900 Global
Black Eagle

Bowler Ratings

PatternStTwCr
Oily:9.599
Medium:887.5
Dry:543
Sport:776

(1-10 in order of Stroker (ST), Tweener (TW), Cranker (CR))

General Ball Info

Coverstock Info
Name:
S70 Reactive
Type:
Reactive Solid
Box Finish:
neaT
Color:
Black
Core Info
Name:
NA
Type:Asymmetrical
RG:2.489
Total Diff:0.058
Int. Diff:0.024

The 900 Global Black Eagle uses the same core design as the first Eagle, although a different color of the same coverstock. This cover creates the same amount of friction as the purple Eagle with a different visual appeal. We experienced the same traction in the front and midlane, followed by recovery at the back end.

All three testers had their best look on the oily test pattern. On this pattern, we experienced what we expected out of this new 900 Global release – a strong read of the midlane and an almost equally strong breakpoint and back end. The sheer strength of this ball was more than enough to compensate for the very minimal change in box finish.

Our second best look with the Black Eagle was on our medium pattern. All the testers were able to make a big move left and really get around this pattern. The amount of energy the Black Eagle stores was enough for Tweener and Stroker to keep it at the box finish. Cranker needed extra length before it made the move, so he added a coat of polish to his Eagle. That adjustment pushed the ball further down lane and he could strike with the other two testers on this pattern.

The sport pattern again was no match for this cover/core combination. This pattern has a fair volume of oil but it lacks the bump room our other patterns have. All three testers were able to find a nice reaction playing the outside part of the lane. Once again the strong midlane reaction set up the nice move in the back end.

The dry pattern caused this ball to burn off too much energy too early causing a weak hit when we were able to find the pocket. We added polish to all three test balls, but still did not have much reaction on this pattern. Only those with extremely high ball speeds will be able to use this ball on the dry.

Performance Ratings

NameValueComments
Torque
(1-10)
7.5
The strength at the breakpoint we have seen with balls with this core is still there. This Eagle is just as strong as the one before it.
Length
(1-25)
12
The finishing process is just slightly different on this Eagle. Since the invention of the NEAT finishing system, this ball uses the neaT pad instead of an Abralon finish like the purple Eagle.
Back End
(1-20)
16.5
Getting the Eagle or Break series of bowling balls to recover down lane has never been an issue and the Black Eagle is no different. The back end rating is high for a ball with a dull finish.
Total Hook
(1-100)
53
The overall hook potential is the same as the original Eagle. It is just as strong in the midlane and back end as previous balls with this core and cover combination.

Strengths: The Black Eagle can be used to open up the back end of the lane. The strength of the Eagle is that it can create traction in the oil and still have a good move at the breakpoint.

Weaknesses: Using this ball at the box finish on dry lanes will be difficult. Polishing the shell will help it get down the lane further for those who choose to use it on lower volumes of oil.

Overall Summary: The Black Eagle offers bowlers the same performance as last year’s Purple Eagle. The added prize fund for the USBC Open Championship is back as well.