- Eruption Pro Blue

First Impressions
The Columbia 300 Eruption Pro Blue, released in late fall 2017, marks the return of an absolute fan favorite in a deep "Midnight Blue." At the heart of the ball spins the proven Modified Resurgence Core, a symmetric core with a low 2.50 RG and a moderate 0.036 differential (at 15 lbs). Those numbers point to an early roll phase, but without excessive flare. Wrapped around this technology is the Bend-It solid coverstock. Don't let the term "solid" fool you, though: the factory finish of 500/1000 Abralon with Powerhouse Factory Finish Polish creates a mirror-smooth surface. The result is a ball that glides effortlessly through the heads and shows a very controlled, arcing reaction instead of hacking aggressively.
Comparison
Compared directly to the nearly simultaneously released Columbia 300 Spoiler, the Eruption Pro Blue comes across as considerably tamer and longer. While the Spoiler, with its matte surface and stronger differential, is designed for fresh oil and strong hook, the Eruption Pro Blue serves as the logical step-down. Against the original Columbia 300 Eruption Pro (2013), the new "Bend-It" formulation offers a shade more traction in oil, but keeps the characteristic smoothness factor. Compared to a Storm Hy-Road, the Eruption Pro Blue generates less backend snap and less overall hook, but offers even more stable control of the breakpoint on inconsistent lanes.
On the Lanes
This ball is a "secret weapon" for lighter to medium oil conditions, or for the later games of a series when the heads are broken down and the backend gets unpredictable (wet/dry). Thanks to the polished solid cover, it doesn't tend to overreact ("jumpiness") off the dry outside boards, but reads the friction smoothly and predictably. It's excellent for tournament bowlers who need to control the pattern without jeopardizing the pocket with too much angle. It's also ideal if you have lower ball speed, since it doesn't jump too early and therefore saves enough energy for the pins.