45 Hook 16.5 Length 13.5 Breakpoint Shape
Manufacturer’s Intent: “Introduced alongside its pearlized counterpart, the Shout, too, is designed for lighter oil conditions or those high-friction lane surfaces,” says Chris Schlemer. “Again, a bright and fun color combination creates another superb option for the novice or beginner player. Even high-rev, tournament-ready players will appreciate the length and control the Shout delivers on lighter oil patterns.”
Core Design: The Shout has the same low-flaring Late Roll 46 symmetric core used in the Scream. The RG is higher at 2.57 and the differential is nice and low at .022. The conservative numbers help lessen early roll and track flare. This is a prime example of when less is more; less hook often can result in more control and more strikes.
Coverstock: The solid 45L coverstock is an all-new formula from the folks at Roto Grip. The fun colors are a mix of bright orange and deep blue. The factory finish is polished at 1500 grit. We saw a reasonably slow response off friction with limited traction in oil. The Ra reading also is low, which is best for added length.
Test Results: The Shout was one of our favorite test balls this month. We say this due to its above-average usability, above-average ability to control the pocket and above-average pin carry. With its conservative core/cover combo, we needed to play near or in friction areas to get a good look, but that seems pretty easy to do in today’s high-friction environment. We commonly see so much friction due to synthetic lane surfaces being older, and thus rougher.
When to Use: The Shout allows bowlers to play farther outside, which helps create more angle through the pocket. Both it and the Scream also make for less dramatic moves through the oil transitional phases. We found we could make one- to two-board moves as the pattern broke down, whereas with higher flaring balls, we would have to make three- to five-board moves with our feet. Since the Shout and Scream create minimal track flare, we were able to use stronger layout patterns of 3- to 4-inch pin distance from the PAP, and still maintain excellent pin carry on the burn. Even our 5.5-inch pin distance created enough hook for above-average pin carry on all of our broken-down test patterns.
