Alt.Sport.Bowling FAQ - Lichstein's Ball Guide
AP-A - Larry Lichstein's 1994 Ball Guide
This feature is included without permission from Larry or
the PBA, or BOWL magazine, or the manufacturers, or whoever
else might lay claim to the copyright. When we find someone
to grant such permission, they will be asked, but for now...
It was posted by the great aki, on a slow snowy day in January,
and we all owe him much thanks.
-bill.
The following chart updated annually by Larry Lichstein, is based
primarily on his scrutiny of the equipment in the hands of
professionals on Tour conditions. Note that ball speed, axis tilt,
revolutions, angle of entry and other factors affect ball reaction,
including the oiling pattern and ability of the bowler. Obviously,
the list also includes many balls not seen on the Tour, whereby
the information comes mainly from the manufacturer of the
particular model mentioned. But they are listed because
one just might be the right one for you.
*
General Retail Price Code:
<li>1. Less than $75
<li>2. $75 to $124.99
<li>3. $125 to $160
<li>4. Over $160
**
Hook power, on a scale of 1-to-15, with 15 the largest.
Durometer readings taken at the factory; these can be drastically
affected by temperature and humity in the field.
Lichstein's 1994 Ball Guide
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Model(Price)* Hook** Cover(Hardness)
Construction
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AMF
Dick Weber Legacy(2) 10 Urethane(76-78)
3-Piece
This new urethane ball will get a try by most of the troops
because it is named for one of the Tour's real legends. Besides,
AMF's bringing out the marketing guns on this line. NEW
Dick Weber RR Legacy (2) 14 Reactive(76-78)
3-Piece
This reactive model of AMF's new Five-Star Legacy serices, this ball
has the strong hitting power/reaction charcteristics of most
reactive balls, but with many key differences. NEW
Ninja Black(3) 12 Reactive(76-78)
3-Piece
Good back-end flip provides a wide range of "creatability" on
various oil patterns.
Ninja Master(3) 13 Reactive(76-78)
3-Piece
One of the two new listings in the Ninja line of reactive urethanes,
this even even-arcing, heavy-rolling ball has made the telecast
numerous times since its Summer Tour intro. NEW
Ninja Fury(3) 15 Reactive(76-78)
3-Piece
This is the Ninja that hooks the most, and it really digs in.
Won the 1993 World Cup. NEW
Sumo(3) 10 Urethane(76-78)
2-Piece
This black urethane ball has a patented oversized weight block.
It is factory unshined.
Cobra(2) 9 Urethane(76-78)
2-Piece
Strike coil weight block produces consistent roll, but has enough
power for good carry.
Bobcat(2) 7 Urethane(77-78)
3-Piece
Three-piece construction makes this mid-priced ball perform best
on medium to dry lanes.
Boogie(2) 2 Polyester(80-82)
3-Piece
For kids and 'teens, this bright ball is available in five
lilvely colors.
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ASU Inc.
Cheetah(3) 12 Reactive(76-78)
2-Piece
A reactive ball with a specially designed "diamond series" weight
block, which is said to provide a predictable, heavy roll without that
uncontrollable snap. Consistent reaction.
Cheetah Gold(3) 12 Reactvie(76-78)
2-Piece
The gold model of the Cheetah, this ball features a larger core,
which is designed to created more length than the original, and which
provides a strong back-end finish. NEW
Patriot Blue(3) 10 Urethane(76-78)
2-Piece
ASU's first ball, it is known for its consistent, hard-rolling
action.
The Eliminator(3) 10 Urethane(76-78)
2-Piece
Another ASU ball with the "diamond series" weight block: better
on oily lanes.
Patriot Special Edition(3) 15 Reactive(76-78)
2-Piece
A reactive ball with the same consistency as urethane, but with
more hitting power. NEW
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BRUNSWICK
Rhino RE(2) 11 Reactive(77-79)
2-Piece
Mike Aulby shot a 300 on TV the first week it was available. This
reactive ball has a large core, which helps it overcome dry heads
while retaining good back-end reaction. NEW
Steel Rhino Pro(3) 11 Reactive(77-79)
2-Piece
Oversized core of this new reactive is designed to get the ball farther
down the lane than the Teal Rhino Pro, but with stronger backend
reaction than then Purple Rhino Pro. NEW
Purple Rhino Pro(3) 12 Reactive(77-79)
2-Piece
Brian Davis shot 299 in the title match to win the first Tour event he
entered. Since its '92 debut, has won 17 pro titles. Goes long with a
hookability of 12 on dry back ends.
