- Paradox Trilogy

First Impressions
The Track Paradox Trilogy, released in September 2016, comes in a striking color combination of blue, silver and black. The mix of design and technical specifications aims to give bowlers a pronounced backend reaction on medium to heavy oil conditions. Inside the ball works the asymmetric I-Core 2.0. At fifteen pounds, this core features a low RG of 2.480 and a high differential of 0.057. Those numbers point to enormous flare potential, which according to the manufacturer has been increased by twenty percent over the original I-Core construction. The core is wrapped in the QR-10 Hybrid cover. This surface is sanded at the factory with 500 and 1000 Abralon and then polished to a high gloss with Power House Factory Finish Polish. The nature of the surface should let the ball glide effortlessly through the heads and store enough energy for a definite, angular move at the end of the oil pattern. Together these components produce a ball reaction built for maximum length and a strongly pronounced hook at the breakpoint.
Comparison Compared to its predecessors in the same series, the Track Paradox Trilogy positions itself as the option with the most length and the most aggressive change of direction. While the original Track Paradox grabbed extremely early with its matte surface and was designed for heavily oiled lanes, the Paradox Trilogy glides considerably easier through the front part of the lane. Against the Track Paradox Pearl as well, the hybrid version offers a bit more length, but should produce a noticeably sharper reaction at the breakpoint. Comparing the ball to models from other manufacturers of the same era, such as the Storm Phaze II, the Paradox Trilogy shows a completely different character. The Storm Phaze II offers a more continuous, rounder and earlier motion thanks to its matte solid coverstock and symmetric core. The Track Paradox Trilogy, on the other hand, uses its polished hybrid surface to get past the early friction and answers with a much more abrupt move as soon as it reaches the dry boards. That creates an extreme angle into the pocket, which makes it especially valuable when duller, earlier balls start losing too much energy in the heads. In a direct comparison with an asymmetric pearl ball like the Ebonite Real One, the Paradox Trilogy offers a bit more midlane control through the solid portion in its cover, while still keeping a very strong and quick backend reaction.
On the Lanes The Track Paradox Trilogy is primarily designed for medium to heavy oil conditions. Its polished QR-10 Hybrid cover makes sure it still gets cleanly through the front part of the lane once the oil pattern changes with steady play. In the transition phase, when deeper lines have to be played and the ball has to be sent farther outside, the Paradox Trilogy shows its greatest strengths. The asymmetric I-Core 2.0 helps the ball retain enough energy from wide angles for a powerful move into the pocket, which should allow reliable carry even from steep entry angles. If you throw the ball fast, you'll appreciate the fact that the hybrid portion of the cover keeps it from sliding too far out of control and lets it read the breakpoint dependably. At the same time, bowlers with lower speed benefit from the smooth surface, since the ball does not develop hook too early and holds its energy. But once the amount of oil on the lane gets too low or the lanes are extremely dry, the ball can be hard to control because of its strong core and can show too violent a reaction to friction. In those cases a quick change to weaker, symmetric balls is advisable. All in all, the Track Paradox Trilogy is a solid option for bowlers looking for a ball that goes consistently through the heads and offers an uncompromisingly sharp reaction on the backend.