For those who are interested in this overseas ball...
Yesterday I had the opportunity to play a friend's Ravage IV (Japan release) in box condition. 14 lbs., drilled strong for a low track player (pin under ring, CG/MB stacked, x-hole, 2" deep on PAP)
=o=o===
===p==h
====x==
==0==m=
Me:
Style = Stroker/mild Tweener, right-handed
Speed = 13,5-14,5 mph
PAP = 5" & 1/8"^
Axis tilt = 18,7°
Revs = 250-300 RPM at release
For more details, check out my profile, please.
First of all - the ball is nice. Overall a dark chrome pearl color, red engravings and a white "HYBRID coverstock" line. Much like a Power Groove Dry/R without the yucky green. This ball looks stylish and cool!
Lane was medium-dry to dry when we tested it. I was also able to compare the Ravage IV with a Sahara with the same drilling - it does not perfectly match me, since I am a high tracker and do not receive the sharp break my friend gets. But it was eneough for some test shots.
For me the Sahara went in a nice, controllable arc. I stood at 30th board, aplying over 3rd arrow to hit the pocket. The Ravage IV was a touch stronger, but not very much. Standing at 32nd board and using the same target, the arc bellowed a bit more and the Ravage IV went into a roll a little sooner.
Both balls hit very hard and well, messenegers everywhere - although I had the impression that the Sahara conserved its energy better on the dry conditions we played and hit harder.
Problem is that nobody knows or can tell what the Ravage IV's coverstock is? From its performance I'd say it is just PK18 pearl - I expected it to be more aggressive and to grip earlier. The difference to the Sahara was not very big, and compared with a Red Alert 300 (a Zone Classic in disguise) my friend was playing that evening, too, I'd say the Ravage IV's coverstock is definitively weaker than the Activator pearl on the Red Alert 300 - but its core has much more kick at the breakpoint.
It should be a nice ball for medium to medium-dry conditions, much like Brunswick's Rampage but with more back end and a more pronounced breakpoint flip. But I doubt it is worth the gigantic investment to have this overseas ball...
--------------------
DizzyFugu --- Reporting from Germany
Team "X": http://homepage.mac.com/timlinked/
"All that we see or seem, is but a dream within a dream..." - Edgar Allen Poe
