Ebonite International introduces the Raid to its Gold Level Performance line. This ball is a shade below the Platinum performance balls in price only. The Raid features the same GBV 12.7 coverstock as the Angular One only in a solid reactive cover. The Raid has a low flaring “Y” core. The tech. specs on the 15lb Raid are Differential of .054 and a medium RG of 2.52 with a Mass Bias differential of 0.017. The Raid comes out of the box sanded with 4000 Abralon, and then polished with Ebonite’s Powerhouse Factory Finish ball polish. This ball is an esthetically pleasing green/purple/black color.
The Raid I drilled weighed in at 15lbs. 3 oz with 3oz top weight and approx. 4inch pin. I decided to use one of my favorite drillings and went 4 1/2 X 4MB with the pin above the ring finger. A small weight hole was needed to keep things legal. Steve Hocking at the National Bowling Store is very proficient at drilling and this ball fit like a glove.
I have now thrown the Raid on a number of different conditions including the PBA Viper pattern. The Raid is an easy revving predictable ball. This ball is very smooth through the front. Midlane is where this ball flexes it’s muscles. I found the Raid picked up rather early on lighter volume conditions. The Raid’s backend movement can be described as strong arc as this ball never gives the pocket away. The Raid is neither speed or rev sensitive which is a great attribute in a ball. The Raid was too much ball for the PBA Viper pattern I bowled on. It was a little too strong in the back as the Viper tends to have biting back end. I’ve found the Raid’s best used on a medium condition with cleaner back ends. The hitting power of this ball is superb as most all pocket hits seemed to strike. I’m sure the Raid can be used on heavy patterns but may require a little Abralon surface to increase friction. The Raid is a big surprise as it has now become the first ball out of my bag to check lane conditions.
Ebonite continues to manufacture industry leading equipment. You can witness this at any league or tournament that you attend. You would be hard pressed to find any ball rack without at least 1 Ebonite ball on it. The Raid is an underrated ball that suits any speed or rev style out there. The “Y” core on this ball really makes it a winner. Many thanks to Ed Gallgher from Ebonite International, Steve Hocking of the National Bowling Store and Bob Hodge at Parkway Lanes, St Catharines.