on all the balls I have seen go out of the proshop. I bought this ball to replace my El Nino X-It, and becuase I have heard everyone raid about how good the ball is I had to have one. I set this ball to roll early and boy it does. I can cup the wrist and get an earlier roll with extream jerk on the backend (I would have figuared it would have smoothened out on the backend) I can get some length on it but there has to be allot of head oil and I must up my speed quiet abit.
This ball also like my Vortex 2 Particle opens up the lane on a sport shot, but not as much as the Particle. Like the particle it does hook a ton, but I have had more seccess playing up the boards rather than 3rd or 4th arrow just becuase the entry of angle less sharpe. It always seems either on a house shot or a sport shot, if nothing is working this ball does (when I am not being a retard through the ball bad).
Tends to be my go to ball when nothing is working (got enough seperation from my other ball is my arsenal)
Tends to hit a lite spot of oil and turns within the first 20ft
Not a ball easly pushed through the lane.
Post by: Garcia on February 05, 2003, 03:32:04 AM
All I can say is WOW! just WOW!
If you dont have one, what are u waiting for?!
Xeno Garcia
Ebonite Regional Staff
Sythlord79@aol.com
Post by: Greatness on February 16, 2003, 01:21:10 AM
A basic label drill that with my pap came to a 4 X 5 1/2. I took the ball to 600 and polished it a little.
This ball is so versatile. I can get this ball to crush the pocket with any speed, any amount of hand, standing just about anywhere. The ball glides then snaps. But i cannot get the ball to carry no matter what i do. 28 shots flush in a series and only shot 620. I left all sorts of pins, 10, 7, 9, 7-10, 4-9, and a lot of other wild and crazy stuff to name a few.
I am going to continue to work with the ball because it really fits my game and i like its moves. Maybe taking some side and finger weight out and a surface change will get the ball into a roll a little earlier.
Greatness
Post by: Garcia on February 26, 2003, 12:12:50 AM
Crunch! Crunch! Crunch!
Strike! Strike! Strike!
Still striking, striking in my backswing. Striking on my way to the bowl. Striking even while I sit here and type. Sanded V2, polished V2, w/X-hole, w/o X-hole, doesnt matter.
Whack! Whack! Whack!
Need more V2's! Three years strong, can you name another ball thats been out for more than 3 years?! No, No chance! Best ball ever! Ebonite please keep the V2!
BP, Can you hear me?!?!?!?!!?!?!?!!?!?!?!
Xeno Garcia
Ebonite Regional Staff
Sythlord79@aol.com
Post by: Jeff Carter on February 28, 2003, 10:46:53 PM
Bowl to Win
Jeff Carter
Ebonite staff member
Post by: WannaBe on March 14, 2003, 10:20:58 AM
I realize I'm not adding any new revelations here. Previous reviews speak volumes about what a quality ball this is. The reason for the post is that I hope the Powers that Be over at Ebonite read. I guess this beast has been out for almost 3 years now? I hope Ebonite has no plans of discontinuing this ball! PLEASE DON'T DO THAT! For my next ball, I think I'll get another Vortex II. After that, I'm thinking maybe a Vortex II. Then...well, you get the idea.
Post by: Nick Melnikoff on March 24, 2003, 12:34:31 PM
Post by: Tony Glickley on March 25, 2003, 11:18:05 PM
Just dropping another hint to all the people who haven't thrown the most versatile ball on the planet...........WAKE UP
I drilled my Vortex with a 3" pin from my axis and CG 3" from my axis or a typical stacked leverage. Hit the surface of this ball with Ebonite Factory polish to take the dull off the ball. Off course this is a skid/flip layout and thats what it does. Shot my 10th 300 with it monday night after switching to it from my V2 Particle was just too early for the oil pattern. This ball has worked great over the last 4 years that it has been out. It has stood the test of time.Tony Glickley
Ebonite Amateur Staff
Post by: BrianN on March 29, 2003, 06:11:12 PM
Light 15#, 2" pin that we did in the #5 drilling. I put pin under ring and needed a weight hole about 4" below my PAP and on the thumb side of my VAL. I had never been able to throw pin under ring before, so I was very pleased that we were able to get it working, thanks to some help from the experts on this board. It is an extremely strong layout.
Two words jump out at me: versatile and powerful.
