Roto Grip Optimum Idol Bowling Ball

For those that remember the glory days of the original idol, it made a comeback with a new core technology, a slightly reduced RG, and a higher differential. My optimum idol is drilled an average pin up layout of 4.5"x 30 between the bridge. This is my common layout I use for leagues and certain tournaments when the lanes are medium/heavy. When I first threw it on a fresh 42ft league pattern at my home center, I was very impressed. At a fresh 2000 grit out of the box, the optimum is cleaner and smoother through the fronts, very controllable/continuable in the backend with more room to miss right/left. It reads the middle part of the lane very well and doesn't take off. I didn't get the chance to throw the original idol but in comparison, the optimum tends to be more versatile and has that "benchmark" feel and can be used on a variety of patterns. This is one ball will definitely be in my bag wherever I bowl. If you had a ton of success with the original Idol, the optimum is one symmetrical ball that should be in everyone's bag! Be sure to pick one up from your local pro shop!! Thomas Coco (storm staffer)

The Roto Grip Optimum Idol features the same Micro Trax reactive coverstock and Ikon core as the hugely successful original Ido. However, the Optimum features the new A.I. core technology, which in my opinion makes this ball even better than the original Idol. At 15 pounds the RG is a low 2.47 with a differential of .056. I drilled my Optimum Idol the same as my original, 5x4x2 which puts the pin above my middle finger. The Optimum Idol has the same motion as the original…it starts up very early, controls the midlane and has an even arcing backend motion. This ball is perfect for medium/medium heavy oil patterns. The A.I. core creates even more pin action than the original. If you had the original and have been looking for a replacement, you won’t find anything closer than this. If you never had the Idol, don’t miss out on this one, you won’t be disappointed. This ball should be in every tournament bowler’s bag. Power, control, and versatility all in one!!!

The new Roto Grip Optimum Idol features the well-established Ikon core now wrapped in A.I. outer core material and the Microtrax Solid coverstock. I drilled my Idol 5x4x4.25 and it was honestly more ball than I was expecting. I did not care for the original idol because it was too clean and too forward; however, the Optimum Idol proved to be different. It is earlier and stronger off the backend of the pattern especially compared to something like that of an IQ Tour Edition. An IQ Tour to me is cleaner and more forward compared to the Optimum Idol. To put it in perspective, I would put the Optimum Idol between the Phaze 2 and Axiom Solid. I see the earlier shape like the Axiom, but I see a similar ball motion off the backend compared to the P2. Overall, I think the Optimum Idol is going to shine on a lot of different conditions and is easy to adjust with surface changes.

Cover: MicroTrax™ Solid Core: Ikon™ block with A.I. Core Technology Finish: 2000-grit Abralon RG: 2.47 (15) Differential: 0.056 (15) The remake of the original Idol is back with the Ikon weight block but now with A.I. Core Technology. With the success of the original Idol, hopes were high with the Optimum Idol and SPI knocked it out of the park. The Optimum Idol is now my go to Benchmark ball for all patterns. It is so smooth and so predictable; I can pretty much throw it on anything and get lined up. For me it is original Idol, just a little more in all parts of the lane. This will be another home run for the SPI brand.

The Optimum Idol has a low RG value of 2.47 which means it will rev up early and a high differential of 0.056, in which 0.060 is the max differential a ball can have. The Optimum Idol is the first Roto Grip release that has the AI Core Technology. AI Core Technology lowers the RG and raises the differential that creates a quicker roll and more surface contact with the lane. In addition, the Optimum Idol also features the famous Ikon core that we have seen in all Idol releases. As per the Microtrax Solid Reactive cover, you will see a combination of the optimum balance of midlane traction and responsiveness to friction thanks to the blend of nanoparticles throughout the coverstock. This formulation maintains its surface profile texture longer to ensure you get maximum performance while displacing oil at an above average rate compared to other coverstock materials on the market today. I did a ball comparison to the original Roto Grip Idol and 900 Global Xponent at 42 ft house shot, 25 ml of oil. The layout chosen 55 x 4 ¾ x 40. 3000 Grit used for review. In comparison to the Original Idol, The Optimum Idol is at least 3 boards stronger downlane and starts up a little quicker. As the Original Idol was good for was versatility within the ball surface where from the lowest to polish the Idol responds to what you need very well. In comparison to the 900 Global Xponent, the Optimum Idol is a couple of boards stronger the Xponent which has a lower RG that’s fits just above an IQ tour solid. As per the surface adjustments, the Optimum’s box surface is 2000 grit Abralon which is a good starter surface for a fresh oiled THS. For me, I put polish on top of the 2000 surface that gives me a little more length and a little sharper on the backend. In the bag, will be the Eternity Pi, Optimum Idol, Attention Star and Zen Gold Label Please pick up a Roto Grip Optimum Idol at a Striking Results Proshop near you and please like and subscribe to my page Beyond the Arrows Ball reviews. Use my coupon code Patrick300 on your first purchase of a Bowlifi jersey and get $5.00 off or $5.00 off a $50.00 or more purchase.

