Layout: 45 x 4.5 x 25
Surface: Box surface (2000 Abralon)
The Gem is exactly as advertised, hook in a box! The Defiant LRG core is back giving this ball a really low RG rating of 2.47 and high differential of 0.053 and 0.016 intermediate differential in 15lbs with the MicroTrax Solid coverstock. As with current balls, I was able to test this on my typical 44ft house shot with 25ml and a 40ft 25ml sport pattern.
On the house pattern, I had to play in the highest volume of oil in order to get a consistent reaction. If I got the ball closer to the friction it blended the backend more but didn't give as strong as a motion downlane due to the heavy up front hook. Keeping my angles in front of me gave the best ball reaction and lead to a lot of strikes. This ball definitely needs oil in the front part of the lane to have the most success.
On the 40ft sport pattern, it played very similar to the house pattern but gave me more overall motion on the lane due to more head oil. I had no problem throwing the ball from 15 at the arrows to 5 downlane and seeing plenty of recovery. When I got the ball around the 10 board from the same spot, it read the lane nicely and still continued through the pin deck well. I still feel that this ball will yield best results with straighter angles. The strong and smooth overall motion will help blend the toughest of lane conditions and heavier volumes of oil.
Adam Chase
Strom Staff
United States
Roto Grip Gem
Layout: 4 x 5 x 3.5 Storm Vector Layout
Rev Rate: 325 rpm
Testing information: 41 foot THS (medium to light volume)
Bowling Center: Fulton Bowling Center
Kegel Machine – Brunswick Anvilane
The Roto Grip Gem utilizes the Defiant LRG Core (the fastest revving, strongest continuing, lowest RG asymmetrical core ever offered in the Roto Grip history) and the MicroTrax reactive cover. The drill layout on the Gem put the pin next two my ring finger and slightly down. Our intent with the drill was to produce a roll off the end of the pattern (not a jump left reaction) to be used on fresh lane conditions. We want to be able to keep our target in front of us when needed. Therefore, the Gem we drilled will not be used to hook the entire lane. We were impressed with Gem. The ball reaction was definitely smooth. The best look we had was further right. When we missed right, it did not jump left. We drilled a Gem for a left-hander and he reported that the sound of the Gem hitting the pins was louder than any ball he had heard in his local bowling center. The Gem’s best characteristic is its forgiveness. We say the Gem correct a lot of our misses – both in and out misses. #Stormnation
United States
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TCrEeZBwMU
Roto Grip Gem Review:
Roto Grip's newest asymmetrical will be the earliest and strongest asym to date. Designed for medium-heavy to heavy oil conditions the Gem will have no issues digging down to begin traction.
I have used the Gem on Bowlero's 44' house condition in different house environments and the Gem blends the lane really well. I have used it on shorter differences and the reaction was just as good. The ball seems to slow down in the perfect part of the lane as it creates maximum entry angle to the pocket.
For those looking for strong benchmark shapes the Gem will be a perfect compliment to your arsenal to tackle those house and sport conditions.
United States
Josh Shoemaker Mar 7, 2022
Hey everyone, this is Storm staff member Josh Shoemaker here again with another ball review for the brand new Roto Grip GEM. As always, I would like to thank Storm for providing the equipment I use every time I step out onto the lanes and I Am Bowling for making sure I always look good no matter what! Today I will be bowling on a standard medium to higher volume house shot. This lane was just oiled with a fresh house shot. The GEM features Roto Grips lowest RG asymmetric core to date and is wrapped in microtrax solid. I will be honest, I’m not a huge fan of the color scheme on this ball. It’s a little tougher for my eyes to pick up ball motion when the colors are so vibrant. What I will say is I absolutely love what I see out of this ball so far. With how stable and early revving this core is, I expected it to slow down extremely quick and have next to no shape downlane. When balls do this, they tend to not go through the pins properly unless you’re on a ton of volume or crispy backends. The GEM provided me all the control I could need and wasn’t too lazy when it encountered friction downlane either. I’ve worked a lot lately on staying more compact as well as lowering the amount of axis rotation I use to help close down my angles more. The GEM does exactly what I want a ball to do on the fresh. It be amazing at blending out higher ratio patterns and controlling the pocket on tougher tournament patterns. I decided to go with a different layout than I usually do on my bigger and slower response asyms since I just recently drilled a fresh Proton PhysiX and didn’t want to see too much overlap. The GEM wants to go a little more forward off the end of the pattern and will play much better with closed angles whereas my Proton will do better from a little farther left. When compared to the RST-X1, the GEM is much earlier, stronger and creates a lot more friction overall. When compared to the Rubicon, the GEM is two steps up in terms of strength and friction created. Be sure to stop into your local Storm VIP Pro Shop and preorder your own GEM today for the March 11th release date!
