So, I've decided to replace the Grudge Hybrid and Storm Optimus Solid.
The Grudge Hybrid has been an above average ball for me. I've averaged about 185 over 106 games with it. The problem I've always had with this ball is that I originally bought it thinking it would be a good Ball Down option to the Aura Mystic. It never was a good 'ball down option' to anything...it was always the strongest ball in my bag. However...it was never "strong enough" to allow me to open up the lanes and move inside. So, on lanes where the THS was a little wider or had a little more volume...the ball was amazing. But, if it was a more typical house shot that is narrow and dry...this ball wouldn't retain enough energy given my speed/rev rate and where I could play.
I could keep using it as the Fresh Oil ball...and I'll keep it as an option...but with 106 games on it...maybe it's time to give something else a try.
The Optimus Solid has been a bit more of a failure. I 'thought' this ball...being a Solid cover...put a more aggressive surface on it---a 2.48 RG...I thought this ball would allow me to move inside a little. Maybe get closer to the 13-board rather than be out in the 7-9 area. It was a failure. The ball just wasn't strong enough for my physical game...and with any surface on the ball...it performed terribly outside the oil line.
It wasn't until I finally came to terms with this and demoted it to the 'Ball Down Option" that I finally started to have some success with the ball. I reduced the surface by finishing it with Storm Step 2...and would either start with the ball out around 8-9 or I'd save it until the 2nd game and ball down to it. I ended up averaging 187 over 45 games with the ball. I even shot two games over 260 with it at a very dry house over the summer.
My choices are:
Fresh Oil Ball: Hammer Obsession
IF I'm ever going to be able to move inside on fresh oil...given a slightly higher speed and low rev rate...I need a ball with a low RG and a much stronger core than the Optimus Solid. I had good luck with the old Reaxx Pearl with a 4000 surface...so maybe the Obsession can can get me back to being able to inside 10 at the start of league night. If it can't, I don't know what can.
Ball Down Option: Storm IQ Tour
The Optimus Solid taught me the value of having a decent, yet weaker, ball as your ball down option can be very valuable. My experiment with the Special Ops was hit or miss. The Yeah Baby Sinful was terrible. The Aura Mystic worked very well until it cracked. So, the IQ Tour is a proven ball...much weaker and with a very low differential...but still with that low RG I do well with.
This ball is actually the most important ball for my overall game...because it is kind've like my "benchmark ball" in that I will use it as a "ball down" option on heavier/wider THSs but also may start with it on lighter THSs. So, this ball almost always gets used while the other 3 balls sometimes just sit in the bag all night.
The only "risk" with this duo is...every time I try to get a solid that will allow me to move inside...I end up with a ball that won't turn the corner for me and is useless outside the oil. I watched the Laneside Reviews on the Obsession and the older bowler seemed to have NO LUCK with this ball. Given his game is more like mine than the other two bowlers...that worries me. On the other hand...with a little less surface...this ball could be very similar to the Reaxx Pearl and that is one of the better balls I've ever thrown...so I don't know.
Thoughts?
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