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Track Criterion Ball Review & Analysis Guide
track criterion ball review & analysis guide
Unveiling Track's criterion Bowling Ball: Elevate Your Game to a New Level!
Bowlers have long trusted Track to provide exceptional performance and groundbreaking technology, and the Criterion bowling ball is no exception. Building on the legacy of the Paradox, Paragon, and Archetype, the Criterion introduces an evolved multi-dense core design that sets new standards for versatility and on-lane performance. Designed to handle oily lanes with ease, the Criterion is your go-to choice when you need traction without sacrificing backend energy. Featuring the most advanced QR and HK22 cover combined with the Criterion M.D. core, this ball offers unmatched performance for a variety of playing styles.
Elevate your game with the Track Criterion, which incorporates revolutionary Durability Optimization Technology (DOT). Developed by Brunswick engineers, this innovation significantly reduces cracking in performance bowling balls. Additionally, the Criterion utilizes DynamiCore, an industry-leading outer core technology from Brunswick Bowling Products. This advancement ensures a more durable outer material, reducing compression upon impact for increased hitting power and superior sound and pin carry. Trust the Track Criterion to take your bowling to the next level.
Track Criterion review & in-depth analysis
Track Criterion M.D. core - powerful and controlled ball motion
The Criterion M.D. core is a new core design from Track Bowling that builds on the multi-density technology seen in previous releases like Paradox, Paragon, and Archetype. While similar in concept to the “iore” featured in those balls, the Criterion M.D. has a unique shape and density configuration. The core is wrapped in DynamiCore, an outer core technology known for durability and hit power. This combination of innovative core design and durable outer layer aims to deliver exceptional performance and power.
| Bowling Ball Coverstock Type |
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| Bowling Ball Cover Name |
Track QR-12 Solid Reactive (HK22C) |
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| Bowling Ball Core Shape |
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| Bowling Ball Core Name | Track Criterion MD Core |
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| Surface Finish |
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| Radius of Gyration: RG (15LB) |
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| Differential: Diff (15LB) |
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| Mass Bias Strength | .018 |
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| Flare Potential |
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| all Lane Conditions |
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QR-12 Solid (HK22C) Solid Reactive Coverstock - strong and dynamic
The Criterion QR-12 Solid (HK22C) is a new coverstock formulation from Track, designed to provide strong traction and a dynamic reaction on heavy oil lane conditions. This coverstock utilizes the HK22 base formula enhanced with a “cohesion additive” known for producing sharp and angular ball motion. Further amplifying its strength is the inclusion of the QR-12 additive, the most aggressive version of Track’s QR technology to date. This potent combination creates a coverstock that digs into heavy oil, providing a strong overall hook and quick response to friction.
Interestingly, despite its strength, the QR-12 Solid (HK22C) is finished with a relatively smooth 500/2000 Siaair Micro Pad. This smoother finish, compared to the more aggressive textures typically used on heavy oil balls, speaks to the inherent strength of the coverstock formulation. It allows the Criterion to clear the front part of the lane with ease while still providing a powerful and angular motion on the backend. This balance of strength and control makes the Criterion a versatile option for bowlers who need to combat heavy oil without sacrificing a predictable and controllable ball reaction.
Box Finish: 500, 2000 Siaair Micro Pad
The Track Criterion bowling ball features a 500/2000 Siaair Micro Pad finish. This is considered a relatively smooth finish compared to other heavy oil bowling balls, which typically have a rougher surface. The smoother finish on the Criterion is a deliberate choice by Track, as the coverstock itself is already extremely strong due to the combination of the HK22 base, the cohesion additive, and the QR-12 additive.
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When to Choose the Track Criterion
- Longer Oil Patterns: The Criterion is highlighted as a valuable tool for bowlers facing longer oil patterns, especially when the volume is significant. Its strong coverstock, enhanced by the QR-12 and cohesion additives, allows it to dig into the oil and provide traction when other balls might struggle.
- Deeper Angles: As you move inside on a lane with heavy oil, the angle at which the ball approaches the pins becomes more acute. The Criterion is designed to handle these deeper angles effectively, maintaining its power and hook even when forced to play inside.
- Sustained Oil Volume: The sources describe the Criterion’s coverstock as being very porous, readily absorbing oil. This characteristic allows it to maintain its performance over multiple games, even as the oil pattern transitions. One reviewer suggests that it could be used for “several games if not the entire block” depending on the bowler’s style and the lane conditions.
- Early Friction: While designed for heavy oil, the Criterion can also perform well in situations where there is noticeable friction in the front part of the lane. One reviewer, using a pin-down layout, found that the Criterion provided a smooth and clean reaction while still being able to “dig” in the oil.
