Bowler: Jeff Ussery
Date: June 8th, 2006
Coverstock: Big Bang Low-Load Particle Sanded with 4000-grit Abralon
RG: 2.51"
Differential: .054"
Pin to PAP Distance: 5 1/2"
Preferred Spin Axis to PAP Distance: 4 1/4"
Balance Hole: None
Surface Preparation: Box Condition
What I Was Looking For in this Ball and Layout:
In this ball I wanted to accomplish two things. First, I wanted something that
was slightly weaker than my One ball but slightly more than my Overtime (both
reviewed on June 3rd). Second, I wanted to give this coverstock another try after
botching my first attempt with the Big Time solid. I think this cover has a place
in my bag and I was convinced that I could get a decent look with it.
What I Ended Up With in this Ball and Layout:
One thing I've learned about Ebonite bowling equipment over the past month is
that the coverstocks are very clean through the front of the lane. Ebonite balls
also use a little more differential than other manufacturer's equipment. This
can create slightly more violent breakpoints than normal, and you have to be careful
with layout and ball selection so that you don't get an uncontrollable bowling
ball.
The Big Time Pearl clears the front of the lane reasonably well for a particle
coverstock bowling ball. You'll notice my rankings show that the ball has length
characteristics between my One and Overtime, just as I had hoped. The Big Time
Pearl has had no trouble clearing the front on any synthetic lane surface. Our
local bowling center has Guardian lane surface in the first 18 feet. I do have
to make sure to rotate the axis slightly more in this center to get the ball through
the front. Overall, the length of the Big Time Pearl is right where I expected.
Notice the preferred spin axis distance I chose on this ball. If you continue
to follow our reviews on this site, you'll learn that this layout is very common
in my bag. It tends to give me a nice reaction shape for my game, and the look
fits my eye. All of us have a preferred ball reaction that we like to see on the
lane. Many of my friends tell me that I like to see "weird" ball reactions. I
tend to look for ball reaction that loses axis rotation quickly, getting the ball
into a heavy forward roll in front of the pocket.
Using the 4 1/4" preferred spin axis location in combination with this pin position
is a sure lock to get me the type of reaction I'm describing. When this Big Time
Pearl begins to read friction on the lane, it flares very quickly and loses the
majority of its axis rotation in a very short distance. This creates quick transition
and a lot of entry angle into the pocket.
In overall hook, my Big Time Pearl fits in right where I had hoped. A simple
1-1 or 2-1 move away from my One ball gets me to the hole with the Big Time Pearl.
I will admit that the Big Time Pearl is definitely closer to the One than the
Overtime in overall hook. My Overtime ball is anywhere from 4-6 boards straighter
depending on lane condition and surface.
With less than a month until the True Amateur Tournament, High Roller, and Mini-Eliminator,
I have a great 3-ball progression for tournament play from my One, to my Big Time
Pearl, to my Overtime.
***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.
