Ebonite and the other Ebonite-owned companies are already making a slew of balls with catchy (and not-so catchy) names.
It seems to me that Track hasn't been doing all that well since Ebonite picked them up, and it's definitely time for them to re-invent the Track brand. It doesn't make sense for Ebonite to start producing Track balls that will just compete with the other Ebonite-owned lines. I'm sure Ebonite's objective is to steal away a few customers from Storm/Roto-Grip, 900 Global, Brunswick, Morich, Lane Masters, and Visionary.
With Track's new number/letter naming system, it seems that Ebonite is trying to either develop or tap into a small "niche" market. It appears that the plan is to develop a system for elite bowlers to be able to easily discern what they're purchasing by looking at the ball rather than going to the spec sheet.
All things considered, it's a brilliant strategy. Sure Track will lure some elite bowlers who currently purchase balls produced by Ebonite, Columbia, and Hammer, but they're also likely to lure customers away from their competitors.
Remember, a significant number of elite bowlers don't just buy one or two balls a year. Trying to tap into the market of bowlers who buy several balls a year by using a somewhat "gimmicky" naming system is pretty smart marketing in my eyes.
Edited on 6/7/2009 7:27 AM