Got a new ball tonight!!!

[gefecht]

As was said before. Just came back to the game a few months ago after taking a long (read 10+ years) break. Came back with a Trauma ER - Heavy oil. Bought a Crux - Heavy oil. Was doing fine until I started this summer league. With the way the heat is out here even though the lanes are oiled before each nights league, it is still rather dry. My Crux even taken to 4k polished still has a tendency to lose energy downlane and hit like a marshmallow. Trauma is a little better but still cannot play crosslane like I used to.

Well, decided to splurge and get a Motiv Tag on the recommendation of a few league members and after talking to my PSO. Who has had his own shop for well over 20 years and is a Gold coach as well. Drilled it up, Sorry, cannot remember what the measurements were. But he took the time to get my PAP and everything else after determining what I want and how I throw.

All I can say is WOW. My crux is lucky to cross 5-6 boards. This Tag will come from the 3rd board straight to the pocket. Yes, this is a THS but I was not expecting this level of reaction from that ball. Took me a bit to learn it's travel but once I did, it was worth it. It skids nonstop till 40 feet down and then makes that hard left turn.

Long story short. Got a new ball from a very knowledgeable PSO and am doing a lot better with it. I know it comes down to proper drilling but I am still amazed.

[dougb]

Congratulations on a successful new purchase! The value of a knowledgeable pro shop operator watching you bowl, taking your measurements, and recommending a ball/layout/surface cannot be underestimated.

It's possible the reason why your Crux appears to hook less than the Tag is it's burning up energy because of its surface and has nothing left by the time it hits the pocket. Since it's a hybrid cover at 3000 abralon that might be true.

Surface dictates a lot of the ball's reaction, and the Tag is probably better suited for the lane conditions you are on. It comes at 5500 grit surface -- much better for light oil.

The Crux also has a stronger core (lower RG/higher differential).

So much of this game is making the right adjustments to match your game to the lanes you are on. That could be physical adjustments or a ball change. Sounds like you made the right one!

[gefecht]

Yeah, I knew the crux was losing so much energy due to the aggressive surface. That is the main reason I decided to get a "light" oil ball.

[Jessiewoodard57]

My PSO bowls league at the same house as I do (he is in a free standing building) when I went to him interested in the crux knowing the house and their oiling habits he told me I did not want the solid but the pearl would be a much better hitting ball. Boy was he right I love the pearl Crux. I love the fact that he is interested in matching the person, the house, and the ball.

[John Anderson]

Good to hear that both of you guys like the crux pearl.

Can you still use it for more than 3 games or does it become too strong at that point?

[RobLV1]

Yeah, I knew the crux was losing so much energy due to the aggressive surface. That is the main reason I decided to get a "light" oil ball.

You could also change the surface and save yourself some $!

[gefecht]

You could also change the surface and save yourself some $!

Yeah, I did do that initially. Took it to 4k with polish. Besides, it gave me an excuse to buy another ball.

Needed a lighter oil ball since both mine were heavy oil.



And John Anderson, I have the original crux. Wanted but could not justify buying the pearl. I do love the crux in the winter when they change the oil.

[dougb]

Yeah, I did do that initially. Took it to 4k with polish. Besides, it gave me an excuse to buy another ball.

Needed a lighter oil ball since both mine were heavy oil.



And John Anderson, I have the original crux. Wanted but could not justify buying the pearl. I do love the crux in the winter when they change the oil.

So what type of reaction did you see after the surface change?

[Jessiewoodard57]

John, 3 games with my Crux is not a problem but when I come into a dry house (which is usually the case on Saturday nights) I start with my Storm Ride or my recent favorite dry ball which is my Hammer Taboo Spare ball. I really would love to get the new Optimus Solid but again our house rarely uses heavy oil.

[John Anderson]

John, 3 games with my Crux is not a problem but when I come into a dry house (which is usually the case on Saturday nights) I start with my Storm Ride or my recent favorite dry ball which is my Hammer Taboo Spare ball. I really would love to get the new Optimus Solid but again our house rarely uses heavy oil.

Thank you. Good to know. Just wanted to be sure it's not a total waste to get a ball that's only usable for 2 games.