Roto Grip Gremlin Review
The most explosive pearl asymmetric in the Roto Grip lineup. Enormous energy storage and violent backend. $164.95. Video inside.
There's a beauty. Where was that the last time? Anyway, got no regrets. I'm on the run, chasing the check, dropping the top, riding the vet. 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. They thought I was Gremlin. Hey, this is actually they had a little fun with this man. you know, Roto Slim, you know, at its finest. And then the layout, there we go. Pinup as all my
asymmetric stuff is. It's probably going to be way too clean, right? This this layout. I probably should have went a little bit stronger, but it might be amazing. So, I don't know. We're going to do a full game, but we got this uh the Storm identity. I know everybody's going to cry. Oh my god, I can't buy that ball. But I want to see it. Again, far as the numbers go, it's not that far off. And then we got Equinox. So again, all really, really good pieces from the brand and I'm anxious to throw it. House shot as always. Let's see how how it goes and we make it to a full game. So
everything else, get the BMA coolwick. I'm rocking a 12 bagger polo. Hey man, they got some pretty cool stuff. So links for everything are right below. Check it out. All right, let's get busy. [Music] First shot goes a ton.
So, it seems to be getting pretty clean, which is really what the marking material shows. So, might have to be a little softer with my speed up the boards. Like I said, pretty cleaner. Dope. Some information that we've seen is the colors, right? Give you nomad dagger look. And then performance is like almost UC2. Now, personally, I never threw a UC2.
This kind of gives me like theorem like a little a little cleaner like yeah like a little cleaner theorem so far bitter pearl almost. So I'mma throw it on 20 again. So, you know, typically I'm never like that comfortable like 20 and right, but that is looking easy. Like, so like it's
not seeing anything across the front. Definitely giving me like some of the identity. Very curious to see how that one's going to look. I'm going to take a step left, but like that first shot might go 60 ft. So definitely a little bit slower. I definitely feel like I could probably throw it through the spot. But we'll throw one regular speed just so we can see. But I just got a feeling if I'm
fast and to the right, it's probably not going to be nice. Still on 25 with my feet and I typically drift left exactly. So again, I threw it fast, right? Still about the same amount of rev rate, but yeah, threw it threw it there. That's what we left. It's about right. So let's uh get ready to toss that identity.
Identity. Same layout. Same 60 by 5 by 30. [Music] Stay on 20. It might be even cleaner. First shot. I had to hit the ball a little cleaner. I was like, I haven't seen it.
Haven't seen it. See it. All right. So, again, we're going to forget that first shot happened cuz when you let a ball sit, right, and just don't do anything to it and then you go throw it, great things don't happen. So, hit with a little ball cleaner. Much better. Much better. So, you know,
we don't have to go, you know, talk badly about the identity. But this one, I ain't going to lie, the grillin is looking pretty pretty solid so far. Definitely a game two-ish ball out of box. Now, I definitely feel like some of the some higher riff rate folks can of course make everything work game one, but that's not what we talking about today. Oh man. Man, I'm about to ask my
mechanic. He put out a score shot. Well, everything outside of five, this went forever long. So, [Music] threw it outside of five again. No, I thought that was going to sail because maybe everything outside of five just is not going to hook. But I think this might Hey, Scott, which one has a stronger cover? Identity or the Gremlin? You have any idea?
I thought this is like a newer cover, right? Okay. So, new cover, something some something some something. Got my guy Scott. You can be anticipating some some content to come out here shortly with Scott. Um, but yeah, new cover stock. So, maybe it's a stronger cover identity. I'm not sure. You know, y'all can correct me in the comments if you know you have some insider information. But currently this ball is picking up.
See it and carry. So VR1 versatile cover stock one. Interesting. Should be cool. But I think the Equinox is probably going to be a lot maybe a ball up on the tier level. I think this is like in their premier line and then this is HP3. So, Equinox should be a little bit more overall hook.
Let me move right. Let me move a little right. Cuz this is more or less exactly what uh Stu kind of uh saw his particular video, right? Where the Equinox went a lot further down the lane in relation to getting a gremlin. So, [Music] So definitely earlier bigger chug again for a lot of folks. Again, Equinox has been really good and I honestly do feel like it's a
really good outshot ball because it's going to blend the lane where you hear that terminology blend like we talk about hybrids or even stronger stuff. Let's do it again. [Music] Oh, way out there. Oh, again for the lanes being semi fresh, it's not looking that bad. Again, definitely better options. Rockstar right now makes a lot of sense. Phase two as always.
