Just found this info on Lane Masters new releases!

Black Diamond™
Color: Solid Black
Core: Dynasty™
Cover: Traction™ Diamond
Type: Solid Particle (Medium Load)
Reaction: The most angular solid particle ball we have ever released.

Xtreme Damage™
Color: Orange / Ruby
Core: Impact™
Cover: Endurance™ X-Treme
Type: Particle Pearl
Reaction: A purely aggresive back end motion for an extremely devasting hit.

Ultimate Power™
Color: Purple / Red
Core: Power Centric™
Type: Reactive Pearl
Reaction: The pearlized cover and low Rg core create a smooth mid-lane read with maximum energy retention.

Solid Strike™
Color: Purple
Core: Impact™
Type: Reactive Pearl
Reaction: Clean through the front of the lane with an angular back end.

Gotta look for these. I'm sure my Pro Shop will have them as soon as they are available. Is the Black Diamond a solid ball, not cover stock over filler? If it is, that's a ball I would look at seriously.

BTW, getting my Terminator thumb plugged and will be redrilled, prob on Tues. While there, it is getting any oil extracted and a complete resurface.

The Dynamic Power continues to hit, and hit really hard. Used it today while practicing the fingers under and push at the release. I was really off, and not by a little. Started turning the hand early. Couldn't stay to get it fixed. Had to meet my son who wanted to go shopping for new boats. In this economy, spending a big buck for a new boat that gets 12 gallons of gas to the hour doesn't seem to be a wise move. But, he is young, and relys on Dad's judgement. Hope I talked him out of it.

But, how can you pass up a deal that is $50,000 off of MSRP? My take, it's really over priced to begin with.

?????Where did you find those balls? they are not to see at this page that you mentioned, not even on the whole Internet!? Google found only this page where you posted this!! give us a link!!

Dennis Micheal, Why are you getting your Terminator re-drilled? You must have a ton of games on it if you need it re-surfaced. In regards to the boat, I think it's a great move for your son to get a boat. If he has the means, and a secure job then he should enjoy the fruits of his labor!

Muggel, I got this info off another forum. The pics of each ball were up at one point as well, but they were pulled before I got a chance to download. I'm trying to get one of the members to post, or e-mail me the pics.

With all this rain this summer, it's about time the sun came out! ha-ha

Who's that, I have relaxed the spans on all of my balls by 1/4", and standardized them at 3/8" forward pitch, 1/4" left lateral. I had another shop rather than my normal shop do the Terminator and it just isn't right. In fact, to shorten the grip that shop plugged both the thumb and the finger holes, then redrilled them all. Getting it fixed.

Yeah, I've had the Terminator going on its 4th year. It easily could have 2000 games on it. I soaked it about 1 1/2 yrs ago, and nothing came out. The ball just doesn't soak up oil. But, I figured it was time to give it some renewed life, and as long as it was in for plugging, let's do it.

I brought it to another Pro Shop when it received some lane damage, and that guy refinished it to 4000 abralon. He almost ruined the ball. He did say it was the hardest ball he ever refinished, though. He obviously wasn't familiar with L/M equipment.

See that's why I'm leary about tweeking my Terminator. I'd rather stuggle with the pattern then fool with it. I'm starting to get my finacial ducks back in a row, so I'll for a fact have my Dynamic Power with more then enough time for the Shark!

My question for you is, do you think it would be a bad idea to get my DP pin up? I've read a few reviews where owners weren't to satisfied with that layout. It seems most owners get it pin down.

I specifically drilled in pin down. I am surprised that it still gets some length with a solid roll.

That's all I needed to hear! Pin down it is. I have a feeling that the DP's gonna be the ball I'm a want to use but won't get to many oppertunities to do so.
On another note, I'm thinking this will be my next tool after picking up the Dynamic Power!

Ultimate Power™
Color: Purple / Red
Core: Power Centric™
Type: Reactive Pearl
Reaction: The pearlized cover and low Rg core create a smooth mid-lane read with maximum energy retention.

Did someone say Christmas in July?

Who's that, with the DP, I plan to get a lot of use out of it, since with this drill, I will play standing at 25, and roll over 15, using as much of the center oil, even on a house shot.

