LANE CONDITION
Length: 41'
Volume: medium to medium-heavy volume of oil, fresh pattern
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): THS
--and--
Length: 39'
Volume: medium to medium-heavy amount of volume, quick breakdown
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): Modified USBC OC pattern (Baton Rouge, 2012, adjustment = decreased volume outside of 5 by 50%)
COMMENTS
Likes: Track's 718A was designed with the intention of being an upgrade to the 715A which was the very first ball released in the "7" series Upper Mid Performance line; this ball has the UMP (Upper Mid Performance) Gen 4A Reactive Pearl coverstock designed to give easy length with a nice strong Angular motion in the backend
The layout I chose for this ball was the ever popular "RICO" layout (pin in the palm, MB at 45 degrees with a weighthole 6 3/4" from the pin...in this case directly through the MB) to have this ball be a compliment to my first 718A which was pin over middle finger (approximately 6" from PAP) and MB near the thumb (will get Dual Angle measurements shortly).
The RICO layout on this ball allows it to grab the midlane much earlier than any other 718A i've seen, whether pin up or pin down, but the cover and core of the ball still allow the ball to retain energy and use it all up on the backend; this combination of layout plus a different surface prep (sanded the ball to 1000 grit before drilling and polished with Powerhouse Factory Finish) gives the ball a uniquely strong reaction which is very useful on medium volume patterns, both house shot and sport
Dislikes: Once the oil in the heads starts to disappear and I have to chase the pattern left, because of the stronger pin this ball struggles from deeper inside angles, however, there are other balls with more conventional layouts that will let me have success from deeper angles (please note this is more of a commentary on the limitations of the layout rather than the limitations of the ball, my previously described 718A with the pin over the middle finger is a great example of a ball with a more conventional layout that allows me to get left quickly and really open up the lane)
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS