- Hip Star

First Impressions
The SWAG Hip Star was introduced in July 2020 as the centerpiece of California Bowling's performance line. This ball was developed specifically to close the gap between extreme hook monsters and weaker entry-level balls. The exterior is defined by a deep color combination of blue, black and purple, which looks professional and understated beneath the matte surface finish. Inside works the Renovator Symmetric Core, a precisely manufactured symmetrical core that provides stable rotation. At the standard weight of 15 pounds, this core carries an RG value of 2.504 and a differential of 0.052. One special feature is the use of the Elastic-E filler, a special filler technology in the outer core that should provide efficient energy transfer at impact with the pins and improve carry. The cover is the Dazzler 2 Solid Reactive coverstock, finished at the factory with a 3000-grit sanded surface. This surface is tuned to create enough friction in the oil to prevent uncontrolled skidding while still storing enough energy for the backend. The ball is designed to show a very smooth and predictable motion over the entire length of the lane, which makes it a classic benchmark model.
Comparison In comparison, the SWAG Hip Star positions itself as a direct competitor to established names like the Storm Phaze II or the Roto Grip Idol. Compared to the Storm Phaze II, known for its legendary consistency, the Hip Star offers very similar characteristics in the midlane. While the Phaze II is often perceived as a bit sharper once it hits friction, the Hip Star distinguishes itself with an even more harmonious transition from the hook phase into the roll phase. Compared to the Roto Grip Idol Pro, which also has a strong symmetrical core, the Hip Star appears to offer somewhat more versatility on different surfaces thanks to the Dazzler 2 coverstock. Where the Idol Pro sometimes struggles to change direction in time in heavier oil, the Hip Star maintains more reliable traction thanks to its 3000-grit finish. Placed next to an asymmetrical ball like the Storm Physix, it becomes clear that the Hip Star reacts less aggressively at the breakpoint. The absence of an intermediate differential means the ball reacts less strongly to small changes in release angle, which gives the bowler a higher margin for error on demanding patterns. Within the SWAG family, it offers more control than the asymmetrical SWAG Blizzard Blast, which is designed for considerably higher oil volume and reads the lane much earlier.
On the Lanes The SWAG Hip Star finds its practical use above all on medium oil conditions as well as on typical league lanes. Thanks to its symmetrical construction and the solid cover, it is the ideal ball to start a tournament block with. It lets you find the pocket safely and watch the lane develop without being surprised by uncontrolled outliers. If you play more over the outside boards, the Hip Star offers excellent directional stability and a clean read through the heads. If you have more revs, you can use the ball to get a controlled move back to the pocket even from bigger angles, since it doesn't jump unpredictably on drier spots. When the lane goes into transition during competition and the oil in the middle is carried away, the Hip Star proves to be extremely adaptable. You can migrate inside step by step, with the 3000-grit surface helping to bridge small puddles of oil without losing contact with the lane. If the lane becomes extremely dry, however, it is advisable either to polish the surface or to switch to a pearl ball in order to avoid rolling up too early. All in all, the Hip Star is a reliable workhorse for every player type that values precision and strong carry.