- Vexed

First Impressions
The Radical Vexed arrives in March 2026 as the newest addition to Radical Bowling's top-shelf line and shows up in an eye-catching color combination of Sky Blue, Purple and Navy. At its center works the newly developed Vexed Asymmetric Core, which is geometrically closely related to the Evil Eye core, yet through targeted adjustments to the shape and height of the core profile was engineered from the ground up as a true asymmetric. These subtle differences in core dimensions produce a considerably different effect after drilling than on the predecessor. The technical core numbers for the 15-pound version are: 2.498 RG, 0.036 total differential and 0.012 intermediate differential – a 3:1 differential ratio, which according to the manufacturer represents the optimal range for balanced ball motion. Across the entire weight range from 12 to 16 pounds, differential and intermediate differential stay remarkably stable; only the RG value varies slightly. The cover is the HK22C+ solid coverstock – a further development of the HK22 technology that is said to achieve improved translucency and color clarity through nano-micellar phase separation. The surface comes standard with a three-step finish of 500, 1000 and 3000 Siaair Micro Pad, which yields a controlled yet responsive surface. The cover is also built on Brunswick's DynamiCore technology, a more durable outer material that is meant to create less compression at impact and thereby improve hitting power and pin carry.
Comparison
Within the Radical line, the Vexed positions itself as the asymmetric counterpart to the Evil Eye and is explicitly designed as its complement. While the Evil Eye, with its super-symmetric core, shows a controlled, early response with a smooth transition, the Vexed is meant to pick up exactly where the Evil Eye leaves off: with more motion in the back third of the lane and a sharper backend reaction. The intermediate differential of the Vexed ranges from 0.008 to 0.029 after drilling, compared to a range of 0.007 to 0.023 on the Evil Eye – a measurable indication of the broader versatility in drilling. Both balls use drilling into the core protrusion as a control element, with the Vexed covering a considerably wider spectrum of possible ball motions thanks to its asymmetric base. Compared to the Brunswick Alert, a symmetric solid benchmark ball, the Vexed works with a more strongly mass bias-driven motion sequence: while the Alert reads the middle of the lane fairly evenly, the Vexed should skid more cleanly through the heads and start its hook impulse further down the lane. Against the No Doubt Solid, another solid model in the Radical family, the Vexed is set apart by its asymmetric core construction, which forces a defined roll through the mass bias position and thereby allows for more consistent angle creation. If you already have the Evil Eye in your arsenal, the Vexed is a natural follow-up for heavier oil conditions or more lane reactivity.
On the Lanes
The Radical Vexed is designed for medium to heavy oil conditions and is aimed primarily at bowlers looking for a dependable combination of control and dynamic lane reaction. Thanks to the 3000 Siaair surface and the HK22C+ solid coverstock, the ball should run cleanly and with delay through the heads – especially on fresh, well-conditioned lanes. The real strength lies in the back end of the lane: after the transition, the Vexed should use friction decisively and break to the pocket at a clear angle without becoming uncontrollable. If you have a lot of revs, a shorter pin distance to the center of the span offers more stability and control; rev-dominant bowlers can generate higher flare values through targeted drilling into the core protrusion and thus bring out the more aggressive character of the ball. If you are speed-dominant, it is recommended that you take the surface down further if needed in order to achieve an earlier response. A special feature of the Vexed is the detailed drilling guide supplied by the manufacturer, which – similar to the Evil Eye – gives concrete recommendations by drilling position and PAP value and thereby makes fitting the ball to individual player profiles considerably easier. The ball works both as an entry into asymmetric high-performance balls and as a permanent arsenal member for tournament bowlers who need a reliable workhorse on changing or long lane patterns. Together with the Radical Evil Eye it forms a coordinated duo for different oil and reaction demands within the same day of competition.