Teal Rhino Pro(3) 15 Reactive(77-79)
2-Piece
Has won 11 Tour titles since its Jan '93 deubt, including George
Branham III's T of C win.
Black Rhino Pro(3) 9 Urethane(77-79)
2-Piece
Traditional urethane cover: best with dull surface on oily lanes,
but can be shined for dry.
Blue Rhino Pro(3) 10 Urethane(77-79)
Compound
Fortified urethane cover with center-heavy core helps ball roll
through the heads and turn.
Navy Phantom(3) 10 Urethane(78-80)
Compound
Low moment of inertia lends it to use on oily lanes. An exotic
3-piecer, with video.
Black Phantom(2) 8 Urethane(78-80)
2-Piece
Pin placement is so important on this ball that a video has been
made with drilling tips.
Black Rhino(2) 6 Urethane(78-80)
3-Piece
For light to medium oily lanes, but will go longer if shined.
Cobalt Rhino(2) 7 Urethane(78-80)
3-Piece
Heaviest-hooking Rhino; best for tight lanes, but can be shined
for medium oily lanes.
Siren(1) 2 Polyester(79-81)
3-Piece
Pearlized ball available in seven colors; made to go long, so
it's best for dry lanes.
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BTV (BRUNSWICK TECHNOLOGY VENTURES)
Forest Green Quantum(4) 15 Reactive(77-79)
2-Piece
One of the new family of Quantums (all available only through authorized
pro shops), this model give excellent skid thourhg the heads and a strong
backend reaction. At $200 a ball, I expect to see a strong marketing
effort for all balls in BTV's Quantum line. NEW
Midnight Blue Quantum(4) 14 Reactive(77-79)
3-Piece
Another in the new Quantum line, this 3-piece cover-heavy ball features
a 2-piececompound core with a reactive cover for extreme length and
strong backend reaction. NEW
Dark Scarlet Quantum(4) 11 Urethane(78-80)
2-Piece
The urethane model in BTV's Quantum line, ball is designed to provide
consistent reaction on spotty lane conditions while holding goodlength
with strong backend reaction. NEW
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CHAMPIONS
Reactive Ultimate Weapon(3) 13 Reactive(76-78)
2-Piece
One of two new reactives in the Champions line, Norm Duke used this ball
soon after its dubut to win in Detroit. The reactive shell surrounds a
single-piece weight block, while the cover/weight block combo provide
more consistent and controllable reaction. NEW
Dragon(3) 12 Reactive(76-78)
2-Piece
Newly formulated reactive coverstock around a single-piece weight
block produces a later break point and strong hook. Dull "matte" finish
makes it good on oil, but can be polished up to tame that hook on
drier conditions. NEW
Ultimate Weapon(3) 11 Urethane(76-78)
2-Piece
This wine-colored non-reactive ball was used to win both U.S. Opens
last year (men's and women's) and the 1993 ABC Masters. Provides
controllable hook plus strong back end.
Black Weapon(2) 9 Urethane(76-78)
3-Piece
This ball rolls like a 3-piece with the hit of a 2-piecer. It's
great drilled axis or leverage.
Burgundy Weapon(2) 7 Urethane(76-78)
3-Piece
Good on medium oil, but versatile coverstock accepts shine to cut
down hook.
Blue Weapon(2) 4 Urethane(79-81)
3-Piece
Weapon weight block and core with cover stock for light oil conditions.
Factory polished.
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COLUMBIA
PowerTORQ(3) 15 Reactive(76-78)
2-Piece
Ron Winger threw a TV 300 on Sr. Tour. Several '93 PBA titles, including
those by Pete Weber (Japan) and Dave Husted. Cover stock is 100% Flexcel
by BASF. NEW
Pro Hook Extreme(2) 10 Reactive(76-78)
3-Piece
Hard back-end flip on short oil conditions. Best when heards are
hooking early.
