- Zen Asura

First Impressions
The 900 Global Zen Asura presents itself visually in an appealing color combination of black, blue and purple. This is an exclusive overseas release that stands out through its high-quality technical specifications and has generated a great deal of international interest. Inside works the proven symmetrical Meditate core, known throughout the entire Zen series for its exceptionally large volume. At a standard weight of 15 pounds, this core shows an RG of 2.49 and a differential of 0.051. This core architecture points to a ball that revs up quickly on the lane while at the same time offering very high flare potential. The strong internals are wrapped in the advanced S77 Response Pearl Reactive coverstock. Out of the box, the cover comes with a 1500-grit polished finish. This smooth, high-gloss surface should ensure that the ball glides effortlessly through the heads without losing energy prematurely in the front oil. Only once the cover leaves the oil and meets drier boards does the ball unfold its full potential, and it should respond with a sharp, extremely quick change of direction toward the pocket.
Comparison Compared directly with firmly established balls on the current market, the 900 Global Zen Asura shows a noticeably more specific and more aggressive ball motion. Set against the popular Storm Phaze II, it is immediately apparent that the Asura, thanks to its polished pearl surface, works considerably later and more angularly on the lane. While the Storm Phaze II, as a dull solid ball, draws an early, even and very predictable arc, the Asura saves its stored energy for the last third of the lane. Within the brand as well, compared with the original 900 Global Zen, which also has a pearl cover, the Asura should offer an even somewhat more explosive answer to friction due to the modifications to the S77 Response cover. Drawing a parallel to an asymmetrical ball like the Roto Grip Rubicon UC2, the Asura behaves a little rounder and more forgiving during the core transition phase because of its symmetrical core construction, but in the end delivers a similarly pronounced backend hook. Overall, the model slots in as a classic skid-flip option. The ball shines exactly when typical benchmark balls grab too early on the lane or enter the pocket too flat and without power.
On the Lanes The ideal application range for the 900 Global Zen Asura is on fresh to slightly broken-down lanes with medium to high oil volume. As soon as the oil pattern moves into transition over the course of a tournament or league session and the front part of the lane begins to dry up, this ball shows its true strengths. If you are forced to move your starting position further inside and open up the lane more, you'll benefit enormously from the generous length the pearl cover generates in the front part of the lane. And you don't have to give up the crucial carry at the pins. The stored rotational energy is transported efficiently into the backend, which should visibly favor pinfall. Thanks to its very steep entry angle, it is excellent for maintaining a consistently high carry percentage even at wide, deep angles. It addresses a very broad spectrum of player types, but offers a major advantage especially if you have a medium to lower ball speed. Because the surface does not react too early on the lane, the ball does not lose any of its punch. When late, very pronounced hook motions are called for at the end of the oil pattern, the Asura proves to be an extremely reliable and powerful tool in your own arsenal.