Jonathon,
Sorry, I didn't see your post earlier, so my response is less than timely.
I have the Messenger Traction and have had the original Titanium Messenger (red/blue) in the past. I liked my original Ti because it fit into the low end of my arsenal. The Traction, on the other hand, fits closer to the high end of my arsenal. I have it drilled with a 4" pin, 60-degree layout, with the pin just above my ring finger. I have kept it polished, and it still makes a strong, early move for me. It seems to be condition-specific for me. It needs plenty of head oil and polish (for me, anyway). When it starts to track up or the heads becomes choppy, it does not perform as well for me.
Bottom line is that I like the ball, as long as I find the right conditions upon which to use it. It's more of an arsenal ball for me, rather than a first out of the bag, benchmark ball.
I hope this helps.
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RW (THB)