Even with my humble skills, it's easy to understand why the pros like this guy so much. V2 doesn't just reflect your release, it honors it. I was fiddling around with different releases, seeing what it liked. I suitcased it and rode the oil line, Boom! I hit it hard and swung it from 4th arrow, Boom! I opened my hand, sent it out in a soft swing, Boom! I led with the ring and tried to get it as long as possible down and in, Boom! It had no bias that I could detect, and gave me several playable lines. I could choose the one that carried best. Another bowler commented that it looked like I threw 4 different balls that game.
I started off with some polish over the the factory 1200 surface. It was not skiddy by any means, and I still found it playable on quite a bit of oil. The backend was ferocious. I would be afraid of 2-10s with this surface. I took the polish off and left it at box finish. Like nearly everything, I prefer it dull-it still has good length and, in this drilling, is the biggest hooker with the most overall backend of anything in my bag. It was also quite good on carrydown.
Ebonite/Hammer seems to have perfected the art of building a hook monster that keeps on coming on the backend. I could generate a lot of angle on the pocket when the shot called for it. V2 was not the biggest hitter I have available (my Hammer and Visionary equipment are the gold standard), but it proved effective.
When I was able to swing it, I did not experience the carry problems that others have noted as a concern. Its modus for me was for the 6 to come off the wall and lop the 10 off at the knees. However, when I played it up the boards on a lot of oil, I rang an inordinate number of 10s that I could not seem to adjust out.
For your strongest solid resin, this seems a great default no-brainer choice. With cover, drilling and release adjustments, you can turn it into anything you want. If you have access to a spinner, you have an arsenal-in-a-box.
My criticisms: Mine is really snappy when it hits the dry. If you don't have any hold, you have to put it up because the backend won't quit. When I lost the shot, it tended to go away all at once. With my other equipment, I'll usually get a 4 pin as a red flag. V2 wasn't like that - one ball was a flush strike and the next plowed through the face. I haven't spent enough time to know how to listen to it.
Even though it's a slighly smaller overall move and backend, I still find the Blade Particle to be somewhat more controllable.
Control: 8.5. A lot of counterbalances - take away a little for being jumpy on the dry, add a little for good breakpoint behavior, take away a little for this moby drilling, add something for responding nicely to your release.
Versatility: 10. Everything for everybody.
Hit and carry: 8.5. Very good, effective. Not bad, not awesome.
Post by: pjd300 on April 14, 2003, 08:37:13 PM
40 foot house. 40 in the middle tapered off to about 3 on the outside at 36 ft
This ball revs early and and continues through the backend. It opens the lane up and makes up for misses outside of target.
36 foot sport. 2:1 2 being the outside and 1 being the inside. This was the only ball that was controllable and powerful enough to hit the pocket. I give this ball a 9.5/10
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Dave (a.k.a. tha fluffer) sucks
Post by: UNObowler01 on May 07, 2003, 12:09:55 PM
Pin out 2 inches
top unknown
Layout:
5 1/2 x 5 1/2
Pin under bridge, label on gripline.
Big, strong, angular backend reaction. Hits hard and keeps pins low. Have used it on numerous conditions and patters, and it gets back better than any ball I have. Even on more oil with the polished surface, it still makes the corner better than any other ball in the bag. Does the same thing on everything-goes long and hits hard. If the Shooter won't make the corner, this ball is next in line. I haven't got as many games on this one as the rest, but it is definitely a good ball and comes up big when I need it. Has never let me down when I call on it.
Ebonite, you'd better never quit making this one. It would be the best ball in your line for years to come if you let it.
UNO
--------------------
UNO Mens Bowling, representing Omaha and Nebraska at the 2003 IBC Sectional Tournament in St. Louis, Mo.
GO MAVS!
Post by: Monster Stitch on May 30, 2003, 02:15:12 PM
Post by: Dan_Knight on June 01, 2003, 04:20:31 AM
The lightly polished V2 with the 45 degree drilling revs up extremely well in the mid-lane and makes a strong but controllable move off dry. The V2 with the matte finish and the 85 degree drilling pushes much farther down the lane and has a more angular move off dry. Both of these balls hit very hard and have worked well on a variety of conditions.
I have owned both of these balls now for nearly two years and they have seen a lot of use. The only complaint I have is that both of my V2's seem to lose some of their backend drive and hook much quicker than my other resin balls (before you ask, yes I always clean my equipment after use). Resurfacing did not help much, but I had the oil removed from both of the V2's in a "Revivor" and they returned to their original pin crushing form.
Overall I would give my V2's a 9 out of 10.
