Ball Review: Clash
Bowler: Jeff Ussery
Date: 6/15/07
Coverstock: Modified Phazed Bomber Reactive
RG: 2.50"
Differential: 0.050"
Pin to PAP: 4 3/4"
Surface Preparation: 4000 Abralon with Powerhouse Factory Finish Ball Polish
What I Was Looking For In This Ball and Layout:
This new release from Ebonite got me pretty excited, as the Whirlwind was one
of my favorite balls from last season. The Clash is an upgrade to the coverstock, but uses the same core as the Whirlwind. I expected an even, controllable breakpoint, in a fairly aggressive overall
ball motion.
What I Ended Up With In This Ball and Layout:
Wow, will this piece surprise many people this year. First for the front part of the lane. The Clash uses a 4000 Abralon surface polished with Powerhouse Factory Finish. The cover gets the ball through the front of the lane on all but the driest
of heads. I've only thrown the Clash on a synthetic surface to this point, but I expect
no problems in the front on any reasonable lane condition. This should be an outstanding ball for all lane surfaces out there.
The Clash starts to see friction in the late midlane, but never really jumps. With your more standard symmetrical core layouts, you'll get an even arcing,
but very strong motion in the late midlane. The Clash revs up off the bowlers hand with a low rg of 2.47. The cover/core combination is stronger than you would think with this ball,
so make sure that the mids have at least a little oil on them.
The backend of this ball is absolutely phenomenal. It's strong, can be angular with the right release, but is the easiest ball
to control at the breakpoint that I've thrown recently. Every time I get this ball in to the oil left of my breakpoint, it seems to
just lay off in that spot and hold the pocket. If I miss a shot wide of target, the Clash seems to react even stronger off
of the drier boards.
You'll find the Clash to be much stronger than Ebonite's previous introductions
with this core shape (Whirlwind and Crossfire). The best part is that this introduction has been put into our lower mid-price
performance group. So you're getting fantastic ball price at an "entry-level" performance price. With an upgraded shelf appeal, the Clash should be a strong mover at pro shops
across the country.
***Our
ball reviews are developed from a wide variety of lane conditions,
surfaces, and environments. We are attempting to give you an idea of
our overall experience and findings from a ball. Remember that all
bowlers are different in regards to ball speed, revolutions, axis
rotation, and axis tilt. Bowlers will see different qualities from
bowling balls based on these factors. Be sure to also take into account
the bowler's environment (lane surface, oil pattern, etc.) and their
expectation (hook, score, etc.) before drilling a new ball for anybody.