That's one of my favorite shot's to play. My favorite line of all has to be 13 to 5 with my Terminator, all thou I'm loving the new look my Rebellion is giving me on are house shot. I'm standing on 10 throwing straight up 5, it sure simplify's things. Almost forgot, got some more info on the new releases from someone who claims to me a Lane Masters insider. Hope you enjoy!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You'll probably have a tough time getting pictures until LM/L makes them available to pro shops and on their marketing website. Check around the first of July, after Bowl Expo.

My take on classifications:

Heavy Conditions:

Dynamic Power: Low RG, Medium-High Differential, Lighter Load Carbon Particle, 800 matte box surface. Early roll/arc reaction. Good for speed-dominant players, strokers, tweeners. Useable on heavy, medium-heavy and medium conditions depending on surface and pin location.

Black Diamond: Medium RG, High Differential, Medium Load Diamond Particle. Factory polished solid black. More length and snap than the DP. Better for rev-dominant players, tweeners, crankers (and strokers on medium conditions or more surface). Useable on heavy, medium-heavy to medium conditions. Should be more versatile than the DP.

I don't think there is a case for one being "better" than the other. The DP and BD simply get to the pocket with different roll shapes. Get one of each to cover both shapes on heavier conditions.

Black Pearl: Similar to the Black Diamond. Essentially the same motor as the Black Diamond: Medium RG, high differential. Light load particle pearl vs. the BD's medium load solid cover. Cover is at 1000 sheen from the factory vs. the BD's polished finish. My guess is that if you take the Black Diamond to 1000 sheen or 800 matte, the BD would be stronger than the Black Pearl and about as strong as the DP. The BD and BP with similar roll shapes and the DP always earlier and more arc.

Medium to Medium-Heavy Conditions:

Xtreme Damage: Moderate length with a snappy backend (not as much length and snap as the BPR)

Black Pearl Reactive: More length, snappy backend

Medium Conditions:

Buzz Attack: More skid snap than the Ultimate Power, versatile depending on surface

Ultimate Power: Earlier roll than BA, still a snap back-end but less snap than Buzz Attack.

Light Medium Conditions:

Solid Strike: Similar to Xtreme Damage and BPR but on lighter conditions. Skid/snap roll shape.

Dennis Micheal, I intend to pick up three new balls my the start of the fall.

1) Dynamic Power (Next Week)
2) Xtreme Damage (Upon Release)
3) Ultimate Power (Upon Release)

With those three, + my Terminator and my Terminator Rebellion, I'm gonna be a problem this fall!!

The Black Diamond looks like it's going to be a nice release, but I'm hesitant to purchase another Legends/Lane Masters ball with the tall Dynasty Core. I have the original Black Pearl and have had very little success with it although it seems to get rave reviews as the most popular LM ball ever released. My problem might be that I had it drilled aggressive for maximum flare. This ball flares so much that it is difficult to produce good revs. When I roll it. it begins to show signs of reving then almost immediately transitions into more of a lope then a roll at the breakpoint turn. I'm thinking of having it redrilled for less flare. I would really like to make this ball work for me because I've wanted the Black Pearl Reactive for a long time, but as of now, I have doubts as to whether it will work for me. On the other hand, my LM Conquerer is a fast, high reving ball. It is rated as a heavy oil ball, but I have found that it works best on medium to maybe medium-heavy conditions. I rolled it on medium to medium-heavy Brunswick lanes on Sunday and could only get it into a roll and make it turn enough if I took a lot of pace off my roll. I tried it again yesterday on medium AMF lanes and it performed well as long as I kept my ball speed around medium speed. In both instances, I had to redue ball speed from my normal (fairly high speed) pace. My Black Pearl faired worse than my Conquerer at both houses. I would appreciate any layout suggestions for my Black Pearl that would give me smooth, easy reving with a strong backend move, basically a strong arc with backend or a semi skid/Flip move. More of a Skid/Flip reaction is what I was hoping to get if I purchased the Black Pearl Reactive.

Pattayabowler

PS. I'm still strongly considering the purchase of a Terminator. I think it may be the best overall (most versatile) medium/medium-heavy oil ball that LM has made to date. I think it would outperform my Conquerer. What do you guys think?

