DV8 Ruckus Bowling Ball Review

The Ruckus is the newest toy in the DV8 Pro line. It uses a new core shape and a hybrid version of the Class 8F coverstock. This high performance release is best on medium to heavy lane conditions.

We had just a slightly better reaction on our medium pattern than our heavy. The compounded hybrid coverstock gave Stroker and Tweener a strong read in the mid-lane with great continuation at the back end. The aggressive coverstock hooked just a bit too much for Cranker’s liking on this pattern. He added a layer of polish to his Ruckus and quickly had a much better reaction. The added length from the polish allowed him to move a little farther right, covering fewer boards and increasing the amount of back end hook.

Moving to the heavy test pattern, Cranker liked his reaction better than our other two testers at the box finish. Cranker’s high rev rate allowed him to have much more recovery than the other two testers on this slicker pattern. Stroker and Tweener could get to the pocket, but they had to be very careful not to get their speed too quick or the Ruckus would go light. This was easily fixed by scuffing the surface with a 2000 SiaAir pad. With the extra grit, these testers could be more aggressive and had much better reactions.

Stroker’s reaction was best on the sport pattern. The hybrid coverstock had the right amount of traction and back end reaction on this flatter pattern. Cranker and Tweener saw their Ruckus a little too angular at the end of the pattern. These two testers removed the compound with a 4000 SiaAir pad to help smooth out the reaction.

The dry pattern did not offer much for this strong bowling ball. Weak layouts and lots of shine would be needed to have a good ball reaction on short dry patterns.

Strengths

The hybrid coverstock shows plenty of power, handling both medium and heavy oil patterns. The cover also takes very well to surface changes to alter the reaction.

Weaknesses

Different styles will have different weaknesses magnified with the Ruckus. Our lower rev tester had some problems on the heavy pattern and Cranker had trouble on the dry pattern.

Overall Summary

The Ruckus is the newest addition to the DV8 high performance line. This ball uses a new core shape with a hybrid version of the Class 8 reactive coverstock.