Is it me or has the popularity of particle bowling balls died? I remember not that long ago they where in use, but now (maybe in my areas I've been) they aren't in use? Is this a common trend everywhere? Is there a reason why people have stop using them as much or are companies just producing less because of the strength of the other solids?

Just something I've been thinking about.

Particle balls with the exception of just a couple (Mainly Lanemasters/Legends) disappeared 6-7 years ago.

Particle balls (as they use to be) faded from the scene because they were found to have only a limited range of use .

Most of the time conditions didn't warrant the use of them and The pros found that reactive solids and pearls proved to be more versatile over a wider range of conditions.

While today's balls (Pearls, Hybrids etc.) do contain "Additives" which are particles (so in one sense they are particle balls) (marketing plays a part, the word "Particle" has a stigma attached to it.)

That doesn't necessarily make it a "Particle Ball", The particle size and loads would have to be looked at to place it in the right category.

Particle balls back in the day used a larger size flakes to increase traction, while balls like pearls used a much smaller size.

Also Particle ball maintenance was slightly different, hence the reliance on the use of scotchbrites.

Is it me or has the popularity of particle bowling balls died? I remember not that long ago they where in use, but now (maybe in my areas I've been) they aren't in use? Is this a common trend everywhere? Is there a reason why people have stop using them as much or are companies just producing less because of the strength of the other solids?

Just something I've been thinking about.

You are laboring under a false assumption, caused by the current marketing philosophy of bowling balls.

Short answer is they are alive and well.
As someone already said, Storm balls with "Nano technology" (the NRG coverstock), Roto-Grip balls with "Microbite technology (Defiiant and HyperCell) are all particle balls.

Lord Filed and LaneMasters have been making balls  with particles and specifically marketed as such.

900Global has been making them under the 900G and the AMF brands for a long time, without using the word, particles.

like what charlest said, particle balls are alive and well.

I have a TPR from Lordfield and it reminds me of my old V2 particle on medium conditions.