“T for Traction”

Track’s entry level “traction” ball providing an even roll.

Remember that coverstock accounts for 70% of ball reaction, but the core will create the dynamic shape. Your drilling will alter the shape to suit your game and conditions you bowl on.  Kyle Hartzell of BowlerX is our tester. Let me briefly describe the layout and what it’s intention is. Kyle’s layout is 65 x 4 3/4 x 70.  This ball is drilled to go medium length and transition on the slower, smoother side at the breakpoint.
Please work with your local pro shop operator to find what best works for you.

First Impressions

Although the final factory finish is 4000 abralon, this looks like a dull piece.  Its appearance matches Track’s intention as a “Traction” ball.  It seems to read the lane relatively early allowing it to transition very smoothly.  It’s not overly continuous and doesn’t like to cover many boards.  However, throw it more directly and you will be rewarded with forgiveness and excellent carry and continuation.  At least in its out of box finish, it doesn’t store enough energy for a swing shot.  You could alter the cover, but polishing it will somewhat take away from it’s intended purpose.  Besides, there’s the 300C for a cleaner look.  It’s also very colorful, form your own opinion…

Price 9/10

It’s an affordable piece for Track, priced very similar to the Hammer Vibe and Storm Tropical Heat lines.

Core

The symmetrical core has a 2.55 RG and .025 differential for 15 pounds.  It doesn’t offer a whole lot in terms of ball reaction, but that’s its intended purpose.  It certainly contributes to the over all smooth and soft ball reaction.  Besides, Track has several other pieces with more dynamic cores.

Cover 8/10

The LMP Gen 1 T cover is apparently brand new for Track, intended to read the lane early and provide a smooth overall reaction.  It seems to do the job of creating the ball reaction Track was after.  I can’t really comment about longevity since it’s brand new.

Reaction 8/10

The ball lives up to its expectations.  It has a nice arcing ball reaction since it reads the lanes relatively early.  It creates a control type of reaction.  Track likens it to a step down from the 505T ball reaction, when the 505T is too much ball.  I would also say that for your typical house shot, particularly those which are on the drier side, this ball can be used first out of the bag.  It doesn’t do anything outrageous.  Its finish smooths out over/under.  It offers some forgiveness due to its smoothness, allowing you to get to the pocket more often.  It was clear that this ball prefers more direct lines than swing shots as it simply doesn’t store enough energy to cover a whole lot of boards.

Overall 8/10

This is a pretty solid low end control ball.  I can’t think of many low end balls that offer this kind of control motion.  Many manufacturers have balls in their low end which are very clean through the fronts and a bit more skid/flippy.  This ball is nothing like that.  It resembles more the “snow tire” like reaction from the high end “oilers” but can be used on drier conditions.  I think it fills a nice niche and many may find this kind of control reaction to their liking when dry conditions seem to make everything hook too much.