55 Hook   12.5 Length   15 Breakpoint Shape

Core Design: Mission’s 1.0 core was designed smaller to better maintain its mass properties after drilling. The RG is low at 2.48 with a medium-high Diff rating of .050. The intermediate mass bias is .013. We saw up to 6” of track flare with the 4.5 and 3.5” layouts.

Coverstock: The new XL1200 reactive coverstock provides more texture than earlier versions when sanded with similar grits. Ebonite ran 500, 1000 and 2000 Abralon pads to create the intended surface. We found traction in oil to be well above average, while response time off friction came in as moderately quick.

Manufacturer’s Intent: “This is the most tested high-performance ball we’ve ever made,” said Ed Gallagher, Ebonite Brand Manager. “This was the best possible product we could have come to market with, and I am extremely excited about it. It is what I wanted it to be.”

Test Results: Ebonite is betting big with this latest release and is very confident the bowling public will love it. Our tests found our best looks on heavier and longer volumes: The Mission starts up easily and offers great midlane traction. The back-end finish was reasonably strong on the longer patterns and for our higher speed testers. Medium and shorter patterns caused the Mission to read a touch early due to its strong core/cover combo. In this environment, we saw more energy retention with 4000 Abralon surfaces, and longer and higher pin locations. Polishing the Mission will alter its shape quite a bit for those looking for added length and entry angle downlane.

When to Use: The Mission is one strong midlane arcing product destined for PBA volumes and for those needing an early enough breakpoint when encountering heavier volumes. Slower speed players and those with higher rev rate ratios will undoubtedly smooth and/or polish the Mission to delay its rotational energy and preserve entry angle. Our favorite layouts were 4.5 and 5.5” pins above the fingers for most THS patterns. If you want an Ebonite in your bag that will strut its stuff on heavier juice, the Mission will not disappoint.

— Joe Cerar Jr.