Ebonite’s Platinum Performance line adds another jewel with the NVS. The NVS features the Spike Symmetric Mass Bias Version 1A core which causes the NVS to have more hook in the midlane and a more angular backend than the Total NV. The RG and differential values for the NVS are rated the same as the Total NV at 2.51 and .051. Even the mass bias strength is rated the same at 0.022. These specs are where the similarities end. The NVS is much stronger and longer than the Total NV. The coverstock of the NVS is the Traxion Reactive 0.39 a new formula pearl shell. The NVS comes out of the box at 2000 grit Abralon and polished with Ebonite’s Powerhouse factory finish ball polish.
The NVS is an esthetically pleasing ball. A nice pearl mix of black/red/and gold. The NVS I drilled weighed in at 15lb. 0oz., with 3 ¾ oz top weight and a 1 inch pin. I knew I wanted to put the pin below the fingers so we drilled the NVS up 5 x 5MB with the pin below my middle finger. This ball is extremely shiny out of the box but still felt tacky enough to grip the lane.
The first condition I used the NVS on was a wood lanes house shot. The volume could be described as medium with extreme dry right and heavy oil in the middle. The first few shots with the NVS the length was very evident. The ball easily went down the lane to the breakpoint. It looked like this ball was on rails because once it hit the breakpoint it cornered like a Porsche and hit flush. I was able to repeatedly bounce it off the dry and strike. The hitting power of the NVS can be described as catastrophic. This may be the hardest hitting ball I have ever thrown. I was sending messengers on shots that I mishit and others where I felt I’d leave a soft 10pin. Moving around the lane I discovered the NVS is a little oil sensitive. I threw some shots that caught the flood in the middle and the ball seemed to hydroplane going through this. I decided that maybe based on my speed I should take a little gloss of this ball. I hit the NVS with a 2000 grit Abralon pad to just take a little gloss of the ball while not drastically altering it’s movement.
The slight adjustment to the NVS’ cover was what I needed to make this ball really standout for me. I was pleasantly surprised to see the same ball motion on the NVS after the Abralon. The hitting power was still spectactular, and now I was able to move deeper and keep this ball in play longer because of the coverstock adjustment. The NVS is long and strong and very versatile. I’ve been able to use this ball on a number of conditions from slightly dry to almost flooded. The NVS provides good length with strong midlane and a somewhat angular backend. Carry strength is unparalleled.
The NVS by Ebonite should not be overlooked. This asymmetric ball will benefit all styles as it is very release and surface friendly. This ball is ridiculous as to how hard it hits. Strokers who haven’t had a messenger in years should be able to send quite a few with this ball. The extremely versatile cover of the NVS is also a plus. Don’t be afraid to alter the surface to make it work for you. Many thanks to Ed Gallagher from Ebonite for this release. I’d also like to thank Steve Hocking of the National Bowling Store for his expert drilling and Bob Hodge of Parkway Lanes for the practice facility.