56 Hook 12 Length 16 Breakpoint Shape
Manufacturer’s Intent: “The intent with Pursuit and Pursuit S is to make the best possible products, and make sure that all styles of play have the opportunity to use them,” says Ed Gallagher of Ebonite. “The Pursuit is the asymmetric version and provides bowlers that like to go down and in the best option to do that. With the all-new Empire Asymmetric core design and the Hyper Branched MDI Technology cover, we find the Pursuit offers better mid-lane control, with strong back-end continuation.”
Core Design: The asymmetric version of the Empire core has the same 2.49 RG and .054 Diff as the symmetric version, but with a low intermediate mass bias strength of .008.
Coverstock: Ebonite’s new Hyper Branched MDI reactive coverstock is formulated to address both performance and longevity issues. The color is an attractive mix of deep purples and turquoise. The factory finish is aggressively sanded with 800- and 1500-grit Abranet. Oil traction is well above average, and response time off dry is moderately quick. The cover is chemically treated with the Adrenaline wipe, which helps open up the pores to allow for more efficient oil absorption, producing a stronger mid-lane read and more overall hook. This hook monster has a 26.18 Ra.
Test Results: We were all anxious to throw both Pursuits as they are Ebonite’s first releases with a chemically treated shell. As for motion and hitting power, the Pursuit with the asymmetric core was, on average, three to four boards stronger with a more defined breakpoint shape on the majority of our test patterns. When polished, it gave us a decidedly quicker response off friction, which matched up well as the oil patterns broke down and we chased it inside. We saw a versatile, strong arcing motion with above-average continuation when dull, and more of a skid/flip motion polished.
When to Use: Use on almost any medium to heavier oil volume pattern with box finish. Pay close attention to layout choice, as this core will create a multitude of motion shapes with only moderate changes in drill and VAL angles. It’s best to choose your favorite layout with Ebonite’s Blueprint software when in doubt. On lighter patterns, I’d first suggest smoother Abralon grits prior to polish as this cover responds well to minor changes.
