Ball Review: Toxic
Bowler: Jeff Ussery
Date: 5/1/07
Coverstock: Enhanced Max-Flip Reactive
RG: 2.50"
Differential: 0.050"
Pin to PAP: 5 1/2"
Surface Preparation: 4000 Abralon with Powerhouse Factory Finish Ball Polish
What I Was Looking For In This Ball and Layout:
When I drilled this Toxic, I was looking for a very long, but aggressive downlane
type of ball motion. I had some balls that gave me this already, but they were all in asymmetrical
core shapes. I was looking for a symmetrical core ball that would still move quickly downlane.
What I Ended Up With In This Ball and Layout:
The Toxic was extremely clean through the front part of the lane. The weaker pin position, combined with the 4000 and polished finish gave me
exceptional length. I've thrown this Toxic on several different lane surfaces, and only drier wood
lanes gave me trouble getting through the front. The Toxic is a nice choice for medium or choppy heads.
The Toxic remains very clean throughout the midlane as well. Again, with a 5 1/2" pin position, I'm not looking for the ball to pick up in
this spot. The Toxic stays on line well and gets to the breakpoint with relative ease. Stronger drillings or surface adjustments could force a Toxic to read here,
but again, that wasn't what I was looking for in this ball reaction.
My Toxic responds very quickly to friction in the backend of the lane. A sharp breakpoint in the Toxic typically results in high entry angles for me,
which creates an extremely good carry percentage. The Toxic is still fairly easy to control at the breakpoint with its symmetrical
core shape. It's never unpredictable, and always seems to respond to the quality of the
shot made.
This is a great example of how using a polished symmetrical core bowling ball
can lead to different results than a polished asymmetrical core ball. Asymmetrical core shapes give the ball the ability to create more midlane roll,
which is the opposite of what I was looking for. By using a symmetrical core shape in a fine grit, polished coverstock, I found
exactly what I was looking for on the lane.
***Our
ball reviews are developed from a wide variety of lane conditions,
surfaces, and environments. We are attempting to give you an idea of
our overall experience and findings from a ball. Remember that all
bowlers are different in regards to ball speed, revolutions, axis
rotation, and axis tilt. Bowlers will see different qualities from
bowling balls based on these factors. Be sure to also take into account
the bowler's environment (lane surface, oil pattern, etc.) and their
expectation (hook, score, etc.) before drilling a new ball for anybody.
