- Juke

First Impressions
The Columbia 300 Juke, released in June 2017, rounds out the manufacturer's mid-price segment with an eye-catching look in green, yellow and purple. Technically, Columbia 300 goes with the symmetrical Modified SD core here. At 15 pounds it shows an RG of 2.51 and a differential of 0.047, which are surprisingly dynamic numbers for this price class (Yellow Line). The core is wrapped in the Bend-It Pearl reactive coverstock. This cover was given a 500/1000 Abralon finish at the factory and then polished to a high gloss with Powerhouse Factory Finish Polish. This combination promises a very smooth surface that gets through the oil in the heads effortlessly in order to produce a quick reaction to friction at the breakpoint.
Comparison Compared to the Columbia 300 Sideswipe, which uses the same Bend-It Pearl cover, the Juke differs primarily in its core. While the Sideswipe creates a somewhat rounder motion, the Modified SD core in the Juke provides a more defined, more angular move at the end of the oil pattern. Taking a competitor from the same release year, such as the Storm Match Up Pearl, the Juke shows noticeably higher flare potential and a stronger backend motion thanks to its higher differential (0.047 versus 0.030 on the Match Up). It is more aggressive than typical entry-level balls, but offers more length than stronger symmetricals like the Ebonite Game Breaker 2 Phenom Pearl.
On the Lanes The Juke is ideal for medium to dry lane conditions as well as house shots that have already been played on. Its strength lies in the transition phase, when the heads lose oil and stronger balls give up their energy too early. Thanks to the polished pearl surface, the ball stores its energy very efficiently for the last third of the lane. It is an excellent fit if you need to get cleanly through the heads but require a sharp change of direction at the breakpoint to increase the entry angle into the pocket. On fresh, longer oil the ball may be too skiddy (over/under reaction), but as soon as there is friction it delivers reliable hook and good carry.