- The Boogieman

First Impressions
Released in June 2017, the Monster Bowling The Boogieman represents a high-performance model within the brand's lineup, developed specifically for bowlers looking for dominant backend performance. Technically, this ball is built on a highly dynamic, asymmetric core that carries a low RG of 2.50 at the standard 15-pound weight. This core characteristic is complemented by a pronounced differential of 0.054 as well as an intermediate differential of 0.018. These numbers point to massive flare potential, which ensures that fresh cover comes into contact with the lane surface on every revolution. The cover consists of the Monster Grip Pearl Reactive surface, finished at the factory with a 1500 grit polish. This smooth, high-gloss makeup should let the ball glide through the heads with minimal resistance and save all of its rotational energy for the last third of the lane. Visually, the model comes in a striking color combination of black, purple and green, which underlines the ball's aggressive orientation.
Comparison In a direct comparison, the Monster Bowling The Boogieman positions itself as an option for maximum angularity. Within its own product line it serves as the counterpart to the more controlled solid versions and offers noticeably more length before the hook phase sets in. Comparing the Boogieman to one of the best-known balls of that era, the Storm Code Black, clear parallels in ball motion emerge. Both balls use the power of an asymmetric core in combination with a polished pearl surface to get through the front boards and make an explosive direction change at the breakpoint. Compared to the Hammer Black Widow Gold, the Boogieman offers a similarly sharp reaction, but often feels a touch more stable through the midlane. Bringing in a symmetric benchmark ball like the Storm Phaze II makes the difference in line play obvious: while the Storm Phaze II reads the oil pattern much earlier thanks to its solid cover and describes a smooth, arcing shape, the Boogieman waits considerably longer and then turns into the pocket at a sharper angle. It is therefore less a control ball and more a tool for maximum entry angle.
On the Lanes The ideal application for the Monster Bowling The Boogieman is medium oil volume as well as lanes that show a clear transition. When the oil in the heads has been worn away by previous games and dull solid balls react too early or lose their power, the Boogieman's polished pearl cover provides the necessary margin. It glides effortlessly over burned-up spots and only reacts once it hits the friction at the end of the pattern. If you have a high rev rate, this ball is excellent for playing deeper inside-out angles, since its asymmetric core gives it the strength to recover to the pocket even from steep angles. But if you have a lower rev rate you can also benefit from the high dynamics, as the ball should help improve carry even on less than perfect shots. On very fresh and heavy oil, though, the surface could be too smooth, which can lead to an unpredictable over/under reaction. It shows its true strength on typical house shots, where you can use the dry outside boards as a springboard to drive the ball into the pins with high energy. In a well-matched arsenal, it is the first choice when you need to create more angle to maximize pin action.