LANE CONDITION
Length: 43ft, Legends Oil, Brunswick Anvilane Synthetic lanes (installed in 2008)
Volume: Medium
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): THS
After taking a 12 year layoff from bowling, I decided to get back into the sport this year and 1 of the first 2 balls I bought was a Roto Grip Nomad Dagger. I wanted something that would work very well with medium oil and be a solid benchmark ball.
My bread and butter has always been playing more on the outside of the lane, right of 3rd arrow. However, I can move deeper if necessary. The 43 foot house shot was good to test playing some deeper lines along with going up the boards.
I bought my Nomad Dagger with a 3" pin, and decided to use a control layout, with the CG kicked out and no weight hole.
The first night of trying this ball, I had practice lanes available for 2 hours and was able to use the Dagger for the first 4 games. This ball is clean through the heads, has a great midlane read, and the carry is excellent with keeping the pins low. Having the Rotary core is great as it really does pack a punch.
Another thing I noticed is that the ball is versatile with playing both deeper inside and on the outside part of the lane. I had no problem playing between 3rd and 4th arrow, swinging out to the 5th board, and then playing straight up 2nd arrow, as well as between 1st and 2nd arrow.
One thing that was tougher at the start is that when attempting to play deeper on fresh conditions, the Nomad Dagger can be a little over/under. The center I was at trying this ball for the first time seems to flood the middle of the lane more, and 43 feet didn't help that. In this case, adjusting the cover with an abralon pad, moving outside to play in less volume or going with a stronger ball if you like to play deeper would be the better way to go. In my case, I moved outside and got a great look. Even better- the person next to me using a 900 Global Long Shot was having issues with overreaction and took notice with how well the Dagger was holding on line.
This is 1 of the first 2 balls I ever bought from Roto Grip (the other being a Rising Star). I am very happy with both balls so far. The Dagger has a great spot in the arsenal and works well as a benchmark ball.
Likes: Clean through the heads, great midlane read, keeps pins low for great carry
Dislikes: Can be a little over/under sometimes on heavier volume
BALL SPECS
Pin Length: 3 inches
Starting Top Weight: 2.74 oz
Ball Weight: 15
DRILL PATTERN
Pin to PAP: 5 inches
CG to PAP: 3 inches mb with 4 inch pin buffer
X Hole (if there is one): P2 hole
BOWLER STYLE
Rev Rate: 380
Ball Speed: 16
PAP/Track: 4 inches up 1 1/4
SURFACE PREP
Grit: Factory
Type: (Matte, Polish, Sanded):
LANE CONDITION
Length: 39 ft
Volume: medium
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): THS
BALL REACTION
Length: Very good length with the Hybird cover
Back End: Good strong backend
Overall Hook: Probably a 7 on a scale of 1 out 10
Midlane Read: Good solid midlane read
Breakpoint Shape: Strong arc move
COMMENTS
Likes: I was needing a benchmark ball, Hank Boomershire suggested a Nomad Dagger.
Layed this ball out 5x3x4 with a P2 hole. This fit perfectly in my arsenal. Very controllable and predictable roll.
With the Hybird cover the Dagger reads the midlane and has very strong move on the backend. When the heads
start to go this ball comes alive in really opening up the lane. Great Benchmark ball.
Dislikes: Can get a little over/under reaction with the heavier patterns.
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
Brian Watson
Storm Amateur Staff
BALL SPECS
Pin Length:3"
Starting Top Weight:2.8Oz.
Ball Weight:16
DRILL PATTERN
Pin to PAP:Dual Angle 70 Degree X 4" by 70 degree
CG to PAP:
X Hole (if there is one):
BOWLER STYLE
Rev Rate:320
Ball Speed:16
PAP/Track:5 1/4 over 1/2 up
SURFACE PREP
Grit:4000 Abralon
Type: (Matte, Polish, Sanded):Light polish (15 seconds/ball half)
LANE CONDITION
Length:39 feet
Volume:Medium
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):THS
BALL REACTION
Length: 8 (scale of 10)
Back End: 9
Overall Hook: 8
Midlane Read: very good
Breakpoint Shape: strong arc
COMMENTS
Likes:This ball is predictable and fun to bowl with. Gets through the heads easily, reads the midlane sooner than a true pearl and unleashes a strong but controllable finish. Has enough snap on the back end to allow me to move deeper as the lanes break down, but still carry the corners. In 2 months, I have had 3- 300's and 3 800's spread over 2 different bowling centers. This is the first ball out of my bag, and often the only one. Every bowler should have this in their arsenal.
Dislikes: really none - maybe hooks a little too much on toasted heads, but so does everything else.
LANE CONDITION
Volume: medium
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): THS
The Nomad Dagger is the kind of ball that many will like. As a hybrid, it seems to really take advantage of the length and backend characteristics of a pearl, yet the overall strength of a solid. This ball really offers a different look than either the Nomad solid or Nomad pearl. This ball is clean through the heads, yet has a strong booming move on the backends. This ball is really continuous at the pins and is impressive as it drives through the pocket. The reason why many will like this ball is that it's strong move late in the midlane and backends will give bowlers the confidence it will make it back, allowing them to relax. This ball might actually be a step up from a benchmark ball given it's strength, but look for a drilling that works for you and you will likely find a ball that can be used quite often. This ball has a look of being able to get deep and open up the lanes.
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
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