Post by: admin on December 31, 1969, 06:00:00 PM
Weight Block: Robo core
Ball Color: Black/Pearl
Ball Finish: Smooth
Hook Potential: 7 (Medium-High) on a scale of 1-10 Low-High
Length: 8 (High) on a scale of 1-10 Low-High
RG Differential: 0.050 (Medium-High Flare) on a scale of .000-.080 Low Flare-High Flare
RG Average: 2.52 (Medium-Low) on a scale of 2.43-2.80 Very Low-High Break Point
Reaction Shape: Strong Flip
Recommended Lane Conditions: Heavy Oil
Post by: Brian Eger on July 11, 2006, 01:06:26 AM
--------------------
Brian Eger
Track Amateur Staff
www.trackbowling.com
Post by: gobeavers92 on July 17, 2006, 11:18:39 AM
(2) MEAN MACHINE – 5.5 x 2.5 Pin Below middle finger with MB at 50 degrees (Hook/Set position) EX Hole 2.5in down from Axis (flare increasing) box finish. As you can see this is a COMPLETELY different animal that the other Mean Machine. I specifically drilled this ball the PBA Regional pattern 5 (44ft). This ball rolls VERY hard. It picks up in all that oil and nothing is going to stop it. This ball is stronger than my GP2 or my Arsenal Aggressive. I am so excited about this ball I can’t even begin to tell you how good it looked. It makes a nice even but very strong move even with all that oil. I may never get flooded out again! I am still amazed that you can take the same bowling ball and have such COMPLETETLY different looks. These 2 Mean Machines are not even close to each other. It amazes me that the same ball drilled differently can produce such a different reaction. This ball will cover MANY different conditions and for the higher average player / Professional this ball will help you more than you can imagine.
THANK YOU TRACK!
--------------------
Blaine Weninger
Track PBA Regional Staff
Post by: oldschoollefty on July 18, 2006, 04:40:08 AM
Mean Machine:
Mine is drilled 5 x 4, pin over ring finger, CG close to palm, no weight hole. I fully expected this one to go straight sideways at the breakpoint given the resin cover and the Robo Core. What a surprise, even with a strong read in the mids, this ball did not overreact at all and was very smooth with great continuation on the back ends. The first three times I threw this one were on two different house patterns (one fairly long and the other, pretty short) and the third time in a regional on a Guardian surface that offered plenty on free hook. Never once did this ball jump too hard even when the heads began to toast some. This may be one of the most versatile balls Track or anyone else has come out with in a long time.
Equation:
This one is drilled 3.5 x 4.5 with the pin left of the ring finger. First, let me say this is a GREAT looking ball. I know purple and gold have been done before but not like the Equation. This one really stands out. As for performance, the Goo LS shell and the Ti nugget addition to the Heat Blast core didn't disappoint at all. On house patterns, this ball let me get inside the track area, swing to the dry and maintain better speed. Translated, I was able to open up the lane more than I've been able to in quite a while. I thought once, I heard tires screeching when the ball hit the breakpoint and this was after the lanes had been bowled on quite a bit and there was some carry down. One word sums it up... ANGULAR.
Special thanks to Del, our new rep, Mike Judy, and the folks in San Antonio who make the magic happen. We'll be seeing a lot of these two new entries both on TV and the winners circle.
--------------------
Your arsenal isn't complete without an Arsenal.
www.trackbowling.com
--------------------
PROUD TRACK REGIONAL STAFF MEMBER... CONTINUING THE REVOLUTION
www.fastrackproshop.com
Post by: rohde846 on July 21, 2006, 01:48:24 PM
Left Handed
Ball Speed: 19-20 mph
Rev Rate: 450-475 rpm
Axis Point: 4.75 by 13/16 up
Ball Drilled:
2 by 6.75 with a Weight Hole by the thumb
Kept at Manufacturer's surface
Threw the ball at all 3 tournaments (TAT, Hi-Roller, and Mini Eliminator) and used this ball exclusively. on the 37 foot pattern of the Mini, I was able to play 7 to 3, and this ball was able to roll through the back, with a strong, but controllable movement. I was able to make it into the 3rd round of the finals in the Mini. As the lanes broke down, I was able to move right, where the ball was able to recover, but but not overreact.
