I drilled the box condition (1500 polished Hybrid cover) Mars with a 4 3/4 x 4 layout, pin 3/4" above the fingers on grip centerline, leaving approximately 1/2 ounce of static side and finger weight, no hole.
The Mars is definately a medium to dry lanes ball. The hybrid cover is great and the Orbiter II weight block matches up nicely with it. Because it is a high rg, low differential ball, medium to heavy oil volumes and the Mars will not work all that well together. On a fresh house shot (39') the Mars skidded down lane too long before making a move to the pocket.
But, on a 37' PBA Viper pattern,on wood lanes, the Mars was right on. The ball went through the heads easily and made a nice move off the break point. Using surface/pin adjustments for synthetic surfaces should allow the ball driller to match up a Mars with the novice, intermediate, or advanced player with no problem depending on what the bowler is looking for.
As with all the balls in the Planet line, the Orbiter II core hits extremely hard, keeping the pins low, allowing for more carry on slightly off pocket hits. For bowler's looking for a late shift or tournament burn ball, the Mars will get the job done. For the less experienced bowler, buying their first reactive ball, the Mars will work just fine.
Brendan Bierch
Roto Grip Pro Shop Staff
Bookmarks