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Dan Knight
dknight1@wi.rr.com
Post by: Leftyhi-trak on June 11, 2003, 06:13:13 PM
like this ball.
Update: Well my game has progressed and i learned to lower my track some. 1 1/2" off fingers and 1" off thumb. Now i find I love this ball. On mediums I can swing it and on heavier mediums can square up. It's motion is very controlled with a heavy roll but doesn't snap. Carry is excellent. Again Kudos to one of the best ball on the market. It resides in the bag next to the Particle which i use on the heavier stuff.
Post by: loose5682 on July 07, 2003, 03:30:15 PM
Good ball, again, just not for me.
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Andrew Loose
Illinois State University Men's Team
Post by: Zack Pelton on August 11, 2003, 02:03:46 AM
Pin: 2-3"
Topweight: 2.54 oz
Weight: 15.53 lb
Surface: Started at 600 grit and took it down to 4000 grit and polished it with ebonite Factory Finish and than Ebonite Extender Polish
Drill: 12:00 stack leverage, weight hole
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Overall
I bought the Vortex 2 to replace my tour power. However, I desired more length and a snapper backend. Playing up the boards is simple with this ball as long as you feed it to the dry part of the lane. I have had little troulbe getting the through the heads in the later stages of tournaments (9-10 game). Getting around this ball is like playing with a shark in the ocean. This ball still gets clean through the lane, but on the backends this ball diggs. On most house shots I can make work, but sport shots a little diffrent. I need longer patterns for this ball (sport shots) or the ball is very over reactive. I ussaly do not stay behind the ball and play up the boards becuase of carry issues but it is there when I need it.
Pro's
When there is some carry down this ball really never looses any hit in the pocket.
Con's
Sometimes the ball over reacts on a fresh condition.
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Ebonite
Bowl to Win!!!
Zack Pelton
Post by: Zack Pelton on January 01, 2004, 11:29:45 PM
Pin: 2-3"
Topweight: 2.54 oz
Weight: 15.53 lb
Surface: I scuffed the surface with a green scot brite pad
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I was finding that I was leaving this ball at home for tournaments, because the ball had to much jump on the backend when the backends were clean and not enough jolt when there was some carry down. Therefore, I was not throwing this ball a whole lot and found others to work. A couple weeks ago I decided on selling my Swamp Monster (Brunswick) so I had a spot to fill in my arsenal. I thought long and hard and said to my self I need something that is drilled to go long but has some surface so I can still get some recovery in oil/carrydown. This ball works great and fits better then the Swamp Monster.
Like I said before I scuffed it up to get a more desirable reaction out of this ball. Staying behind this ball is a dream (I very rarely have to get around the ball) as long as I keep it in the oil. When I hit a dry spot it is just like it is polished even though I hit the pocket it still doesn't carry well because too much energy is wasted by crossing more boards. I think this ball will be good playing down and in on a flat pattern (I always had a little trouble with my V2 Patical after the first few shots, because a dry spot would developed). In general the reaction as smoothed out alot however still crossing quite a few boards.
Most nights I start off by shooting 18-19 board to the 10 board and if I throw it right the desired action is obtainedt. However some nights the carry just in not there so there are two options move left lighten the speed and add more grip pressure, or speed up the ball and take my wrist and grip pressure out. Usually I choose to lighten up my speed and move left. On this shot I can move as far as 30 board, but I must get to the dry boards or I leave a headpin wash out. Usually I can't pull anything more then a 720 with this shot. Know I will get into moving to the right and upping my speed. I can make this shot work but I have to play my break point (which is usually the ten pin shadow reflection. Tend to hit the pocket shooting this way but the six pin gets drooped in the channel most of the time.
The ball has plenty of length and good recovery
Kind of hits like a marsh mellow if the angle is not right on.
Post by: laner7pin on January 13, 2004, 05:23:03 PM
Ball: 15lbs
Pin 3-4"
Top: ??