On the TAT pattern, which is usually the easiest of the 3 Megabucks in terms of scoring, I was playing a very similiar line as the Mini, with the ball able to get down the lane and store energy. Had a little bit of issue in terms of carry, but it was more due to a bad matchup.
At the Hi-Roller, was to myself, the toughest pattern and was forced in, playing 18-10 and just like at the other tournaments, it was able to roll through the backends and maintain the pocket. I did run into an issue of carry, but everything else in my bagwould overreact, while this ball held the line very well.
I came back and bowled in my Sport pattern league back home. The pattern was a 2.5 to 1 ratio, 40 foot pattern, with a high volume of oil. Out on the edge (5-3)and ended the end of the night playing 8-5. WIth this ball, I was the only bowler in the league that could get the ball to recover off the outside. While most would whiff the head pin, I was able to consistently hit the pocket, shooting 665 on it.
I would like to Thank Track for coming out with the Mean Machine, as it is my first ball out of the bag.
Billy Rohde
Post by: Mike Meifert on July 30, 2006, 10:57:09 PM
--------------------
Mike Meifert
Track Regional Staff
Post by: Craig Szplett on July 31, 2006, 05:05:34 PM
Sorry for the short review but I've only got 3 games on the ball.
Thanks Del!
Craig Szplett
Track Amateur Staff
Post by: tenpinspro on August 01, 2006, 03:04:00 PM
Layout - 4 7/8 x 4 3/8mb, 1 5/8 above mid line
Video - http://media.putfile.com/Mean-Machine
More vids - http://media.putfile.com/Mean-Machine-various
Testing conditions: synthetics 32ft buffed to 42
Readability and Hook: The ball is strong in the midlane and still offers a very good backend reaction to boot.
In the out of box finish, this ball likes oil. With good oil present or thicker head oil up front, it clears very nicely with a pronounced midlane reaction and a very nice strong arc to the pins.
Control: Even with my aggressive layout, the ball reacts with a strong arc, not skid flippy at all.
Hit: The hit is very interesting, another ball that keeps pins low and carrys well but the interesting part is the sound. I don’t get that loud crashing sound but instead, I get this low crumbling sound as it mows the pins down slowly.
Overall: Very nice ball. Just a tad shy of oil handling capability compared to our Robo Rule but makes up for it on the backend. Our new coverstock Fang Control LS offers the best of both worlds it seems as it reads the lane like particle but finishes in between the jumpiness of a reactive and the sometimes smoother reaction of particle. It truly fits right in between the two coverstocks in reaction. Great addition to the bag for that med/med to med heavy oil.
--------------------
Rick Leong - Ten Pins Pro Shop
Track Intl. - Amateur/Pro Shop Staff
Vise Inserts Staff
www.Trackbowling.com
See profile for Track Ball videos
*El Presidente of the Track Legion
Post by: Berries on August 05, 2006, 01:12:47 AM
Avg Rev Rate and Speed
Testing Conditions Regional Pattern 3 (38ft) and House Pattern
The Mean Machine out of the box is very strong and needs oil to work at its best. I polished the box surface with Magic Shine and had a much better look. The Mean Machine rolls very heavy and strong and that turns into strong hitting power on the backend. The ball is pretty strong rolling so it doesn't jerk on the backend, more of a controlled strong roll. Compared to my Machine it is much stronger in the front and the mids. A very good ball for high ball speeds or people that need a strong resin ball.
--------------------
Dave Beres
Track Regional Staff
Post by: BuddiesProShopcom - Bill on August 08, 2006, 12:47:10 AM
I tried this ball out on our normal house shot and 2 different sports positions. I was able to adjust to any of the shots I have come across. I was able to play inside and out with this ball without much trouble. I was able to play these different angles without lossing hit.
I didn't find this ball to be the biggest hooking ball on the market, but what this ball lacks in overall hook, this ball makes up for in versitility. This is a great overall ball. I would say that this ball would be best for Medium oil, but if you have a good game, you will be able to make this ball work on just about anything.
