- ZigZag Solid

First Impressions
The Radical ZigZag Solid comes in a striking color combination of black, purple and gray and was released in October 2024 as the newest addition to the Radical lineup. At the center sits the asymmetric ZigZag Core with a 2.501 RG, a 0.045 total differential and a 0.015 intermediate differential. What sets this core apart is its deliberately engineered flexibility when it comes to layout: after drilling, the total differential can vary between 0.030 and 0.057, while the intermediate differential ranges from 0.010 to 0.030. This variability should give the ball exceptional adaptability to different playing styles. The cover is the HK22 Solid Reactive coverstock, a development out of Brunswick's research department that offers improved translucency through nano-micro-cellular phase separation and reduced intermolecular friction through quasi-prepolymer reactions. With a factory finish of 500/1500 Siaair Micro Pad, the ball presents an aggressive surface texture. On top of that, the ZigZag Solid features Brunswick's DynamiCore technology in the outer core, which should generate more hitting power through less compression at pin contact and improve carry.
Comparison
Within the Radical family, the ZigZag Solid slots in between the Radical Conspiracy and the Radical Max Bias in terms of overall hook, while reportedly showing the most responsive backend motion of the three. Compared to the original Radical ZigZag Hybrid, the Solid starts up about one to two feet earlier and should provide three to four boards more total hook. Against the Radical Max Bias, the ZigZag Solid tends to create more angle at the breakpoint and sharper direction change off the backend, while the Max Bias generates more total hook with a smoother motion at the breakpoint. Compared to the Radical Conspiracy, the ZigZag Solid offers a smoother overall motion with better control through the midlane. Its continuous ball motion is clearly different from more angular options such as the Radical Incognito Solid, which shows a noticeably sharper reaction. The combination of the asymmetric core and the HK22 Solid coverstock should let the ball read the lane earlier than polished hybrid options, while still retaining enough energy for a strong backend reaction.
On the Lanes
The ZigZag Solid is designed primarily for medium to heavy oil conditions, where its aggressive surface and early-starting core can play to their strengths. The 500/1500 Siaair surface should allow the ball to dig into the lane firmly through the heads and midlane while maintaining a continuous motion all the way to the pocket. If you play a straighter style, you'll likely appreciate the ball's control and its ability to hold a line, while more aggressive players with higher rev rates can use the high flare potential to create steep entry angles into the pocket. The ball's versatility shows in the fact that it can be used on fresh house shots as well as on more demanding sport patterns. Bowlers report only small parallel moves during transition, which points to a high degree of predictability. Ball speed should be in the medium to higher range to make the most of the continuous motion. If you throw the ball slower or have a lower rev rate, the ball may start up too early on fresh, oily conditions. The ZigZag Solid works particularly well as a benchmark ball for advanced to professional bowlers looking for a reliable asymmetric solid for medium to heavy oil. Its position between extreme aggressiveness and control makes it a versatile option for a variety of lane conditions and playing situations.