SWAG Assassin Pearl Performance Test

The all new Swag-assassin is an absolute banger I’ve been throwing it everywhere I go symmetrical piece that gives you control because it’s a sanded pearl it’s clean but still picks up in all the right parts of the lane and it just does the thing!

I'm a right handed bowler with 14.5 - 15.5 ball speed and 320 - 350 Rev rate. My average is 210. This ball has been completely amazing. I have mine drilled 30 x 5.5 x 40. This layout for me gives me length with a smooth but strong and continuous move at the breakpoint. This ball is now the first ball out of the bag and depending on how the lanes hold up I'm able to stay in it all night long. Since getting this ball I've shot series of 657, 715, and 659. The 1500 sanded pearl gives me a hybrid-like reaction which is why I'm able to use it all 3 games. The AP26 additive is something special and helps to ensure that I get a consistent reaction every shot. This ball reaction gives me the confidence to believe I can shoot a high 600 or better every night. If you're in the market for a new ball, the Swag Assassin is an amazing choice. Don't hesitate to put some Swag in your bag!!!

This ball is very smooth and very continuous I drilled mine 45x4 3/4x35 or something like that. This ball allows me to get left and slow my ball speed down and play inside out with it not jumping on me. This ball kinda reminds me of our old stuff like the swagger bomb because that ball for me was very smooth and it held its energy till it hits the pins. I would recommend this ball to someone that has low rev rate or a faster ball speed because it love to get to the friction and with that new cover stock it definitely made a difference because the response time of that cover is way better then the first releases swag had last year. This ball for me is going to be one of the great balls I pull out of the bag when the tradition starts to happen between game one and three when the lane starts to dry out a little and you have a little care down. It gives me a little bit of hold in the middle when I have to get left a swing it with my high rev rate and speed but when I have to get left I have to slow down my ball speed to get it to blend out the pattern. If you are wanting to try out swag but don’t was to get that low performance ball this is the ball for you when your struggling on transition.

Cory G. - SWAG Staff Member I am a right-handed, thumb-in bowler with a PAP of 5 5/8" over and 1" up, drilled at 75 × 4.25 × 40. The SWAG Assassin Pearl was a much-needed symmetrical pearl in the line for me as I tend to play inside more often than up the boards. The SWAG Assassin Pearl gives me easy length through the fronts when the fronts are completely gone, and with the addition of AP26 Dagger cover formula I can trust that it will see the friction at the break point, make the pocket, and clear the pin deck with ease. I did shine my Assassin Pearl up to 5000 grit, as it is a little too dull for me out of box (1500 out of box). The Assassin Pearl is a great ball for the 4 slot in my 6-ball tournament bag and the 3 slot for my 3-ball league bag. You can pick yours up on 2/17/26 and put some SWAG in your bag!

I was a bit concerned with throwing a surfaced pearl but after I got this beast on the lanes, all of my concerns were washed away. Keep it in the oil in the heads and use it to control the down-lane transition and you will not be disappointed about this ball. The continuation through the pin deck is absolutely insane and it loves to finish high flush. The messengers this ball throws move so quickly that the 10 pin doesn't know what happened.

The SWAG Assassin Pearl is one of those balls that instantly earns a spot in your league bag. This thing is clean through the fronts, doesn’t burn up early, and absolutely pops downlane when it sees friction. If you’re tired of pearls that look good for two frames and then quit, the Assassin Pearl is different — it stores energy the right way and gives you that sharp but controllable backend motion. What I really love about it is how predictable it is. You can open your angles when the lanes transition, and it still comes screaming off the spot without being uncontrollable. It’s not one of those over/under nightmares — it blends wet/dry really well for a pearl, especially on typical house shots. For league bowlers, this is a killer “game two and three” ball. Once your stronger solids start reading too early, the Assassin Pearl lets you move left (for right-handers), keep your hand behind it, and trust it to recover hard without quitting through the pins. The continuation through the deck is strong — messengers stay alive. Bottom line: if you want length, clean motion, and a confident backend that doesn’t feel flippy or lazy, the SWAG Assassin Pearl delivers. It’s a serious weapon once the pattern starts to break down.

