- Lynx

First Impressions
The Seismic Lynx was introduced in the fall of 2017 and expands the lineup with a powerful ball for oilier conditions. Visually the ball comes in a uniform design, which makes its rotation noticeably easier to read on the lane. At the center of the technical package works the symmetrical Overb-2 core, developed as a significant upgrade over the manufacturer's earlier series. With a low Radius of Gyration of 2.48 and a high differential of 0.051, this core is designed to get into rotation very early and to build up to five inches of flare potential. These dynamic core numbers ensure that the ball does not skid too far, but instead grabs early and converts its energy into forward motion in a controlled way. This engine is wrapped in the company's own MSS1000 Solid Reactive coverstock. This matte surface was technologically formulated specifically to generate sufficient traction in heavier oil and to consistently prevent unwanted skid through the heads. The factory finish on the cover aims to maximize traction immediately and to provide a very high level of hook potential. All told, the Lynx presents itself as a strongly reacting ball characterized by solid, strong and early-rolling ball motion.
Comparison Placing it technically in the market, a direct comparison with the popular Storm Phaze II suggests itself, since both balls have nearly identical core numbers in the symmetrical category as well as a strong solid cover. The Storm Phaze II is regarded industry-wide as the benchmark for a strong, controllable and predictable read in the midlane. The Seismic Lynx positions itself in exactly the same performance category and delivers comparably stable traction in oil. While the Storm ball is known for its extremely forgiving arc, the Lynx should transition into its final roll a bit more aggressively thanks to the specific architecture of its Overb-2 core, and show a touch more bite once it reaches the drier parts of the lane. Another fitting reference point for a comparison is the Roto Grip Idol. That ball shows a very similar basic concept as well, consisting of a bulbous symmetrical core paired with a very grabby solid surface. Compared to the Roto Grip Idol, the Seismic Lynx offers similarly strong control over the entire length of the lane, but with the high-friction MSS1000 cover it tends to break through the oil a fraction earlier still. Both balls are designed to avoid surprises, with the Lynx said to show a slightly stronger and more continuous continuation of its motion deep into the pin deck.
On the Lanes On the lanes the Seismic Lynx shows its full potential above all on medium-heavy to heavy oil volumes. If you are looking for a reliable first ball on fresh house shots or more demanding sport patterns that does not shoot uncontrollably past the breakpoint, it is an excellent and safe choice. Thanks to the early traction of the strong surface, the ball does not skid nervously through the heads, but builds the necessary friction very early in order to start a stable and always predictable motion toward the pocket. Once the transition sets in clearly over the course of a league night and the oil in the front part of the lane has been carried away, however, the Lynx can tend to jump too early and lose important energy if you throw the ball at a lower speed. In such a case tactical adjustments have to be made by playing the ball across noticeably deeper boards in order to use more protective oil in the heads again. Even so, the successful combination of the quickly revving core and the massive cover delivers outstanding carry as long as there is enough oil on the lane. The ball produces a continuous and strong hook that should still generate high pin action even on slightly off hits. That makes the Lynx a classic ball for the start of a set, to calm down the oil pattern and find the pocket consistently.