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DV8 Hater Review

While no longer in production, the DV8 Hater remains a solid option on the used market for bowlers seeking reliable performance on medium-heavy oil conditions. Its asymmetric core design and hybrid coverstock combination deliver consistent results for competitive players.

By BowlingBallVideos.com Staff Tested Apr 22, 2026 7 videos analyzed 6 verified bowler reviews
7.9
Overall
Great Score
Weight
12-16 lbs
Coverstock
Hybrid
Core
Asymmetric
Hook
High

Performance Analysis

Performance Analysis

The DV8 Hater showcases impressive technical specifications that translate to real-world performance on challenging lane conditions. The asymmetric DV8 Hater Core, with its .054 differential and .024 mass bias, creates substantial track flare that helps the ball read the midlane effectively while storing energy for a strong backend reaction. The 2.53 RG positions this ball in the medium range, providing a balanced combination of length and hook potential that works well for a variety of bowling styles.

The HK22 Havoc Hybrid Reactive coverstock represents the sweet spot between solid and pearl formulations, offering the traction needed to handle medium-heavy oil while maintaining enough length to avoid burning up too early. At 1500 grit factory finish, the surface preparation provides an ideal balance for most house shots and sport patterns. The 5-6 inch flare potential ensures strong pin action and hitting power, making this ball particularly effective for bowlers who need to move deeper on the lane as oil patterns transition during longer sessions.

Who Is This Ball For?

  • Bowlers facing medium to heavy oil patterns
  • Players seeking strong backend motion
  • Tournament bowlers needing reliable hook on sport shots
Hook Potential
8.0
Length Through Heads
6.0
Back-End Continuity
7.0
Pin Action
8.0
Versatility
7.0
Value for Money
7.0

The Pros

  • Strong asymmetric core provides excellent hook potential
  • HK22 Havoc Hybrid coverstock handles medium-heavy oil well
  • High flare potential creates impressive pin action

The Cons

  • Limited versatility on lighter oil conditions
  • Discontinued status makes finding new examples difficult

Who Is This Ball For?

While no longer in production, the DV8 Hater remains a solid option on the used market for bowlers seeking reliable performance on medium-heavy oil conditions. Its asymmetric core design and hybrid coverstock combination deliver consistent results for competitive players.

Bowlers facing medium to heavy oil patternsPlayers seeking strong backend motionTournament bowlers needing reliable hook on sport shots

Technical Specifications

Core Details (DV8 Hater Core Core)
RG (15 lbs) 2.53
Differential 0.054
Int. Differential 0.024
Coverstock DV8 HK22 Havoc Hybrid Reactive
Core Type Asymmetric
Factory Finish 1500 Grit
Color Black / Red
Release Date March 2024

How It Compares

More Videos (6)

DV8 Hater | Kayla Tafanelli
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DV8 Hater | Kayla Tafanelli

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DV8 Hater | Quick Hit w/ Justin Slagter
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DV8 Hater | Quick Hit w/ Justin Slagter

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DV8 Hater | Quick Hit w/ Eric Harmsen
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DV8 Hater | Quick Hit w/ Eric Harmsen

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DV8 Hater | Quick Hit w/ Brandon Bohn
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DV8 Hater | Quick Hit w/ Brandon Bohn

DV8
DV8 Hater | Quick Hit w/ Matt Ogle
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DV8 Hater | Quick Hit w/ Matt Ogle

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DV8 Hater | Release Video
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DV8 Hater | Release Video

DV8

Verified Bowler Reviews (17 reviews, 5.0/5 avg)

5.0out of 5

17 verified purchase reviews

100% of bowlers recommend this ball

Write a Review

Bowlers Say

Bowlers say the DV8 Hater is a hook beast that excels on oily lane conditions with tremendous backend reaction. The hybrid coverstock with HK22 additive and Hater core creates strong hook potential while remaining controllable. Many report significant average improvements and praise its versatility for different rev rates.

AI summary of 17 verified purchase reviews

Bowlers frequently mention:

Matt B Mar 20, 2024

The names great! People are going to love this ball. The shape reminds me of a bigger symmetrical ball but with little more kick. This will be the first ball out of a a lot of bowlers bag.

Bryan Williams, PBA and DV8 Pro Staff Mar 24, 2024

If you are looking for a big ball in your bag with a tremendous amount of hook, then look no further than the DV8 Hater. This ball is and absolute hook beast that works incredible on oilier lane conditions. The Hater Core and the HK22 additive added to this hybrid coverstock takes this new ball to whole new heights. The DV8 Hater is the big ball you need in your bag to chart and read the lanes. Drilled slightly different from the Hammer Envy Tour with a 40x3.5x30, the DV8 Hater picks up much sooner than the Envy Tour down lane. This ball allows bowlers to adjust the surface to adjust to multiple oilier lane conditions. DV8 continues to create revolutionary bowling balls to fit today’s demanding lane conditions. The DV8 Hater continues in the same fashion of revolutionizing the game of bowling and does not disappoint in performance. DV8…if you are not throwing DV8, YOUR JUST NOT BOWLING!!!

Timothy Lane Apr 15, 2024

The ball is great. I did not receive the bowlersmart blue shammy with my order, however.

United States

George Jun 15, 2024

Easy to control. I throw with a slight curve. The ball rolls straight if you throw straight. Curves if you intend to. I use the 14lbs for spare throwing. 15 and 16 for first throw.

James Vincill Oct 6, 2024

This is a very strong ball. If you are a stroker or you don't have a lot of revs on the ball, this can be a good ball for you. Pin out 3 to 4 inches with 2.5 to 3.5 oz of top weight with a leverage drill should produce a very strong ball for you.

Texas, United States

Showing 1–5 of 6 verified reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What oil condition is the DV8 Hater best for?
The DV8 Hater is designed for medium-heavy oil conditions. It features a reactive hybrid coverstock with a 1500 Grit finish, which gives it the surface traction needed to grip through heavier oil patterns.
Is the DV8 Hater good for beginners?
The DV8 Hater is a high-performance ball with high hook potential, which may be difficult for beginners to control. It's better suited for intermediate to advanced bowlers who have developed a consistent release. Beginners should consider an entry-level ball like the Brunswick Rhino or Roto Grip Hustle series first.
What is the RG and differential of the DV8 Hater?
The DV8 Hater has an RG of 2.53 and a differential of 0.054, with an intermediate differential of 0.024. The higher RG means it stores energy longer, pushing further down the lane before transitioning. The high differential creates strong flare potential and aggressive ball motion.
How much does the DV8 Hater cost?
The DV8 Hater is priced at varies by retailer. This is a competitive price point for a ball in its performance category. You can find it at BowlersMart.com with free shipping and 60-day returns.
What type of bowler should use the DV8 Hater?
The DV8 Hater is best suited for bowlers who want maximum flare potential and angular ball motion. With its reactive hybrid coverstock on medium-heavy conditions, it works well for medium to high rev rate players who need a ball that can handle oil and still make a strong move on the backend.

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