- Strike Machine

First Impressions
The Track Strike Machine is a rare overseas release that immediately catches the eye on the lane with its striking red, gold and black color scheme. Technically, this bowling ball is built around a powerful asymmetric core with a 2.517 RG and a 0.052 differential. This combination should deliver a quick rev-up already in the heads along with very high flare potential. The cover is the proven Nano Tread Reactive coverstock, which the developers designed specifically for improved traction on oilier lane conditions. The chemical makeup of this cover allows the ball to build kinetic energy early and to glide extremely stably through the applied oil. Since this ball is a model produced primarily for the Asian and international markets and released in the period before Ebonite took over Track, the Strike Machine is today considered a special piece of bowling history. Even so, the material can still show very solid performance numbers by today's standards. The deliberate interplay of the asymmetric block and the extremely tacky surface aims primarily at giving the bowler an enormously reliable, even and easily readable ball motion that is simple to adjust.
Comparison Comparing the ball motion of the Track Strike Machine with better-known and more modern models reveals some clear and interesting differences. Against an absolute classic and benchmark ball like the Storm Phaze II, the Strike Machine builds traction noticeably earlier thanks to its special Nano Tread cover and offers an overall rounder, steadier move toward the pocket. While the Storm Phaze II is often valued for its massive, sharp hook at the end of the oil pattern, the Track Strike Machine behaves much more predictably and is considerably less jumpy as soon as it hits the first friction. Drawing an in-brand comparison to the well-known Track Power Machine, which among bowlers is better known for its extreme length and a very angular backend reaction, the Strike Machine reads the lane considerably earlier. This characteristic should effectively make it far less prone to unexpected and faulty overreaction on dry boards. The asymmetric weight distribution inside also gives it optimal support in generating enough energy for an effective hook even from flatter, more direct angles, without the bowler ever losing the feel for absolute ball control.
On the Lanes In practical use on the lane, the Track Strike Machine suits mainly medium to distinctly heavier oil volumes. The inherently tacky surface helps enormously in getting through the oiled heads safely and without energy loss, and without sliding uncontrollably. If you have a lower to medium rev rate in particular, you can benefit greatly from the complex asymmetric core construction, since it proactively helps the ball get into the proper roll phase on its own and quickly. On fresh patterns the ball should continuously provide a consistent hook that hits the pocket with enough power and an optimal entry angle for excellent carry. When the lane dries up over the course of league play or a tournament and the dreaded transition sets in, you may need to move progressively further left on the boards. Otherwise, with too much friction, the very strong cover would burn up its rotational energy too early and weaken the ball in front of the pins. For bowlers who are specifically looking for a predictable, smooth-running ball for difficult, unpredictable or heavily oiled conditions and who strictly want to avoid erratic backend reactions, this model is an extremely interesting option. The entire setup is engineered to maximize overall forgiveness and to ensure a steady, continuous motion through the pin deck.