- Holic

First Impressions
The SWAG Holic, released in March 2019 by California Bowling (SWAG), clearly positions itself in the segment for beginners and extremely dry lane conditions. Visually, the ball often stands out with lively color combinations, such as the striking mix of orange, blue and white finished with a shiny Factory Polish. Technically, the Holic differs drastically from high-performance balls: inside works the symmetrical Holic Core, which at 15 lbs shows an exceptionally high RG value of 2.60. Combined with a very low differential of 0.024, this core is designed to build rotation only very late and to keep track flare at a minimum. The shell is formed by the Sweep Pearl Reactive coverstock. This cover is chemically designed to skid extremely clean through the front part of the lane and to react only minimally to early friction. The overall package promises maximum length and a very smooth, controllable reaction at the end of the oil pattern.
Comparison
Compared directly to other balls in this class, the SWAG Holic shows specific traits. Compared with the popular Storm Tropical Surge, both have similarly high RG values, but the Holic often comes across as a touch more linear in its overall motion. While the Tropical Surge sometimes makes a small, snappy change of direction at the breakpoint, the Holic stays extremely calm and arcing. Against a Brunswick Rhino, which often develops a bit more bite on dry lanes, the Holic behaves more reserved and is more forgiving of mistakes in ball speed. Compared to a "urethane substitute" like the Storm Mix, the Holic still offers more "pop" in the pins and a better entry angle thanks to its reactive cover, without creating the restlessness of a Roto Grip Hustle, which already has considerably more core dynamics. The Holic is basically the step directly above a polyester ball.
On the Lanes
The SWAG Holic finds its ideal use on extremely dry lanes or "burned" house shots, where stronger balls already start to hook after just a few feet. It is the perfect solution for situations in which even weak benchmark balls are no longer controllable and you are forced to play very straight angles. For beginners it is an excellent first ball for learning the hooking game, since it doesn't overreact and is easy to control. For advanced tournament players it serves as a "lifeline" for late blocks on short sport patterns or when the heads are completely destroyed. Thanks to the minimal flare potential it holds its energy for the pins even when the lane has hardly any oil left, and it prevents the dreaded burn up before the pocket.