Bowler Ratings

PatternStTwCr
Oily:345
Medium:9.59.59.5
Dry:767
Sport:656

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

General Info

Brand:
Name:Elevate
Reviewed:January 2012
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Coverstock Specs
Name:Traxion Reactive .030 Hybrid
Type:Reactive Hybrid
Box Finish:800 Abranet / 1000 / 2000 Abralon / Powerhouse Factory Finish Polish
Color:Purple/Navy/Yellow
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Core Specs
Name:NA
Type:Symmetrical
RG:2.50
Diff:0.051
Int. Diff:0.000

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

The Elevate is the second hybrid offering from Ebonite this season. The Warning Sign came at a sanded box finish, while the Elevate comes with 2000 Abralon and Powerhouse Factory Finish polish. Even though Ebonite skipped the final two Abralon pads before applying the polish, the Elevate glides through the lane as easily as we have ever seen.

With this much length, the medium test pattern was the perfect fit for this new mid-range offering. The V5 core used in the Game Changer revs up quickly enough to keep the Elevate from skidding off the pin deck. Directly out of the box, we saw almost too much length. It was easy for all three testers to throw the ball through the breakpoint. We thought about changing the surface, but continued to use it before attempting to graph our shots. After a few shots, the box finish became broken in and the ball started making a bigger move at the back end. The length pushed the ball through the track area and it saved its motion for the recovery at the back end. Because of the length before it hooked, Cranker had to get this one to the friction to get it to carry consistently. This had his breakpoint further right than the other two testers.

The dry pattern gave the testers their next best look. The length pushed the ball easily down the lane without forcing all three testers too far left. We raised the underlying grit with a 4000 Abralon pad and reapplied the Factory Finish polish. This adjustment gave the Elevate even more length and allowed all the testers to play the same part of the lane as they did on the medium pattern.

Moving to the heavy test pattern, all three testers used a 1000 Abralon pad on their Elevate to get the added traction on this longer pattern. In addition to the surface adjustment, all were playing an arrow further right with their target.

The length of the Elevate allowed all the testers to stay straighter through the front of the lane on the sport pattern. This allowed us to come at the pocket much more directly, which Stroker and Cranker really enjoyed.

Performance Ratings

NameValueComments
Torque7
The Elevate has one of the strongest movements off the friction in this price point from Ebonite. This ball is right on the brink of the flip category.
Length16
This is one of the cleanest balls through the first 35 feet of the lane that we have seen from Ebonite. Solid, pearl, hybrid….nothing we have seen gets down the lane as easily as the Elevate.
Back End16
Because of how little this ball reads the first part of the lane, the majority of its energy is stored for the back end. A strong move sets up for a continuous motion down lane.
Total Hook47
The polished finish keeps this ball from hooking too much on most medium patterns. The hybrid surface takes to surface adjustments well to increase or decrease the overall hook potential.

Strengths

The length of the Elevate is the largest asset. The low RG core keeps it from going too long and the length is a major benefit for players with slow ball speed and higher rev rates.

Weaknesses

Out of the box some bowlers might see too much skid from this new coverstock. There are a few easy solutions to this issue; simply keep throwing the ball. This broke the shell down and it really came to life. Other bowlers might want to take an older, higher grit Abralon pad and lightly sand the ball by hand.

Overall Summary

The Elevate combines a proven core with a brand new coverstock. Bowlers can expect easy length and strong movement in
the back end.

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.