Radical Rattler Ball Review by Jeff Ussery

Layout: 45 degrees x 4" x 70 degrees

RG: 2.49"

Differential: .035"

M/b: n/a

Surface: 4000 grit Sia Air sanded

Core shape: Symmetric

The Rattler is a new addition to Radical's popular Reliable performance category, following in the footsteps of the Bigfoot. The Rattler is strong and continuous like the Bigfoot but is more angular with more backend motion. The Rattler core features benchmark numbers for a symmetrical ball with a low RG / low differential combination. To get the desired down-lane motion from the Rattler, Radical wrapped it in the S.H.A.R.P cover. The S.H.A.R.P cover was originally featured in the Incognito line and is one of their strongest backending covers in the lineup.

My Rattler was drilled with my pin down layout. This is a layout I've had a lot of success with in other low rg symmetric balls (IQ Tour, Gamebreakers, etc.). This lower pin position gets the ball started up a little sooner for me, giving me smoother continuation than normal through the backend. I'm really glad I chose this layout for the Rattler, as this ball still backends a ton. Rattler's core motion is an early revving, strong motion. With the 4" pin, I've nearly maximized the core's flare potential, and I see around 3.5-4" of track flare from the Rattler. This combination with the 4000 grit S.H.A.R.P. cover gives Rattler an exceptional benchmark type reaction for medium oil.

I don't believe Rattler has the coverstock strength to match up on heavier oil conditions, but that's not at all what the product is designed for. In those environments, you'll be better suited with their stronger asymmetric Trailblazer Solid. But with some polish added, Rattler could be very good on drier environments. The lower flare potential core gives it the ability to matchup on dry if you can tweak the surface correctly. Due to that lower flare potential, we're likely to drill the majority of the ones we sell with a slightly stronger layout than normal. These lower differential balls can straighten out quickly with longer pin positions that don't get the ball off of the original oil ring.

Rattler comes in a nice looking 2-tone purple color with orange logos. Radical users will find this ball to fit in between the lesser hooking Bigfoot and everything else in the Top Shelf price point. Rattler isn't going to compete for total hook with balls like Trailblazer or Innovator, but it's going to be a perfect step down as lanes begin to transition. I also expect Rattler to be very good for higher revolution players, no thumb players, etc. Overall, this is just a great new ball from Radical in the mid-price category.

Stop by TBG today to learn more about the new Radical Rattler!