- Baller

First Impressions
The Columbia 300 Baller comes in an eye-catching yellow, red and black design and puts new technologies from the brand to work. The combination of the unique Big Time core and ERT Hybrid coverstock should generate hook potential unlike anything before it. The asymmetric Big Time core shows a 2.52 RG and a 0.052 differential in 15-pound balls. The ERT Hybrid cover arrives from the factory with a 500/2000 Abralon surface and should deliver strong traction in the midlane along with plenty of overall hook. The ball also uses Columbia's HyperSHOCK technology to help it drive through the pins.
Comparison
The new Big Time core is a higher RG design than the Savage core from Columbia's other asymmetric line, though both balls have similar differential numbers and therefore comparable flare potential. Compared directly to the Columbia 300 LIT, the Baller should be a definite 3-4 boards stronger. For all three testers, the Baller offered a smoother motion off the dry compared to the Columbia 300 Savage or the Columbia 300 Lit on fresh, heavy oil. The medium RG lets the ball store a bit more energy for extra angle, while the surface still provides a good midlane reaction.
On the Lanes
The dull cover and the aggressive core design produced a slightly better reaction on heavy oil patterns than on medium patterns. The ball is super strong through the midlane and is described as the strongest ball in the arsenal, one that lets you open up the lane when there are extreme wet/dry areas. It is described as too strong for tight lines and delivers what you'd expect from a good, strong asymmetric ball. When deep angles and big angles are required, it gives you the confidence to play aggressively, since it still finds its way back to the pocket even when you miss slightly outside your target line. It's one of those balls that can be shaped and that requires adjustments from the bowler, showing a medium RG with a good midlane reaction and definitely strong downlane movement with a heavy roll.