Mars Review

[Paul McCordic]

I had no idea what to expect from the Mars when I got it. My first shot with the Mars told me that this ball is a condition ball for when the lanes are pretty dry. That was not entirely accurate. The ball goes really long but has a strong finish (as long as you keep it out of the puddles!).

While practicing today on a house condition, I started with my Cell Rogue and was swinging the ball crossing eight going out to about five. After getting lines up and throwing some strikes I switched to the Mars. I ended up moving six and two left which allowed me to play way outside the oil line. At first I was leaving some 7 pins as the ball was going pretty long. I moved my target a little closer to me and …wow. I struck forever. A guy in the league next to me asked if I had 15 or 20 in a row. I didn’t know but it was a lot. I then threw about eight more strikes after that. On today’s house shots, its not a big deal to see people strike but I actually had people back there mumbling I was striking so much.

I can’t wait to throw this ball in competition! I know on certain shots it will give me an awesome reaction others won’t have.

[Kelly O'Driscoll]

Mars
The shield line continues to add value in the best entry level balls on the market. For pro shop operators this series could easily be your best seller. Don’t be deceived by the picture as the ball is pretty cool looking especially going down the lane.

The Orbiter II core wrapped in one of my favorite coverstocks. The Hybrid Reactive coverstock provides more versatility than most balls especially at this price range. Definitely suited for shorter patterns, the Mars does very well on your typical house shot. Good heavy roll with not a lot of flare. It also does very well when lanes get ugly or burnt. The Mars can allow you to stay in your comfort zone longer or when others are lofting the gutter caps. Highly recommended for tournament bowlers.

Kelly O’Driscoll
Roto Grip Staff

[SenorRotoGrip]

I drilled the box condition (1500 polished Hybrid cover) Mars with a 4 3/4 x 4 layout, pin 3/4" above the fingers on grip centerline, leaving approximately 1/2 ounce of static side and finger weight, no hole.

The Mars is definately a medium to dry lanes ball. The hybrid cover is great and the Orbiter II weight block matches up nicely with it. Because it is a high rg, low differential ball, medium to heavy oil volumes and the Mars will not work all that well together. On a fresh house shot (39') the Mars skidded down lane too long before making a move to the pocket.
But, on a 37' PBA Viper pattern,on wood lanes, the Mars was right on. The ball went through the heads easily and made a nice move off the break point. Using surface/pin adjustments for synthetic surfaces should allow the ball driller to match up a Mars with the novice, intermediate, or advanced player with no problem depending on what the bowler is looking for.

As with all the balls in the Planet line, the Orbiter II core hits extremely hard, keeping the pins low, allowing for more carry on slightly off pocket hits. For bowler's looking for a late shift or tournament burn ball, the Mars will get the job done. For the less experienced bowler, buying their first reactive ball, the Mars will work just fine.


Brendan Bierch
Roto Grip Pro Shop Staff