The new Tropical Heat Hybrid, purple/black has great shelf appeal with its 4000 grit purple and black Reactor hybrid cover stock. At a quick glance, it resembles a dull Victory road Pearl. The Tropical Heat hybrid has the same Turbine core found in the previously released Tropical Heat balls. I drilled the hybrid pin 1â€over ring, with the cg located about 2†from my PAP (5 ¾ x2x1 ½). I placed a rather large hole on my PAP. I drilled this Heat to compliment my red and blue pearl Heat. They share the same pin position, but the difference being the pearl has no extra weight hole with the cg being placed on my grip line. I like to use the pearl when I get in, and need to cover some boards on medium length conditions like the Chameleon. I drilled the Heat hybrid to use when there is more oil on the lane, and I need a dull cover to change direction, and roll while still getting through the heads. So far, this Heat Hybrid has not disappointed me.
This Hybrid Heat is the first Tropical Heat to be released with a dulled cover. At only 4000 abralon, it does yield a nice bite in the backend of the lane, without slowing down too fast and reading the front of the lane. For a sanded cover ball, it has plenty of strength down lane. Although the hybrid Heat changes direction quite well, it still isn’t as snappy as the other polished Heats that were its predecessors.
The hybrid will be a good ball for bowlers not wanting the “skid-snap†of the pearl Tropical Heats or the polished silver and black Hybrid, but still desiring an angular motion in the backend of the lane with a little more overall hook potential. If you are looking for a good medium to medium light oil ball that will allow you to chase the pattern in as they dry up, then the Tropical Heat hybrid purple and black will be a great ball with a great price!