I just went to the Track website to read up on this ball and it has a 42 hook rating in oil, which is the 2nd highest number of any Track ball. (The Robo Rule has a 43 rating and tats the highest)

This ball is listed for use on medium lanes but the numbers imply it can be used on heavier patterns.. I also see its compound finish with magic shine. To me thats a pretty polished cover, thus not great for heavier patterns..

So what conditions is this ball really for??
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The 2006 Slump is here...

I personally find the numbers misleading.
I just got both the other day they are both drilled 3.75 x 4.75 (Pin x MB).
The Robo is much stronger in the oil than the Machine.
I haven't got to use them on the fresh yet but I gave them a trial run yesterday on a shot that was left over from our Friday morning Seniors league. The lanes were fresh inside but the track area was sloppy from all 8 player playing that area. All were using weaker balls or plastic pretty much pointing it at the pocket definately no crankers burning up the shot.
With the Machine I had my best look standing on 35 setting down on 25-26 and targeting a break point around 6-8 at 45-48' I was able to get it to push through the track area to the outside where there were clean backends. This gave me a strong transition off the dry not a flip but definately strong. On the other hand I could not get the Robo to push through the track area playing the same line/speed, when I raised my speed a bit to get it through it would not recover due to using up too much energy. The best line for me with the Robo was to standing on 30 setting down on 20-21 and targeting a break point around 10-12 this allowed me to go where the carrydown was heaviest which gave the ball a touch more push for a smooth transition to the pocket. When I played that line with the Machine it would kind of squirt in the carrydown it would still get to the pocket but was a bit inconsistent.
The condition is 70ish units from 8-8 @ 10' tappering down from there so there is no lack of oil in the middle.
The OOB of the Machine is a very light polish.
See profile for more details.
Hope this helps.
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Edited on 3/25/2006 12:51 PM

Overall hook numbers have not been applicable to the amount of oil a ball can handle since about 1990 or 1992. Particle pearls (the Machine) can handle oil amounts from medium-light all the way to heavy DEPENDING on how they are drilled, how much hand you have and how the ball is drilled. Drilling scan take strong Mass Bias/PSA balls all the way from one end of the hook spectrum to the other.

Since it is a compound finish (NOT a high gloss polish), since this is a strong Mass Bias/PSA ball, and since it does have particles, it has the potential to hook a lot. I see no reason to doubt the hook numbers.

As per usual, sanding it will make it hook earlier and probably more than a polish. Weaker drillings can make it hook less and backend less.

It looks like this ball is full of potential, to be almost anything you want it to be.

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"None are so blind as those who will not see."
(That includes me too, at times! )

The Machine can handle some oil, even with its OOB finish. As for a flood.....I believe a coverstock adjustment could place it equal or maybe even more than the Robo.......mainly due to the MB rating of the Machine.

-Carl
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C-G Pro Shop (owner/operator)
Youngstown Ohio

Track Intl.-Amateur/Pro Shop Staff
www.trackbowling.com
www.startabowlingrevolution.com


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