DV8 Mantra Ball Review by Jeff Ussery

Layout: 60 degrees x 5 1/2" x 40 degrees

RG: 2.50"

Differential: .047"

M/b: .011"

Surface: 1500 Grit Compound

Core shape: Asymmetric

Manufacturer's Intent: The DV8 line-up has a ball for everyone, from no-thumb bowlers to bowlers needing big hook monsters. The new Mantra from DV8 fills a gap in the line, providing a medium-strength asymmetric core with a skid-flip cover for a ball that will excel on medium conditions. The Mantra has the industry-leading HK22 cover and Inciter Xtreme additives from the Trouble Maker Pearl and is finished with Factory Compound to give it easy length and a strong change of direction. The DV8 Mantra’s stunning appearance and more noticeable performance will make this a ball you will not want to miss.

DV8's new Mantra is an outstanding piece for every day league conditions and medium oil environments. This is the ball I've thrown the majority of the season at Olathe Lanes East, and it's a perfect matchup for my style and the lane conditions there. If you're looking for a medium oil piece that arcs off the dry without quitting in the backend, Mantra is going to be an excellent choice.

Mantra starts with a new core shape that provides a medium rg, medium differential combination. The core revs quick in the front of the lane and provides smooth transition off of the dry boards. If the lanes you're bowling on are closer to a wet/dry environment, Mantra will match up perfectly for you. A Dynamicore filled outer core helps to provide better impact at the pin deck as well. Mantra is wrapped with what is now a Brunswick staple, the HK22 coverstock base, and injected with Inciter Xtreme additives to provide better traction in oil. All of this combines to give Mantra medium hook potential, medium backend, medium responsiveness. This truly is the "most medium" ball I've thrown in a long time. That means it's a ball you can trust to perform consistently, and one that you can likely bowl the entire night with.

I've thrown my Mantra at the 1500 Compound finish from the factory. The ball rolls amazing for me, so I haven't tried any surface changes at all on it. My standard pin up drilling puts the Mantra into the late mid-lane at Olathe Lanes East before it starts to see any friction. Mantra shows a "sweeping arc" off of the end of the lane pattern. While not really designed for super dry lanes, I could see a scenario where the proper layout on a Mantra could help on dry lanes as well. Heavy oil will be the downfall here, but it's just not what this ball is designed for.

Stop by the store to learn more about the Mantra from DV8. We have these in stock in both 14# and 15# weights.