Thursday, June 30, 2016

Radical Bowling Presents Three New Balls

Guru™ Pearl Limited 
 
The Guru Pearl Limited is a pearl version of the number one selling original black Radical Guru. The Limited provides added length while maintaining the same strong hook motion, backend recovery, and incredible hitting power as the original.


Ridiculous™ Pearl 
The Ridiculous Pearl adds more length and an even more aggressive move at the breakpoint making it an outstanding option for lighter oil lane conditions and a perfect choice for bowlers with slower ball speed and/or higher rev rate. The Pearl adds a new dimension to the Ridiculous line up.

Xeno™ 
The Xeno features a strong asymmetric core utilizing our innovative finger scoop technology wrapped with an aggressive resin formulation to provide great all-purpose ball motion with more backend continuation for greater entry angle into the pocket.


Due to the success of the Guru line and continued requests from many of Radical supporters, Radical decided to release the original Guru in a pearl cover – the Guru Pearl Limited. The Guru Pearl Limited will be a great addition for anyone who has an original Guru.

The second release is a pearl version of the #1 selling Reliable price point ball, the RidiculousRadical has taken the proven performance of the head turning Ridiculous and made it more aggressive at the breakpoint by adding their newest pearl cover formulation. With the new Ridiculous Pearl, the company suggests they have created the next level flip monster. The ocean blue Ridiculous Pearl offers a new level of skid/flip ball motion and will certainly be the go-to ball when more backend reaction is desired.

The new Xeno (meaning alien or strange and pronounced “ZEE-NO”) offers strong-off-the-spot ball motion with excellent continuation through the pins. The Radical ball testers have reported that the Xeno never over-read the dry and never over-skidded in the oil, something that is rarely achieved in today’s performance bowling balls. This combination of strong asymmetric core and unique coverstock formulation promises to be another perfect ball for the house conditions using medium to moderately heavy oil. Xeno gives another outstanding value to league bowlers by offering great performance at the upper-mid price point…now that is Radical.

Roto Grip Announces Four Balls for Fall


Roto Grip No Rules My Chaotic™ Core unleashes its dynamic motion and adapts to any lane condition. Pair that with my Neon Green / Neon Orange / Black Micro DNA™ Solid Reactive Coverstock and I’ve got all the traction I need. The heaviest oil can’t faze me as I shred the rulebook and my competition. The No Rules is finished with a 2000-grit pad.
 
Roto Grip Wreck-It My solid Neutron™ Core propels my strong, steady motion, and my all-new Gold & White Pearl / Black solid, Psyched™ Hybrid Reactive Coverstock pulls it all together for a solid finish. Built for any level of play, I’m proof that great performance doesn’t have to break the bank. The Wreck-It is finished smooth with a 3000 grit pad.
 
Roto Grip Hustle When we’re expected to perform, trust us — we don’t hold back. Our dynamic Hustle™ Core drives the motion and keeps the control, but with both the Psyched™ and Stoked™ Hybrid Reactive coverstocks to choose from, you determine your breakpoint. Make your choice and let’s get started.


The Hustle PRO (Purple, Raspberry, Orange) features two parts Solid coverstock and one part pearl, named the Psyched™ Hybrid Reactive Coverstock. The mix is Purple & Raspberry Solid/ Orange Pearl. While the Hustle SAY (Silver & Aqua Pearl / Yellow Solid) is two parts pearl with one part solid coverstock, to be known as the Stoked™ Hybrid cover.  Both Hustle balls are finished to 1500 grit and polished. 

VETERANS STILL A FORCE AS TOUR HEADS TO PWBA LEXINGTON OPEN

ARLINGTON, Texas – Take a quick look at the field of players competing each week on the Professional Women’s Bowling Association Tour, such as this week’s PWBA Lexington Open, and you will see a list littered with players who were in college within the last five or so years.
While these competitors are trying to make their mark on the PWBA Tour, there is a smaller group who have nothing to prove, except maybe to themselves.
The PWBA Lexington Open takes place this week at Collins Bowling Center – Eastland in Lexington, Kentucky. There will be a practice session at 5 p.m. Thursday, with competition starting at 10:30 a.m. Friday with the first of two six-game qualifying blocks. Play continues Saturday at 8:30 a.m. with a cashers’ round and continues through match play and its unique group stepladder.
While most tour stops feature those still seeking a PWBA title, it also has veteran players such as Carolyn Dorin-Ballard, Anne Marie Duggan, and Leanne Hulsenberg – all who have skins on the wall but still love to compete.

