The TNT Infused is a new symmetric ball in Roto Grip’s HP3 line. It features the eTrax plus hybrid cover, which is a clean and responsive cover that we’ve seen before on the RST X-2 in pearl form, and on the TNT as a solid. The core is the relatively new Torpex core which comes in at a low 2.47 RG and a .052 differential in 15 pounds. The Infused feels like a longer and sharper version of the TNT, but it’s remarkable how much that improves the quality of the ball reaction. I’ve used the Infused on several different conditions with a couple different surfaces. The factory gloss is too inconsistent and sensitive for me, so I resurfaced it down to 1000 on a resurfacing machine, then finished it lightly with Storm’s Step 2 compound. The result was a strong rolling, but clean, firm, and slightly forward arc.
The TNT was known for being surprisingly early and strong despite the cleaner cover formula, and unfortunately the front to back shape was too front heavy which made it lazy and apathetic down lane. The Infused adjusts that shape, giving it a lot more balance and resulting in a perfect balance of core and cover. The heavy rolling and early core gives a lot of stability to the reaction shape, while the cleaner and sharper cover gets the ball further down the lane and adds punch. This makes the Infused a surprisingly effective and versatile ball that reminds me a lot of the original Zen, just cleaner and sharper. Like the TNT, the reaction shape wants to be slightly forward, but the cleaner cover allows the bowler to control the shape a little better because you can get around it more without it digging in so early or being flat like the TNT was. It fits well for a variety of bowler styles on most league conditions, and will be a great option for getting into transition on more difficult patterns.
