Bowler Ratings

PatternStTwCr
Oily:X.XX.XX.X
Medium:X.XX.XX.X
Dry:X.XX.XX.X
Sport:X.XX.XX.X

Bowler ratings are from 1 to 10 in order of Stroker (ST), Tweener (TW), Cranker (CR)

Note: Ratings are only available to our premium members.

General Info

Brand:
Name:Katana Strike
Reviewed:September 2023
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Coverstock Specs
Name:HK22 - HyperKinetic
Type:Reactive Hybrid
Box Finish:500 / 1500 / 3000 SiaAir
Color:Black / Orange / Smoke
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Core Specs
Name:Katana Assault Asymmetric
Type:Asymmetrical
RG:2.501
Diff:0.051
Int. Diff:0.020

For details on our standard test layouts, please click here.

The Katana Strike joins the Katana Assault in the current Radical line. Both balls use the Katana Assault Asymmetric core, which is a medium RG and high differential design with a large intermediate differential. The differences between the two releases are the coverstock and the box finish. The Katana Strike uses a new HK22-based reactive hybrid cover compared to the pearlized HK22 cover from the Assault. It is finished at 500/1500/3000 SiaAir, which is a rougher surface than the Factory Compound finish that was used on the Assault. The Katana Strike isn’t as rough as the Outer Limits, but we found it to have a smoother move at the breakpoint and less motion at the back end. While the motion was smoother, all three bowlers saw plenty of total hook with the box finish and found it most useful on our test patterns with decent length and more oil volume in the front.

Cranker had the best reaction out of our three bowlers on the fresh heavy oil pattern. His higher rev rate allowed the ball to shape a bit more at the back end, and he had more continuation than the other bowlers. The 3000 grit box finish provided plenty of traction for him to cut through the oil on this pattern. He needed to be three boards farther right with his laydown compared to how he played this pattern with the Outer Limits, and he was five boards right of where he was lined up with the Innovator Solid. He saw a smoother motion at the breakpoint compared to those balls. The box finish was best for Cranker when playing straighter angles, as when he moved inside with lower speed and tried to open up the lane, he would often leave the corner pin standing. Even later in the session, when the track

Additional Radical Katana Strike Resources

Click here to visit Radical's website to read the manufacturer-supplied information on this ball. Also, see below for the manufacturer-produced promotional video for this ball.

Please remember that our reviews are solely based on our own testing and that you may sometimes find differences between our comments and ratings and the manufacturer's claims. Links to these manufacturer resources are provided here strictly for convenience purposes.

The BTM Ball Testing Team

About The BTM Ball Testing Team

The BTM Ball Testing Team is led by Eric Martinez. Our team of three testers has thrown and reviewed hundreds of bowling balls for Bowling This Month. When not testing balls for BTM, Eric owns and operates University Pro Shop in San Antonio, TX and he is an avid competitive bowler. Click here to learn more about how we test and review bowling balls.