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Author Topic: Rebel Tank vs. Artic Sniper  (Read 5366 times)

Luvswatch

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Rebel Tank vs. Artic Sniper
« on: April 30, 2015, 06:26:41 AM »
Been throwing a Blue Hammer for spares/desert conditions. No problem flattening the hand out to make it go straight when needed.

Since I was looking for a Motiv ball for spares...wondering if it makes sense to pass on the Artic Sniper and just wait for the Rebel Tank so that can double up for spares and with Halogen core, be a better option for a strike ball when urethane is needed?
RIP Sawbones and ThongPrincess

14# - Motiv
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Covert Vengeance
Primal Rage
GT1
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Primal Impulse
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Rebel Tank
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14# EBI
Cyclone GB (private run)
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spmcgivern

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Re: Rebel Tank vs. Artic Sniper
« Reply #1 on: April 30, 2015, 09:20:16 AM »
If you are already used to the Blue Hammer, then the Rebel Tank would be close match.  The Arctic Sniper is really more like the Storm Mix than the Storm Natural.  The only problem I can see is if the ball isn't what everyone thinks it will be (stronger than expected) adjusting the surface may be more difficult.  Urethane covers have always been harder to fine tune than resin, at least for me. 

But if you have success in the Blue Hammer (great ball), why worry about replacing it?  By the way, which Blue Hammer are we talking about?  Original or new?

Luvswatch

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Re: Rebel Tank vs. Artic Sniper
« Reply #2 on: April 30, 2015, 09:47:15 AM »
spmcgivern - New Blue Hammer

Just want to have an excuse for another Motiv ball.. ;)

If Ronnie Russell was using the Tank for spares before they discontinued it...why can't I use the Rebel Tank for double duty of spares and dry...?
RIP Sawbones and ThongPrincess

14# - Motiv
Jackal
Cruel Intent
Covert Revolt
Covert Vengeance
Primal Rage
GT1
Octane
Forza Redline
Forza
Sigma Sting
Venom Shock
Primal Impulse
Octane Burn
Tribal
Tag
Rebel Tank
Apex Ascent

14# EBI
Cyclone GB (private run)
Cyclone
Blue Hammer Urethene

JazlarVonSteich

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Re: Rebel Tank vs. Artic Sniper
« Reply #3 on: April 30, 2015, 11:57:58 AM »
For me, I found the original Tank to be closest to the Super Natural. I owned both. Also had a Blue Hammer at one point. I'd say those three are pretty similar from what I recall.

I do find the Tank gets down the lane more than the Arctic Sniper. It definitely has more backend. I have used it for spares in the past. In fact, it may be better than the Arctic Sniper when the heads go.

I expect the Rebel Tank will be a bit closer to the Arctic Sniper but with slightly more drive and hitting power - which is definitely something I'm looking forward to. I'd guess that you would be fine waiting for it.

Before I knew about this ball, I was set to get a second sniper and have my current pin down one with a duller surface and drill and polish the other one for length. Now I will just get the Rebel Tank for the stronger ball and polish my sniper for spares. But I still feel confident that I will be able to use the new tank to pick up spares as well if I'm limited to bringing one with me.

spmcgivern

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Re: Rebel Tank vs. Artic Sniper
« Reply #4 on: April 30, 2015, 01:37:54 PM »
Here is what I look at in a spare ball. 

1.  I want the ball to have as little motion as possible, but not an arrow.  Just a little move, which is why I would scuff up my plastic spare balls (just a little).

2.  If the ball is going to "move" then I want that motion to occur as early as possible.  The thought of a spare ball having anything like a skid/snap motion is frightening.  When you get around the corners or on shorter patterns, I do not want any residual rotation to cause the ball to bite and miss my spare on clean backends.

3.  Longevity isn't the biggest concern since plastic balls are cheap, but urethane is much longer lasting.

4.  Only time I worry about my spare ball doing double duty is if I am ever limited in the number of balls I can use during a tournament.  Other than that, I will take and use as many balls as I can carry.  Also, I feel some bowlers use their spare ball as a strike ball without exhausting all other options.  They try to stay in an area too long and force a shot that simply is not there.

After all that, the Rebel Tank will be a great spare ball for most bowlers.  Higher rev bowlers may need to adjust surface or drilling, but with practice, any ball can be a great spare ball.

J_w73

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Re: Rebel Tank vs. Artic Sniper
« Reply #5 on: May 08, 2015, 05:43:52 PM »
Are the Rebel Tank and Arctic Sniper using the same cover?
350 RPM, 17 MPH

Luvswatch

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Re: Rebel Tank vs. Artic Sniper
« Reply #6 on: May 09, 2015, 12:39:02 PM »
Both have the DMX Urethane, but they might have tweaked it for the Rebel Tank...will see.
RIP Sawbones and ThongPrincess

14# - Motiv
Jackal
Cruel Intent
Covert Revolt
Covert Vengeance
Primal Rage
GT1
Octane
Forza Redline
Forza
Sigma Sting
Venom Shock
Primal Impulse
Octane Burn
Tribal
Tag
Rebel Tank
Apex Ascent

14# EBI
Cyclone GB (private run)
Cyclone
Blue Hammer Urethene