- Choice Pearl

First Impressions
The Ebonite Choice Pearl, released in January 2019, adds a dynamic option for playing deep on the lane to the brand's high-performance line. Visually, the ball is a real eye-catcher: the color combination of purple, grey and emerald green (Purple/Grey/Emerald) looks extremely classy under the factory Powerhouse Factory Finish Polish. Inside works the powerful Mod-1 Core, the same asymmetric engine that already drove the original Choice. At 15 lbs, this core delivers aggressive numbers: a low RG of 2.49 produces early rotation, while the high differential of 0.054 and the intermediate differential of 0.021 guarantee massive flare potential and a fast spin time. This core is wrapped in the GSV-1 Pearl coverstock. This chemical formula is considered one of the strongest in the Ebonite lineup in terms of traction. The combination of a very strong, low-RG core and a polished but chemically aggressive pearl cover points to a ball that generates length but has noticeably more "body" and stability in oil than weaker pearls.
Comparison
Compared directly to the Ebonite Choice Solid (matte), the pearl version behaves exactly the way you'd expect for a complementary arsenal. While the Choice Solid grabs the lane early and creates a smooth, heavy roll phase, the Choice Pearl glides effortlessly through the first boards. It stores the energy of the Mod-1 core for the last third of the lane and reacts considerably faster and more angular at the breakpoint. Compared to the legendary Hammer Black Widow Gold (also part of the Ebonite International group), the Choice Pearl often shows a somewhat heavier and more stable move through the midlane. The Black Widow Gold sometimes feels a bit more "slippery" and snaps harder, while the Choice Pearl offers a little more traction in oil thanks to the strong GSV-1 cover before it turns. Against a Track Precision Pearl, the Choice Pearl is similarly aggressive, but its very low RG value (2.49) gives it slightly earlier readability in the midlane, which makes it more controllable when the oil is unevenly distributed.
On the Lanes
The Ebonite Choice Pearl is an excellent choice for medium to heavier oil patterns once the lane starts to change (transition). It is not a ball for bone-dry conditions, since the strong Mod-1 core would jump too early there and make control difficult. Its big strength is that it lets you move well left and open up the angle to the pocket drastically. Thanks to the GSV-1 Pearl cover, it doesn't slide through the breakpoint when it hits oil (carrydown), but instead builds enough friction to turn powerfully through the pin deck. It is ideal as the follow-up to a strong solid ball once that ball starts to lose energy. The ball delivers impressive carry because it keeps the pins very low and doesn't waste energy even at steep entry angles. It is a "big engine" pearl that needs volume to shine.