900 Global Viking Ball Review by Jeff Ussery

Layout: 60 degrees x 5 1/2" x 40 degrees

RG: 2.52"

Differential: .051"

M/b: .016"

Surface: 1500 grit w/ Power Edge Polish

Core shape: Asymmetric

Manufacturer's Intent: Forged for the fight when lanes turn treacherous. Unleash the Strobe A.I. Core—it's raised RG and single-density design slices through the midlane with razor-sharp read, then erupts into a ferocious backend surge. Cleaner up front than the Origin, yet it hits harder off the spot—this is the most explosive hybrid asymmetric in the 900 Global arsenal. Wrapped in RB 90 Hybrid Reactive with a Power Edge finish, the solid side bites for control while the pearl ignites lightning-fast response. The result? A seamless, savage reaction that owns the chaos. When lanes break down and you demand more shape, more power, more victory, the Viking storms in. This is your weapon for the war on transition.

900 Global's new Viking is a polished, 3-color asymmetric ball that comes out on November 21. Recently I've had incredible success with a new Rock Star Amped, so I chose to drill the Viking with the same pin up layout to see how this higher powered 900 series ball would perform against the Amped. It's a moderately strong asymmetry shape inside the Viking. Asymmetric cores generally create more mid-lane strength, often paired with a slower backend response on the lane. Not all asymmetric balls end up this way, but many that I've thrown do, and that's definitely where Viking ended up for me.

The cover is fairly clean through the front of the lane. I haven't seen an environment where I couldn't push this ball through the front of the lane. This asymmetric core is far stronger in the mid-lane than the polished symmetric core balls I've thrown recently, including the previously mentioned Rock Star Amped. For me, Viking wanted to mid-lane transition and then get fairly forward off of the end of the pattern. I'd describe the shape I saw as a "controlled arc." I definitely don't see any skid/snap out of the Viking. The combination of the new core and the hybrid cover create a ball that is kind of a middle everything type of product. Medium hook potential, medium length, medium backend motion is what I've observed from the Viking.

This will definitely be a useful tool at some of our drier centers in town, where you're better off playing straighter angles. Many times the polished coverstock balls that are needed to clear the front of the lane simply hook too much in the backend at these centers. Viking should keep the player straighter through the front with a controlled motion in the backend.

900 Global's new Viking will be in-stock in 14#-15# starting Friday, November 21st at Total Bowling Gear now!