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Ball Review


Radical: Torrid Affair Hook 52 • Length 15 • Breakpoint Shape 15


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“We started out here to add a solid version of the Torrid Elite [March 2013] to the EZ-Use line,” says Radical’s Phil Cardinale. “So we kept the core the same and wrapped it with a new cover. The secret to the increased performance is found in a new additive. In essence, we created a new performance level — thus the new name, Torrid Affair. Expect a stronger overall motion and a significantly stronger back-end reaction off the spot.” Core Design: The symmetric core shape is designed for “EZ-Use,” i.e., moderately powerful and predictable. The RG measures a low 2.48, with a .047 differential. We saw upwards of 5 inches of track flare with the 3.5- and 4.5-inch pin distance dual angle layouts. Coverstock: The solid reactive coverstock is sanded with 500, 1000 and 2000 Sia Air pads, then shined with Rough Buff and factory polish. The high-gloss appearance limits oil traction yet gives us a moderately quick reaction downlane off friction. The Ra measures a conservative 1.7, with an effective surface grit of 5000. Colors are a mix of dark and light red.


Test Results: The EZ-Use line was developed for the masses: many applications with controllable power. The Torrid Affair fits this billing perfectly, but with a little bit of an attitude downlane. The polished solid cover, powered by the massive symmetric core, will match up nicely on most medium-volume house or Sport patterns. We saw a sprinkling of skid/flip motion on the fresh on both types of patterns, and a more controlled back-end motion as the lanes transitioned. Hitting and carry power were very good, as was the


ball’s ability to handle moderate amounts of carrydown. Heavier oil created some issues for all but our slower speed tester. Sanding the surface will open up the hook range, if that’s what the lane is asking for. When to Use: Use confidently on the vast majority of house and/or Sport patterns with medium volumes and medium pattern lengths. The powerful core helps read the midlane accurately and with the controlled motion shape that many league bowlers prefer. The moderately quick response off friction helps provide enough angularity without being too quick or snappy downlane. When a more aggressive motion is warranted, the Reax Pearl or Yeti (May 2013) will fill the bill perfectly.


TIPS AND TRICKS TO MAKE YOU A BETTER BOWLER


Amf: Heat Stroke Hook 46 • Length 16 • Breakpoint Shape 14.5


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Manufacturer’s Intent: “The Heat Stroke was designed to be smooth and controllable on lanes that have more friction,” says 900 Global/AMF Vice President of International Sales Dave Smart. “Usually a ball that is designed for drier lanes will make a strong, hard flip downlane. You will find the Heat Stroke to be very controllable and smooth off the break point. This is all due to the F55 Pearl coverstock and medium-flaring 2.49 RG symmetric core. The Heat Stroke will help bowlers see a longer and more controllable reaction on medium to drier lanes, while maintaining a strong drive through the pit.” Core Design: The low-RG 2.49 core has a .033 differential. Testing showed that nearly 3.5 inches of track flare can be achieved with strong 3.5- or 4.5-inch pin distance drillings. The familiar shape and numbers help create length and a smoother down-lane motion shape. Coverstock: The F55 pearlized cover is factory polished and colored in fire and brimstone (deep red and charcoal). The responsiveness off friction is moderate


and the traction in oil limited. Our laser scanner found the effective surface grit to be 5500, with a Ra reading of 1.7, great for light to light- medium oil volumes. Test Results: The core/cover combination provided easy length with a slow, controlled, arcing breakpoint shape on the majority of our test patterns. Even our 450 rev rate tester was able to control the down-lane motion on lighter oil. Our look improved and the pin carry percentage got better as the condition


got drier. When confronted with too much oil or moderate amounts of carrydown, the Heat Stroke displayed down-lane oil wiggle and an inconsistent breakpoint read. But on the burn, everything was peaches and cream, with some of the best results we have ever seen on dry. When to Use: Use when facing extremely dry or broken-down lane conditions, or when a slower reaction off friction is called for. We had great matchups from both extreme outside and inside angles, as long as carrydown didn’t hamper the reaction. When lightly scuffed with a 4000 Neat pad, the motion was both earlier and even less angular, which matched up nicely on shorter patterns such as the PBA Cheetah.


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