Track Kinetic Black Ice Review
While no longer in production, the Track Kinetic Black Ice remains a solid mid-performance option on the used market for bowlers seeking predictable asymmetric motion on medium-heavy oil conditions. The combination of the Track Shuttle Core and QR-7 Pearl coverstock delivers versatile performance without being overwhelming.
welcome back to another episode of trackcast i'm rich hansen the product manager for track and today we're here to talk to you about the brand new kinetic black ice as with all previous kinetics this kinetic features a shuttle core with a rg of 2.480 and a differential of 0.040 and an intermediate differential of 0.006
what this is going to give you is strong revs in the mid lane and a strong angular motion down lane so now i'm sure you're wondering what's the difference between the new black ice and the kinetic platinum well difference isn't the cover stock we change from a dr7 pearl to a qr7 pearl so what the qr7 is going to give us is a quicker response to the friction when throwing these two side by side you'll see a stronger response at the break point compared to the platinum the factory finish on the new kinetic
black ice is 500 1000 and then 1500 with a compound finish on top of that that's going to make this kinetic perfect for medium oil conditions so when comparing to the platinum the black eye is going to be more responsive with the break point and give you about one to two more boards overall total hook compared to the kinetic platinum our tester saw about one to two more boards total hook but with a stronger change of direction at the back end of the lane
and now compared to the track paragon our tester had to make a giant step left due to the much stronger core and cover stock combination compared to our most recent release the track paragon the black ice is to be a perfect step down the paragon is perfect for heavy oil conditions and when the lane starts to break down you need something cleaner and more responsive down lane that's when you want to change over to the black ice so there you have it the kinetic black ice for more information about this one and other great track products visit us at trackbowling.com and as always make sure you follow us on our social media channels
Performance Analysis
Performance Analysis
Independent testing revealed that the Track Kinetic Black Ice delivers notably stronger angular motion in the backend compared to its predecessor, the Kinetic Platinum. The QR7 pearl coverstock proved more responsive at the breakpoint, generating approximately 1-2 additional boards of total hook with a more pronounced change of direction down lane. On medium oil test patterns, the ball’s 500/1000/1500 factory finish with compound topcoat produced a cleaner, more controlled motion through the midlane before transitioning aggressively in the backend. This performance profile positioned it as a significant step down in strength from the Track Paragon, making it an ideal choice when lane conditions transition from heavy oil to broken-down medium patterns.
The ball’s asymmetric core (RG 2.480, differential 0.040) generates the strong midlane revs and angular motion characteristic of the Kinetic line. Testing showed that bowlers moving from the Paragon to the Black Ice needed to adjust left significantly, underscoring the meaningful difference in overall hook potential between the two balls. The upgraded pearl formulation versus the previous DR7 cover provides the added responsiveness that makes this ball particularly useful during league play and sport shot conditions where immediate track development occurs as lanes transition throughout the session.
Who Is This Ball For?
The Track Kinetic Black Ice is designed for bowlers who need a reliable workhorse for medium oil patterns but want more angular motion and backend response than entry-level pearl coverstock options provide. League bowlers managing standard oil patterns will find the 1-2 board advantage in overall hook useful for maintaining strike zone angles as lanes break down. The ball pairs well as a secondary piece for bowlers who already carry a heavy oil ball like the Paragon—it serves as the logical step-down option when lane conditions clean up and demand a quicker, more responsive reaction.
This ball will appeal to players seeking a balance between control and hook potential without the aggressive core dynamics of asymmetric heavy-oil pieces. Bowlers who average 15+ mph ball speed on medium patterns will see the most consistent performance, as the coverstock requires sufficient friction to unlock its responsive characteristics.
The Pros
- • Versatile asymmetric design for medium-heavy conditions
- • QR-7 Pearl coverstock provides good length with controllable backend
- • Track Shuttle Core offers predictable asymmetric motion
The Cons
- • Lower differential limits overall hook potential
- • Discontinued status makes finding replacement difficult
Who Is This Ball For?
While no longer in production, the Track Kinetic Black Ice remains a solid mid-performance option on the used market for bowlers seeking predictable asymmetric motion on medium-heavy oil conditions. The combination of the Track Shuttle Core and QR-7 Pearl coverstock delivers versatile performance without being overwhelming.
Technical Specifications
How It Compares
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Verified Bowler Reviews (13 reviews, 5.0/5 avg)
Bowlers Say
Bowlers praise the Kinetic Black Ice for its stronger backend motion compared to the Kinetic Platinum while maintaining clean front-end travel. Many find it perfect for house shots and medium oil patterns, with the QR-7 pearl coverstock providing earlier midlane read than other pearls but still delivering strong pin carry. Tournament bowlers appreciate its versatility and hitting power.
AI summary of 13 verified purchase reviews
Bowlers frequently mention:
Here’s a couple of quick hitters with the upcoming release from Track, the Kinetic Black Ice! The Quick Response cover, matched with the lower diff Shuttle core, bridge the gap between the world of symmetrics and asymmetrics perfectly for me. I was able to shoot 746 my first three game set with this beast, it is a perfect fit between my Hammer 3D-Offset and the Radical Bigfoot. You can pre-order yours NOW from Bowler Builders Pro Shops, the WWRD is April 29th! Winter may be over, but you always gotta watch out for black ice! #trackbowling #kineticblackice #bowlerbuildersproshops https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRU6qdYGiFE
United States
Used last night in league.from promo at pro shop.great first two games have to move more for third game as lanes broke down.very happy with it.going to order mine and drilled same way
United States
The Track Kinetic Black Ice is another pearl ball in the Kinetic line but does not roll like the Kinetic Platinum at all. In my opinion, I would compare the ball roll more to my favorite ball in the Kinetic line, the Emerald. Mine was drilled 70x3.75x20, which is intended to maximize the skid-flip intention of the ball. However, in side-by-side comparison to the Black Widow Ghost, I found the Black Ice to pick up much earlier in the mid-lane with the OOB finish, and yet not sacrifice the backend motion I was looking for. There’s been a lot of buzz about this ball – and I foresee it doing very well for house shots and on medium sport patterns where you want something polished with a bit more grab in the mids. I highly recommend the Black Ice for your league & tournament bags. Dave Han Track Regional Staff Vise Regional Staff
United States
The Track Kinetic Black Ice is another nice addition to the Kinetic line. It has the same time proven Shuttle core, but they have added a faster response pearl coverstock. I compared it to my Kinetic Platinum from last year and it read the lane a few feet earlier and is a bit stronger down lane. Overall, I would call it a good 4 boards stronger with my feet and 2 at the arrows. Very nice add.
United States
I am a HUGE fan of the Kinetic line up. The new Black Ice does not disappoint. The Black Ice is a lot more responsive than the Kinetic Platinum. I have it between the Kinetic Emerald and Aymethyst. The Black Ice is clean through the fronts, still has the great Kinetic midlane roll, with a lot of back end motion. This is truly one of the best Kinetics yet. I have used it on league and sport patterns. It rolls great on both types of patterns. I went with my favorite layout on all my Kinetics, 75 x 4 7/8 x 45. If you have not ever thrown a Track Kinetic, the Black Ice would be a great choice. Great ball for the Track Line up.
United States
Showing 1–5 of 11 verified reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
What oil condition is the Track Kinetic Black Ice best for?
Is the Track Kinetic Black Ice good for beginners?
What is the RG and differential of the Track Kinetic Black Ice?
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What type of bowler should use the Track Kinetic Black Ice?
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