I don't have a Conquerer, but I do have a Terminator. And let me tell you, it's a beast on medium/medium heavy to heavy oil patterns. I rarely tap, in a house that's known for poor pin carry. They keep a good volume of oil down the lane for lower scores in most men's leagues. Even though I'm gonna pick up the Dynamic Power, as well as 2 new releases, I just might pick up another Terminator for the future.

i gave may lane 1 agent orange and LM black pearl reactive sun baths over the weekend. the lane one is about four months old, tons of oil came out of it. the black pearl reactive, which is 11 months old, didn't drip a drop of oil.

Lane Master balls just don't seem to absorb oil as the other balls. As a result, they hold their reaction much longer. I did have trouble with my Conqueror after a revivor treatment. But, then it woke up on heavier oil. Guess it was just rolling out on a house shot. Terminator gets its first treatment going into year 4. And my BRB still looks like new, and acts the same way going into year 2.

Course, wasn't there a study done by Ebonite, I believe, where they tried to say that absorbing oil was the right thing that a ball should do? It came out, and disappeared.

My Terminator is a little dirty, but it reacts the same as when I bought it. On a side note, what should I use to clean my Terminator, and by Rebellion? There both a tad dirty these days, and I'm not up on the different cleaning products.

Also, I should have a few pics of the (Black Diamond) on Thursday. Dennis do you intend to ad any new balls to your arsenal?

Assuming I get all of my thumbs redrilled the same, and my Terminator comes out of its treatment OK, I don't see another purchase this coming year. The lanes I bowl on are fairly heavily oiled. And, if the lane I planned to leave does in fact come up with a PBA League, I believe I am set.

For a house shot, I still have other balls that could come out, if I need them. Dry lanes really kill me, and I'm not usually equiped properly when I show up and find a desert. But, I know the Houses around here to avoid, or come prepared.

I'm with you on dry lanes, more often then not if I know you have dry lanes I'm not coming. However my Terminator Rebellion worked pretty well the 4 or 5 times I found the pocket on the Cheetah, it might give me a better look on dryer conditions.

OK, got my Terminator back. Thumb is really better. Put it through the revivor, and a lot of oil came out. This machine takes out the oil that a hot bath misses. It got refinished and re-polished. So, I went to another lane where they had the Shark Pattern laid out. They oil 16 lanes for league , with lanes 31 and 32 left open for lane break down. After the league, I bowled on the fresh oil of 31-32.

The Dynamic Power was the best performing ball by far. the Virtual Gravity got a little iffy with the carrydown but still finished OK. The Terminator needs to have a worn path in the polish, but seemed to get better the more I rolled it.

These 3 balls will be just great on heavy oil, Sport or PBA patterns. Now, I have to get more consistent. Not bowling weekly is hurting.

http://www.bowlsk.com/games/view-series.html?series=166292

Here's a few pics of the (Black Diamond), I hope they post!

Below is the tag for the 2009 catalog!

http://www.lanemastersbowling.com/index.html

Click on the 3rd one down, then click on resources.

well i got a lil info from Lane Masters today cause i called about info on a black pearl particle, and we were talking about the black diamond and i asked when it was gonna be released and he said mid august.....just in time for my birthday!!!!

I'm almost certain you should be able to pick one up before then. I've talked with 2 people on-line who already have it.

By the way my fall arsenal has changed a little...

-Arrow Spare Ball (coming Soon)
-Terminator Rebellion (In The Bag)
-Buzz Attack (Coming Soon)
-Terminator (In The Bag)
-Xtreme Damage (Coming Soon)
-Dynamic Power (Coming Soon)

i was just posting what i was told on the telephone yesterday . . . he said they will be available mid august

Let me know if your in the market for one before then. I know someone who might be able to help.

whos' that, I'm interested in picking up the Black Diamond ASAP. Let me know what/when I need to get it. Thanks.

Send me a private message.

one thing i noticed is alot of the people that use Lane Masters seen to get pin down with cg kicked...is this just because they work well with that drilling? cause im not sure which layout im going to go with....

It depends on the ball. I have the original Terminator, and it's pin up, as well as my Terminator Rebellion. When I get my Dynamic Power I'm going with the pin down layout. I also intend on picking up the (Xtreme Damage), as well as the (Buzz Attack), both of which will be pin-up.

On another note I thought Lane Masters new website was suppose to be up today?

hopefully they will get rid of that flash intro.

Actually, I thought that was cool. Although, I just clicked past it to the enter. How many times do you have to watch it?

But, I thought I read where the target website install was in July, not on July 1. And, it was to be an intro to the new ball releases, due out in August.

