Radical Hitter Pearl Ball Review by Jeff Ussery

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

RG: 2.50"

Differential: .053"

M/b: .015"

Surface: 1500 Grit Compound Polished

Core shape: Asymmetric

Manufacturer's Intent: The Hitter Pearl is an extension of the very successful Hitter line. The original Hitter used a derivative of the HK22 Solid cover called the Utility cover. The Hitter Pearl takes the performance to the next level with the use of this HK22 base called HK22 Utility Pearl. This cover and core combination yields a cleaner motion and a significant increase in backend reaction. Where the original Hitter had more mid-lane motion, The Hitter Pearl is cleaner and sharper down-lane, making it a perfect complement to the original Hitter.

Radical's newest extension in the Hitter line offered a few surprises when taking it to the lanes. I drilled it with my standard pin up drilling, assuming this product would be fairly clean through the front of the lane with a moderate amount of backend performance based on the core specs. What I ended up with was far more length than expected. The Hitter Pearl is extremely long through the front of the lane for me when there's any semblance of oil present. While it doesn't hydroplane on top of the oil, it doesn't have a lot of friction when it's in the oil portion of the front end. Once it's thrown into some friction, there is a very strong response to the dry. This reminds me of balls we used to test at Ebonite when we would try to accentuate the length in the ball reaction. Sometimes by doing this you end up with extreme skid/snap type products, and that's what I see in the Hitter Pearl.

Had I known this was where I would end up with the Hitter Pearl, I definitely would have drilled this with a lower pin position to help smooth out the break point. I generally don't care much for extreme skid/snap products as they just don't fit my eye at the lanes. They also aren't particularly useful where I bowl league at right now (Olathe Lanes East).

I may try breaking the cover a bit on this piece to attempt to smooth it out down lane. Hopefully something close to a 2000 grit sanded finish will help me out. With that said, if you're looking for something to really kick down lane, Hitter Pearl is going to be an option to look at as long as the lanes aren't really flooded. Don't forget about that extreme length element that's built in. Because of this you'll likely only see that skid/snap nature when the lanes are a bit toward the medium to drier side.

Radical's new Hitter Pearl is in stock in both 14# and 15# at TBG. Stop by any time to learn more!