General Info
| Brand: | Seismic |
| Name: | Desperado |
| Reviewed: | January 2010 |
| Empty | |
| Coverstock Specs | |
|---|---|
| Name: | Cruise Control Pearl Urethane with Silicone |
| Type: | Urethane Pearl |
| Box Finish: | 4000 Abralon Polished |
| Color: | Midnight Blue / Gold |
| Empty | |
| Core Specs | |
| Name: | Insignia Asymmetric |
| Type: | Asymmetrical |
| RG: | 2.556 |
| Diff: | 0.034 |
| Int. Diff: | 0.011 |
For details on our standard test layouts, please click here.
The Desperado is the newest addition to the Seismic line. It uses the Insignia Asymmetric core with a pearlized urethane cover with silicone. The silicone in the shell does not allow the ball to create as much friction on the lane as traditional urethane.
All three testers had their best match up with our dry test pattern. The controlled motion down lane allowed all three testers to play closer to the friction than have ever been able to play on this dry test pattern. The weaker entry angle gave all three testers miss room inside of their targets with the Desperado, something that usually isn’t found on that particular pattern. In addition, all the testers found The Desperado to be forgiving when they over-hit the ball at the bottom of the swing. Even when Cranker would get a handful, the Desperado made the same, smooth movement, with zero jerk down lane.
Moving to the medium pattern was a struggle to get the Desperado to the pocket, even for Cranker. Sanding the cover to 1000-grit Abralon got us earlier hook, but the carry percentage suffered. The heavy pattern offered nothing for any of the three testers. The nature of the urethane shell does not allow it to have the hook potential that can be used on such a condition.
Our sport pattern is a medium volume pattern. All three testers could find the pocket somewhat consistently, but carrying all ten was the big problem. Drier sport patterns will provide the environment for the Desperado to perform at a high level.
On short and flat patterns, the Desperado can eliminate the inconsistent violent back end reaction by allowing players of all styles to play a more direct line to the pocket.
Strengths
On a shorter fresh oil pattern, the Desperado will shine. When it gets to the middle part of the lane it will set up to the pocket and take the back ends out of play. There is never an overreaction problem down lane with such a controllable piece.
Weaknesses
The Desperado is not designed for long or heavy oil conditions. It will struggle on patterns that do not have a significant amount of friction. Most of the time, sanding will help get the ball to pick up the lane sooner, but with this ball it only took away from the back end reaction this ball had.
Overall Summary
The Desperado is an ultimate control bowling ball. It read the front and midlane fairly strong, due to the combination of the 2000 grit Abralon finish and strong asymmetrical core, and it is super controllable at the back end.
