Bowler Ratings

PatternStTwCr
Oily:345
Medium:789
Dry:998
Sport:77.57

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

General Info

Brand:
Name:Gemstone Silver/Garnet
Reviewed:October 2010
Empty
Coverstock Specs
Name:Hybrid ISO Pearl Reactive
Type:Reactive Hybrid
Box Finish:2000 Grit Polished
Color:Silver / Garnet
Empty
Core Specs
Name:NA
Type:Symmetrical
RG:2.652
Diff:0.042
Int. Diff:0.000

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

The Gemstone Silver/Garnet is the newest release in what is considered Lane #1’s entry level line. The core/cover combination of this ball is the same as the original. The Hybrid ISO Pearl Reactive cover allows the Gemstone to glide through the front part of the lane for all styles on medium-dry to medium-oily conditions.

Cranker had the best success with the Gemstone on the medium test pattern, while Tweener and Stroker had the best look on our drier test pattern. Those with higher rev rates will benefit the most from the easy length this new release provides. The reaction at the breakpoint was super controllable but still provided plenty of hitting power. Those with medium or lower revs will need a bit more friction from the lane than those with higher rev rates.

The drier test pattern offered the best overall reaction for both Stroker and Tweener. This condition, while being shorter and having less volume than our medium pattern, offered the right amount of friction for the Gemstone in the hands of Stroker and Tweener. The pattern forced Cranker deeper into the oil, but still allowed him to find the pocket with a rather high degree of success. The deeper line to the pocket decreased his carry percentage slightly, but not enough to make him put it away. For higher rev rates, we would suggest a longer pin placement for drier conditions.

Although the Hybrid ISO Pearl Reactive cover is rather strong, we found the length it offers to be too much for our long and oily test pattern. Roughing up the surface did help slightly, but took away from the Gemstone’s ability to work well on the medium and drier test patterns.

Sport patterns that are on the medium to dry side will offer more success for the Gemstone compared to those with higher volumes of oil.

Performance Ratings

NameValueComments
Torque6
We experienced a slight read of the midlane with a strong arcing move at the breakpoint. The Gemstone is smooth down lane, making for an easy adjustment when the lanes break down.
Length16
The factory finish of the Gemstone provides easy length on medium and drier lane conditions. Those needing more traction in the oil can achieve it by knocking off the polish.
Back End14.5
The strong arcing breakpoint keeps the Gemstone from covering too many boards at the back end. This is ideal on drier conditions as there is a large amount of friction provided by the lane.
Total Hook44
The overall hook potential of this new Gemstone is several boards less than anything Lane #1 has in their current product line. This should be the choice for Lane #1 fans on drier conditions.

Strengths

What most will appreciate about the Gemstone is the use of a high performance cover that is not overpowered by a high performance core. This combination gives the Gemstone a strong read of the lane without going crazy when it encounters friction.

Weaknesses

The Gemstone will struggle on large volumes of oil. The core/cover combination just doesn’t create enough friction to handle heavy oil patterns. Surface adjustments will help on medium to oily patterns.

Overall Summary

This new Gemstone keeps the same price point as the original and maintains the excellent performance for the price tag. It will be most useful when the lanes offer plenty of friction and a ball with lots of hitting power is required.

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.