- Vengeance Returns

First Impressions
The 900 Global Vengeance Returns shows up in a striking color scheme of navy, ash and smoke that combines blue-gray marbling with white accents and picks up a strong shine from the factory Power Edge polish finish. As the hybrid version of the Vengeance released in the spring, the ball slots into 900 Global's 800 series and is positioned as a complement to — not a replacement for — the solid original. Inside works the Blast A.I. core, a symmetrical design that according to the manufacturer is made with especially dense material and should produce the lowest RG and highest differential values in the current 900 Global lineup. The numbers come in at a 2.47 RG and a 0.055 differential (15 lbs), or 2.46 and 0.056 (16 lbs), which favors a high flare potential. The core is wrapped in the RB91 Hybrid Reactive cover, a nano-based evolution of the RB91 solid formula. Per the manufacturer, the Power Edge polish should create a balanced mix of traction and continuation: a bit more length through the heads, combined with a strong but controlled backend reaction. Durometer hardness is listed at 74-76 Rex.
Comparison Within its own product line, the Vengeance Returns positions itself as the more angular and slightly longer version of the original 900 Global Vengeance. Where the solid version is characterized by early traction and a distinctly smooth transition phase, the Vengeance Returns should get through the heads cleaner and show a noticeably more defined transition in the backend. Compared directly to the Storm Bionic from Storm — the established symmetrical benchmark of the sister brand — the Vengeance Returns may respond slightly later, since the Bionic with its dull 2000-grit finish already picks up more in the midlane. Overall strength of the two balls is clearly close together, though the Bionic should respond a bit more reliably at higher oil volumes thanks to the more aggressive cover finish. A useful reference point also comes from the Storm Phaze II Pearl from Storm: the Vengeance Returns operates noticeably a tier above it, since it brings a lower RG, higher differentials and a more aggressive cover character. Within the 900 Global family it also builds a bridge to more dynamic pearl options such as the 900 Global Viking Conquest, which releases energy further down lane and therefore makes a sensible step up in the arsenal. Price-wise the ball should land in the upper premium segment in the German and European market, comparable to other new releases in the 800 series.
On the Lanes The Vengeance Returns should find its ideal range on medium-heavy to heavy oil conditions and deliver a controlled, powerful line on medium-length house shots as well as on somewhat longer sport patterns. The combination of low RG and polished hybrid surface should produce a ball path that gets through the heads cleanly, picks up stably in the midlane and works into the pocket with solid continuation at the end. For moderate to high rev rate players, a layout with a pin distance around 5 inches makes sense, while bowlers with a lower rev rate should lean more toward 4.5 inches. In general the recommendation is not to drill the ball too strong and to avoid over-flare, since otherwise the Vengeance Returns could go into roll too early. If you want a smoother, less angular reaction, you can hit the surface with a 500 and 1000 Abralon pad and then re-polish to calm the reaction down. In the arsenal the ball typically sits as the second or third option behind benchmark-strength solids like the Storm Bionic from Storm or the original 900 Global Vengeance, and it should come into its own especially once the boards have broken down a little and slightly more length with still strong backend is called for. Both league and tournament bowlers should find in it a versatile companion that occupies a balanced middle ground between controlled strength and hook power.