Post by: admin on December 31, 1969, 06:00:00 PM
Ball Color: Black Pearl
Finish: Polish
Flare Potential: 7" (Medium-High)
RG Average: 2.615 (Medium-High) on a scale of 2.43-2.8 Very low-High Break Point
RG Differential: 0.055 (Medium-High) on a scale of .000-.080 Low-High Flare
Recommended Lane Conditions: Medium-Heavy Oil Oil
Description: The Black Pearl is the first particle pearl bowling ball in the Lane Masters Bowling Legends Series. Designed for medium to heavier volumes of oil, it matches the Dynasty Core from the New Standard with a particle enhanced version of our Masterpiece coverstock called Traction Reactive XLP. With the factory finish, it will match distance and hook potential ideal for medium volumes of oil. However, when the particles are exposed by scuffing the surface with a gray or burgundy abrasive pad, it will produce a distance and hook potential suited more for heavier volumes of oil.
Post by: robospare on November 22, 2006, 01:58:53 PM
RG - 2.56
DIFF - 0.055
Flare Potential - 7 Inches
OOB - Factory Polished light load particle pearl
Lefty
16lbs
2 & 5/8 inch Pin
Pin directly under ring finger
CG stacked direcly below.
Ball is super clean through the heads.
The light load particle reads the mid-lane very well.
Excellent length with a big, but controlled backend motion.
The high flare potential allows you to play up the boards or swing it.
Handles carry down with no problem.
The hit, carrry and pin action is second to none.
This ball is the perfect compliment to the LaneMasters - Big Bang.
Post by: bowlingrocks on December 18, 2006, 04:13:26 PM
I'm a 200+ house league bowler with medium speed, medium/low revs, and medium/low tilt. On the "sport conditions" I shoot only in the 180s so I am not the greatest of bowlers though I consider myself a student of the game. Typically I'll play between the 1st and 2nd arrows and either point up or swing it out a few boards.
Drilled up for max flare (stacked leverage), this ball has been excellent. Out of the box I found that it slid a bit too far before moving so I used the supplied scotch-brite pads to rough up the surface and it really works well - gets a nice mid lane read and then moves very hard in the back.
Overall, I recommend anyone give this ball a try. It comes with a lot of "extras" which to me are an added value: scotch-brite pads, ball cleaner, ball buffer, ball holder, a disk which describes drilling options/performance differences.
I don't sell these balls or represent LaneMasters although this post may seem like it - I just really like this product. This ball is beautiful, works well, and I couldn't be happier with my purchase. If this experience is representative, I'll most likely be a LaneMasters bowler for a long time and will buy from them again.
Post by: hiflush on January 11, 2007, 09:52:15 PM
3 3/4" PIN. Pin under ring.
CG next to thumb.
No extra hole.
Review:
This ball with this layout reads early. With the out of box finish I was forced too close to the dry since it comes polished. Because of this, I felt a light scuff to the entire cover with a burgundy pad would do the trick. With the high flare and the light scuff by hand I was able to step into the oil more and watch this ball do its magic. This ball hits just as hard as the Terminator and drives right through the pocket with amazing pin carry. The light particle adds that extra bite for carry down. I have this ball about 3 to 4 boards more hook than the Terminator.
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Post by: big on February 26, 2007, 03:15:38 PM
I can't wait to get my hands on the termitator next. If you are looking for great med oil ball, buy this ball...
you won't be disipointed.
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Brad L
Post by: StarFox98011 on March 22, 2007, 09:27:38 PM
I am a stroker with low revs and medium speed. I bowl at the second arrow, ball moving out to touch the first arrow board, and then arcing in to the pocket. I was wanting a ball to not go over/under, or overreact to my still correcting hand releases. (I had a very bad back problem, am doing better, but of course changed my release back to what it was 7 years ago versus during the problem.) My pro shop guy, Jake, drilled it pin negative, cg kicked out, and a wide weight hole 2/3rds down of spacing between fingers and thumb near my PAP.
..P.....
..O.o...
......cg
.........X
...O....
This layout rocks. The ball is very clean through the heads, makes a clean hard arc for the pocket, with smashing back end power. If I give too much hand or tweak the fingers, it hooks a little more. If I palm it, it gives a little less. I am now able to watch my release action and understand where I need to adjust to keep working on getting back to my A game now that my Back has been corrected. (8 months of PT and chiropractic, but worth it)
The coverstock ignores the carrydown and the ball goes in. In my league for bowling with this the first time, I bowled a 168, 230, 192. Now, I am happy with those games as I could see and know what I was doing, and was able to adjust. The last game would have been higher but I slowed down during it... and sped back up to finish well. The first game was breaking bad habits and thinking too much.
