Roto Grip Gremlin Tour-X Review
Everyday versatility over explosive angularity. Smooth, controllable motion across the widest range of conditions. $164.95.
Got no regrets. I'm on the run. Chasing the check. Dropping the top. Riding the vet. Telling myself what you expect. You know I'm with it. No better feeling cuz I could have quit but I didn't. When I'm on a mission, moving it up to a better position. >> What's going on social media fam? Gremlin Tour X. If you notic in my voice, a little under the weather. Feeling a little better, man. Been taking a bunch of uh what was it? Ginger shots and you know, sick medicine. But this how we drilled
this one. So, I kind of felt like I went wrong when I was going to I am pro uh solid. Uh drilled this one 50 50 I think 55x 4 1.5x 50. So again, this just it's moving this mass bias cuz this is a asymmetrical ball. Um, but they've lowered the diff because the original GMA had a little more differential. So again, it's kind of looks like an IM Pro replacement like the original one. Like same kind of color scheme instead of blue purple, which I think looks really
good. And after seeing again the PBA guys give this one a go, I think we in for something. But uh yeah, so I drilled it again a little bit different and a lot of the stuff right with lower diffs for this for this year foreseeable future will kind of be like this. So but yeah, hopefully get some good ball reaction and uh yeah, it makes it really usable. So we got that and I am pro solid the blue ball. Um we're going to take a look at those and I
might throw the uh Swag Serpent in here as well. It's another hybrid. Um, and I think the emotions are probably gonna match up pretty well. And those balls are laid out exactly the same. So, appreciate you guys as always, man. Hit that like, subscribe. Let's get on the lanes, man. Your boy is going to lose my voice too much. >> First shot. >> It's his house shot. >> It would be nice to have a pattern, but again, try to make stuff happen. again,
especially with me being under the weather. Yeah, it's been some of those days where I could have done it, but hopefully I can follow up in some of the second, third videos, right? Let's score patterns. All right. Yeah, fresh out shot, which again, center typically have some decent back ends. Definitely hooked. We pick up the ION
Pro here in a moment just as we're filling this ball out. But yeah, so far it's a lot. You know, maybe I should have did my typical layout on this one. But again, y'all always ask me, Charles, did those numbers just make the ball really long and go down the lane and hook >> and not that great? middle part right here. >> This might be a candidate, right, for laying uh surface adjustment, you know, cuz this is this is really shaping, but
it's clean back in. So, might get uh smoother as we throw. There we go. I watched the first video just like you guys did and Chris Prather right was really straight. So I kind of was expecting some of that. Think again. We're going to start moving a little bit left and then hopefully we'll start moving right towards the end of the video or the full game.
>> Yeah. Now surprised just like you guys that we got a gremlin. We got to follow up this quickly. And I guess that's kind of been like the running thing. They're making these bowling balls in pairs when they're testing all of them. And they already had this in a bag. I have to believe several months ago. So now that this is here, you know, the Gremlin and the Gremlin Trex, this might be a really nice pairing. Like use this early, then go to the Gremlin later. Like the Gremlin is
definitely one of my favorite, you know, pieces. in that shiny category. I'm g stay on 25. Yeah. So, really, really nice continuation. Um, and that's really what you want to see from balls in chilling category, right? Like I am curious just like you guys are, right? Put out something tough. What does it do on that?
But this might be my league killer. And we had like a lot of different options that look really good in the league. Um the Spartan has been one that look really good. Um I pulled out the the uh Serpent um this previous week. This video should be coming out soon or or should be out probably the last leak video that you've seen the most recent one. Uh look really good. So again, think this going to be another good option.
I can't barely see. If that would have carried, I would have been like dirty. I'm like, and I was concerned once I saw the ion pro was going away, but for him to follow it up immediately with this ball, probably have to increase the speed a little bit moving forward till some oil carries down the lane.
So yeah, most of these balls that especially come out of box with a decent amount of surface, you know, I think this probably at least got 2,000 on it. Um, and that will make sense why I open it up. But then as I throw it and throw it, it should get started. Oh, that's way out there. That was way out there. So, I definitely shot it and I again I don't think anything was coming back from right there. But, you know, we did it.
