900 Global Zen Gold Label | 4K Ball Review | Bowlers Paradise
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 13 ม.ค. 2025
- Find the 900 Global Zen Gold Label and much more HERE: bit.ly/ZenGold...
Be sure to use discount code TH-cam at check out for free shipping!
Welcome to Bowlers Paradise!
The original was so good it literally coined the phrase ZEN BALL GOOD. 900 Global hit it out of the park with that initial pearl release, and has had mixed results at best with the concurrent offerings in that line. But in seeking to recapture that original magic, here comes the Zen Gold Label. This piece is powered by the same low RG, high differential meditate core, this time wrapped in the reserve blend 801 pearl cover polished with reacts gloss out of the box.
According to 900 Global, this one is cleaner and more angular than the original, so to lean into that notion, we went with a 4.5 x 4.5 x 3.5 2LS Layout. This is a stronger benchmark layout for me, and my hope is that with this layout, big angles through the fronts will be the best path to the pocket, especially when the lanes dry up a bit.
AND ON THE LANES… there were two words to describe the gold label. Clean & mean. The original Zen was strong front to back which tended to smooth its motion out at least a little bit. You could control the lane and the pocket for the most part. But this new one, boy oh boy is this an angular piece. It definitely doesn’t have a problem getting through the fronts and mids as long as there is some oil, but once the gold label hits enough friction, it turns and does not stop. Continuation is the name of the game with this piece, and within the current SPI lineup, this is likely the one that generates the most angle through the pins.
And while that’s a risk, it’s also the best thing about this piece. When you really need to drive through the pocket, this Zen Gold Label will do just that. It might force you a little inside of where your comfort zone is like it did for me, but once you see it bounce off the spot and not deflect and inch through the pins, you’ll get used to it. If I had staying in the sweet spot on this lane, I really don’t think I would have stopped striking as the performance was high, but also consistent in that zone.
But on the downside, the area where this Zen was great was a smaller window than I would have liked. Maybe it’s just my inability to adjust, I don’t know, but it was basically unusable on the outside part of the lane and once I moved inside that ideal zone, it was hit and miss on whether it would pick up in the oil, or blow past the breakpoint. Also, the times I wheeled it too far outside, it was basically a guarantee I would leave a 3-6-10 or worse.
So it might not be the best one ball arsenal option, but when you pair this piece with the all new Xponent which we will be reviewing soon and a stronger asym like an absolute or the new Roto Grip Clone, that would give you a suite of shapes that are going to open up the pocket better than you might expect.
When comparing this Zen Gold Label to the Phaze 5, it is clear which one is better. The phaze 5 is weaker in core and in cover, and on this lane, just doesn’t stand up to the Gold label. There’s definitely a time and a place where this very stable motion is in play, but it surely isn’t on this house shot. Looking at our crossbrand comparison, the Motiv VIP EXJ Sigma looks to be on equal ground in overall strength, with a little more midlane blend which is derived from the core. The Zen is more angular while the Sigma is more swoopy, but both look great, so it’s really a matter of preference for your game.
But with that, here’s my recommendations on types of bowlers that I think would match up well with this piece. The first is high tilt players. It’s not often I recommend high tilt players get a symmetrical pearl as most of the time they don’t need the added length provided from the shiny cover, but everytime I increased my tilt, the gold label looked even better. It’s strong enough off friction to not blow past the spot when these players need to generate angle. The second is mid to low rev rate bowlers. When playing second arrow isn’t an option anymore, you need a ball to move inside with that will still get through the pins, so if your rev rate is below 400, you’re going to love this Zen as it will open up a whole new world of possibilities when you move your feet to the heart of the lane.
The all new Zen Gold Label is an update to a proven and almost legendary ball, but with its added striking power, it might just be the piece that gets you out of the bronze and silver spot and to the top of the podium.
Thank you to Weston Lanes for allowing us to film this video: www.westonlanes.com
www.bowlersparadise.com
Excellent info !!! Love the pros an the cons....Keep up the good work !!
Appreciate the kind words! Cheers!
Excellent review as per usual. I'm not a Storm Inc family fan but this ball has me very intrigued. Thanks for the info.
Always appreciate the kind words my friend!