Thank you to Buddies Pro Shop, and to Jake, my pro shop guy. This layout works well for my bowling style and the ball is just totally awesome in its reading the lane and reaction. This Lanemaster's ball is even better than the New Standard I had 7 years ago. (16 pound, had to get rid of, wish I would have bought another instead of listening to pro shop guys getting me into other balls.)
P.S. Final note, the last game, all of the other bowlers on my team and the other team struggled to get into the pocket. Two of the 200+ bowlers only bowled in the 150's and 160's. I was the highest, and could have gotten higher. I will update this as I get more games under my belt.
Post by: WDE on March 28, 2007, 11:19:58 PM
3.5" pin, 3 oz top weight. Had it drilled stacked leverage w/ 3/4 balance hole. I'm a high speed, medium rev player who wanted this ball for a medium oil league shot. Predominately, I was looking for something that would be versatile and angular, something that I might be able to use to open up the lane a little bit.
Well, this ball does it. OOB w/ a slight shine, the ball goes long and flips fairly hard, but not skid flip, very controllable. The backend is more than either my Columbia Action Attack that I replaced with this ball, and my Hammer No Mercy drilled #1, which is more of a even overall roll.
I also tried roughing it up with the burgandy scotch-brite supplied with the ball. Obviously, after doing this, the roll picked up a little earlier on a fresh shot, but the ball still made a very strong move on the backend, with more overall hook than my NM. And for me once the ball gets going, it will not stop, period.
The particle pearl provides me with the most versatile configuration. I can shine the ball up and go long and strong on a medium shot, or rough it up and expose the particle to get the ball going earlier.
Carry is excellent, which is characteristic of all Legends/LM products that I've tried. Lots of carried wallshots, lots of strikes thrown a little too close to the nose, especially for such an angular ball.
The clincher for me was Legends/LM reputation for longevity. Ball reaction on my World Class Particle is fantastic, only a bit less than when it was brand new, and that was over 1000 games ago. I expect no different out of this ball. And considering the fact that this ball is stronger roughed up than my Hammer NM, which is extemely high maintenance, the deal is just sweet.
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Just call me the rifleman... but god help any innocent bystanders!
Anybody got any finesse for sale?
Post by: C-G ProShop-Carl on April 05, 2007, 03:04:26 PM
Lane conditions: various. It has been used on the house shot at my center, in a PBA Experience League (VIPER Pattern) and at the Ohio State Bowling Tournament this past weekend.
This was the first time I have thrown a LaneMasters/Legends ball. I wanted this ball to get a good early read so that when I played deeper on the lane it wouldn't overreact off of the fresh backends.
HOOK:
Heavy Oil: With the OOB finish I see it coming up just shy on the heavy stuff. With the proper surface prep I think it could hold its own when faced with a longer flat pattern.
Medium: FOR ME I can see the Black Pearl shining on mediums...to med/heavy. It transitions very well throughout the lane with no overreaction at the break. When traffic has started to take away from the midlane then you will have to put it away.
light: I do not see the Black Pearl being used by most bowlers on lighter oil. If the bowler is speed dominant...maybe.
TOTAL HOOK:
I place the Black Pearl in the med/heavy oil type ball. It is very useful on med/heavy patterns, and patterns that give you sufficient head oil to get it down the lane. Playing deeper lines I was pleasantly suprised at how much it would recover and get back to the hole.
CONTROL:
This is what I was looking for out of the Black Pearl, and it is what I have gotten. I have control through the pattern without overreaction unless it is leaked too far right too quickly. I see the lanes transition quicker than the people around me because of how "true" this ball rolls.
EXPECTED REACTION:
I got what I wanted. It reads an entire pattern very consistantly. This type of layout is one of my favorites because it does not make a ball to violent off of the dry(for me).
STRENGTHS:
Overall consistant reaction throughout the entire lane. It has a strong entry into the pocket and rarely leaves a pin standing. The Black Pearl has a very heavy roll to it, which I like. If you are bowling on a pattern that is medium oil or better don't be afraid to use this ball.
WEAKNESSES:
Due to the coverstock strength and the layout I chose to put on the ball there absolutely must be sufficient oil in the heads and midlane. If try to use it when the pattern is breaking down too much the Black Pearl will look bad......but if you are using it when the oil is going away that is your fault, not the ball's.