If you have any questions, please email me at Bill@BuddiesProShop.com
--------------------
Thanks
Bill
BuddiesProShop.com
"The Place All Bowlers Shop"
Post by: JessN16 on August 09, 2006, 03:41:51 AM
Moving on to the ball itself, I received a 15-pound Mean Machine with 2.5 oz of top weight and a 2.5-inch pin. Del's drilling suggestion placed the pin in my ring finger, with the CG in the palm under the ring, and the mass bias a couple inches right of the thumb at about 4:30.
Original testing of the ball took place on oil conditions that I can best describe as comical. The lane was dressed with day-old PBA Regional Pattern 4, but the front 34 feet or so had been oiled over with THC. So the first half of the lane was a blend of THC and Pattern 4, then the rest was day-old Pattern 4.
Nevertheless, I got good performance out of the Mean Machine. The two things you'll notice about the ball from the get-go are (a) a lot of backend for an oiler and (b) you have a maximum of about six shots on any given line before this ball has already wiped the oil clean there and you need to move. The upside to that is that I inadvertently got in a lot of practice playing fourth arrow and left of that -- a line I rarely use.
The ball got another test on THC, then got its first real test tonight on fresh Regional Pattern 4. Where no one else's balls were hooking in the backends, the Mean Machine was moving 10-15 boards and carrying.
The best part of this ball may be the core, which is the best carrying core design I think I've ever been behind. The coverstock on this ball, though, should also prove to be pretty versatile. I got quite a bit of flare out of my drilling. Basically, the ball is a winner all the way around.
The only potential negative is that it may be too strong for most of the conditions amateur bowlers will face -- but that's a nice "negative" to have.
I also have the original Machine, and this ball makes a great complement to that ball. Thanks to Track and Del Warren for the ball and for designing a great product.
Jess
Post by: C-G ProShop-Carl on August 14, 2006, 10:52:42 PM
Pin 4 3/4 from PAP, 3 inches above my midline, MB 4.5inches from PAP..I left the factory finish on the ball.
Lanes: I have tried the Mean Machine on synthetics, wood and a combination wood and guardian.
HOOK:
Heavy Oil- I believe the Mean Machine can handle a very heavy amount of oil..probably just an eyelash less than the Robo Rule. I had success with this ball on the shark pattern with its surface at around 1000. It is best suited for the heavier side of medium oil.
Medium Oil- Generally this layout is more of a medium oil type layout for my game....but the coverstock is so strong that this is not a medium oil ball. Should the coverstock be adjusted appropriately then I can see it handling medium oil very well. The Mean Machine is an extremely versatile ball.
Light Oil- Forget about it!
TOTAL HOOK:
It is less than the Robo Rule as far as the ability to handle longer patterns...but not by much!!!! It makes up for the slightly later roll than the Robo with an amazing backend reaction. The Mean Machine backends more than any dull ball I have thrown or I have seen thrown.
9.5 out of 10
Control:
Being a strong asymmetrical ball I have no doubt the Mean Machine could easily be drilled to control any part of the lane that you wish to have it control. The layout I have on it is very strong in the midlane and backend...so control with this layout...nope.
Expected Reaction:
I actually expected this ball to get tremendous length due to the layout and the reactive coverstock. The Fang Control LS coverstock is amazing. A ball shouldn't be allowed to roll as well as this does and have this much backend at the same time!
The result was a reaction that was quite suprising. As stated above, the Mean Machine does read the midlane very well...but its backend shocked me.
Readability:
Even with this type of layout I get a very good read of the lane with the Mean Machine. Rarely do you see a combination of strength and consistancy out of a ball like you get wtih the Mean Machine.
Strengths:
Medium/heavy patterns will make the Mean Machine damn near illegal. As long as it has enough head oil to get it down the lane the Mean Machine will perform extraordinarily.
Weaknesses:
Patterns that are light oil or that have broken down some and have little head oil remaining.
Placement:
I have never had a difficult time placing a ball in a slot for an arsenal like I have this ball. It will not cover boards in a flood like the Robo Rule...but on most patterns it will outhook the Robo because of the strong backend it has. SO....I place it between the Robo Rule and the Machine.
