- Intimidator

First Impressions
The DV8 Intimidator arrives with a clear mission: massive traction on heavy oil. Visually, the black, purple and white color combination already signals aggression, backed up by the dull 500/2000 Siaair factory finish. Technically, DV8 introduces the new asymmetric Assailant core here, which with a very low 2.481 RG and a high 0.051 differential delivers quick revving and plenty of flare. This engine is wrapped in the Inciter Max Solid Reactive coverstock. This chemical blend is a clear evolution of the cover used previously on the Instigator, and should offer even more "teeth" in the oil. One important detail is the integration of DynamiCore technology in the outer shell, which, as on sister brands Brunswick and Radical, provides optimized energy transfer at the pin deck.
Comparison
Compared directly to its predecessor, the DV8 Instigator, the Intimidator shows noticeably more overall strength. Where the Instigator often offered a bit of length, the Intimidator digs into the lane much earlier with the "Max" version of the Inciter cover and generates a heavier roll phase in the midlane. Drawing the comparison to the Roto Grip UFO (also released in early 2020), both balls operate in the same heavyweight class for a lot of oil, though the Intimidator often comes across as a shade rounder and more continuous than the sometimes very abrupt UFO. Against a classic benchmark ball like the Storm Phaze II, the Intimidator is "more ball": it absolutely needs more oil in the front part of the lane, since otherwise it burns up too early, where the Phaze II would still store energy.
On the Lanes
The DV8 Intimidator is a pure specialist for heavy oil conditions and fresh sport patterns. It's the first choice when you're playing on a "flood" and other balls skid or miss the breakpoint. Thanks to the rough surface and the strong core, it smooths out over-reacting backends by converting energy early into controlled hook. If you throw the ball fast, you'll love the security this ball provides in oil. For dry lanes or late in a block, however, it is entirely unsuitable; here it would roll out too early and arrive "dead" at the pins. Its job is to read the lane when the lane is at its toughest.