BANGER: HOLE POUNDER SOLID
By Joe Cerar Jr.
Nov 29, 2007, 3:26 PM
THE MAGAZINE REVIEW
53 Hook 9 Length 13.5 Breakpoint Shape
Core Design: The stacked symmetrical core is also used in the pearlized version, tested back in January. The RG is medium at 2.54, and the Diff moderate at .040. We saw 5” of track flare with the 3.5, 4.5 and 5” pin distance layouts.
Coverstock: CHRC stands for Control Hook Reactive Coverstock. The solid reactive Burgundy 600 sanded surface craves oil. Response time off friction is rated as moderate with box finish.
Manufacturer's Intent: This Banger ball was developed to complement the HP Pearl for heavier and longer patterns. The dull 600-grit surface accomplishes this and then some. Both Hole Pounders are aggressive in nature, but there are differences. The solid is aggressive in oil, whereas the pearl is aggressive off dry.
Test Results: Back in January, we tested and loved the long and strong reaction of the pearlized Hole Pounder. The solid version is diametrically opposed to the pearl in regard to overall motion. This version’s strength is its ability to create early and strong motion in the entire midlane. Its back-end motion is a continuous strong arc, providing there is enough oil present in the fronts and midlane. If not, the Solid could and will respond too early and possibly hook out. This is not due to any deficiency on the ball's part, but rather to the 600-grit sanding on its aggressive cover. We found much more versatility and match-up possibilities with a 2000-grit sanding as the factory surface was far too strong for 7 of our 8 test patterns.
When to Use: It works best with box finish on heavy or long patterns for any release style. Players with much higher speed ratios — compared to rev ratios — will be able to stay with the Solid longer as conditions break down. Slower speed players and/or higher-rev rates will assuredly smooth the surface, or polish it to add length and pop. The solid Hole Pounder will not disappoint those who love to take the scenic route to the pocket and hook the lane.
