- Tactix

First Impressions
The Track Tactix comes in a striking Electric Blue and positions itself as a solid benchmark ball in Track's upper mid performance line. The asymmetric Starship core shows moderate asymmetry with a 2.50 RG (16 lbs), a 0.045 differential (16 lbs) and a 0.010 intermediate differential. The QR-9 solid coverstock is offered in its solid formulation for the first time, after the QR-9 series had previously only been available as a hybrid on the Paradox. The factory surface of 500/2000 Abralon should allow plenty of hook in the midlane with a strong move at the breakpoint.
Comparison
The Tactix sits between the Roto Grip Halo and Idol, sharing the rolling nature of those balls but offering less hook-set than the Halo and more downlane motion than the Idol. The closest comparison balls were the Track Cyborg and Legion Solid, with the Tactix showing different characteristics thanks to its new Starship core than the Logix, which uses the LT-2 core from the Legion Solid. The strong surface is similar to the Columbia 300 Savage in its aggressiveness. Compared to the Logix, the Tactix offers a lower RG and higher differential through the Starship core, which generates more flare in oil. The shape is less angular than typical hybrids, but more continuous than strongly asymmetric balls.
On the Lanes
The Tactix is meant to serve as a first ball out of the bag on medium to heavy oil patterns. On the 45-foot PBA Dragon pattern the ball made the pattern play like a 35-foot pattern, which underlines its strength on longer sport shots. Characteristic is the heavy midlane roll with continuous motion into the backend. The Starship core was developed for heavy midlane roll, with the moderate asymmetry allowing quick pickup without burning all the energy in one spot. If you have a higher rev rate and moderate speed, it offers reliable pocket-finding, while if your rev rate is lower you may need surface adjustments. The shape was somewhat better on heavy than on medium oil patterns. The ball is especially suited if you're looking for a controllable but still strong ball for oily conditions, with the QR-9 solid formulation promising good traction in the midlane with continuation through the pin deck.