Does anybody have any experience with Visionary's Ogre line? It seems that they have covered a lot of bases with everything from urethane to reactive to pearl to particle coverstocks built around the same core.

I would be especially curious how their equipment stacks up against Roto Grip's and Storm's equipment, if anybody has thrown these, too.

Visionary is a good company but most of their stuff if more lower to mid level. Since you said that you are a lower rev bowler, unless you see very little oil, most of their stuff wouldn't fit you. A buddy just got the Black Ogre (particle). He loves it. The ball is rough. Feels like it has fur (literally). He got it drilled pin over ring finger. He is a medium rev guy and on a house shot, he was around 10 out to 5 and in. At Vegas, he was in the middle like everyone else. Since you drill your own stuff and you may try a few of their balls, you may want to look into their "tester" program. For the highest level, you get 4 balls, a bag, shirt, and some other stuff for like $500. Then, you get discounts on other equipment. Another buddy of mine is in it and loves it. He doesn't bowl a lot of tourneys though. They create their hook buy adding particle to the cover stock and adding surface.

The owners of Visionary are the sons of the original owners of Faball (Hammer). They know a little about bowling

Thanks for the info. Visionary's Test Program is the reason I am thinking about checking them out...a new arsenal for $500, plus 50% off future equipment purchases for an entire year, and the program is renewable for something like $50 per year. All this in exchange for writing up a few ball reviews? No problem.

The Ogre line is of particular interest to me because of all the different coverstocks and the same core. The risk is if I don't like the way that particular core revs up, I probably won't like any of the equipment. Is it still worth $500 to try? Probably, but I would still like to get some additional feedback from other bowlers since I have not actually seen anybody rolling Visionary.

Concerning the equipment being more lower to mid level, that's okay. In searching for a dry lanes ball, I have yet to find an "entry level" reactive ball that did not hook more than I wanted. Hmmm, maybe I have more revs than I thought. Anyway, there is actually an Ogre with a urethane cover which should do nicely to fill that gap.

I have enjoyed throwing Roto Grip, particularly all the different Cells, but their other equipment did not work well for me. The Mars, for example, has way too much back end for me to consider it a dry lanes ball. For that ball, it seems that the core is too strong for the cover. On the other hand, it seems that Visionary has invested heavily in the Ogre core, by providing it in a variety of balls. I am hoping it is a winner.

The guys I know who have the Ogres like them. The Gladiator series hits like a truck too. The New Breeds are eh. You can also get some of their older balls too. The one buddy of mine who is on their test program still uses his Red Executioner every week at league. He loves it. If you have any questions about any of the balls, either e-mail them or call them. They are normally quick to respond and really nice people.

I use to have one of the Purple Ogres and I loved it. I would still be using it if I didn't change ball weight from 14 to 16. I know a guy who is, or was part of the Test Program. He uses Visionary mainly but he does use other equipment as well. He has a lot of hand so they move for him pretty well. I know several other guys that have a few Visionary balls, not just from the Ogre line and like them.

If you really want to give it a try, get the one ball and give them a try before committing to the Test Program.

I have a Visionary AMB Centaur and I love it.

I think Cal has a good idea. Try a ball from them to see if you like it before putting a big investment into them. I'd recomend the Ogre Pearl if you go that route. That is one of their most proven balls and a pretty good benchmark even though it's pearl.

Which pearl? They have two the SS and the Purple that I had. It was my bench mark especially since my arsenal was pearl heavy at one point. If I had the money I might have jumped on the Test Program a few years ago.

Thanks for the suggestions. I was just checking out some videos on BuddiesProShop.com, and I was pretty impressed with how hard the Ogre(s) hit (not much deflection), especially considering the guy throwing it was more of a medium revs guy.

Cool. Chia-ball. LOL.