First Impressions
The 900 Global Ordnance Pearl comes in a striking magenta/silver design and is meant to serve as a benchmark ball for a variety of league conditions. The ball features a medium RG, high differential Projectile Symmetric core wrapped in the S70 Pearl coverstock. The technical specs include a 2.54 RG and a 0.054 differential for the 15-pound ball, making it a higher RG (2.54″) and higher differential (0.054″) design than the Shrapnel Symmetric core in the Ordnance. The surface comes at 1500 grit polished and should produce roughly five inches of track flare in oil.
Comparison
Compared directly to the solid version, the Ordnance Pearl behaves noticeably differently in its ball motion. While the 900 Global Ordnance, with its lower RG and dull surface, picks up earlier and offers a more continuous motion, the Pearl is a good option when you need to maximize backend reaction once the oil on the lane starts to break down. The Ordnance Pearl was at its best on medium oil patterns and shows far less total hook than the solid version of the Ordnance. Because of the polished, pearlized coverstock, bowlers had to start farther right on the lane. The proven S70 formula has already established itself in the 900 Global Black Ops and Break series over more than ten years.
On the Lanes
The Ordnance Pearl is primarily suited to medium lane conditions and is recommended for medium to heavy oil conditions. The Pearl should provide more length once the oil transitions and the heads begin to dry up, which calls for a move inside. You can count on the Ordnance Pearl when the lanes transition and more energy is needed later in the league session. The Projectile Symmetric core uses two plates on a medium tower to shift mass up and down, thereby raising RG and differential, which promotes length and a pronounced move at the breakpoint. If you have a higher rev rate, the ball offers more room on fresh lanes and can still turn over enough on shots missed inside to slip lightly into the pocket. The Ordnance Pearl will store energy and deliver a more dramatic move at the breakpoint.