First Impressions
The Ember is also a nice looking ball like the Cove and offers a little bit more oomph.
Tamer Elbaga (Lefty)
Style: Tweener
RPM: 330 rpm
PAP: 5 & 3/8 up
Average Speed: 18.5 mph (at release)
Axis tilt: low
Axis rotation: medium/high
Test Equipment: 14 Pounds
Layout: 5 x 45
Bryan Hoffman (Righty)
Style: Stroker
RPM: 280 rpm
PAP: 4 1/2 & 1 1/2 up
Average Speed: 18.5 mph (at release)
Axis tilt: high
Axis rotation: medium
Test Equipment: 14 Pounds
Layout: 5 x 45
Tyler Church (Righty)
Style: Power Player
RPM: 425 rpm
PAP: 5 1/2 & 1/2 up
Average Speed: 19 mph (at release)
Axis tilt: med
Axis rotation: medium
Test Equipment: 14 Pounds
Layout: 5 x 45
“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.”
Pattern
THS: 44ft, 25.8ml, 12:1 ratio
Sport: TBD
Specs
The 900 Global Cove uses the Magna AI symmetric core inside the new RB 82 Pearl Reactive coverstock.
15 pound = RG of 2.49, diff of .044
14 pound = RG of 2.50, diff of .043
Coverstock finish: Power Edge
Power Player’s Persective
As I said in the Cove video, 900 Global needed to add some balls to the lineup. The Cove and Ember share the same Magna AI core and Hybrid and pearl coverstock respectively. The Ember continues the theme of the Cove being smooth, controllable, and predictable. I wanted to see more punch but initially out of box, all Tyler saw was a bit of added length, nothing else. And since the Cove was already a bit weak for this pattern, initial impression was that this needed more volume to show off. The quick solution was to touch the surface lightly with a 1500 grit pad only to knock off that shine. The nice thing was that Tyler could move closer to the friction without getting that crazy house shot over reaction. Again a very nice feature of the Cove and Ember balls. With the slight scuff, he didn’t have to move but he just saw a bit more consistent reaction that came a little closer to him but still not jumpy. Now it looked like a good compliment to the Ember.
Tweener’s Take
For me, I didn’t bother with the shiny out of box for long. Just straight to the same scuff Tyler had and I really liked the Ember motion. Interestingly, that added punch that 900 Global advertised for it really helped me. So while lefties like smooth typically, the added punch helped my rev rate improve carry. Initial thoughts out of box was that the balls were very close and all the Ember really offered was more length. That had me question their ability to be a 1-2 punch. Meaning, would you really drop to simply a cleaner look or would you be edging in and go to a cleaner and more angular look. But once we had that scuff, it all came together. Now you see the punch very clearly as a step up. The misses out instead of going light now really rolled up for nice hit. Misses in still managed to hold.
Stroker’s Stance
For Bryan, same deal with the finish. The scuff made way more sense and he had the same situation as me where it was actually a bit stronger overall in that he moved a couple of boards further in to allow room for the additional punch downlane while still maintaining that smooth shape up front. Overall Bryan had a pretty good look with both balls, even while again the pattern is a little higher volume for this pair of balls.
Bottom Line
Generally, I think bowlers will find a nice pair added to the 900 Global lineup. Just be aware that these are smooth control pieces fitting in that mid control range. While theoretically the Ember could be Mid Late, it really feels like possibly one upping the Cove in the Mid Control area with a touch of surface. I think these would also be very nice to have in the bag if you are seeing mid to lower volumes/lengths. I’d like to see them on sport shots as well given their smoothness.
Thanks for watching.