Roto Grip Optimum Idol Pearl Bowling Ball

The Optimum Idol Pearl is the continuation of the famous Idol series. What makes this bowling ball special is the fact The Optimum Idol Pearl is the first Idol series bowling ball to feature the MicroTrax Pearl Coverstock. This coverstock combined with the Ikon A.I. core provides a good amount of traction in the oil while providing plenty of responsiveness in the friction. Not to mention, this bowling ball is hard to miss when going down the lane. I drilled my Optimum Idol Pearl with the same pin-down layout as my Optimum Idol, which rolled pretty good to me. The polish on this bowling ball makes it to be very clean through the front part of the lane, however, the early rolling core makes the bowling ball want to change direction earlier and force you to increase your launch angle. I was surprised how much the bowling ball “read” the pattern even though it was shinny. I did feel like the Optimum Idol Pearl would sometimes exaggerate the over/under reaction, which is not something I like to see. Just like with most similar type of bowling balls, I felt like I wanted to put a little bit of surface on this Optimum Idol Pearl to make the front-to-back ball motion a little bit more predictable. Historically, I haven’t had much success with Idol series bowling balls. I don’t think that the Optimum Idol Pearl will change that very much as there are other bowling balls with similar specs that just seem to match-up with my style a little bit better. Those who like the Optimum Idol, will like the Optimum Idol Pearl as a cleaner, more responsive option. I can also see bowlers who don’t have too much ball speed or bowl on very worn lane surfaces have some success with this bowling ball. Watch myself and Verity Crawley throw the Optimum Idol Pearl on “The Bowling Passport” YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/lnaHCIDOUx8?si=ZyNXecbtTmtzWYD-

Roto Grip Optimum Idol Pearl Coverstock: MicroTrax Pearl Reactive Box Finish: Reacta Gloss Core: Ikon + A.I. Core Technology RG: 2.47, Diff: 0.056 (15 lbs) VLS Layout: 4-3/4 x 3-1/2 x 1 Dual Angle Layout: 40 x 4-3/4 x 20 PAP: 5 3/16” right x 5/8” up Rev rate: 400 rpm Average speed: 16.5 mph Location: Prairie Lanes, Sun Prairie, WI Pattern: Medium volume THS The Roto Grip Optimum Idol Pearl is the newest addition to the HP3 line and the pearl complement to the Optimum Idol Solid. The Pearl features the same iconic Ikon + A.I. Core as the solid, but this version is wrapped in the MicroTrax Pearl Reactive cover – the same cover as on the Exotic Gem. Together this combination provides the optimum traction footprint in oil while providing more responsiveness to friction on the backend. I’ve been able to throw the Pearl for a few weeks now in both league play and local tournaments, and so far, I’ve found it to be the perfect complement to the Solid. The Pearl makes a similar strong rolling, continuous shape that the Idols have become known for, but pearl cover helps it retain some of that energy for increased versatility and a stronger response on the backend. It’s still a ball that need some oil though, as the MicroTrax additive in the cover means that even though it’s a pearl, it will still want to dig through the oil and create traction in the middle part of the lane. On the fresh, the Optimum Idol Solid or Roto Grip X-Cell would still the ball of choice, and the Optimum Idol Pearl would be the next ball out of the bag once the transition occurs – especially if you want to remain in the same part of the lane. The Pearl would certainly be a ball for anyone who has the Optimum Idol Solid and those that are fans of the Idol series with its continuous and predictable motion. The strong core/cover combo also makes the Optimum Idol Pearl a great pearl ball for anyone who is speed dominant and is looking for a ball that better matches up on the transition. Chris Pollentier Storm Pro Shop Staff #StormNation #SquadRG

Ball reacts.just like the description said it would

Ball Specs: Roto Grip Optimum Idol Pearl Micro Trax Pearl Reactive Symmetric Ikon A.I. Core Finish: Reacta Gloss Polish Layout: 4 x 4 with 2” 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 have had the opportunity to roll this ball quite a bit on different patterns. So far I am very happy with what I am seeing. The Optimum Idol Pearl is surprisingly good on medium sport shots and is a great piece on a medium to heavy house shot. The Optimum Idol Pearl has a very good midlane read without going too long. The ball is responsive to friction but is not jumpy. I feel this ball is forgiving and versatile. I think this ball may be a better version of the much loved original Zen. It seems Roto Grip putting a strong pearl cover on the Ikon core was a great fit. This ball has a beautiful color and looks great going down the lane. The carry of the Optimum Idol Pearl is very good and I swear it sounds louder hitting the pins than some other equipment. I will be relying on this ball for the fall season. This should be a great addition to any arsenal to cover a wide range of lane conditions. Summary: The Optimum Idol Pearl is versatile and forgiving. The core and cover match seem to be a great combination. The Optimum Idol Pearl will be a great piece for any arsenal. Glenn Wendel Storm Pro Shop Staff gwendel@comcast.net www.stormbowling.com Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sv6Wawm602k&error=0

