For my FAZ, I decided on a 5X5 layout w/ the pin above the fingers and CG in the label area just on the pos. side of the grip centerline. The high RG drilling coupled w/ the pearlized PowerPlus reactive coverstock produced as strong a backend reaction that I could handle, a really defined move to the pocket, even for a symmetrical core. The layout resulted in 5" of track flare, and still resulted in retention of axis rotation well down the lane, at least to the 35' mark. On a worn wood surface that puts out the defintion of "house wall", a 25' oil, 40' buff top hat condition, the FAZ is my primary ball and remains in play quite easily through all 3 games of league. In summary, if you are looking for a "benchmark" ball reminiscient of the Danger Zone, the FAZ can assume that role in today's game.

Chuck Schommer
Track Amateur Staff

I have had my FAZ for a while now so I figured I can post a review on it now.

Ball Specs: 15 lbs 4 oz, 2" pin, 2 3/4 oz tw.

Drill Pattern: Basically a stacked leverage drill. Pin beside ring, cg stacked below with a weight hole 1" before PAP.

Lane Conditions: Various

Lane Surface: Wood and AMF HPL Synthetics

I was expecting a smooth reacting control piece with this ball. OOB this ball was a monster, but once I got some games on it, it tamed down a bit.

First condition was a fresh THS. Medium oil volume, oiled 5 to 5. Oiled to 28, buffed to 40. On this condition the FAZ was very aggressive for me. It really jumped off the dry and had a very powerful, strong arching reaction to it. I had to play pretty deep to get it to the pocket. I was standing on 27, hitting 16 at the arrows out to 8 and the ball came roaring back.

Second condition was a second shift THS. Same pattern as above except with a bit of carrydown. I was able to move right and play a nice controlled arc on this shot. The ball didnt squirt on the carrydown because it started up early enough to roll through it. Very nice controlled reaction on this shot. I stood on 22 to 14 out to 10 for a small controlled arc. Very good on this condition.

Third condition was a late block, spotty heads and spotty backends. Most of the oil was in the middle as the outsides were pretty burnt. I had to move real deep and play standing on 30 hitting 20 out to 14 and the ball again had a nice controlled arching reaction to it. I am not comfortable playing this deep but the ball can definately be played from this angle.

Last condition was on a second shift shot on the new synthetics. Medium oil THS, 5-5 but shorter than above. Oiled to 24 buffed to 38. The ball was nice and controlled on this shot. The lane surface doesnt promote any jumpiness out of the ball. It was smooth all the way down the lane. Very nice reaction. Played the same line as on the second condition.

Overall, the FAZ is a nice controllable piece once it is "broken in" a bit. OOB for me was to aggressive off the dry. Once "broken in" it has a nice controlled reaction to it. It reads the lanes well and hits the pins with authority. Keeps the pins low and just flushes everything back. A very nice ball from Track.

8.5 out of 10 on this piece.
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I just close my eyes and throw the ball