This is definitely my favorite bowling ball review channel on TH-cam. Not just because it’s cross brand but also because I bowl one handed with no thumb. Thank you for such informative and entertaining videos. BTW everyone else has done a NU Blue Hammer review, when is yours coming out??😊
So, I loved that ball personally. But… The performance faded quicker than I like to see out of a high performance type piece, and I think similar pieces (black venom/tour dynam-x) provided slightly better shapes. All this to say, the envy tour was under great consideration for a few categories, just getting edged out by the competition.
I really love these videos. I think you have the most informative and least biased reviews out there. It also helps that our rev rate and speed is similar. I was overwhelmed with all the choices after being out of the game for years and you led me to the Black Venom which is great. Keep up the great work. I'm looking for a second ball so I'll be following closely. Hope the Crimson Jackal works out for you because that ball is so pretty and I have my eye on it.
Thanks for all of the great videos! So with all of the hype around HK-22, a Motiv ball wins most angular! That's why what you do is so valuable! Perception vs Reality!
I'd say that Brunswick brands had the most consistent quality in their pearl releases this year, but Motiv hit the nail on the head with the Nuclear Forge. It was not an easy list to make that's for sure!
Appreciate the video and the content this year. I will say none of these balls (outsides of the Eternity Pi) were balls on my radar to try or use, none really fit my game but appreciate the honest review and some different view points than others putting out these type of videos.
Nice job Chris! I appreciate all the videos you put out this past year. I was happy to see at least 1 of my current pieces make the top 4 and a couple of my prospective ones make the list as well. It's an honor they were even nominated. 2023 was definitely the year for great ball releases. Only to be topped by what's to come in 2024.
Can’t say I’m not a little disappointed there were no Radical Balls mentioned and they had some great releases this year like the Katana Strike & Assault. Also the DV8 Captiv8 could be the sleeper ball of 23 in my opinion. Enjoyed the video, thank you.
I enjoyed this video. Even though it was released last year my favorite ball I picked up this year was the Track Stealth. I shot my highest series ever with that ball. It's almost always the first ball out of my bag. Thanks for all the videos you put out. I'm looking forward to watching your future videos in the coming year.
I’m surprised the Storm Summit didn’t get an award, this ball has raised my average around 210 on the pro oil patterns and I’ve never done that before, I almost bowled a perfect game with it on the pro oil pattern and I’ve never gotten that close because I bowl 300 games on the house pattern every year and I average 220 on the house pattern with the Summit too
*gets out tomatoes* Hey y’all want some BLTs? 😂 Thanks for doing these reviews Ben! Your enthusiasm for the game and the insights you share go a long way towards making this channel great. My only “tomato” is that Motiv has been “not urethane-ing” for years and killing it with several of the Tank releases. People are acting like the Hammer NU is such a revolutionary thing when they’re not exactly the pioneers of the concept.
You bring up a good point about the Tanks and Microcell Polymer. You're right that it's not urethane, and they've leaned into that, but there's one key difference. We at least know what they replaced with it. Hammer hasn't said a word about what the cover on the NU actually is, just that it's NOT urethane. It's an interesting, potentially bold, marketing strategy if you ask me, and I don't think I could have come up with it myself that's for sure.
I don't have an IQ Tour Ruby, but they seem to be really good in my league. That being said I do have a Hammer Hybrid 2.0 and I see a lot more of them in league. I was surprised it didn't make the list.
Great video! Between the VEBO and Zen Gold Label, which do you think would slot in between the Eternity Pi and Electrify G/O on THS? 3 ball arsenal. I see you’re not a fan of the VEBO but is the ZGL a different enough look compared to the electrify considering both are sym pearls? Thanks!
I'm actually a big fan of the VEBO, I just don't think its usable very often lol. If I were to close that gap, I'd look to a Phaze 2, an original Zen or a Duo personally. I think the Gold Label and the VEBO are too clean to bridge the gap between those other two pieces and you need something that will blend the lane out a bit more.
@bowlersparadise2255 find the same issue with the vebo but it's always in the bag. It's that one ball when nothing is working that somehow works idky but it is.
For a cranker, how different do you think the IQ Ruby and Virtual Energy Blackout are? Besides being asymmetric and symmetric. Deciding over these 2 and can’t decide!
Oh they’re massively different. Ruby is way more usable, the energy is super high risk/reward. Blackout would probably be 2 zones stronger overall than the ruby as well.
