Radical Vexed Bowling Ball

📋 Radical Vexed — Full Specifications

• Core Name: Vexed Asymmetric Core
• Core Type: Asymmetric
• Coverstock: HK22C+ Reactive
• Factory Finish: 3000 Grit
• RG (15 lb): 2.49
• Differential (15 lb): 0.036
• Intermediate Differential (15 lb): 0.012
• Flare Potential: 4 – 5 Inches
• Lane Condition: Heavy Oil
• Performance Level: High Performance / Radical Top Shelf
• Available Weights: 12 lb, 13 lb, 14 lb, 15 lb, 16 lb
• Color: Blue / Purple
• Brand: Radical

🎓 Understanding the Vexed Core and HK22C+ Coverstock

2.49 RG — Low-Medium RG for Midlane Engagement

The Vexed core’s 2.49 RG at 15 lb sits in the low-medium range. The ball revs up relatively early after release. It engages the midlane before pushing to the breakpoint. That early engagement is important on heavy oil. The ball needs to read through the oil rather than skating past it. The 3000 Grit polished finish adds length through the heads. The RG and finish work together. The core reads early. The surface delays friction. The result is controlled length with a strong midlane-to-backend transition.

0.036 Differential — Moderate Flare With a 3:1 Ratio

The 0.036 differential produces 4 to 5 inches of track flare. The intermediate differential is 0.012. That creates a 3:1 differential ratio. Radical considers this the sweet spot for asymmetric drilling versatility. The moderate flare generates enough hook for heavy oil conditions. But it doesn’t overpower the ball’s shape. The motion stays defined and controllable. You get a strong backend move without the ball burning up in the midlane.

0.012 Intermediate Differential — Controlled Asymmetry

The 0.012 mass bias is moderate. It creates a sharper transition at the breakpoint than a symmetric ball would. But it’s not as aggressive as higher mass bias designs. The asymmetry adds angular response to the backend. It makes the ball change direction more decisively off the spot. For drilling, the mass bias works with Radical’s core protrusion drilling concept. Thumb hole placement relative to the core protrusion dictates performance. The Vexed offers four asymmetric and two symmetric drilling layouts.

How HK22C+ Creates the Heavy Oil Shape

The HK22C+ Reactive coverstock is an upgraded version of the cover used across Brunswick’s family of brands. On the Vexed, the C+ designation indicates enhanced performance characteristics. The 3000 Grit finish is polished for a heavy oil ball. That’s intentional. The polish creates length through the oily heads. The HK22C+ base provides traction when the ball hits the midlane and breakpoint. The combination of polished surface and strong coverstock formula handles heavy oil volume. The ball pushes through the front. Then it grips and makes its move.

How the Vexed Compares to the Evil Eye

The Evil Eye is symmetric. The Vexed is asymmetric. That’s the fundamental difference. The Vexed produces more overall hook than the Evil Eye. It has a sharper backend motion. The Evil Eye has a smoother, rounder arc to the pocket. Both use Radical’s core protrusion drilling philosophy. Both balls complement each other in the same bag. Use the Evil Eye when you want controlled symmetric motion. Use the Vexed when you need more angle and backend power.

💡 BowlersMart Tips: Using the Vexed on Heavy Oil

The Vexed and Evil Eye as a One-Two Punch

Radical designed the Vexed to complement the Evil Eye. Use the Evil Eye when you want a smoother symmetric arc on heavy oil. Use the Vexed when you need more angle and backend power. Both use the same core protrusion drilling concept. Both handle heavy oil volume. The difference is shape. The Evil Eye rounds into the pocket. The Vexed snaps to the pocket. Having both gives you two looks on heavy oil without changing brands or drilling systems.

Surface Adjustments

The factory 3000 Grit is polished for maximum length on heavy oil. That’s unusual for a heavy oil ball. Most ship with rougher surfaces. The polished finish lets the Vexed push through oily heads before engaging. For even more length, maintain the 3000 Grit and keep it clean. For earlier read on very heavy conditions, take it to 2000 or 1500 grit. That adds midlane traction. Going to 1000 grit changes the ball’s motion shape significantly. Test surface changes in practice before using them in competition.

Drilling Considerations

The Vexed uses Radical’s core protrusion drilling system. Thumb hole placement relative to the protrusion determines the ball’s motion. Radical offers four asymmetric and two symmetric drilling layouts. This is not a ball you want drilled without understanding the system. Work with a pro shop experienced in Radical’s drilling philosophy. The drilling choice affects performance more on this ball than on conventional designs.

When the Vexed Gets Overmatched

On medium or light oil, the Vexed will hook too early and burn up. The low RG and polished heavy oil cover need volume to work. If the pattern doesn’t have enough oil, move to a weaker ball. On extremely flooded patterns, the 3000 Grit polish may create too much length. The ball could push through without reading. Taking the surface down to 2000 or 1500 grit helps in those situations.

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