General Info
| Brand: | 900 Global |
| Name: | Jewel |
| Reviewed: | July 2011 |
| Empty | |
| Coverstock Specs | |
|---|---|
| Name: | S65 |
| Type: | Reactive Pearl |
| Box Finish: | Polished |
| Color: | Ruby Red / Pink Pearl |
| Empty | |
| Core Specs | |
| Name: | NA |
| Type: | Symmetrical |
| RG: | 2.531 |
| Diff: | 0.052 |
| Int. Diff: | 0.000 |
For details on our standard test layouts, please click here.
At first glance, the Jewel would seem like a stronger version of the Lunatic from years past. The coverstock has been bumped from S53 to S65 and the core is the same shape as the Lunatic with a slightly lower RG and a higher differential. The coverstock change is what made us think twice about our observation. While the Lunatic was a combination of solid and pearl, the Jewel is all pearl.
This polished pearl finish is why we had our best reaction on the dry test pattern. The read of the midlane gave it a smooth transition from the oil to the dry. Smoothing out the lane front to back is the key to success on our dry pattern and the Jewel did that perfectly. We never had to adjust the surface even after an hour of testing with the Jewel on this pattern.
The medium pattern gave us a decent look from outside, but not as good as we had on the dry. We needed to keep the Jewel in the friction to prevent it from sliding past the breakpoint. All three testers roughed up the cover with a 2000 Abralon pad and the added traction allowed all three to move left into their comfort zone on this pattern. The problem with the sanded finish was that it would use too much energy before it got to the pins. Stronger layouts at the box finish would easily provide the added motion needed for medium oil conditions.
The oily pattern simply was too wet. Balls that have a shiny pearl finish usually don’t like heavy oil, and this ball is no different. We used 1000 grit Abralon pad on each tester’s Jewel in addition to tightening our angles through the front section of the lane. This combination gave us moderate success, but it would be much easier to use balls designed for these patterns.
Our sport pattern also has a little too much oil for this ball. Shorter and drier sport patterns are where this ball should excel.
Strengths
The predictability of the ball transitioning through its skid, hook, and roll phases is what impressed us most about the Jewel. There are few balls that are as consistent as this one on drier conditions.
Weaknesses
The box finish of the Jewel isn’t suited for large volumes of oil. Despite the S65 coverstock, highly polished box finishes do not usually match up well on oily lane conditions.
Overall Summary
The Jewel’s color and logo are aimed toward female bowlers, but if you’re a male and can put your ego to the side, you will find a ball that has a smooth, predictable movement that is perfectly suited for medium dry to dry lane conditions.
