Ball Review: Gamebreaker
Bowler: Jeff Ussery
Date: 6/25/07
Coverstock: GB10.7
RG: 2.45"
Differential: .051"
Pin to PAP: 5"
Surface Preparation: 2000 Abralon
What I Was Looking For In This Ball and Layout:
When I drilled the Gamebreaker, I knew exactly what to expect due to my experience
throwing and drilling this core shape (V2) over the years. I was looking for strong, aggressive ball motion, and I knew that's what I'd
get.
What I Ended Up With In This Ball and Layout:
The Gamebreaker is extremely strong in the front part of the lane, with the dull
GB10.7 cover as the veneer. This is the same coverstock material used on the original One ball, in a dull
2000 finish. It's like using snow tires. No wait. It's like putting the chains on the tire. This ball revs extremely quickly and is supported by an extremely aggressive
coverstock and finish. The Gamebreaker needs medium to heavier amount of oil in the front part of the
lane to get to the breakpoint properly. But, and I quote a customer from a phone call yesterday, "When that oil is there
in the front, LOOK OUT!"
The Gamebreaker picks up its roll in the midlane due to many factors. Again, we're dealing with an extremely aggressive cover in a sanded finish. I tend to create midlane roll naturally as well, making it the spot for this
ball to hook. Also, this core shape has always been one to read the midlane well. The Gamebreaker is one of those balls that you just can't seem to throw through
your breakpoint. It feels like it's always going to hook.
And sometimes the Gamebreaker can really surprise in the backend! When the ball rolls as designed, you're going to see a very strong, continuous
ball motion through the backend that just destroys the pins. But at times, we all goose one and get it a little wide, with a little too much
speed. I know I do! Gamebreaker is one of those really cool balls that will make it back from spots
that should be illegal. You know the ones. Like the times when you might have the first 6 or 7 strikes in a game, and you
miss a couple of boards right. You hear your brain make that "oh no" noise inside, and just then the Gamebreaker
reads the friction even harder and corners all the way back to the proper position. Sometimes it's even fun to throw just to see how far right you can physically
throw this ball and still get it back to the pocket. I ran out of boards during my test. The right side gutter was in my way.
***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.