Drilling: over the label
Gave Ebonite a 2nd attempt after my "lovely" experience with the 1st Apex. V2 solid is a ball that for me revs up quick and makes a very strong move into the pocket. If I go daed flush on 1-2, you hear it on 23-24 (well if nobody else is bowling
). After a quick resurface and polish on it at first, was able to use in 3 different houses getting a similar look in all 3. Ability to get in a bit and swing the lane a little bit more, with enough backend to come back from the dirt. After a few games with the polish and the winter oil cam into effect, decided to take the polish off and bring it down to 600 sanded. WOW what a difference. Ball seems to rev up faster and earlier (duh) but still maintains the backend reaction it had when it was polished. First two houses playing about 10-5 on synthetics, no problem getting to the pocket. If I pull it...brooklyn, if I miss wide, sometimes it will come back light, but other times its a bucket or washout. 3rd house is a short wood pattern, I can start between 2nd-3rd arrow out to 5, but as the night goes on, I am in almost 4th arrow by the end of the shift (yes I am left handed as well). Absolutely love this ball. Picked up a V2 Pearl to compliment it, but due to my bonehead move while redrilling the thumb, I ruined the ball with the "scary tool" and made a 4" around chunk out of the ball around the thumb almost 1/4" deep. Didnt want to attempt that plug job, so I tossed it. Oh well, I have now become a fan of ebonite again and am very pleased with this ball. Thanks again Lefty!!!--------------------
Whats that made of?
14 Karat Gold.
Really??? Looks like rubber!
No the ring, not the hand....
Post by: pba300900 on January 14, 2004, 11:38:13 PM
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Not just any athlete can handle a bowling ball!!
Post by: Mr Old School on February 06, 2004, 10:50:54 AM
. I really didn't think that it would be the answer, because of the balls from Ebonite, that I purchase before!Like the turbo X,not good in oil. The Nitro R, the ball was ok, but not outstanding, and the coverstock required lots of maintance! Then came the Turbo C, A good spare ball! On a whim, after I came back from Billings, I called the Ebonite sales reps, and had them drill me up one. the spec's of this ball is:weight-15.2
top-3.0 oz
pin to cg-3 1/2"
how it's drilled- leverage, with the cg kick out to the right side.
As a league house ball, I believe that you don't need to look for another ball! This one ball can do the work of so many! At the bluegrass state games, I bowled on a tuff condition, after I polished the coverstock I won the silver medal
. the past month I bowled over my average, with just last week bowling my first 700 with this incredible ball! I think this ball should go into bowling hall of fame!--------------------
Mr. Old School
If you can't swing it, Your probally throwing brunswick!
Post by: Tommy 10-Pins on April 11, 2004, 10:28:30 PM
The alley I bowl at varies a lot when it comes to oil on the lanes. Some days its pretty heavy, some days it's not. On the heavy days the Vortex II is pretty good, hitting the pocket reletively hard. I do have a problem with the pin reaction to this ball, which I'll get into later on. It just doesn't really send the pins flying like it's said to do. Also, it's still a little hard to control, sometimes snapping way to hard on the backends leaving me with an open frame.
When the lanes are slightly drier is when I really hate this ball with a passion. Plan on having your average drop about 50 points on lighter oil. The ball has way to much hook and angle. I've tried a myriad of different throwing styles to see if I could find something that would match this ball up with drier conditions and there is nothing that works. Yeah maybe if you are a 250+ bowler you can figure something out but I can't. I've even had the ball polished to delay the action and still I can't get it to work for me.
Now to the hitting power of this marshmallow of a ball. I have had more 9-pin frames than I can count. I will bury this ball so perfectly in the pocket and still come up with 9 pins, leaving one measley little pin still standing and laughing at me. The pins rarely go flying. It's a 16# ball that hits like a 6# house ball.
Bottom Line: I am happier using my Father's 20 year old AMF Strikeline than my Vortex II Sanded. I feel that I wasted my money. I've since gotten a Lane Masters Deep Impact (which is amazing... but that's a whole 'nother review) and my Vortex rarely comes out of the bag. So... if you bowl heavy oil and want major snap and hook in a ball, you'll probably like the action of the Vortex, but not the hitting power. I know every bowler is different and perhaps this is an excellent ball in the hands of someone else, but it's just not for me. Nor would I recommend it.
Good luck and see you on the tour.
Tommy T.
Post by: Gene J Kanak on April 12, 2004, 12:28:04 PM
I hesitated to throw this ball in league when I first got it, because I was doing very well with my Uranium and Cherry Bomb, and I didn't feel like stirring the pot. But I just couldn't find a line with either one last week, and the V2 stepped in and really showed me something. The ball is smooth, predictable and absolutly devastating at the pin deck. I would rate the overall move about the same as the Uranium, but the smoothness of the V2 makes even the Uranium (one of the best, most-predicatble saws I've ever thrown) seem jumpy! With some polish I think that this ball is a cranker's dream. It clears the heads with ease and makes a very strong, continuous move on the backend. I have also noticed that the carry is fantastic with this ball. It seems like I leave fewer ten pins when coming from steep angles with the V2 than I do with my other stuff. It is now very easy for me to see why this ball has been so popular. It is just a great all-around ball.
