Just a fair warning, This is kind of a novel sized story/question. Read at your own risk.
I had the opportunity to play a couple of the PBA patterns this weekend in a tournament. only got 2 balls of practice on each lane so I didn't have a chance to try much of my stuff. On the first day, the pattern was around 38' maybe as long as 42'. 2nd day i'm pretty sure it was around 35'.
Anywho on the first day I started off with my Columbia Wired, ball was skating past the breakpoint and really didn't have all that much backend with it. Same thing happened when I tried my Wild. Tried playing 15 out to 11 with my Track Mutant, that was interesting. Ball hit about 40' and just took off, didn't even hit the headpin.
After some more messing around with different shots I finally decided that I would try to play straight up 11 with my Slate Blue Gargoyle. I was expecting a nice controlled arc to the pocket. but what I got instead was an incredible snap that took the ball light brooklyn and slopped out a strike. My Jaw dropped wide open and I honestly didn't know what to say. I tried moving inside a bit with it and it kept its strong backend. Finally found a really nice shot playing 14 out to 10 and back. On this particular shot this ball actually gave me a little bit of room. I had about 1-2 boards on each side of the arrows with it. and this is on a PBA pattern. This ball was also carrying pins out like they almost wanted to fall.
The next day shot was shorter, 35 feet. went through the same routine. The Wired at least snapped this time, but it was uncontrollable, the Wild hooked about like the Gargoyle, and I didn't even try the Mutant. So once again I pulled out the Gargoyle. moved my feet 2 boards left of where I was playing the first day, moved my mark 1 board left and just started letting it go. Ball still carried great and I still had room to the pocket. Unfortunately, I had a bad time shooting spares my 2nd day, and didn't adjust well to the lanes breaking down. ended up missing the cut by one pin (cuts down to the top 4).
So has anybody else had any luck with this Gem on any sport or PBA patterns. Or is it just me? I must say, this is my first Visionary ball, and I am really pleased with it performance. I plan on getting a new ball in the near future, and it will probably be visionary. Might get a green gargoyle to replace my old worn out Wild. So anyway, Let me know about your experiences with this ball. Thanks.
Jeremy
On Edit: Ball is drilled CG center palm, pin 1/2 inch above and to the right of ring finger. Right handed.
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"Strive to be perfect, that is after all the only way to become perfect."Conversation between me and my girlfriend.
Her(what I hear):Blah blah blah blah blah BOWLING blah blah.
Me: What did you say about bowling?
Her: I didn't say bowling I said, DRIVING, I'm tired of driving.
Me: Ohhh. Nevermind.
Proud user of Columbia 300 and Visionary Bowling Products
Edited on 5/10/2005 3:25 AM
Edited on 5/10/2005 3:26 AM