@@bowlersparadise2255 thank you! Definitely going with the Ruby after seeing your video, could really see a lot of play from me and an upgrade from my Wolverine Dark Moss. Merry Christmas🎄🤝🏼
Thank you for replying and for the great content. I look forward to that AStar vid. Hopefully get your expertise on a sublime if ever also.@@bowlersparadise2255
You are not alone. One of the worst balls I have ever thrown (righty) on a THS. I am putting it away till summer of 2024, when I join the sport shot league. Hopefully, then it will do something "good". If not, off to the dump it goes where at least I'll get some satisfaction heaving it into the steel container as it's final resting place.
For what it’s worth, vebo is my game 3 ball almost every set since I got it. Sometimes game 2 as well depending who is on the pair. Was in the same boat looking for something to start further right with and the teal rhino was the perfect compliment for fresh. Rhino just got drilled last week and shot 716 and 732 combining both balls each set. I’m on the lower end of medium speed with medium revs
Cover did not hold up at all. Unfortunately a lack of sustained performance greatly impacted its consideration. However, I’m glad you enjoy yours. Everyone is welcome to like whichever equipment they like!
Great video!! I probably could agree with all the choices except for best ball of the year. For me it’s xponent hands down. But it’s bowling. I guess no everyone matches up with it. Overall great video. Love the content.
I love the Xponent! Reason it was excluded was the shape it was designed for is not attainable for all bowlers, mostly how rev players. Great ball if you have the hand to go with it!
"Best" bowling balls is super subjective and everyone will have their own opinions, so I have no problem with your choices. That being said.... not a single mention of the black widow 2.0 hybrid? That shocked me.
That’s fair. I know lots of folks enjoy that release. I see it as one of those “arsenal fillers” personally. It’s an old school shape that is a love it/hate it type motion. Also, with 82 releases, there were snubs in each category. Just the nature of the beast.
I do like your videos, but feel like there were some holes in the nominees. That’s the great thing about bowling, not everyone will have the same experience with each ball.
Dude this is one of THE GREATEST bowling ball videos ever made!!!
I really appreciate that Josh. Merry Christmas my friend!
Black Widow 2.0 Hybrid was definitely my ball of the year! There were a lot on this list I haven't gotten to try (yet)! Thanks for the vid.
That one definitely got a lot of love this year. Glad you’ve enjoyed it! Merry Christmas!
Can't believe the 2.0 wasn't even mentioned in this video. Has to be in the running for best ball of the year.
Black Widow 2.0 Hybrid should have at least been nominated for ball of the year. 😢
This is definitely my favorite bowling ball review channel on TH-cam. Not just because it’s cross brand but also because I bowl one handed with no thumb. Thank you for such informative and entertaining videos. BTW everyone else has done a NU Blue Hammer review, when is yours coming out??😊
I’m curious where does the hammer envy tour land? It seems everyone loves that ball.
So, I loved that ball personally. But…
The performance faded quicker than I like to see out of a high performance type piece, and I think similar pieces (black venom/tour dynam-x) provided slightly better shapes.
All this to say, the envy tour was under great consideration for a few categories, just getting edged out by the competition.
@@bowlersparadise2255thanks for the reply….Im having a hard time deciding between the envy tour and the black venom.
I really love these videos. I think you have the most informative and least biased reviews out there. It also helps that our rev rate and speed is similar. I was overwhelmed with all the choices after being out of the game for years and you led me to the Black Venom which is great.
Keep up the great work. I'm looking for a second ball so I'll be following closely. Hope the Crimson Jackal works out for you because that ball is so pretty and I have my eye on it.
I appreciate the kind words my friend. Crimson Jackal is on its way!
Thanks for all of the great videos! So with all of the hype around HK-22, a Motiv ball wins most angular! That's why what you do is so valuable! Perception vs Reality!
I'd say that Brunswick brands had the most consistent quality in their pearl releases this year, but Motiv hit the nail on the head with the Nuclear Forge. It was not an easy list to make that's for sure!
Great way to present your list. Love the award style recognition while showing the best competitors in the category. Nice job.
Thanks Jeff! I appreciate it!
Wasnt subbed until this video, maybe seen 1 or 2 BP videos before. Nice production! Love it, great video!
Awesome! Thank you!
Awesome video! Keep em coming! Have a Happy New Year!
Appreciate the video and the content this year. I will say none of these balls (outsides of the Eternity Pi) were balls on my radar to try or use, none really fit my game but appreciate the honest review and some different view points than others putting out these type of videos.
Happy to do it! Happy new year!
Nice job Chris! I appreciate all the videos you put out this past year. I was happy to see at least 1 of my current pieces make the top 4 and a couple of my prospective ones make the list as well. It's an honor they were even nominated. 2023 was definitely the year for great ball releases. Only to be topped by what's to come in 2024.
