The Guru is Radical’s Top Dog…

First Impressions
I love black bowling balls! This is going to be a very successful piece for Radical and its fans. It’s a strong ball that all different style bowlers can use.

Our Testers:
Kerry Smith
Stroker: 225 rpm
PAP: 5 1/8 & 3/4 up
Axis tilt: 13 degrees
Axis rotation: ~45 degrees
Layout: 45 x 4 x 35

Eric Erb
Power Player: 450 rpm
PAP: 4 3/4 & 1 up
Axis Tilt: low
Axis Rotation: ~45 degrees
Layout: 30 x 4 3/4 x 60

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.

Test Patterns:
41ft THS, 12:1, 24ml
House: 222 Dutch Lanes, Ephrata, PA

Thanks to Jeffrey Smith of Pure It Pro Shop in Lebanon, PA, our partner for ball reviews.

Value 8.5/10
The Radical Guru is a strong ball that has enough versatility to be used by many different style bowlers.

Specs
The Guru core is a new asymmetric design with an RG of 2.501, diff of .044 and int diff of .018. The new solid reactive cover is finished with 500 then 1500 Siaair.

Overall 8/10
The Guru is a very nice addition to Radical’s lineup. We were able to test it with a stroker and cranker. Both really liked the ball for heavy to medium-heavy conditions. Stroker was easily able to use it on medium conditions as well.
Kerry enjoyed reasonable length and a nice midlane read with strong hit at the pocket. The Guru gives her a smooth but strong solid motion. She had an excellent look with great carry on the medium test condition. She also had good forgiveness and can use a few different lines to the pocket.
Eric had a decent look but not as good as Kerry’s. While he was able to find a line easy enough, due to the midlane strength of this ball and the end over end roll he has, if he missed right, the ball just stood up too early and wouldn’t make it up the hill. When the medium condition is fresh or there’s a more volume, he has a great look.
You will see right away that this is a “trustworthy” ball reaction, meaning you know what you will get out of it. It offers no surprises. It reads the midlane very nicely, turns the corner smoothly, and hits strong. You will not want to wheel too much if the condition is medium and you have lots of hand. Stay in the oil downlane and you will be rewarded handsomely.

Digitrax analysis coming soon…