Review Video: https://youtu.be/M1czqgx23tc
United States
The Roto Grip Gem features the MicroTrax cover and the Defiant core. Out of the box this ball was a hook monster and forced me into the 4th or 5th arrow on a fresh house shot. After a few games the cover settled down a bit for me and this is where the ball really began to shine. It allowed me to play from different parts of the lane depending on ball speed and hand position. I could move left and slow wheel it or move right, add some speed, and take some hand out of the ball. I compared the Gem to the Reality, and it was earlier and smoother by 2-3 boards. The Reality had more down lane motion. I also compared to the Helios and the Helios was 5-7 boards weaker. Compared to the Nova, it was earlier and smoother and about 4-5 board stronger. The Nova has more down lane shape similar to the Reality but a step down from both. Overall, the Gem is going to allow you control the lane with its controllable reaction.
Tobias Myers
#RotoGrip
United States
Casey Mattingly Mar 9, 2022
This thing is Suuuuuuper Rolly
This ball is extremely strong. It’s definitely earlier than the Proton Physix and Reality. This ball will be great to blend those super clipped house shots. This will also be a great piece on those patterns with a lot of volume in the front and not a lot of taper towards the end of the pattern. It will help control the breakpoint.
Lastly I want to say that even though this ball is early and rolly, It still has some pop down lane to help get the corners out!.
Other balls getting a lot of play:
Dark Code-4x6x2
UFO Alert-4.5x5x3.75
Altered Reality-4.25x5.25x2
Phaze4-4x5x2
United States
Stefanie Johnson Mar 17, 2022
hey Y'all..... Stefanie Johnson here. This ball is most certainly going to be traveling with me on tour this season. So far I have found success with it on patterns that are more medium in volume and distance. Its an early rolling piece that definitely stores energy to go through the pins. Would be great on a house pattern to if you are looking for something to potentially blend out the wet dry you may experience.
United States
The Roto Grip Gem is a big, bright, flashy asymmetrical hook monster that was just released from Roto Grip. It’s the newest addition to the HP4 line and this ball hooks! The wizards at Storm headquarters developed the lowest RG asymmetrical core Roto Grip has ever created with the Defiant LRG core. On the outside, they wrapped it with the MicroTrax coverstock to create a strong, early hook, specifically designed for heavier oil conditions.
With an RG of 2.47, differential of .053, and PSA of .016, the Gem is a perfect ball for straighter players who want to may need a ball to roll early for them, a tournament player for patterns with heavier volumes, or league bowlers who need a ball to blend the wet/dry conditions that house patterns can create. I’ve drilled one so far and think it rolls great. I mapped it out as 4 ½ x 3 ½ x 75. This puts the pin below my bridge and the mass bias about two inches to the right of my thumb. I’ve been able to use it in league as well as heavier volume tournament conditions. The Gem rolls early, heavy, and forward, which can be extremely useful in a tournament or league bag.
If you feel like you’re missing a heavy rolling asymmetrical ball that can be used on several types of conditions and useful for all types of players, the Roto Grip Gem should be the next ball you drill!