Pro Hook Black(3) 11 Reactive(76-78)
2-Piece
Very predictable roll. Back-end arc makes it best on most short
oil conditions.
The Beast(2) 12 ReactiveBlend(76-78)
2-pc
The cover stock on this versatile reasonable priced ball features a
BASF Flexcel blend.
Black U-Dot(2) 12 ReactiveBlend(76-78)
3-pc
Best for that extra hook on the back-ends as oil carries down;
hard-hitting 3-piece reactive.
Wrecking Ball(1) 8 Urethane(77-80)
3-Piece
Two models (blue and charcoal pearlized) are best for drier lane
conditions. NEW
Yellow Dot Legend(1) 5 Polyester(76-78)
3-Piece
Still a great ball in its 18th year. Good for extremely hooking
conditions.
Black Knight(1) 3 Polyester(78-82)
3-Piece
A sloid black polyester ball with a low-end price for those dry
league conditions.
White Dot(1) 3 Polyester(78-82)
3-Piece
Now available in nine new colors. Great first ball for beginner
bowlers.
Blue Dot(1) 1 Polyester(83-87)
3-Piece
Hardest polyester ball made. Great spare ball, or when lanes are
like the Mojave Desert.
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CSI (Carmen Salvino Inc.)
HyPower(3) 10 HyTherm(76-78)
2-Piece
Steve Jaros shot 279 and 236 on TV with this ball shortly after its
introduction. The ball was developed by Carmen Salvino, who went into the
lab and cameup with a completely new cover stock material. Hook power is
12, but can be modified for hook range of 9-12. NEW
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COOK'S BOWLING PRODUCTS
Pro Series(3) 10 HyTherm(76-78)
3-Piece
This PBA Hall of Famer debuts with a dark teal reactive with a
400-grit factory sanding. A 2-piecer, the ball has a "flip" block for
even roll down the lane and a strong finish. NEW
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EBONITE
Nitro R(3) 15 Reactive(76-77)
2-Piece
Sanded lime ball has a solid record on the PBA Tour, and four
LPBT titles. Nitro core and reactive resin cover give it maximum hook without
a severe overreaction. NEW
Gyro Pro Teal(2) 8 Reactive(78-80)
3-Piece
New pancake weight block reactive enables ball to skid through the heads
easily. Used on Tour by high revolution players and those with slower
speed for medium to light oil. NEW
Crush/R(3) 10 Reactive(76-77)
4-Piece
The ball of choice of the '93 Tour's "All World" Walter Ray Williams Jr.,
this ball features a lightly sanded urethane cover with a secondary soft
innser shell to keep the pins low.
Turbo X(2) 11 Reactive(76-77)
3-Piece
Two-component core has dense top weight for shart pocket angle.
Sand for 14 hookability.
Crush(3) 9 Urethane(76-77)
4-Piece
Double shell. 2-component core cuts through heavy oil and carrydown.
Won 2 PBA titles.
Nitro(3) 10 Urethane(76-78)
2-Piece
Special additives in a sanded cover stock enable the ball to save
its hook for the back-ends.
Turbo Ebony(2) 10 Urethane(76-77)
2-Piece
Same core design as the Nitro, but with an earlier, smoother
rolling cover stock. Versatile.
Turbo Sapphire(2) 4 Urethane(80-82)
2-Piece
Polished, pearlized cover stock using the Nitro core makes this
ball perfect for lighter oil
Turbo Scarlet(2) 3 Urethane(82-84)
2-Piece
The Scarlet is bet for conditions when you need maximum skid on
dry lanes.
Gyro I Blue Sanded(1) 9 Urethane(76-78)
3-Piece
A mid-priced 3-piece ball; is Ebonite's answer for those
upgrading from polyester.
Lady Ebonite(1) 2 Urethane(80-84)
3-Piece
Bright pearlized colors and the Ebonite Thumderbolt core are
featured in this ball.