Length:43 Volume: Med-High Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):THS [size=14pt][font=arial][u][b]COMMENTS[/b][/u][/font][/size] Core: Ikon + A.I. Core Technology (14-16#) Coverstock: MicroTrax Pearl Reactive Finish: Reacta Gloss RG: 2.47 Differential: 0.056 ME: Right-Handed Tweener Speed: 12-13 mph Rev Rate: 315 Axis Tilt: 14° Axis Rotation: 74° PAP: 5 1/8 R 7/8 Up Ball Layout: Pin Over Middle Finger 5 1/2 Pin to Pap 2 1/4 Pin Buffer The success of the Optimum Idol at returning the Ikonic (pun intended) motion of the the original Idol, made it a certainty that a Pearl Version would be along. The Ikon core with A.I. featured in the Optimum Idol is back this time wrapped in a Microtrax Pearl Reactive cover. I had hoped to see the compliment that the original Idol Pearl added when it released to the HP3 line-up. Rather than using eTrax on the Optimum Pearl, Rotogrip opted for an upgrade to account for the new lane conditioner formulations. I tested the Optimum Idol pearl for the first time in league on a fresh house pattern. While our pattern his higher volume and longer, the front panels have a considerable amount of friction. This has resulted in me needing to throw the earlier balls (like the Optimum solid)over the front of the lane to get them to clear the heads without over-reading and killing the down-lane reaction. I was looking forward to a pearl cover eliminating the need to me to loft the ball. Unfortunately for me the core is so dominant in the the Idol balls and the Nano Cover really don't give me a lot of separation between the two balls when I throw them in league. When I could get the ball over the front I did see a little more down-lane length. Surprisingly I didn't see a big difference in down-lane motion compared to the solid. I did like the amazing predictability of the original optimum Idol and the Pearl version has that in spades. These two balls honestly make it feel like it's hard to miss the pocket. My personal struggles with both are if I get them down to cleanly, with my lower ball speed, it's hard to get them through the pins. That being said, in any house where the fronts aren't as beat up, or if i had even a couple more mph everything woudl line up perfectly with these two balls and there would be a more noticeable gap between the two. I can certainly recommend the Optimum Idol Pearl to anyone who liked the solid. I think the best reaction match-up for this ball will definitely be to bowlers who struggle to get Pearl Equipment to read the mid-lane, speed dominant bowlers and anyone bowling on higher volume patterns, especially sport patterns. Check out my full ball reaction video on Youtube: https://youtu.be/GOm2gfzcnpg?si=6xm0OT2pclFP1SZa Lonnie Pemberton Storm Pro Shop Staff Vise Pro Shop Staff Revolutions Pro Shop Youtube Channel: https://youtube.com/@k1ngsizepapa

Weight: 14 lbs. Pin Length: 3-3.5 inch Drilling: 65 x 3 x 20 Drilling VLS: 4-1/2 x 5 x 2-1/4 Pattern Length: 44 ft. Pattern Volume: Light to Medium Pattern Type: THS Right Handed The Optimum Idol Pearl has the AI Core in the popular HP3 line, wrapped in the Micro Trax pearl cover stock. The has the Reacta Gloss box finish, but as always, can be altered to suit a variety of lane conditions. This, like the previous balls in the Idol line, has a Symmetrical weight block, with a high flare potential. It is a gorgeous hot pink swirl color. I have used the Optimum Idol Pearl on a 44 ft. kegel house pattern, and a variety of other house patterns. I’ve thrown the Optimum Idol Pearl at the Reacta Gloss box finish, and haven’t made any surface changes. I’ve found this to be a very good transition game ball. Once the transition comes into play, I can pretty much stay where I am, play the same line, and keep the ball in play. This is a high end ball at a medium price. It is a fixture in my arsenal. It gets through the heads extremely clean and flips pretty hard off the break point. I highly recommend the Optimum Idol Pearl, and add a star if you were a fan of the rest of the Idol line. Carol Teel Roto Grip Amateur Staff Member

The Optimum Idol pearl is a perfect house shot ball and also a great transition ball. The Optimum Idol Pearl is very smooth downlane with a great backend reaction. Compared to others pearl balls, the don't give a too big hit when she see the backend and continu to be very controlable, maybe because is dense color. She make me thinks at the Zen ball on the 900 Global line. For me, the pearl version is a really great complement to the solid version. When my original Optimum Idol become to strong and have difficulties to react at the end, I keep the same spot but with the pearl and it give me the supp slide that I need. I REALLY love the Idol Optimum pearl. It's a must to have !!

