MoRich RipR
One of the most versatile balls I’ve ever used with a great core/coverstock match.
After rolling the RipR for several months using a range of surfaces, what stands out about this ball is the versatility of the coverstock and one of the best, perhaps the best, core-to-coverstock match I’ve encountered.
My RipR was 15 pounds, 5 ounces out of the box with 1.7 ounces to top weight and 4.5” pin. It’s drilled 45x4.5”x40, which is close to my dual angle layout sweet spot. After rolling the RipR for a few games, a P2 gradient line balance hole was added to maintain the reaction and flare; no fine tuning needed. First impressions were, “this ball gets exceptional length at the box P4000-grit Siaair finish and is more forgiving with minor release variances than other asymmetrical balls I’ve used." I was a little skeptical that the RipR was really a “super cover” ball as I was expecting it to read earlier on the aggressive HPL surface. The RipR was not as borderline flippy as is my Craze at P4000 but it was certainly close.
The next surface I tried was four sides of P1000 Abralon followed by four sides of P2000 Abralon. This change was my first indication of how special the RipR coverstock truly is in that the coverstock seems to magnify surface changes. Whereas the RipR and Craze were similar at P4000, the RipR at P2000 was closer to my Craze at P1000 in reaction and every bit as strong as my mania at P2000. Even at P2000 on HPL, the RipR had easy length but a more pronounced late midlane reaction with excellent continuation through the backend and pin deck.
As winter settled in and the ambient temperature in the local bowling centers decreased, conditioner evaporation decreased and the patterns played longer with higher volume. The mania at P1000 was becoming a beast in matching up on Pro Anvilane (though a little too much on HPL), so I decided to add more surface to the RipR: P500 Abralon on four sides followed by P1000 Abralon on four sides. Again, the change in surface seemed to be magnified. The RipR was strong on a 41’ blue pattern but was equal to the mania on HPL and Pro Anvilane. The RipR’s shot shape was different in that it still was able to get down the lane with uncanny length and make a strong move at the second transition. The mania covered as many boards but with a different shot shape; a couple of boards strong in the midlane and a board or so less on the backend.
Recently, I’ve had good success with my Craze by taking the surface down to P500 Abralon on four sides followed by Rough Buff compound: Excellent length and strong backend response even with carrydown. Perhaps the RipR would respond well to this surface? You betcha’! The RipR at P500 Abralon, four sides, followed by four sides of Rough Buff gets excellent length on HPL , Anvilane and Pro Anvilane, with terrific response and carry on the back end. A big plus with this surface is that I am able to use the RipR for several games with few line adjustments. I’m able to play outside the track with good recovery, down the track for a couple of games, followed by moving deeper inside while bumping the track at the breakpoint with near equal carry and success with strong recovery at the breakpoint. Teammates on two leagues call my RipR, “The Chameleon” as it is capable of several different personalities and shot shapes.
Reaction Longevity: Very Good at P4000, Excellent at P2000, Very Good at P1000, Good at P500, Fair at P500 followed by Rough Buff. (Consider reapplying Rough Buff after nine games or so to retain backend reaction through carrydown.)
My perception is that Morich balls using the EZRev cores had evolved to a point that the core dominated the coverstock which was amplified by those who drill standard layouts in balls without consideration of axis points, rotation and tilt. The newer Morich balls (Frenzy, Craze, mania, RipR and Perpetual Motion) have excellent core to coverstock matches that really shine when the layout is in tune with the bowler’s measurables but are forgiving enough to work well for those who slap on a label-leverage layout without regard to bowler variances.
The RipR is an excellent benchmark ball and is capable of covering multiple spots in your league or tournament arsenal. The RipR along with the Perpetual Motion make a truly versatile two-ball arsenal. For a three-ball Morich arsenal, I’d consider a mania, RipR and Perpetual Motion.
In comparing the RipR to other manufacturer’s bowling balls, I see the RipR as close to the Ebonite Mission 2.0 (but more versatile), and stronger but with a similar shot shape as the Hammer Taboo.
My measurables:
Weight: 15 lbs
PAP: 4.25" over, 0.25" down
Ball Speed: 18 mph, 16 mph down lane
RPM: 315 rpm (300 to 330 rpm range)
Axis Rotation: 45 to 70 degrees (usually ~50 degrees)
Axis Tilt: 19 degrees
![](http://i1162.photobucket.com/albums/q531/James_Bungard/P1010571.jpg)
MoRich Mania, RipR, Craze, Perpetual Motion, MOjave
LM Black Pearl, Xtreme Damage, The New Standard, MoRich Spare Ball
Edited on 2/18/2011 at 0:18 AM
Edited on 2/19/2012 at 5:33 PM