- Double Cross

First Impressions
The Radical Double Cross, released in January 2022, is Radical's answer to the ongoing trend toward modern urethane balls. Visually, its understated "Black Pearl" look is very elegant and almost resembles a classic reactive ball, but appearances are deceiving. Technically, there's an innovation hiding here: the Microtext 3 Pearl Urethane coverstock. This cover uses microscopic texturing to create traction without relying on traditional pores. Inside works a modified symmetrical core (based on the Intel/Bonus series) with a 2.528 RG and a moderate 0.035 differential (at 15 lbs). Equipped with DynamiCore technology for harder pin carry, this ball aims to close the gap between "dead" urethane and weak reactive material.
Comparison In the urethane segment, a comparison to the industry standard, the Hammer Purple Pearl Urethane, is unavoidable. The Radical Double Cross offers very similar length through the heads (skid), but is often described as a touch more aggressive at the breakpoint than the Purple Hammer. Compared to the Storm Pitch Black (solid urethane), the Double Cross gets through the heads considerably more easily and generates more angle in the backend. Against the Roto Grip Rubicon UC3 (asymmetrical urethane), the Double Cross is clearly more controllable thanks to its symmetrical core and less forceful in its change of direction. It behaves less like a traditional plastic/urethane ball and more like an extremely controlled, weak reactive ball.
On the Lanes The Radical Double Cross is a specialty weapon for short oil patterns or extremely dry lanes where reactive balls react too jumpy ("over/under"). Its strength is friction control: it smooths out the wild backend that often develops on house shots with dry outside boards. It allows you to play closer to the friction if you have a high rev rate, without having to fear an immediate "jump" through the nose. Thanks to the pearl component, it retains a bit more energy for the pins than dull solid urethane balls, which improves carry. It is not suited for heavy oil or long patterns, however, since it doesn't have enough "teeth" to hold the line there.