- Solaris Platinum

First Impressions
Released in October 2013, the Seismic Solaris Platinum is a symmetrical bowling ball that combines the brand's proven core technology with a modified pearl cover. Visually, the ball comes in a classy color blend of Liquorice Pearl and Platinum, which gives it good visible contrast on the lane. Inside works the symmetrical Trailblazer Core. At the standard weight of 15 pounds, this core shows a radius of gyration of 2.480. This low value ensures that the ball gets into a roll quickly after leaving the hand. The differential is 0.048. These specs point to a moderately high flare potential that allows for a defined but easily controllable move toward the pins. The cover is the AVCx Pearl Reactive. This is a further development of the shell already used on the original Solaris. Out of the box, the surface of the Solaris Platinum has a 4000 finish and is polished to a high gloss. This combination of an early-rolling symmetrical core and a very smooth pearl cover is primarily designed to glide easily through the heads, read the midlane well, and save energy for what is known as a fast arc on the back end of the lane.
Comparison
Compared directly with other models on the market, the Seismic Solaris Platinum shows a clear profile. Bring in the classic Storm Phaze II, which is considered the benchmark for symmetrical solid balls, and clear differences in length development emerge. Thanks to its rough, matte surface, the Storm Phaze II builds traction considerably earlier and describes a very round, even arc into the pocket. The Solaris Platinum uses its polished pearl cover to glide noticeably farther down the oil before forcing a faster and more dynamic change of direction at the breakpoint. Compared within the brand to the Seismic Solaris Blackout, which uses a modified but related Trailblazer core in combination with a matte solid cover, the Platinum offers exactly the additional length needed on drying lanes. As soon as balls with matte covers start to hook too early and lose power, the Platinum is the ideal alternative. Against a classic symmetrical pearl ball such as the Storm Hy-Road Pearl, the Solaris Platinum shows a more stable midlane reaction due to its somewhat lower RG value, without becoming too unpredictable on the backend.
On the Lanes
The Seismic Solaris Platinum was designed primarily for medium to lighter lane conditions. Because of its polished surface and symmetrical core design, it plays to its strengths especially once the front part of the lane has been broken down and transition sets in. In those moments you need a ball that glides cleanly through the depleted heads and only reacts late to the friction in the back third of the lane. If you throw at lower to medium ball speed, you'll benefit enormously from the ball's natural length, since it doesn't burn up prematurely. If you have a high rev rate, you can use this model to play deep lines and send the ball far outside across many boards, because the symmetrical core reliably helps generate a controlled but brisk arc back into the pocket. The saved energy provides excellent carry and strong pin action at impact. However, if the oil volume on freshly oiled lanes is too high, the polished shell can cause the ball to skid too long and miss the breakpoint. In that case it's advisable either to scuff the surface or to switch to a solid model with more traction. Overall, the Solaris Platinum is an outstanding option for late block phases and drying conditions.