In general, a particle pearl will get down the lane decent, and still have the turn on the backend because of the particle, unlike other pearls that may skate in some oil. The Ultimate was a dud in my area, as in the 2 leagues I bowled almost every week in this year, there were NONE on the racks. I only drilled a couple right when they first came out, but around my area, nothing. So, as for side by side, I really dont know, but from what I saw of the Ultimate, it was a decent medium ball. Due to the reactive cover, it didn't like floods, and from being dull, it did not like dry either. The 5.0 will probably be more versatile for you in the long run.
CLint
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Clint Daley-Owner
Lets Go Bowling Daley
Salem, Ohio 44460
TRACK ADVISORY PRO SHOP STAFF