Radical Katana Assault Review
Stats: LH: Speed – 17.0; RPM – 350; AT – 19; AR – 55
Layout: 45 x 5†x 65
Radical’s newest Top Shelf launch, the Katana Assault, is a newly engineered version of the legendary Katana series of balls, featuring several improvements that should surely get lots of attention. The Katana Assault and the new chemical compound cover known as HK22 Pearl create a new level of backend reaction. This is a Katana on steroids. I chose the layout I did to get the ball to roll forward a little sooner due to my slightly higher tilt but transition a bit slower to really utilize that longer, stronger roll phase of ball motion. I have used it on a couple of different patterns and here is my assessment:
42 ft. THS (typical house shot): The Katana Assault has been a very strong, yet predictable ball for the house shot in two centers I frequent. What I love about this ball is that it can handle decent volumes of oil, makes a quicker defined move off the spot, but is still predictable enough to control from shot to shot. Very versatile to cover changes, I took mine from box finish, down to 1000 and back up to 2000 polished, and it responds to all of those very well. If you are seeing too much early hook, take the cover up to 3000-4000, too much length, just sand it to 1000 or even 500, it takes to those changes extremely well! Do not be afraid to adjust the surface to your game, this ball can handle it!
36 ft. Viper pattern: I roll on this pattern every Tuesday, and the Katana Assault was the best ball in my bag on the fresh, alongside the Bigfoot Hybrid. I could play further in the sauce with the Katana Assault compared to the Bigfoot Hybrid, but they played off of each other very well. Projection and speed control are key on Viper, and the Katana Assault at 3000 was the perfect matchup. It rolled forward perfectly and hit heavy through the pins, carrying the off pocket hits extremely well. As the night progressed, I was able to move slightly further inside, roll the ball firm off my hand, and it saw the friction consistently, making my moves easier and more trustworthy, resulting in higher scores and more confidence in the ball.
If you are looking for that quick responding, heavy rolling ball all the way through the pins from a high end asymmetric pearl, look no further than the Radical Katana Assault. Available now from Bowler Builders Pro Shops, and at pro shops everywhere! Join the Radical Revolution today!
