900 Global Harsh Reality Ball Review by Jeff Ussery

Layout: 45 degrees x 4 1/2" x 70 degrees

RG: 2.49"

Differential: .054"

M/b: .019"

Surface: 2000 Grit Sanded

Core shape: Asymmetric

Manufacturer's Intent: The original Reality just got a major upgrade! Presenting the Harsh Reality featuring A.I. Core Technology! The Disturbance A.I. Asymmetric Core will provide a familiar look on the lanes yet with more overall performance than that of the original Reality. Paired with the Reserve Blend 902 Solid Cover which was specifically crafted for the heaviest of conditions, the Harsh Reality will be the strongest ball that 900 Global has ever produced!

I drilled the Harsh Reality up to combat some fairly extreme wet/dry/carrydown conditions that I've seen occurring at my league at Olathe Lanes East. A different ball that I drilled recently has worked extremely well for 10-20 frames, but once it goes away, I've been trapped in an over/under reaction with no ball to really go to. So, I decided to try this Harsh Reality with my favorite pin down layout, hoping to blend out the wet/dry I've been bowling on.

The first thing you'll notice with Harsh Reality is the extremely coarse surface. This ball is finished at 2000 by Storm Products, but it rolls like it's duller than that. Harsh Reality is extremely early and will definitely require a significant amount of head oil to get through the front of the lane. Part of that is the coarse surface, and part of it is the very strong Disturbance A.I. core construction that wants to get in to an early roll.

With the strong .054" differential and the layout I chose, I saw well over 5-6" of track flare on the cover. This ball transitions early to mid-lane and then just "rolls" through the backend of the lane. I was fairly impressed with how much continuation I saw out of a product this dull and strong. Many times, with my more forward roll, I'll see dull covers glue up in the mid-lane and start to quit on me in the backend. That wasn't the case at all with the Harsh Reality. It did keep going through the backend fairly well given the strength of this ball.

As for my goal, this one did fit in pretty nicely. It's definitely good on the wet side of the wet/dry pattern. It's strong enough that it sees friction when other balls (even strong polished balls) won't see the lane. Harsh Reality will be excellent for lower revolution players, or people with extremely high ball speed. I also think this piece could be a great one to look at if you're bowling the Open Championships this year. If you've struggled getting balls to roll early in the squads at the OC, Harsh Reality could be a piece to consider.

Harsh Reality comes to market on February 16th, and they'll be in stock at TBG in both 14# and 15#. Stop by to check one out and place a pre-order today!