SWAG APEX Solid Review
Steady, no-surprises solid reactive for league bowlers who prioritize control over power. $149.95. Video reviews inside.
What is going on everybody? Welcome back to Tenn of in the Pit. Today we are going to do that full ball review on that Swag Apex Solid. Now, if you watch JBB's review, I said that the Apex line is the one that's grabbing a lot of people's attention and it's one of the better lines of the revamp from Swag. Hopefully Craft can live up to that and put up a decent score. We'll see. We'll see. Craft's been struggling. So I have too, Bubby. Since ever since we got the lanes cut, I've been struggling. Now he
is still trying to beat the score of 264 with that Swag Fusion hybrid. Swag is holding its own this month. >> Just let you know. >> Just question. >> Yeah. >> Can we take 40 pins off cuz he's two-handed? >> No. >> But but because you just had this beautiful, wonderful idea, >> I think we're going to do that. But we're going to film it. >> Okay. We're going to do a doubles match. You and me versus the no thumb Tyler and Quinton.
>> And they're not even paying attention. >> Yeah, they they don't they don't even know. >> Yeah, that'll work. >> They're done. >> They're done. >> They're done. >> We just got to figure out a time and place we're going to film that. So, you will see the battle of the thumb versus the no thumbs. >> Tyler Benjamin, Quinton Adams versus myself and Bryant Craft. You will be seeing that video fairly soon. >> You guys don't want it. >> Love it. I I wonder if he's got his brother for backup. >> He probably does. He probably does. It's the only Benjamin I'm scared of. >> So Craft's going to bowl a game. He's
going to try to beat Swag Fusion 264 with Quinton Adams. >> Hopefully he can make this ball look as good as actually JB shot a no tap 300. I don't I think he left like seven nine p uh 10 pins. >> So I will say I'm I'm a touch worried on that, but if I can if I can get it dialed in, it should be pretty good. >> Perfect. All right. So, I'm going to put a picture of the bowling ball specs and all the scores that the guys shot right here. There was like 14 15 bowling balls this month. So, it's a big list. >> That's a lot. >> All right. You ready? >> Yeah. Let's do it. >> All right. I'm going to zoom in. All
right, guys. So, out of the box, uh, this said medium to heavy oil. Not Not really. Uh, benchmark to dry. I've seen it's a great game three option. Um, it's about going to be about as straight as I can get. So, I'm on 20 targeting 12. Dude, are you kidding me?
Well, that was a really, really good shot. I hope I didn't hope I didn't swear there for you guys. I just It's aggravating. throw a good shot for you and leave a 710. So, I'm going to try to go this way. Pick up seven. Regroup off that shot there. Man, guys, that was a good ball.
So, we're going to go right to 30. We're going to throw it again. I'm going to throw it again. Not 30. Sorry. 20. 20. 20. Standing 20. Targeting 12. I missed. All right. So, I missed in. But I learned something there. So, I think I'm going to target a little farther in. Get them more in oil.
Um, I think that first shot I ball lost some energy out there, but really really straight with this ball. >> All right. >> Thank you, buddy. >> Alpha going on. >> No, you're good. You look handsome. Shut up. >> Oh, you definitely got a little alalfa. >> Yeah. >> All right. So, we're still on 20. So, we're gonna target 13.
I'm just going to muscle that bad boy. So, keep the ball speed up, right? Um, that was that was a little too fast, guys. 17.5 with that ball. I should be about 167 168. Um, just up the back of it. come through the ball. Uh if I if I can kick corners, this ball is unbelievable. Honestly,
so that one I completely missed in missed my mark and I'm really good at putting deadwood on the lanes tonight. Um but yeah, no I missed completely in here. Uh got Deadwood on the lane again. Sorry. >> You got to start like dancing. Let's see it. No.
Good job, guys. >> Thank you, buddy. >> I told you to leave that in the video, but that's got to stay. >> I love it. >> That's our dating right there. >> Thank you, buddy. All right, let's pick this up here. Jaden Deadwood again.
>> All right. So, I missed in on that shot for you guys. Uh, by a lot by a lot lot. So, I will say when I'm right and I got to pick play the power game, I do tend to get my feet fast and tug in. Got well over 50 games on this ball. Little carbide tank. Look,
I got the five out. Does that look like I'm hitting it at the bottom? Not as much. >> Not as much. H barely got the five out there. 178 fast. So what will happen is my brain will overthink and I'll throw it slow and hit the cover off it. So still on 30 20 not 30. I'm sorry guys. Not used to
being this straight. That might have been my best one. That was a pretty good shot. Just smooth. Very smooth. Threw a double. See if I can throw another one for you guys. Still on 20. See, that was 168. I let the ball work. Didn't force it.