- Higher Speed/Lower Rev Bowlers: Although the Criterion is a strong ball, its controllable nature and smoother finish make it a potential option even for league bowlers who have higher ball speeds or lower r
frequently asked questions about the Track Criterion
- Criterion MD Core: This new multi-density core design provides exceptional traction and energy retention on the backend. It’s similar in concept to the iCore found in previous Track balls like Paradox, Paragon, and Archetype but with a distinct shape and density configuration.
- QR-12 Solid Coverstock (HK22C): This coverstock combines the HK22 base formula with a new cohesion additive for enhanced responsiveness and a strong overall hook. The QR-12 additive is the strongest version of Track’s QR technology, making this coverstock particularly aggressive.
- 500/2000 Siaair Micro Pad Finish: Despite its strength, the Criterion uses a relatively smooth finish to control its hook potential on heavy oil, allowing it to clear the front part of the lane while still providing a powerful backend reaction.
While both the Criterion and Mesmerize excel on heavy oil, the Criterion offers a slightly cleaner and more controllable reaction. It’s not quite as early or angular as the Mesmerize, making it a more versatile option for bowlers who prefer a more gradual and predictable motion.
Some reviewers even place the Criterion’s strength directly between the Mesmerize and the Storm Proton Physix, offering a middle ground between these two popular choices.
The Criterion excels in several situations:
- Heavy oil patterns: Its strong coverstock and core provide ample traction to navigate challenging oil conditions.
- League play: For higher speed and/or lower rev players, the Criterion can be a potent weapon on typical house shots, particularly as the lanes transition.
- Tournament play: On longer and heavier patterns, the Criterion’s ability to maintain power from deep angles makes it a valuable choice for staying ahead of the transition.
- As a step-down: If you’re currently using a ball like the Mesmerize or One Reverb and find it’s too strong as the lanes break down, the Criterion provides a slightly weaker but still powerful option.
- Dynamicore Technology: An industry-leading innovation from Brunswick, this durable outer core material enhances hitting power and pin carry by reducing compression upon impact.
- Durability Optimization Technology (DOT): A patent-pending manufacturing process by Brunswick that significantly reduces cracking in performance bowling balls, improving longevity.
- HyperKinetic 22 (HK22): This coverstock technology features enhanced color clarity through nano micellular phase separation, improving the cover’s translucency and performance.
The Track Criterion is scheduled for release on October 24, 2024.
Final Thoughts on the Track Criterion
The Track Criterion is a high-performance bowling ball engineered for heavy oil conditions, set for release on October 24, 2024. The sources consistently describe it as a strong and angular ball, capable of handling challenging oil patterns and deeper angles. However, it’s also noted for its controllability, making it more versatile than some of its ultra-aggressive counterparts in the heavy oil category.
- A Force to Be Reckoned With on Heavy Oil: The Criterion is built to conquer heavy oil. Its Criterion M.D. core, combined with DynamiCore technology, provides a powerful foundation. The coverstock, featuring the potent QR-12 Solid (HK22C) formulation, enhances this power with strong traction and a quick response to friction. Multiple reviewers affirm the Criterion’s ability to handle heavy volumes and sustain its performance over time.
- Cohesion Additive: The Sharpness Factor: The cohesion additive in the coverstock is a significant contributor to the Criterion’s angular motion. While the sources don’t go into deep technical details, the consensus is that this additive enhances the ball’s responsiveness to friction, creating a sharper transition from skid to roll and a more defined hook.
- More Than Just Brute Strength: The Criterion is not just about raw power. The sources emphasize its controllability, suggesting that it’s a ball that can be managed effectively even by bowlers with higher speeds or lower revs. This balance of strength and control makes it a more versatile option compared to some other heavy oil balls that might be too overpowering or unpredictable.
- A Strategic Choice for Various Scenarios: The Criterion shines in specific situations. It’s well-suited for longer oil patterns, deeper angles, and scenarios where sustained oil volume is a factor. Additionally, its ability to handle some early friction expands its utility beyond strictly heavy oil conditions.
- Not a Mesmerize Clone: While often compared to the Brunswick Mesmerize, the Criterion carves its own path. It’s described as slightly less strong than the Mesmerize but with a more angular shape, often likened to a “hockey stick” reaction. This distinction implies that the Criterion might be a better choice when a slightly tamer reaction and a more angular motion are desired.
Overall, the Track Criterion appears to be a well-rounded and potent weapon for bowlers seeking to dominate heavy oil conditions. It combines strength and control with a sharp, angular motion, making it a versatile choice for a range of scenarios. However, real-world performance will ultimately depend on factors like individual bowling style, lane conditions, and drilling layout.
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