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Author Topic: First Impression: Blue Sparkle Gryphon  (Read 1268 times)

A_P_K

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First Impression: Blue Sparkle Gryphon
« on: October 10, 2003, 07:46:50 PM »
This ball is 16lbs, pin out is 3-4" and it is drilled 1:30 label.  I don't recall the top weight on the ball.

I wanted something that would compliment my Crimson Ex, which is drilled 5x4, and since the Gryphon is more like both the Green and the Crimson, I sanded it down to 600.  I wanted it to handle a touch more oil than the Crimson can.

Likes: This ball with this drilling has great length down the lane, a HUGE backend that can be somewhat unpredictable, hit, and carry that is typical Visionary.

Dislikes: The Gryphon is alot stronger than what Visionary claims it to be.  Not as forgiving as they claim also.

Report:

I had the chance to use the Gryphon in my Friday night league after all hope was lost in the first game.  Quick transitioning lanes made for a fast adjusting night that either left you wondering, or executing.  There was a slight hold area outside of ten, getting any ball out that far wouldn't recover well back to the pocket.  I played deeper with my Enforcer, but it simply chewed through whatever oil was left there, so after a terrible first game I pulled out the Sparkle.

I started the second game standing slide foot on thirty with the break point at fifteen.  That line only worked a few shots before I had to move deeper.  For the remainder of the night I played thirty six and out with a break point of fifteen again, so as not to enter the hold area.  That worked wonders, and I let the ball slide down the lane and flare back into the pocket.  

Each bad hit that I hit the beak with, the Gryphon broke up all that crap leaving me with easy single pin spares.  Each pocket shot I had left only powedered pins left on the deck, as the Gryphon simply crushed them.  The hit is pretty amazing, it is soooo powerful that you hardly have any pin action.  Just an explosion that sends everything straight to the curtain.

Overall it's a great ball I can use when there is more oil on the lanes than the Crimson can handle....which is just what I wanted it to do.

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In the old days people used to cut wood with axes.....................now and days...............they just have Executioners do it for them!

Pin_Krusher IS a serious threat to modern day bowling wood as we know it today.
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scotts33

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Re: First Impression: Blue Sparkle Gryphon
« Reply #1 on: October 11, 2003, 10:54:43 AM »
quote:
Dislikes: The Gryphon is alot stronger than what Visionary claims it to be. Not as forgiving as they claim also.

 


The Sparke Blue Gryphon is as it's name says a high polish 1500 grit factory finish ball and was developed for THS...in my mind.  It can be very forgiving on a wall.  Pull it in and it slides on THS walls and if you have enough hand it will carry very well.  Get it out in the dry and it is very controllable given the right drilling for you game.  Saning it to 600 grit in my opinion does nothing for this ball.  There are better balls in the Visionary line to use.  If you have to much over lap with the Crimson then just stick with the Crimson.  Of course, these are my opinions only.

Scott
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Scott

A_P_K

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Re: First Impression: Blue Sparkle Gryphon
« Reply #2 on: October 11, 2003, 11:07:31 AM »
No I don't have overlap with the Crimson, the Blue Gryphon turns over earlier than the Crimson does.  The Crimson has a sharp angle of entry into the pocket while the Gryphon has more of a harder arc.  It is not skid snap like some people mentioned because I sanded the polish off.

Even if bringing it down to 600 grit doesn't change all that much, it does compliment my Crimson like I wanted it to.

I haven't used it on a wall yet, will try next time I face one.

I have the whole Exectutioner line, and the Green Gargoyle, as well as the Blue Gryphon, and from what I can tell, the best two balls to go with on league conditions are the Gryphon and the Crimson.  There's not enough oil out here to use the Charcoal or Purple Ice, and the Blue Gryphon is as useful as the Green to me. (IMO)

--------------------
In the old days people used to cut wood with axes.....................now and days...............they just have Executioners do it for them!

Pin_Krusher IS a serious threat to modern day bowling wood as we know it today.
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TappaKegga

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Re: First Impression: Blue Sparkle Gryphon
« Reply #3 on: October 11, 2003, 03:44:03 PM »
APK  -- I have talked a little with you before.  Now that you have the Gryphon, I was wondering what you still thought along the lines of a lineup of the Gargoyles.  I am thinking of getting the Green (there is one locally that is wholesale for $80 right now) and then getting the Slate & Granite for the Test staff program.  I'm still thinking that they will cover pretty much any condition I come across (and I have a White Dot & Danger Zone right now).  However, I wasn't sure if I should go with the Gryphons instead of the Gargoyles for the Test Staff lineup, and still get that cheap, new Greenie.  Thoughts??  By the way, I live in St. Louis and Visionary still isn't real big around here or in the proshops.
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A_P_K

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Re: First Impression: Blue Sparkle Gryphon
« Reply #4 on: October 11, 2003, 04:03:06 PM »
Tappa,

The gap between the Granite and the Green can be filled if you'd like.  It depends on how you choose to drill the Granite, if you want it for more oil, the I'd suggest filling it.

Remember the Green will barely move on oil period, so you should have something that will, but not burn up on medium to lighter patterns.  I think actually either the Crimson or Gryphon could fit this slot.

If you face longer oils than maybe you should get the Gryphon and drill it accordingly, but maybe you can also buff the cover down like I did.  The Gryphon is significantly stronger in every aspect than the Green is, with the exception of a matching backend.

You could use the Granite for oils, Gryphon for mediums, the Green for lights, and the Slate for spares/dries and have one great arsenal.  As a matter of fact, my friend and teammate has the exact same thing.  He can score on any condition (provided he focuses) and adjust accordingly with either ball.

Think it over and let me know what you've decided.

--------------------
In the old days people used to cut wood with axes.....................now and days...............they just have Executioners do it for them!

Pin_Krusher IS a serious threat to modern day bowling wood as we know it today.
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TappaKegga

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Re: First Impression: Blue Sparkle Gryphon
« Reply #5 on: October 11, 2003, 04:37:35 PM »
Thanks again APK.  I was basically thinking along the same line.  However, I was thinking that maybe polishing up the Granite would work nicely if I could not find a line with the Green. Then having the Slate for the very dry (and spares).  I would start with the Green out of the bag.  If no reaction move to the polished Granite.  Truth be told, I rarely see a "true" heavy oil shot, especially in the house I bowl league(s).  If I go elsewhere, or the polished Granite isn't making the move, I figure I could always pull out the Scotchbrite and rough it up (Or thought about keeping the old Danger Zone around sanded up).  As you can tell, I'm trying to keep to a 3 maybe 4 ball lineup.
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