Columbia 300
Dark Encounter
PatternStTwCr
Oily:9.59.59.5
Medium:788
Dry:543
Sport:777

(1-10 in order of Stroker (ST), Tweener (TW), Cranker (CR))

Coverstock Info
Name:
Elastin 7.5 Solid
Type:
Reactive Solid
Box Finish:
500 / 1000 / 2000 / 2000 Abralon
Color:
Black / Ultra Blue / Super Violet
Core Info
Name:
NA
Type:Asymmetrical
RG:2.50
Total Diff:0.052
Int. Diff:0.013

The Dark Encounter is the newest high performance ball from Columbia 300. It shares the core from the original Encounter and uses a stronger, solid version of the Elastin coverstock. As we have seen with the Out Burst and Omen, Columbia 300 has not shied away from using finishes lower than 4000. This cover is finished at 2000 Abralon. The original Encounter was very angular and was better for us on medium oil. With the change of box finish and coverstock, this ball is a monster on heavy oil.

We graphed this ball on our heavy oil test pattern for that reason. All three testers were able to start further left on this pattern because of the amount of recovery in the back end from the Dark Encounter. We were afraid that as oil got on the shell and...

To read the full review, please visit:
https://www.bowlingthismonth.com/bowling-ball-review/columbia-300-dark-encounter/

Performance Ratings

NameValueComments
Torque
(1-10)
7.5
Despite the solid sanded cover, the Dark Encounter has plenty of pop at the breakpoint. Sanded bowling balls that still have a strong breakpoint are always an advantage for a competitive bowler.
Length
(1-25)
11
The 2000 Abralon finish of the Dark Encounter creates traction through the oil. The length number is low, but balls with a high hook number usually are.
Back End
(1-20)
17
The Dark Encounter has a surprisingly high back end reaction for a ball that is so strong in the oil. Even at the 2000 Abralon finish, this ball does not bleed off all its energy too early.
Total Hook
(1-100)
54
As we have seen from the last two sanded balls from Columbia 300, the Dark Encounter offers plenty of motion through the entire lane. This ball is longer and stronger than the Omen and the Ransom Demand.

Strengths: The Dark Encounter takes the skid/snap nature of the original Encounter and adds the element of traction in the oil. This addition can be attributed to the solid version of the Elastin coverstock.

Weaknesses: The Dark Encounter is too strong for drier lane conditions. Even heavily polished, this ball has too much traction for a consistent reaction on that type pattern.

Overall Summary: While the original Encounter can be drilled for light to medium, the Dark Encounter will be for anytime the Encounter is struggling in the oil, making the combination of these two balls a great one-two punch.