- Power Torq

First Impressions
The Columbia 300 Power Torq shows up in its signature Sky Blue color scheme, and it is not a remake of the early 1990s Power Torq — the name was brought back as a nod to the brand's history, but the core and coverstock combination are new. Columbia 300 has returned to pouring multi-density cores, something Columbia 300 once pioneered and was known for. Multi-density cores make it possible to control mass properties within the core body in order to enhance the desired ball motion. The ball uses a symmetrical Torq core with a low 2.489 RG at 15 pounds and a 0.054 differential. The cover is the ERT base, poured as a solid, and it includes a light dose of traction-enhancing glitter. The factory finish is 500/2000 Siaair Micro Pad.
Comparison
In comparison, the Power Torq sets up three boards farther right at the breakpoint than the Columbia 300 Command Solid. The Power Torq's downlane motion was smoother than the Dynamic Swing's and delivered more of a strong arcing move. Compared directly to the pearl version, the Power Torq retains less energy for the backend, while the pearl version offers more length after duller balls like the Power Torq have already gone down the lane. The symmetrical Torq core is meant to produce length and retain energy, which makes this the perfect "benchmark" ball in the bag. The new ERT solid reactive cover, finished at 500/2000 Siaair Micro Pad, can handle medium to heavy lanes with continuous backend motion.
On the Lanes
The Power Torq is a solid, sanded ball, but it is not the heavy oil ball. It is designed to work across a variety of conditions and will likely prove to be the most versatile ball in the lineup. Testers appreciated how predictable the Power Torq was at the breakpoint on the heavy oil test pattern. Shots that missed slightly right of target had no trouble digging into the oil and coming back to the pocket. The ball needs to be kept in the oil once the heads and the track area start to dry up. Small parallel moves inward help find more oil when the ball starts hitting flat at the pins. You can play straight when you need to, but you can also play much deeper than expected. The ball gives you confidence swinging it, because you know it will make the turn. That versatility makes it an ideal candidate if you're looking for a reliable all-arounder for medium to medium-heavy lane conditions and you value predictable arc motion.