Throw one more then we get to the ion pro. And again, Ion Pro is exactly out of box. So, exactly how you would get both of these trailer bowling balls. Oh, little tip in. Definitely feel like I probably didn't catch it as much as I normally would have, but not mad. Not mad. But again, I am Pro and this is my new ones. Like still getting shiny. It's been
pretty good. I'm starting the same spot. See what we get. So that one definitely felt like change directions a little bit, but in a similar zone, right? I feel like they just hooked for a different reason. But both would I see have them both in the bag? Again, probably not. Unless, you know, you're you're a tournament bowler,
right? And you plan to, you know, have eight bowling balls in a bag with you. Oh, definitely. Again, that one feels more down lane. Um, probably for come the box finish, right? This one has the power edge TX S2000. So, burned up a little bit. Yeah, I like the shape. Yeah. And since I've drilled this second Ion Pro, like I've really been in love with that that
ball now. Yeah. So, just earlier, smoother. You see, they both are still continuous. Like it I feel like they both kind of will fall into that category. It's still continuous, but just I would start with the Tour X and then get to the IM Pro solid. And no, I didn't want to pull out the
original ION Pro cuz it's old ball and it's retired. So, I think more people are going to be debating, you know, should I get this opposed to Ion Pro and it's honestly again more rev dominant folks for they're both options, right? It just this naturally comes out of box right with a little more control built in. But if you need more, you know, length through the fronts, both are striking, right? Soul shot. You all know that. Know everybody in the
comments, Charles, just throw a sport, bro. I get you. I get you. But you know, you still can read what's going on here. So, a little more inside. Yeah. Both are continuing, bro. Like these are bone balls that I really really like. Um stuff in this category, you know, solids or one being in the case of a hybrid but has service on it.
Like across the board like typically I like these Taylor bowling balls like they match up to me. They offer me a lot of versatility because I'm, you know, like a power tweener, you know, not a cranker per se. And we will do a video with the uh Black Widow uh Tour V1 because obviously they're both hybrids. Oh, that's going to go a little long. Yeah, I threw it really bad. Got to the
bottom. Got really really forward. That would be the ball's fault. But it's also part of the length, right? The length of that ball is going to carry that one much further down the lane opposed to that X. try to throw one good one. >> But like this is a all about business ball like and we're gonna get to a full game here after I throw this uh shot here with Iron Pro. But yeah, like it's not meant to be something fancy. It just gets the job done. So, you know, it's not surprising the ball motion we're
getting here. Oh, off my angle. Might hook up. Oh, speed up. Oh, it tried. It tried. But, uh, again, I'm just making do. But, uh, definitely be a little further to the right with each of those bowling balls. And again, if you stay here towards the end, right, that's exactly what we'll do. I'm going to do the full game. Probably be a little bit
more to the right as this ball starts to get a little oil on the cover. And then at the end, we'll throw them after the L transition a little bit. And we'll call it a video. So, let's get busy. All right, full game time. See if we can get get jiggy with this one. Gremlin TRX, hopeful, hopeful, hopeful, hopeful.
And if you were curious, the shirt I'm rocking today is in stock now. So, if you have been wondering, overthinking sauce, nothing, it's there for you. Appreciate you guys always. Oh, peel. Ah, I couldn't fillet it. Threw it inside, man. Again, your boy a little rusty coming off my second time bowling since coming off a cruise. Uh, boy need a little vacation. It was a long week
getting all the bowling balls out for February. knowing that you know these two balls are going to be here on the porch and of course there's always more on the way. So split the 89 again continuation again has been superb like and part of the layout change reason was what happened with the Widow Tour V1 and the original Iron Pro solid for me like both
of those balls just sucked. I'm like they did like I just was not happy with the ball reaction. I left a lot of corner pins like I always just struggled um with them. So I was just like moving forward balls was slightly you know lower differentials. I'm going to drill them through the ring finger CG kicked you know just like some of the other stuff from all the brands coming out. It's a lot. You will see that because I want a little more predictability. I think those balls just rev up and do the right things more frequently. Then when I go five inches and with the 60 and 30
degrees. So way out of breath. So I'm up now. Get back to what we doing here right now. Hovering around getting around this 23 24 with my feet. Yeah. Me Likey me likey the gremlin which again didn't surprise me not surprise me
