BallReviews

Equipment Boards => Lane Masters => Topic started by: OMalley on May 07, 2008, 12:30:54 PM

Title: Hornet
Post by: OMalley on May 07, 2008, 12:30:54 PM
After nearly a twenty year hiatus, this past January I re-discovered my passion for this sport. The house I bowl regularly is dry, dry, dry...so this past weekend I had a hornet drilled for the conditions and wow, this ball carried nicely with a smooth arch to the pocket. I ended up rolling a 228, 235 and finishing with a 226...a strong ball from Lane Masters.
Title: Re: Hornet
Post by: lsf_21 on May 07, 2008, 08:44:28 PM
i love my 2 buzz's and my sting i would say the hornet is as well awesome.
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Title: Re: Hornet
Post by: newbie101 on September 04, 2008, 02:16:17 PM
how is your hornet drilled?...planning to get one  to use it on later squad reverse Block condition..
thanks

Edited on 9/4/2008 2:47 PM

Edited on 9/4/2008 2:48 PM
Title: Re: Hornet
Post by: charlest on September 04, 2008, 02:46:35 PM
From some experience -
The ball has tons of natural length, so your favorite drill will work well, as long as you have some ball speed. If you're among the slower of us, you'll need longer pin to PAP (not necessarily higher, just longer. Higher will make the ball snappy and flippy, maybe too snappy), say 5.5" or more.

Like all Lanemasters balls, this one WILL make the turn.
--------------------
"None are so blind as those who will not see."
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Title: Re: Hornet
Post by: newbie101 on September 06, 2008, 11:19:47 AM
thanks for your reply Charlest..not to hijack this thread..does this ball handle carrydown well? do I need to scuff it to handle burnt front,tight back end with carrydown?
thanks guys
Title: Re: Hornet
Post by: charlest on September 06, 2008, 01:50:52 PM
quote:
thanks for your reply Charlest..not to hijack this thread..does this ball handle carrydown well? do I need to scuff it to handle burnt front,tight back end with carrydown?
thanks guys


With its extra hardened coverstock and the way it skid - not likely.
Even when I tried it at 2000 grit Abralon, it handled a little bit but not much. Usually when the heas are dry enough to need this ball's ease thru the heads, there isnt much carrydown left. But, to its credit, it is more than capable of going around the carrydown, if you dont drill it too weakly.

Scuffing it will reduce its ability to handle drier heads (as with all balls), but this ball can get thru some very dry heads for a resin ball.

A lot depends of the drilling and your release (rev rate, ball speed, tilt, etc) whether or not any ball can handle both dry heads and carrydown. It is or canbe a tricky balancing act.

Suggestions for doing that:
* try sanding it to 2000 grit Abralon and, then, if that's too early, 4000 grit Abralon. Those usually help pearls handle some carrydown.
* carrydown usually happens in spots. Try locating those boards and use the Hornet to go outside them. It will usually be able to make the turn, if you don't stand too deeply, depending on drilling and your "hand". Example: I usually see carrydown around 6 - 9 board. So I try to use 4 or 5 board as my breakpoint.
--------------------
"None are so blind as those who will not see."
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Title: Re: Hornet
Post by: Scraps Z on September 25, 2008, 08:27:35 AM
Hi Jeff...I recently picked up a Hornet and would like some opinions before I have it punched out.  You mention "Higher will make the ball snappy and flippy, maybe too snappy), say 5.5" or more" and this was close to my initial pin location.

1st use would be on a very short, somewhat flat pattern when my stong Pearl and long pin polished solid start checking up too early or I push them through the track into "no mans land".  This shot would be more straight up the boards due to the OOB to the right.  
2nd use is a 39' THS wall but on 2nd shift where I cannot keep my more aggressive balls off the head even playing 15-17 out to wherever.  I would like to be able to switch to the Hornet and still have length with controlled backend.

