- Zen

First Impressions
The 900 Global Zen comes in an eye-catching design with a polished surface that announces its pearl characteristics at first glance. The coverstock is S77 Response Pearl at a 1500-grit polished factory finish, while the new Meditate Symmetric core has a higher volume than any previous 900 Global design and offers a lower RG as well as a higher differential than the Reflector Symmetric core from the Aspect. The specs for 15 pounds show a 2.49 RG and a 0.051 differential. The Meditate core is the largest core the company has ever put in a bowling ball, which means more hitting power combined with a more consistent reaction.
Comparison
The Zen shows a strong angular motion with sharp backend recovery and a reasonable amount of overall hook through the oil, which makes it more user-friendly than a pure skid/flip ball. The comparison to the Storm Phaze is interesting, because the Zen feels familiar and is practically that ball with new colors and a new name. The motion can be described as semi-hockey stick, with a quick and strong move forward at the breakpoint. Compared directly to the Storm Phaze II, the Zen shows similar characteristics in terms of control and consistency, and the Zen Master shares many of the same traits as the Storm Phaze 2. The similarities to the legendary Storm series are no accident and make the ball an attractive alternative if you're looking for that proven reaction shape.
On the Lanes
The Zen should be a great ball for opening up angles on medium to heavy patterns. The ball fits perfectly into the mid control category with excellent pocket control and balanced behavior in relation to friction — throw it into the friction and it works back, let it skid in the oil and the core rolls enough to give at least some hit. It offers versatility for a variety of styles: on the medium pattern a cranker was able to start 5-and-3 left of his position with the Ordnance C4 and appreciated the angular character at the breakpoint with plenty of recovery. The pearl cover lets the ball skid through the heads and save energy for a powerful backend reaction, while the big Meditate core provides the necessary stability and hitting power. That makes it ideal if you're looking for a controllable ball with enough angle for medium to heavy oil conditions.