Pyramid Finds the Blueprint for a Benchmark…

First Impressions
OK, somewhat surprised. The Pyramid Blueprint is an impressive piece. Looks and acts like a benchmark ball that is actually very usable.

Our Testers:
Tamer Elbaga (Lefty)
Style: Slightly Rev Dominant Tweener
RPM: 390 rpm
PAP: 5 & 3/8 up
Average Speed: 18.0 mph (at release)
Axis tilt: low
Axis rotation: medium
Test Equipment: 14 Pounds

Thanks to Greg Bickta and Perfect Aim Pro Shop for drilling our equipment.
Thanks to Hiester Lanes in Reading, PA for providing the test lanes.

“Keep in mind that coverstock accounts for 70% of ball reaction, but the core creates the dynamic shape of the reaction. Your driller will alter the shape to suit your game.”

Test Pattern:
42ft THS, 24ml
Synthetic Heads, Wood backends

Value
9.5/10
The Pyramid Blueprint tops our chart so far in terms of value. The Pyramid balls are very inexpensive as BowlingBall.com’s house brand. The balls performance compared to it’s price is simply fantastic.

Specs
The Blueprint Project 1.618 uses the SG 19.5 Symmetric weight block along with a solid GPS Navigational coverstock. Cover is finished with a 500-grit and then compound polish. For a 15lb ball, it has an RG of 2.53, diff of .050.

Overall
9/10
The Pyramid Blueprint rolls like a true benchmark piece should roll. It’s easy to see the ball go through it’s phases. It gets decent length and doesn’t feel like it digs into the heads like an oiler. We drilled it on the stronger side to ensure we take advantage of the benchmark nature of the ball and it was the right decision. The 3 inch pin takes maximum advantage of the flare potential. The ball makes it’s transition and reads the dry boards with moderate speed while still making a rounded boomy move through the pins. Dare I say the shape reminds me of the HyRoad??

I tested this ball on 2 different fresh house shots. In the video, you can see the ball motion described. This is just a really easy ball to throw. It made be very comfortable as misses outside read the friction just the right amount to come back strong to the pins and misses inside sat just right to still carry. In the second house, it was more of the same. Sometimes you get trapped on walled shots where you can’t quite throw direct due to the high amount of friction, but moving in and missing in punishes with buckets due to the massive volume. This ball worked extremely well on that condition as it had enough juice to carry very well from inside while being able to play towards the friction. This ball gave me room I haven’t had in a while while still having a very high carry percentage.

Quick comparison to the Pyramid Pathogen showed that the Pathogen is about a foot longer with more flip down lane.

Final Thoughts
I was hopeful when we picked up this ball for our review. The Pyramid Blueprint impressed. Not sure whether most people like the solid blue cover, but I for one love solid colored bowling balls, especially benchmark ones. It really looks like a ball that is immensely usable. It’s very predictable, reads dry with medium speed, and has excellent drive through the pins. It has top bang for the buck. For those that haven’t tried Pyramid and are interested, this is a ball I could easily recommend to try out.