The SWAG Assassin is a clean, symmetrical pearl that shines when the pattern starts to transition. It clears the fronts effortlessly and stores energy well, giving you a defined but controllable move off the spot. For higher-speed players, it provides the added backend pop you need without over-reading the mids. For rev-dominant bowlers, it offers enough length to keep the ball from burning up early. The motion is strong yet readable — not hockey-stick sharp, but continuous through the pins. Best on medium volume house patterns and late-game league blocks when solids begin to labor. Bottom Line: A polished pearl with length, control, and strong continuation — a reliable transition piece in a competitive arsenal.

The Assassin is a very good and extremely strong symmetrical. This ball is a heavy oil killer.

THE ASSASSIN PEARL IS GREAT FRIST BALL OUT OF THE BAG! IT CAN GIVE YOU A GREAT LOOK AT WHAT THE MAYBE GIVING YOU. I DO PERFER A SOLID COVER TO TRY AND GAUGE THE LANES, BUT THE ASSASSIN OUT OF BOX 1500 ABRAION SANDED IT CAN STILL GRAB THE LANES. SO I HAD MY ASSASSIN DRILLED 55X 4.25X35. LOOKING FOR A LITTLE LENGTH WITH SOME MIDLAND ROLL AND A SMOOTH BACKEND ROLL.THE ASSASSIN BEING PART OF THE MODERN PERFOMANCE LINE WITH SWAG, HAVING THE NEW COVER STOCK ADDITIVE AP26 AND A VERY UNIQUE CORE (ASSASSIN SYMMETRIC)HAS A GREAT ROLL.IF YOURE A NUMBER PERSON LIKE ME. 2.52 RG GIVES YOU A LITTLE LENGHT AND .048 DIFF GIVE YOU A HIGH TO MIDDLE ROLL. THE COLORS LIKE FANTASTIC GOING DOWN LANE(PINK,SMOKE, BLUE)

This ball is definitely going to be a ball that will be used as the lanes begin to transition definitely clean through the front part of the lane reads the mid lane nicely and finishes strong this ball will definitely be an option to go to once your stronger solids or hybrids start overreacting or when the front part of the lane starts to breakdown or your on a medium to light oil pattern it also is highly adaptable which will make it a great option for all styles of bowlers it also has the new AP26 which is going to provide better traction for better read and will increase hook potential and it will also reduce surface wear and extend the life of your ball

Assassin - Drilled 50 x 4.25 x 30 and kept as is on surface. This ball is SPECIAL and acts like an asymmetrical in a symmetrical body. I was nervous about a sanded pearl at 1500 and after watching it go down the lane, I am excited to the many different ways I can get this down the lane. I am told that polished is just a fun and may try and get another to keep polished. This ball works best in transition when length and strength are needed.

Out of the new releases this was the one that described exactly what I was missing in my bag. I have. Ow thrown it at 3 different houses on different patterns and it just doesn’t cater to my game at all. Unlike everyone else who seems to love it and their reaction is what I was looking for it just doesn’t give me a look whatsoever. When mine sees friction it goes long and when it stays in the oil the over under is so crazy. I gave this ball a 2 star because of the color scheme otherwise it would’ve been lower. Really wish I had a different outcome.

The core is the assassin core the coverstock is the new dagger pearl AP26 it sanded at 1500 grit the rg is2.52 and has a higher differential of .048 it has a very good down lane motion and is very strong on dry lanes with the new AP26 coverstock it has a bigger foot print and definitely gets to the friction . For a symmetrical ball it definitely has good motion and is very powerful and is very versatile .on dry lanes this ball has a ton of hook and explodes the pins . On a regular house shot I had great results with it and still had a lot of hook and it anialated the pins .This is my first hy-bird and to say the least it was a huge eye opener on how good it was .the lane conditions are heavy fresh to medium oil it is very good on those conditions .This is a ball you will want in your bag and it definitely has a spot in my tournament bag and don’t fall a sleep on this one it’s that good

I have this drilled pin down (45 x 3.75 x 45). I gotta tell you I thought this ball would be close to my Fusion Hybrid being in the same line but it is slightly different for me! Even though is a slightly different layout, it is a tad stronger than the Fusion Hybrid. I used it on a beat down shot and it performed really well and I used it on the fresh and it performed very well. Gets trough the fronts with ease and reads the mids well finishing with a continuous, defined motion to the pins. This new core/cover combo with the new AP26 additive is really something special! I can't wait to use it in leagues and tornaments! Add this ball to your bag! Id rate it stronger than a benchmark ball.

