Hey all,
I just received my Lanemaster Sting and had a question about its color. It says it is suppose to be black. Should I be concerned and alittle area has a swirl in it? Is that common with this ball?
Thanks

Many balls, even if they are suppose to be solidly one color have some sort of swirl in them still. Its just the nature of the process. That being said, sometimes the internet sites get what are called factory seconds, sometimes its only a color blemish other times there are other problems. If its just a the color then it shouldn't affect the performance.

I wouldn't be too concerned about it. The BW Solid, is supposed to come in black with some red laced in it. Some of the ones that I've seen are nearly red.

As for the swirl it could be a result of whoever was touching up the paint job on the ball. Ask your Pro Shop before you get it drilled just to be safe.

How would I actually know if it is just the color and not also performance until I throw it (should I look for other defects?If so what would I be looking for?. They didn't advertise it as being a factory second? Just nervous- It was a great deal though on buddies

Raggity, I've seen some that look like a gray clowdy spot and others with a swirl

Ok cool, I wont get too freaked out about it. Its like a grey swirls.

What a ball looks like in pictures is not always what it will look like in person. I wouldn't worry about it. I would throw a pink ball down the lane if it works. Wait. I did have a pink ball (Erase-IT).

Look at my avatar. My TS&A is pink

As long as a ball performs, color or cosmetic blemishes are of little concern to me. I once joked with some people I don't care what color a ball is, that I would throw a pink Hello Kitty plastic for a spare ball. That got me a few weird looks. I like the more off color equipment anyways.

i agree with inferno! i mean really have you ever seen a MoRich awesome finish?? man that thing is ugly. but man it hits like a tank! one of the best balls i've ever thrown on synthetic lanes ! but its ugly as a pinto too.

Well, I finally threw the sting last night(first league night).
Right out of the box 247. I was then told by my team mates to take it easy its the first night. So I decided to try some different lines(first 3 frames-opens(2 splits). I then went back to my previous line and was ripping the pocket again this time I left a few 10 pins and a stone 8. I think I ended up with a 174. Last game ended up being 192 with a nasty split in the 10th I think I was pretty tired seeing as I didn't pick a ball up for 4 months.
I was alittle worried at first(during warm ups) but once I was in the game its like the ball decided it was time to step up. Great carry(low driving pin action) Movement was superb( you could really see it rev up going down the lane.
Great job Lanemaster

As I think I mentioned, my teammate raised his average 14 pins from May to the end of Summer, just by changing to this ball. Nothing else changed. He is still a full roller

Can't wait to get mine later this month.

Eraser what you getting?

Brandon,
I am going to get a LaneMasters Sting, at least I am REALLY leaning that way. I have been researching them, and Dennis and raggitymann have given thier endorsment. That, and the fact that it is supposed to last longer, and absorbs little oil pretty much swayed me to take a serious look at the Sting.

Eraser,
Nice. Thought you might be getting a Cell since you Roto-Grip guy. If and when i do make another ball purchase Lane Master is on top of my list.

Eraser, just a note. We bowled tonight after the league meeting, and my friend who has the Sting bowled too. We bowled on a shorter pattern tonight, 37 vs 40 over the Summer, and the Sting had a murderous back end. Actually, he had some trouble with it holding a line. When he got it out far enough, it came back ripping the pocket. But, that was his problem, keeping it out. He had to roll an odd line for him.

I had to go inside and use my weakest ball, Shift. Which is not normal for me. Short pattern caused trouble for both of us.

Dennis,
Thanks for the info about the shorter patterns. I'll keep that in mind when I discuss a drlling layout with my ball driller. I do like to play outside (around the 5 board) when feasible.

Brandon,
I was really considering the Cell too. In fact when I thought about getting a new ball for the upcoming season, I was going to get a Cell. But I heard a few guys say that they were losing reaction with thier Cells after a few months, I had the same thing happen with my BW Bite. You get a little tired of replacing balls all the time. Frankly..who can afford it. So when I heard about the LaneMasters balls lasting..I thought I would give one a try and see for myself.

Eraser,
Yeah i heard mixed reviews some say it last and so say it dies. My Top 2 balls i was thinking are LM Terminator or Roto Cell. But i do like that LM last longer certianly a big push towards Lane Masters.

The Sting is a solid reactive with a full coverstock, no filler. Can't see how it would die.

As all reviews say, it likes oil and not the dry. The lane conditions last night were shorter, 37', and tapered, leaving plenty of dry downlane in the corners. This ball over reacted when out there. Our Summer league used a 40' pattern, blocked with higher viscosity oil that lasted much longer. That is where the ball really showed its stuff.

I couldn't use my Terminator last night, and had to resort to weaker Storm Ball from the inside. I am really not comfortable doing that.

Just to touch base on the Sting and Cell. It just so happens that my buddy on my team throws the Cell. We have close to the same line but he's alittle slower release and throws inside of me. That being said he shot a 655 Tuesday.( he averages 211) I'm at 200 but mostly due to missing my 10 pins. Anyway,(trying to remeber where I was but I think I was standing at brd 25? and throwing over or out to 5 and I think he was at 25? and throwing over 15? and holding with his Cell. I'll pay more attention next week to give you a great comparsion.

raggityman, you're at Lakes, right? Surprised your Sting lasted all night on those lanes.

Yeah, I'm at Lakes. Next week will be the true test as the girls will be on before us. I didn't even have to move all night. Last year I was at Antioch which is very dry all the time. I was actually 10 boards right of where I would normally START at Antioch so I'm gonna see what happens next week. The other guy couldn't even throw his Cell at Antioch. I would like to see if I could play inside next week.