48.5 Hook 15.5 Length 15 Breakpoint Shape

Core Design: The Game On’s asymmetric EMP-1 core is also used in the sister Game Plan ball. RG is medium at 2.51, while the Diff is .058. Mass bias is .001, almost non-existent.

Coverstock : The Game On’s .042 pearlized Traxion cover is a touch stronger than the Game Plan’s .039 coverstock. Coloring is an attractive blending of emerald green and silver pearls. The surface is sanded with 800, 1k, 2k and 4k pads, then highly polished. Accordingly, oil traction is limited, while response time off dry is quick.

Manufacturer’s Intent : Ebonite’s success with the Game Plan gave birth to the slightly kicked-up version of the Game On. Ebonite tells us that by strengthening the base resin formula, bowlers will see increased traction in the late midlane and back-end reaction. The strong .058 Diff contributes to the breakpoint move.

Test Results : The Game On could be one of those sometimes overlooked gems in that bowlers don’t realize how good it is until they’ve had a chance to throw it. The Game On featured about an arrow less total hook than this month’s other Ebonite release — the Vital Energy — on most test patterns. That said, the Game On required lesser amounts of oil up front or in the midlane to get to the breakpoint, while retaining its energy level. The motion shape reminded me of the Playmaker (July 2008), but it displayed stronger back-end reactions on some of our test patterns. Oil carrydown created some downlane wiggle, but a light surface scuff helped relieve this hiccup.

When to Use : The Game On will play great on oil patterns whose volume ranges from lighter to medium, or those environments where length in the front 40’ is needed. The core/cover ratio seemed very balanced, and this lessened its sensitivity to over/under reaction tendencies, even with box finish. Our favorite surfaces were between 2000 and polished box, a range in which our pin carry was optimal. At that point, you can simply apply your favorite benchmark or dry lane layout and enjoy the game. Our favorite layouts were balanced drilling with Val angles, and with 3 to 4.5” pin distances.