Bowler Ratings

PatternStTwCr
Oily:999
Medium:87.57
Dry:544
Sport:888

Bowler ratings are from 1 to 10 in order of Stroker (ST), Tweener (TW), Cranker (CR)

General Info

Brand:
Name:Shred-It
Reviewed:January 2011
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Coverstock Specs
Name:F74 Hybrid
Type:Reactive Hybrid
Box Finish:4000 Abralon
Color:Black / Silver
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Core Specs
Name:NA
Type:Symmetrical
RG:2.48
Diff:0.054
Int. Diff:0.000

For details on our standard test layouts, please click here.

The Shred-It is the latest addition to AMF family. This new release shares the same core as the Shredder with the difference being the cover type and finish. This ball comes out of the box with sanded 4000 grit Abralon and is a hybrid reactive shell. This cover gave all three testers a terrific contrast in reaction between the Shredder and the Shred-It.

The three testers had their best look on the heavy oil test pattern. Stroker played the furthest right of the three testers as usual. He was able to play a small swing shot allowing the strong midlane to create the necessary angle to the pocket. Tweener also saw the best results playing a straighter line through the front part of the lane. Cranker was able to keep his angles open due to his higher rev rate.

On the medium test pattern, all three testers were able to give the ball plenty of room through the front of the lane. Stroker had the best look of the three with Tweener not far behind. Both players were able to see strong recovery down lane as long as they kept the ball in the oil long enough. Hitting the friction too soon will cause this ball to check up early, losing too much to carry effectively. Higher rev rates will need to add some polish in order for the Shred-It to be effective for more than a game or so on medium oil patterns.

The dry pattern didn’t offer much for any of the three testers with the factory finish. Even with polish added, only Stroker was able to get it back to the pocket with any degree of success. Weaker pin-to-PAP layouts, as well as surface adjustments, are a must for players on higher friction surfaces.

We found the Shred-It to match up fairly well with our sport pattern. The Shred-It let all three testers open up their angles, which is a rarity on this pattern. We attribute our success on this pattern to the strong midlane the Shred-It offers. The Shredder and Shred-It make a great one-two combination for any bowler’s bag.

Performance Ratings

NameValueComments
Torque6.0
The Shred-It is much stronger in the midlane and smoother down lane than the Shredder. This is all due to the change in cover.
Length10
This ball reads the lane rather early, despite its 4000 Abralon finish. Those needing more or less traction in the oil can achieve it by tweaking the cover.
Back End15.5
The strength of the midlane and breakpoint take nothing away from the Shred-It’s ability to recover at the back end of the lane. We found the Shred-It to be smoother and much more controllable than the Shredder.
Total Hook52
Most bowlers will find the Shred-It to match up best with oilier lane conditions. Lower rev rates will be able to use it on some medium type oil patterns. The Shred-It is strongest in the midlane.

Strengths

What we liked the most about the Shred-It is the strong midlane and continuous back end motion that creates. Its ability to handle large volumes of oil, without a ton of surface, allows it to be playable on medium patterns as well.

Weaknesses

Dry in the front of the lane will force bowlers to choose another ball. Early friction will either make the Shred-It over-hook or hook too early and lose energy and back end reaction. Polishing will help only those with extremely low rev rates.

Overall Summary

The difference between the Shredder and Shred-It in performance is quite apparent after just one shot. The change to a reactive hybrid cover makes this ball stronger in the midlane and much smoother downlane.

The BTM Ball Testing Team

About The BTM Ball Testing Team

The BTM Ball Testing Team is led by Eric Martinez. Our team of three testers has thrown and reviewed hundreds of bowling balls for Bowling This Month. When not testing balls for BTM, Eric owns and operates University Pro Shop in San Antonio, TX and he is an avid competitive bowler. Click here to learn more about how we test and review bowling balls.