Here's what I think is an obvious example of how even supposedly professional ball reviews can easily confuse bowlers:

BJI, Bowlers' Journal International, has Mike Riggins review balls for their monthly magazine. Mr. Riggins changed his review format about 6-8 months ago and since then, the text and the data (cover strength, core strength, overall hook, best condition for out-of-the-box surface, etc) seems to me to be extremely irregular. (This opinion applies BTM, Bowlng This Month, since Bob Somerville died.) Lefty is barely mentioned in the new columns. I always depended on his view of a ball as closer to a real bowler's opinion.

Case in point: Rcent reviews of the Storm Hot Wire and the Barbed WIre.

Hot Wire: Accu-Tread cover, 1000 grit Matte finish.
RG = 2.56, RG DIfferential .033

Barbed Wire: Pro-Glide cover, 1500 grit polished.
RG = 2.56, RG Differential .044.

Given that
1. (I believe) the Accutread cover is one step, if not two steps above the Pro-Glide coverstock in aggressiveness,
AND
2. the Hot Wire having a 1000 grit matte (smooth, dull & NOT polished),
AND
3. the Barbed wire having a 1500 grit POLISHED finish,
AND
4. the RG values are identical, with the RG Differential being slightly greater for the Barbed Wire,
 
I find it very difficult to believe how BJI can consider the Hot Wire to be suitable for Medium-light conditions, while the Barbed Wire is suitable for Medium conditions.

In my book, Medium indicates a heavier amount of oil than medium-light.

There is a certain amount of logic in the opposite being true, the Barbed WIre with the milder AND finer grit and polished cover being suitable for the lesser amount of oil and the stronger cover with the more aggressive finish being suitable for heavier amount of oil - medium, in this case.

Now, of course this is not an earth shattering difference; by dint of drillings and surface modifications, both can probably be used by most bowlers on either condition. But it seems to me that they got the balls reversed, which gives one a false picture of the basic nature of these two balls.

Here's another -

Lane#1 Puzzle:
BJI recently also classified the Black Cherry Bomb as a medium oil ball, whereas BTM classified the BCB as barely below the Super Carbide Bomb, which is one of the classic SUPER-OILERS of all time, if anyone is to be believed. So which is it?

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"Just because you can do something does not mean you should do it."