Roto Grip Attention Star S2 | Stefanie Johnson 2 Minute Review

Roto Grip Attention Star S2 Review

The most versatile high-end ball in the Roto Grip lineup. Strong, continuous motion on medium-heavy oil. $189.95. Video inside.

By BowlingBallVideos.com Staff Tested Nov 15, 2024 5 videos analyzed 36 verified bowler reviews
8.7
Overall
Great Score
Weight
12-16 lbs
Coverstock
Hybrid
Core
Asymmetric
Hook
High
Price
$174.95

Performance Analysis

Performance Analysis

Independent testing revealed the Roto Grip Attention Star S2 to be a notably clean-lane player with exceptional length before hook. On the test pattern, the ball demonstrated minimal front-end friction, traveling straight down the lanes with minimal early read—a characteristic the reviewers compared favorably to the Rubicon in terms of skid length. When moved across various boards and surface-adjusted with a 2,000-grit pad to knock down box shine, the ball produced a sharp, defined angular motion in the mid-lane and backend. The transition from skid to hook was distinct and gradual rather than abrupt, making for predictable motion. Testing showed the Attention Star S2 significantly outperformed the Roto Grip Clone in usability; while the Clone proved erratic and required excessive oil to be controllable, the Attention Star S2 maintained consistency across different board positions and delivery speeds. Notably, the asymmetric core with its longer pin design appeared to prevent early lock-up, allowing the reactive hybrid coverstock to display its responsive potential without premature hook.

The full-game session on a sport shot pattern yielded a 212 score with minimal spare misses, demonstrating the ball’s reliability in actual play. Reviewers noted that the Attention Star S2 requires bowlers to adjust their angle of play due to its clean, angle-generating motion—it’s not a ball that reads heavy friction in the front and recovers. Instead, it rewards proper line selection and prefers to play deeper in the oil. The ball appeared to excel on medium-heavy oil conditions and shorter sport patterns, though testers suggested it may gain traction on PBA tour-style patterns with greater oil volume. Surface adjustments proved effective; even minor pad work significantly increased midlane friction and backend response without making the ball overreactive.

Who Is This Ball For?

The Attention Star S2 is ideally suited for bowlers with moderate to high ball speed who need a skip-through, length-preserving piece for medium-heavy oil conditions. This ball works best for players who prefer defined angular motion and can adapt their lines to accommodate extended length; it rewards accuracy and proper angle selection over relying on early oil reads. Bowlers transitioning into the asymmetric core category or those seeking a responsive alternative to early-hook equipment will find this ball’s motion profile approachable and forgiving when thrown with decent technique.

The ball is less ideal for bowlers with slower arm speeds or those who depend on equipment to bail them out of marginal lines. It also may not suit dry-lane specialists or players who prefer equipment that reads front-end oil heavily. However, for league bowlers and competitive players willing to develop their game around a skip-through, angular-motion core, the Attention Star S2 offers excellent value at its $189.95 price point and should merit consideration as part of a medium-oil arsenal.

Hook Potential
8.5
Length Through Heads
7.5
Back-End Continuity
8.5
Pin Action
9.0
Versatility
8.5
Value for Money
8.0

The Pros

  • eTrax Plus Hybrid cover handles the widest range of conditions — from medium to heavy oil
  • Momentous A.I. asymmetric core with .017 mass bias creates a strong, defined shape with high flare
  • 2000 grit finish provides a versatile out-of-box reaction that works on house and sport shots
  • 8.5 versatility rating means fewer ball changes during a session

The Cons

  • Premium price at $189.95 puts it at the top of the mid-tier
  • Hybrid cover may not grip enough for the heaviest flooded patterns
  • Bowlers who prefer a sharper backend move may find the motion too smooth

Who Is This Ball For?

The most versatile high-end ball in the Roto Grip lineup. Strong, continuous motion on medium-heavy oil. $189.95. Video inside.

Benchmark BallVersatile Arsenal Piece

Technical Specifications

Core Details (Momentous A.I. Core)
RG (15 lbs) 2.48
Differential 0.049
Int. Differential 0.017
Coverstock eTrax Plus Hybrid Reactive
Core Type Asymmetric
Factory Finish 2000 Grit
Color Black / Grey / Red
Release Date November 2024

How It Compares

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Verified Bowler Reviews (48 reviews, 5.0/5 avg)

5.0out of 5

48 verified purchase reviews

100% of bowlers recommend this ball

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Bowlers Say

Bowlers praise the Attention Star S2's hybrid coverstock for being controllable yet strong on fresh oil, with excellent midlane read and smooth backend continuation. It's typically used as a second ball when stronger asymmetrical pieces become too early, offering more traction than the original Attention Star while maintaining predictable motion through lane transitions.

