First Impressions
The Radical Bonus looks their version of the Venom Shock, IQ Tour Nano, Web Tour, etc. Master control ball.
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James Kasee (Righty)
Style: Power Player
RPM: 425 rpm
PAP 4 1/2 & 1/4 down
Average Speed: 19 mph (at release)
Axis tilt: 19 degrees
Axis rotation: 60 degrees
Test Equipment: 15 Pounds
Layout: 60 x 5 x 40
“Keep in mind that coverstock accounts for 70% of ball reaction, but the core creates the dynamic shape of the reaction. Your driller will alter the shape to suit your game.”
Pattern
THS: 40ft, 23ml
Sport: Kegel Arsenic 41ft, 27 ml, 1.3:1 ratio
Specs
The Radical Bonus uses the Symmetric (DynamiCore) inside the Forged Solid coverstock.
15 pound = RG of 2.487, diff of .030
14 pound = RG of 2.504, diff of .030
Coverstock finish: 500, 2000 Siaair Micro Pad
Overall
Radical is back with a special control ball called the Bonus. This is clearly a replacement for their Intel. The core shape is very similar as are the specs. The cover is a little stronger here. So I am likening the Intel to the IQ Tour and the Bonus to the IQ Tour Nano Pearl or Web Pearl. The formula is pretty simple really. Put a low RG low diff control core in a medium/strong cover and you get a control shape. I think this is closer to the formula of the Web Tour or Venom Shock, using a much stronger cover than core.
So what is this shape? You get a smooth strong arc. More technically, you have a stronger surface read with friction created by the cover and then you get a smooth transition downlane from the low diff core. So you get arc and then medium arc downlane. This creates an immensely usable and reliable control ball motion. Its not going to hook out of the building. You dont want to have massively open angles. But when theres enough volume to allow YOU to bowl a bit more direct, you take advantage of a nice smooth and trustworthy motion. James was super comfortable with the ball motion from the first throw. He struck a lot. These are not repeat shots. Everything Ive been describing you can clearly see as James throws the ball. You arent surprised. You know what its going to do. He plays just inside the 3rd arrow and as he moves in, you see how the motion compensates. As he gets closer to the 4th arrow, you can see that it is now driving a little soft but still slapped the 10 out. There is an obvious angle limit for this type of motion but thats not what this ball is for.
He also tried going up the boards to show you the motion from there. He cuts down his axis rotation. The first couple of balls did surprise a bit as it didnt make it up the hill as compared to other balls we tested. Because the core is not as dynamic, you have to play to that smooth arc. You can see that even 9 to 5 is not going to work. But 8 to 5 and there it is. Surprisingly it was a little tricky but depending on your style, you may be able to go even harder into the friction to get the motion you want. James couldn’t get any further into the friction but couldn’t get any further into the oil.
Sport Shot
James tested the Radical Bonus on the very tricky and flat Kegel Arsenic pattern. Flat patterns always require you to watch your angles very carefully and keep chasing so that you can fall back to any spot you create downlane. This motion is probably more effective at the beginning of the block for this type of pattern. Control fronts and smooth backend. The only issue is with this much cover strength/grit, it pushes you in on a flat pattern and then you have a little harder time getting the angle you need. Here’s where you actually get to see the limitations of the ball. It’s still a nice smooth motion but now it hurts a little more. That soft arc when you have to be into the 4th arrow is exposed as the ball deflects through the pins. If he’s a little tight he’s leave a 4 pin. It’s a nice motion overall even if not ideal for this pattern.
Final Thoughts
With the Radical Bonus, it seems to fit in the Mid Control ball for some or Specialty for others. All styles will be able to take advantage of this motion but at different times. With higher rev, you can use it more direct when there’s some volume. Lower rev will be able to use it with medium or lower volumes. I personally like to have this shape as a specialty ball rather than a mid control where I want a more dynamic shape there for my game. For James, this could be a perfect mid control. The Bonus should be a very successful ball for Radical.