- Cure

First Impressions
The Dyno-Thane Cure, released around 2001, presents itself as a true specialist for heavily oiled lane conditions. Visually, the ball stands out with a striking single-color surface in a maroon shade. At the heart of the ball sits an innovative two-piece symmetrical core. It features a special inverted tri-stack design equipped with so-called flip blocks on the top and bottom. This construction is surrounded by a low-density core section, which results in a low RG value of 2.47. The differential comes in at 0.050. This combination of low RG and high differential produces extremely quick rotation right after the ball leaves the hand. This core design, paired with a massive flare potential of more than seven inches, ensures that a fresh part of the surface contacts the lane on every revolution. That is a decisive factor in keeping the ball from floating on heavy oil patterns. The core is wrapped in the EGT Particle coverstock technology. The abbreviation stands for Enhanced Gripping Technology. It is a reactive cover with small particles mixed in to massively increase traction in oil. Out of the box, the ball ships with a dull 800-grit finish. This extremely coarse surface is aimed at cutting through even the thickest layers of oil and finding purchase on the lane as early as possible. The specs therefore point strongly to a ball designed exclusively for the most demanding and wettest conditions.
Comparison
Placing the Dyno-Thane Cure alongside modern bowling balls, a comparison with the Storm Phaze II suggests itself. Both balls are built to read the lane early and make an even but very strong move toward the pocket. While the Storm Phaze II offers a very controllable, smooth transition through the midlane with its modern solid coverstock, the particle cover of the Dyno-Thane Cure behaves somewhat more aggressively in heavy oil. The embedded particles create direct mechanical friction that allows the ball to lose hardly any energy in the heads, even when the oil is laid down especially thick on the boards. Unlike balls with a pearl surface, which often react abruptly only at the end of the oil pattern, the Cure is characterized by a very even and dominant hook. Compared directly to older urethane balls, it also offers considerably more backend reaction and much better carry, since the reactive components of the surface generate more dynamics at impact with the pins. Once the oil pattern breaks down and friction in the front part of the lane increases, the Cure loses its energy noticeably faster than balls with a higher RG. Another aspect shows up in comparison with a thoroughbred asymmetric model such as the Brunswick Defender. While the Defender forces a sharp, angular change of direction at the breakpoint thanks to its asymmetric core, the Dyno-Thane Cure stays true to its symmetrical nature. It offers a rounder motion that gives the bowler more predictability and control on difficult patterns.
On the Lanes
In practical use, the Dyno-Thane Cure is a highly specialized tool for fresh, high-volume oil patterns. If you naturally throw the ball at higher speed or have a rather lower rev rate, you'll benefit enormously from the extreme traction of the particle cover. The ball takes on the job of finding purchase on the lane early and lets these bowlers tap the full potential of their delivery without the ball skidding out at the breakpoint. On wet house shots or long sport patterns, the Cure can be played deep into the oil, where the low RG value gets it revving up quickly and digging stably through the midlane. The strong motion produces a continuous, powerful hook that drives the ball reliably into the pocket and delivers excellent carry. However, using this ball demands the utmost attention to lane transition. As soon as the oil on the front boards is carried away and friction increases, the aggressive 800-grit finish will inevitably cause the ball to burn up its energy too early and hit flat into the pins. In such scenarios, bowlers have to adjust their line drastically or switch balls immediately. The adaptability of the cover is a plus, though. Using finer sandpaper or corresponding pads, the factory grit can be modified to let the ball glide a little longer through the heads if the center doesn't put out that extremely high oil volume. Even so, the Cure remains a ball built fundamentally for friction and early read, which makes it completely out of place on dry lanes.