10/22/2026
🎳 DV8 SMOOTH CRIMINAL | BALL REVIEW 🎳
Sometimes you don’t need a bowling ball that hooks the entire lane. Sometimes you just need one that does exactly what you expect it to do.
We got Russell Thurman out on the lanes throwing the new DV8 Smooth Criminal, and after watching several shots, one thing really stands out: this ball is all about control.
The Smooth Criminal features DV8’s Jailbreak (S5) Hybrid Reactive coverstock wrapped around the Larceny core, with a factory finish of 500/1000/3000 Siaair.
15 lb Specifications:
* RG: 2.471
* Differential: 0.028
* Coverstock: Hybrid Reactive
* Recommended conditions: Light to medium oil
Watching Russell throw this one, I really like how predictable the motion is. It gets through the front part of the lane without making an overly aggressive move, picks up smoothly downlane, and makes a nice, controlled move toward the pocket.
There’s no big, violent change of direction. The ball produces more of a smooth, continuous arc, which is exactly what you’d expect from a lower-differential ball designed for control.
What impressed me most was how readable the reaction looked. Russell wasn’t having to manufacture a bunch of hook to get the ball to respond, and the Smooth Criminal didn’t look overly sensitive when it encountered friction.
This is the kind of reaction that can be extremely useful when stronger equipment starts reading too early or when you’re bowling on lighter oil conditions and need to keep your angles manageable.
Who would I recommend it for?
Bowlers looking for a controlled reaction, players who like keeping the ball in front of them, or anyone needing something for lighter oil conditions and later in a league set.
It’s also worth considering for bowlers who struggle with stronger equipment being too aggressive on typical house conditions.
Our overall impression:
The Smooth Criminal isn’t trying to be the biggest hooking ball in your bag, and that’s exactly why I like what I’m seeing.
It’s smooth, predictable, and provides a motion that should fill a useful spot in a lot of arsenals.
Sometimes less hook and more control is exactly what you need to put up bigger numbers.
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