The old Ebonite Matrix TPS III is a great example of this. I found one relatively cheap on eBay. With the coverstock being a fairly dull particle you would expect it roll through some oil and have a tame backend, right? Well instead I get a lot of length and a very strong backend even with a 1200 grit finish on a typical medium oil THS. Actually the ball goes too long and turns too hard even on that sometimes. When the lanes dry up and I need to move in the recovery is great.

The old Storm El Nino also surprise me. Being that it is a late 1990's reactive, I thought it would replace my old, damaged Brunswick Danger Zone. It turns out I got a LOT more ball than I bargained for. It actually hooks more than most balls today outside of the high performance stuff. Good ball but needs some oil even when it is polished.

In more recent times, the Hammer Gauntlet gives me a surprisingly smooth look. I thought the ball would react strongly to friction but instead I get a very soft but sweeping hook.

What balls have any of you guys had which gave you a surprising look but you still liked?

Storm Fight. I left more corner pins with this ball than anything I ever threw, but I had my highest average in years a couple years back bowling a short season league throwing the Fight primarily and going ball down to a Victory Road Pearl.

With factory finish polish, that ball just rolled very smooth and consistent for me. It was either front 7 or 8 with this ball, or 10-12 tenpins in a 3 game set. The consistent variable in this was me rarely missing the pocket while throwing it.

Motiv Tag Cannon. It's actually become one of my favorite balls because of it.

Supposed to be for lighter conditions but the cover on it is no joke. The only time I really go away from it on house shots is if I need more core

900 Global Link. I did not expect the amount of hitting power and hook as I got from that ball.

Storm Fight. I left more corner pins with this ball than anything I ever threw, but I had my highest average in years a couple years back bowling a short season league throwing the Fight primarily and going ball down to a Victory Road Pearl.

With factory finish polish, that ball just rolled very smooth and consistent for me. It was either front 7 or 8 with this ball, or 10-12 tenpins in a 3 game set. The consistent variable in this was me rarely missing the pocket while throwing it.

I can vouch for this with the Fight.  Last year I had a 300 with it the 1st game and 160s second game due to leaving seven 10 pins (and missing a couple of them). 

Quote from: Cornerpin on November 05, 2018, 05:57:43 AM

Quote from: DP3 on November 01, 2018, 01:31:18 PM

Storm Fight. I left more corner pins with this ball than anything I ever threw, but I had my highest average in years a couple years back bowling a short season league throwing the Fight primarily and going ball down to a Victory Road Pearl.

With factory finish polish, that ball just rolled very smooth and consistent for me. It was either front 7 or 8 with this ball, or 10-12 tenpins in a 3 game set. The consistent variable in this was me rarely missing the pocket while throwing it.

I can vouch for this with the Fight.  Last year I had a 300 with it the 1st game and 160s second game due to leaving seven 10 pins (and missing a couple of them).

I guess it's a concensus then! The Fight is either all or nothing!! I have one and absolutely HATE IT on most conditions. It is a ten pin magnet! But put me on long oil or a sport shot and this thing is money! Go figure!

The R4S cover needed oil. I had one and it was actually great when I went to tournaments that had oil