Back in the Zone
It's about Time. Time Zone that is. Bowling's most popular brand name "Zone" is back on a new ball featuring an asymmetric core that incorporates the Preferential Spin Axis Technology first developed and patented by Brunswick Bowling(US Patent #5,074,553) in 1991. This core, in combination with the classic PowrKoil 18 coverstock gives the Time Zone an aggressive reactive "Zone" type ball reaction along with the unique drilling options of a ball with a built-in Preferential Spin Axis (PSA).
When drilling the Time Zone, placement of the Riser Pin and the PSA locator (relative to the bowler's axis) influences the amount of track flare created, contributing to the balls reaction on the lane. The unique "ellipse" engraving* around the riser pin on the Time Zone allows the bowler to easily see the orientation of the core and the PSA when looking at the ball, making it easier to identify the choice of layout.
Utility
- Out of the Box: With its high gloss surface the Time Zone matches up well on medium-oily to medium-dry lane conditions.
- When dulled: The Time Zone's hooking action will increase and its arc will become more even, creating a better match-up for oily lane conditions and for smoothing over/under reactions seen on wet/dry lane conditions.
Reaction Setup
There are additional layout considerations for a ball with a significant Preferential Spin Axis (PSA) such as the Time Zone. The distance from the riser pin still determines the overall strength of the layout the same way it does in symmetric core balls that have an insignificant PSA. In the Time Zone, placement of the PSA locator relative to the riser pin and the bowler's axis can be used to modify the reaction created by a given riser pin position.
The Time Zone is finished with a high gloss surface which enhances its appearance and reduces hooking action in the oil. High gloss finishes can sometimes cause over/under reactions, too little hooking action in the oil, then too much hooking action off the dry, which can be hard to control. To increase hooking action and smooth out the ball reaction, dull the surface, first with a fine 800-1000 grit abrasive. If more hooking action and a smoother reaction is desired, dull the surface of the ball with a coarse 320-400 grit abrasive.