Hope they don't get rid of the Honor Score listing. Kinda like my name streaming across the bottom of the screen. Kind of an ego builder.

I find it amazing how many current Honor Scores are listed using 4 and 5 year old balls. These balls really last.

I'll be up there soon enough!

Hey, welcome to the discussion jamesar. The Black Diamond should be the new and improved Black Pearl. I haven't jumped into that line, but know many who have, with success.

Stigmata, as was mentioned, the pin should be placed where you want the ball to roll. I have 2 up and 2 balls drilled down. Because of the strong, continuous roll of these balls, many people use them for heavy oil controlled conditions where pearl or polished just don't cut it. The symetrical core gives it this look. They don't Flip.

i just don't like waiting when i go to websites and as far as flash intro pages go in web design, it went out of style about five years ago.

ok so i'm still new to the whole drilling layout and still attempting to learn about pin placement.... the pin down will roll sooner and give more arc for heavy oil? . .

Yup, the ball will give you a earlier read with a arc like motion rather then skid/Flip. This is the layout most pros tend to go with on heavier concentrations of oil.

From the L/M drill instruction sheet:

Moving the pin up and down, in relation to the center line, will change the length of the ball reaction. A pin placed at the center of the grip will provide the earliest roll (it is not recommended to place the pin any lower). As the pin is moved up, the length of the ball reaction increases. Many top players prefer pin placements above the fingers.

thanks alot guys . . . ill prob go pin down then and have a nice arc. . .

I was wondering, what ball did you pick up?

who's that- i got a black pearl particle 15lb for a great deal!!!! . . and ill grab a black diamond in the very near future ......

I really was'nt in the market for a new ball, but I must admit...I am really intrigued to see LM new additions. I love my LM Sting, and would like to try another LM ball. Something a little milder perhaps.

Just posting this for your info. I had my Terminator in the Revivor and refinished it. I rolled a few balls with the polish on, and didn't like the reaction. So, I took the polish off with a gray scotchbrite, and used it last night on the Shark.

WOW, the Terminator is back. It really never lost its hard roll, but now, it is even stronger. Being over 3 years old, I had forgotten how it rolled out of the box. It is a monster. Out rolled my Virtual Gravity and Dynamic Power. I actually had some room to play on the Shark pattern.

Came off my hand, got good length, turned and hit really hard. A fellow next to my lanes was having a lot of trouble on the Shark with his Hy Road, and came over. Asked a few questions, and said, "I think I will look into a Lane Masters ball." Suggested he look at the Black Diamond. I actually let him roll my Terminator, and he was truly impressed.

Dennis,
So maybe a Terminator is a ball to consider. I may need something like that since my center is supposedly converting to synthetic lanes. I am not quite ready for a ball yet, and hopefully LM won't retire it. You are reffering to the regular Terminator, not the Terminator Rebellion..correct?

I have both the Terminator & the Terminator Rebellion. There both great balls, but the Rebellion is condition specific, where the original Terminator can be used for (Medium to Medium/Heavy) as well as (Heavy to Heavy/Length). The Terminator is the reason I'm in the process of switching all my equipment over down to the Arrow spare ball, and triple ball roller! I currently own two L/M balls, and that number will grow to six before fall leagues begin.

The thing is you said your looking for something less aggressive correct? The Terminator would be anything but that, the Rebellion depending on how aggressive your layout is might not be the right move either.

Who's that, I think he means the Sting. A long rolling and back snap ball by L/M.
Tim, I do mean the original Terminator, not the Rebellion. They are hard to find now. But, Brandon and iJohn recently got one.

There was some talk coming out of Nationals that it would be reintroduced, but I cannot confirm it. They did reintroduce the Conqueror.

I got my Terminator last year for my birthday from the wife. I'm very happy with it. I have seen any of them in shops around here so you might have to try your luck on ebay. I think Erin sold ijohn his Terminator if im not mistaken.

There's a few websites that claim to still have them in stock. I'd move fast if your gonna get one.

I still have 2 - 15lbs...not sure if I'm allowed to say that.

lucky!!!! ha ha ha

Got a e-mail from a Lane Masters rep the other day, he told me the Black Diamond would be the better choice on extremely heavy oil patterns. He also said it's useless on the house shot, you'll never encounter enough oil for such a strong ball.

well then i guess the black pearl was a better purchase !!! good to know....id still like to have the black diamond cause where i bowl for my winter league its 43ft heavy heavy oil!!!! maybe i can use it there, but ill mess with the surface of the black pearl first

Are Thursday night Men's league is like bowling on the Shark most the time. The Black Diamond will fit just fine in my bag!

