The 900 Global Zen Pearl high-performance bowling ball features the S77R pearl coverstock. This provides a skid/flip response and opens up angles in medium to heavy oil conditions. The Meditate core is covered in this responsive pearl cover. This core is the largest ever produced by 900Global. This symmetric core delivers massive hitting power and consistent response.
- Core: Meditate Symmetric
- Coverstock: S77R Pearl
- Finish: 1,500 Grit Polished
- This responsive pearl cover is wrapped around the monster Meditate core, This is the biggest core produced by 900Global to date
Last update on 2024-04-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
900 Global’s Zen pearlized bowling ball falls under their Prime 800 series. This ball joins the Aspect at the same price point and has a very different reaction shape. The Zen features the new Meditate Symmetric Core, which has a lower RG than any previous 900 Global designs and a greater differential than the Reflector Symmetric Core that was used in the Aspect. It is core the S77 Response Pearl (coverstock) with a polished box finish of 1500 grit. The Zen has a strong angular motion and strong back end recovery. It also has a decent amount of total hook through oil. This makes it more user-friendly than a simple skid/flip ball.
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900 Global Zen Bowling Ball Specifications
| Color | Magenta/Teal/Silver |
|---|---|
| Coverstock | S77R Pearl |
| Weight Block | Meditate Symmetric |
| Factory Finish | 1500 Grit Polished |
| Flare Potential | 5"+ |
| Core | Meditate Symmetric |
| Radius of Gyration (RG) | 16lbs - 2.48; 15lbs - 2.49; 14lbs - 2.50 |
| Differential (Diff) | 16lbs - 0.051; 15lbs - 0.051; 14lbs - 0.051 |
| Intermediate Differential (Diff) | n/a |
| Fragrance | n/a |
Cranker was able, on the medium pattern to start 5-and-3 left from the spot where he lined up the Ordnance C4. Cranker really enjoyed how angular the ball was at the breakpoint. It provided plenty of recoveries.
The Zen was even more impressive than a polished pearl because it had enough traction to hold onto shots that were not in the oil. On a medium shot, the Zen had this much area that made it difficult to beat.
Overall
This is the first time we’ve tested 900 Global balls in Utah, so we were curious to see how they would roll. The Zen still exhibits a signature 900 global reaction, which I can confirm right away. The ball was very easy to throw, and it was well matched up instantly. Let’s dive into the details. This pearl has a large symmetrical core. I don’t usually read the marketing material before I test the balls and write reviews. The Zen seemed to be a great mid-control ball. It is described differently on the website. However, you can still watch the video and decide for yourself.
We do have a ball that is clean as you would expect from 1500 grit polish. However, it does start revving up before it transitions, which gives it a smoother appearance and makes it very easy to read. Although the transitions aren’t very sharp, I find them easily distinguishable as it moves down the lane. It felt like a ball with a large range of useability. It works well when it is thrown in the usual house breakpoint. It will respond to my drying and can be thrown in the dryer. It can be pulled and it will sit. It gave me plenty of space. I was also able to move many boards before the board started to hit weakly.
The Radical Zing Hybrid was the last ball that I dropped in the middle control slot of my bag. The ball behaves the same, but it actually gave me more space. The Zen was the new benchmark because I could move left and right without losing hits so quickly. Although it might seem odd to speak of a pearl, it proves that these designations are irrelevant. It is all about how the ball behaves.
I tried a few 2-handed shots and I am still learning how to speed up so that the ball is more responsive. You can also see a more dominant rev dominant release. To keep it a bit more manageable, I am trying to control the rotation of the axis. Although the ball is responsive, it’s not impossible to control. The Zen is such an attractive ball.
Sean is next. He saw a similar reaction to the benchmark, with plenty of room for adjustments. He was between the 2nd and 4th Arrow. He tried many angles of attack. The 2nd arrow, with low axis rotation, looked great. The ball will respond if he pushes on the friction from that direction, sometimes a little too much. He had to use friction when he was closer to the third arrow. Otherwise, the ball would deflect to leave a 10-pin. It was not surprising, but it was a little more sensitive than for me. Perhaps Sean’s baseline speed is a little higher than mine. The ball turns the corner well as he pushes the friction to the fourth arrow. We both seem to find a good balance with Zen.
Bryan is throwing the 900 Global Zen. The ball was good and he started just outside the 2nd arrow. He had good pocket control, but he did move in a few boards to help the ball store more energy. He can sometimes make the balls not hit when he does this.
The Zen is a great solution. Pocket control was the key. Pocket control is the key. Bad shots left 10 pins. Only very bad shots resulted in bad leaves. I believe 900 Global has found a sweet spot for this ball. Bryan shared how he was surprised by how well a pearl ball controlled his mid-lane. We tend to make assumptions, but I’ve done it. I placed balls into arsenal categories based solely on their behavior.
Also, you must look at a skid flip reaction of the ball with the differential 0.051.
Customers Reviews
Ted
Ernesto
Final Thoughts
It should now be obvious that the 900 Global Zen is located in the middle category of the Mid Control arsenal. It’s not a pearl, but I don’t mind. It is very well controlled in the pocket and behaves well in relation to how much friction it encounters. It will respond to friction. You can also float it in oil. The core will give you at least some hits. It matched my game best, but it was the same reaction for all three testers.
