- Affinity

First Impressions
The Ebonite Affinity, released in September 2017, was designed to fill a gap in the mid-price segment and to offer an alternative to the legendary Game Breaker series. Visually, the ball comes in a clean Black / Blue / Silver Pearl blend. At the center works the symmetrical Affinity Core, specified with a 2.52 RG and a 0.046 differential (at 15 lbs). Unlike the brand's very early-rolling cores, this one relies on somewhat higher inertia to get the ball through the heads more easily. The cover is made from the GB 11.2 Pearl Reactive coverstock. This chemical formulation is a modified version of the proven Game Breaker shells and is built to react moderately to oil but strongly to friction. The factory finish of 500/1000 Abralon with Powerhouse Factory Finish Polish creates a smooth surface that guarantees length and stores energy for the backend.
Comparison
Compared directly to the Ebonite Game Breaker 2 Phenom Pearl, which is also a symmetrical pearl ball, the Affinity shows one decisive difference in core dynamics. The V2 core of the Game Breaker series has a very low RG (2.48) and wants to roll early. The Affinity core has a higher RG (2.52), which means it naturally skids farther down the lane before entering the roll phase. That makes the Affinity the better choice when the Game Breaker picks up too early. Compared to an Ebonite Cyclone, the Affinity offers more flare potential and a stronger move in the backend thanks to its clearly higher differential, so it is a distinct upgrade. Against a Storm Hy-Road, the Affinity often acts a bit more aggressively and sharper at the point of direction change, since the GB coverstock series traditionally has a little more "bite" in the friction than the very clean R2S material.
On the Lanes
The Ebonite Affinity is an excellent choice for medium to lighter oil conditions and shines especially on typical house shots that have already seen some play. It works ideally as a "transition buster": when dull solid balls start burning up energy in the heads and hitting flat, the Affinity lets you hold the same line or move slightly inside. Thanks to the polished pearl surface and the higher-RG core, it ignores dry heads and uses the friction in the back part of the lane for a strong hook into the pocket. It suits a wide variety of styles, but is especially valuable if you're looking for a ball that generates length without becoming uncontrollable or twitchy at the breakpoint. It offers enough motion of its own to mix the pins well without depending on perfect conditions.