47 Hook 16 Length 15.5 Breakpoint Shape

Manufacturer’s Intent: 900 Global’s Eric Thomas says, “The Blue/Yellow Hook adds another hybrid color option to our Hook line. Bowlers can expect the best of both worlds with moderate length and moderate traction in oil for medium lane conditions.”

Core Design: The entire Hook line uses a symmetric core, which provides plenty of giddy-up for the conservative S43 cover formula. The RG level is rated high at 2.55 and the .046 differential will offer up to 5 inches of track flare with strong, weight hole-type layouts. The taller core shape provides added length with various motion shapes.

Coverstock: The S43 formula is conservative in nature but not conservative in hitting power. Weaker covers generally just require lighter oil volumes for added length but still can bust-a-move off friction areas near the end of the pattern. This cover has a low Ra level and a high factory polish, which limit its traction in oil — but it does respond quickly off dry boards. Colors are a medley of blue and yellow pearl.

Test Results: The Hook lineup offers pro performance for light to medium oil volumes. The conservative nature of the S43 formula requires only light traces of oil through the fronts and midlane. We noticed slight core lope through the fronts, with increased revving action near the late midlane. Hitting and pin carry were above average, even when the ball was rolling through light amounts of developed oil carrydown. Heavier oil volumes caused a mismatch of sorts, even after an Abralon session on the spinner. 900 Global offers a complete line of products, providing great diversity for all our bowling needs.

When to Use: As expected, the Hook hybrid is best suited for slower ball speed bowlers and/or those encountering lighter oil concentrations. Since there are numerous choices for coverstock type within the Hook line, it should be easy to find a ball to your liking. With the taller core shape, we felt higher pins created a noticeably stronger move from 35 feet on, compared to a like-drilled pin location below the fingers. This occurred due to the wider distance between flare rings with the high pin positioned drilling layouts.