COMMENTS:
The Black Pearl is my first "dive" into LaneMasters/Legends equipment. If you have not thrown one....let the Black Pearl be your first. What can a bowler not like about strong roll....consistant performance....continuation from release all of the way through the pindeck. The BLACK PEARL is a tremendous ball, one of the most consistant and predictable I have seen or thrown in a very long time!
PS- don't let consistant and predictable fool you....this ball is strong and with the proper cover prep can hook with the best of them.
I would like to thank Galen at LaneMasters for a chance to try this ball...it will not be the last Lanemasters/Legends ball I throw.
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Carl Hurd
C-G Pro Shop (owner/operator)
Youngstown Ohio
Tag Team Member #1
TAG TEAM COACHING!!!!!!/Co-Founder
Post by: jwcgolfnut on April 06, 2007, 04:00:15 PM
The ball: 14lb, 3.5" pin, 3 oz top
Drilling: Pin above ring finger with cg right of grip center.
Finish: OOB
This is my second LM ball. I love the quality and the long LM lasting covers. I have had this ball for several months and have only rolled about 21 games with it. I use it as a condition specific ball. The pattern in the house I bowl in has 36' of oil buffed to 40'. There is heavier oil from 15 to 15 and tapered out from there. (Sorry, do not know name of pattern) Oil varies from Medium light to Medium heavy.
I like this ball when there is heavier oil and/or a lot of carry down. This ball is perfect for me on this condition and that was what I was looking for when I bought it. The ball gets through the heads with a strong arc set reaction. It is predictable and destroys the rack on center pocket and light hits. High hits are iffy since it rolls strong through the pins. High game with it 288. I am very pleased with the ball and recommend it.
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My Stats:
Stroker
Preferred Line: Track
Ball speed 12.5 to 15.5 with normal 13.5 to 14 Axial Tilt: Strong
Revs: Medium to medium High
Average: 190 to 205
Ball weight: I use 14 to 15 lbs.
Age: 55
Years Bowling: 37
Post by: Pat Patterson on April 29, 2007, 10:03:05 PM
Well I finally got to throw this ball over the weekend in a tournament. My conclusion is, this ball is an absolute monster! I purchased the ball from Mike Miller at 10 Pins and More in Rio Rancho, NM. He is sold on the entire Legends/Lanemaster line, in fact even his sister Hall of Famer Dana Miller-Mackie is sold on the stuff. We bowled collectively as a team this weekend and destroyed everyone in team event, plus Mike and I won the doubles. Everyone on the adjacent pairs keep trying to see what we were throwing.
Anyway, heres the scoop on the ball. Ball OOB came 15lbs 3 oz, 3 oz of top weight and 3" pin above and right of ring stacked leverage with a small weight hole. The ball in box condition was perfect for fresh oil, but I had to polish it up to use later in the day when they heads dried up. The carry with this ball is extraordinary. The ball glides easily through the heads, transistions through the mids with ease and is easily the most continous throught he backend of any ball I have every thrown with little to no deflection. I have never left so many solid 9 pin leaves in such a short period of time and games.
With my normal game and normal equipment I normally get some deflection which takes out the 9 automatically but with this ball it just drives right on by demolishing the 8 pretty much dead on everytime.
I am pretty much sold on the Legend Black Pearl and cannot wait to get back to the bowling center. If the Black Pearl is any indication on how good the entire Line is then I may have to try more of this amazing equipment.
Excellent Job Legends/Lanemaster!
Enclosed are actual pictures.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v494/PatPatterson1/Bowling%20Balls/IMG_0293.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v494/PatPatterson1/Bowling%20Balls/IMG_0294.jpg
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Pat Patterson
Post by: The SuperHitMan on May 19, 2007, 09:19:01 PM
on to the ball.......15pds
Layout- Pin under bridge X hole 2 inches below PAP on VAL
Reaction: Smooth and Agressive
As with The Buzz I took the Black Pearl with me, the Black Pearl starts up earlier than The Buzz and has a sharper movement. The carry down seemed to pose a bit of a problem to the Black Pearl as it would struggle to finish in the back, however when the proper adjustment was made the ball showed me what it could do. The sharp movement kinda took me by surprise because the ball looks like its not going to do anything then "ping" lights out in the pit. I got what I asked for and I'm pleased with the Black Pearl.....Black Power
Shout-Out to Billy Slater and AChappy and Myself
HooRah
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Win
or go Home
R.I.P Eddie Guerrero Viva La Raza
Shwosh
-The SuperHitMan Post by: Wu Shu on October 18, 2007, 03:09:59 PM
Ball: Pin 3 to 4 inches
Top: 3 oz or less
Drill Pattern: 1:30 to 2:00 pin placement no wgt. hole.