That was the best ball. >> Yes. I was slower, too. I bet you that was like 164 171. I don't know. So, we're still on 20.
Ball's money. Ball's money. When I throw a good stress me out, >> why guys? This ball is very carbide tank resemblance. Uh, hits very hard and it's just so smooth. So smooth.
I muscled that one. Fell out of my shot. Lifted the whole nine yards. Terrible. Absolutely terrible. I'd really like that pocket 710 back. I feel like I'd be in better shape for you guys. Pins are real bouncy.
Well, what what Tyler shoot? >> Don't worry about it. >> 230. Don't worry about it. Still on 20.
There's one. There's one. I I think this was a resemblance in one of the videos, wasn't it? I was fortunate, absolutely fortunate to record for you guys. Uh get worked up a little bit. When we do these videos and I'm going non-stop, it's get a little ahead of myself. Just let the ball roll. Play straighter with it. Still on 20.
Oh my god. I got him. Got him. Got him. Got him. All right. So guys, as you can see with this ball, um, I'm straight. I'm really straight with it. Uh, carbide tank was one of my favorites. I'm not a huge fan of urethane. It was one of my favorites. And this this ball's not leaving my bag anytime
soon. [Applause] Gosh. So guys, as you can see in that video, pocket 710, muscled it, threw a couple in a row, missed in, leave the eight count, ran a few in a row. Um,
got a little soft. H little didn't hit the ball on four on the ninth. Uh, left a two pin and then 10th. Got lucky on the 11th. trip before, but uh at all both good. I'm completely completely satisfied with that thing. >> All righty, boys and girls, children of all ages. That would be a 235 with that brand new swag, Apex Solid, and Mr.
Craft. 5 seconds and we will go recap with Craft. Alrighty, boys and girls, children of all ages. Apex solid 235. Pretty solid. So, that would be so far this month. There's only a couple of reviews left. I do believe we're waiting on one more Swag Ball with Joey Marsh. Waiting on the Mantra, the Black Widow Tour V1. There might be a couple more in there, but I believe that gives Swag the top
three spots this month in our review. 264 with a Swag Fusion hybrid. 257 with the Swag Craze Hybrid. 235 Swag Apex Solid. Now, we brought these in February, March when they first dropped their first six. This is the second batch of their release or their revamp this year. 12 balls total. And out of those 12 balls, there are some really good pieces. So, if you're not looking
at swag, you should at least look at them to see if there's something that would line up for you. The Apex line and the Craze line, I can hands down say they hang with everything else on the market. If not, are a little bit better. >> Where can you go wrong for 150 bucks? >> Correct. Correct. So, fresh off the press, you told me this was worth your initial investment because of the price point. >> Oh, yeah. >> Now, no price point being talked about now. >> Okay. >> Yeah. Well over 50 60 games on this thing.
>> Oh, that that game that ball's got some damage to it. We had some damage. We plugged her. We >> Oh, yeah. >> That ball that ball's got some games on it. >> Yeah. >> Is it worth your initial investment? Would >> Yes. No. No questions asked. >> Now, me and you had a conversation earlier that you had one complaint about this bowling ball. And this is it's a common complaint. Yeah. >> That every all of the guys have had. I I said it during the video, but the way it's, you know, described and released,
medium to heavy oil. >> No, no, no. Benchmark to dry. Game three is >> medium to light. Y I agree. >> Medium to light. And it's it's it's good luck. I mean, >> good luck. >> Yeah, I agree. >> Carbide tank. >> Very similar. >> Just it's round carbide tank. >> It's just that round smooth shape. That's what I like about it. So, it was worth your initial investment after 50 games. >> Yes. >> If you had to buy another one. Mhm. >> to fill that symmetrical solid. >> Mhm. >> That's that rockstar category. Just to let you know.
