TESTING ENVIRONMENT:
Length:43
Volume:Med-High
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):THS 12:1 Ratio
BALL:
Coverstock: : VTC Solid Reactive
Core: : Hustle Core
Finish: 4000-grit Abralon
RG: 2.53 (15lb)
Differential: .030 (15 lb)
ME:
Right-Handed Tweener
Speed: 12-13 mph
Rev Rate: 315
Axis Tilt: 14°
Axis Rotation: 74°
PAP: 5 1/8 R 7/8 Up
Ball Layout: Pin over Ring 4 1/2 X 4 1/2 X 2 1/2 VLS
I've been a huge fan of the Hustle line from the beginning. I've always felt that Roto Grips HP1 line is the best in the industry for outperforming their price point and the new Hustle X-Ray continues that trend. The X-Ray features the same VTC Reactive cover featured on the Hustle RIP and the Hustle Core that has made this line what it is. The X-Ray features a different surface prep and a very cool new color scheme.
The Hustle RIP has been my go to when I'm looking for a ball that will give me predictable continuous motion on lighter oil or broken down house patterns. If there has been a hole in the Hustle line it's been a ball that I feel like I can get into right away and stay with through the transition. The Hustle USA hooked plenty to handle oil but as you had to cover more boards it tended to flatten out down-lane and have trouble getting the corners out. The RIP was a little too clean for a fresh pattern. The X-Ray seems to fit perfectly in that gap. You obviously have to keep straighter angles and play closer to the friction to start but works great for that and retains energy down-lane a little better than the USA did.
I tested the X-Ray on our high volume high ratio house pattern. The first week I took it out it looked great in practice but the other bowlers on the pair used some shinier stuff and they carried down so I transitioned into a stronger ball pretty quickly. The next week we caught a pair closer to the wall and it worked beautifully. It really gave me an advantage to be able to stay in the ball so long as everyone else fought the fast transition. I also added a bit of surface the next time I was closer to the middle of the house. At 2000 it was every bit as good on a little tighter pair. The core/cover combo is very versatile and takes well to both surface adjustments and release adjustments.
I would recommend the X-Ray for rev-dominant and speed challenged bowlers and for anyone who is dealing with more hook in the upcoming summer months as I know many of us do. I think it will also be a very handy ball on sport conditions as it will allow you to stay closer to friction longer on flatter patterns.
Check out my full ball reaction video on Youtube:
https://youtu.be/0Mg8rDAG2mk?si=P0IJCchYDYKVB9m2Lonnie Pemberton
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Youtube Channel:
https://youtube.com/@k1ngsizepapa