- Katana Dragon

First Impressions
The Radical Katana Dragon was released in June 2018 and positions itself as the most powerful model within the Katana series for high oil volume. Visually, the ball comes in a striking color combination of red and gray (Red/Grey). The technical foundation is the asymmetric Katana core, which carries a 2.503 RG, a 0.050 differential and a 0.020 intermediate differential. This combination is specifically designed to retain considerable dynamics despite the high friction values. The coverstock is Forged-X Solid Reactive, which was considered one of the most aggressive covers in the manufacturer's history at the time of its release. The factory finish is sanded matte with 500, 1000 and 2000 Siaair Micro Pads, giving the ball an extremely high traction potential. The material makeup should ensure that the ball does not float on top even on heavy oil patterns, but instead finds traction early without completely giving up the angularity in the backend that is typical of the Katana line.
Comparison Compared to the original Radical Katana (Pearl), the Katana Dragon offers a noticeably earlier reaction and a massively increased overall hook capacity. While the pearl version is known for its extreme backend motion on medium oil, the Dragon reads the lane much earlier and shifts the focus of the motion into the midlane. Compared to the Radical Cash, another heavyweight for oil, the Katana Dragon shows a more angular change of direction at the breakpoint, while the Cash describes a more continuous, arcing motion. In a cross-brand comparison with the Storm Phaze II, the Katana Dragon offers a stronger change of direction thanks to its asymmetric core and responds more sensitively to the bowler's axis rotation. Against the Brunswick Kingpin, the Dragon delivers a sharper reaction once it reaches the end of the oil pattern, which makes it a more aggressive option for bowlers who don't want to give up a defined breakpoint despite heavy oil. Compared to the Radical Katana Slash, the Dragon is considerably more stable through the midlane and less prone to sliding through longer oil patterns.
On the Lanes The Radical Katana Dragon is a specialized tool for heavy oil conditions and long sport patterns. Its primary strength lies in creating friction where other balls find no hold. If you throw the ball fast or your speed is dominant over your rev rate, this ball is an ideal solution for getting enough board coverage. On typical house shots (THS), the ball should be used with caution, since the strong surface often burns up the heads too quickly and the ball can lose energy prematurely, which leads to weaker carry. It is best used at the start of a set, when the oil volume is at its highest. As soon as the transition begins and the oil moves around, switching to weaker pearl models is advisable. If you like to play deep angles, you can rely on the strong response of the asymmetric core, which brings the ball back to the pocket even from steep angles. For bowlers who often compete in tournaments with demanding conditions, the Katana Dragon is an indispensable "hook monster" ball that provides security on slick lane surfaces.