47 Hook 14.5 Length 14.5 Breakpoint Shape
Manufacturer’s Intent: “This is our most versatile coverstock,” says Tony Martin of Lord Field. “The ball is clean through the front, with excellent recovery. The 4000 Abralon finish gives this ball traction at the most critical time for consistent reactions when the ball leaves the oil pattern. Polished, it’s a very good transitional ball.”
Core Design: The symmetric Radial Velocity core has a medium RG of 2.51 with a .044 differential that provides 4 inches of flare. This shape creates slight early lane lope, yet picks up revs nicely when encountering friction. This core also is found in the Torment Evil, a pearl variation.
Coverstock: The Micro Burst reactive cover is sanded with a bowler-friendly 4000 grit. The midnight blue color appears to have a mica-type additive infused within. We felt oil traction was limited and response time off friction was slow. Sanding to 1000 grit improved oil traction but slowed friction response too much for our liking. Factory Ra was at 15.53, which would seem to indicate that a much lower grit is used prior to the 4000.
Test Results: With its low-flaring core and slow-response cover formula, the Torment played best on lighter to medium oil volumes. Its breakpoint motion allowed us to keep the breakpoint in front of us, which could help those transitioning from older non-reactive coverstocks. Players looking to open up the lane and swing it and bring it should choose other options with quicker response covers. Overall motion was both predictable and continuous, but will likely suit players with higher rev rates than those of us who are below 300 or so.
When to Use: The Torment will give bowlers a “go-to” ball with a slightly stronger motion than is experienced with a urethane cover. Length is easy, the motion shape smooth and control optimal, regardless of layout choice. We saw very little difference in breakpoint motion between our 3.5- and 4.5-inch pin distances, either above the fingers or below. The Torment allowed us to play in or near friction areas and never over-reacted, with minor release variances.
