Roto Grip Gremlin is Scary Good!

Roto Grip Gremlin Review

The most explosive pearl asymmetric in the Roto Grip lineup. Enormous energy storage and violent backend. $164.95. Video inside.

By BowlingBallVideos.com Staff Tested Jul 15, 2025 13 videos analyzed 43 verified bowler reviews
9.0
Overall
Elite Score
Weight
12-16 lbs
Coverstock
Pearl
Core
Asymmetric
Hook
High
Price
$164.95

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.

Hook Potential
9.0
Length Through Heads
7.5
Back-End Continuity
9.5
Pin Action
9.0
Versatility
7.5
Value for Money
8.5

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.

Heavy OilTournament

Technical Specifications

Core Details (Rondure Core)
RG (15 lbs) 2.5
Differential 0.058
Int. Differential 0.01
Coverstock V-R1 Pearl Reactive
Core Type Asymmetric
Factory Finish Storm Power Edge
Color Blue / Purple / Red
Release Date July 2025

How It Compares

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Verified Bowler Reviews (78 reviews, 4.9/5 avg)

4.9out of 5

78 verified purchase reviews

100% of bowlers recommend this ball

Write a Review

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:

Tommy Jul 10, 2025

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.

Tanner Jul 13, 2025

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

Seth Pajur Jul 17, 2025

Have only used this for a handful of games so far and absolutely love it already.

United States

Larry Venus Aug 5, 2025

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

Dave Jecko Jul 19, 2025

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?
The Roto Grip Gremlin is designed for heavy oil conditions. It features a reactive pearl coverstock with a Storm Power Edge finish, which gives it the surface traction needed to grip through heavier oil patterns.
Is the Roto Grip Gremlin good for beginners?
The Roto Grip Gremlin 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 Gremlin?
The Roto Grip Gremlin has an RG of 2.5 and a differential of 0.058, with an intermediate differential of 0.01. The lower RG means it revs up earlier, creating an earlier roll in the midlane. The high differential creates strong flare potential and aggressive ball motion.
How much does the Roto Grip Gremlin cost?
The Roto Grip Gremlin is priced at $164.95. This is a competitive price point for a ball in its performance category. You can find it at BowlersMart.com with free shipping and 60-day returns.
What type of bowler should use the Roto Grip Gremlin?
The Roto Grip Gremlin is best suited for bowlers who want maximum flare potential and angular ball motion. With its reactive pearl coverstock on 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.

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