The Blk Pearl was a smooth and controllable down the lane (The length was great), yet it showed a strong aggressive arc to the pocket. This ball doesn't quit once it comes off of the breakpoint. THe Blk Pearl cleared the heads and got down the lanes with an unexpected smoothness for a particle ball. Played the second to third arrow all evening. This is my first of two L a n e m a s t e r Ball, but they will not be my last.
A Special thanks goes out to Mr. Jimmy Lewis of Sport Plus/Carmen Don's in Alexandria, Va. for drilling up my first two L a n e m a s t e r Balls.
Post by: gr8scott6 on November 14, 2007, 01:26:52 AM
I'm a power stroker, high track, about 15 MPH, with about medium "hand." 210 average.
For me, this ball with this drilling does exactly what I wanted it to. If I come up the back of the ball, I can pretty much go straight down 8-12 (depending on conditions). This puppy goes down the lane easily, transitions smoothly, and just crushes the pocket. Very controllable, too. If I want to, I can put more hand in it and swing it about 12 to about 5, and it comes back just beautifully.
It took me a game or two to figure out how to throw it. In about twenty games since, only three have been under 200: 197, 193 and 184. Otherwise, lots of games in the 202-220 range, three 230-245, and two 250+.
I'm a big Legends/LM fan. I've got a Terminator (shot my first-ever 300 game with it!), a Yeah Baby, a New Standard, a Straight Flush (great for dry lanes), now a Black Pearl (for about a week), and a World Class on the way. I use the Terminator for Heavy oil, the Yeah Baby for Med Heavy, the Black Pearl for Medium, The New Standard for Medium Light or Med with dry outside, and the Straight Flush for Light to dry. They're all great balls, and I couldn't be more pleased. My average has gone up over 15 pins, and I've bowled more high games than ever in my life (including 10 games over 270 and my first perfect game!) since switching to LM/Legends late summer of '07. I simply cannot recommend them highly enough.
UPDATE: Thanksgiving Day, '07
Bowled tonight and started with another ball, which just wasn't rolling/carrying like I hoped. Halfway through the game, I realized I had read the lanes wrong. I thought they'd be fairly burned up, but they were still about medium oil. Switched to the Black Pearl in the 6th frame and got a spare, 4-bagger, spare to salvage a 190 (would have been in the 150's otherwise), then went on to roll a 258 and a 234. This may well be my favorite ball right now. It's certainly the most versatile and dependable ball in my arsenal.
GET ONE!
Post by: Action Man on November 24, 2007, 01:42:55 PM
I shot in the last squad. The lanes were cleaned and re-oiled after each squad so everyone had a fair shot.
The numbers were big. The top ten all averaged 200 over. There were two 300's and allot of 279's on this house shot. I was throwing a new Ebonite Total NV which I have about thirty games on and is now starting to finish with half the power it had when I bought it. My last ebonite ball.
Anyway, the tournament paid the top five spots. The reason I am writing this is because the top five were all bowling with Black Pearls. These guys had carry and area no one else had with any other ball.
When I discussed this with my pro shop guy, he told me about the ball winning the ball of the year award. How did I miss this amazing ball. I ordered one, will report on how it does the next time I log on....
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It is amazing how some people never really gain knowledge of our sport. They will never be winners or champions because they think they know every thing. If you know everything then you no longer have a willingness to learn and improve your game.
Post by: CLA on November 30, 2007, 11:26:07 AM
I would classify myself as a tweener, like down and in more than swing it and bring it, but the shot this year has required a deeper line. The New Standard has been good, but couldn't open up the lane as much as I would like. Bought the Black Pearl, drilled it stack leverage with a small balance hole and WOW! A bit more angular than I anticipated, but moved ten boards left (about 30) and played 3-4 arrow and the ball shredded the rack. Consistant movement all night and the carry that only Lane Masters provides. A must have ball, sold my brother on it last night.
Post by: Scraps Z on January 24, 2008, 09:57:54 AM
Rolled the Black Pearl with OOB finish and did not like it very much. Seemed a bit over/under on a 40ft medium house shot. I used the included gray scotch brite pad & water on my spinner, this left a "shiny sheen" finish.
