This page was last updated on 08/25/02
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Brunswick's
Pro Active... submitted and edited by Bob Spargalo. The Latest and Greatest? What’s the buzz about this new coverstock? It’s called Pro Active urethane. According to Brunswick - the only current manufacturer - it’s a new formulation of urethane. There is NO reactive resin in Pro Active balls. It’s a totally new formula that provides a bowler with the roll of a standard urethane, yet has hitting power like reactive resins. Does this make reactive resins obsolete? Absolutely not! Reactives still provide effortless length in oil with moderate or aggressive reaction on dry, depending on ball choice, balancing technique, and bowler release. Resins store energy for a more powerful hit. They don’t expend reaction in oil, thus when they encounter dry they tend to unleash their devastating potential. Different drilling techniques can either increase flare potential for an earlier roll and more gradual strong hooks or decreases flare more noticeably for more length with sharp or controlled backend reaction. The birth of Pro Actives allows a bowler to maintain the predictability a urethane offers with more total hook and more energy upon impact. Ebonite was the first company to try and compliment resins with the acrylium overstock. Many bowlers loved the predictability of acrylium, yet some felt they didn't hit near as strong as the reactive resins. Ebonite soon discontinued production after trying the cover on five different balls, the most successful being the LM. Brunswick on the other hand, with the help of a three million dollar computer operated THROBOT, decided to try and compliment Reactives with Pro Active urethane. The balls tend to get to about forty feet and then make a strong arc to the pocket. Hitting power is very strong due to the increased entry angle compared to standard urethane. The ball has a microscopic texture that doesn't need sanding to maintain hook. The balls also have weight blocks that can achieve between one and seven inches of track flare. Larger track flare increases total hook and helps a ball finish stronger when oil carry down is present. In closing, please understand the latest and greatest doesn't make your current equipment obsolete, it just gives you more options to find the best ball reaction on a given lane condition for maximum scoring potential. For spare shooting, both rubber and plastic are best because they tend to take the lane condition out of play. In other words, you can go reasonably straight on both dry and oil. Standard urethane is effective on demanding lane conditions where control is paramount to hitting power. Urethane is also a good upgrade for someone changing from a conventional grip to a fingertip type grip. These bowlers need control with a moderate amount of hook. Reactives are where it’s at for hitting power due to their ability to store energy. The key is using the proper surface and ball type to suit the lane condition and your individual game. Knowing how to adjust quickly and properly is also a prerequisite of resin use due to ever changing lane conditions as the night progresses. Pro Actives are excellent choices for above average players trying to round out the arsenal of equipment. They will deliver maximum friction on an oilier lane surface with outstanding, controlled recover. |
