- Rumor

First Impressions
The DV8 Rumor came out in August 2017 as a versatile option in the mid price range. Visually the ball goes with a combination of Black and Neon Green that jumps out at you right on the shelf. Technically, DV8 uses the symmetrical Rumor Medium RG Core here. At 15 pounds this core delivers an RG of 2.53 and a differential of 0.048. These numbers, surprisingly dynamic for this price class, provide a healthy amount of flare. The cover is the Deception Pearl coverstock, which comes out of the box with a 500 Siaair sand and is then polished with Crown Factory Compound. This combination aims to get the ball through the heads effortlessly without becoming uncontrollable at the breakpoint.
Comparison Compared with the Storm Match Up Pearl, popular at the same time, the DV8 Rumor shows a somewhat more controlled motion. Where the Storm Match Up Pearl tends to offer a quicker response to friction and favors a more side-to-side move, the Rumor delivers a rounder, more flowing reaction that is more forgiving of mistakes in ball speed. Compared with DV8's own Freakshow Flip, the Rumor is less aggressive off the backend. The Freakshow Flip is known for its strong snap, whereas the Rumor makes the transition from skid to roll more gently. Against a Roto Grip Hustle Ink, however, the Rumor's higher differential (0.048 vs. 0.030) gives it more overall motion and covers more boards if you want to play the ball with a bit more of a belly.
On the Lanes The ideal range for the DV8 Rumor is light to medium oil, the kind you often find on broken-down house league lanes or later in a tournament block (transition). Its strength is not maximum hook on fresh oil but predictability once the lane gets spotty. If you struggle with over/under reactions — where the ball either skids too far or grabs too hard — you'll find a reliable solution in the Rumor. It glides cleanly across burned-up heads and reads the midlane steadily without jumping unpredictably at the end. For newer bowlers it's an excellent first reactive ball, while more advanced players use it as a step-down option when stronger balls like the Pitbull lose energy too early.