58 Hook 13 Length 15 Breakpoint Shape
Manufacturer’s Intent: “The Challenge is an all-new HP product using our all-new AXS Core Design and the RCS or Reaction Control System,” says Ebonite Brand Manager Ed Gallagher. “This new combination provides more overall hook and a more defined breakpoint angle than the Pursuit line.”
Core Design: Ebonite’s AXS asymmetric core revs easily and provides a multitude of motion path choices. The RG is medium at 2.51, the differential beastly at .057 and the intermediate Diff strong at .017. Testing showed nearly 6.5 inches of track flare.
Coverstock: The RCS reactive coverstock’s color scheme is purple, silver and green. The factory surface is sanded with 800, 1000, 2000 and 3000 grits. We found this coverstock to have above-average oil traction characteristics and a medium response off friction. The medium Ra level is great for medium-heavy to heavily oiled environments.
Test Results: This ball was definitely up to the Challenge of our testing rigors. We saw a fast rev action followed by a very secure read of the midlane on our medium and heavier oil patterns. Rarely did we encounter any signs of late read, even when we amped up our speeds. We feel this could be Ebonite’s most aggressive heavy oil ball to date. We also felt the Challenge’s range of use was quite good with minor surface tweaks, especially for those with slower ball speeds or higher rev rates. This was very evident as the patterns began to transition. The only weakness would be if the ball were used inappropriately on a lightly oiled lane condition. (But that would be more a bowler weakness, not a ball weakness.)
When to Use: Use only on medium to heavier oil volumes and on longer patterns. Slower speed players may need to smooth the factory surface some. I loved the Challenge at 1000/3000 on heavier patterns and with some factory polish on medium oil volumes. The Challenge blended out the nasty wet/dry test patterns very nicely. Choose your layout wisely, as the AXS core will respond well to different layouts. We used our Blueprint software to help choose the best layouts for each staff player.