Just got home from my local Pro Shop, placed a order for a 16 pound Black Diamond. It should be in on Friday.

Great,
Nothing like getting a new ball, and the Black Diamond is REAL new..LOL.
As I said earlier, I'm presently not in the market for new ball, but I will have to contend with synthetic lanes this year for the first time,..I may need a ball to use on them. I'll see how the balls I have work on them first...got to be economical these days. I have 6 to try....the LM Sting, a Hammer Bite, a Roto Grip SD-73, a Roto Grip Mystic, a Roto Grip Saturn, and a Columbia Wrath.

ha ha my black pearl will be in friday....i cant wait to put it up against the ntense on sunday!!!

got the black pearl today!!!! drilled stacked leverage and man this ball is insane!!!!! snaps like crazy and rolls so smooth.... i love it!!!! bowled 227,204,224 in our practice game today first time out!!!!

Welcome to the closely guarded and highly secretive world of Lane Masters. Now, if those new balls of theirs would only be released......

i think i am Lane Masters 4 life after last night.

Are you going to tell us what happened last night? Or keep it a secret?

i just bowled good games last night. stayed behind the ball the whole time, which was new to me. i stacked up a bunch of strikes but missed on about four spares a game. i need to work on my spares to get those 200 games. but the strikes were monster strikes. the pins were hurting.

ha ha ha i will say i was so impressed with the ball it just moved so well!! i am gonna grab a dynamic power here real soon....

i agree the pins were flying for me too i knocked the 1 pin into the next lane on one of my strikes!!! my buddy was like holy S**T...ha ha ha ...

A BP and a DP. Mr. Outside and Mr. inside.

I am really impressed with my DP. It is pin down, and strong. One of the first balls I rolled, I was sure went through the back wall of the Center. I generally play over the middle with it. Stand 25, target 15, out to 12. It gets good length and turns every time. Even on the Shark pattern, this ball was a monster. When others are burning up the normal outside, I move inside and avoid them.

Like other L/M balls, carrydown doesn't seem to bother them much, and it loves oil.

nice!!!! i cant wait to add the DP to my arsenal....ill prob get that one pin down

I see your still loving that DP. Me on the other hand, I've been waiting for my Black Diamond for over a month now. It's so bad that the owner of the Pro Shop only sends his underlinks to the shop on Wensday so he doesn't have to hear it! I'm thinking about picking up the Buzz Attack a little sooner then I intended now.

I WANT MY D*MN BLACK DIAMOND!!

Who's that, you've been missed. Glad you are back.

My Pro Shop has the BD on the shelf. It is not moving too quickly. L/M has actually been out of the market for too long, and has lost its following around here. If i got one, it would be to replace my Terminator, which I am not ready to do. The Term is going into its fourth season as my strongest, and most controllable ball. I really don't understand others here saying their balls die or have to be replaced. That doesn't happen with L/M.

That, in itself, probably will hurt their future sales. Although, I have replaced every other ball in my bag with a L/M ball. With the exception of my VG, which is the only ball that Storm makes that rolls similar to a L/M.

i called a pro-shop to see if they have the BD. he said he had to quit stocking Lane Masters ball because no one wants to pay 200 bucks for a ball.

When I consider a ball like the Black Diamond, price would be secondary to the fact that it has a solid cover from the core weight to the cover stock. There is NO filler material in it. I'm convinced that makes these balls last longer.

BTW, my most expensive ball was a Storm Shift, drilled with grips, that POS. I have paid $189 for my Terminator. $179 for my conqueror. $169 for my World Class. $149 for my BigRBang. And, $125 for my Dynamic Power at Nationals. So, I don't see how they are so much more expensive other than the fact that your Pro Shop doesn't do a volume business in L/M, and therefore, doesn't get the best wholesale price.

he is over priced. he's not the Pro Shop i use. i was just in a mood to impulse buy and a black diamond would be an excellent choice for impulse buying.

i cant wait to get my black diamond!!! i though Lane Masters was supposed to update there website last month?