I don't want the ball to be too snappy though I dont want it too hook too early.  If I could have the lesser of two evils, I would take snappy over early.    My gut was pin 5" up (over ring) with CG in palm.  My driller suggested pin over bridge with CG in palm (6" pin)

Being you and I have similar specs...what's you thought?

Thanks in advance!


--------------------
Scott Siegel
http://rc-driver@comcast.net
Title: Re: Hornet
Post by: zone on September 25, 2008, 09:46:18 AM
this helped me out. i am righty with a slower ball speed(15mph) and a good amount of hand and all that. i drilled my lefty label. pin just alittle about middle finger and cg kicked towards palm. what that does is kills alot of the crazy revs and flare and makes this thing act like a smooth urethane. ball gets way down on dry shots and has alittle backend pop. worked well play down and in and swingin the lane. carries a whole lot. espically light hits. so instead of putting the pin way out to the right i just drilled it left handed
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LANE MASTERS / LEGENDS convert and never looking back!
Title: Re: Hornet
Post by: charlest on September 25, 2008, 11:02:01 AM
quote:
this helped me out. i am righty with a slower ball speed(15mph) and a good amount of hand and all that. i drilled my lefty label. pin just alittle about middle finger and cg kicked towards palm. what that does is kills alot of the crazy revs and flare and makes this thing act like a smooth urethane. ball gets way down on dry shots and has alittle backend pop. worked well play down and in and swingin the lane. carries a whole lot. espically light hits. so instead of putting the pin way out to the right i just drilled it left handed
--------------------
LANE MASTERS / LEGENDS convert and never looking back!


Zone,

While that seems to have worked for you (good!), sometimes that can be on the extreme side. I've done it myself, but, a word of caution is advised ONLY because, for some people, it can be too radical and can kill the reaction. You have to balance rev rate, ball speed and the ball's designed in ball reaciton.

--------------------
"None are so blind as those who will not see."
Unofficial Ballreviews.com FAQ (http://"http://home.mchsi.com/~s-cross-7-28-71/FAQ.htm")
Title: Re: Hornet
Post by: charlest on September 25, 2008, 11:11:21 AM
quote:
Hi Jeff...I recently picked up a Hornet and would like some opinions before I have it punched out.  You mention "Higher will make the ball snappy and flippy, maybe too snappy), say 5.5" or more" and this was close to my initial pin location.

1st use would be on a very short, somewhat flat pattern when my stong Pearl and long pin polished solid start checking up too early or I push them through the track into "no mans land".  This shot would be more straight up the boards due to the OOB to the right.  
2nd use is a 39' THS wall but on 2nd shift where I cannot keep my more aggressive balls off the head even playing 15-17 out to wherever.  I would like to be able to switch to the Hornet and still have length with controlled backend.

I don't want the ball to be too snappy though I dont want it too hook too early.  If I could have the lesser of two evils, I would take snappy over early.    My gut was pin 5" up (over ring) with CG in palm.  My driller suggested pin over bridge with CG in palm (6" pin)

Being you and I have similar specs...what's you thought?

Thanks in advance!
--------------------
Scott Siegel
http://rc-driver@comcast.net


Scott,

I almost didn't see this.
Depending on your PAP and release specs, I see 2 basic options for you.
1. use a 5.5" (or greater, if your rev rate/ball speed ratio is high enough) pin to PAP distance, but don't put the pin ABOVE the level of the bridge, but below it, IF you don't track too high. Kick the CG towards your PAP, in the  3.5" range (CG - PAP distance).
2. Use a pin above the bridge level (still around 5.5" pin to PAP) and kick your CG out further, in the 2.5-3" range. This generally reduces the backend and the overall hook. I recently did this with one of LM/L's flippiest balls, the Sure Strike. I get a beautiful arc-ing ball path out of it now. Didn't even need a weight hole.

If you need (or want) as weight hole, put it an amount equal to your PAP or greater distance away fron grip center to add flare.  