Sanded mine with a 2000 pad..worked wonders
Glad to hear it!
I was waiting on this review, I wish it was out sooner before I bought/drilled up my Gold Label as you're one of the only no thumb (I'm a 2 hander) reviews I can look at. I drilled this up to be a "step down" from my Ruby because all the reviews I saw it basically looked like an angular monster that was long which was perfect, so I drilled it up as a transition type drill of 4.5/4/4.5 to be able to play deep. But exactly like you as I got deep to use it the ball would like to blow past the break point which I didn't think/realize it was going to do. I only got to throw it during 1 practice session a few times so not a large pool of data, I'm going to keep trying it before leagues start up but at least off the 1st practice with it a bit disappointed. I'm hoping it was a fluke, or hopefully I find a place for it in the bag but idk, we'll see.
You’re not gonna line up with every ball, every time. Some days are more conducive to other equipment.
Give it some time, don’t be afraid to change surface. Most of all, keep it loose and have fun. The rest is details.
Thanks for the video, i'm really curious about this ball and want to purchase it. Quick question for you though, i'm wanting to move over to using a thumb, what is some advice you could give to someone moving over to using a thumb? Thanks for the videos
Honestly, I have no idea where to start besides lighter weight balls. I’ve tried a few times to use my thumb and it’s just such different timing and different muscles, it’s a huge hill to climb (at least for me)
If you’re one hand no thumb and want to change, try two handed first.
Any plans to do a review on Track bowling balls? Stealth Pearl or Paragon Pearl?
Paragon Pearl needs holes then we’ll get it onto the lane!
do you match up well with the OG zen?
I did! Very much enjoyed that ball!
Good ball down from idol cosmos?
Looking to pair this, the cosmos and bw hybrid as my 3 ball bag for league
I don't see this as a step down from the Cosmos. If anything its a step up.
Hustle M-M, Hyped Pearl or iQ Tour Ruby would be steps down if you want to stick with a pearl.
I've watched a few ball reviews so far and I don't have a question on the ball. I have a question about the way Ben throws. Is he 1 handed with No thumb?
Yup
Hi Ben I was wondering if you could give me some advice on the type of bowling ball that would match up with my style? I am a stroker with 17mph off my hand 16* of tilt and 60* of rotation. my current League arsenal is jackal ghost Brunswick knockout and Iq tour. the most used ball is the Iq I keep it at a reactaskuff finish (3000) and honestly I cant really use the other balls cuz they just force me to far left into an area of the lane that I'm not comfortable playing, I really like to play up the boards at least to start the night out. and here in Ohio we don't have heavy oil conditions I would say they are medium to medium light. my Iq is super old the label is completely worn off of the ball and I'm looking to replace it and need a new benchmark ball. I could go and get another Iq but not really shur if that is even the best option. would love to know what you think. Iwas thinking I should go for balls that are a little more on the weaker side of things like hyped solid or electrify go. pleas need a little help
That’s a tough one because some of the lower end balls are actually made to be played with big angles so you have to be careful.
The iQ tour is still a great piece.
You could go with the purple hammer…
Motiv Supra rally could work well.
Dv8 troublemaker
Lastly, the xponent from 900 global.
Those are my best recommendations. Hope that helps!
Ok thanks for the reply I will consider those choices
As someone newer to the sport, I really appreciate your consistently fantastic breakdown of what makes all of these balls tick! You mentioned the Xponent and Absolute would pair well with the gold label. Would they also pair well with the original Zen, or could you think of anything that'd better compliment the Zen for fresher conditions?
Interestingly enough, if I built around an OG zen, the two picks would probably be different. IQ Ruby and a Gem would be my two.
@@bowlersparadise2255 That's really good to know! What about the gem makes it a good compliment to the Zen, if you could elaborate on that please? Thanks again!
Basically when one isn’t right, the other one is. The gem is one of the most versatile solid asyms I’ve ever had so it covers a lot of bases and the zen was similar in versatility, but different in shape.
Good to know! Thanks a lot! I honestly think I'm going to go and pick up a gem now. Have a nice day!
You should definitely review the new teal rhino pro!
I will if they send us one to review!
What actor does he look like?! Trying to figure it out😆
I look like an actor? Oh boy.
Megamind
Thanks