PLAYER STATS
Style = Stroker/mild tweener, right-handed
Speed = ~14-16 mph
PAP = 5" over & 7/8" up (high track)
Axis tilt = ~20°
Revs = ~275-325 RPM at release
For more details, check out my profile, please.
BALL SETUP
Ball is 15 lbs. with a 2” pin distance, the pin had been drilled out by the former owner. My specimen (single drill) came already plugged and taken back to OOB finish (2.000 Abralon polished). Static and gross weights are unknown. Anyway, I had the ball drilled up with a rather generic setup with a high angle sum for a delayed reaction, as per usual at Michael Kraemer's Pro Shop in Duisburg, Germany. He did an excellent job.
Dual angle specs:
70° drilling angle
4.75" pin to PAP
65° angle to VAL
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===o=o====
=====+====
======#===
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====O=====
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+ = Pin
# = CG
Surface was kept OOB to see what the orb is capable of.
LANE CONDITION(s)
Length: 37-40'
Volume: 18-24 ml
Type: fresh and worn THS, as well as a mild sport pattern (~5:1 ratio), all on synthetic surfaces
COMMENTS
Likes:
I frequently encounter rather light to medium conditions in league, and with my lower ball speed a high coverstock traction potential and powerful low RG cores can be a problem - but I wanted to try out 'something' new.
The Blackout's low RG/low RG diff. combo paired with a solid coverstock looked pretty unique, so I gave this ball a try, even if it is just second hand. But from my trials on THS and a more demanding (but still not slick) sport pattern and in comparison with my benchmark Renegade, I am pleased!
What I really like is the good length the coverstock shows, even when the track starts to dry up. It is much cleaner through the front than the Renegade with its PK18 solid cover, but it is still responsive to friction and not a ball for really dry lanes. The coverstock reminds me much of Brunswick's N'Control coverstock family, just less itchy.
Its low RG core helps it rev up quickly, and its low differential makes it a very smooth ball at the breakpoint. "Snappy" is nothing I'd associate with the Blackout!
With its low RG differential, the ball seems to like revs. I found the Blackout to be a very stable and predictable ball, more so when I add revs and stay behind the ball for a (more) powerful forward roll. I think that crankers will love this piece, because it is so consistent and stable when you hit it well.
Although its RG is pretty low, the Blackout does not appear to be rolly – something I really was afraid of. The core/cover combo seems to be a good match: while the ball gets into a quick roll after breaking, the low RG differentials seems to "block" a quick bleeding of energy or a jumpy reaction, once the ball hits dry ground. It just shows a continuous curve with a limited hook potential, which is easy to read and predict.
Another positive thing I see is the ball's fine response to release changes - there for I deem it a ball for experienced players, despite its mild and predictable reaction. I found it very easy to adjust the ball's breakpoint and back end reaction through simple hand position changes. Through its good feedback and response it reminds me much of VBP's Frankie May Gryphon, just on (much) less oil.
As another Like, I must praise the Blackout's classic design in opaque black. Nifty piece. I revamped mine with yellow/sparkle engravings (the resurfacing left them bleak and empty), and it looks pretty cool.
Dislikes:
Both cover and core have their limits, but that's to be expected on a ball for lighter conditions. Carrydown and too much/long oil are the Blackout's natural enemy, at least OOB. I haven't opened the surface, since the 2.000 Abralon polished OOB finish appears to be perfect for medium to medium-light conditions, but I doubt that this would dramatically improve the ball’s utility window.
The nice length through the heads is traded-off by a recognizable lack of traction through the cover - which is no weakness, just the ball's design. I think that the cover is even weaker and milder when hitting dry boards than my Motiv RX1 solid. Overall, it comes close to my black Pure Hammer (which I consider slightly weaker, esp. considering its oil handling ability), and its overall reaction actually resembles a strong urethane piece.
Another "limit" is created through the lower RG differential. By tendency, if the ball is played too close to the gutter/too far out, it won't scream back, esp. when the back end is not truly clean. Therefore I'd see its use rather limited to down-and-in lines, only true crankers will IMO be able to play true deep lines with it. Speed-dominant players should stay away or use a very strong layout for the Blackout.
As with many light condition reactives, the Blackout also has a “point” when there’s simply not enough oil anymore out there and adjustments won’t help much. From my experience so far, this comes rather suddenly, within 3 to 5 frames. At this point (I found this to happen after 3-4 games) you will probably already have moved deeper – but start leaving washouts and wide splits. Hence my warning to watch the ball’s reaction closely, and not to hesitate to switch to a milder piece once the ball’s reaction starts to become fishy.
A final aspect: honestly, for wht the ball does or handles, it is/was pretty expensive. It's reaction is good and stable, but it boils down to a simple, symmetrical ball without true whistlea and bells. My tip: if you find a used one (like me), go for it!
PERSONAL RATING SCALE
Length/through the heads:
Easy ooXooooooo Needs head oil
Breakpoint shape:
Arc ooXooooooo Angular
Hook potential:
Low ooXooooooo High
Control:
Stable oXoooooooo Erratic
Durability:
Poor oooooooXoo High
Suited for…
Dry ooXooooooo Oily
Range of utility/lane conditions:
Limited ooooXooooo Broad
Subjective overall rating of this ball:
Poor oooooooXoo Excellent
This scale is inspired by popular rating methods and the results ultra-subjective. Surface prep, layouts and different playing styles will change the results for sure - it is just personal experience with the reviewed ball at OOB finish
LANE UTILITY CHART (Pattern length vs. oil volume)
|S M L
|h e o
|o d n
|r . g
|t
_______
|X X +| Light volume
|X X 0| Medium volume
|+ 0 0| Heavy volume
Legend:
X = Best suited with effective control & carry
+ = Fairly suited (works, somehow, but can lack control and effectiveness)
0 = Unsuited (ineffective, either slips helplessly or burns up)
The chart’s concept is borrowed from Storm's 2003 print catalogue. Surface prep, layout or a different playing style will change the result.
Seismic Solaris Blackout
BALL SPECS
Pin Length---- 3.5-4”
Ball Weight---- 15lb
DRILL PATTERN
Rico layout
BOWLER STYLE
Ball Speed----16mph
SURFACE PREPARATION
Grit---- 2000 Abralon (OOB finish)
Type (Matte, Polish, Sanded)---- Polished
LANE CONDITION
Length---- 38”
Type (Wall, Xmas Tree, Sport)---- Kegel Easy Street
BALL REACTION
Length----- enough
Back End---- nice arching motion that continues through the pins
Overall Hook---- very smooth, not to early not to late controlled arch down the lane.
COMMENTS
Likes----- Drilled this to give me a nice continuous role from start to finish. Easy ball to make adjustment with and can sustain a three game set on any THS I have encountered. Like my Raging bull Charged I can play down the boards or a moderate swing (15-8) with no problems on most shots. Doesn’t blast the pins but knocks them down and that’s good enough for me. Check out the Seismic facebook page at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VqSd-dAgG4s&feature=youtu.be
Dislikes---- N/A
Video link---- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VqSd-dAgG4s&feature=youtu.be
Seismic Solaris Blackout
Seismic Desperado LE
Seismic Raging Bull