Thanks. Love your videos
Can’t wait to see one for the motiv ej venom when it comes out
Unfortunately with that being a limited edition piece we won’t be reviewing it.
Can’t say I’m not a little disappointed there were no Radical Balls mentioned and they had some great releases this year like the Katana Strike & Assault. Also the DV8 Captiv8 could be the sleeper ball of 23 in my opinion. Enjoyed the video, thank you.
The outer limits was in most creative my guy.
@atlkj55 I absolutely love my FV8 Captiv8. Honestly look and what it does for me. In a lot of games I can also use it as my spare ball, too
I enjoyed this video. Even though it was released last year my favorite ball I picked up this year was the Track Stealth. I shot my highest series ever with that ball. It's almost always the first ball out of my bag. Thanks for all the videos you put out. I'm looking forward to watching your future videos in the coming year.
Stealth would have been top 4 last year for sure.
I think it would be hella cool to have a "best bang for your buck" category next year! Great video as always!
That’s a good idea! Although I think the answer was simple this year lol (Hustle M-M)
I’m surprised the Storm Summit didn’t get an award, this ball has raised my average around 210 on the pro oil patterns and I’ve never done that before, I almost bowled a perfect game with it on the pro oil pattern and I’ve never gotten that close because I bowl 300 games on the house pattern every year and I average 220 on the house pattern with the Summit too
I love all your reviews. Can't wait when you review the Absolute Power
I’m so excited to throw that ball. I think it’s gonna be the Code X but even better.
*gets out tomatoes* Hey y’all want some BLTs? 😂
Thanks for doing these reviews Ben! Your enthusiasm for the game and the insights you share go a long way towards making this channel great.
My only “tomato” is that Motiv has been “not urethane-ing” for years and killing it with several of the Tank releases. People are acting like the Hammer NU is such a revolutionary thing when they’re not exactly the pioneers of the concept.
You bring up a good point about the Tanks and Microcell Polymer. You're right that it's not urethane, and they've leaned into that, but there's one key difference. We at least know what they replaced with it. Hammer hasn't said a word about what the cover on the NU actually is, just that it's NOT urethane. It's an interesting, potentially bold, marketing strategy if you ask me, and I don't think I could have come up with it myself that's for sure.
Awesome job thanks 🙏
Thank you!
What’s your take on dv8 in general. I only shoot that as a kinda family tradition of sorts as my brother and I only bowled it in the past.
Thank you with a great year and years to come
Merry Christmas James!
The black venom is my ball of the year..Love it...Thanks for the vids😊👍🏻
That ball kicked butt for sure. Picking one winner was not easy.
Loved this video and all of your videos this year, hopefully even more in 2024. Any plans on a top 10 balls of the year 2023?
Ya know I thought about a top 10, but didn’t think it was right to compare so widely, so I compromised with this instead!
My mistake, definitely must have blinked…lol . Happy Holidays and best of luck in 24 !
It’s all good brotha.
I have the Outer Limits and it is my second ball out of my bag after my Innovator solid. Thanks for your reviews as they are very informative
Happy to help Ken. Merry Christmas!
Love my innovator solid, if there was an most underrated award it would win.
Great video . I love my Absolute and Clone. HNY.
Happy new year to you too Daryl!
Love these keep up the good work!!!
Thanks Brady!
Great detailed video! A special thanks for IQ ruby selection 😊 boosts my confidence even more. Love that ball! 🎳
Glad you liked it!
Ty!
Happy to do it!
I don't have an IQ Tour Ruby, but they seem to be really good in my league. That being said I do have a Hammer Hybrid 2.0 and I see a lot more of them in league. I was surprised it didn't make the list.
Great video! Between the VEBO and Zen Gold Label, which do you think would slot in between the Eternity Pi and Electrify G/O on THS? 3 ball arsenal.
I see you’re not a fan of the VEBO but is the ZGL a different enough look compared to the electrify considering both are sym pearls? Thanks!
I'm actually a big fan of the VEBO, I just don't think its usable very often lol.
If I were to close that gap, I'd look to a Phaze 2, an original Zen or a Duo personally. I think the Gold Label and the VEBO are too clean to bridge the gap between those other two pieces and you need something that will blend the lane out a bit more.
@bowlersparadise2255 find the same issue with the vebo but it's always in the bag. It's that one ball when nothing is working that somehow works idky but it is.
One small correction. The NU Blue and the Purple Reactive have the same core. The Purple urethane has a different core, lower diff.
You right. Somehow they look absolutely identical, but have different numbers. Physics is weird.
@@bowlersparadise2255 yep, it is. The one science I did not do well in.
Great ball review
Hey thanks!
