International Slow Pitch Softball (ISPS) is known for having some of the highest-quality slow-pitch balls in the world. Their iconic ISPS Blue Rock from Trump ball has been a staple for slow-pitch leagues worldwide for more than a decade now. However, due to recent circumstances brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, ISPS has found it necessary to look into alternative options in order to keep up with demand. 

One such option is the Thunder ZN Hard Core Ball from Dudley Sports. This new ball is being tested NOT as a potential replacement to the original Blue Rock from Trump but could revolutionize how slow-pitch softball is played. The added durability and improved performance of the Thunder ZN could make it a great choice for tournament play and everyday use alike. 

The process of testing this new ball for official ISPS play requires experimentation both on and off the field. On-field tests assess its ability to hold up under competition situations while off-field tests measure its physical properties including hardness, core strength, compression rate, seam tightness, weight accuracy, and more. Officials at ISPS have also taken into account customer feedback in order to best determine if the Thunder ZN HARDCORE will be an appropriate fit within their product line-up. 

So far, reports show that the Thunder ZN HARDCORE proves to be just as durable as its predecessor while also providing superior performance in terms of flight distance and spin control. It’s expected that these attributes would add an extra layer of challenge to competitive slow-pitch matches around the globe as players adjust to a new style of play with different ball characteristics than what they are used to having. 

The testing process for any possible ISPS official ball is extensive and takes several months before results can be released. As it stands now though, early feedback on the Thunder ZN has been very positive and so far all indicators point towards it becoming approved for official use in 2023 – potentially revolutionizing how slow-pitch is played around the world.

Either way, it is clear that ISPS is taking the necessary steps to ensure their customers have access to the highest-quality and most innovative slow-pitch balls available. With news of a new ball on the horizon, it will be interesting to see how this affects league and tournament play over the next few years and just how much impact the Thunder ZN HARDCORE will have on the sport of slow-pitch softball.

Stay tuned for updates as this story continues to develop!