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FABALL
Navy Reactive Hammer(3) 14 Reactive(75-78)
2-Piece
New pancake weight block reactive enables ball to skid through
the heads easilly. Used on Tour by high revolution players and those with
slower speed for medium to light oil. NEW
Burgundy Hammer(3) 10 Urethane(76-79)
2-Piece
The urethane model features the high density core that made the
Hammer famous. It is the best non-reactive urethane in the Faball line
for heavy oil.
Blue Hammer(3) 9 Urethane(76-76)
2-Piece
This ball is best for heavier oil conditions, but can be polished
up for less oily lanes. Jeff Phipps used the Blue Hammer exclusively to
average 247.89, a new league record.
Purple Hammer(3) 9 Urethane(76-78)
2-Piece
Designed to get through dry heads, but has stronger back-end
reaction than Blue Hammer.
Black Hammer(3) 8 Urethane(78-80)
2-Piece
The original Hammer, still effective all-around from dry to oily
lanes. Polishes up well.
Red Pearl Hammer(3) 7 Urethane(77-78)
2-Piece
The Red Pearl goes as long as the Blue Pearl, but turns harder in
the back. A short oil ball.
Blue Pearl Hammer(3) 7 Urethane(77-78)
2-Piece
Goes long with good back-end reaction. Good on short oil.
Original Hammer construction.
Pink Hammer(3) 3 Urethane(81-84)
2-Piece
Original Hammer construction, cover stock make this one best for
dry lane conditions.
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HSP Inc.
Sun Storm(3) 11 Reactive(76-76)
2-Piece
According to its ads, this new yellow reactive urethane from High Score
Products is "not for the timid." It has a very dense weight block and thick
cover for strong hook. This ball is factory dull for use on oi,
but it hooks "violently" whe shined. NEW
Pacific Storm(3) 12 Reactive(76-77)
3-Piece
Another new HSP listing, this factory dull ball features a dense weight
block with a unique shell designed specifically for the "Pacific rim"
bowler, thus the name. NEW
Tropical Storm(1) 13 Reactive(76-77)
3-Piece
The first mid-priced reactive to my knowledge, this dull ball again
features HSP's dense core block which yields strong back-end reaction.
NEW
Black Storm(3) 7 Urethane(78-80)
2-Piece
The lone regular HSP urethane, its cross-inertia weight block is
designed to keep pins low.
Teal Pearl Storm(3) 10 Reactive(76-77)
3-Piece
A Senior Tour favorite, this reactive ball is designed to hook
hard, but with control.
Blue Pearl Storm(3) 8 Reactive(76-77)
3-Piece
Unique shell combined with dense weight block give smooth,
controlled flip. Crankers like it.
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JPF Inc.
Black Axe(3) 8 Urethane(78)
2-Piece
Ball has built-in axis weight; comes in lef and right handed
models.
Blue Axe(3) 9 Urethane(78)
2-Piece
Never see this ball on Tour: same construction as the Black Axe,
except it hooks more.
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KBS Products
Power Exsion(2) 9 Urethane(78-80)
3-Piece
Mid-priced ball performs best on medium conditions. Available in
black or burgundy. NEW
Super Exsion(2) 10 Urethane(78-80)
2-Piece
Two-piece construction produces earlier, heavier roll than above.
Navy or burgundy. NEW
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NU LINE
Purple X-Calibur(3) 7 Reactive(76-78)
2-Piece
The ball that started the reactive revolution, in that the ball
rools long and finishes strong.
Blue X-Calibur(3) 10 Reactive(76-78)
2-Piece
The blue reactive reacts well on heavy oil The ball features a
dual weight block.
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LANE #1
Purple Buzzsaw(3) 11 Reactive(76-78)
2-Piece
The latest creation from Lane #1, this reactive ball hooks more
than the predecessor after which it was named. A unique weight block
makes drilling critical. NEW
Buzzsaw(3) 10 Reactive(76-78)
2-Piece
This black reactive ball has a unique diamond weight block which
gives consistent roll.
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PARAMOUNT
Red Kaboose(4) 13 Reactive(77-79)
4-Piece
Even hooking action. Easy to control with max hitting power on
heavy to medium oil. NEW
Purple Kaboose(4) 11 Reactive(77-79)
3-Piece
Best on heavy to medium oil; maximum hooking action, but easy to
control. NEW
Power Elite Techno(3) 6 Reactive(77-79)
2-Piece
Goes long on dry lanes, then hits hard. Black pearlized ball
best on medium oil. NEW
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PIN-BREAKER
Blue Pin-Breaker 8 Urethane(76-78)
3-Piece
Factory sanded, ball is good for medium to oily lanes. A
reactive will debut soon.
