Bowler Ratings

PatternStTwCr
Oily:999
Medium:888
Dry:555
Sport:777

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

General Info

Brand:
Name:Reax Version 2
Reviewed:November 2013
Empty
Coverstock Specs
Name:NA
Type:Reactive Solid
Box Finish:500 SiaAir / Royal Compound
Color:Light Blue / Dark Blue
Empty
Core Specs
Name:NA
Type:Asymmetrical
RG:2.50
Diff:0.048
Int. Diff:0.016

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

The Reax Version 2 is the latest high performance release for Radical. This solid covered ball gave us one of our favorite reactions on both the medium and heavy test patterns. It offers a unique motion going down the lane. For our testers, it revved up very strongly in the mid-lane while maintaining energy for one of the most continuous reactions we have seen. It is very easy to see this ball transition in each stage of its roll as it goes down the lane.

We liked the reaction just a little bit better on the heavy pattern than on the medium. The extra volume on the heavy pattern gave us more hold while not taking away anything from the hooking motion. While the ball was plenty strong, we were a few boards right of where we were with the Reax Solid.

When we moved to the medium pattern, we left the ball at the box finish and moved farther left with both feet and target. Again, we saw just a strong arcing motion with massive continuation. All three testers were able to play all over the lane on this pattern by just adjusting their ball speed. On both of these patterns we had slightly more length than the previous two Reax releases.

Moving to the dry pattern, we needed to add a heavy coat of polish to all three test balls. This gave us more length, but the overall motion of the Reax Version 2 was still too strong for our liking.

We really liked this ball on our sport pattern. The strong motion at the breakpoint and back end gave us a good amount of recovery. The box finish also gave us hold on shots missed a little inside.

Performance Ratings

NameValueComments
Torque7.5
Despite the changes to the core and coverstock, the Reax Version 2 has just as much movement when it sees friction as the previous two releases in the series. The solid coverstock keeps the reaction strong, without being too flippy.
Length13.5
This solid coverstock comes at a compounded finish out of the box and, combined with a high RG core, was cleaner through the front than both previous Reax offerings.
Back End17
The Reax Version 2 offers a new level of back end reaction to the Reax line. The added energy stored by this cover and core combination can be seen from the breakpoint to the pins.
Total Hook53
While this version has more back end, it does not quite have as much total hook as the Reax Solid. We saw this ball fit between the previous two in terms of total hook.

Strengths

The Reax Version 2 combines a strong hooking motion with massive continuation. Bowlers of all styles will find plenty of use for this ball.

Weaknesses

There is little this ball struggles on. Only short oil patterns with light volumes would hinder its performance.

Overall Summary

This latest high performance offering from Radical can cover most medium to heavy lane conditions. Slap your favorite layout on this ball and strike away.

Radical Reax Version 2 Comparisons

Click below to see a comparison table of each pair of bowling balls shown:

To compare the Radical Reax Version 2 to any other bowling ball(s), please use our Bowling Ball Comparison tool.

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.