Coverstocks
The marriage between a core and coverstock is a delicate one. The coverstock must allow the core to express its dynamics in a manner that is consistent, enabling the bowler to have the confidence that they will see a ball reaction that they can predict. The coverstock must read the midlane, enabling the core’s RG, differentials, and mass bias to determine the proper shape of the breakpoint and the amount of backend hook potential.
Core/coverstock combinations are chosen by a ball testing procedure that uses league bowlers to evaluate the products. For each product, Ebonite ball tests travel around the country, using two different cities, two different bowling centers within each city, and 8 bowlers in each city. Each different core generally is evaluated with multiple coverstocks, searching for the ultimate combination.
Coverstock Descriptions
Polyester coverstocks are a non-porous, slicker surface and are designed to minimize friction. Polyester coverstocks are best when trying to throw the ball straight.
Standard urethane coverstocks provide more friction than polyester but do not have the backend hook potential as reactive resin and particle resin coverstocks. It is a non-porous surface which will not absorb lane oil. There are currently no standard urethane coverstocks being used in the Ebonite Ball Line this year.
Reactive coverstocks are a urethane base with an additive that creates an internal pore structure to absorb lane oil and increase surface tackiness. In general, they retain more energy through oil and release energy stronger in the backend friction. The transition from skid to hook is more angular than standard urethane and particle resin coverstocks, creating more of a skid/snap ball reaction.
Particle resin coverstocks have silica particles mixed within the reactive resin. Particles provide more traction in the oil than reactive balls and will have a smoother backend hook. They are more controllable in the backend friction with a more mild change in direction.
The following are the reactive and particle coverstocks being used in Ebonite’s 2003-2004 catalog and general descriptions of their characteristics:
Reactive Resins
Trimax Reactive – Used on the V2 Sanded and the TPC Player. The Trimax features strong midlane roll and a smoother transition from skid to hook. It is the strongest combination of early roll and overall hook in the Ebonite family of reactives.
Big Bang Reactive – Used on the Savage Flip. This coverstock creates the strongest skid/flip reaction in the Ebonite arsenal of coverstocks. The change of direction in the backends is more violent.
Big Daddy Reactive – Used on the TPC Shooter. The Bid Daddy is not quite as long as the Big Bang and has a strong backend hook, not as violent as the Big Bang.
Big Daddy XL – Used on the TPC Shooter XL. It is similar in length to the Big Bang but is very predictable at the breakpoint. It plays best in a lot of friction.
Big Wheel Reactive – Used on the Savage Sanded and Savage Pearl. Big Wheel is the second earliest reactive resin in the catalog line. It features a breakpoint that is midway between smooth and angular. It plays best in medium to medium heavy oil.
Detonator Plus Reactive – Used on the Stinger 2 Piece Low Flare Pearl and the Tornado Warnings. This cover is very controllable throughout its path. It is best in wet/dry lane conditions and is a gentle, arc type of hook. Great for beginners also.
Super Tack Plus – Used on the Tornado Reactives. Super Tack Plus provides strong midlane roll and a strong backend with more of a hook/set reaction. It will provide power and control.
Particle Resin Coverstocks
Mac Daddy Particle – Used on the Apex Addiction and Stinger 2 Piece Low Flare Particle. Mac Daddy uses the Big Daddy reactive base with a low load of particles for added traction. It provides early roll coupled with a strong breakpoint. It is best in heavier oil conditions.
Big Wheel Medium Load Particle – Used on the Apex Obsession and V2 Particle. This is a combination of the Big Wheel reactive resin and a medium load of silica particles and is the earliest rolling particle in the Ebonite line.
Big Bang – available in two versions, both using the Big Bang reactive base with silica particles.
Medium Load – Used on the V2 Strong, the medium load provides more midlane reaction while maintaining the strong breakpoint that is characteristic of the Big Bang. This works best for inside angles and the track area on heavier oil.
Light Load – Used on the V2 Dry and the Predator Jungle Green, the lower load allows the ball to retain more energy and create a stronger breakpoint than the Medium Load. This works best for medium to heavy on the inside angles and in the track area.
Trimax Ultra Low Load Particle – Used on the Predator Pursuit. The lightest volume loading of all Ebonite particle coverstocks, this particle resin benefits from the strong midlane roll characteristics of the Trimax reactive base, providing a smoother, continuous hook style.
TPS Particle – Used on the Tornado TPS. The TPS is a medium powered, controllable particle coverstock. It is excellent for predictability and designed for entry level bowlers.