- Grip

First Impressions
The AMF Grip was released in July 2011 as a high-performing ball in the mid-price segment and surprised many bowlers with specs that belong more in the high-performance category. Visually, the ball comes in a solid Blue/Purple color scheme. The technical heart is the Double Cross Core, which with a low 2.487 RG and a high 0.051 differential (at 15 pounds) produces very early rotation and a large flare potential. Some sources classify this core as asymmetric, which underscores its powerful dynamics. Wrapped around this core is the F64 Solid Reactive coverstock. The surface ships from the factory with a 2000 Abralon finish, giving the ball a dull, traction-heavy texture. This combination of a rev-happy core and a rough shell is designed to dig aggressively into the oil and generate strong traction in the midlane.
Comparison Compared to the then-popular AMF Double Clutch, which also used the F64 shell (or variants of it), the AMF Grip gets going noticeably earlier down the lane. While the Double Clutch offers more length thanks to its somewhat higher RG, the Grip starts working almost immediately out of the heads. Compared to the Storm Marvel (a reference ball of that era with a solid shell and low RG), the AMF Grip shows an even stronger tendency to "read" the oil pattern and to describe a smoother but more forceful move to the pocket, thanks to its higher differential and aggressive core shape. It is less snappy than an Ebonite Cyclone and offers more overall hook than a Roto Grip Nomad Solid, since it physically puts more surface in contact with the lane. The ball does not rely on a violent reaction off the dry outside edge, but on pure traction in the oil.
On the Lanes The ideal application range for the AMF Grip is medium to heavy oil patterns. It is an excellent ball for fresh conditions, when the lane has not yet broken down and there is plenty of oil on the boards. If you have a lower rev rate or high ball speed, you'll benefit enormously from the low RG, because the ball moves into the roll phase early on its own and thus minimizes the risk of sliding through the breakpoint. On a typical house shot it serves as a "tractor" that irons out inconsistencies in the oil and swings a controlled arc into the pocket. Once the heads dry up (transition), however, the ball should be changed, otherwise it loses too much energy over the first few meters and burns up before it reaches the pins. It is less suited to opening the lane up from far left to right (for right-handers), and more suited to holding a line in the oil.