- Kinetic Emerald

First Impressions
Released in February 2017, the Track Kinetic Emerald gets a lot of bowling fans excited because it brings back the legendary Modified Kinetic core. This asymmetric core is a technical oddity: at 15 pounds it delivers a very low RG of 2.49 and a moderate differential of 0.038. What really stands out, though, is the extremely low intermediate differential of just 0.005. That technically makes it an asymmetric ball, yet one that often behaves as controllably as a symmetric ball, but with a very particular "kick" at the breakpoint. This core is wrapped in the DR-7 Pearl (Delayed Reaction) reactive coverstock. From the factory, the ball is sanded with 500/1000 Abralon and then polished to a high shine with Powerhouse Factory Finish Polish. The Emerald Green and Gold Pearl look is unmistakable and immediately signals length and backend reaction.
Comparison Compared directly to the Track Heat, which plays in a similar performance class, the Kinetic Emerald offers a somewhat more defined move at the breakpoint thanks to the asymmetric core. Where the Heat (symmetric) runs more rounded, the Kinetic "snaps" a bit more sharply without becoming uncontrollable. Compared to the original Kinetic (or the Kinetic Ruby), the DR-7 Pearl cover provides even more length through the heads and a quicker response to friction. It is more aggressive in the backend than a Track Tundra, but clearly weaker in overall hook than a Track Paradox. An interesting comparison is the Ebonite Game Breaker 2 Pearl: both balls target similar conditions, but the low RG often makes the Kinetic Emerald feel a bit more "rev-happy" and it revs up faster, while the GB2 Pearl skids a little longer.
On the Lanes The Track Kinetic Emerald is an absolute secret weapon for medium to lightly oily lanes and typical house shots. Its greatest strength is breakpoint control on "cliffed" patterns (lots of oil inside, dry outside). Thanks to the extremely low intermediate differential (0.005), the ball does not tend to over-react the moment it touches the dry, the way strong asymmetrics often do. It skids cleanly through the heads and then offers a strong but predictable change of direction. It is the perfect "step-down" ball when the strong solids (like a Paradox or Mako) hook too early. It lets you tighten up your line and play more direct, or send the ball well out to the right, since it stores enough energy to come back. On heavy oil, however, it is completely lost.