Roto Grip – Optimum Idol Layout 5 x 4 x 2.5 Style – stroker Ball Speed – 14–15 mph at pins Condition – house pattern - HPL surface Surface – box condition Pleasantly surprised by the motion I received from this ball. Worried my slower speed would slow the ball down too much and therefore not continue through the pins. Totally wrong on my end if there is some oil in the heads. I don’t believe that to be too surprising of a comment given lane surfaces and strength of bowling balls today. The ball was left in box condition for initial use. I’m waiting to see how many games it takes before lane shine is present. Early use hasn’t shown any noticeable shine. Little tough to get the surface clean after using it in box condition. Might need to use Clean and Dull or a spinner to assist in the future. Didn’t get past 15 at the arrows with use. With some polish that could be an option, but I’ll have to change balls in box condition once I start migrating further left. I’ll need something cleaner and responsive on the backend for my style. Strong benchmark option for those in the market for that reaction. Believe this will be a ball that many styles can utilize with success. The Storm Products YouTube page has a great video showing the difference between the box surface versus shine. Link below. I might try some polish in the future or just drill a second one for polish. https://youtu.be/ISLOn37f8LY?si=R3IJbM37rFLeyt9G

Another Idol…Another homerun! I almost always keep an Idol in my tournament bag. One of the first balls out of my bag when I need a strong, smooth, controlled piece. Best part is that I can generally stay in it for a few games before I have to get into my cleaner options. Really continues to go through the pins well while migrating deeper on the lane! Definitely recommend for the tournament bowler! Coverstock: MicroTrax Solid Reactive Core: Ikon + A.I. Tech RG: 2.47 Differential: .056 Layout: 5 x 5 x 4 (2LS) Pap: 4 7/8 Right, ¼ up Rev Rate: +-500 Speed 17-18mph

Layout: 40 x 4 ¼ x 35 Finally...the wrongs of the original Idol being discontinued have been righted! The original Idol solid was one of the best bowling balls that Roto Grip has ever released, and the introduction of the Optimum Idol brings the Idol line back to prominence. The addition of AI technology to the Ikon core creates a slightly stronger midlane motion – overall, I do find this Optimum Idol to be a tad bit earlier, smoother, and overall more motion than that original Idol. That means that the Optimum Idol is absolutely perfect for heavy to medium-heavier oil conditions. Once the lanes dry up, this ball will begin to hook too early...but, it isn't intended for those conditions anyways.

Roto Grip Optimum Idol Coverstock: 2000 Grit MicroTrax™ Solid Reactive Weight Block: Ikon™ + A.I. Core (Symmetrical) Color: Heliotrope Purple Review: This ball is the one everyone has been waiting for. The remake of the original Idol is finally here, in a slightly more purplish look. Out of box this ball is very early and very smooth, that first out of bag ball for most conditions. Our style: tweener, 350-375 revs, 16.5mph, layout of choice is 4x4x2 (pin is above bridge). Everyone loves a strong benchmark piece, and that’s exactly what the Optimum Idol brings. This ball looks best playing the middle to right part of the lane for us. Because it is a ball that reads so early you won’t be able to shape the entire lane if you like to play way left. Comparing the Optimum Idol to the Phaze 2 you can expect the Idol to be a little earlier, a little stronger, and smoother shape. There is enough difference between these two similar pieces that they could compliment each other very well in a long block. Starting with the Idol and balling down should give lots of hold room for the Phaze 2 which will read slightly farther down lane in game 2 and on. Overall this ball is a huge home run and we look forward to seeing a lot of these roll down the lanes. Kyle, Joel, & Dean Johnson Roto Grip Pro Shop Staffers joel@parklanes.net kyle@parklanes.net dean@frontierfuncenter.net www.RotoGrip.com #SquadRG

Ball Specs: Roto Grip Optimum Idol Micro Trax Solid Reactive Symmetric Ikon A.I. Core Finish: 2000 grit Abralon Layout: 4 x 4 with 1.5 Pin Buffer Bowler Specs: Right Hand. PAP 5” Over 1/2 up Rev Rate 300. Tilt 20. Rotation 50. Speed at release 17 Review: I am loving this ball! I have always liked the Idol line but this ball is better than expected. The Optimum Idol hooks a lot, reads the mids and back end like a champ and carries as good as anything I have. I am more than pleased with this one. I get everything I need as long as the lanes are not on the dry side. I have also noticed that I carry off hits and flush hits better than normal with this ball. I think the A.I. (Applied Inertia) core somehow matches up perfectly with this ball. I have already had some big scores and sets with this one and have a great amount of trust with this ball. I would put total hook between the original Gem and Tour Dynamix. So far, I have only rolled this ball at box surface but I believe it would polish nicely if you hit a dryer condition. I feel this will be a very versatile and popular ball. Summary: The Optimum Idol is a great mid to heavy oil ball. The Ball reads the lane perfectly. The roll and carry are exactly what I like in a ball. Glenn Wendel Storm Pro Shop Staff gwendel@comcast.net www.stormbowling.com Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMmdntZlr2g&error=0