- Mad Joker

First Impressions
The Swag Mad Joker marks a significant expansion of the popular Joker series and arrives as the first hybrid ball in the line. Visually, the ball shows up with a dominant blue color scheme that radiates a certain aggressiveness even on the shelf. Technically, Swag combines proven components with new surface technology here: at the heart of the ball works the symmetrical "Grinder V2" core. This core is a technical oddity, since at 2.493 RG (in 15 lbs) it sits very low, yet carries a massive 0.061 differential – a number otherwise found almost exclusively on asymmetrical cores. This engine is wrapped in the new "UP 1 Hybrid" coverstock, which comes out of the box with a 4000-grit finish (sanded). In addition, Swag uses its proprietary "Elastic-E" filler material, which should optimize energy transfer into the pins and improve carry. The combination of the matte finish and the extremely rev-happy core points immediately to a ball that wants to read early, but that still stores enough energy for the backend thanks to the hybrid blend.
Comparison
Compared directly within the product family, the Mad Joker positions itself strategically right between the original "Joker" (solid) and the "Joker Wild" (pearl). While the solid starts its move earlier and the pearl shows a considerably later reaction, the Mad Joker as a hybrid offers the happy medium: it should travel cleaner through the heads than the solid version, but react earlier and rounder than the pearl model. Compared with balls from other manufacturers, its exceptionally high differential (0.061) falls outside the norm for typical symmetrical balls. In terms of performance character, it fits best into the category of "strong symmetrical benchmark balls," similar to a "Phaze II from Storm," though the Mad Joker's higher differential should potentially generate more flare and an even stronger change of direction. It plays more aggressively than typical mid-performance balls and poaches performance-wise in high-performance asymmetric territory, while still offering the controllable roll characteristics of a symmetrical core.
On the Lanes
The ideal application for the Mad Joker is medium to heavy oil conditions. Thanks to the 4000-grit finish and the low RG, the core starts to rotate quickly, which gives it the traction it needs on fresh oil patterns so it doesn't slide past the breakpoint. Bowlers will find that the ball has very strong midlane reading ability. It is especially effective once transition sets in and pure solids lose energy too early, while pure pearls still react too sensitively to oil lines. If you have a lower rev rate, this ball is an excellent tool, since the core (high diff) does a lot of the work and helps create the hook you need. High-rev players benefit from the control of the symmetrical core, but should keep in mind that the ball can react very quickly when there is too much friction. The Mad Joker is therefore an excellent choice as the first ball out of the bag on league-typical house shots, or as a strong step down when the really big asymmetrical "snowplows" start to burn up.