I just got the blast from one of the PSOs I follow in Japan about these three balls, especially with the BW Platinum used in a major victory on the KPBA tour. The PSO put up some videos about them, so I took a look.

First, the BW Platinum:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXs3zcpR33Y

At first glance, I have to say that I was more impressed with the color of the ball than the performance. Then in finally seeing it, I realize that it is an even longer pearl than the BW Gold. This ball goes LONG. Not as flippy as the BW Gold (at least from what I can tell), but definitely is long. I don't know if it is because of the tilt and axis rotation of the player, but there it is.

I'm surprised they compared it to the BWBG instead of the BWG, as I'd like to see that comparison, as we know this will be slotted below the hybrid. But would it be slotted below the BWG?

Next, BW Blue Urethane.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yy_5L6WjIZg

This... I'm not seeing much of a difference between this and the BW Urethane (Black). Right now, Coverstock prep seems to be the only difference. But I have to wonder.. would they look at reproducing the original fab balls (coverstock colors) in a separate BW Urethane line?

Finally, Peppermint Vibe.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=717x6K5jvaw

This ball looks freakin' PRETTY. Definitely eye candy for this, and would possibly be the first Vibe ball I would pick up should it be released in the US. Same cover as the Onyx Vibe, which makes me think it won't be seen here. The only difference is coverstock prep. Again, I'd love to see this compared to the Onyx Vibe, but they compared it to the BW Platinum. It's stronger than the Platinum, which makes those two balls complimentary.

All are USBC Approved. Thoughts?

BL.

A Vibe that's stronger than a Gas Mask core ball? That's interesting.

Exactly! That makes me wonder if the Peppermint Vibe (and by extension, the Onyx Vibe) is really that strong, or the BW Platinum is really that weak.

I do see that there are 2 BW Platinums on the approved list: this one, and a white one. I don't know what the difference between those two are.

But that Vibe looks PRETTY.

BL.

I've seen a new Magenta/Pinkish urethane Hammer on Instagram thrown by an Int'l staffer. It didn't look as dull as the others, maybe 3000-4000 grit. A few Platinums have made their way to the states. A local shop here has a case. $299.99 OTD.

Oh man that BW Platinum looks sweet!

This really and truly has me wondering if they are recreating a quasi-original FAB lineup with the Gas Mask core. I mean so far, we've seen Black, Blue, and now possibly this pink ball. If it was Gas Mask, then that's 4 of the original 8. I could definitely see an entire BW Urethane lineup with the original Fab look/colors.

BL.

The Pink/Magenta Urethane is the New style 2 piece core that's in the Black/Purple hammers.

I had a second look at the BW Platinum, and sorta changed my mind on it. It may be stronger than the BWG. In looking at the specs (finally saw them translated), it is using the Gas Mask Core (as we all know) with the Aggression Pearl coverstock (non-CFI), so basically the same cover as the Rip'D Pearl. It's a lot stronger than I initially thought.

Because of that, I'm not sure if we'll see that one over here as well, unless they phase out the BWG altogether (it's at the back of the list, so it's possible). It would compliment the Onyx and Peppermint Vibes well.

It also makes me think that it would compare to the Rip'D pearl the same way the BWBG compares to the Rip'D. Either way, I'm liking this ball a lot more than I initially thought.

BL.

Marc where you at

Heard he's not doing that anymore...