Radical Squatch Hybrid Ball Review

Layout: 45 degrees x 4 1/2" x 70 degrees

RG: 2.48"

Differential: .054"

Surface: 500 grit polished

Core shape: Symmetric

What I wanted from this ball: After drilling the Brunswick Uppercut with the same layout, I was looking to see if there was complimentary ball motion to be found with the Squatch Hybrid. Squatch Hybrid utilizes a little more differential than the Uppercut, which means more track flare potential in this product. The RG value is the same, and while not identical, the surfaces out of the box are very close.

What I ended up with in this ball: Squatch Hybrid has the ability to play a similar part of the lane as the Brunswick Uppercut but does it in a different way, or at least is appears that way to the eye. Sometimes the cosmetics of the ball tell us that the ball is doing one thing when it's actually doing something else. I found that here with the Squatch Hybrid. I personally prefer darker balls that are easier to read as they travel toward the pins. Squatch Hybrid is a Radical product, and their known for their more unique colors and appearance. With this bright, multi-color swirl, I thought I was seeing the motion a little earlier and smoother than I expected. But every time I tried to compensate for what I thought was happening, the ball didn't respond like it was the right move. It's simply because color can play tricks on your eyes at time. I found the Squatch Hybrid to be very close in performance to the Uppercut once I stopped looking at the color and started looking at the shape.

Squatch Hybrid may be a little more rounded at the breakpoint versus the Uppercut. That's likely due to core shape, and possibly that minor surface difference. Where the Uppercut wanted to make it's move a little more quickly and then take off for the pocket, the Squatch Hybrid was a little more gentle off the friction while still being very continuous hooking in the back. I found this ball to be very easy to get through the heads, even on drier lane conditions. Overall my best matchup was on medium to drier stuff, when there was plenty of friction to the right of my target. You'll need a little higher rev rate to throw the Squatch Hybrid on fresh patterns or heavier oil conditions.

This one's a nice addition to the Radical line. They've had great success with the Squatch series of balls, and I can see why after trying this one out. Stop by TBG today and learn more about this product from Radical!