Radical The Closer Pearl Ball Review

Layout: 45 degrees x 4 1/2" x 70 degrees

RG: 2.54"

Differential: .050"

Surface: 500/1000 with Compound Polish

Core shape: Symmetric

I took The Closer Pearl by Radical Bowling out for a spin. I started out with the standard layout using my 45 x 4 1/2" x 70 layout. The 45 degree drill angle typically gives me medium to late mid-lane distance with a noticeable change in direction at the backend. By combining with a 4 1/2" pin distance to my PAP, I take advantage of the core strength to create just slightly less than the maximum track flare potential. Finally, the 70 degree VAL angle will normally give me a little smoother breakpoint than most layouts.

Closer Pearl is a very attractive blue/white combination with a pearl additive in the cover. I found this release to be best on medium to slightly drier lane conditions. Fresher, heavier oil conditions were a bit of a struggle for this one, but Radical has plenty of larger hook potential options that are better for those conditions anyway. Once the lane dried up some and had a noticeable friction spot, The Closer Pearl was able to open up the dry boards and created a smooth look off of the high friction area. I tried a surface change on this ball with more polish added, but it straightened out a bit too much for me. Returning the surface back to a 1000 grit using a cross-hatch method on the spinner brought the life back to The Closer Pearl.

If I had it to do over again, I'd probably drill this one with a taller pin and a longer distance to my positive axis point. Visually that would look more like a pin over the bridge area. That would likely play to the strength of this ball a little better, allowing it to get further down the lane before seeing the friction.

I can see The Closer Pearl being a nice one to have on tougher, flatter sport shots. The control features in the backend of the lane will suit those conditions better than something that backends more quickly.

The Closer Pearl is available now at TBG. Come take a look at this one, along with the new Radical Results. The Results has looked very impressive so far. Look for a review on that one in the near future!