The Optimum Idol Pearl released 8-23-2024 is the newest addition to the Idol series. Filled with history going to the original Idol. Using the same trusted Icon core now with Al technology and wrapped in the micro Trac pearl cover. This is one of the most aggressive pearl Storm has to offer its customers. Using the Reacta Gloss polish this ball was really a quick to respond to friction. Using the dual angle layout of 40x5x45 this layout gives me a taller pin and travel distance down lane. I had to change the surface using a 3 thousand pad by hand to break down the polish. This allowed me to see the pattern better without losing my impact through the pins.

Optimum Idol Pearl • Roto Grip • HP3 Series Coverstock • MicroTrax Pearl Reactive • Finish Reacta Gloss Core • Ikon + A.I. Core technology Weight • 15 lbs. RG • 2.47 Differential • .056 Layout •4 ½ x 3 ¾ x 2 ¼ Tester PAP • 5” R, 5/8” D Tester Axis Tilt • 9° Testers Rev Rate • 250 Test Pattern • 42' THS (Typical House Shot) • Modified, Kegel Stone Street Roto Grip continues its Optimum Idol line of success with the new Optimum Idol Pearl. The Optimum Idol Pearl combines the proven Ikon + A.I. Core technology and Roto Grips' legendary MicroTrax Pearl reactive coverstock. And this combination proved to be a winning success with the Optimum Idol Pearl. So, let's take a closer look at what makes the Optimum Idol Pearl all that good! The Ikon Core by itself is a smooth and firm rolling core that produces a predictable and stable motion you can trust. And now, combined with the A.I. Core Technology, you still get that same reliable motion, but with the added impact, power, and strength we straighter players need at the pins. And as a straighter player, what I like most about the Ikon + A.I. Core technology is that it keeps my Optimum Idol Pearl consistent through the skid, hook, and roll phases, unlike other symmetrical cores that rev great in the mid-lane but run out of gas at the pins and leaves us with corner pin city. So, if you are a straighter low-rev player, count on the Ikon Core +A.I. Core technology to deliver for your game. The MicroTrax Pearl reactive coverstock makes the Optimum Idol Pearl the traction-loving Pearl straighter players have been waiting for! I started my review with my Optimum Idol Pearl at 3000-grit Abralon instead of the factory Reacta Gloss finish. And making that surface tweak, my Optimum Idol Pearl was outstanding on fresh oil! I loved how the MicroTrax Pearl saw the mid-lane with a clean gripping traction while giving me a predictable and smooth bite off the pattern. And as the pattern started breaking down, the MicroTrax Pearl blended the wet/dry conditions reasonably well for my straighter game. And although I did see the MicroTrax Pearl become a bit more sensitive to friction than I liked later in the night, I still found the Optimum Idol Pearl to be controllable all night on THS conditions. In closing, Roto Grip has done a fine job crafting the Optimum Idol Pearl. Roto Grips' combination of Ikon + A.I. Core technology and MicroTrax Pearl cover make the Optimum Idol Pearl a fantastic new release for any straighter player like me, especially on fresh oil conditions. Further, straighter players can count on a smooth, rounded motion and bowl with confidence because the added striking power will deliver results to their game! So, stop into your local Storm VIP Pro Shop today, and get ready for the success the Optimum Idol Pearl can bring to your game! The Optimum Idol Pearl is a great choice! Rick Klimowicz Storm Products Pro Shop Staff Roll the Ball Pro Shop Penndel, PA

If you liked the exotic gem, you will like this ball. If you didnt you won’t. This ball is a strong rolly pearl wrapped in a symmetrical core. It does ideally get up the lane a little bit more but it’s still very rolly. This a good ball to use on the fresh if your center has a lot of friction in the front and back. This will get through the front cleaner then the original optimum idol but still control the back due to such a strong cover. A very situational piece that is very specific to where you bowl at, how you bowl and what you need to fill in your bag!