because I like the original slightly different shade not as not as clean not as much down the lane. Yeah. Yeah. We going to be People ask like what are you really still throwing? Like what do you really really like? So because of currently my current situation, you know, things may change and I might be able to bowl more
frequently at some point, but uh as of right now schedule, flight schedule, like when I'm when I do sneak away for a tournament on the weekend, like I'm going to try the new thing. That's what I'm going to do. So because I I need to try to get as much information as possible. So I don't have the ability to bowl four nights of four nights a week of league. So You know, I got to just make do when I can. I'mma try the new ball. What do I like? A vocus area. Still the ball. Grillin still really
good. You know, this one's still really good. Zero solid still really good. Like, and this is this definitely seem like a ball like I can put in a bag like and have a lot of versatility like it. It does. It's not a long argument to have. This is a bowlers's looking ball. It's dark, dark colors. Again, it pops. The logos again, they they know what
they doing, man. Storm always knows how to tug on your heartstrings late. >> So, right there, that's what you want to see. Like again, this ball starting to again get some oil on the cover, give me some more hole when I miss left instead of leaving the nine pin like I did before. >> So with enough service on it, it's definitely giving me that vibe like, oh,
you can follow this up after a urethane if you have enough surface and it's drill strong enough. Oh, hook a lot, please. Oh, I was asking a lot. I knew it. Yeah, I got to the bottom. Just kind of sprayed it to the right. Again, it's not a griml. Not an original griml. It's not supposed to do that. So, like I said, I probably start cheating a little further to the right
down by the I'm cheating a little bit closer to 22. Oh, and I missed so far in. I threw that so bad. Threw it so bad, guys. I did. But happens again. Got to move the eyes a little bit more. Feel like I got to the bottom and just kind of shoulders cut back off.
Typical miss of a bowler. You miss right one, you overcompensate to the left. Splash, splash, splashy splash. I'm a fan. I am a fan.
>> Perfect. So, where does it fit in the bag? Mostly, you know, I would start most practice with this ball to get a read. Hey, how much oil is out there? It should still hook, but if it's not carrying, maybe it's not enough for so you can go to something stronger. But if it's hooking too much, even when you start to move left, it's not burning up. Need to go to something shiny. That's how we're kind of use this ball in that slot.
Little slow, but that was perfect. So yeah, going to get a couple shots here playing a little further to the right with both the ion pro solid and this ball. And then stay tuned, right, for more content. And we're going to throw the IMAX Pearl that's going to be next. And uh yeah, the follow subsequent video, right, going be a Black Widow Tour V1 skis, cuz I know that's what you want to see.
Tour V1 skis. Definitely early impressions. This one seems to be a little bit quicker down the lane. You know, I think get nervous to be on the screen, but I think the tour has a little more differential making it see it a little bit sooner. And no, again, I'm not a, you know, stroker, somebody with, you know, 150
revs. So stay to the right just always doesn't always make sense. Go. Your boy trying to breathe right now. Struggling over the line. So definitely a cleaner ball. I think I'm going to have a little more success when I start, you know, taking hand out of it uh with the TRX opposed to this
one because it's just this one's so much cleaner. So, again, realistically, they could play off each other. I would just be starting with the TX and then getting to Ion Pro Solid. And again, I'm hoping we see, you know, all the the Storm guys, right, come out, adjust the surface of ION Pro and bring it down to this right now, >> you know, relate that to them. those six >> set on 20.
>> Yeah. >> So again, because of that surface, >> this works. >> This works. >> Yeah. >> What the It just it does the thing. Like it's it just it's just good. Like again, there are other options that are I would say similar. Do I feel like this is a revolutionary thing? No, I don't. I think the ball's good though.
I think you will use it. But yeah, you like the Gremlin. Probably going to like this one. Different shape though. Definitely different shape. I'm going still throw it. You know, I'm missing missing a pin. I'll move a little further to the right. cheat just for you guys up the gutter. Yeah, buddy. Just more surface the better. Uh yeah, I didn't say anything else, man. Let's
go. Move on. Hit like, subscribe, man. Grab some merch. Boss Mark, use the links below. >> Yeah. Hey, man. I think you guys know what the hype's about. >> I don't think it's going to be that big of a hype ball. I think it's just going to be a really good one that everybody loves. See you at the end of the year. >> On me, just keep snoozing. I'm so locked in right now.