All right. Identity. All right. So, a little bit straighter. Feels a little bit cleaner. It does from my perspective. Again, none of them look that great from super far left. Like being more direct right now is
definitely paramount because I jump left like I am now with the identity. Try to move my target in and be a little bit slower. That might be okay. So 100% I'm trying to get closer to the the top red about 1491. That's where I was at. So yeah. So this one definitely seems more responsive than I feel like the Identity
and the Equinox feel like it's seeing it just a smidge more. So, let's do a full game real quick and let's see if the lanes get better. Oh, a little gremlin in the back. Little grim in the back just just knocked that one over, man. I'm just saying.
Get all over it. All right. I think that's really where this ball wants to live, man. I can be definitely a little more direct than you might see me typically on a video, but definitely again weaker than I might say even if still a little cleaner than a widow. Maybe a little bit.
Oh, I launched it forward though. Oh, definitely was. Yeah, more down and in. More. I ain't saying I was standing on five, right? Playing off the the gray boards for me right now. Keep her in play. Keep her in play. You know, I feel like I do have a little room. Both a little bit to the left, a little
bit to the right. I'm still currently on about 25 on my feet. That's inside. It likes that. It's really liking those on. It's really liking lane one. Oh, I got dead around it. Took a lot.
Oh, if it would have did it. If it would have did it, I would have been lost for words. But that's okay. Got through a super wide and quick. So, so far right, we did a little bit of striking. Yeah, I linked it really right and there's a little bit of oil out here. So, it happens. But the Gremlin is definitely giving me some I have other
people in the lane breaking down. I think I'll have some holes and some friction to throw it to if I had people to my right. There's a beauty. Where was that the last time? But anyway, again, that look pretty. Hey, man. The gremlin. Hey,
it's Monday. [Music] Ball's pretty. I'm getting a lot of good ball reaction out of this. tip my ankle. That's a sign. You you move that way. You leave this be messengers. I'm having fun, right? It's a video, right? So, you just let you let these happen. But
better shot. Better shot. That was flush. That was flush. What we like to see? That should be good. Oh man. Roll the grip. Man, I ain't going to lie. I ain't like the hyperdrive too much. The rec the record Ultimate Record was good. I like that one. But I ain't going to lie. Some of them I ain't, you know, idle pearl. Y'all could have kept that one, too. But again, a lot of
people like those balls. But this right here, I this one, this one has it. Oh, inside, it's not allergic to oil. Like some balls you do that with, you start ringing tin and all type of craziness. This is doing the right things. [Music] I'm going to jump super left just because
that is that is again man here you go roto grip gremlin we did some striking today man I like it when that happens makes the shooting videos easier man I can do this like in under no 15 minutes but uh appreciate you guys as always man like subscribe lot more fun stuff on the way keep it moving Hit the music up. I'mma keep them groove. You sleeping on me, just keep snoozing. I'm so locked in right now. Everything I work for ain't never going to change. I prayed for
Performance Analysis
Performance Analysis
Independent testing of the Roto Grip Gremlin on a house shot pattern revealed a cleaner overall motion compared to heavier benchmark pieces in the brand’s lineup. The reactive pearl coverstock displayed strong length down the lane, requiring testers to adjust speed and targeting to prevent over-skid on fresh oil. On the fresh pattern, the ball performed most effectively when thrown with controlled velocity—faster deliveries caused the coverstock to read too early and lose hook potential. As the lanes transitioned and developed friction, the Gremlin found its rhythm, responding well to direct targeting and showing solid angle into the pocket. Testers noted the ball was most effective when positioned in the mid-boards rather than from extreme angles, suggesting a sweet spot rather than a versatile play.
Surface characteristics and cover composition proved interesting during testing. The newer reactive pearl cover appeared stronger than expected, picking up lane friction effectively and producing consistent carry once the tester dialed in speed and line. Unlike some pearl-covered pieces that can become erratic in mixed oil conditions, the Gremlin maintained predictable motion without excessive deflection. Comparisons to related Roto Grip offerings (Storm Identity, Equinox) showed the Gremlin occupies a distinct tier—more angular and controlled than the Identity, yet not as aggressive down-lane as the stronger Equinox. Testing also confirmed the ball was forgiving on off-target throws when positioned properly, showing tolerance for minor adjustments rather than requiring surgical precision.
Who Is This Ball For?
The Roto Grip Gremlin suits bowlers seeking a dependable mid-lane option that doesn’t demand excessive speed or axis rotation to be effective. This ball performs well for league bowlers on typical house conditions who’ve been playing longer than entry-level but aren’t yet competing at higher rev-rate levels. The price point ($164.95) and out-of-box surface make it immediately usable without additional equipment investment, appealing to bowlers looking for solid performance without excessive setup time.
