- Katana Khan

First Impressions
The Radical Katana Khan comes in an eye-catching color combination of purple, black and white and is available as an overseas release. The ball features the Katana core with a 2.503 RG and a 0.050 differential. The Forged Pearl coverstock comes out of the box with a 500/1000 Siaair treatment before the Crown Factory Compound is applied. This combination of an asymmetric core and a pearl cover should deliver impressive downlane recovery. The specs show a medium-high RG paired with a moderate differential, which promises a controlled yet still dynamic ball reaction.
Comparison
The Katana is meant to give Radical fans the largest downlane recovery in the brand's history. The ball uses both a new cover formulation and a new asymmetric core design to achieve its enormous change of direction at the breakpoint. Compared to other pearl asymmetrics, the Khan comes across as less aggressive than something like the Storm Phaze II, but noticeably more reactive than the Radical Beyond Ridiculous Pearl. The new asymmetric weight block provides plenty of track flare, which helps it cut through the back third of the lane effortlessly. The downlane motion is sharper than on many comparable pearlized asymmetrics from other manufacturers.
On the Lanes
Medium oil patterns give the Katana its best reaction in the factory finish, with strokers and tweeners appreciating the motion on the back end of the lane in particular. Lower rev rates normally don't allow for turns at the end of the pattern as sharp as the Katana's, and strokers will feel like power players from the way the pins fall — the sharp angle throws pins everywhere, even at a lower rev rate. The ball is especially well suited if you need more angle and backend reaction on medium oil volumes. Thanks to the pearl formulation it can also be used on slightly drier lanes without grabbing too early. The asymmetric character makes it an ideal choice if you're looking for both length and a defined breakpoint reaction.