Ball comparison

Question
I have a jaguar by ebonite and would love to get a new ball but want to keep the same type reaction and control.  I am having a hard time finding a ball that would be equivalent to my jaguar because I don't understand enough about the ball types and how they change reactivity and control.  Can you tell me what ball to look at getting to get as close to the same style ball as the ebonite jaguar.  Thank you.  Karl

Answer
The "Cat" series of balls by Ebonite used barrel, light bulb and propeller shaped cores with reactive urethane coverstocks. Unfortunately, I did not keep all the literature from the late 90s and couldn't find the core used in the Jaguar. My memory is telling me that the Jaguar used a barrel shaped core. If so, there are still 2 balls in the Ebonite line with similar characteristics. The "Game Plan" and "Game On" balls use a similar barrel shaped core. However the coverstock on the "Game Plan" and "Game On" is more aggressive than the one used on the Jaguar.
To try to duplicate the roll and reaction of the Jaguar (assuming you purchase a "Game Plan" or "Game On") I would suggest that you polish the ball after getting it drilled. Also assuming that you will drill the new ball the same way you have your Jaguar drilled you should expect a new ball to hook considerably more than a 10 year old ball. The 10 year old ball has absorbed oil and from the heat and friction throughout the years has seen more plasticizer migrate to your track causing less hook than when it was brand new.
In general, the Jaguar would be similar to the mid performance balls offered by most manufacturers. Look for balls with a symmetric core and polished reactive urethane shell.

Ron