SKID…SNAP…
Our tester:
Michael Raquidan (450 rpm)
The is a pin up layout for the DV8 Misfit Pearl. Layout is 75 x 3.5 x 40. This will delay roll but with a quicker transition and high track flare potential. This type of layout will let a ball like this generate flip and angle.
Remember that coverstock accounts for 70% of ball reaction, but the core will create the dynamic shape. Your drilling will alter the shape to suit your game and conditions you bowl on. Please work with your local pro shop operator to find what best works for you.
Test Patterns:
THS: Modified Kegel Stone Street, 42 ft, 9.6:1 ratio, 20 ml
First Impressions
It really does make the corner. Not first ball out of the bag on our condition, but definitely moves on the backends. Neon yellow…you make up your mind.
Value 8/10
The DV8 Misfit Pearl is relatively inexpensive piece with good prices available. Still in terms of value, since it is somewhat limited in its use, I’ve given it an 8 out of 10. Of course if you frequently bowl on second shift or burn, you might disagree and find higher value for the Misfit Pearl.
Core
The Misfit Core has an RG of 2.545, differential of .032. The core shape looks like a ridged block. This shape tends to allow a defined move off the spot.
Cover 7.5/10
The Misfit Pearl uses the Class 1L Reactive pearl coverstock. It’s finished with 500 Siaair Micro Pad, Rough Buff, then High Gloss Polish. This finish really allows the ball to easily skid to the breakpoint while allowing a sharp reaction to dry boards.
Reaction
THS = 7.5
House Shot – Modified 42ft Stone Street
Mikey found this ball absolutely effortless to feed the ball out to the target. He also found the recovery and angle the ball creates was unbelievable. He really likes this layout as it allows for great recovery for him. This skid/snap reaction was more conducive to moving left, feeding the ball and just watching it come back.
On the fresh shot however, this was not the go to ball with the out of box finish. What we found is a ball that was too over/under. The ball needs some built in lane friction and area. Otherwise you have to be too fine with your accuracy. No miss room means no score. However, on the same condition as it breaks down, you can really get left and bounce off the friction. The move the Misfit Pearl makes does not disappoint.
We had trouble with Digitrax since it couldn’t seem to pick up these bright yellow or orange neon-type balls, but clearly it was generating very high entry angles. From our experience and in comparison to the Diva and Brutal Nightmare, this ball can easily generate over 6 degrees and this is a 42 foot pattern. On a 38-40 foot, Mikey would probably be generating closer to 8 degrees with this piece.
Compared to the Diva, the Misfit was a bit longer and snappier. So although the Diva is bit stronger overall, because of the higher angles and different drillings, The Diva could be played more directly covering fewer boards than the Misfit for Mikey.
Overall 8/10
If you are good with the stand out neon yellow color, the DV8 Misfit Pearl is a skid/snap dream. Obviously our tester has lots of hand so keep that in mind when comparing to your own game. Nevertheless, there are consistencies that you will see with this ball. It has quick reaction to dry boards which means it will move aggressively off the end of the pattern. It’s high gloss out of box finish means it will skid through the heads very easily with minimal effort. On fresh shots, this will be hard to tame. On broken down patterns, you will enjoy being able to move in and belly this one for some nice pop.