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Bowling is without a doubt the dumbest, most pointless, most idiotic excuse for a game that has ever been invented. So, what time are we bowling tomorrow?
Post by: Deadbait on May 02, 2004, 02:07:35 AM
Post by: DP3 on May 03, 2004, 02:54:00 PM
User Profile
Right handed Tweener
Medium Tracker
340rpms
16mph speed at 40 ft
PAP 4 11/16ths over 3/16ths up
Drilling
Pin beside ring, C.G Stacked weighthole on the midline 1 inch past the PAP
2 1/2 inch pin out
Polished with Ebonite Particle Polish
Lane Conditions
1- 28ft flat condition, 40 units, buffed down to 39
2- Broken down wall shot(after 8 games)
3- PBA Pattern E1(Fresh)
Review on Condition 1: This was one of the hardest shots I've ever played period. I started out with a Command Zone Arc playing straight up 12. The Arc was giving me too early of a read(it's drilled just like the V2 solid) and just overpowered the midlane. With the V2 solid hooking about 4 boards less than the Arc, instead of going on the same line I moved 3 right and played up and around the 8 board at the arrows with a firmer hand and speed. What happened here was a great read of the midlane and a strong but more controlled of an arc. Due to the polish I got a good 3-4 feet more length than the Arc which really helped me in getting the ball to the breakpoint. Unfortunately this condition was really hard for me and I wasn't able to repeat many good shots to get to the pocket
Review on Condition 2: AWESOME. With a house shot with this many games bowled on it before I pulled out this ball and the depleting heads I was still able to keep this ball in play on many angles with the best shot being very deep inside(27-16 at breakpoint).
Review on Condition 3: Excellent, I finally realized why this seems to be the ball of choice on TV when they play pattern E. With such strong backends and the best part of the lane to play being the outside you really need a ball that reads the midlane with earlier flare and a smoother hook shape out of the dry. This is exactly what the V2 does on this condition. Reads early, smoothens out the transition from oil to dry. I was able to score pretty well on pattern E after I figured out the shot after 14 frams or so and due to the V2 being so smooth, I was able to hold the line for a few games without moving an inch.
This is by far one of the best and more versatile balls I've ever used. It hits so well and it's so forgiving to release errors. Usually when I find a core/cover combo I like I stick with it. I look forward to redrilling my Nitro R2 solid and another V2 Solid or V2 Clean to go with it.
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-DJ Marshall
"Repetition beats luck everytime"
Post by: DaEboniteKid00 on November 26, 2005, 10:46:19 PM
Post by: jbmartin71 on February 21, 2006, 01:14:05 AM
After being away from the sport since college team days, I took a part time job at the local lanes. Having lost all my equipment over the years, and a larger than expected IRS refund, I found myself in the market for a new ball to get back into the sport. The center I work at has no pro shop at the moment, mot even a vertical press drill for god's sake, but thats another thread.
I took recomendations to see the pro shop guy in a town 40 miles away. Long story short....Dude listened to what I was looking for and pointed me towards either a One or this rock....I went went this one, being a bigger fan of a duler finish for no other real reason. I strolled in to work on my night off but dernit no open lanes...but....I can Sub...just by my sanction card and Im off to the races...
Got six practice shots in...and then proceeded to bury the next 10. And I was erratic. I dumped a few, that skidded to the dry boards and willed out 5s and 7s, I lofted a few that dug in almost on impact and came back like a Monnaceli.
. I did stroke a few too though. L I overthank the 11th moved right a little and threw it a little harder, got into the middle and skidded up short to leave the 2-4. 288 a'int bad out of the box. Missed 4 ten pins and chopped two eith counts the rest of night for a 706. Ill take that. Just need to get a spare ball...I had no clue what this ting would do on right side spares...
I had a 6 board target with ball on medium to heavy...freshly oiled, 2 year old synthetics...When I last bowled the target was near 6 but the carry was around 3...I carried a few ten pins that was sure would stand...Are these new balls that much better? Is that why this ous has 4 guys with 220+ averages at this point in the season?
Wow I gotta shut it down.
