- Pathogen X2

First Impressions
The Pyramid Pathogen X2 presents itself as the evolutionary next step in the popular Pathogen series. The Pathogen and Pathogen X strains have combined at the genetic level, giving rise to the most infectious Pathogen yet. The ball is built around the New Era 139 Symmetric Core with a 2.54 RG and a 0.032 differential in a 15-pound ball. The distinctive GPS Navigational Hybrid coverstock allows the ball to read the midlane and delay the backend reaction. The 2000-grit Abralon surface gives the ball versatility across a range of lane conditions.
Comparison
Compared directly to its predecessor, the Pathogen X, the X2 shows a more controlled character thanks to the hybrid cover. Where the Pathogen X offered easy length and flip on the back end with its pearl cover, the X2 should provide a more balanced reaction. Compared to the Storm Phaze II or the Roto Grip Idol Cosmos, the Pathogen X2 offers similar midlane characteristics, but at a considerably better price-to-performance ratio. The medium RG and differential numbers, paired with the GPS Navigational Hybrid, allow the ball to read the midlane and delay the backend reaction, which sets it apart from more aggressive asymmetric cores like the Brunswick DV8 Vandal Destroy.
On the Lanes
The Pathogen X2 should suit every bowler, from strokers to two-handers, looking for peak performance on medium to heavy oil volumes. This ball keeps the best of both outbreaks in order to devastate a variety of lane conditions and subject every pin to its wrath. The pairing allows the ball to be an important part of your arsenal across different lane conditions. On typical house shots with medium oil volume in particular, the ball should play to its strengths. This ball keeps the best of both outbreaks in order to lay waste to a variety of lane conditions and subject every pin to its wrath. The controlled backend reaction makes it a solid choice if you value predictability and carry power without relying on an overly aggressive skid-flip reaction.