So, recently, I've had a LOT of luck with the Exile.
I also have not been able to even use the Grudge.
The Grudge hits too weak if I play the track...and if I try to move inside...it doesn't have the "snap" to come back. So, I usually try it out in practice...then put it back in the bag. If I had more time in practice...'maybe' I could find an interior line to play with it...but I've never had luck getting around 15-board at the arrows with that ball. It just doesn't seem to have the backend reaction. Works great in the track on slicker conditions...but not on drier conditions.
Pinpal Stats (by ball in this league) to illustrate dilemma:
Ball #1 Grudge Hybrid:
Games: 5
Average 186.50
Average (had I made all single-pin spares): 190.40
High Game: 201
First Ball Average: 8.77
Strike %: 38%
Ball #2 Aura Mystic:
Games: 21
Average 180.05
Average (had I made all single-pin spares): 187.33
High Game: 251
First Ball Average: 8.77
Strike %: 46%
Ball #3 Fortera Exile:
Games: 17
Average 191.06
Average (had I made all single-pin spares): 198.24
High Game: 247
First Ball Average: 9.02
Strike %: 51%
Ball #4 Vintage Rhino Gold:
Games: 8
Average 177.50
Average (had I made all single-pin spares): 183.88
High Game: 207
First Ball Average: 8.38
Strike %: 40%
As you can see (above), if I read how the lanes WANT ME TO PLAY THEM...based on the results by ball...the lanes are telling me that a stronger ball with matte surface is going to burn up....there's just not enough oil in the track. The Vintage Rhino Gold probably 'could' work...but it's SO much weaker than the other 3...that when I switch to it I end up having to move around for 4-6 frames just to figure out my new line...and thats 4-6 frames of probably not striking.
The lanes are ALSO telling me...there might be oil at the breakpoint. Whether its carry down or lazy lane cleaning procedures (or both)...the Exile is my best ball. The lanes are dry enough to throw a polished ball up the track...as long as it has that big core turn over hard at the breakpoint. The Rhino Gold...similar surface...polished pearl and all. Of matter of fact, they have THE EXACT SAME coverstock...the Fortify Reactive pearl coverstock. But the Rhino Gold doesn't have near the power in it's core. Similar RG and differential...but less...and symmetric for the Rhino Gold.
So, do I change the surfaces to try and adjust given what the lanes are telling me?
Do I try to add Royal Compound to the Grudge Hybrid to see if I can make it serviceable?
Do I try to surface the Aura Mystic similar to the Exile to see if I can get more of a "skid/flip" reaction out of it?
How aggressively to I increase the surface on the Rhino Gold to get it to react better? Or is that somewhat of a lost cause given it's symmetric core? Should that ball be my "reserve ball" should I need a symmetric, slow, steady option?
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