900 Global fans, get ready for an exciting update from the lanes! We recently had the opportunity to test out the new Harsh Reality Bowling Ball at Storm HQ, and the results were nothing short of impressive. This high-performance ball not only continues the legacy of its predecessor, the original Reality, but also introduces cutting-edge features that set it apart in heavy oil conditions.
Introducing the Harsh Reality with Enhanced Features
The Harsh Reality is engineered with a brand new Reserve Blend 902 Solid Cover, one of the strongest covers ever developed by 900 Global. This coverstock boasts a base material quite similar to the S84 Response Solid used in the original Reality, but with a significant tweak – an increased oil absorption rate. This enhancement allows for greater ball motion on heavier oil patterns, ensuring that bowlers have greater control and more aggressive play in challenging conditions.
At the heart of the Harsh Reality is the Disturbance AI Asymmetric Core. This core maintains the same intercore shape found in the original Reality, which was a favorite among many bowlers. However, it's the addition of AI Core Technology that truly elevates this ball. This innovative technology helps to lower the RG (Radius of Gyration) and raise the differential, providing a stronger overall ball motion compared to the original Reality. The aim was to achieve a reaction that's not just earlier, but also retains the familiar Reality shape beloved by many.
The addition of the AI Core fundamentally changes the ball's behavior on the lanes. The core design empowers bowlers to effortlessly shift left, without the concern of leaving frustrating pins like the flat 10 or encountering a swishy strike. This core not only supports a strong backend reaction but drives through the pins with impressive force, making it a formidable choice in competitive settings.
Ball Drilling and Surface Preparation
To thoroughly test the capabilities of the Harsh Reality, we closely replicated the conditions and setups that bowlers are accustomed to. For Stephanie, one of our testers, we drilled the Harsh Reality using the same layout as her favorite Reality ball. This allowed us to make a direct surface-to-surface comparison during our trials. Likewise, for a broader comparison, we tested the Harsh Reality alongside our other heavy oil powerhouse, the Eternity Pi, each sporting identical layouts and surfaces.
On-Lane Performance: Real-World Testing on Big Ben Oil Pattern
During our testing on the demanding Big Ben oil pattern, Stephanie observed significant differences between the original Reality and the Harsh Reality. With the original, she began her approach around the 18th board, targeting the 9th at the arrows. However, with the Harsh Reality, she found herself moving significantly left to the 25th board due to its earlier action, demonstrating the ball’s aggressive nature.
From my experiences, while using the Eternity Pi required a more cautious release due to the longer and heavier oil pattern, the Harsh Reality allowed a slight adjustment (about four and two boards left) with more confidence in splitting the 8-pin consistently.
How the Harsh Reality Stacks Up Against the Original
The Harsh Reality and the original Reality share similar shapes, making the Harsh Reality an excellent successor to the now-discontinued original. For those who valued the original Reality, this new iteration fills its shoes perfectly, offering enhancements that elevate your game without losing the essence of what made the original so reliable.
Eternity Pi Versus Harsh Reality: Complementary Tools in Your Arsenal
The Eternity Pi and Harsh Reality, while distinct, complement each other excellently. The Eternity Pi's cleaner cover and stronger asymmetric core offer different dynamics, which can be advantageous depending on the bowler’s style and the lane conditions. The Harsh Reality’s stronger cover and unique asymmetric core that adeptly retains energy cater to a different aspect of heavy oil play. Neither ball is inherently better; rather, they provide strategic choices for bowlers to tailor their approach to specific conditions.
Reserve Blend 901 Cover of Eternity Pi: A Comparison
While discussing covers, it's important to note the differences between the Harsh Reality and the Eternity Pi. The Eternity Pi utilizes the Reserve Blend 901 cover, which, although gritty at a 2000 out-of-box finish, does not absorb oil as quickly as the 902 blend used in the Harsh Reality. This results in a cleaner motion through heavier patterns and provides a variable shape that can be beneficial depending on lane conditions.
Available Now: Visit Your Local Pro Shop!
For those eager to test these innovations themselves, visit your local VIP Pro Shop. With its robust design tailored for heavy oil patterns and reliable performance, it’s a must-have for bowlers looking to excell their performance. Dive into the harsh realities of competitive bowling with confidence, backed by 900 Global’s latest engineering marvels.