Comments:
I had a Robo Rule drilled up exactly like this ball.....in a direct comparison the Mean Machine was stronger. Granted the backends were open and the Mean Machine covered many boards more in the backend of the lane.
The addition of the Fang LS Control Coverstock was much needed in the Track lineup. This coverstock is amazing....it gives the midlane read of a particle ball yet backends in a motion between what you normally get out of a reactive and what you normally get out of a particle.
--------------------
Carl Hurd
C-G Pro Shop (owner/operator)
Youngstown Ohio
Track Intl.-Amateur/Pro Shop Staff
www.trackbowling.com
Tag Team Member #1
(tag team partners w/ Rick)
Post by: vilecanards on August 19, 2006, 02:29:09 AM
--------------------
r.k.wolfe
Post by: SteveAustin2808 on August 20, 2006, 03:54:44 PM
Weight: 15#
Pin: 3"
Top Weight: 2.5 oz
Layout:
4 1/2" Pin Below the Ring Finger. CG in negative position with MB at 5 o'clock. No Weight Hole. I really thought I was going to have a problem laying the ball out the way I wanted because of the CG placement; however, this turned out to NOT be a problem whatsoever!
Oil Conditions:
I used this ball on AMF synthetics that were oiled to 38' and buffed to about 45', pretty much a house shot basically. Ranging from a fresh shot to about heavy medium with a slight appearance of carrydown.
First Impressions:
I was expecting this ball to be a good fit under my Robo Rule. After throwing a few times, my expectations were blew apart. This ball gave me alot more than the Robo Rule ever gave me as far as hook went.
Detailed Description:
The Mean Machine is a very forgiving ball. I started playing deep because I really didn't think this would be able to handle direct angles although I tried this a few times. I stood on 25 with my feet aiming at 15 (3rd arrow). This ball was still too aggressive as I got blow out 9s and trip 4s strikes. So when I played this ball direct with my feet on 20 and aiming at 10, the ball caught friction very early and finished through the beak. I finally decided to stand on 30, which is really out of my comfort zone as far as playing the lanes and aiming between 17 to the middle arrow, getting the ball out as far as the 8 board and I just couldn't believe my eyes when this ball had enough energy to make it back to the pocket and strike with a light mixer! Simply put, just incredible!
Comparison/Contrast:
Mean Machine vs. Robo Rule
I have the Robo Rule laid out with a 4 1/2" Pin High Above the Ring Finger with the CG kicked out about 1-2" with the Mass Bias at 30 degrees. This ball gives me quality length and snap on the backend. Although it gives me length, the Robo Rule is still quite the hooker! The Mean Machine compared to the Robo Rule in this case would be that the Mean Machine gives me more energy retention on the backend playing deep, whereas the Robo Rule would get back to the pocket easier but left me alot of weak 10s. If the Mean Machine's reaction is too erratic, then I could go with the Robo Rule and not worry about it snapping so hard as the particle coverstock gives it alittle bit of roll out and smoothness for me. If you are looking for a ball that will hook a lot of boards, give the Mean Machine a try. If you desire controllable yet a decent amount of hook, then I would suggest the Robo Rule.
Conclusion:
The Mean Machine is a very impressive ball in the aspect of how it handles the slick stuff. Being able to put it in the middle where the thickest oil is on a THS and it still have the power to get back to the pocket just simply amazes me! So, if you are looking for a ball to handle the slick stuff all the way down to the heavy side of mediums, take your game to the next level and get MEAN on the competition with the Track Mean Machine!
--------------------
What Are You Waiting For?!? Get on the FASTTRACK to success!!
TRACK -- Building Success Stories, One Bowler at a Time!
TRACK -- YOU JUST CAN'T BEAT THAT!!!
McCorvey's Pro Shop Supporter
http://www.mccorveysproshop.com/
Evolution Tag Team Member # 1
Post by: Albany601 on September 07, 2006, 06:05:47 PM
I went back to the lanes last night on fresh oil, about a 37' pattern. I was able to move in to 25, but not more than 22. This is a truly a ball that will deliver 10 in the pit without a doubt. Bowled 215 and 210 last night for practice. My main reason for purchasing this ball was to upgrade from the Ultimate Inferno which just seemed to lose it's turn to the pocket after 3 months. I'm going to polish my Mean Machine just a little to take off some of the midlane action. I'll post another message after league tomorrow night to share the results.
