- Honey Badger Claw

First Impressions
Released in October 2018, the 900Global Honey Badger Claw expands the extremely popular 700 series with a version that has considerably more bite ("Claw"). Inside works the characteristic Grapnel Asymmetric core, which comes with an unusually high RG of 2.57 for an asymmetric ball and a differential of 0.041 (at 15 lbs). This combination lets the ball store energy and glide effortlessly through the heads. The core is wrapped in the S71 Solid Reactive coverstock in a somber black/purple design. The factory finish of 2000 grit Abralon gives the ball the texture it needs to hold in oil, unlike its predecessors. One technical detail worth noting is the construction as a true "2-piece ball" (no filler material in the outer core), which noticeably improves energy transfer to the pins (carry).
Comparison
Compared directly to the original Honey Badger (Gold Pearl), the Claw is considerably more stable and earlier in its reaction. While the Gold Pearl is known for its extreme "skid-flip" character — long skid and an abrupt turn — the Claw uses its dull solid surface to read the midlane in a controlled way and avoid overreaction on dry boards. Set against the 900Global Continuum, which was released at the same time, the Continuum positions itself as the ball for really heavy oil (thanks to its low RG), while the Honey Badger Claw is the perfect choice when the heads have already dried up somewhat (high RG) but you still need the security of a solid cover in the back part of the lane. In philosophy it recalls a Storm Hy-Road Solid, though the asymmetric core gives it a more defined kick at the breakpoint.
On the Lanes
The Honey Badger Claw is a secret weapon for medium oil conditions and demanding sport patterns. Its unique combination of high RG (length) and dull solid cover (traction) solves a common problem: it gets through the heads cleanly without burning up early, yet it holds reliably at the end of the pattern without sliding through. That makes it ideal for situations where "big" balls hook too early but pure pearl balls react too sensitively to oil lines. It works excellently if you like to play the ball out to the edge or want to open up the pocket in a controlled way without having to throw a huge arc. On short patterns it plays to its strength by preserving energy all the way to the pin deck and hitting hard when it gets there.