All three won PWBA Player of the Year awards before the tour ceased operations in 2003 and each was eager to compete again. Hulsenberg owns 26 PWBA career titles to rank third on the all-time PWBA career titles list, while Dorin-Ballard has 20. Lisa Wagner leads the list with 32 titles with Aleta Sill second at 31.
Dorin-Ballard started the season in Las Vegas by reaching the group stepladder and has cashed in six of the eight events this season. She has three top-11 finishes, five top-25 finishes but, of course, still wants more, though she will miss this week’s stop because of business commitments.
“I’ve been bowling OK; it’s definitely not good enough for me,” said Dorin-Ballard. “I’m bowling better than I did last year. I’ve made a few changes, like where my hand sits and how my body is positioned. It may not look different but the feel is different so I do struggle with it every now and then. I’m happy with the way I’m bowling, but not satisfied.”
While it might sound like she’s being overly critical of herself, Dorin-Ballard says that always has been one of her biggest assets.
“I think I was able to channel that and that was one asset that made me as competitive as I was on the PWBA Tour,” she said. “My philosophy was to always give myself a chance to win every week. And I did that. There are weeks now that I don’t feel like I do that, and that’s what bothers me the most.”
But things have changed since her last time on the PWBA Tour. More than a decade ago, she and her husband, former Professional Bowlers Association standout Del Ballard Jr., both were competing on their respective tours with Del later becoming a coach. The couple now has a 12-year-old daughter, which has made for changes.
“We (Del and her) only had to worry about ourselves, so now it’s quite different,” she said. “It’s harder to leave home and it bothers me to miss some things. But it’s really cool to be out here with some of my old friends.”
Besides old friends, she also has the opportunity to see the next generation of bowlers, plus the bowling styles and equipment that are quite different than what she watched on the previous PWBA Tour. And with so many of the players making their first trek on a professional tour, a few have reached out to learn from the veterans.
“Some of them ask some great questions and look for a little advice,” she said. “It’s been cool. There was nothing for so many years, so they didn’t really know who to turn to. Here, Leanne, Anne Marie and myself, we have a fountain of knowledge about everything – and we’re not just talking about how to throw a bowling ball.”
So while she continues to work to make a PWBA show on CBS Sports Network as competitor, instead of working on TV as a broadcaster, she’ll also continue to enjoy the opportunity to once again be on the PWBA Tour.
“I would be lying if I said I wasn’t having fun and still love it,” Dorin-Ballard said. “I do. I love it. I love throwing a ball as much now as I did then.”
All rounds of the PWBA Lexington Open will be broadcast on Xtra Frame, the exclusive online bowling channel for the Professional Bowlers Association. Visit XtraFrame.TV for more information.

Go to PWBA.com to learn more about the PWBA Tour, including news, the season schedule, player biographies and more.

2016 PWBA LEXINGTON OPEN
Thursday, June 30

5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.:  Practice
7 p.m.:  VIP event
Friday, July 1
8 a.m. – 9 a.m.: Practice
10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.: Six games of qualifying
5 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.: Six games of qualifying
Saturday, July 2
8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.: Cashers’ round – six games
1 p.m. – 4 p.m.:  Round-robin match play – six games
5 p.m. – 6 p.m.:  Group stepladder finals
7 p.m. – 9 p.m.:  Pro-Am
Sunday, July 3
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.:  Pro-Am

Wednesday, June 29, 2016

Hammer Introduces Dark Legend Solid and Rebel

Legends are looked up to and idolized. Future generations will aspire to be like today's Legends. What makes a Legend so great and awe inspiring is their toughness and willingness to never give up or quit. The Greatest Legend's strength and power come from deep within, their Dark Side. The Hammer Dark Legend solid, arriving August 9th, 2016. The Blue/Black Semtex solid cover, finished 500/2000, wraps the legendary Gas Mask core, enough said.

The new Hammer Rebel is a mid performance ball with new Rebel core (low RG and medium differential) designed to create more revolutions

for the bowler which in turn creates a stronger reaction on the lane. The 500/1000 Abralon TM surface finished with Factory Finish Polish is perfect for medium oil patterns. The added texture underneath the polished finish allows the Rebel to perform at its best. The NBT Pearl coverstock pushes the Rebel through the front part of the lane enhancing its reaction at the back end. World wide release is July 5th, 2016.

