- Vandal Smash

First Impressions
The DV8 Vandal Smash, released in August 2016, comes in an understated but striking color combination of light and dark purple. At the heart of the ball works the Vandal Asymmetric core, which was already used in the original Vandal. At a ball weight of fifteen pounds, this core features a low RG of 2.499 and a high differential of 0.055. These numbers are rounded out by a moderate asymmetric differential of 0.011. This construction should deliver a high flare potential, letting the ball build rotation early. The core is wrapped in the Composite Flip Solid coverstock. Unlike many strongly gripping balls, this solid coverstock comes out of the box sanded at 500 followed by 4000 Siaair Micro Pad, which gives it a dull but comparatively smooth finish. This makeup should allow the ball to glide effortlessly through the heads despite its traction-heavy surface and leave a large footprint through the midlane. The resulting ball motion aims at a strong but controllable hook that stores enough energy in the backend for a definite, powerful move toward the pocket.
Comparison
Compared to the original DV8 Vandal, the Vandal Smash offers a higher degree of traction and more overall hook thanks to its solid cover. Where the predecessor could sometimes start to slide in heavier oil volume, the Vandal Smash reads the midlane far more confidently and provides a safer reaction on changing conditions. Looking at another ball from the same house, such as the DV8 Grudge, the Vandal Smash positions itself as the somewhat more agile and versatile option. The Grudge is designed primarily for the heaviest oil and often loses its energy too early on medium conditions. The Vandal Smash, on the other hand, saves more power for the end of the oil pattern thanks to its fine 4000 finish. Bringing in a model from another manufacturer for comparison, the Storm Phaze II is a good candidate, as it also features a dull solid cover. The Storm Phaze II, however, uses a symmetric core, which results in a very round, even and continuous motion. Because of its asymmetric core, the DV8 Vandal Smash responds somewhat more dynamically to friction and produces a noticeably sharper change of direction at the breakpoint. That gives it a more defined angle into the pocket, making it an excellent alternative when symmetric balls enter the pins too flat.
On the Lanes
The DV8 Vandal Smash is designed primarily for medium to slightly heavy oil conditions. Its moderately sanded cover provides excellent versatility on typical house shots, where wet-dry conditions often prevail. The combination of a strong cover and an asymmetric core gives you the option of playing the lane from various positions. When the lane is fresh, the ball allows a more direct line, since it doesn't react to the oil too early but reads the midlane securely. Once transition sets in and the oil pattern starts to change, the strong core design of the Vandal Smash allows a deeper game. You can move farther inside on the boards, play the ball into the remaining oil and rely on the asymmetric core to generate enough torque to come back safely out of the friction. This should deliver dependable carry, even at steeper entry angles. If you throw the ball at low to medium speed, you'll benefit from the fact that the 4000 finish keeps the ball from burning up all of its energy immediately in the front third of the lane. Once the lanes get extremely dry, however, or the heads are played off too much, the ball can be hard to control and grab too early. In that case, a switch to weaker balls with a polished surface is advisable. All in all, the Vandal Smash is a very dependable option if you're looking for an asymmetric solid reaction that offers both midlane control and a strong move at the breakpoint.