The Assassin Pearl performed exceptionally well on both fresh and used THS patterns. On fresh oil, I found myself playing more down and in, as the ball didn’t want to read too early or hook aggressively. Once the lanes transitioned and the oil started to break down, the ball could confidently swing the lane more, giving me a smooth, controlled motion through the breakpoint. Overall, the Assassin Pearl offers good length with a lighter break through the mid lane and excellent continuation through the pins. It clearly reads the pattern earlier than many other pearls I’ve thrown, but without flipping out. For bowlers who need a ball that doesn’t aggressively snap off the spot, this one delivers a more predictable and smoother down-lane reaction. Finding a pearl that doesn’t generate excessive down-lane motion has always been a challenge for me—but the Assassin Pearl might just be the exception. This could easily become my go-to pearl when I want the ball to get through the heads cleanly and still finish strong. And yes — the colors are absolutely awesome! My stats: • ~250 RPMs • ~13 mph ball speed • 5 1/4” over and 1/2” up PAP • Drilled at 70/5.5/25 Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Ru7I_JIXRE

A great ball has a smooth motion and strong backend

For me i always look for a ball to be responsive, and controllable. The assassin, for me thrives on medium-dry to transitioning lane conditions. It gets threw the carry down with ease and hits the pins hard.

The new SWAG Assassin Pearl with the new Dagger AP26 COVER is flat-out dangerous when the lanes start to open up. With my 350 rev rate and 15–16 mph speed, this ball clears the fronts effortlessly and stores energy like it’s saving it for payday. What impressed me most is how clean it gets through the heads without over-reading, then absolutely snaps when it sees friction. The backend motion is sharp but controlled — not a hockey stick, just a strong, confident move that keeps driving through the pins. When I moved left and opened my angles, the Assassin Pearl didn’t quit. It kept coming around the corner and carrying light mixers and high flush shots alike. This is the ball I trust when I need length with pop downlane, especially on a house or house-plus pattern. If you like clean through the front with attitude on the backend, this one earns its name. It finishes strikes. Period

As SWAG staff, I haven't had the chance to throw the Assassin Pearl myself yet, but the early social media buzz and tester feedback has me fired up. From YouTube breakdowns calling it "deadly" with smooth carry, clean backend motion, and serious strike potential, to Instagram bowlers raving about its sharp angular snap on drier/transitional lanes and strong out-of-the-box results (like clean 200+ games right away), this ball is living up to the hype. Key highlights: The Dagger AP26 Pearl coverstock (1500-grit sanded) with our breakthrough AP26 adhesion tech creates stronger lane bonds for cleaner length through the fronts and explosive response to friction. Paired with the Assassin Core (symmetrical, RG 2.52 / .048 diff, 4-5" flare), it delivers enhanced downlane motion and consistent energy transfer—perfect as a transition benchmark for balanced bowlers chasing power without overreaction. Speed-dominant and rev-dominant players alike are praising the control, recovery, and pin carry on medium-dry to medium oil. The blue/charcoal/pink look pops on the lane too. SWAG's Modern Performance Line keeps delivering elite versatility at unbeatable value—based on what bowlers are posting, this one's a must-add before it sells out. Highly recommend checking it out!

