Just some idle thoughts -

While I recognize that almost any ball can be "forced" into becoming a control ball via drilling and/or surface modification, still it seems odd that Track does not have any balls designed to be a control ball except for the Desert Heat. And then, that's because it's also designed for very dry lanes.

The Arsenal Aggressive is close, but with those special particles, both large and small, it is "almost" a control ball but not really. Upon re-thought and re-edit, the new Solution PP may be closer to a control ball than the AAgg, but it still needs a control drill, in my opinion.

I wish Track would design one, but I wonder if it would sell enough to justify its existence. Not really, I imagine, with everyone seeming to want the most hook, all the time, everywhere ...

Storm had a great one a few "generations" ago in the Bolt Pro. Visionary has a very good one in the Blue/Green Centaur. The new Legends New Standard 2 is another new one with great potential (haven't tried it yet; so I can't confirm it).
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Life ... is what you make of it. No, really!


Edited on 10/19/2005 8:59 PM

Charlest-

I totally agree on the Desert Heat...very smooth hook, definitely a control ball.  I think it's the best ball for dry lanes that I've had since my Battle Zone Cannon ...which I used until I drilled a Desert Heat about a month ago.

I've drilled several balls recently, mainly from Track, with control in mind.  I think the Freak-a-Zoid falls under the category of "control", virtually irregardless of what drilling you put on it.  That and the Desert are my favorite equipment at the moment.

I think the Slash with certain drillings could also fall into the control category, but like you said, this might require a little more thought than punching up a FAZ.
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Jeff Voght
PBA Eastern Region Member

Well, I think that the Ebonite OPTYX Illusion is a very good "Control" ball. I know that 1) they are discontinued, and 2) it's an Ebonite ball, and this is a Track board...but I figured I'd give y'all my two cents.

Big Willy Style

PS...I know it's a few years back, but what about the Track Triton Elite? I'd think that it'd be a decent ball to get a read of the lanes with (as long as you didn't give it a max drilling).
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You know, one of the reasons I think Track doesnt release a "control" ball is because with drilling and prep, you can obtain a control ball from something in their lineup. All of their equipment is versatile. Some pieces are versatile enough to be a control ball for some people.

As mentioned, the Slash, FAZ and even the Solution PP could all be control balls with the proper drill and prep. Maybe they figure that they would be wasting time and money in developing a product considering they have a few balls that can be made that way already.
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charlest,

Now I admit, most of Track's balls are about being able to go left to right and turning the corner but I'd have to disagree about the Aggressive.  But first, you have to define the constraints of the "control" ball.  Is it even rolling?  Doesn't hook much?  Low flare?  What type of cover?  What drilling do you have to put on it and what reaction to achieve "control" ball status?  

Regarding, the Aggressive, I feel it's easily Track's best control ball.  The particles in that ball give just enough bite to take the kick out of strong backends, wet/drys and tougher conditions.  It covers a wide range of conditions and the coverstock lifespan excellent (still going strong after 8 months).  There are no surprises with this ball.

The Blue Heat is close but I feel the coverstock on the Aggressive is better and more versatile.  I'd say the Slash/Solution on lighter conditions simply becase IMHO, the stronger the cover you can use, the more control you have because the ball will read and eliminate the wiggle downlane.  That's why you often see guys throwing super aggressive balls with 6+" pins on hooking conditions instead of balls like the Desert Heat.  

Lastly, like others said.  The name of the game is sales.  Why make a specialty ball if several of your current balls can be made into that "specialty" ball.
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Anthony Chapman
Track International Staff
Turbo Grips 2-N-1 Staff

Hey Charlest,

You kind of answered the majority of your question with this.  

quote:

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While I recognize that almost any ball can be "forced" into becoming a control ball via drilling and/or surface modification

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I wouldn't use the word "forced", I consider this manipulating the core and cover as when we apply "any" layout to a ball to create a desired reaction.  We do this all the time, whether we lay it out to be "strong" or "weak".

I feel the reasoning in creating a ball that is too controlled will not allow for flexibility in drilling or be able to fit it into the category considered as the "majority" of bowlers.  I can now only sell that to crankers or strong handed players as the avg tweener may not get enough reaction from the ball.  

This is a digging into more of a "Bones" question but from experience, I'd say about 90% (if not more) of my customers are happier to see a ball that can hook and go high vs come up short and not hook enough....
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