Question about cores of lighter balls

[e-tank]

got a reply from storm:

"Hello,

In the asymmetrical balls, we try and use the same “shape” weight block, but because the materials are lighter in order to make the ball weight less, the tech numbers do change and typically get slightly weaker. Hitting power comes from the total weight of the ball and ball reaction on the lane, not the weight block. But typically lighter balls won’t have as much potential as the heavier ones."

Im not expert but i dont agree with the part about how hitting power comes from the weight of the ball and the reaction. Maybe this ties into the reaction category but my HRR hits harder than any ball i have. Theyre all the same weight minus my spare ball. In my mind i was attributing this to the asymmetrical core seeing as my HRR and too reckless have the same 2000 grit finish currently.

[steven408]

go with ebonite cyclone, same core every weight

[backlasher]

I sent an email to 900 Global about the cores in lighter balls a week ago and no reply yet.

[unclemantis]

I sent an email to 900 Global about the cores in lighter balls a week ago and no reply yet.

They are most likely either not the same weight block as 14 to 16 lb balls. They are either a modified version of the weight block used or just a pancake block.

I have a 13lb ball and the same weight block shape is used in it than the ones 14 and up do.

[unclemantis]

got a reply from storm:

"Hello,

In the asymmetrical balls, we try and use the same “shape” weight block, but because the materials are lighter in order to make the ball weight less, the tech numbers do change and typically get slightly weaker. Hitting power comes from the total weight of the ball and ball reaction on the lane, not the weight block. But typically lighter balls won’t have as much potential as the heavier ones."

Im not expert but i dont agree with the part about how hitting power comes from the weight of the ball and the reaction. Maybe this ties into the reaction category but my HRR hits harder than any ball i have. Theyre all the same weight minus my spare ball. In my mind i was attributing this to the asymmetrical core seeing as my HRR and too reckless have the same 2000 grit finish currently.

If you don't think weight plays a part, trying throwing a 6lb kiddie ball down the lane and see how fast the ball deflects to the end pins! Weight is a factor but it is a balance of everything else too.

[CeKnauss]

There are several main factors involved in ball reaction: ball weight, coverstock strength, volume and distribution of oil, surface condition on the lane, physical release of the bowler, and to a lesser degree, weight block. As stated, as the weight of the ball lessens, core shape or density must be sacrificed to keep the ball dynamically balanced.

In this case, you are most worried about the ball's weight and core shape. As the ball gets lighter, the ball is not able to create as much friction with the lane surface, resulting in a lesser ability to grip the lane and change direction. Studies by USBC, Mo Pinel, and others, have determined about 70% of ball motion is due to the coverstock, and only 20-25% due to the core. Typically, the core is designed with the intent to slow the ball down and allow the coverstock to do its work, thus it is more important to have a balance between coverstock and core density than it is to have the exact same core in a lighter ball (this would actually change the dynamics of the ball and make it hook differently than a heavier ball with the same core, which is why a 14lb ball will hook differently [usually later and quicker] than a 16lb version of the same ball if all other conditions are the same).

I've had 14lb and 15lb versions of both the Evil Siege and C-System 3.5. Each pair had the same core, but the 14lb always seemed to be more skid-flippy.

[e-tank]

Very informative post ceknauss. I might be getting my friend a used 14lb Aura to see how she does with it

[e-tank]

to update this thread as i was browsing brunswicks site, when you find a ball and click on the more information tab then click on the balls info sheet, it opens a pdf which gives information about the ball and also shows pics of the cores including the lighter balls. I looked at both the aura and nexxus p+r and the lighter balls both had bulb cores in 12-13