higher vs. lower end balls

[rv driver]

Yeah, a burn on wood lanes.

Actually, you can't even enter "wood lanes" as a choice. But if you enter "low oil"...tropical breeze.

That's funny, because I keep coming up with the Punch Out...

[circlecity]

That's funny, because I keep coming up with the Punch Out...

Someone told me the Punch Out is exactly the same ball as another but just different color and scent. any truth to this?

[rv driver]

Someone told me the Punch Out is exactly the same ball as another but just different color and scent. any truth to this?

Looks a whole lot like the Lights Out -- same RG and diff., same cover stock, same core...

[Mike White]

Looks a whole lot like the Lights Out -- same RG and diff., same cover stock, same core...

The same except:

Wipe Out is the solid
Punch Out is the pearl
Lights Out is the hybrid

[rv driver]

The same except:

Wipe Out is the solid
Punch Out is the pearl
Lights Out is the hybrid

Yeah, I just noticed that *little* difference...

[RobLV1]

I wrote the cover story for BTM back in October of 2012, entitled "Reincarnating Your Favorite Bowling Ball." I did a lot of research into how ball companies recycle their successes. This is not a bad thing, as it allows bowlers to use their knowledge of bowling balls to make knowledgeable ball purchases. In terms of the three balls you're discussing, all use a variation of the R2S cover material: solid, pearl, and hybrid. The cover material was first introduced as a solid in the Special Agent in 2006. The pearl was introduced later that same year in the T-Road Pearl, and the hybrid made its debut in July of 2007 in the Sure Fire. They have all been used frequently in many of Storm's most successful lines including the Road series, and the Frantic series. The cores have also been around for a while, most recently in the Tropical Heat series and the Natural line for urethanes.

[rv driver]

I wrote the cover story for BTM back in October of 2012, entitled "Reincarnating Your Favorite Bowling Ball." I did a lot of research into how ball companies recycle their successes. This is not a bad thing, as it allows bowlers to use their knowledge of bowling balls to make knowledgeable ball purchases. In terms of the three balls you're discussing, all use a variation of the R2S cover material: solid, pearl, and hybrid. The cover material was first introduced as a solid in the Special Agent in 2006. The pearl was introduced later that same year in the T-Road Pearl, and the hybrid made its debut in July of 2007 in the Sure Fire. They have all been used frequently in many of Storm's most successful lines including the Road series, and the Frantic series. The cores have also been around for a while, most recently in the Tropical Heat series and the Natural line for urethanes.

So, what's your "ballpark" opinion (knowing that you know little about my house lane conditions, my swing, release, axis, etc.) of this particular situation, Rob?

I've been looking at a Tropical breeze as a first reactive ball & fingertip grip. However, Storm's Match Maker matched me up with a Punch Out, so I took a look. As you're aware from this thread, I hadn't really considered anything much other than an "entry level" reactive. The Punch Out is very similar to the Breeze in terms of RG and diff; cover stock & core are different. It has a higher flare potential, and boasts a fairly aggressive hook (I assume that could be toned down depending on how the ball is drilled). Which would you guess would be the better choice for me (given what little you know about me)? I have a slower speed, lower rev, "in-between" axis and a low track.

Also, you mentioned earlier that you thought I'd do better with a solid rather than a pearl. AFAIK, pearls go longer and maybe break harder; solids hook sooner and bleed energy quicker (because they're grippier). What's your reasoning there? I'm interested because the Breeze doesn't come in a solid.

Thanks!

[RobLV1]

You're right, I don't know much about your house conditions or your bowling style. You need to understand that a bowler's style, ball speed, rev rate, axis tilt, axis rotation makes a huge difference as to what ball will work for them. For a lower rev player, the low rg is huge, but the differential really doesn't mean a whole lot. The differential on the breeze is almost non-existent, where the differential on the Punch out is much higher. If you are a higher rev player, that makes a whole lot of difference. If you are a lower rev player, then not so much. Considering where you are in your game, the Breeze hybrid will probably give you a good idea about what will work for you in the future. My guess is that whatever ball you dicide on now, probably won't satisfy you for a whole long time, but it will give you a good idea about what you want next. Buying bowling balls is an ongoing endeavor. Just ask my wife!

[Amyers]

I can speak a little of the tropical breeze I bought one for my wife about three months ago. She had been using about a 10 year old plastic ball. Her average has increased by about 15-20 pins with the new ball. It hits good and has more hook than you think especially if your lower speed. It's a lot of ball for the money. I wouldn't mind having one myself

[rv driver]

You're right, I don't know much about your house conditions or your bowling style. You need to understand that a bowler's style, ball speed, rev rate, axis tilt, axis rotation makes a huge difference as to what ball will work for them. For a lower rev player, the low rg is huge, but the differential really doesn't mean a whole lot. The differential on the breeze is almost non-existent, where the differential on the Punch out is much higher. If you are a higher rev player, that makes a whole lot of difference. If you are a lower rev player, then not so much. Considering where you are in your game, the Breeze hybrid will probably give you a good idea about what will work for you in the future. My guess is that whatever ball you dicide on now, probably won't satisfy you for a whole long time, but it will give you a good idea about what you want next. Buying bowling balls is an ongoing endeavor. Just ask my wife!

Ha! I know what you mean where the wife is concerned. I'm a musician by profession and have an ongoing collection of instruments.

So, you'd suggest the Breeze hybrid as a good place to begin? Or are you noncommittal here? Why do you think the Storm engine suggests the Punch Out?