The Swag Bowling Assassin is a surprisingly versatile piece that shines on a typical house shot, especially for speed‑dominant bowlers who need a ball that doesn’t burn up early. The motion is best described as controlled angular — it gets through the heads clean, reads the midlane without jerking, and then makes a confident, defined move off the friction. It’s not a wild skid‑flip shape, but it still creates plenty of angle to open up the lane. As a transition ball or first option on medium to light oil, the Assassin blends the pattern well and keeps you out of trouble when stronger pieces start to over‑read. What stands out most is the hit: it drives through the pins with authority, creating that satisfying continuation league bowlers look for. If you want a ball that’s predictable yet punchy, the Assassin earns its name.

let's just say if you want a ball that flat out hooks this is your ball, i drilled mine 60x51/4x30 and it's very very strong, left the surface at box which is 1500 and with the new coverstock this thing has plenty of movement from anywhere, i was able to pretty much cover the whole lane it didn't matter if i was swinging it around 25 to inside 5 it came back really strong and never rolled out and was really continuous through the pins, i was also able to change hand and wrist positions and move over to around 7-8 up the boards with a little more speed and still had that really strong hitting power blowing the pins up, so if you want a very strong and continuous ball this is one you don't wanna look over

I REALLY LOVE THIS BALL. IT GIVES ME SUCH A NICE SMOOTH REACTION DOWN LANE. READS THE MID LANE VERY NICE, IT ALSO DRIVES THROUGH THE PINS WITH ALOT OF AUTHORITY. IT ALLOWS ME TO PLAY IN MY COMFORT ZONE ALOT LONGER. WITH THE NEW CORE AND COVER COMBO THIS BALL HAS BECOME A FAVORITE OF MINE.

This ball is the perfect mix of control and length during transition and beyond this ball easily clears the heads and stays down far enough through the midlane before making its move and it carries so much energy through the pins it just “assasinates” anything its way it’s perfect for any bowlers arsenal get one and see for yourself

I have had the opportunity to use this ball in four complete games, scoring 237, 267, 235, and 257. I selected this ball because it was intended to build on the success of the Fusion line, which I have not previously used. Based on my experience with the Assassin, I regret not having a Fusion ball earlier. It has proven to be an excellent choice for drier lane conditions, such as those at my home bowling center. The consistent motion and strong backend reaction have been very effective. The new AP26 coverstock is likely to boost the Swag line's presence in the industry. I look forward to the opportunity to use this ball in tournaments at different venues and under various lane conditions.

The new SWAG Assassin Pearl with the new Dagger AP26 COVER is flat-out dangerous when the lanes start to open up. With my 350 rev rate and 15–16 mph speed, this ball clears the fronts effortlessly and stores energy like it’s saving it for payday. What impressed me most is how clean it gets through the heads without over-reading, then absolutely snaps when it sees friction. The backend motion is sharp but controlled — not a hockey stick, just a strong, confident move that keeps driving through the pins. When I moved left and opened my angles, the Assassin Pearl didn’t quit. It kept coming around the corner and carrying light mixers and high flush shots alike. This is the ball I trust when I need length with pop downlane, especially on a house or house-plus pattern. If you like clean through the front with attitude on the backend, this one earns its name. It finishes strikes. Period.

Not overly aggressive, keeps angles even as lanes transition. Has good length through the heads, then a smoother, angular move downlane with a strong backend

I cannot state in words how impressed I am with this ball. It gives me the shape I'm looking for on the fresh and lets me move through the evening with plenty of down-lane pop. Not only does it strike all day, but it looks amazing. I don't even really need to sing the praises of this ball, the performance of it does that for me.

The Swag Assassin is a high-performance powerhouse that commands attention on medium to heavy oil. From the moment it’s released, the Assassin gives a strong, confident midlane read with just the right amount of backend continuation — aggressive without being unpredictable. The aggressive core and reactive coverstock blend to create a motion that’s both smooth through the fronts and punchy at the pins, delivering excellent entry angle and carry. It excels when you need to drive the pocket and control challenging conditions, making it a great choice for competitive bowlers. What truly stands out is how it maintains energy through the pins, turning spares into strikes with authority. For those seeking strength, control, and impressive pin action, the Assassin doesn’t disappoint.

Outstanding transaction. A first time Swag ball owner. I am truly impressed with the performance of the ball. High revs and medium ball speed. Perfect combo for this ball.

united states

I have few games and tournament on this ball now I am right handed bowler who is a slower speed medium rev my assassin is drilled with the pin over the middle finger I use this ball during and after transition because it has superior length and control on the burn the dagger ap26 pearl cover stock absolutely delivers. If your looking for the piece to add for the burn and transition that offers smooth predictable motion this it. If your a tournament bowler I could see this being a perfect ball on shorter patterns and definitely later in the block on others and as a far as shelf appeal the pour on this ball is absolutely beautiful. If your thinking about it put one in your bag today or you’ll regret missing out !!!