Stimata, I saw my first Black Diamond at PBA practice tonight. Unfortunately, tonight was the Viper, and not a place to roll a strong ball. But, this bowler just got the ball and just had to roll it.

After a few balls, where he couldn't hold the ball on the right side of the lane, he moved inside to 35 and rolled over 18, right through the center puddle of oil. The ball was strong, and snapped on the back end. And, kept on doing that for the 4 games he bowled next to me.

I talked with him afterward, and he just raved about the traction it had through the middle and continued to snap, even after 3 bowlers had bowled 4 games on 1 lane. The ball didn't realize there was carry down.

It really looked good, and actually attracted a crowd to watch it.

ha ha man i cant wait to get this ball!!!

HMMM, this must stop how to explain to my wife that I want another ball! Guess I'll have to win some pot games.
Wonder how it would compare to my Rogue

Also, I think on [Banned-SpamURL].com or one of those sites, someone is selling a few terminators.

when you get the black diamond please let us know how it compares to your black pearl. i would like to get one but from the 2009 Lane Masters catalog the two balls play pretty much on the same conditions. i would like one but if it's close to the black pearl i may pass on it.

oh ill post up vids, since they will both be stacked!!! ....cause my black pearl snaps pretty hard(2000abralon high polish)....so if its more aggressive on the back end ill be very happy

Ok, ordered the Black Diamond tonight. Get it drilled up next Wednesday.

I was mistaken. What I thought were Black Diamonds on the rack were really Black Pearls. So, when I told my Pro Shop they were available, he grabbed the phone and ordered some in 16 and 15.

Interesting, he said most ball Co's are raising their prices on Sept 1. I get mine at the normal price, plus my discounts.

Stigmata, he has a 15 for you if you want.

oh man , ill have to give him a call.... can you PM me the going price?

Stigmata, no I can't PM you with the going price. Please, delete some messages and open up some space, and I will.

oh my bad, ha ha ha ......ok there should be room now!!!

does anyone know when the xtreme damage is coming out?

bradw, to the best of my knowledge the Xtreme Damage should be released in mid November, I CAN'T WAIT!! That ball should react alot like the original Terminator with a stronger move off the dry.

To clearify, the Black Diamond is a medium heavy/flood ball just like the Dynamic Power, the only difference the shape of the reaction. The DP has a smooth arch motion, where BD makes an aggressive move off the dry. The hook chart on L/M website has both balls for the same condition.

Dennis Micheal, PLEASE PM ME WITH THE Pro Shop CONTACT INFO!!

i really really want a xtreme damage for one of my fall league houses....cause my black pearl even with a 2000 polish is way way too much ball.....i think the black diamond / xtreme damage will be my new fall setup!!!

who's that, You're just like Stigmata. You guys ask for a PM, yet your inbox is full. Make some space, and I will.

i ordered a buzz attack. i needed something on that end of things.

Got my Black Diamond punched last night. 5" pin to PAP, cg centered for length to complement my other balls. Didn't want a duplicate in ball reaction cause I have a specific use in mind for this ball. I have had trouble maintaining a pocket side consistency with my other balls, no matter how far I move inside when the lanes break down. So, I need the length to get down lane before a snap. And, the ball works just fine.

I rolled a couple of games on freshly oiled house shot, alternating every couple of balls with my Terminator to see the reaction difference.

(Side note, while rolling, my Coach happened into the center, and stood behind me without me noticing. Haven't seen him since Spring. When I saw him, his first comment was, "Where did those revs come from"? Guess my release practice is helping. Then he said, "Get your slide foot more under you for better balance at the line". Good to have someone who knows your game and can make a correction in a couple of minutes. It worked, too.)

Anyhow, the Terminator gets an earlier read from outside (12-17), rolling 8 to 5, and sometimes never hit a breakpoint on a THS, gaining friction too early. The BD carried down to about 50+ feet before in snapped and made a radical turn. But, from this entry angle, I found a lot of 10 pins. In fact, 4 in a row at 1 stretch. Coach said to move back a foot, and it was much better with strong carries.

From center (20-25) with an out-in line The Term out performed the BD having a stronger finish. The BD just seemed to be weak rolling 15 to 8. Didn't get a bounce, just a strong turn that didn't quite get there.

Moving inside (25-30) rolling 18 to 8/5 showed similar results as out-in. This drill would be great in the hands of a cranker from here. I'm not.

