- Melt Down

First Impressions
The Columbia 300 Melt Down makes an impression as a burly heavy hitter with its black and orange solid design. Inside works the massive asymmetric SD Medium RG Core, which comes with a 2.500 RG, a hefty 0.054 differential and an intermediate differential. For the cover, Columbia 300 relies on the extremely tacky QR-7 Solid Reactive coverstock. This combination of the asymmetric core and the rough cover should make the ball dominate the heads and save all of its energy for a massive, steady pull in the midlane.
Comparison
Compared directly to the Columbia 300 Mad Antics, the Melt Down behaves extremely similarly in terms of volume, but its stronger cover gives it an identical, drastic and even slightly earlier roll phase. Next to the Storm Alpha Crux, the Melt Down delivers far more traction, yet builds a similarly powerful hook at the breakpoint thanks to its asymmetric core engine. When friction on the lane is high and the transition dries up the front part of the lane, the Melt Down burns up its energy immediately.
On the Lanes
The Columbia 300 Melt Down is ideally suited to lane conditions with extremely high oil volume. If you're a stroker or throw the ball fast, it gives you the option of playing in the deep oil, since the cover generates massive traction while the asymmetric core provides the strong backend. The enormous drive toward the pocket should deliver convincing carry. On dry lanes, however, this ball is too aggressive because of its matte finish. It's an absolute weapon for the start of a block.