Performance Analysis
Performance Analysis
Independent testing on a typical house shot revealed the Roto Grip Gremlin Tour-X exhibits controlled, continuous motion with moderate length through the front end compared to higher-differential predecessors. The ball was drilled using a lower RG layout (55x 4 1.5x 50) to maximize usability, and testing revealed it came out of the box with approximately 2,000-grit surface preparation. Early in the test session, the ball demonstrated a cleaner reaction than expected, prompting consideration of surface adjustments to enhance mid-lane shape. As oil accumulated on the lanes during extended testing, the coverstock transitioned predictably, showing improved backend aggression without excessive overreaction—a characteristic that became more pronounced in the full game segment where the ball generated strong pin action with proper entry angles.
When compared directly to the ION Pro Solid in back-to-back throws, testing showed meaningful differentiation in ball reaction. The Tour-X proved noticeably longer through the fronts with a more controlled arc, while the ION Pro Solid offered a smoother overall shape. Reviewers noted both balls produced continuous motion suitable for similar bowler profiles but emphasized the Tour-X’s natural ability to provide more control out of the box, making it the logical choice early in oil transition before moving to solider reactive options. The hybrid coverstock responded well to typical lane conditions, delivering consistent carry and the kind of predictable backend motion that suits bowlers seeking reliability without excessive hook-and-snap characteristics.
Who Is This Ball For?
The Gremlin Tour-X is ideally suited for power tweener and two-handed bowlers who generate moderate to high rev rates but lack the raw speed of true crankers. Testing demonstrated the ball performs best for bowlers who value control and predictability over aggressive angular motion, making it particularly attractive for league play where consistency matters. The lower differential core design and hybrid coverstock combination means it requires less hand manipulation to achieve strong results—bowlers can trust the ball’s built-in motion rather than fighting it through the lane.
Tournament bowlers and serious league competitors with multiple balls in their arsenal will find the Tour-X most valuable as an early-game piece during fresh oil conditions. Its ability to provide length with readable mid-lane shape makes it an excellent bridge between urethane equipment and more aggressive reactive pieces. At $164.95, the pricing positions it competitively for bowlers building a versatile arsenal who want a dependable hybrid that doesn’t demand exceptional speed or revolutions to be effective.
The Pros
- • 9.0 versatility — one of the most condition-adaptable balls in the Roto Grip lineup
- • Modified Rondure Tour X core tames the original Gremlin's aggression for everyday playability
- • 4000 grit hybrid finish provides a smooth, controlled motion that works on house and sport patterns
- • Priced at $164.95 — strong value for an asymmetric with this much range
The Cons
- • Lower .034 differential means less total hook and hitting power than the original Gremlin
- • Bowlers who loved the Gremlin's explosive backend will find this too tame
- • May not have enough traction for true heavy oil without a surface change
Who Is This Ball For?
Everyday versatility over explosive angularity. Smooth, controllable motion across the widest range of conditions. $164.95.
Technical Specifications
How It Compares
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Creating the DifferenceVerified Bowler Reviews (40 reviews, 4.9/5 avg)
Bowlers Say
Bowlers praise the Gremlin Tour-X as an excellent benchmark/transition ball with predictable, controlled motion. Many compare it favorably to the discontinued Ion Pro, noting it's smooth through the fronts with strong continuation. The V-R1 hybrid coverstock and low-diff Rondure Tour-X core provide great blending of wet/dry conditions on medium oil patterns.