For a cranker, how different do you think the IQ Ruby and Virtual Energy Blackout are? Besides being asymmetric and symmetric. Deciding over these 2 and can’t decide!
Oh they’re massively different. Ruby is way more usable, the energy is super high risk/reward. Blackout would probably be 2 zones stronger overall than the ruby as well.
@@bowlersparadise2255 thank you! Definitely going with the Ruby after seeing your video, could really see a lot of play from me and an upgrade from my Wolverine Dark Moss. Merry Christmas🎄🤝🏼
Merry Christmas to you too my friend!
Can’t wait…😂
Merry Christmas to you too.
For me the best ball of the year is the Motiv Black Venom. I just bought a second one to "stash", that's how good it is on a medium to light THS.
Making the top 4 out of 82 releases is a TALL task. Black venom is a great piece that I love to throw, the ruby just had a slim edge.
Any chance you'll review a Sublime or Attention Star?
Attention star is coming soon. Never got my hands on a sublime unfortunately.
Thank you for replying and for the great content. I look forward to that AStar vid. Hopefully get your expertise on a sublime if ever also.@@bowlersparadise2255
I have a tour Dynam-x and I cannot get that ball to do anything for me.
Should try it on some sport shots?
It’s a lefty kinda ball!! I wouldn’t recommend it for righty’s on house shots imo
@@joshtherrien4076why?
You are not alone. One of the worst balls I have ever thrown (righty) on a THS. I am putting it away till summer of 2024, when I join the sport shot league. Hopefully, then it will do something "good". If not, off to the dump it goes where at least I'll get some satisfaction heaving it into the steel container as it's final resting place.
@@donrichter9859 what does it do wrong? Over hook not hook? Are you high rev low rev?
vebo been my favorite so far....need a ball that is a lot smoother than it tho not sure what to pick
Well, you could pick just about anything and it’ll be smoother. That VEBO goes sideways lol
For what it’s worth, vebo is my game 3 ball almost every set since I got it. Sometimes game 2 as well depending who is on the pair. Was in the same boat looking for something to start further right with and the teal rhino was the perfect compliment for fresh. Rhino just got drilled last week and shot 716 and 732 combining both balls each set.
I’m on the lower end of medium speed with medium revs
Black venom definitely ball of the year for me as well!
I think all the motiv guys agree on this lol. For good reason too!
you did not review the motive raptor fury yet :(
We’re getting there.
waiting for the same. pls compare it to toe envy tour if possible as both look similar @@bowlersparadise2255
None of my balls where even mentioned, the summit nor bw 2.0 hybrid 😭😭
Somebody had to get the snub 🤷♂️
Sorry you missed the boat the best ball of 23 is the storm summit shot 2 300's in a span of 18 days on a House shot
Cover did not hold up at all. Unfortunately a lack of sustained performance greatly impacted its consideration.
However, I’m glad you enjoy yours. Everyone is welcome to like whichever equipment they like!
Great video!! I probably could agree with all the choices except for best ball of the year. For me it’s xponent hands down. But it’s bowling. I guess no everyone matches up with it. Overall great video. Love the content.
I love the Xponent! Reason it was excluded was the shape it was designed for is not attainable for all bowlers, mostly how rev players. Great ball if you have the hand to go with it!
IQ RUBY IS MY GO TO BALL
You and many others!
lol, some sucked and were discontinued in months, looking at you TNT
I loved that ball lol.
Ball has a bad rep. in the bowling community. However, recently saw Amber Mc Cloud shoot a 289 to win her first WPBA regional title. ???????
Tour Envy
Great ball!
"Best" bowling balls is super subjective and everyone will have their own opinions, so I have no problem with your choices. That being said.... not a single mention of the black widow 2.0 hybrid? That shocked me.
That’s fair. I know lots of folks enjoy that release. I see it as one of those “arsenal fillers” personally. It’s an old school shape that is a love it/hate it type motion.
Also, with 82 releases, there were snubs in each category. Just the nature of the beast.
I brought a bushel 🍅😁
You may be slightly biased lol
W IQ Ruby
🚨🚨🔥
Beef and Barnzy both only gave it a so so (average) year end review. ???????
I do like your videos, but feel like there were some holes in the nominees. That’s the great thing about bowling, not everyone will have the same experience with each ball.
I mean…
Most of the nominees had at least 2 holes 🤣🤣
@@bowlersparadise2255well played. LOL
Rigged, Black Venom 100%
Lol rigged?
You think we’re getting kickbacks or what?
Black Venom was definitely my ball of the year. Used to be a solely SPI guy, but that thing is insanely good.
A well deserved top 4 nomination that’s for sure!