Track Adds Heat X-Treme and Cyborg Balls


Track Heat line has been the most iconic in the Track brand. Filling the shoes of greatness is never an easy task, but at Track, they feel they knocked this one out of the park. The new Heat X-Treme takes mid-performance to a whole new level with unimaginable traction in oil.
 

Offering the perfect fusion of core and overstock technology, the new Cyborg from Track Bowling allows the bowler to target high scores with laser-like precision. It's time to Bowl Like a Machine.    Watch the Cyborg, CLICK

DV8 Adds Four New Balls


DV8 introduces four new balls, July 12th for Grudge Hybrid and Freakshow and August 9th for Vandal Smash and Deviant Pearl.

The hybrid Grudge is Black/Red/Yellow Composite Hook Hybrid coverstock, surrounding the Grudge Low RG Asymmetric core. The Grudge hybrid is finished 500/4000 with Siaair Micro Pads, to provide the friction and hook for long or heavier lane conditions, or if your ball speed is faster.

The Freakshow Blue/Platinum Class 6V Pearl Reactive cover is finished to 500 Siaair then Royal Compound and Royal Shine.  The Freakshow Symmetric (low RG 2.481 in #15) core is light bulb shaped. The Freakshow is designed for more medium conditions or for bowlers with slower speed and more hand. 

The Vandal Smash features Navy/ Purple Composite Flip Solid coverstock, wrapped around the Vandal Asymmetric core. The veneer is finished with 500/4000 Siaair Micro Pads.


The Deviant pearl is Black/Silver Composite Pearl coverstock encasing the  Deviant Medium RG Symmetric core. A taller lightbulb shape with more flare, more skid and a cover finished with 500 Siaair pad and smoothed with Royal Compound, that could handle a bit more oil.

New Balls From Columbia 300


The ALL NEW Sideswipe core in the proven Bend -It Pearl coverstock gives the Columbia 300 Yellow Line Collection a ball with great length and a strong, but predictable backend motion. The Yellow Line collection was designed to give the bowler incredible performance without having to break the bank. Sideswipe the competition on your way to victory!  

The new Swerve GT features Hybrid Reflex coverstock. 

The original Reflex cover created a large amount of friction and was designed to use its energy throughout the entire lane. The pearl version created a stronger change of direction at the back end, resulting in shocking pin action. The NEW Hybrid Reflex cover offers the best of both worlds with strong mid lane traction and down lane continuation. 

HyperSHOCK Technology (Patent Pending) is an energy enhancement material added to the outer core to help power the ball through the pins. This viscoelastic material works to control the influence pins have on the balls motion through the pin deck.  

Tuesday, June 28, 2016

Ebonite Adds Two New Balls to Their Line-up

The Ebonite Game Breaker 2 Phenom. The original Game Breaker 2 provided a strong, predictable ball motion that quickly became a staple in many a serious bowler's bag. With the Game Breaker 2 Phenom, Ebonite decided to take it up a notch and wrap the trusted Enhanced V2 core with the strongest coverstock the Game Breaker line has ever seen. Ebonite has raised the bar in the mid performance category.



The final battle has begun and only one can be crowned supreme. The newest addition to the Ebonite high performance line offers the most mid lane traction of any ball in the Ebonite line up. Get ready to claim the throne. The Warrior Supreme features the Iron Fist core and GB 13.3 Solid cover in Black/Violet/Purple. The ball is finished  500 / 3000 grit with AbralonTM  pads,  designed for medium to heavy oil with a strong mid-lane and backend motion. 

Brunswick Introduces Four New Balls

Brunswick introduces four new balls, Mastermind strategy and the Fanatic blue/purple (release date July 12th) and the Absolute Nirvana and Fanatic BTU steel (release date August 9th).

The Brunswick Absolute Nirvana combines the Nirvana Ultra Low RG core with the new Black / Blue / Grey ECS Hook coverstock to produce strong mid lane traction with outstanding continuation through the pins on heavy oil lane conditions. Cover is finished 500; 1,000 Siaair Micro Pad.

