Charlest, would you say a Sidewinder would be a good benchmark? Yes it has pearl but also has particle. For me, the Sidewinder is very smooth with no snap whatsoever. Not saying it's my benchmark, but this is possibly the type of ball you are referring to.

Oh and that reminds me, I just bought an Ogre Pearl off of someone here. I hope I like it.

Edited on 8/12/2008 11:44 PM

Columbia300 Flipside Wired. Been using that ball for years now (since it was brand new), and still first ball out of my bag.

Well, not on my PBAX league this summer. Between trying out my new Visionary equipment, and knowing that I won't bother the last 3 weeks on Shark, it's had some time to rest up for fall leagues!

Big Willy Style

PS...it's a Particle Pearl that isn't too aggressive off the break, but isn't just an ark motion either...more of a strong arc I suppose?!?
--------------------
Just my $0.02 so take it for what the Foreign Exchange values it at!
"I was raised by a cup of coffee..."
***This message brought to you by the A.O.B.U.B.O.A. (Assembly Of Back-Up Bowlers Of America) which is now taking applications***  
Honorary Member of the F.O.S. (and also the best back-up bowler the Saws have ever had)!
Visionary Test Staff Member '08-'09

Hammer High Rev

With this ball I can gauge what the lanes are doing pretty well if it's not turning the corner (which is rare) even after making hand/foot/mark adjustments, then I know I need something stronger, like perhaps my good old dependable Roto Grip Odyssey, and if it's burning up too soon, then it's time to go to something a little tamer (or something with more length), like either an Up-Rising (length/backend), or a Hornet (length/tame).

Edited on 8/13/2008 0:41 AM

My benchmark ball is a Frankie May Gryphon at 2.000 grit Abralon, pin at 4.5" stacked. A strong ball, with a very consistent reaction, and in my arsenal a very good all-purpose piece.
--------------------
DizzyFugu - Reporting from Germany

Confused by bowling?
Check out BR.com's vault of wisdom: the unofficial FAQ section
Secrets revealed: What's a fugu?

Benchmark for leagues?

I'm lucky.  In my home bowling alley (I hate caling them "centers") the condition is relatively stable.  I know which ball is first out of the bag for the normal condition and I can see by its reaction the subtle difference in the lane condition but it's certainly not my benchmark ball.

If I went to a "foreign" bowling alley for a tourney I would use my red zone as benchmark, but, as I said before, I don't need to do that for leagues at home.
--------------------
I've upped my average, so up yours!

Edited on 8/13/2008 7:02 AM

Ebonite Show Time Sanded.

Solid sanded surface. Good, but not overly powerful, coverstock on it that shows the flare rings well. Nice medium length control drilling. OOB surface condition (but just ever so slightly shined due to the amount of use). Easy to roll it and see how a pattern is playing.

Plus, as a slightly older piece of equipment, I have enough games on it to be able to easily recognize the reactions I am getting from it.
--------------------
======================
Dan
======================
Engineering * Bowling = a fun and practical application of rotational kinematics.

Bowling Nerd Herd (TM) Member

Edited on 8/13/2008 8:08 AM

Solid...for me its my Storm Thunderstruck.  First ball out of my bag every week, and it lets me know pretty quickly how the lanes are.
--------------------
University at Albany 2007
    -Let's Go Danes-

ROTO GRIP - King of Them All