United States
The Gem is Roto Grip’s newest HP4 line, which is a MONSTER. It comes with the Defiant LRG Core, the lowest RG asymmetrical Roto Grip has ever made, and it is wrapped around the MicroTrax Solid cover and is finished with 2000 Abralon. I drilled mine 5.5 x 5 x 5 which is a little weaker than I normally do because I knew how strong this ball was going to be. I’ve been throwing this ball for awhile now and even with the weaker drilling the ball is still super strong. I compared the Gem to my favorite pin down symmetrical heavy oil ball the Idol Helios. My Gem and Idol Helios are within a couple boards with the Gem being a little smoother on the back compared to the Helios. This also shows you how strong the Gem actually is since the Helios is a lot stronger than the Gem. If you are in the market for a new heavy oil ball, tournament ball or just wants something to hook a ton, well you need to pick up the Roto Grip Gem !
United States
I drilled my Gem with a pin under layout of 30 x 4.5 x 70. The intent is to have something that is smoother than my PROTON PHYSIX and NOVA when the condition calls for staying on line with a strong ball. I have only thrown it box finish.
I threw my GEM on a 46 foot PBA pattern and on a league condition that always starts tight outside then breaks down in the fronts quickly. On the 46 foot pattern, the GEM was quick even with the pin down layout. I ended up having to separate my feet and target too much to carry well so I had to put it away. My NOVA was better on this pattern to carry with. On the league condition, the GEM's strong cover just ate thru the heavier oil. When it came time to move, the GEM was too much ball and just moving left into where everyone else had been playing made me have to get out of it quickly.
So what I can see so far is the GEM is very strong. It is right on par with the PROTON and REALITY as far as big hitters go. The few pin up lay outs I have seen go down lane are very continuous and don't quit. So if you want a big cover/engine ball that will cover some boards and hit well, then drill a GEM up!
United States
I wasn’t sure if this ball would be too strong at first, but it has really impressed me. It is the earliest and strongest ball in the current lineup in my opinion. This ball has been great on heavy oil conditions when you need something smooth and predictable. Also has came into play on those over/under house conditions allowing me to stand left, throw it right and have confidence it will see the friction and come back!
United States
Roto Girl Melly Mar 30, 2022
Drilled up my new Roto Grip Gem with a pin up layout of 5 x 5 x 1 1/2, as suggested by my ball driller. I am more of a speed dominant player and my axis tilt is about 20 degrees. We decided to put some polish on the ball before even throwing it down the lane, as I wanted it to compliment my Reality, which has very similar numbers, but wanted to see a different shape. Once I threw it a couple of shots, I cracked the polish with a 4000 pad and this ball just never quit! I was able to use it for most of my squads at the Southern Rhodman this past weekend and just kept moving left. This ball never seemed to lose energy and is exactly what I was missing in my bag!!
United States
The Roto Grip Gem features the extremely low RG Defiant LRG Core wrapped in the MicroTrax Solid Reactive coverstock. The RG at 15lbs is 2.47 with a differential of .053 and an intermediate differential of .016. This ball is all sorts of strong…it is strong in the front, the mid, and still has some left for the backend part of the lane, not to mention the strong shelf appeal of this beauty. This ball is great for bowlers who are speed dominant or low rev players. The low RG core gets this ball rolling as soon as it hits the lane, so oil in the front part of the lane is a must for the Gem. For me the box finish of 2000 grit abralon was too much. I had to get some games on this ball just to tame it down somewhat so I could really use it at my home center. For me this ball is different than all the current SPI brand asymmetric balls. The Gem is much more of a heavy rolling ball with a very smooth backend. It is something that I will use on longer and flatter conditions where I need to keep my angles closed. If you are looking for a ball that handles the oil like no other, look no further than the Roto Grip Gem.
United States
Zachary P Woelfel Mar 31, 2022
The newest addition to the HP4 line in the all new GEM. The GEM features the Defiant™ LRG Core - (the lowest RG asymmetrical core Roto Grip has ever created.). The LRG Core is wrapped with the most aggressive solid coverstock we make known as MicroTrax™ Solid Reactive. This lethal combination makes bowling on high volume patterns an easy task. I have been pleasantly surprised with this ball, for how strong the ball is the ball is still able to retain energy through the pins. If you are looking for a strong continuous roll, look no further than the GEM. Go out and get yours today!