Last night in my first full game with the Black Pearl, I shot my first ever 300. Movement is VERY strong yet consistent at the breakpoint. The hitting power is amazing...like nothing I've ever used in my 25+ years of bowling.
This is my first Legends/Lane Masters ball but it will definitely not be my last. I highly recommend this ball and if you do not like the OOB finish, try the scotch brite, I am sure glad I did.
Post by: lifesariot49 on February 05, 2008, 10:44:08 PM
Post by: comebackdon on February 06, 2008, 12:22:32 PM
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ComebackDon
Post by: elvismat on June 08, 2008, 07:40:36 AM
Post by: John D Davis on August 21, 2008, 05:11:11 AM
The is one hooooooking mother trucker! I have a pretty lengthy type layout and my BP hooks 3-5 boards more than my other most hooking ball(Conquerer), and it doesn't it 2-3 ft sooner as well. I would not recommend this ball to a slower ball speed unless really laid out properly and along with the right surface changing. I am not sure if I have ever had a ball to hook as much as this one. In the OOB state, it even felt a little gritty feeling unlike any other ball I have felt of. I reckon thats due to the heavy loaded particles. The hit of this ball is amazing to me and thats due to the fact of being early on top of all that hook. Most of the time when you get a early hook such as this, you tend to find alot of burnup and hang alot of tens. So far this ball has surprised me as far as carry.
I hit mine with the Brown scuff pad that comes with the surface adjusting system, and now I am sitting on a ball waiting on some long patterns. I may not use this thing but 3-4 times a year but when I get to, I am going to feel confident when I attack some kind of swamp! I have a feeling this ball will benefit higher ball speeds better than any ball I have ever seen! I don't have many games on mine yet for I have not found enough oil, but I can promise you, if you still can find one"BUY IT" for you wont be disappointed. Simply a beautiful rolling ball! John
Post by: jdove on April 19, 2009, 09:46:15 AM
Post by: olironsides on October 30, 2009, 03:31:14 AM
15# 3" pin, 3.5 oz. TW.
5 x 4.5" pin under drilling. PAP: 5 1/4 over 3/8" up
16 mph Tweener
I've had this ball since it first came out and thought I'd throw an update out there as to how its holding up. First off it hasnt left my bag and is the first ball out on any given night. The BP for me is comparible to a Hyroad on crack because its a stronger overall ball and the way I have it drilled it has never failed to give me a dead on indication as to what change, if any, I need to make in equipment selection on the lanes. The cover has a couple battle scars on her from a couple different wars but they arent on the track and I've noticed zero dying out of the cover over time. This ball has been tough as nails since day one, best light hit carrying piece I ever owned, Got to get another one on order before they stop making them.
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Dustin M.
Lancaster, OH
"The official test dummy of the Bowling on Budweiser progressive strike experiment"
Post by: 34payton1975 on February 16, 2010, 03:55:38 PM
Post by: zorchman on May 02, 2010, 10:08:54 PM
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you haven"t really been beaten you just been tracked
Post by: 34payton1975 on January 17, 2011, 08:59:33 AM
LANE CONDITION
Length:GOOD
Volume:MEDIUM
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):
COMMENTS
Likes:Ball will not do anything radical or unexpected. Put it online and that is what it will do once you find the correct board(s) for a particular shot the lane asks for.
Dislikes: Hitting power is lacking. While this ball has a very hard surface as commented on by my driller...hardest ball he has ever drilled.....it does not hit with a lot of intention. Pins seem to react more slowly, quite few lazy corners as a result.
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
Post by: I am batman on March 15, 2011, 05:04:43 PM
LANE CONDITION
Length: medium (white#2
Volume:
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): ths
COMMENTS
Likes:lots of hook
Dislikes: lots of hook
Ok, let me explain, picked up a used pearl off e-bay. It was drilled for a lefty. After plugging and re-drilling for a righty (me), I tried to resurface the ball. Wow, this ball is hard. Ok, It's drilled 4.5X4.5. I took it to 1500 + lots of polish. The hook is very smooth and carry excellent, (when you can hit pocket). I love this ball but I want a flood.
It starts its move way early for this pattern, the more I moved left, the harder the hook. But the breakpoint was too early. I throw 15-16mph and couldn't over throw the breakpoint.I am going to take it to 2000 + polish and save it for OIL. Great ball, wish I bought one sooner.
I am Batman"Where does he get all of these wonderful balls?"