AI summary of 40 verified purchase reviews
Bowlers frequently mention:
The bowl came in perfect condition as I can see,haven't used it yet been out of town
MN, United States
TESTING ENVIRONMENT Length:43 Volume: Med-High Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):THS COMMENTS Cover:V-R1™ HYBRID Core: RONDURE™ TOUR-X Finish: 4000-grit RG: 2.48 (15lb) Differential: 0.034 (15lb) PSA: 0.011 (15lb) 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 LAYOUT: Pin Over Ring 4 3/4 X 4 1/2 x 2 1/2 VLS The newest addition to the Roto Grip HP3 line is a tour version of the Gremlin called the Gremlin Tour X. Like other Tour releases the new version of the Rondure core features a lower RG and lower Differential compared to its original version. They wrapped this new core in a hybrid version of the VR-1 cover that was on the Gremlin and finished it at 4000. I personally haven't had as much luck with with tour releases. I'm not sure if it's my lower ball speed but for whatever reason tour cores very often seem to hook too much for me until I try to play angles where I need them too. That being said I didn't go into this review with high expectations for my reaction with this ball. I noticed immediately that this ball was more controllable than previous Tour releases I've used. The Gremlin Tour X seems to blend this earlier revving core with perfect cover. I saw mid-lane read and great continuation immediately. I would hesitate to call the Gremlin Tour X either a strong or weak ball but rather it fits really well in the benchmark category. Now without the lengthy explanation of what strong and weak really mean I'll just state that this ball Isn't as early for me as the original gremlin was and it continues SOOOO much better. I could see the Tour X being helpful for literally every style of bowler. This ball also responds really well to hand position changes which keeps it in play even longer. With straighter angles you can throw this ball on the freshest lanes and you can stay with it much longer than you would expect for a core that revs up that quickly. See my full video review at: https://youtu.be/6r4BKMVOO1Q?si=0_FSRTP8uwTx5Gkm Lonnie Pemberton Storm Pro Shop Staff Vise Pro Shop Staff Revolutions Pro Shop Youtube Channel: https://youtube.com/@Revstormaz
TESTING ENVIRONMENT Type: Lakes Bowl After League BALL: Roto Grip Gremlin TOUR-X Coverstock: V-R1™ Hybrid Reactive Core: Rondure™ MaxD Core Finish: 4000 Grit RG: 2.52 (14 lb) Differential: 0.034 (14 lb) MB/PSA: 0.010 (14 lb) ME: Right-Handed Tweener Speed: 14–15 mph Rev Rate: 220 PAP: 6 3/16 → ¾ Up Layout: 50x4x25 The team and I spent some time discussing when and where the Roto Grip Gremlin TOUR-X would be most effective, and we decided to test and film it on a breakdown after a league shot. The goal was to see if this could be the go-to transition ball after throwing stronger pieces like the ION Max or Equinox Solid. Right off the bat this ball seemed familiar and after we were talking about what we were seeing it reminded us of a TOUR Dynam-X. Within the first few shots, I started standing on 25, playing the track area and getting the ball to 12-14 at the arrows and 7–9 downlane. Since the pattern had already been bowled on, transition happened quickly and we were moving every couple of shots. I eventually moved left to around 31 with my feet, looking 15-17 at the arrows, and the ball continued to shape really well through the fronts while still driving through the pins. Thanks for reading and watching! If you like this or any of the jerseys you see in my videos, head over to www.IAmBowling.com and use HIRSCH at checkout to save 20% off your order.
Roto Grip Gremlin Tour-X 4 ½ x 4 x 4 ½ Very smooth, predictable and controllable. Clean through the fronts but continuous through the pins. I can see myself using this ball on the fresh (with more surface) if they are really hard and I want to control the pocket and even throughout transition. Gremlin Tour-X is very similar to the Ion Pro which has been one of my favorites since it was released but now that is has been discontinued I feel that this Gremlin Tour-X will be the replacement. This ball will get plenty of lane time for me in tournaments on a variety of patterns. Get yours Friday 3/13 at your local Storm VIP Pro Shop #squadrg #stormnation https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZThcuncMd/
Cover: V-R1 Hybrid Reactive Core: Rondure TOUR-X RG: 2.48 RG. Diff.: 0.034 Finish: 4000 Abralon Roto Grip’s new Gremlin TOUR-X is a Hybrid (2 parts Solid. 1 Part Pearl) Asymmetrical piece that is good for Medium-Heavy Volume patterns. PAP is 5 5/16 R 1 3/16 Up. Rev Rate: 400. Speed: 16.5. I drilled this piece with the Pin up between the fingers, CG kicked out 1” from the palm, and 1” Left of the Mass Bias. 5 x 4 x 2 ½. I threw this piece on a Shark 47’ pattern. Out of Box ball motion started in the mids with a strong predictable motion on the backend. I compared this to the Gremlin. Gremlin was overall 2-3 boards more. Cleaner through the fronts with a sharper backend compared to the Gremlin TOUR-X. This is a good 1-2 punch from the Gremlin Line. Check Out my Ball motion Video on my Facebook/YouTube Page: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/17gvvsz12D/
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Frequently Asked Questions
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