The Trouble Maker Pearl is the follow-up to DV8’s Trouble Maker, which was introduced late last spring. Like the original, this ball also uses the symmetrical Dualistic core design, but it is surrounded by the pearlized HK22-based Inciter Xtreme coverstock. It comes out of the box with a Factory Compound finish to give it more length and a much sharper change of direction when it finds friction. This reaction shape gave our testers a good look on medium to drier lane conditions.

Cranker had the best reaction of the three bowlers on our fresh medium oil pattern. The Trouble Maker Pearl wasted no energy getting down the lane and had a strong reaction downlane. The glossy finish didn’t seem to remove much oil from the lane, and he didn’t have to move much when only throwing this ball. Once some duller balls had gone down the lane and caused some transition, the Trouble Maker Pearl really got to shine. The coverstock was strong enough to get to the pocket on shots that stayed in the oil a bit longer, avoiding the over/under reaction that some shiny balls sometimes create for him. He could either keep moving farther inside to shape the ball more or increase his speed and use more of the friction, with both options being equally successful.

The easy length from the Trouble Maker Pearl made it an option for Cranker on the dry pattern as well. He could increase his speed and flatten his hand for a pretty good look. His reaction improved when following transition ...