I now have several games at three different centers on this ball, so it is time to write a review.
Gladiator Solid:
# RG: 2.51
# Diff: .044
# Lane Conditions: Medium - Heavy
# Coverstock: Galea (Reactive Solid)
# Core: Mohawk
# Factory Finish: 2000 Abralon
3-4 top weight
3-4 pin
I tend to track high so the layout is as follows:
70 degrees x 30 degrees
4 x 4
Two of the centers I have bowled in use AMF synthetics and the other has synthetic heads with a guardian overlay over the remainder of the lane. I left the ball in OOB condition.
I found that I was able to stay with the Gladiator Solid for the entire set of 3 games on the all synthetic lanes by watching the breakpoint and making minor adjustments as needed. Carrydown occurs fairly quickly on these lanes, so you need to be aware of the ball reaction. This ball reacts with a strong arc with no quitting on the backend backend. On the guardian lanes I had to move inside quite a bit until the oil carried down and then could move outside a few boards with my feet. On both the all synthetics and guardian lanes the ball has a very dependable look. With the OOB surface the ball picks up in the mids and has a strong continuing backend arc. This is now my benchmark ball. I can swing it on medium or light oil or play straighter on oilier lanes. This ball handles carrydown better than any other ball in my arsenal at present. I would say that slower ball speeds would need open up the lane on any medium or lighter conditions with the OOB surface.
Visionary has put out a great ball that will work on multiple lane conditions for most bowlers. If you don't have this ball you should get it.
In my bag
Gladiator Solid
Spartan
Ogre Pearl
Ogre Pearl SS
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Tim Scott
Visionary Ball Test Staff Member