Radical Vexed: The Asymmetrical Evil Eye That Cleans Up on the Backend
You've got a strong hand and you're making ball changes constantly—switching between different cores and coverstock strengths just to keep pace with lane transitions. What if you could pick one ball that reads cleaner through the fronts but still attacks the pocket hard enough to make the pins scatter?
Performance
The Vexed pairs an asymmetrical core (modified from the Evil Eye design) with the HK22C+ Solid coverstock to deliver a cleaner, sharper hook window than its symmetrical predecessor. Reviewers consistently report an 8.3–8.5 second spin time that maintains shape across numerous boards while carrying effectively—smooth and controllable on straighter shots, but highly responsive to hand adjustments and foot movement. The ball reads later down the lane with less flare potential than the Evil Eye, producing a more abrupt directional change at the breakpoint rather than a long, gradual arc. Some reviewers note it can be slightly early on heavy oil if drilled aggressively, while others praise its versatility across house shots and sport patterns depending on layout selection.
Pros
- 8.3–8.5 second spin time maintains shape across the entire lane while still carrying through the pins
- Cleaner mid-lane read and smoother reaction than the Evil Eye, with less flare potential for more predictable motion
- Highly responsive to hand adjustments and foot movement—excellent problem-solving ball for tricky lane conditions
- Asymmetrical core with intentional drilling design offers multiple layout options (A/B for speed, C/D for matched, E/F for rev-dominant) to fine-tune strength
Cons
- Can read too early or sharp on heavy fresh oil, potentially leaving flat corner pins without proper surface adjustment
- Less flare spacing than the Evil Eye means fewer total differential options at the high end if you drill for maximum hook
- Bench-mark solid coverstock strength means it won't dominate on extremely dry backends the way stronger solids can
Who Should Buy This
- Traditional bowlers who play fewer ball changes and rely on hand adjustments to shape the shot
- Low-to-matched rev rate players seeking an earlier-reading asymmetrical option without excessive aggression
- Bowlers transitioning from the Evil Eye who want the same core philosophy with a cleaner, sharper reaction
- Players hunting a benchmark solid that still has enough backend motion to carry on fresh or transition oil
Who Should Skip This
- High-rev power players on fresh oil—this ball may read too early without significant surface adjustment
- Bowlers who prefer long, gradual hook arcs over sharp, abrupt directional changes
- Those looking for a pearl or hybrid coverstock option (this is a solid only)
Buying Tips
Work with your pro shop on layout selection based on your speed and rev rate—the Vexed's performance varies noticeably across the A/B (speed), C/D (matched), and E/F (rev-dominant) layout families. Consider a custom drilling with input from your shop staff if you're coming from the Evil Eye, since the Vexed's core allows for more mid-lane motion and different drilling instructions. The 500/1000/3000 Siaair Micro Pad factory finish is a solid starting point; many reviewers left it as-is, but surface adjustments to 3000 or higher may help tone down early hook on heavier oil patterns.
Verdict
The Vexed is a stronger, cleaner asymmetrical ball built for bowlers who want the Evil Eye's philosophy but with a sharper backend and more mid-lane control. If you're a traditional player who makes angles with your hand rather than swapping balls, or if you're looking for a trusty problem-solver that reads later and hooks harder than benchmark solids, the Vexed earns a spot in the bag.
Specs
| Weight | RG | Differential | Mass Bias |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 lb | 2.508 | 0.032 | -- |
| 15 lb | 2.498 | 0.036 | -- |
| 14 lb | 2.514 | 0.036 | -- |
| 13 lb | 2.589 | 0.043 | -- |
| 12 lb | 2.612 | 0.043 | -- |
FAQ
How does the Vexed compare to the Evil Eye?
The Vexed uses a modified asymmetrical version of the Evil Eye core with a stronger HK22C+ Solid coverstock. Reviewers found the Vexed delivers increased overall hook and a sharper, more abrupt backend motion compared to the Evil Eye. The Vexed also reads cleaner through the mid-lane due to less flare spacing, making it a shorter, more controlled hook window—the Evil Eye hooks more gradually and earlier in the lanes.
What's the actual spin time, and does it really cover that many boards?
Independent testing measured an average spin time of 8.3–8.5 seconds. One reviewer explicitly tested the ball across the entire lane, moving left in repeated increments, and confirmed it maintained strong shape and carry across numerous boards—a notable characteristic for a ball with that spin time. The longer spin time combined with the asymmetrical core allows the ball to keep its shape longer down lane.
Is the Vexed cleaner than the Evil Eye, and does that matter?
Yes. Multiple reviewers describe the Vexed as 'a cleaner asymmetrical Evil Eye' with less early hook and less flare potential. This means it reads straighter through the front part of the lane and produces a sharper change of direction at the breakpoint rather than a gradual arc. This makes it better for bowlers who want to play straighter angles but still get strong pin action, though it can read too early on very fresh, heavy oil without surface adjustments.
What layout should I choose?
The Vexed offers three main layout categories: A/B for speed-dominant players, C/D for matched rev/speed players, and E/F for rev-dominant players. Your pro shop should help you select based on your throwing style. One reviewer drilled 45×4 by 40 (with a missed moment arm), another used 60×5×35, and a third used the 'maximum performance' layout at 70×3.5×20, showing that layout selection significantly affects the ball's aggression.
Will the Vexed work on house shots, or is it just for sport shots?
The Vexed works on both. Reviewers bowled it successfully on house shots, though some noted it can be slightly too early on very fresh, heavy oil if drilled aggressively for your rev rate. On used house patterns and sport shots, it performs as a strong, continuous-hooking ball that's more aggressive than benchmark solids but less extreme than maximum-flare options. Surface adjustments can help fine-tune its behavior.
Does the HK22C+ Solid coverstock feel strong or weak compared to other solids?
Multiple reviewers describe it as a 'benchmark' solid—medium-strong, not extreme. The HK22C+ with the 500/1000/3000 factory finish provides smoother, more rounded friction recognition on the backend compared to the Evil Eye, offering slightly more control without the aggression of premium pearl or higher-intensity solid options. One reviewer noted the cover 'doesn't feel as strong' as maximum-flare solids, which is intentional for this ball's design.