BallReviews

Equipment Boards => Visionary => Topic started by: BowlingForDonuts on July 06, 2018, 03:41:51 PM

Title: What is everyone’s favorite Visionary ball(s) of all time?
Post by: BowlingForDonuts on July 06, 2018, 03:41:51 PM
Just curious to the Visionary pieces people swear by perhaps even to this very day?  My top three are Warlock XV, Immortal Pearl and The Crow/Ogre Urethane (tie).  When I punch up my Centaurs list may change though.  Was also curious what people thought of the New and Mixed Breed cross overs (Z spin controversy aside). 
Title: Re: What is everyone’s favorite Visionary ball(s) of all time?
Post by: JOE FALCO on July 06, 2018, 04:03:43 PM
Still get some use from the FRANKIE MAY
Title: Re: What is everyone’s favorite Visionary ball(s) of all time?
Post by: don coyote on July 06, 2018, 04:46:00 PM
Still using Violet and Green Gargoyles.(And still have some NIB)
Title: Re: What is everyone’s favorite Visionary ball(s) of all time?
Post by: bcw1969 on July 06, 2018, 05:31:59 PM
Purple Ice Executioner is #1 for me, had all of my highest sets with it, and the Midnight Scorcher is #2, had my highest game ever with it.

Brad
Title: Re: What is everyone’s favorite Visionary ball(s) of all time?
Post by: StraightBall on July 06, 2018, 07:16:38 PM
Mixed Breed solid and Gladiator Pearl were special for me. Very sad Visionary is struggling to survive, I hope they find a way to keep going and make balls like this again.
Title: Re: What is everyone’s favorite Visionary ball(s) of all time?
Post by: charlest on July 06, 2018, 07:35:25 PM
Blue/Green Centaur.
I've used it in 16 lb., 15 lb., and 14 lb. versions, consistently since 2004, one has always been in my bag.

Next favorites were the Green Gargoyle and the Silver/Blue Ogre Pearl.
Title: Re: What is everyone’s favorite Visionary ball(s) of all time?
Post by: six pack on July 06, 2018, 07:36:57 PM
Out of the one's I've owned the Ogre SS was my Fav.
Title: Re: What is everyone’s favorite Visionary ball(s) of all time?
Post by: MI 2 AZ on July 06, 2018, 11:44:31 PM
My favorite Visionary ball of all time would be the Blue Warlock.  It was a good benchmark ball for me before my shoulder injury. 

My high game was with the Immortal Pearl and my high series was bowled on a second shift (no re-oiling between shifts) tourney with the Green Gargoyle.
Title: Re: What is everyone’s favorite Visionary ball(s) of all time?
Post by: JamminJD on July 07, 2018, 02:19:56 PM
The Ogre Line is GREAT. B/G Centaur is the most versatile ball I have ever used. The Gargoyle line was good. Gladiator pearl and solid were good. Z spins are good when you understand how to drill them. I really like the Crow. Lots of good stuff for sure...
Title: Re: What is everyone’s favorite Visionary ball(s) of all time?
Post by: scotts33 on July 08, 2018, 08:24:44 PM
Just about any older VBP was great.  B/G Centaur, Orange and Blue Warlock's,  Charcoal and Crimson Executioner, whole Ogre line, Gryphon's and all of their symmetrical balls were good for me.  It seemed like the weight blocks and covers were very well matched on the symm's.  (Anything less than .011 inter. diff. I count as a symm.)  The asymm's not so much and the newer stuff I didn't like. 

Best factor about VBP was the Wonders family great people! 
Title: Re: What is everyone’s favorite Visionary ball(s) of all time?
Post by: batbowler on July 08, 2018, 08:26:48 PM
Centaur AMB Solid with the DC Tour right behind. I also really liked the Ogre line and Green Gargoyle. Last, but not least is the Executioner line! Sorry, but I couldn't pick just one! Back in the day I called Visionary and talked to John Wonder, he told me his favorite ball was the Green Gargoyle for house shots. Just my $.02, Bruce
Title: Re: What is everyone’s favorite Visionary ball(s) of all time?
Post by: spmcgivern on July 09, 2018, 07:33:18 AM
Loved my Violet Gargoyle.  Shot my highest set with it.  Unfortunately I didn't have enough oil to throw it so I gave it to my step father to continue to throw it.  Got it when it came out and it is still going strong.
Title: Re: What is everyone’s favorite Visionary ball(s) of all time?
Post by: Bavant on July 09, 2018, 10:45:27 AM
I carry a B/G Centaur and a Bronze Pearl Centaur all the time. The Bronze Pearl Centaur is ungodly the way it hits sometimes. The B/G is my way Better-than-Urethane ball. Love to watch the way both balls seem to plow through the pocket and finish between the 8-9 pins.

