I just came across this in one of my old files, dated 11/5/2008. It describes the original transition of AZO to Lane Maters, when LM purchased AZO.
The AZO Tactics was one of the last domestic releases of the AZO brand affiliated with Lane Masters. In 2002, AZO poured the first Lane Masters ball, the Extreme Impact. From 02 until 04, both AZO and Lane Masters balls were poured at their manufacturing facility in Southern CA. In 2004, Lane Masters acquired AZO and moved the manufacturing facility up to the current location in Stockton. The AZO name was sold to an overseas 3rd party around 05-06. They, in turn, sold it to Storm a short time after.
The carbon particles used in the Tactics would be the same as ones used in Lane Masters balls of that era. I believe we still have the core molds here for that ball, should there ever be enough demand to use it. Many of the people who produced the old AZO balls relocated to our current facility, and are still on the production line.
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Darren Fields
Art Director
Lane Masters Bowling
