Radical Bigfoot Hybrid Ball Review by Jeff Ussery

Layout: 60 degrees x 5 1/2" x 25 degrees

RG: 2.48"

Differential: .053"

M/b: n/a

Surface: 1500 grit sia air w/ Crown Factory Compound

Core shape: Symmetric

The Radical Bigfoot Hybrid isn't simply a combination of solid and pearl resin from a previous ball. This "mid"-performance ball is the first symmetrical ball to feature the HyperKinetic 22 (HK22) chemical compound in its coverstock. This coverstock formula paired with the same symmetric core makes this ball react more to friction than the Bigfoot Pearl which creates more hook and flip on medium oil conditions. But don't let the "mid"-performance price point concern you. This ball has high-end features for all 60 feet of the lane.

I've got the Bigfoot Hybrid setup with a traditional pin up layout. "Go long, flip hard, hit like a truck." I use that one in the store a lot as a joke, but that's exactly where Bigfoot Hybrid fits on the lane. This 1500 compound finished HyperKinetic 22 cover is super clean through the front of the lane on the Bigfoot symmetric core shape. I've thrown HK22 reactive on the Brunswick Defender Hybrid and Hammer 3D Offset Attack. I find the symmetric core to make all the difference in the world (the other two balls are asymmetric). Bigfoot Hybrid is very clean through the heads and floats to the break point with ease.

The layout chosen here on this ball ended up being perfect for the ball's attributes. It really accentuates the "go long-flip hard" part of my description. Bigfoot Hybrid is easily one of the most angular balls I've seen from the Brunswick ball plant in many years. For me, this extra angularity down lane gives me a little more "miss room" at the bottom of the swing. Balls that labor down lane tend to struggle when they're not thrown just right. We've all had a ball where you felt like you had to throw a 9.5 or 10 out of 10 starts shot to have a chance at striking. My early use with the Bigfoot Hybrid expands that window down to a 7.5 or 8 out of 10 for me. It just allows for a lot of minor differences in release while still resulting in ten pins down.

As far as hook potential, this one is definitely not as much hook as Radical's high end Trail Blazer series. Bigfoot Hybrid appears to fit squarely in the middle of their product lineup. It's definitely less than their big asymmetrical core balls, but it 100% hooks more than a Sneak Attack/Payback. For bowlers on medium oil lane conditions, they're going to really enjoy this new Radical piece. I've not thrown it on super heavy oil yet, but the Brunswick covers do tend to excel in that environment, so I don't expect trouble.

Bigfoot Hybrid is available now at Total Bowling Gear, and in stock in 14# and 15#. Come by and see us for more information!