I just tried out my new Virtual in league and am initially disappointed. Looking for suggestions to adjust before heading to Nats next weekend. Note that I'm left handed... It's not the same world over there. Layout is pin down, 4.5 x 4 with a PAP of 5x1, with the key almost out to VAL and a small thumb positive weight hole.

Used it on a oily THS shot, compared against a NIB Horizon Solid (just punched that day) and a Cell that's fairly weak and just came out of the hot water bath. Both other balls are 4x4 with pin next to ring and sanded to 1500 with a Valentino pad.

All three performed equally (+/- 1-2 boards), no real difference UNLESS the Virtual was thrown out to the gutter. As expected, it would come all the way back and hit like the proverbial wet noodle, no energy even at 4000 OOB. The Cell would make it back most of the way, and the Horizon couldn't get there. I tried hand-hitting with a 1500 Valentino pad after that with minimal difference.

I know it's pin down, but it was pretty mellow all the way through. Two of my teammates have VG's and they are definite monsters on the right side, night and day to what I saw.

I don't think the fresh THS was too oily for the VG. Although possibly too little oil, the comparative reaction, particulary to the Horizon solid, makes me think not. I do believe it started to wake up a bit after 3 games, but only very little and that's being generous.

My thoughts:

- The obvious "all oilers need friction at the end to react", the pattern was just too long...

- Like my Big B Activator covers, it needs some use before really getting into stride.

- Use the spinner, drop the surface to 1000 Abralon or below, take it to Nats and hope for the best...

Other thoughts?
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Signature? I don''t need no stinking signature...



Edited on 3/14/2009 10:45 AM

its a funny thing about this ball.I have found that with flat conditions where the ball can come into the dry it is very good. but where the oil line is 40 ft. or more it doesnt have time to recover. i thru it last night for the 3rd game and there wasnt much oil ,just a severe oob past 10.
   i moved left and back from where i was originally standing and the ball worked well,but 3rd game at 1000 ,when the shot was broken.and it wasnt burning up.if i got it right ,it skated but when i hit my mark it was money.My point is that its really not for heavier stuff and if i redrill weaker,4x3 pin under ring is where it is now,would it be only for super dry lanes.
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my style, the art of bowling without bowling

Steve,

In your opinion do you think putting the MB so close the VAL would have a negative effect as well?  When I drill eqiupment with that much of a CG kick (or small of a drilling angle) I find sometimes it's too drastic even if it falls within the limits, and doesn't allow the core to rev up early to get into a roll at the break point.  

With such a large angle to the val and pin distance it's tamed the read on the back end off the break point so I was wondering if that combined with the MB being so close to the VAL would result in the ball not getting into a roll.

Inside:

When I compare my two VG's, the one that has the MB on the VAL had a BIGGER flare split than did the one that was in a strong position - translating to earlier hook.  The closer to the VAL (or past it) the faster a ball will "rev up"  The further the MB away from the VAL the longer the delay.

In the case of Lefty, he is sooooo reliant on friction with that release that slight misses at the release point get magnified down lane.  I actually think in his case (rev rate, axis of rotation) that the MB on VAL is helping him.  If he brings his axis of rotation back to a much more manageable level, then the game entirely changes.  This ball may be driled too strong in that case.
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Steve Richter
USBC Silver Level Coach
IBPSIA Certified Technician