United States
I bought this bowling ball for my boyfriends birthday and he is so happy with it!! He still has to get it drilled. He can’t wait to bowl with it!
LA, United States
Jamaal Oliver Apr 28, 2022
Roto Grip Gem Review
Rev Rate: 375
Ball Speed: 15-16 mph
PAP: 5 inches over, 1/2 inch up
Layout: 55x5x65
(I have attached a link to the Gem Ball Review that I did on YouTube. Feel free to check it out!)
https://youtu.be/EwlJDyjYFps
The Roto Grip Gem is a tank on the front lines of driving through oily league and tournament conditions. The Defiant LRG core gives it a faster revving asymmetrical look with its 2.47 RG, while the MicroTrax solid reactive coverstock gives it that extra aggressiveness to handle any medium to heavy oil conditions. This ball will have no problems getting uphill. The Gem will “dazzle” for you!
United States
I don’t feel like this ball was fitted for high speed high rev bowlers. It’s kind of either or. It is a very early reading ball. With that being said it doesn’t have enough energy downlane to make it back to the pocket from many places. I have to play straighter and slower with this ball.
United States
Peter Adragna May 23, 2022
Yes I received my order,in very good shape,I will order my balls in the future and thanks again.
NY , United States
Roto Grip’s new high performance bowling ball the new Gem! This ball features the Micro Trax Solid Reactive Coverstock wrapped around the Defiant LRG Core! This ball will give you a great option for the heavier lane conditions!
My Gem I have drilled is Pin over my Bridge which is about 4 1/2 inches away from my PAP which is my standard layout! I absolutely love this ball because of how versatile it is! I’ve thrown this on league patterns and had big scores as well as thrown this ball on shorter/medium patterns after urethane goes down the lane! The Gem reads the body of the lane with a nice strong predictable motion on the backend!!
If your looking for a ball that hooks but also looks sweet this Gem will be your answer!!
United States
Curtiss Rasnic May 11, 2022
Roto Grip's new high performance bowling ball the new Gem! This ball features the Micro Trax Solid Reactive Coverstock wrapped around the Defiant LRG Core.
If you are looking for a ball to tackle the heavier oil conditions, look no further, this ball just flat out hooks. It starts picking up a roll very early like most heavy oil balls, but where this ball stands out, the recovery on the back end. Most hook balls for me, use so much energy up front, there isn't much movement on the backend, leaving a lot of corner pins. This ball still has enough energy on the end that it snaps them out.
It also takes surface adjustments very well, as I shined it up just see how it would react, I was not disappointed. With shine, it cleared the heads very well, picked up in the mid-lane very well, and had plenty of backend. What impressed me most while shiny, was when I missed to the dry early, it did not jump off the spot, but rather a smoother reaction to the pocket.
Don't miss out on one of the biggest hooks balls on the market right now in the Roto Grip Gem!
United States
Roto Grip Rick May 14, 2022
Roto Grip GEM
Cover: MicroTrax Solid
Core: Modified Defiant Core
Factory Finish: 2000=grit
My Finish: 4K FAST
Layout: 55 x 2 x 55
Once I heard that the Defiant core was coming back, I was gitty as a kid going to his first tournament. Schlem and the crew at SPI change the core material a little bit to bring it up to today’s game. Matching the MicroTrax cover to this updated core has added some smiles back onto my face and more strikes in my game. First thing that POPS out is the awesome color choices. You KNOW when the GEM goes do the lane and it really does turn heads on the lane and off the lane. The GEM replaced for me the Roto Grip UFO with more overall continuous motion and also not as early in the front part of the pattern where the majority of the conditioner is located. The GEM moves so well in the front that the energy it stores is the best I have seen in some time for a solid reactive in overall carry and strength going into the pocket. The GEM works well on all lane panels, including wood. I cannot wait to use this, Storm Nova, Hyped Pearl and Roto Grip Helios at Nationals in late June.
United States
If you were a fan of the Defiant series you will for sure be a fan of this ball. To me it is early but still continues through the pins! You will not be disappointed!
