- Savage

First Impressions
The Ebonite Savage from 2001 makes a visual statement with an attractive, striking color combination of Midnight Blue and Rubine Red. On the technical side, Ebonite went with the proven Turbo X Core for this model. For the Savage, however, this symmetrical core received a special cap to significantly increase flare potential and produce a stronger rolling characteristic. Looking at the raw specs in a 15-pound ball, the core shows a moderate 2.530 RG combined with a considerably high 0.055 differential. The coverstock is Ebonite's own Big Wheel Reactive Resin. The surface comes sanded to 1200 grit out of the box, which gives the ball a uniformly dull appearance. This combination of a strong core and a rough cover should ensure high traction on the lane right from the start and help the ball keep its footing even in larger oil volumes.
Comparison Comparing it to an established benchmark ball from today such as the Storm Phaze II makes the evolutionary steps in ball development clear, even though the basic idea behind both balls is similar. Both the Ebonite Savage and the Storm Phaze II are designed primarily for traction and control on demanding oil patterns, thanks to their dull finishes and strong cores. With its 0.055 differential, the Savage sits slightly above the Phaze II at 0.051, which theoretically gives it a touch more flare. The modern cover of the Storm Phaze II, however, responds far more dynamically to late friction in the backend. The Ebonite Savage, by contrast, shows a more traditional, very round and evenly developing hook motion. Because of the older cover technology, the Savage tends to shed its kinetic energy somewhat earlier, so the final change of direction toward the pin deck is smoother than with contemporary counterparts, which can generate a considerably more abrupt move.
On the Lanes The Ebonite Savage is best suited to lanes with medium to high oil volume. The dull surface and the flare-heavy core let the ball find reliable traction in the heavily oiled heads and keep it from sliding uncontrolled past the intended breakpoint. It is particularly appealing if you prefer deep angles and long paths across the boards, since the high differential provides enough rotational potential for the way back. As soon as transition sets in over the course of a tournament or league session and the lane dries up noticeably, the rough coverstock reaches its limits. The ball then starts to roll too early and loses much of its energy already in the midlane, which immediately hurts carry in the pocket and often leaves corner pins standing. In those moments it is advisable to increase ball speed or switch to a model with a polished surface in order to preserve length and maintain the optimal entry angle into the pins.