I am really happy with this ball. For its weight, it hits like a MAC truck! It is very controllable and very consistent. I am really impressed!

California,united states

The Swag Assassin Pearl is an intelligent choice for heavy oils off the bat. The aggression and confidence from the midlane read is well-balanced with backend continuation. The ball won't make an unpredictable jump at the backend. I personally have it drilled (4x4x5) and it fits my PAP (5-1/8, 2 down) perfectly. The combination of aggressive core and reactive cover create a motion and control over the fronts that results in not only a high entry angle but also exceptional carry. The Swag Assassin Pearl is great for control over the pocket, and excels at handling tough lane conditions. The ball will maintain energy through the pins and turn some of your spares into strikes. This ball is great for the control and pin action. This ball is great for the control over the pocket and excels at handling tough lane conditions. This ball is great for the control and pin action.

Before adding the assassin to the arsenal there was one alley I was struggling at the assassin rolls great and has helped me get more consistent at this alley I stand on 27 board and hit 13 to 15 board and the angle flows in to the pocket it is a great ball for low poor lane conditions this ball rolls up well and has some of the best shape I have seen in a while I have been back throwing for about a year and have tried different balls and this one is one of the best so I do strongly recommend this ball to anyone that is either competitive in league or in tournaments swag has came out with some of the best balls and will be bringing more to you

Bought this ball because the name was cool and I did not have a symmetrical core in my line up. Ordered one with at least 3-ounce top weight and a 3–4-inch pin. Took it to my pro shop guy and told him to have fun with it. He drilled with a layout of 55x4.5x25. When he brought it to league, he said there will be plenty of forward roll with it. First time ever in travel league I was able to use one ball all day. I am a 195ish average. Out of the box I go 661 and 689 with it. The ball was smooth and controllable and needs to be in everyone's lineup. I know for me it jumped to the first out of the box.

The Assassin Symmetrical Pearl featuring the Dagger AP26 coverstock delivers exactly the kind of clean length and sharp backend motion you want when the lane pattern starts to transition. Drilled with a 70 × 4.25 × 20 layout, this ball stores plenty of energy through the heads and unleashes a decisive, fast‑flaring move off the friction. It reads the midlane just enough to stay predictable, yet still creates the strong angular finish needed to open up the lane. What stands out most is its versatility. Whether you’re playing up the 5 board or moving inside to send it through the oil, the Assassin responds smoothly to adjustments without losing its identity. It fills an important slot in the Swag lineup, fitting perfectly behind a stronger hybrid like the Serpent asym. When that ball starts to read too early, the Assassin steps in with a cleaner, more responsive look that still hits with authority. It’s a reliable, high‑performance addition for bowlers who appreciate a sharp but controllable pearl motion.

The Swag Assassin is a sanded pearl that delivers absolutely insane continuation through the pins. From the first time I threw it, the downlane motion stood out immediately. I drilled mine 80x5x45 to create a safe, controllable shape for the high-friction house conditions I typically bowl on, and it has been exactly what I was looking for. It gives me a smooth, readable motion up front while still providing a strong, confident move through the backend. What really separates this ball is its finish through the pins. It simply does not quit. I honestly don’t know if I’ve seen a ball deflect less — it drives through the pocket and keeps the pins low. The downlane response is consistent and powerful without feeling over/under. The AP26 additive has truly been a game-changer for SWAG, and the Assassin showcases it perfectly. I’ve also seen teammates drill theirs stronger and more aggressive, and they’re just as impressed. No matter the layout, this ball deserves a spot in your bag.