I believe Visionary was ahead of the market in some ways and could bring these balls back unchanged today; maybe they don't get the marketing like some other brands but they are as good as any...plus they last and last and last and last.

Just a fan of quality and value by anyone.

 
Title: Re: What is everyone’s favorite Visionary ball(s) of all time?
Post by: BowlingForDonuts on July 09, 2018, 10:56:35 AM
Yeah I love Visionary's quality and imo their pearls just really stand out.  Decided to avoid the z-spin balls (except for a gladiator pearl) but was getting an idea of the real stand outs for stashing.  A luxury to be able to throw 16 as so much easier to find NIB stuff reasonably priced. In general Visionary is scratching my retro itch as came to the brand late but going to be throwing them probably long after they are gone.  With their quality wouldn't be surprised to see a AMB Centaur honor score in 2030 lol.
Title: Re: What is everyone’s favorite Visionary ball(s) of all time?
Post by: Walking E on July 09, 2018, 11:45:04 AM
I've only thrown seven Visionary balls (two OG Ravens, Invasion, Attack, Crow, both Warlock XVs) and my clear favorite is my pin-up OG Raven. It's been the most versatile of the bunch, though each of the others have had their moments. 
Title: Re: What is everyone’s favorite Visionary ball(s) of all time?
Post by: Bavant on July 09, 2018, 03:22:06 PM
BowlingForDonuts you might be right about the Centaurs in 2030 lol. I didn't even mention my Ogre SS pearls or Immortal Pearls which I also love.

BTW, had my 2nd Bronze Centaur drilled last week (no balance hole this time) and used it in a senior's tournament on the 4th of July. At times it looked and sounded like I was tearing the back wall out and my ball speed is usually only 14-15mph. Yeah, I'm also stashing but have not seen any nib SS pearls lately and going to have to quickly order a 3rd Bronze Pearl to stash.
Title: Re: What is everyone’s favorite Visionary ball(s) of all time?
Post by: DP3 on July 09, 2018, 03:23:54 PM
Red Executioner

Then. Now. Forever.
Title: Re: What is everyone’s favorite Visionary ball(s) of all time?
Post by: BowlingForDonuts on July 09, 2018, 07:41:10 PM
BowlingForDonuts you might be right about the Centaurs in 2030 lol. I didn't even mention my Ogre SS pearls or Immortal Pearls which I also love.

BTW, had my 2nd Bronze Centaur drilled last week (no balance hole this time) and used it in a senior's tournament on the 4th of July. At times it looked and sounded like I was tearing the back wall out and my ball speed is usually only 14-15mph. Yeah, I'm also stashing but have not seen any nib SS pearls lately and going to have to quickly order a 3rd Bronze Pearl to stash.

Yeah Visionary pearls are really worth stocking up on though did see a 15lb BLEM Violet Gargoyle go for $170 on ebay so imagine that is a good piece as well.  Didn't realize the B/G Centaur was an asym until went and got drilled today (Visionary doesn't give int diff from what I have seen).  Asym yet with only .015 diff is definitely not your average ball so can't wait to try out.
Title: Re: What is everyone’s favorite Visionary ball(s) of all time?
Post by: gsback on July 10, 2018, 07:59:58 PM
Tough call for many reasons!!  Personally, I've always loved bowling better than people throwing a nice pink ball....hence the Violet Gargoyle stands out for that.  But really, for what the ball did taking into consideration the price....hands down for me the Ogre Pearl.  One of the most versatile balls I've ever thrown.  Also helps that it was my first 300 game shot.

Close second is the Gladiator Pearl.  I still throw that in leagues and I don't think I've cleaned it in maybe 5 years now. 
Title: Re: What is everyone’s favorite Visionary ball(s) of all time?
Post by: Spike2112 on July 11, 2018, 08:28:23 PM
Agree with G, very tough call! Have had so many VBP over the years, but if I had to rank my top 3 it would be as follows-

1. Crimson Executioner.
2. Raven
3. Gladiator


Spike

Title: Re: What is everyone’s favorite Visionary ball(s) of all time?
Post by: Bavant on July 27, 2018, 03:51:17 AM
BowlingForDonuts you might be right about the Centaurs in 2030 lol. I didn't even mention my Ogre SS pearls or Immortal Pearls which I also love.