The Mastermind strategy combines the Blue/Violet/ Orange Relativity Solid Reactive coverstock with the Modified Mastermind Asymmetric core for a ball motion that is very similar to the proven performance of the original Mastermind. Surface is prepped: 500; 2,000 Siaair Micro Pad.

The new Brunswick Fanatics contain the I Block core (looks like the Dual I Block from the Versa Max from the C System series). The BTU is Better Than Urethane, a core and cover option that Brunswick suggests should be used when urethane is an option.


Thursday, June 23, 2016

The Professional Women's Bowling Association "Go Bowling" Players Championships Kicks Off Today


The Professional Women’s Bowling Association Tour added additional events for the 2016 season, including the return of a major championship – the Go Bowling PWBA Players Championship.

The Go Bowling PWBA Players Championship, the second major on the 2016 PWBA Tour, will take place at The Ashwaubenon Bowling Alley in Green Bay, Wisconsin, starting with Thursday’s practice session. Competitors will bowl two six-game blocks of qualifying Friday before the field is cut to the top 16 for match play.

Sixteen games of match play will take place Saturday to determine the four finalists for Sunday’s TV show.

CBS Sports Network will have live coverage of the stepladder finals of the Go Bowling PWBA Players Championship on Sunday at noon Eastern.

In addition to the live show, the stepladder finals of the PWBA Wichita Open, PWBA Pepsi Lincoln Open and PWBA Greater Detroit Open will be contested and taped for later broadcast on CBS Sports Network.

The Go Bowling PWBA Players Championship only is open to PWBA members. Anne Marie Duggan, Kim Adler and Liz Johnson - all USBC Hall of Fame members - each won the event before the PWBA went on hiatus in 2003, and all three will compete in this year’s event.

For Shannon Pluhowsky, who missed the opportunity to compete on the previous incarnation of the PWBA Tour, this week could be the opportunity to nail down the one title missing from her  extensive resume – a PWBA title.

“It’s always exciting to win, and to get the first one would be really exciting, since the tour folded before I had a chance to bowl,” Pluhowsky said. “This is our second full season of a tour, so to just get the first one, would be special. Hopefully, more will keep coming after that.”

The fact that Pluhowsky, a 16-time Team USA member, has not won a title since the PWBA Tour resumed last season seems like an aberration for a competitor who owns two major titles, three PBA Women’s Series titles and dozens of medals in international competition.

“That’s surprising to me,” said Johnson, a longtime teammate of Pluhowsky on Team USA. “Maybe she needs to let it go and just let it come to her. She’s going to get one, then she’s going to get 20. I have no doubt in my mind. She has a Queens title, she’s made so many shows, she’s going to get there. It’s just a matter of time.”

Pluhowsky continues to put herself in position to win that elusive first title. She already has been on two TV shows this year and will be on at least one TV show in Green Bay this week, as she’s a finalist in the PWBA Wichita Open.

“On the TV shows, it was just a couple of bad games,” Pluhowsky said of her first two TV appearances this season. “I had a bad game against Liz (Johnson) and then a bad spare shot (missed 7 pin), or otherwise I would have won my first title. But, I have another chance.”

The first priority for Pluhowsky this week will be the Go Bowling PWBA Players Championship. Players always look forward to the majors, mainly because of the format.

“The Players is a little different format, more games, so that will help,” Pluhowsky said. “In a short format, anything can happen, but the majors are longer and are usually better for us. You can have a couple of bad games, like I did at Queens, and still not be in bad shape. We look forward to majors.”

Go to PWBA.com for more information on the Go Bowling PWBA Players Championship and the complete PWBA Tour schedule, plus news, player biographies and more.

2016 GO BOWLING PWBA PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP
(All times local)
Thursday, June 23

11 a.m. – 2 p.m.: Media event
5 p.m. – 7 p.m.:  Practice
7 p.m.:  VIP event
Friday, June 24
8 a.m. – 9 a.m.:  Practice
11 a.m.:  Six games of qualifying
5 p.m.:  Six games of qualifying
– After 12 qualifying games, cut to top 16 for match play
Saturday, June 25
8:30 a.m.: Round-robin match play – eight games
2 p.m.:  Round-robin match play – eight games
– After 16 round-robin match-play games, cut to top four for TV show
7 p.m.:  Pro-Am
Sunday, June 26
11 a.m.:  Live TV stepladder finals on CBS Sports Network