Also remember you can always scuff the surface with a 4000 grit abralon pad to get it to bite earlier (read the midlane earlier) and burn up some of that energy. That should also reduce the backend flippiness. (Don't scuff it anymore than necessary. Use your hand, not the spinner. DO use water.)

--------------------
"None are so blind as those who will not see."
Unofficial Ballreviews.com FAQ (http://"http://home.mchsi.com/~s-cross-7-28-71/FAQ.htm")
Title: Re: Hornet
Post by: zone on September 25, 2008, 11:22:17 AM
yea i think i got it off the lane masters drill sheet. it was a layout for low track players who wanted a weak ball. probley would be a layout that would only work for a few
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LANE MASTERS / LEGENDS convert and never looking back!
Title: Re: Hornet
Post by: Scraps Z on September 25, 2008, 04:31:31 PM
I honestly don't own a ball with the pin under the fingers...so I'm very reluctant to try it on the Hornet.  Option 2 looks interesting and makes sense.  I will give that a try.  Thanks again for the honest opinion...as always, much appreciated.
Title: Re: Hornet
Post by: charlest on September 25, 2008, 10:43:57 PM
Good luck.
--------------------
"None are so blind as those who will not see."
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Title: Re: Hornet
Post by: Krumpy300 on October 09, 2008, 10:26:15 PM
Hi Jeff,

I currently have the Buzz drilled pin in ring finger and the cg is kicked a hair toward my PAP. Ball is actually nice and smooth for me with PLENTY of pop at the pin deck. It saves energy very well for the last 10 feet without being uncontrollable, great combination.

Have used in on 3 different conditions, wide open house shot, flatter pattern with a medium light condition and a medium shot with a bit of over under. Was able to get great results on all 3 with different speeds and rotation. The Buzz is always the first out of the bag for the last 3 weeks.

If I drilled the Hornet with similar specs the same way as my Buzz, how do you think they will compare??

As always, thanks for any info you can share.
Title: Re: Hornet
Post by: charlest on October 09, 2008, 11:43:17 PM
quote:
Hi Jeff,

I currently have the Buzz drilled pin in ring finger and the cg is kicked a hair toward my PAP. Ball is actually nice and smooth for me with PLENTY of pop at the pin deck. It saves energy very well for the last 10 feet without being uncontrollable, great combination.

Have used in on 3 different conditions, wide open house shot, flatter pattern with a medium light condition and a medium shot with a bit of over under. Was able to get great results on all 3 with different speeds and rotation. The Buzz is always the first out of the bag for the last 3 weeks.

If I drilled the Hornet with similar specs the same way as my Buzz, how do you think they will compare??

As always, thanks for any info you can share.


Wish you had sent this to me via email. Now I have to make a committment the whole world will see.

If you drilled a Hornet the same as your Buzz, you'd have to join the PBA because they wouldn't let you bowl this "little" $25,000-$40,000 first prize leagues anymore ....

The Hornet goes a lot longer on less oil. Then with the "relatively" strong pin position you have on the Buzz, that sucker would be close to making a left turn. That's exactly why I had to sell mine. Mine had pin in ring finger (That is, with my old release. With my new one I should buy another Hornet, but I've got so many mild balls already.)

Anyway ...

No, you can't put the pin in the ring with the Hornet. Lanemasters can't make a weak ball. You should probably put the pin over the center of the bridge and kick the CG out about 1" - 1.5" from grip center. This is to keep it from making a left turn. I mean that. Unless you want to amp your ball speed to about 18 mph and NO LESS, when using this ball.  

--------------------
"None are so blind as those who will not see."
Unofficial Ballreviews.com FAQ (http://"http://home.mchsi.com/~s-cross-7-28-71/FAQ.htm")
Title: Re: Hornet
Post by: Fender on October 10, 2008, 04:03:59 AM
Hornet is skid/flip for me. No control on fresh patterns. When there is carrydown (lots), then it's time for Hornet!
(High track, high revs)
Title: Re: Hornet
Post by: Krumpy300 on October 10, 2008, 07:18:44 AM
Understood Jeff and thanks for the kind words

The BTM numbers of 17 length and 12 backend led me to believe it wouldn't be a snapper, I guess with the right drill it could be quite uncontrollable.

