BANGER: HOLE FINDER PEARL
By Joe Cerar Jr.
Dec 20, 2007, 1:37 AM

THE MAGAZINE REVIEW

48 Hook 16.5 Length 16.5 Breakpoint Shape

Core Design: The pearlized version in the Hole Finder series uses the same symmetric core found on the reviewed solid above. The RG is 2.58, which creates later revs, and the Diff is rated at .046. We generally saw slightly less flare with the pearlized version when compared to the solid, about 4”. This is likely due to the higher visibility of track flare rings on a dull-surfaced ball.

Coverstock: I received no color name from Banger, but it’s a beautiful medium blue/ice blue mix, in my opinion. The pearlized reactive surface comes highly polished at a 1500-grit and uses the same base resin as the solid, Isogonic hook reactive.

Manufacturer's Intent: The pearl Hole Finder was made to provide more backend than the powerful solid model. When we compared the two side by side, there was a very subtle difference in both length and backend. Both balls carry very well on light to medium volumes.

Test Results: The pearl Hole Finder gave us about a foot more length and about 1-2 boards more backend than the solid. Both balls gave us very easy length with a quick, hard response off friction. When we tried using the pearl on the wrong condition (heavy or long oil), we saw too much squirt, wiggle and inconsistent motion. Yet, on the intended conditions (dry to medium volumes), we could send it and bend it like the big boys. Simply put, the pearl Hole Finder needs only a trace of oil in the fronts and midlane for it to get down the lane. For the pearl to strut its impressive back-end muscle, it must see friction at some point, and then, watch out.

When to Use: We had very favorable results on every house condition, even the dreaded wet/dry. We simply needed to move left and open our shoulders to create the needed launch angle. The only house pattern which didn’t give us the right look was on a 44’ condition with too much carrydown. We also tested the pearl HF on the PBA Cheetah and Chameleon, both of which offered little resistance.