Ball: Drilled 4 1/2x 4 1/2 pin from PAP (above ring finger), CG directly underneath. No weighthole needed. Left it in its OOB finish.
Lane Condition: THS, 36ft buffed to 44ft, heavy oil in the middle tapers from 10 board out, 3 units of oil 5 board and out.
Line: I used the Desert in direct comparison with the Heat. I was able to stand further right with The Desert Heat than I have any ball outside of plastic on this shot. I was able to stand on 18 and play straight up 10. I have not been able to play straight on this pattern ever (once again, outside of plastic). I had room right, and the Desert did not overreact off of the dry. I half expected it to, because everything else does. I picked up the Heat and tried the same line....it went down and jumped much stronger off of the dry and took out the 4-7. I was shocked. In a basic comparison, the Heat is about 5 boards stronger and reacts much more violently off of the dry.
Reaction: Extremely long.....and suprisingly tame on the backend. A few of the more popular bowling magazines reviewed the Desert Heat recently and I agree with one statement that seems to be popular about it......it hooks so little, that many bowlers could use it as a spare ball. Very smooth off of the dry. I think this is the reaction that everyone that bought a Dry Heat wanted.
Impact: OK...so normally I do not expect much "hit" out of a ball for dry lanes, I was taken by how well the Desert Heat levels the pins. It tends to keep the pins pretty low...which for me is a plus. I threw the equivalent of 7-8 games with it tonight......1 ten pin. <<<<This is a weak ball, and I only leave 1 ten pin? I am in heaven.
Readability: FOR ME, this is definately not a ball to pull out of the bag first. When you need a ball to clear the heads as they dry up, and tame down the breakpoint, reach for the Desert Heat.......but to read a pattern, Track has many better options.
OVERALL Comments: Many bowlers liked the Roto Grip Sonic X Pearl for dry, the Desert Heat is similiar, only it doesn't jump off of the dry the way the Sonic X Pearl did. Guys/Gals.....it is here, Track's "TRUE DRY LANE BALL". You will not be disappointed. I drilled mine with a "semi aggressive" layout for me, I could only imagine how it would work with a weaker drilling. This ball was a much needed addition to Track's Lineup. Grab one when they hit your pro shop!
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C-G Pro Shop (owner/operator)
Youngstown Ohio
Track Intl.-Amateur/Pro Shop Staff
www.trackbowling.com