Red Pin-Breaker(3) 5 Urethane(80-82)
3-Piece
Another that doesn't get much Tour use; low porisity cover's best
for dry to medium lanes.
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ROTO-GRIP
Bandit(3) 11 Reactive(76-78)
3-Piece
A new listing, this ball dos a great job of expanding Roto-Grip's
line of reactive offerings. As with most Roto-Grip models, it is
designed for versatility. NEW
Roto Outlaw(3) 11 Reactive(76-78)
2-Piece
Reactive 2-piece urethane with grenade-shaped weight block; hooks
well on various lanes.
The Grenade(3) 9 Urethane(78)
2-Piece
This ball features a grenade-shaped weight block, this
charcoal-gold ball has a controllable hook.
Blue Grenade(3) 8 Urethane(80)
2-Piece
Ball features a cover stock designed for ABC's "short oil" rules;
grenade-shaped weight block.
Gold Grenade(3) 4 Urethane(80)
2-Piece
Another with the grenade weight block, this charcol-gold ball has
a controllable hook.
Roto-Start X-3(3) 7 Urethane(77)
4-Piece
This 4-piece, double-shelled ball reacts well on oil, but can be
polished for drier lanes.
Roto-Grip(2) 3 Polyester(75-80)
3-Piece
Ball reacts well on short oil; goes long with strong finish on
lanes with dry back ends.
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SPORTS TEC
Rack Attack(2) 10 Urethane(76-78)
3-Piece
The newest offering from Sports Tec has the strongest hooking
power in its line. NEW
Black Pro-Line(1) 10 Urethane(76-80)
3-Piece
The soft, dull black urethane ball is designed for controlled
hook on medium to heavy oil.
Blue Pro-Line(1) 6 Urethane(76-80)
3-Piece
This blue pearl ball comes factory shined and is best for today's
league conditions.
Pro-line Polyester(1) 2 Polyester(80-85)
3-Piece
Available in five colors, this low-priced ball is best ofr medium
to dry league conditions.
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TRACK
Critical Mass(3) 15 Reactive(76-78)
2-Piece
Features Versathane cover and lowest radious of gyration possible
for maximum revs. NEW
The Nuke(3) 14 Reactive(76-78)
2-Piece
The news reactive model in the Track arsenal. The Nuke is designed to
go long and use its stored energy for that strong flipping action at the
back end. NEW
T-Shark(3) 11 Reactive(76-78)
2-Piece
This ball was introduced during the year, but it is new to the list. Look
for the characteristic reactive action--the black ball goes long and
finishes strong. NEW
Shark(2) 10 Urethane(76-78)
2-Piece
This blue ball hooks a lot, but is designed not to roll out.
Good for league conditions.
Blue Enforcer(2) 9 Urethane(75-77)
2-Piece
Dynamically blananced dual weight blocks and thick shell; maximum
hook on heavy oil.
Black Enforcer(2) 7 Urethane(78-80)
2-Piece
San Enforcer construction, but with moderate porosity to handle
medium/short oil lanes.
Trackster(2) 8 Urethane(76-78)
3-Piece
Dark blue ball with dense pancake weight block positioned close
to surface for late hook.
Track-10(2) 10 Urethane(76-78)
3-Piece
Royal blue ball has a dense, oversized weight block for earlier
roll and minimum skid.
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UNIVERSAL
Bulldozer(1) 6 Urethane(77-78)
2-Piece
Dark blue ball with sanded finish is best for medium league
conditions. Modestly priced.
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WILSON
Pro Staff(3) 10 Urethane(76-78)
2-Piece
This teal-colored ball produces a controllable, heavy roll with
strong back-end hook.
Pro Staff II(3) 12 Reactive(76-78)
2-Piece
This burgundy-colored reactive urethane ball holds its line and "flips"
on the back-end, but the ball does not over-react, providing a
controlable roll. NEW