United States
Stanley Waite May 20, 2022
Gem - Ball Specs
Cover Stock: MicroTrax Solid Reactive Cover Stock
Finish: 2000 Grit
Core: Defiant LRG Core
Layout: 50 x 5 x 40
RG: 2.47
Differential: 0.053
Intermediate Diff: .016
Review
The GEM is the latest addition to Roto Grips HP4 line of balls. Roto Grip circled the wagons back to the Defiant series to create the Defiant LRG Core by altering the composite shape of this core which makes it faster revving, stronger, and continuous, wrapped in the most aggressive MicroTrax solid reactive coverstock. Not only does this ball look great but it definitely throws it weight around. I tested the Gem on a 44 feet typical house pattern, I was able to play track area and deep inside with great success. The Gem reads early in the midlane and had a lot of energy on the backend for a continuous motion with great pin carry. This is a great ball for all levels of bowlers. Order one from your local pro shop today! My ball review videos are posted on YouTube channel Stanley Waite.
Stanley Waite
900 Global Staff Member
Dover, DE
United States
The Gem is possibly the strongest ball in the Roto Grip line. For me, it was a little bit earlier and covered more boards than the Reality! Typically in the bigger asymmetric balls, you will see the ball burn all its energy in the front part of the lane, and go pretty straight down lane. But not the Gem! This ball retained way more energy than I thought it would, and went through the pins very well even from left of 20. I saw the Gem go down the lane a lot when I was on tour, and now I see why. If you want some additional length and energy, don’t hesitate to add some polish. Both Verity Crawley and Anthony Simonson used their Gems with polish, and they looked even better in my opinion.
United States
onefrombills Jun 12, 2022
Roto Grip GEM Ball Review
Hey everyone, I’m back with another ball review, and this time it’s for the GEM and in 15 pounds this ball is wrapped in the Micro Trax Solid Coverstock and comes 2000-grit polish with an RG of 2.470 and a Diff of 0.053 and a PSA .016.
Layout for this ball is 4x4x2
I have enjoyed when I am able to get this ball into my hands, but with bigger balls in my hand and the mid-dry I have at home I don’t get to throw this ball as much as I would like too. I keep this ball in my tournament bag and its really good when the lanes start with a higher volume or longer pattern. I can see this ball being thrown on a fresher condition with players with more hand. I am on the lower rev rate side and need the stronger balls to see the friction so with the right condition I can stay in the track a little longer than most before having to move.
BOWLER STYLE: RH - Power Stroker Rev Rate: 320 Ball Speed: 15-16 PAP: 4 7/8 right 5/8 up.
#Storm #SquadRG #900Global #VISE #BowlersChoiceProShop #BabesAndBallsBowling #LogoInfusion #IAmBowling (coupon code HIRSCH 20% off at checkout)
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVgKzdcnglpcCjAVFMBiVNg
Brian Hirsch
United States
Luke Rosdahl Jun 16, 2022
The Gem features the MicroTrax Solid cover that we saw on the UFO, plus the inspired evolution of the Defiant core in the Defiant LRG, producing the lowest RG Roto Grip has ever had in a ball at 2.47. The result is a very strong, heavy rolling and powerful asymmetric solid that’s the strongest ball I’ve ever thrown. Despite this, it’s somehow very usable, it doesn’t see a lot of league action but on challenge and sport patterns, it’s one of my go to’s on the fresh, and being that I’m a lefty and see fresh on every pair I move to, it’s something I can stick with in sweepers and can just move with in regular tournaments where we stay on the same pair. It manages to hook a lot without burning up and hitting flat, I continue to find myself stunned at the versatility and power at the pins. The Gem fits alongside the Reality and Proton PhysiX, it doesn’t necessarily compete with them because they all have different shapes and slightly different hook potentials.
United States
Davion Swiney Jun 24, 2022
Gem is one of my favorite balls from Roto Grip. The Gem is one the strongest ball out there in the market. What's so great about this ball it's get thru heavy oil patterns and still holds alot of energy in the backend. Also even though it's a strong ball it's very versatile and u can use it on short dry patterns too playing on top other players using urethane balls and ride on there same line an it doesn't lose the energy down lane like other balls. So I recommend u go get a Gem everyone needs one in there arsenal!