Post by: Mr Old School on March 30, 2006, 08:11:06 AM
So after i threw that ball into the trash! ,So I decided to get another one! This ball spec's are: 15.3lbs3.05 top
4" pin
drilled to the right and 45 degrees above the ring finger.
cg about three and a half from pap, with weight hole 6 and 3/4 away.
down at the nationals I shot 531,542,585
I still needed to get use to rolling this ball. It's longer with a big backend, the first one was much shorter with a smooth, but continuous backend. After arriving back home in Lexington,Ky I waited for friday night to bowl. I was never so pleased to see this ball rolling 245,265,215 for a 725 series. So thanks to the Ebonite team for making the Vortex 2. This ball IS STILL A WINNER! I wonder if I should go to the landfill??????
I just have gotten through with the league tonight, 3-31-06 shot 244,266,226, for an 736 series. Just goes to show you that the ball selection is crucial to your game
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Mr. Old SchoolIf you can't swing it, Your probally throwing brunswick!
Post by: kingpin268 on April 15, 2006, 10:25:44 PM
Specs
Right-handed stroker
Low track (high tilt?)
250-300 rpm
Usually around 30 degrees axis rotation
15-17 mph
...more in the profile I guess
Ball
14 lbs
About 3" pin
Is about 600-800 grit currently
Pic of layout in profile
Drilling
Pin 4" maybe 4 1/2" from PAP under ring
CG kicked out a bit to the right
Reaction
At my normal house, the V2 Sanded gets through the heads with ease, starts revving up smoothly in the midlane and has a nice controlled backend. Usually burns up with the 600 grit cover.
However, on conditions with more oil, the ball is able to save energy for the backend and becomes a little more versatile overall. The ball carries high and flush hits very well and it is starting to carry lighter hits better but more often than not, leaves the notorious ten. My old V2 carried light hits better than anything I've ever seen. I'm hoping this new V2 will grow into that too.
Myself being a low tracker, I have trouble in heavier volumes of oil. However, by slowing this ball down, it is still able to turn the corner and pretty strong at that. One with more revs and perhaps a higher track could very easily get this ball to cover heavy conditions with the same 600 grit cover I've been using.
Something that I've never seen out of my first V2 is that sometimes this ball can get really snappy on some conditions. I'm not sure but they could have been shorter patterns where it grabs early and a lot. But that is my only dislike. Normally it is smooth and powerful but on the wrong condition, I guess, it can become very eratic and snappy. All part of matching up.
Overall, a very solid ball from Ebonite. I can see why it's been in production as long as it has been. Hopefully some of Ebonite's newer releases can compete with this legend. Hope this is beneficial to someone.
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Only One More Ball I Promise
Post by: Lefty210 on September 22, 2006, 03:43:58 PM
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If it isn't EBONITE it isn't bowling........
Post by: leftehh- LG on October 16, 2006, 12:30:50 AM
THS
This ball is VERY smooth on typical house shots. The best word I can describe for this ball is it seems like its a "remote control" to the pocket. I cna probably miss around 5 inside and it hold so well. When i miss outside it hits off that dry hard but its still is "controlled" and hits the pocket. This is one of Ebonite's greatest successes of all time. If you can find one get while you can!
LG
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Bowl to Win!
Post by: stc067 on February 27, 2011, 04:37:22 PM
LANE CONDITION
Length:37'
Volume:medium
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):
COMMENTS
Likes:I was lucky enough to find one NIB a couple of years ago, The V2 is still a THS beast! This ball begins rolling early in the midlane, and has a smooth strong arching motion on the backend.Still one of my favorite balls ever!
Dislikes: None, the V2 is usable on a variety of conditions, and can score on any of them.
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
Post by: danielmiyamoto60 on December 20, 2019, 06:34:08 PM
Length: 41
Volume: 28
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): THS
COMMENTS
Likes: Strong midlane motion, super continuation through the pins. Hits as harder than most balls in my arsenal. Must have limited edition re-make.
Dislikes: Will not be able to use this for very long on lighter patterns.
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
Post by: MikeRomero on January 10, 2020, 11:44:33 AM
The Ebonite Vortex V2 is just what bowling needed as the last ball from EBI Headquarters! The special edition lives up to the hype with this ball! Compared to my GB3, this ball easily hooks 3-4 more boards and reads the midlane much better! The GB3 coming out was a must have! This ball is even better! A strong ball with controllable motion makes this a Tournament ball all day! Averaged 256 (257/254/258) with the V2 straight out of box on league night! Get yours today at your local pro shop!
Length: 40ft
Volume: Light
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): THS
COMMENTS
Likes: Strong! Controllable! Reads the midlane really good!
Dislikes:
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS