- Alley Cat

First Impressions
Released in May 2017, the DV8 Alley Cat replaces the popular Outcast series and redefines the brand's entry-level segment. Visually, the ball stands out with various extremely eye-catching color combinations intended to appeal especially to newer bowlers. Technically, the model is built around the symmetric Alley Cat core. At 15 pounds it shows a high RG of 2.564 and a low differential of 0.025. Physically, these numbers translate to maximum length and a very controlled, late reaction, since the core is slow to be set into rotation and generates little flare. The cover is made of the ACR (All Control Reactive) coverstock. From the factory, the ball is sanded to 500 Siaair and then brought to a high shine with Crown Factory Compound and Polish. This combination creates an extremely smooth surface that glides through the heads with almost no friction.
Comparison Compared directly to its predecessor, the DV8 Outcast, the Alley Cat shows improved energy retention and a somewhat more defined move at the breakpoint. Where the Outcast occasionally tended to grab a bit too early on dry boards, the Alley Cat glides over those spots with more authority. Compared to the Brunswick Rhino, which is produced in the same plant and targets a similar audience, the Alley Cat often offers a truer phase through the midlane thanks to the ACR shell, along with a slightly sharper entry angle into the pocket. Next to a stronger ball like the DV8 Freakshow, the Alley Cat comes across as considerably tamer and generates significantly less overall hook. Compared to the Storm Tropical Surge (or the Tropical Storm at the time), the DV8 Alley Cat offers even more length due to its slightly higher RG, but often responds a touch more gently to friction.
On the Lanes The ideal application for the DV8 Alley Cat is dry to very dry lane conditions or heavily played-out house shots ("burn"). It's the perfect first reactive ball for a beginner, since it forgives mistakes at the release and doesn't overreact. It teaches you how to throw a hook without being uncontrollable. For tournament players and high-rev bowlers, it serves as a lifeline when the heads are completely gone and stronger balls have no energy left for the pins. The ball ignores the missing oil in the heads and uses the friction at the end of the pattern for clean, efficient carry. On fresh oil or heavy volume, however, it's ineffective, since it simply doesn't have enough traction for that and would likely slide right past the breakpoint.