This is also an excellent choice for bowlers who already own stronger asymmetric pieces and need a slightly cleaner, more direct option that still maintains control in oily backends. It works particularly well for those who prefer staying in the front-to-mid lane rather than playing extreme angles, and for bowlers who’ve found comparable pieces like the Storm Identity too weak or the Equinox too strong for their typical conditions.
The Pros
- • Rondure asymmetric core with .058 differential — the strongest asymmetric core in the Roto Grip lineup
- • Pearl on a massive asymmetric creates one of the most explosive backend reactions in bowling
- • Power Edge finish gives it a versatile out-of-box reaction that reads the midlane despite being a pearl
- • Devastating pin carry at 9.0 — the core drives through the deck with authority
The Cons
- • Can be too angular and unpredictable on lighter oil conditions
- • Pearl cover on this core can produce over-under reactions on heavily broken-down lanes
- • Requires a bowler who can handle aggressive backend motion without losing accuracy
Who Is This Ball For?
The most explosive pearl asymmetric in the Roto Grip lineup. Enormous energy storage and violent backend. $164.95. Video inside.
Technical Specifications
How It Compares
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TamerBowlingVerified Bowler Reviews (78 reviews, 4.9/5 avg)
Bowlers Say
Bowlers say the Gremlin excels as a versatile transition ball with clean push through the fronts and strong angular backend motion. It works well on medium oil conditions and house patterns, allowing multiple angles. Some find it too clean for heavy oil fresh conditions.
AI summary of 78 verified purchase reviews
Bowlers frequently mention:
The Gremlin’s modified core simply is amazing. I was able to try this ball on the fresh and the burn and it gave me a great look. The ball on the fresh, I was able to play a little further right around 7-8 board at the arrows. The ball definitely started picking up a touch sooner than I expected but the lanes this summer have been playing with a bit more friction than last summer. Now I was able to jump back on the same lanes at the end of the night after the league and I was blown away with the versatility of this ball. My first handful of shots I was rolling the ball around 15 at the arrows out to about 5 and the ball just ripped off the spot and continued through the pins. Moving a little more left I tried to throw around 20 at the arrows to keep it a little tighter and a handful of shots I missed in gave me some good mix strikes. But the ones that seemed to get to the 12-14 board area on the lane came back high flush.
This ball is a house shot killer, shooting 885 in 9 pin no tap league and 268 making a ball review video. This ball always finds the pocket
Have only used this for a handful of games so far and absolutely love it already.
United States
Used it on the last night of summer league, still getting use to it Roto Grips next ball should be the Gremlin 2 hybrid or call it the Gizmo hybrid and gizmos face on the front of it that way you can have a movie set..
Texas, United States
The Gremlin has hatched and is ready to strike! It features the brand new V-R1 (Versatile-Response 1st Edition) pearl cover and the Rondure MaxD core. The V-R1 cover was created to push through the fronts and provide a consistent reaction to friction on a wide variety of patterns and oil types. The Rondure MaxD core, first seen in the Rubicon series, has been pushed to the limit to generate the longest and most continuous downlane reaction in the HP3 line. The Gremlin gave me a great look sliding on 30, looking 17 at the arrows with my breakpoint around 7-8. I was able to play multiple angles by changing my speed and hand position, but the Gremlin thrived the further left I moved. It also did an excellent job blending out the wet/dry on the high friction house pattern. When compared to the Rockstar, it was several feet cleaner and much sharper off the end of the pattern. I’ve had great success with HP3 balls from Roto Grip in the past and get a UC2 vibe from the Gremlin. If you are in the market for a pearl asymmetric ball that will compliment your strong solid/hybrid asymmetric balls, the Gremlin will be a must in your bag. Stop by your local Storm VIP pro shop to check it out! Available on July 18. Coverstock: V-R1 - Power Edge Core: Rondure MaxD RG: 2.50 Differential: .058 PSA: .010 (15 lbs) Layout: 5.25 x 3.5 x 3.75 PAP: 6" Right, 1 3/8" Up Axis Tilt: 16° Rotation: 51° Rev Rate: 450-500 Speed: 17-18 mph Location: Vista Lanes - Yorkville, NY Pattern: Kegel Carbon Lane Surface: HPL Dave Jecko Storm Amateur Staff Member YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@maximumpotentialbowlerssho7625
Showing 1–5 of 43 verified reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
What oil condition is the Roto Grip Gremlin best for?
Is the Roto Grip Gremlin good for beginners?
What is the RG and differential of the Roto Grip Gremlin?
How much does the Roto Grip Gremlin cost?
What type of bowler should use the Roto Grip Gremlin?
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