Post by: Dwight Albrecht on September 16, 2006, 02:04:05 AM
Ball Specs
The ball being drilled was a 3†pin out with 3.00 oz top weight.
Drilling: Pin 4" from PAP and Mb 45 degree angle or 4 1/4" from my pap. Pin is above ring finger, 3" above grip midline. Weight Hole on my axis. Initially Factory Sanded at 1500, later sanded to 1000 Abralon.
Bowler Information:
Track diameter is 10 1/2.
PAP is measured at 5 1/4 over and 3/8" up.
Average ball speed (foul line to head pin) is 17 mph.
Axis rotation is typically 90 degrees
Initial rev rate is typically 300 rpm, "Tweener"
Lane Condition and Pattern:
AMF Bowlero, HPL 9000 Panel. Oil Pattern: Medium Heavy Oil and slightly clean back ends. House Shot Tapered Block, dry outsides oily insides.
Review. In a few words: A hooking ball with Angularity. The ball hooks in oil and it is also very angular on the back ends. The ball came for me semi shiny and initially was a touch under/over. Took it down to 1000 abralon and now it really macthes up well for Bowlero's heavier oil.
I have my Machine at 2000 and the Mean 1000. The Mean is 3-4 boards more hook with an earlier breakpoint but still has wonderful backend reaction.
I think all styles of players will like this ball with proper drilling and surface tweaks.
Just a great ball, WAY TO GO DEL!!
Thanks for reading my review.
Dwight
Post by: RDS on September 18, 2006, 02:34:50 AM
The Mean Machine is a very deceptive ball, it has this incredibly smooth roll, never jumpy or skiddish. Carry down seems to have little to no effect on this ball. When I got it too far right it came back, inside would look like to heavy of a hit but it would still strike. My only problem is speed as far as this ball is concerned. When I keep my speed under 17/18mph this ball is an absolute monster. On fresh oil or later with carry down this ball excels. I believe anyone with lower ball speeds will fall in love with this ball especially, because the hit and carry is just amazing. I have yet to find a house with enough oil to really test the upper oil limits, but I seriously doubt that with the amount of energy this ball saves for the hit in the pocket if there is such a thing as too much oil for the Mean Machine. Track has yet another hit in their outstanding line-up this year.
--------------------
trackbowlingworld.com staff
Track amateur staff
Post by: Big-T on October 13, 2006, 01:47:19 PM
Great ball!
Post by: 800 on November 16, 2006, 09:08:25 PM
Post by: minimum_Bob on December 01, 2006, 10:51:10 PM
Post by: Big-T on February 07, 2007, 06:35:33 PM
Anyway I loved this ball at first. I have never stood so far left, thrown a ball so far right only to have it return far left. Great carry, great reaction...but like ever other heavy oil ball from Track I've owned it eventually died. My Slash was a great ball and is still being thrown by a friend of mine but it's not the hook monster it was new. My Animal hooked great new and after that died.
Now, after less than 3 months with my Mean Machine hooks less than my Monster Bruiser and Bully. Me and another gal on my Tuesday night league are having our pro shop replace them due to an untimely and early death. My team partner's Mean Machine still works great. The only Track ball that I own that still works like a champ is my Crunch Time.
I hate it too. This ball when it works is a beautiful thing. So I won't say not to buy one but I will say make sure if you buy it from your local pro that he'll stand behind it if it dies.
Good luck. I hope my MoRich Awesome Hook (the replacement) does what it's supposed to for more than 3 months.
Post by: Mark T. Trgovac on February 10, 2007, 04:44:49 PM
http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=4345879
Surface - 500 Abralon
Reaction
The reaction on this ball is completly differrent from any normal reactive type of ball. The blend in this ball gives it such great length and backend reaction. Yet the solid gives it the traction you would need in the oil.