>> I know. >> Would you buy another one of these >> or would you buy something else? >> I would buy something else only because symmetrical solid I expect a touch more. >> Correct. >> Um but at this price point at $149.95, it kind of plays in that. So, if they were to advertise this correctly, in my opinion, it plays just like where the ultimate record does >> right after the benchmark and right before your light stuff, that little niche area. >> I think this is where that ball plays. >> This ball's This ball's good. We hit it with 2000, too. And >> right, I can see this ball easily being
a ball down from the Rockstar. >> That's funny you say that. It is >> for Yeah, for the amped. Yeah, for the amp, too. >> It is for the original Rockstar. For the Hammer uh P. Uh, no. Hammer hammer hammer head. I can see this being a ball down for I can see this ball being a ball down for a lot of the symmetrical solids that are on the market. >> I agree with you. It >> It just It's just a little bit >> I I I agree. >> A little bit cleaner, a little bit rounder and you can keep all of your angles in front of you. You can close
your angles down and it does everything it's supposed to do. >> If you can kick a corner, that ball's going to throw you scores. I wish they didn't market it the same way that they did because it falls right in that category where there's not a lot of other things in that category which would allow this ball to shine just a little bit more. >> It's the only complaint I have about it. >> Yeah. >> Okay. So, worth your initial investment. You wouldn't buy another one. You'd buy a little bit bigger. >> Only only because of how they're advertising it. >> If if they advertise a completely different way, yes, I would go that way.
>> But even if you get another symmetrical solid, I know this isn't leaving your bag. It's just going to go to a ball down spot. Hold down spot. That's it. >> Okay. Now, someone comes in there looking for a symmetrical salad. >> This going to be the one you recommend. >> I'm going to always recommend the Rockstar right now. But >> right, >> this is this is up there. This is top three. >> I agree. >> Top three all day long. >> Rockstar. You got the Hammerhead for >> Hammerhead was really good. >> And then you have, you know, the classic Venom Shock, the Phase 2. I put it all right there in that category. >> Yeah. Swag Swag did all right with this
one. >> I I think so. >> Off the press. When I first threw it, I was like, "Oh, no. Yeah. Woo. >> But no, I I'm I'm stoked with this piece. >> Perfect. Okay, so for the guys at home, >> can you build a three ball arsenal for them to take the lead? >> Yeah, absolutely. It's what I got now. >> Go right ahead. >> So, we got the Hammer Maximum Effect ball one, which >> I'm still looking for that ball one option. >> Yeah. >> And then, um, got the Rockstar AMP ball two. >> Yep. >> And then Swag Apex Solids ball three.
That's what I'm talking. I I I put this in the ball three category, too. >> Yes. >> Even even if you are a little higher rev, I do put this in the ball three category. >> Allow you to go to area that you can play that's burnt right up and control everything in front of you. >> I agree. Okay. So, why everybody's here? >> 10 being god tier, zero being the worst in the business. Where are you putting this thing? >> I'm telling you, it would be a 10 all day long if it was advertised a touch better. >> I agree. >> It's a nine for me. I think a nine's a great rating only because it's not the advertisement. Advertisement goes a long
way. >> I I agree. And I I think they if they would have labeled this as a niche bowling ball, it would have been better. I totally agree. I think this is eight and a half, nine all day. >> Yep. >> Apex Solid is a little bit better than the Apex Pearl. And the Apex Pearl is really damn good. >> Yeah, it's good. >> Yeah, it's really damn good. >> All right, guys. So, that would be our take on that Swag Apex Solid. If you haven't looked at Swag yet, at least look at them. Hits like a truck. >> It does. They all They all have impressed us on how hard they hit. They all have impressed us on how
after the covers break in, they are easy to control after the covers break in. Quinton is still throwing a Swag Fusion. I don't see that leaving his bag anytime soon. But that would be Swag running the top of uh the top of the scores this month. >> Pretty impressive. >> One, two, and three, I'm quite sure. >> Pretty impressive. >> All righty, guys. If you want to support the Pro Shop, punch in old xintheit.com. Jump on those interwebs. Check us out online. Get $10 bowling ball cleaner, $12 foaming cleaner, rosin bags. Got
some new accessories that we all use that are going to start to hit the website here pretty soon. So, everything that's on there, you know, that we've used, we've tested, and you guys know you're going to get your money's worth. That is the whole plan of our website. We'll see if it works. If not, wouldn't mind. Like, share, subscribe, hit the post notification bell. I'll see you next time.
Performance Analysis
Performance Analysis
The APEX Solid pairs the APX V1 symmetric core with SWAG’s APEX Solid Reactive coverstock at a 3000 grit finish. Compared to its pearl sibling, this ball reads the midlane significantly earlier and produces a smoother, more arcing motion rather than a skid-snap reaction. The 2.50 RG gives it a medium launch angle, and the .042 differential creates enough flare to handle medium-heavy oil without being overwhelming.
Out of box at 3000 grit, the solid coverstock grabs the lane earlier than most balls in this price tier. That early read translates to a very predictable ball motion — you know where this ball is going to make its move, and it rarely surprises you. The trade-off is that the backend is relatively calm. This is not a ball that stores energy and explodes at the pins. Instead, it drives through the pocket with a strong, continuous roll that creates good pin action through deflection and carry rather than brute force.