United States
Kassy Shumate Jun 27, 2022
The GEM is the strongest ball I have thrown to date. Because of that I didn’t think it would leave the bag often but I was pleasantly surprised. I have used the GEM on a plethora of patterns and oil volumes. When it goes through the pins you can hear it on the other end of the bowling alley, it just doesn’t quit. The color combo is not something I am in love with but at the end of the day the ball motion is something I can’t see myself without. The GEM and Reality for me are the perfect compliments to each other and see a lot of lane time on sport patterns. I have found the more it lane shines the better it gets for me. It has proven to be more controllable.
United States
Rodney Gilmore Jul 1, 2022
RG: 2.47 Dif:0.053 PAS:0.016 Defiant Core with the MicroTrax Solid Cover at 2000
Layout: 4 ¼ x 4 x 2 Rev Rate 275-300 PAP: 5 1/8 over 3/4 up.
I have always had issues with getting a ball to hook and finish on heavier volumes or longer patterns. I will say that my game has improve tremendously over the past couple of years Especially ball speed. That being is no lack of hook potential in the new GEM. This ball is a beast! The shape smooth and round with a strong backend motion. The GEM picks up down lane and drives hard through the pins. This has been a ball and motion I have been waiting on for a long time. Especially for a big cover/core ball for fresh heavier conditions. The GEM is good for those that like play straighter and still shape the ball down lane. Getting deeper in may have some difficulty making the conner and depending on style of play. If you are looking for a strong ball for the heavier/fresher patterns checkout the GEM at t your local VIP pro shop.
United States
Gem - Ball Specs
Cover Stock: MicroTrax Solid Reactive Cover Stock
Finish: 2000 Grit
Core: Defiant LRG Core
RG: 2.47
Differential: 0.053
Intermediate Diff: .016
LANE CONDITION
Pattern: Kegel Big Ben
Length: 44
Type: Sport
COMMENTS
Likes: Strongest ball to date in the SPI lineup.
Dislikes: None
Big ball with big versatility options.
Drilled my standard Asym layout 50x5x10 for my lower rev rate gets the ball through the fronts for my power tweener style. After 30 plus games this is my go to ball on longer patterns and the fresh THS. The big core combined with the cover carve a bigger footprint than the Proton and Reality. More rolly and continuous down lane where you can immediately tell if you are carrying ten back.
Much to my surprise I enjoyed this release as much as my Reality. Always in my bag for all competition.
Keith Cordy
900 Global Staff Ambassador
#GoGlobal
#SquadRG
#stormnation
#12InARowProShop
#CustomThumbzProshop
United States
Big cover big core produces the strongest rolling ball on the market. The absolute 1st ball to pack for tournaments it handles the toughest of heavy oil patterns especially for anyone who likes to keep it in front of them. Definitely the leader in backend motion for any ball ever produced in this category.
United States
Chris Winton Dec 14, 2022
Amazing ball but man it absorbs dirt. Buy a cleaner to go with it and the Magic Erasers are a key for keeping it clean
Texas, United States
First ball I ever purchased on my own. After 1½ years of using the Gem I'm looking for another ball and basically comparing the balls' stats to the Gem's --That's how much I love it.
Tommy Johnson May 11, 2024
I have not had a Roto grip bowling ball and wanted to try one and I thought why not start with the gem and it was a good decision not only does it perform well but it is also my favorite now in a few weeks I plan on buying the next gem in the line up
United States
Angela Audette Jul 29, 2024
My go to ball. Quick ship in stock. The cleaner I received with the ball was damaged but not a big deal.
CT, United States
Absolutely gorgeous bowling ball, only rolled it couple times so far, but looks awesome
Hawaii, United States
Natalie Farmer Dec 17, 2024
I have only been bowling league a couple of years. I decided on this ball and an upgrade, and I love it! Handles well nice action for a newbie
United States
