Bowler Ratings

PatternStTwCr
Oily:7.588.5
Medium:99.59
Dry:543
Sport:8.587

Bowler ratings are from 1 to 10 in order of Stroker (ST), Tweener (TW), Cranker (CR)

General Info

Brand:
Name:Sure Thing
Reviewed:July 2012
Empty
Coverstock Specs
Name:S57
Type:Reactive Hybrid
Box Finish:2000 Abralon
Color:Navy / Oyster
Empty
Core Specs
Name:NA
Type:Symmetrical
RG:2.494
Diff:0.043
Int. Diff:0.000

For details on our standard test layouts, please click here.

The core/cover combination of the 900 Global Sure Thing creates a reaction on the lanes that will be liked by all styles of bowlers. The typical house shot will not hold up to those using this newest 900 Global release. The S57 coverstock at 2000 Abralon is the same cover with the same finish combination used on last season’s Favorite. This is one of the new 900 Global releases still finished with Abralon and not the NEAT finishing system.

This mid-price ball worked the best on our medium pattern with the box finish. The Sure Thing created more than enough traction in the midlane with lots of back end recovery. With the fresh box finish, we were playing much deeper compared to where we usually start on this pattern. We were more than happy to have the aid of Digitrax to show us exactly how much this ball had in the back end. The color can play tricks on the eyes and we really did not realize how big a move this ball made after it exited the oil pattern. As the cover glazed itself with lane oil, we were able to square up once the pattern began to carry down.

The 2000 Abralon finish was rough enough for us to use the ball with success on our heavy test pattern as well. We just needed to tighten up our angles a little bit and the Sure Thing got back to the pocket time after time. None of the testers made any surface adjustments on either of these test patterns.

The Sure Thing was too much ball for the dry pattern. A weak layout combined with a polished finish would help on this condition but there are better ball selections for these types of patterns.

The ball motion that the Sure Thing offers worked rather well on our sport pattern. Our reaction only got better as the sport pattern opened up. This ball will find its way into lots bowling bags due to its ability to handle a wide variety of conditions.

Performance Ratings

NameValueComments
Torque6
We were impressed with the strength at the breakpoint considering how well this ball read the midlane. It was difficult for any of the testers to throw the Sure Thing through the breakpoint.
Length11
Most styles will find the length of the Sure Thing to be usable on both medium and wet conditions. The bowler’s rev rate will determine which condition of the two will offer the best overall reaction.
Back End15.5
The strong arcing breakpoint sets up the smooth and continuous back end motion. This one is very predictable when it comes off the dry.
Total Hook51
This ball offers a lot of hook for a mid-performance ball. The S57 cover can be altered to increase the hook even more.

Strengths

The strength of the S57 cover is the biggest selling point of the Sure Thing. The cover takes extremely well to adjustments.

Weaknesses

Dry lanes will cause the Sure Thing to hook too early and lose hitting power at the pins. Polish is a must for anyone wanting to use this ball on anything less than medium lane patterns.

Overall Summary

The predictable nature of the Sure Thing will make it usable on anything but toasted lane conditions. It could be one of the first out of the bag on medium heavy to heavy lane conditions.

The BTM Ball Testing Team

About The BTM Ball Testing Team

The BTM Ball Testing Team is led by Eric Martinez. Our team of three testers has thrown and reviewed hundreds of bowling balls for Bowling This Month. When not testing balls for BTM, Eric owns and operates University Pro Shop in San Antonio, TX and he is an avid competitive bowler. Click here to learn more about how we test and review bowling balls.