- Bobcat Blue

First Impressions
Released in 1994, the AMF Bobcat Blue is a classic representative of the early entry-level class of reactive balls. Visually, the ball comes in a striking blue-teal (often referred to as Blue Pearl) that jumped right out at you on the shelf. Technically, it was designed to make the transition from urethane to reactive resin affordable and controllable for the recreational bowler. Inside works a traditional three-piece core (pancake weight block), which produces a high RG and a very low differential. This construction means the ball generates almost no flare (track flare) and shows very stable rotation. The coverstock is a mild pearl reactive blend, polished to a high gloss out of the box. This combination lets the Bobcat skid extremely easily through the heads and only show a defined but manageable reaction at the dry end of the lane.
Comparison
Compared directly to AMF's high-performance balls of the era, such as the AMF Ninja Master or the AMF Sumo, the Bobcat Blue behaves far tamer. Where the Ninja practically plowed through the oil with its dynamic core and made huge hooks, the Bobcat acts as a controlled alternative for drier conditions. Compared to urethane classics like the AMF Black Cobra, the Bobcat shows more "snap" off the backend thanks to its reactive cover. Where the Cobra rolls round and even, the Bobcat stores energy longer and angles off the breakpoint more sharply once it encounters friction. Drawing a modern comparison, the ball motion corresponds pretty closely to a Brunswick Rhino or a Storm Tropical Surge: plenty of length, little drama in the heads, and a reliable small hook at the end.
On the Lanes
By today's standards, the AMF Bobcat Blue is a specialist for extremely dry lanes or burned-up heads. It's the ideal choice when even weak modern reactive balls read too early and become uncontrollable. Its strength lies in the fact that it almost completely ignores the first two thirds of the lane and lets you aim straight at the pocket without fear of an over-reaction. It works excellently for beginners who want to learn the hooking game, since it forgives mistakes at release, or for advanced players as a "strike ball for the desert" when there's hardly any oil left on the lane late in the block. Because of the weak core, however, carry on a full rack is limited, which demands precision in hitting the pocket.