Title: Re: Hornet
Post by: charlest on October 10, 2008, 07:36:43 AM
quote:
Hornet is skid/flip for me. No control on fresh patterns. When there is carrydown (lots), then it's time for Hornet!
(High track, high revs)


You drilled it far too strong. Either add some surface (like 4000 grit Abralon) or re-drill it with the pin around 5.5" pin to PAP and keep the pin low, OR, Heck, even put a Rico drill on it.
--------------------
"None are so blind as those who will not see."
Unofficial Ballreviews.com FAQ (http://"http://home.mchsi.com/~s-cross-7-28-71/FAQ.htm")
Title: Re: Hornet
Post by: charlest on October 10, 2008, 07:38:53 AM
quote:
Understood Jeff and thanks for the kind words

The BTM numbers of 17 length and 12 backend led me to believe it wouldn't be a snapper, I guess with the right drill it could be quite uncontrollable.



Again, BTM is not a bible, just an educated suggestion. A lot depends on drilling and ball speed. For the avg ball speed, avg rev rate bowler, I'd put the Hornet numbers more like length 17.5, backend 14.
--------------------
"None are so blind as those who will not see."
Unofficial Ballreviews.com FAQ (http://"http://home.mchsi.com/~s-cross-7-28-71/FAQ.htm")
Title: Re: Hornet
Post by: Fender on October 13, 2008, 01:21:23 AM
quote:
quote:
Hornet is skid/flip for me. No control on fresh patterns. When there is carrydown (lots), then it's time for Hornet!
(High track, high revs)


You drilled it far too strong. Either add some surface (like 4000 grit Abralon) or re-drill it with the pin around 5.5" pin to PAP and keep the pin low, OR, Heck, even put a Rico drill on it.


This is my hornet. Track goes something like that
http://picasaweb.google.com/piekash/Hornet#5256619664952723682
http://picasaweb.google.com/piekash/Hornet#5256518966026774882


Edited on 10/13/2008 7:50 AM
Title: Re: Hornet
Post by: charlest on October 13, 2008, 08:31:05 AM
quote:
quote:
quote:
Hornet is skid/flip for me. No control on fresh patterns. When there is carrydown (lots), then it's time for Hornet!
(High track, high revs)


You drilled it far too strong. Either add some surface (like 4000 grit Abralon) or re-drill it with the pin around 5.5" pin to PAP and keep the pin low, OR, Heck, even put a Rico drill on it.


This is my hornet. Track goes something like that
http://picasaweb.google.com/piekash/Hornet#5256619664952723682



Yup, unless your PAP is very abnormal, you kind of max'ed out the reaction on your Hornet. When that ball sees enough dry, it's going to flip pretty darned hard, if my own experience in any gauge.

ALso I wonder if you're using it when the lanes are not really dry. It will be more skid/flip when there's medium-light oil rather than when there's dry - light oil. The drier lane condition can help the ball burn up some energy before hitting the breakpoint.

FYI That's a pretty long pin-CG distance too. What is it, 4" or so?
--------------------
"None are so blind as those who will not see."
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Title: Re: Hornet
Post by: Fender on October 13, 2008, 08:59:05 AM
Last time my PAP was about 6 1/2" >
Now it's changed a bit. When throwing a ball, with no flare, track goes left or above left finger ang right from thumb.
When lines are pretty dry with lots of carrydown, then it's ok, but when there is wet/dry (fresh lines) then it's skid/flip, very angular. As I remember, Pin distance was about 5" or more from PAP.
Tried with several surfaces. from 600 to 2500. Now it's 800 + polish (in picture).
I was hoping for shorter patterns wit this ball, but still must use my urethane...