On a standard house shot, the APEX Solid works well for bowlers who play a more traditional inside-to-outside line. It handles the oil well enough to stay in the heads without hooking early, but it transitions through the midlane sooner than the Pearl version. For bowlers who like to see their ball start its arc around the arrows, this is a comfortable, reliable shape. Surface adjustments at 2000 or 1500 grit will give it more teeth on heavier patterns, while a quick polish will extend the length if the lanes dry out.
Who Is This Ball For?
The APEX Solid belongs in the bag of a league bowler who values consistency over flashy backend motion. If you are someone who likes to see your ball rolling early, making a smooth move through the midlane, and driving through the pocket without surprises, this ball was built for you.
It works especially well for lower to medium rev-rate players who need a ball that does the work for them rather than demanding precise hand position at release. Speed-dominant bowlers will appreciate the earlier read that keeps the ball from sailing long and missing the breakpoint. This is also a strong choice as a first solid reactive for developing bowlers — the forgiving, predictable motion builds confidence on medium-heavy house conditions. The $149.95 price makes it an easy recommendation for anyone building an arsenal on a budget.
The Pros
- • Smooth, controllable arc on medium-heavy oil without over-reaction on the backend
- • 3000 grit solid finish provides early midlane read and predictable motion
- • Exceptional value at $149.95 — competes with balls costing $30+ more
- • Reliable pin carry thanks to a strong, even rolling motion into the pocket
The Cons
- • Conservative .042 differential limits total hook for power players
- • Backend motion is muted compared to pearl and hybrid options in this price range
- • May feel too tame for bowlers who prefer a sharper breakpoint
Who Is This Ball For?
Steady, no-surprises solid reactive for league bowlers who prioritize control over power. $149.95. Video reviews inside.
Technical Specifications
How It Compares
More Videos (4)
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Hype Nation
SWAG Apex Solid vs Pearl in Under 5 Minutes!
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The Hype
Introducing the SWAG Apex Solid Bowling Ball
SWAG BowlingVerified Bowler Reviews (44 reviews, 4.9/5 avg)
Bowlers Say
Bowlers say the SWAG Apex Solid is an ideal benchmark ball offering smooth, predictable motion on fresh to medium-heavy oil. They praise its urethane-like control with strong backend continuation, making it perfect for controllable hook without overreaction. Many note it reads midlane early and drives through pins with authority, though some find it too strong for typical house shots.
AI summary of 44 verified purchase reviews
Bowlers frequently mention:
Bowler specs: Right handed (one hand bowler) Speed: 18 mph Rev rate: 470 The new Apex Solid will give you that much sought out “benchmark” reaction that most bowlers will fall in love with. This ball gave me a simple and easy to control reaction. It is great on the fresher lane patterns. Comparing to the other Swag balls, this reacts similar to the Swag Black Dragon but doesn’t cover as many boards as the Black Dragon does. So if the Black Dragon is hooking too much, this ball will be perfect to throw. You can watch my ball review of the Apex Solid on YouTube: https://youtu.be/FDXoqjsl8VQ?si=Qp7tGaRy0xcYzZu Order your Swag Apex Solid today! You will not regret it
The ball is a great compliment to its shiny brother. This is drilled 60x4x30 and what can I say other than "wow". This ball hits like a truck. With this being a solid cover, this ball reads the lanes a little earlier. The fronts are no problem and the mids are read with ease! This ball has a smooth arcing type shape to it. For me it likes the straighter angles. The Apex Solid is that perfect control piece in which it doesn't try to do too much and you know what its going to do every time it hits the lanes! It reminds me of a urethane type ball with how smooth the reaction is down lane. This ball is great on the fresh and would also make a great transition piece when things start to get a little used up. This ball has great continuation through the pins. Add this to your bag and you will fall in love!
This ball is the perfect benchmark ball from Swag. With its out of box 4000 finish, it works extremely well on the outside part of the lane. If you want some more hook, put some surface on the ball and watch it perform from deeper angles. It creates a very predictable motion to the pocket that you can easily read and that can be used on all types of conditions.
This ball for me is the first out the bag. It powers throught the heavy oil and slams the pocket!!! I love how you can slow down with it and keep the pocket from leaving a 7 or 10 pin. YOU NEED THIS BALL!
This ball is very smooth in the fronts. Still packs a punch down lane, this ball is perfect for fresh conditions if you are having trouble getting the ball to turn down lane
Showing 1–5 of 41 verified reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
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