BTW, had my 2nd Bronze Centaur drilled last week (no balance hole this time) and used it in a senior's tournament on the 4th of July. At times it looked and sounded like I was tearing the back wall out and my ball speed is usually only 14-15mph. Yeah, I'm also stashing but have not seen any nib SS pearls lately and going to have to quickly order a 3rd Bronze Pearl to stash.

Yeah Visionary pearls are really worth stocking up on though did see a 15lb BLEM Violet Gargoyle go for $170 on ebay so imagine that is a good piece as well.  Didn't realize the B/G Centaur was an asym until went and got drilled today (Visionary doesn't give int diff from what I have seen).  Asym yet with only .015 diff is definitely not your average ball so can't wait to try out.

BowlingForDonuts how is that B/G Centaur working out for you? I always carry one in my league/tournament bag, use it as a strike ball for med-dry and for all spares unless the lanes are slick.

BTW, other brands are having a hard time making my tournament bag this summer as a formerly stashed Immortal Pearl has taken a spot along side the Bronze Centaur and B/G Centaur. A mixture of Radical, 900Global, Brunswick or Dynothane fill any other spots. 
Title: Re: What is everyone’s favorite Visionary ball(s) of all time?
Post by: BowlingForDonuts on July 27, 2018, 09:02:06 AM
BowlingForDonuts you might be right about the Centaurs in 2030 lol. I didn't even mention my Ogre SS pearls or Immortal Pearls which I also love.

BTW, had my 2nd Bronze Centaur drilled last week (no balance hole this time) and used it in a senior's tournament on the 4th of July. At times it looked and sounded like I was tearing the back wall out and my ball speed is usually only 14-15mph. Yeah, I'm also stashing but have not seen any nib SS pearls lately and going to have to quickly order a 3rd Bronze Pearl to stash.

Yeah Visionary pearls are really worth stocking up on though did see a 15lb BLEM Violet Gargoyle go for $170 on ebay so imagine that is a good piece as well.  Didn't realize the B/G Centaur was an asym until went and got drilled today (Visionary doesn't give int diff from what I have seen).  Asym yet with only .015 diff is definitely not your average ball so can't wait to try out.

BowlingForDonuts how is that B/G Centaur working out for you? I always carry one in my league/tournament bag, use it as a strike ball for med-dry and for all spares unless the lanes are slick.

BTW, other brands are having a hard time making my tournament bag this summer as a formerly stashed Immortal Pearl has taken a spot along side the Bronze Centaur and B/G Centaur. A mixture of Radical, 900Global, Brunswick or Dynothane fill any other spots.

I have only thrown it once and that day my timing had already been off around then and going up to 16 before I got that fixed made it worse so really hard to say too much about the ball.  I remember it didn't burn up but was spraying so bad hard to say much else.  Think I might throw it again today now you remind me.  I hear you about the Visionary stuff.   My small number of Storm stuff is my go to for tournaments but that is about the only time I throw it as my Visionary stuff is way more fun.

(edit:  trying to avoid crap flooding posts so threw it again today at the lowest oil patchiest house in the area where I usually only go to throw my urethane.  The Centaur was very predictable and tame but based on pocket splits was getting early think it was burning a lot of energy, but by about middle of second game though it was good to go, oil on cover and grey scotch brite grit getting laned shined or something.  I struggled again because really been sucking with my 16lb reactives (but not 16 urethane oh well) lately but after first game wasn't ball's fault.  Still think I am just going to keep it lane shined going forward and quit trying to put surface on it.)
Title: Re: What is everyone’s favorite Visionary ball(s) of all time?
Post by: don coyote on July 27, 2018, 09:12:37 AM
Considering I still have 4 nib-I would say the Green Gargoyle is my favorite, followed closely by my Ogre SS, and B/G Centaur.

Greenie is my get out of jail, break in an emergency, I have no idea what adjustment to make ball. It just works! Goes pretty straight with a nice controllable arc and hits hard.

I also have 2 Particle Centaurs, a Charcoal Executioner, Ogre Urethane, and a Violet Gargoyle.

Even though i haven't bought anything recently from them, I truly hope they stay in business! Their Customer service is AWESOME!