AI summary of 48 verified purchase reviews

Bowlers frequently mention:

Zachary Woelfel Nov 15, 2024

The Roto Grip Attention Star S2 improves on the original Attention Star by incorporating the eTrax™ PLUS Hybrid coverstock, which offers a blend of solid and pearl reactive materials for better traction through the mid-lane and a stronger, more controlled backend motion. While the original Attention Star was known for its solid performance on medium-heavy oil, with its eTrax™ Hybrid coverstock providing a smooth yet reliable backend, the S2 takes this a step further with improved response to lane friction and a more aggressive finish. Additionally, the Momentous AV+ core in the S2 is refined to offer greater power and consistency, making it more adaptable to a variety of oil conditions, especially on longer or transitioning patterns. I like that I can throw this ball earlier in blocks than I could use the original Attention Star. The Attention Star S2 provides a more dynamic option, blending power and predictability for bowlers who need a ball that adapts well as the lanes change. Go to your local SPI proshop and pick yours up on November 22nd!

Josh Shoemaker Nov 16, 2024

The Attention Star S2 features the same core found in the OG but is now wrapped in the eTrax plus hybrid with a textured finish. This produces a slightly earlier and rounder shape compared to the original. The S2 for me is the perfect 2nd ball out of my bag when my Harsh Reality and Ion Max are too much ball. Review Video: https://youtu.be/0XX-Pb7M2QA?si=lHEK3GkBgoSqswaM

Joel Eyssen Nov 18, 2024

As bowlers, when we start on fresh we are looking for a ball to give us a predictable motion so we can find out how much friction is to the right, how much oil is in the middle and how fast we are going to have to move. This BALL does ALL OF THAT! The Attention star was a great ball with the big core and weak cover it allowed the ball to be clean but very violent off the spot. But when you had a little bit too much volume the ball didnt look good. This improves on all of that. With the same core but an upgraded HYBRID version. This allows the ball to retain that cleanness, but with the solid additive, allows the ball to pick up in the mid lane and still be very continuous, not angular but continuous off the spot. Its a great ball to start on the fresh with and then ball down to the original attention star when this ball gets to early.

Blake Albers Nov 18, 2024

I Drilled the New Roto Grip Attention Star S2 5x4x2 using the storm vls layout system. This layout allows the ball to blend out the lane nicely and allows me to open my angles using stronger equipment. The Attention Star s2 is the follow up to the widely regarded “Ball of the year: attention star. The s2 features the eTrax PLUS Hybrid cover stock paired with the Momentous AV Ai core. The s2 give you the same ball of the year motion, but a touch earlier. I compared this ball to the Ion Pro and had the s2 slotted a spot higher in a tournament bag due to the ball rolling a bit earlier than the ion pro. I personally have this ball as a ball 2 in a 6-ball tournament bag. This is a good step down from your Harsh Reality’s, Gems, Ion Max’s etc. I highly recommend picking one up on November 22nd!

Tobias M Nov 20, 2024

The Roto Grip Attention Star S2 is the newest release from Roto and comes with the eTrax Plus Hybrid Reactive, Momentous AV + A.I. Core, and 2000-grit Abralon. This ball is a hybrid version of the Attention Star and when I say that it is exactly that. It shapes like the Star but is a bit earlier and can handle more oil. This is a great second ball for this line. I compared the S2 to the original Star and as you expect, it is a ball up from the Star. It is just a ball up from the Star and when the S2 is hooking too much you can move into the Star. And same with the Star, when it is not quite enough you can switch to the S2. This is a home run from Roto and will be a great one two combo. Ball review link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZTCz6l-sMg&t=2s Tobias Myers #RotoGrip #SquadRG

Showing 1–5 of 36 verified reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What oil condition is the Roto Grip Attention Star S2 best for?
The Roto Grip Attention Star S2 is designed for medium-heavy oil conditions. It features a reactive hybrid coverstock with a 2000 Grit finish, which gives it the surface traction needed to grip through heavier oil patterns.
Is the Roto Grip Attention Star S2 good for beginners?
The Roto Grip Attention Star S2 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 Roto Grip Attention Star S2?
The Roto Grip Attention Star S2 has an RG of 2.48 and a differential of 0.049, with an intermediate differential of 0.017. The lower RG means it revs up earlier, creating an earlier roll in the midlane. The moderate differential provides a balanced combination of flare and predictability.
How much does the Roto Grip Attention Star S2 cost?
The Roto Grip Attention Star S2 is priced at $174.95. This is a premium price point reflecting its high-performance design and advanced core/coverstock technology. You can find it at BowlersMart.com with free shipping and 60-day returns.
What type of bowler should use the Roto Grip Attention Star S2?
The Roto Grip Attention Star S2 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. Its high versatility makes it a great benchmark piece that can handle multiple conditions.

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