Author Topic: one game impression of Gladiator LE (Read 1148 times)

A_P_K · « **on:** March 20, 2010, 06:29:26 AM »

Balls used: 16lbs Link (4000ab) and Gladiator LE (oob).

Surface: AMF Anvilane, generation unknown.

Condition: light to dry from open bowling over night, no head oil, little mid oil, carry down, and OOB due to spreading oil.

Specs of Glad LE: 16lb, 3oz top, 3.75" pin length
------------------------p
Layout:----------O O
-------------------------c
----------------------------x
---------------------O

Starting with the Link, almost same exact layout but a little lower pin than the Glad LE.

Line of play was 22 with left foot, targeting 12 at arrows to 7 at the break point. Loft was required to get the Link through the worn heads or it would check up too soon. The reaction was smooth playing a small belly hook and as long as I didn't tug the shot the Link held the line and finished enough to hit the pocket.

The OOB wasn't too much for me to get a predictable roll, consistent reaction, and even a little bit of area. Shots sent too wide struggled to make it back but still sniffed the pocket enough to avoid washouts. The biggest issue with Link on this condition was carry; the small core gave away a lot more 10 pins than I would have left with something else.

Switching to the Glad LE oddly but excitingly enough the reaction I received was just about the same as the Link. Major differences; much cleaner through the heads, picked up a slightly stronger roll, and finishes strong enough to enter the pocket at good angles.

Moved 3 and 1 left to see if the Glad LE was stronger at all, same reaction, didn't check up early in the drier heads, smooth roll, even control, but stalled slightly making the turn through carry down. It got to the pocket but left me a 7-10 so I moved back to where I started.

The most obvious difference is hitting power and carry. For me all the VBP equipment hits and carries well but the Glad LE really tossed pins all over the deck. The head pin was working OT flying across the deck bouncing off the side boards. Light shots and high shots also tripped up any stubborn pins.

With that said I believe you will need another ball between the Gladiator pearl and Gladiator LE as I can fit the Crimson and Gargoyle between mine. Also the Panoptic cover stock seems to retain tons of energy compared to the Galea and I almost wish there was a "beefed" up version for more oil.

The colors are great too by the way, nice selection!
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The original Pin Krusher

A_P_K · « **Reply #1 on:** March 21, 2010, 12:25:11 PM »

Got about 5 or 6 more games on the LE.

Definitely weaker overall than the Gargoyle for me. When I say weaker I mean total boards covered. It appears the Gargoyle is about three to five boards stronger.

The LE is cleaner through the heads, longer, and more angular than my Gargoyle.

The Gargoyle is earlier, more rolling, and smoother at the break point.

One thing Charlest and I noticed today, the LE can clear much drier heads and hold lines longer than other lighter oil balls. I could still play straighter up around seven after 15 games of practice on worn conditions.

At first I could start further inside and the LE would recover nicely but once carry down set in the LE couldn't cut through it. I had to move back right.

After yesterday comparing it to my Link, more length, more turn, more carry.

I guess if you're in the market for a (VBP) light oil resin ball that's not the BG Centaur grab a LE while you can.
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The original Pin Krusher

charlest · « **Reply #2 on:** March 21, 2010, 01:48:22 PM »

quote:
.. One thing Charlest and I noticed today, the LE can clear much drier heads and hold lines longer than other lighter oil balls. I could still play straighter up around seven after 15 games of practice on worn conditions.
--------------------
The original Pin Krusher

Just to clarify, 3 of us put in about 15 total games on a pair.
In their league at this house, A_P_K's team is a trio. So 6 people on a pair bowl 18 games total. Since he was able to use the LE well in our 15th game, the odds are pretty good, he should be able to use it for all three games of the league, UNLESS that pair has a lot of open bowling on it before hand. Then if he must move inside, he can always switch to the GG.
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"None are so blind as those who will not see."

TWOHAND834 · « **Reply #3 on:** March 22, 2010, 07:12:13 AM »

I was not quite expecting to hear that the LE was weaker then the Gargoyles. I just drilled my LE on Saturday. I layed it out very similar to my GG, so I am really eager to get out and throw it. I did my usual pin about 5 inches from PAP (above and slightly right of ring finger) and cg stacked underneath. I left it at box finish. Cant wait to toss thing bad boy. Took my 10 year old trusty GG Friday for league and shot 279 for 747. Cant wait to make the comparisons.
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If anyone out there is worried about the scores being too high, try duckpin!!

A_P_K · « **Reply #4 on:** March 22, 2010, 08:36:29 AM »

Steve for me the layout definitely has an impact on the difference in reaction and over all hook.

I have a long pin, pin down layout with the X-hole about three inches from the thumb hole. It's not to scale but the layout on the GG is like below.

--------O O
-------------p
--------------c
----------O---x

It picks up an early strong roll without sacrificing too much of that back end drive people who use the GG have come to love. I actually think this one gains speed once it makes the turn it's so pretty to watch.

I think you will like the LE, it's stupid clean through the heads, you might think it's not going to make the turn but it definitely will. The back angle is much sharper than I've seen on current SS and GG. You may be able to get it to work through some carry down with your high rev rate but I can't.

I definitely like it more than the BG Centaur simply because it's a light oil pearl and again...stupid clean up front.
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The original Pin Krusher

scotts33 · « **Reply #5 on:** March 25, 2010, 12:35:09 AM »

JMO BUT Steve will get the LE to finish like most can't cuz of his high revs and speed. Ability to play in and either go around carry down or in if need be and knows lane play.

It's all about the player and his bowling skills. Steve has them...most of us hacks don't!
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Scott

Author Topic: one game impression of Gladiator LE (Read 1148 times)

A_P_K

one game impression of Gladiator LE

A_P_K

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charlest

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TWOHAND834

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A_P_K

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scotts33

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