DV8 Smooth Criminal Bowling Ball Review

The Smooth Criminal introduces a new core and coverstock to the DV8 line. It uses the new Larceny symmetrical weight block. This core is a low RG (2.471″) and low differential (0.028″) shape, designed to rev up quickly and control the motion off the dry. This ball uses the new Jailbreak (S5) hybrid coverstock that is finished with 500/1000/3000 SiaAir. We saw this ball pick up very well in the midlane and offer a smooth and controllable motion off the dry. The Smooth Criminal was a step down from the current balls in the DV8 line, providing an option for drier conditions in the brand.

Stroker

Stroker saw the Smooth Criminal pick up very easily in the midlane on the fresh medium oil pattern. The dull finish and quick-revving core allowed him to play a small swing off his hand, getting the ball over the second arrow and out to as far as board four at the breakpoint. He could hit the pocket on misses farther right, but the ball didn’t have enough angle to get through the pins from that far out. He had enough traction through the oil in the middle of the lane for the ball to still get to the pocket without over-hooking downlane when he missed inside of target. He was able to stay in the same part of the lane for the majority of the session, and he didn’t need to make a big move until the other bowlers started throwing shots. He could make small parallel moves with his laydown point and his