Rateng 10
Readabily
Normaly this cover type is my favorite to read the lanes with. However the reaction out of this solid/pearl blend is not a normaly reaction, So I dont feel for me that this is a good ball to read the lane with unless you have a even rolling layout on it with a smoother finish on the surface.
Rating 8.5
Versatility
The versatility of this ball is something I see as being something easy to do. The cover takes to changes nice and reacts the way you prep it to. OOB with the smoother finish it was long and strong. Now with the 500 abralon It is strong in the oil and very very strong on the backend off the dry.
Rating 10
Hit
All I have to say is this is a typical hit off of a track ball. I love this hit, yet not as much as my hit on the animal.
Rating 9.5
Overall comments
This ball is one of my lest used balls mostly because of its overall strength. I could see this being the heavy oil ball for someone with real slow ball speed. I wish I had more shots to use this ball on because I have yet to shoot under 234 with this ball when able to be used a complet game.
Rating 10
Overall rating
10 for reaction
8.5 for readabilty
10 for versatilitay
9.5 for hit
10 for overall comments
Final rating - 9.7
--------------------
Mark "scoot" Trgovac
C-G Pro Shop
Offical "Spokesman"
Youngstown, Ohio
(The fallowing is said in a larry the cable guy type voice) "You mean to tell me that if I drill a Mass bias Ba-all, that the cd dunt matter for anything other then wens you weight it up?"
"Freak Bowling Ball cleaner of the TRACK Revolution."
Post by: Angelfire on April 09, 2007, 11:38:57 PM
PAP: 5 1/2"
Pin: 4"
Layout: Stacked Leverage with pin right of the ring finger, 4 1/2" from PAP. MB next and below ring finger. Weight hole drilled 1 1/2" below PAP.
Surface: OOB w/polish
This is the strongest solid/pearl reactive ball that I've thrown to date since the Action. Unbelievable carrying power and backend reaction. Had a bad experience with the Xception but I wanted to give Track another shot. Believe me, so far I'm impressed.
First 5 games I tried it on wood lanes after a mens league so the lanes were abit dried up. tried playing it my normal line (15 board to 8) and it simply reved up very quickly off the dry. Definitely needs head oil to get down the lane.
Then decided to try it for the first time during league play (also wood lanes) and tried the same time on fresh THS shot. Lanes had to have been oiled to around 38 feet or more with near heavy oil in the middle because of everyone's balls were going very long and very squirty at the pocket. But not the Mean Machine, it still had a great midlane read on the lanes and a very hard arc/flip on the backend. Left quite abit of 9 and 10 pins even though the pocket shots were on target. Really soaked up the oil the first two games and moved left the last game playing 18 board to 10-8 board. This is where I found the best prediction and reaction from the MM and found a more consistent motion playing that line. Shot 205, 194, and 277 that night even with the 7/ in the 7th frame in the last game kept me away from a 300 game. It's makes it way to the pocket smoothly but also very aggressively on the backend unlike anything I've thrown before.
Finally, I got to use it on synthetic lanes and seem to be abit more smoother but still very strong on the back part of the lanes. Still played my normal line but also tried to bring it out to around the 5 board at time. Ignores the carrydown pretty well and carry percentage is somewhat better than on wood.
This is a ball that I can find very useful to get first out the bag and have a good time throwing it. The margin of error is also exceptional but too much lift can send the ball flying way left. But I really like the way this one moves down the lane and gradually makes its move. But hey, that why it's call Mean Machine. This ball will take no prisoners.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yx8hMgHMojo
--------------------
"Never, never, never quit"- Winston Churchill
http://www.youtube.com/user/retribution76
Post by: Xcessive_Evil on May 15, 2007, 08:58:19 PM
After a while, I did some touch up of the surface-bringing it up to 2000 abralon, vice the OOB 800 Matte. It now turns the corners much harder, but now I have the added length-and it shows now signs of dying. Works best for me when the the shot is longer than usual.
--------------------
www.putfile.com/trackbowler627
High game-300
High series-796
Current Arsenal- Track Power Machine, Ebonite Total NV, Track Phoenix, Track Mean Machine, Track Phenom, Track Equation, and Track Silencer.
Post by: freak761 on September 29, 2007, 08:52:16 PM