The Swag assassin picked up in the oil more than I expected. It has a very predictable and round motion. It gives me the comfort that if I miss in the friction it wont overhook, and if I miss in the oil its strong enough to pick up and hit the pocket. I have never really been a fan of symmetrical pearls as they don't match up to my game very well, but this one may just stay in the bag a while

The Assassin has been a great transition ball for me and really shines once the lanes start to change. I have mine drilled 65 x 2 3/4 x 35, which gives it a strong midlane read with a smooth, controlled backend motion. It’s early enough to handle the leftover oil but still clean enough to not burn up when there’s friction to the right. For me, this is typically a Game 2 ball in league once the heads start to go, or around Game 4 in a longer tournament block. It allows me to stay ahead of the transition, keep my angles tighter, and maintain consistent hit and carry as the pattern continues to break down.

Ordered my first symmetrical ball. Had my PSO put a lay out of 55x4.5x25 on it. I usually play the straight up the 10 board. During travel league I was able to throw the ball and see so much forward roll I knew it was going to be a good day. First set I went 662 with it. Moved to the other end of the house and was able to go 689 on burnt lanes. I moved a total of two boards all day. First time in travel league I was able to throw one ball all day. This ball earned the right to be first out of my bag.

I am a 66-year-old lefty with a PAP of 3 15/16 over & 7/8 up who throw the ball about 14.5 MPH with a rev rate of around 275. When I threw the Assassin, I was expecting another nice control piece that would fill in nicely as I began to see transition. What I actually saw was a ball that was clean through the fronts, began reading in the midlane without overreacting, and then on the backend, wow! It turned the corner and drove through the pins like a truck! I had this drilled at 4 1/8 x 4 x 1 and what a bomb I had on my hands, which I typically don’t see with symmetrical cores. It was still very controllable with the lower RG (2.52) and the higher differential (.048), but with the new AP26 additive that Swag has introduced in their newest releases it was as dynamic as advertised. I was able to throw my usual outside lines on a THS and it performed very well for a long time. It didn’t seem to lane shine as quickly as some of the other sanded pearls I have thrown. On a little bit tougher sport shot I was able to see my desired shape without a lot of manipulation. I moved inside of where I’m most comfortable and it still help up and I scored well. I anticipate this ball being a staple in my bag for all conditions and know that I can rely on a very predictable, easier achieved motion that will allow me to carry under multiple lane conditions. Knowing this, I’m very excited to get into a few more tournaments and put this weapon to more use. Nice job Swag Bowling!!

The Assassin is a strong, controllable piece that really stands out in the right conditions. Even though it’s a dull pearl, it’s not something you want to throw on anything light. For my game, it absolutely needs oil — preferably a longer pattern with some heavier volume. That’s where this ball truly comes alive. On shorter or drier conditions, it can read a little too early for me, but once I got it on the right pattern, it was a completely different story. When there’s enough oil in front of it, The Assassin digs in, reads strong, and makes a powerful, controlled move through the backend. Once it sees the pocket, it absolutely crushes it. Pins don’t just fall — they go flying. It hits like a truck and drives through the rack with authority. When you match it up correctly, there’s really nothing to complain about.

The SWAG Assassin is a total Slayer! This ball brings it without apology. My layout is a tweaked version of 65 x 3 3/8 x 35, pin up. The Test pattern was a 43ft house shot, 25.4ml oil, I started standing on 25 with the inside of my left foot and throwing across 7 at the arrow. This was way to much ball to be that far right. I started moving 5 boards left with my mark at the arrow adjusting with my move to catch more oil. Finishing up at 45 throwing across 21/22 at the arrows on a slight swing. This ball brought it in every move, it never waivered and continued to pound the right hand pocket with authority. I have used the Assassin on challenge patterns up to 46ft during league and it continues to read the lanes like its a house shot. I swear, it made bowling easy. These type of patterns require accuracy and if I missed I knew it immediately. The Assassin is an amazing addition to my inventory, cant miss with this ball.

You get whatever you want out of this ball. I have kept the Swag Assassin at box surface, 1500, and used this as a first ball in league and I have also polished this to be the transition ball. If you are looking for any medium to lower oil ball, this can fit multiple places in your bag.

