The DV8 Outsider: High-Angular Asymmetric for Bowlers Who Refuse Convention
You've dialed in your conventional release, but house shots and medium oil keep rewarding bowlers who throw differently. The lanes aren't asking permission to be unique—and neither should your equipment.
Performance
The DV8 Outsider pairs a distinctive Renegade asymmetric core (2.499 RG, 0.040 differential, 0.020 intermediate) with the HK22 Jailbreak F7 solid coverstock to deliver highly angular motion with mid-range hook potential. The shiny factory finish helps it hold through the oil but minimal flare (~3 inches) means it won't reward thumb bowlers looking for traditional track migration. One reviewer called it "pretty much at the tippy top of the spectrum when it comes to most angular" and found it required soft speed control to manage; another noted it "doesn't roll like an asymmetric," feeling more like a benchmark-type ball in hand despite its unconventional core numbers. Both agreed the solid coverstock comes reactive out of the box and works on medium oil patterns and house shots, though one reviewer suggested conventional one-handed throwers may want to add surface for more friction.
Pros
- Exceptional angularity on the backend with highly unique core geometry (2.499 RG, 0.040 diff, 0.020 intermediate ratio)
- Shiny HK22 Jailbreak F7 coverstock holds its line through the oil on medium patterns
- Minimal flare (~3 inches) keeps the core characteristics predictable and layout-adjustable for different release styles
- Responsive to speed control—doesn't require forcing down the lane to generate motion
Cons
- Low flare may disappoint thumb bowlers expecting traditional track expansion
- Shiny factory finish limits friction; surface work often recommended for conventional one-handed play
- Asymmetric core numbers don't always translate to the angular motion bowlers might expect based on raw RG/differential values
Who Should Buy This
- Two-handed and rev-dominant bowlers seeking an angular, unconventional core design
- Players on medium oil house shots who need something that holds through the oil without excessive early motion
- Bowlers willing to experiment with asymmetric layouts and potentially add surface to tune reaction
- Those hunting for a dark horse ball that breaks the mold on standard symmetric assumptions
Who Should Skip This
- Conventional one-handed bowlers who prefer heavier flare and more track migration without added work
- Bowlers who dislike shiny covers or need maximum friction out of the box
- Anyone expecting asymmetric core numbers to translate into aggressive, early-stage angular motion
Buying Tips
The Outsider is available in 12–16 lb, drilled from the factory at 500, 1000, 1500 Siaair with factory compound. If you're a conventional one-handed bowler, budget for surface prep; reviewers noted the shiny solid cover works best when you control your speed, so don't buy this expecting to muscle it downlane. Layout is crucial: use the no-thumb layouts available on the manufacturer's site if that's your style, or consult your pro shop about pin placement to dial in the flare profile you need.
Verdict
The DV8 Outsider is a purpose-built asymmetric for bowlers who've already committed to an unconventional release or are willing to invest in one. It excels on medium oil house shots and rewards soft, controlled play from two-handed and rev-dominant throwers. Conventional bowlers should approach with caution and realistic expectations about surface requirements.
Specs
| Weight | RG | Differential | Mass Bias |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 lb | 2.513 | 0.034 | 0.017 |
| 15 lb | 2.499 | 0.04 | 0.02 |
| 14 lb | 2.516 | 0.04 | 0.02 |
| 13 lb | 2.58 | 0.045 | 0.01 |
| 12 lb | 2.602 | 0.045 | 0.01 |
FAQ
Why does an asymmetric core with a 0.040 differential and 0.020 intermediate ratio feel like a 'heavier symmetrical' in hand?
One reviewer specifically noted this disconnect: the numbers look radical on paper, but the ball's actual lane behavior and feel don't match typical asymmetric aggression. This unusual core design (a 2:1 ratio between differential and intermediate) was built for no-thumb and two-handed bowlers and produces a different kind of motion than conventional asym layouts.
Will I get more flare if I drill the pin lower or use a no-thumb layout?
Yes. Reviewers noted the ball exhibits minimal flare (~3 inches) in standard layouts, but manufacturer documentation provides specific no-thumb layouts. Moving the pin lower increases flare; keeping it in the middle range (around 3–3.5 inches) provides a benchmark flare profile. Consult your pro shop or the manufacturer's layout guide for your specific release style.
Do I need to add surface to this ball out of the box?
It depends on your release. The shiny HK22 Jailbreak F7 coverstock works well as-is on medium oil house shots if you're a two-handed or rev-dominant bowler. Conventional one-handed throwers are advised to add surface for more friction and hook earlier in the oil pattern.
What lane conditions is this ball designed for?
The Outsider is built for medium oil patterns and house shots. Reviewers confirmed it blends the midlane well and hooks from everywhere on typical house conditions, making it a solid choice for recreational and league play on standard oil patterns.
How much does this ball flare compared to other asymmetrics?
Significantly less—roughly 3 inches. This low flare is intentional, reflecting the unusual core geometry. One reviewer noted the flare rings are tight together, which means RG values won't jump much with finger-hole placement in standard thumb-bowler layouts, keeping reaction more controllable.