So, I got this ball to move back outside when the lanes breakdown, and it seems to do just what I wanted. Outside is a comfort zone for me, and the BD puts me back out there, late in a match.

This is a solid resin ball with NO filler. But, the driller mentioned that it was fairly soft as the bit pushed right through quickly before it hit the core about 2 1/2" in. Then, he said it was like hitting a brick wall, it was so hard.

Of course, being a L/M Premium ball, it came with a ball tote, a bottle of cleaner, and a bottle of polish too.

And a ball cup?

Erin

Guess they economized. No ball cup. Besides, how many do I need. L/M has already given me 4 other ball cups. I only carry 1 in my bag. I set my spare ball in it under the rack when it is not in use. Since, there is limited space in 1 house, others put their spare balls on he seats. We have to stand.

i got my buzz attack drilled yesterday. first 8 balls i rolled werer strikes. can't wait til sunday and play on real oil to see what will happen.

Hey, really good bradw. That's how my Dynamic Power was right out of the box. Seems like I wanted the ball to take a specific path, had it drilled to do that on a specific oil condition, and it did exactly what I wanted it to do.

It's a good feeling when everything matches. And, the ball, the bowler and the condition all work together.

I'm more prone to ball changes than radical moves on the lane. Oh, I'll move my feet and target. But, if I know what my equipment will do on a certain condition, it takes all the guesswork out of the equation.

Lane Masters/Legends are on a roll with all of their recent releases. The Black Diamond, Buzz Attack and Dynamic Power are all great pieces that match the performance of the best releases from the bigger BB manufacturers, with quality and longivity that is, IMHO, unmatched. I'm looking forward to the October 10th release of the Xtreme Damage.

I have 2 of the 3 you mentioned, Dynamic Power and the Black Diamond. Both are really reliable in the oil conditions I roll on. But, it is strange how they take to different patterns. I intentionally got the BD for one house. I needed length and a strong backend from the outside. Had it drilled with a 5" pin to PAP, and I got just what I wanted. When others are moving all over to avoid carrydown when the lanes breakdown, the BD comes out. These balls just don't have any over/under.

Last night, I saw a Kegel 'Dead Man's Curve' pattern for the first time. 43' of heavy viscosity oil. The DP ate it up. I didn't have the trouble others had keeping the ball on Track. There was no sliding, and traction was excellent. People called it similar to the Shark, which the DP loves too.

Still can't find anything better than my BigRBang on a THS. This ball is pretty too, in orange and gold. Going on year 3 with it and it looks like it just came out of the box. The harder surfaces and solid cover don't show wear. Unlike my Virtual Gravity, which has 1/10th the games, but is scarred pretty badly.

I have 3 new teammates of 5 on Wed night. We now have 2 BD's and 2 DP's in the ball rack for games. Don't know if we can convert the lone Hammer guy.

By the way, welcome to this site. Ran across you on BBR a few times.

Thanks for the welcome. I've been following your posts and others on BC.C for some time and appreciate your insights. One of my co-workers and bowling teammates has been rolling LM/L for several years. He rolls a Big Kahuna and, more recently, a Dynamic Power, both with excellent results. In one house, he was rolling along at a 215 clip for the first half of the year, picked up his DP, and finished the season at 226. He must have averaged 236 or so for the 2nd half. As a lefty, he could leak the DP left and it would recover from anywhere right of the zero board. In my case, I've had my best long-term success with a Conquerer, a Big Bang, a Buzz Attack, and most recently, a Black Diamond. With the success we've had with our LM/L equipment, we've seen several other LM/L pieces showing up in our friends/competitors hands. The DP and Buzz Attack stand out in that everyone that has picked up either or both of these have had excellent results and success. I think the Black Diamond will also be in this category as more of the BDs show up in league and tournament play. I saw a BigRBang on a closeout rack and wish I had picked it up. I love my Big Bang (particle) and the BigRBang seems like it would be an excellent compliment to it on dryer or shorter patterns. Other equipment that I'm impressed with: Virtual Gravity, Gravity Shift, Cell, Rogue Cell, and HyRoad.

I've used my Black Diamond sparingly, just getting used to what it does. I've practiced with it 3 times with a total of 12 games, and used it in league only twice for 2 games. I find I have to put more revs on the ball and pick additional speed.