This ball is very versatile. Any number of bowlers can throw this ball. From entry to advanced. Low rev to high rev players. With Swags new AP26 Adhesion promotion coupling agent, it fills the micro gaps or voids in the cover stock. Which in turn gives more surface on the ball to create friction. Which in turn creates stronger hook potential. This is my go to ball when lanes start to dry out or transition. I’m a tweener. Which means I’m no cranker or down and in guy. However this ball can be used by all. My layout for this ball is 55x4.25x75. I have it where it rolls like a urethane. Very predictable but with a very continuous motion. Hits like a freight train. I would recommend this ball to anyone.

This ball was a spectaculiar buy. And it performs beautifully on the lanes.

CO,United States

The SWAG Assassin Pearl is a really impressive piece when you need something that clears the fronts easily and still finishes strong downlane. What I like most about this ball is how clean it gets through the heads without losing energy. Once it finds friction, it makes a confident move toward the pocket and keeps driving through the pins. The core and pearl cover combination gives it a nice balance of length and continuation, so it never feels lazy or unpredictable. It’s the kind of ball that lets you open up the lane a little more while still staying in control. Overall, the Assassin Pearl is a great option when you need angle, recovery, and consistent hitting power.S

This ball absolutely lives up to the name. Honestly, for higher rev rate bowlers, this may be a ball that needs a surface adjustment out of box. By it being a pearl with a STRONG cover, it comes sanded OOB. This ball NEEDS oil. For me, I did shoot 260 right out of box with it but I had to chuck it to get it down the lane. Instead of a full polish, I elected to add polish by hand moderately at home and it changed the ball’s usability for me almost instantly. This is now my control Pearl, early transition barring the dreaded cliff that shows up in league at times, this ball is my “get left and swing the lane” ball, but with a more up the back release this ball can be used all three games on a moderately volume house for sure. For me it looks best standing 30-35 swinging to about 7 at the breakpoint. MONEY, this ball punches wayyy above the price point, it’s almost a steal for the reaction you receive.

The Assassin is a new release from Swag Bowling in what is essentially the Fusion line, and having loved the Fusion Hybrid and its easy length, I was excited to see what this ball could do. I drilled this ball to read sooner than my Fusion Hybrid with a dual angle layout of 60x4.75”x50, putting the pin in my ring finger. At the box surface of 1500 sanded, the ball was smooth and continuous and very controllable. However, I wanted a little more out of it so I applied polish and this thing really came to life. The polish gave it that extra energy retention and hitting power I was hoping for, sending pins flying across the pin deck in a violent manner. With this being another of the AP26 enhanced coverstocks, I was impressed with how much power it distributed through the pins. The new additive Swag Bowling has created is legit and every new release I’ve thrown has displayed better control, enhanced shape and much greater power at the pins over previous iterations. This ball can handle medium-heavy to medium conditions for me without a second thought. I may need to get another one and out a stronger layout on it to see what else it can do but it’s a very strong release and one that offers a ton of bang for the buck.

The Assassin was one of the best looking shelf balls, but took me the longest to get comfortable and familiar with. The sanded pearl is something that Swag started to do when it was still under original ownership, as a way to take very strong and smooth covers and blend them with high differential, high RG cores to create smooth, controllable shapes. The Assassin is a redesign of this original type of shape that Swag fans sought. Set in the same line as the Fusion and Fusion Hybrid, both balls with very strong covers and weaker cores, the Assassin beefs up the cover with the new AP26 and the core with a much bigger differential, creating a much more balanced ball that fits what has become commonly known as "the Benchmark ball" or the 3-Ball, for those who like the collegiate numbering system. This ball likes to get started in the mid-lanes, creating the gradual, smooth-continuous blended shape that provides control, power, and an easy line to adjust when facing transition. When it finds friction, it makes it turn but does not zip off the spot, created a very nice step up over the new Craze Tours while providing that ideal control ball for facing tough conditions. If you want something with a big jump off friction, you probably need to look at some of the other Swag releases, but if you want something to control tougher conditions, maintain a good pocket presence, and provide stability while being a step up to the Craze Tours, the Assassin is the ball for you. My stats: 18mph/~450rpm/low axis tilt/med-high axis rotation Tested ball on THS, Kegel Red Square, USBC OC 2025 S/D, and 2023 ISC Nationals patterns.