Ball Review: NVS

Ball Review: NVS
Bowler: Jeff Ussery
Date: 8/30/07

What I Was Looking For In This Ball and Layout:
During the last season, the Total NV became the staple ball in my arsenal for heavier oil and midlane roll. With thicker oils, and particularly with the PBA experience league that I'm bowling on, I needed some help on heavier volume patterns. I do have a Gamebreaker that is nice on slicker lanes, but I wanted a polished ball that would pick up better in the midlane.

What I Ended Up With In This Ball and Layout:
The NVS scoots through the front part of the lane with ease on most lane patterns. When there is anything from medium to heavier volumes, the NVS has no trouble getting through the fronts. Drier heads can prove to be a little more challenging. But lets face it. If you were looking for something to clear dry heads, this probably wouldn't be your choice anyway. The NVS matches up in the front part of the lane just as the user should expect. Great read in medium to heavier volumes without that squirt that some polished balls can give.

The midlane is where you'll really see the NVS perform different than past balls. I'll admit that I actually didn't like this ball a whole lot at first. And that was 100% my fault. If you're expecting the NVS to be a stronger version of the Total NV, you're partly right, but also partly wrong. The NVS has much more midlane roll than the Total NV, and that creates a different type of backend motion. I'll admit that when I first threw this ball, I was trying to make it do what my Total NV does. The NVS just isn't built for that. It's designed for more friction in the midlane with a continuous backend shape. That's exactly what it gives the user. In fact, I was ready to give up on this ball entirely until I took it to my last practice session. I went in with an open mind, looking for the beneficial time to throw this ball. What I finally noticed after several practice sessions with this ball is that difference in ball motion. Once I finally saw that and adjusted my angles accordingly, the NVS quickly became my favorite ball.

With that better midlane traction in the NVS, expect more of a "hard arc" shape in the backend of the lane. You may have seen Total NVs go down the lane and exhibit that skid/snap type motion. The NVS has a higher surface texture rating, giving it more friction in the heavier oil early on the lane. This is the main reason that you'll see something a little closer to an arc motion in the backend with the NVS.

In the end, I hope this is a reminder to you that it's never good to drill a new ball and have preconceived notions about it. I know that I've learned from myself with this ball, and I hope that you can take away something positive from my experience. Good luck this season, and Bowl to Win!