Hunting is a means of survival. And so is beating the competition. The Predator is deadly on the lanes. The Mega-Bite Super Tack Particle (STP) does the stalking, the modified Puma core does the talking. Engineered for heavier oil patterns, this 800 grit sanded, medium-load particle provides that heavy roll associated with particle balls along with the predictable backend power generated by light-bulb cores. Time to go on the prowl!

Specifications are as follows:

Color: Blood Red/White Particle
Ebonite Hook Rating (Scale 1-30): 28.98
Length (Scale 1-30): 5.7
Ball Speed: Faster
Axis Rotation: Maximum Side Roll
Axis Tilt: Low Track
Revolutions: Low/Medium Revs & Power Player
Best Lane Oil Condition: Heavier Oil
Backend Condition: Carrydown
RG: 2.449
Diff: .043

Specs:
5" Pin
3 1/2 oz. TW

Drill specs:
5 X 0 (CG on PAP)
Weight hole 1 " past PAP
Box finish
3/4 oz. positive side

The cover/core combination makes the Predator an excellent ball for sport/tournament conditions.  This ball was drilled for a heavy handed player looking for a ball with an early, even move with some pop left.

With this drilling, the ball definitely starts revving up early, but not as early as you might think. On a fresh top hat, the Predator cleared the heads, but started to dig in midlane.  Given the fresh backends and box finish, the ball definitely reacted to the dry.  However, the move was a hard arc and not flip you would think given the wet/dry.

On a 36' Sport pattern, the Predator really flexed its muscles.  The core allowed the player to tighten up and play a more direct line, but the cover gave him the pop in the last 15 feet to create a little bit of room.

Overall, I would say that the Predator is a tournamnet players dream.  A combination of a weaker core with a strong cover that allows players to play tight on oil yet move in as the heads go away and still get recovery.  This isn't a super hooker like the X-It or Roll (just a notch below), but it is not as condition specific, either.  The medium load particle and lightbulb core gives the Predator a predictable, even move on most medium to oily conditions.

Starting Ball Specs
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Pin:  Out 2"
Top Weight:  3 1/2 oz.

Finished Specs
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Side Weight:  3/4
Finger Weight:  1/8
Top Weight:  1 1/2 oz.
Pin and CG 4" from the axis, no weight hole.  Pin is at approximately 1:00.
Factory finish was not altered.

I have above average revolutions with average speed (15-16mph).  I tend to use very weak drills (5+" pin to axis) with lots of shine, so this is a strong drill for me and it definately shows with this ball.  Though I probably won't get to throw this much because I spend most of my time inside the 4th arrow, I do like the smooth arcing reaction this ball gives me.  Definately a much different look than my weak pin balls (Vortex II and Stinger).  The one thing that somewhat suprised me about this ball is the continuation on the backend and through the pins.  Even though the condition I bowled on was slightly dry (4th arrow) and the ball was burning up a lot of energy early, it still continued through the pins and hit very well.  This is a very readable ball and reminds me a little of the reaction I used to see with my Blue Hammers (back when bowling was fun).  The shell appears to be very versatile because I have seen other players polish this ball to get more length, with great success.  I see this ball working well for a wide variety of styles, but especially for high rev players looking for a predictable low flare particle ball.  

Hope this helps,
Morpheus

Got this ball for my son on his birthday (based on reviews on this site). Ball arrived early so we drilled it up 4 by 4.5 positive label shift (pin 3" top 3oz). His style is 5 to 7 board swing over 12. Lots of speed, revs average, axis rotation descent (his avg 175)

  First night out in league 650, second night league 550 (missed 6 ten pins, lanes a little too dry) then we took the show on the road first tourney of the year he bowled 901 for 4 game block. Won ladder playoff. Then on his birthday bowled a 708 series (first ever).

   What does all this mean? This ball creates all kinds of area when you find the oil line. Push it out it comes back, pull it, it glides to the pocket and carries everything. High, light, flush this is definately one of the best balls I,ve seen. Length is good for proactive does't squirt, Motion is strong arc to the pocket. Doesn,t seem to have much weakness unless on dry then coverstock is too much. But havn't bothered trying to polish wouldn't make sense with the results he is having. I would rate this ball 9.5 pout of 10 . Would highly recommend this ball to anyone looking for a srong everyday ball with excellant value.

Ripandip

Let me start off be saying that I am a 16 year old bowler with about 350 revs and i throw an average of 17 to 18 mph. This ball is a power player's dream come true.  I have it drilled leveraged with the pin above and to the right of my ring finger.  THIS BALL HOOKS!!!!! I threw on three condidtions:

Condition one:Medium to dry wood lanes buffed to 40 feet

Well I took this ball out of the pro shop and onto the lanes.  I was suprised
about how much this ball really hooked. I played with my lay down on 25 out to 6 and the ball was still coming high so after one game I left because I couldn't handle that ball on those conditions.

Condition two:fresh synthetic lanes again buffed to 40 feet

I gave the predator another shot on this condition a day later.  On this condition I again laid the ball down on 25 out to 5 and the ball hit very hard but the line wore out after two games and again I had to put it away.

Condition three:heavy oiled wood lanes

I started a tournament on this condition, in practice I used all the balls in my bag and not one of them would hook up to the pocket even on a straight line. (Command zone,Gargoyle,Trauma)I threw the Predator and WHAM!!! the ball smashed the pocket.  My lay down was 18 out to 4 and flush in the pocket.  My average for 6 games was 255 with a high of 298.  I finally found a condition to fit this ball.

All in all this ball is great when the oil is right. Heavy oil this ball is a dream definatly a 10+
Any less oil then a worn medium oil pattern this ball hooks way to much. Great ball for a serious bowler not a good ball for a beginner.

I've had this ball for a couple of months now, so I'll give a review a shot. Mine is drilled stacked leverage with a small weight hole near my axis to make the ball legal. I have slightly above average speed and a decent amount of hand. I was afraid that this ball would hook too much for me. But left in box condition, it is very playable. Originally, I got the Predator to play deeper on the lane and get out of the track area. With this drilling and surface, swinging from inside isn't this ball's forte'. Too much energy is lost too early. For me, this ball shines going up the boards or with a slight belly around second arrow. I get decent length and a strong finish. Carry is exceptional with lots of messengers. I bowl on synthetics, and our house just got a new Kegel machine to oil the lanes, and they put a fair amount down. You need oil for the Predator. Dry is a bad thing.

This may be the hardest hitting ball I've ever owned. I had to polish it, to give me more length, as the ball was grabbing early in the box condition. I bought it hoping this ball will replace my Blazing Violet 3D Hammer (my oil ball), and so far, I think I made the right choice. The only "weakness" is that you need to give it room...tug shots won't hold on a typical house/league shot.

Got mine used with a 1-2" pin.  Drilled with pin below ring finger and cg in palm.  Small weight hole on pap.  600 grit wet sanded

This is the first particle ball i have liked of all i have tried.  One reason, its the only one i have thrown that gets down the lane pretty far and has a huge sweeping arcing backing.  No buring up or overhooking in the heads causing weak hit.  Very forgiving on oil and great carry.  Perfect for very heavy oil and is great with carrydown.  Avoid anything less than heavy.

Greatness