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Ball:
pin 5 inches from PAP and under bridge. The MB is 1/2 inch inside of my VAL. I left the OOB surface on it.

Lane Conditions:
I have used this ball on synthetic and wood lanes. I am not sure of the pattern on the synthetics, but the wood lanes had several different patterns.

HOOK:
Heavy oil- The 5.0 will handle some oil, particularly for those with slower ball speeds. I don't see it as a true oil ball, unless the surface is adjusted accordingly. 8.0 out of 10

Medium- This is where the 5.0 shines like a real 'Diamond". It can cover mediums to medium/heavy for any style. It clears the heads nicely and makes a strong yet predictable move on the backends. Most bowlers will love how it allows them to open up a shot even if their hand would not normally allow so with other equipment. 9.5 out of 10

Light- Most of us will not be able to use the 5.0 on drier conditions. When it encounters friction it wants turn. With the Heat and the Desert Heat Track as far better options for dry lanes. 4.0 out of 10

Total Hook is going to be comparable to the Rule. HOWEVER, if you face fresh backends, the 5.0 could easily outhook the Rule by 5 boards.
Total Hook: 8.5

Control:
With the OOB finish the 5.0 is going to reaction too violently off of dry to be a control ball. With the proper layout and the proper surface prep it could offer up a smooth arc throughout the lane. 6.0 out of 10

Expected Reaction:
When I drilled this ball I didn't expect is breakpoint to be this strong, but this is not necessarily a bad thing. Bowlers can expect length and backend. Those with the original Xception will see similiar reaction throughout the lane, only add 5-7 boards throughout the lane.

Impact:
My new TOY! The 5.0 hits the pins very well no matter what angle you are trying to get to the pocket from. Usually a ball hits awesome from one particular area, but when it is played in a part of the lane it was not drilled for it will suffer. NOT the 5.0. The only time it lacked PUNCH at the pocket was when I tried to use it on a condition without enough oil.
10 out of 10

Readability:
I have stated in the past that I don't like to read lanes with a ball that moves very strong off of the breakpoint. The 5.0 is the "exception" to that Rule for me. The Goo particle pearl gives good length and with the nice coloring you can see the transition from heavy oil to buff to dry with ease. I did not do so, but if the backend reaction was smoothened out a bit with a smoother coverstock the 5.0 could fit this slot real nicely!
8.0 out of 10

Strengths:
Use the 5.0 on medium conditions through med/heavy. It is best when there is oil to get it down the lane. Weaker releases will like how it will still move off of the breakpoint with authority. I have never thrown a ball that cuts through carrydown as well as the 5.0.

Weaknesses:
Stay away from the extremes. Heavy oil is too much for this ball, and if you are on heavy you should have the Rule GP2 anyways. Light oil is not good because the particle pearl cover is going to need some assistance getting down the lane.

Comments:
If you are a bowler that has been wanting to try Track and have yet to have a ball catch your eye, try this one! It will be useable on most of the conditions you will face.

Overall Rating:
9.5 out of 10. I want so badly to give the ball a perfect 10. When you have a ball like this one that can keep you in play for atleast 6-9 games on most shots, it is difficult to not think it is perfect.
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C-G Pro Shop (owner/operator)
Youngstown Ohio

Track Intl.-Amateur/Pro Shop Staff

www.trackbowling.com
 

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