The ball is becoming my favorite for a heavy oil league in the first game. I originally thought it would replace my Terminator which is 5 seasons old. But, I think it will replace my Virtual Gravity as my leadoff ball and be followed by my Terminator in late games.

The ball is super, but I have to keep the speed up or it will certainly hit high. I am able to move deeper inside with it without any worry, and cross any other's line without concern. This is going to be a love affair.

Picked up my Black Diamond 2 months ago, I haven't tapped more then once an any 1 game. I've gone whole weeks without leaving a single 7 pin if you can believe that!

My take on the black diamond:
- This is the strongest ball out for Medium Heavy/Flood conditions!

- This isn't the replacement for the Terminator, it's much stronger then the it. I believe the Xtreme Damage will fill that niche, however it will be even stronger off the dry.

By the way, it's nice to be back! My work hour will change in a week or so, so you'll be hearing alot more from me.

Current arsenal:
Terminator
Terminator Rebellion
Black Diamond
Track Spare Ball
Buzz Attack (In route)hopefully before Thursday!
Xtreme Damage (Soon as it's released)

The house I bowl at is converting to synthetic lanes this month, supposedly...thats another story.
I am thinking I may have to get a stronger ball than what I currently have. I am considering two balls..Lane Masters Black Diamond, or Hammers Jigsaw. I'll wait untill they are installed and see how the balls I currently have play on it, but those two balls have peaked my interest.

Tim, the Black Diamond will have a stronger back end then your Sting and get good length. The Jigsaws I have seen get an earlier read, but also turn.

In changing from wood to synthetic surfaces, the difference should be that you will see added length on synthetic. Your ball will not read as early, any of them.

All this discussion about Lane Masters equipment as drawn my attention to the Black Diamond to take some of the burden off my Storm VG. The VG has been a great ball, but it's showing quite a bit of wear and tear since I bought it last December. I agree about the VG having a softer cover which makes it vulnerable to scratches, nicks, gouges, and Track wear. I've had to resurface it quite a few times all ready.

Do you guys think that the BD would be a good ball for heavier house shots, PBA patterns and as a part time substitute for the VG? I have my VG drilled pin under ring finger with a weight hole on the PAP. I initially wanted this setup to tame the backend reaction a bit which worked out great for me.

VFF57, My Black Diamond only comes out when I have oil. I have it drilled with a 5" pin to PAP and it gets great length with a very strong snap. More then my Virtual Gravity on the same pattern. So, I will start with the VG, and when the oil breaks down, I will pull out the BD and move inside. It gets a better finishing angle. Carry down doesn't affect the BD as it does with the VG.

My Dynamic Power is drilled like your VG, and I like it for longer oil patterns. I would play inside over 15-18 with it with success. But, it is totally different in reaction to my BD. The DP is early read and controllable, vs the BD which gets length and snaps.

My VG is almost in the middle. I used it this afternoon on a fresh house shot and started with 12 of the first 16 strikes. But, put it away half way thru the second game.

Your drilling will affect how the ball reacts.

Dennis, how's the BD cover holding up so far? Is there any battle scars on it? I think you said somewhere the cover is harder and more durable than the VG....

As it is right now my VG will probably last another year tops do to sanding because of repeated Track wear, etc. At that point it will be a matter of deciding what decorative things can be done to it for sprucing up the outside of the house. If I get my first 300 with it I can retire it as my "first 300 trophy ball".



This was during practice or league? No mention of a 300 so I'm guessing 12 of the strikes were not in the same game?

No, no 300. But the VG was the right ball on the lane at that time. There were the ever present 10 pins in the mix. I got 2 of 3. But, when the lanes broke down, so did the ball.

It's replacement, my BigRBang was steady, but not as dominating. Also, much more controllable on the carry down. The BRB my normal House Shot ball, and can be relied on with spent lanes. But, on the fresh oil, the VG held its own.

This was an afternoon meeting of the 30 Man Investment Club. Each week, somewhere between 12 to 20 of us meet and invest a few sheckles to see whose ball works the best. There are 30 on our e-mail list, hence the name. It's scratch, We have high games, skins games and strike pots to invest in. My 267, with a missed 10, won game 1 and 8 of 10 skins. Won a few more skins and the strike pot later.

So, 9 X's in game 1, and started double 9/ X 7/, and that is when all broke down.