I can't give you much as to how the Tropical would roll compared to the old-school reactives, but I can tell you that adding surface to the Tropical can and does work wonders (depending upon what you're looking for). I took my Tropical Breeze to 500 grit to get it to read earlier and smooth out the over/under I was seeing at box finish, and the ball was amazing. The grit got it reading the lane sooner and made it SUPER predictable. It allowed me to play up the outside with more confidence than I've ever had since the urethane days. For me, the Tropical Breeze has been one of the best light-oil pieces I've ever thrown, and it became so AFTER I took the surface down to 500.

The Breezes are VERY mild. It's really one of the only true light oil reactives I've ever found. In comparison, the original Tropical Storm I had back in the day was way more aggressive. That ball was allergic to oil, but it snapped hard when it found dry. For me, the Breezes are rollier by nature and really don't look to make a big move even when they find the friction. I simply say all this because I'm not sure that a control drilling is even going to be necessary unless you have a ton of hand.

I would be inclined to say that a standard drilling will be fine. For me, the bigger factor was knocking the surface polish off. Once I did that, the ball because a miracle for me. I can use it as a spare ball and as a great piece for playing straight up the outside. It's just smooth and rolly all the way.

I knocked off the shine with a fresh 4k with my TB. It was o/u during transition for me with the stock cover, but I could stay with this ball through the whole set barely moving with 4k. actually, I was moving right at LP instead of left. If there was push down lane, the TB could still make the turn from outside avoiding the mess on the track down lane. At the same time, it shim'd when I pulled it for high flush lol...

TB was my primary ball for several years at LP and I'm getting one again (sold the 14 punders x2) after OCT.

I think it takes to surface changes quite well. I've LOVED mine at 500; it gave it a urethane-like reaction with just a touch more movement and better hit. Still, to each his own!

True enough

I have a natural heavy roll, I struggle on dry and most of my stuff are polished with UFO with 4k or 5k underneath the polish. Though my tilt is still very low, I've increased my rotation somewhat.... Here's a video with the TB with 4K no polish.....Lanes 32 at LP

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jiwCjuzrEcU