Roto Grip Hustle X-Ray Review
Solid coverstock Hustle with more midlane traction and earlier roll than the pearl M+M. Just $109.95. Video reviews inside.
what's going on guys welcome back to the channel on today's video we're going to be reviewing the allnew hustle x-ray so make sure to hit that like button subscribe hit that notification Bell and yeah something like 60% of you guys are not subscribed then I would super appreciate it if you just hit that subscribe button if you like the Jersey I'm wearing in this video or in any of my videos cool.com promo code napis 10 that get you 10% off your entire order and down below in the description there's going to be a link where you can order this hustle x-ray or the ball Spinners or anything bowling related great way to help support the channel
also howto.com promo code Lewis gets you 30% off your uh annual membership all right so let's talk about the hustle x-ray it's the uh uh first sanded solid in the hustle line since I think the PBR because the rip was a solid but it was polished so very excited for this I typically like these lower performance balls that are solid that come out of box sanded and I am going to say even when I sanded my hustle rip it didn't look like this if that makes any kind of
sense anyway so it features the same hustle core that's in all the hustles which is RG of 2.55 and a Max differential of 030 that is in 15 lbs wrapped around that is the VTC solid cover stock that comes out of box at a 4,000 finish however I think when I I'm going to try to throw this in League I'm going to hit it with like a 3,000 or even a 2,000 just cuz I'm going to try to throw it on the fresh but out of box it does come at a 4,000 finish and then with the layout went with my typical tester layout which I don't know if you guys probably didn't notice but uh the
pin placement is a little bit different than normal because I just remeasured my path but this is still 30X 4 1/2 by 30 uh we're going to be here at South Point on Lane 64 on a fresh typical house shot and this is typically where I like these solid sanded hustles is on the fresh from a little bit straighter I think that it can be a good go-to ball once they start to break down but we're going to try to throw it on the fresh we'll see you here on the lanes all right first shot of the video here reviewing the all new hustle x-ray as always we're
going to start a little bit straighter and then move in as we need to and that's exactly what I look for out of a hustle nice and straight bounces off that friction nicely goes through the pins the right way this is going to be a good option on those lower volume house shots on the fresh for sure all right so we're playing a little straighter than normal we move the camera a little bit so that we can see more of the ball path let's make another high quality shot
here there we go got that ride a little bit didn't quite come around the corner as much it is an 030 differential ball with not a very strong cover uh but the fact that it got there tells me a lot of really good things about the ball I'm definitely trying to keep it a little bit more in front of me however not really trying to belly it as much until the pattern really breaks down also like a really big thing to keep in mind is that because it comes out of the box at 4,000 it is going to Lane shine pretty pretty
fast that's going to be a good one there oh give me that I got a little bit softer at the bottom and I thought that was a really good shot and it crept a little bit High I'm going to make that move right away just to try to stay in the pocket so I'm going to make a very small move move just one and zero and try to make another high quality shot here wow that was a horrible shot I'm four for four to start I think this is
going to be a good option on the fresh because it is going to hook a lot or it's it's going to respond to the friction hard but it's not going to hook a ton but let's make a better shot than that one cuz that was that was pretty bad all right let's try that again not trying to shove it to the even though I know that there's a little bit of Bounce there there we go that's what I was trying to hit yeah and you can see that's exactly what I was trying to hit and it went 10 back right through the pins when I leaked it right a little bit there was a
enough bounce kind of carried that light swisher and I believe that if I miss in because it's a weak core weak cover it's not going to hook a ton and I think I can at worst maybe flat 10 I don't think I'm Greek churching with this ball anytime soon all right let's try to repeat that same shot but I know I got room right see that's exactly what I meant I missed in and it's not going to overhook
because of the nature of the core and cover of the ball right see now I think we're moving and grooving moving and grooving oh there's that 10 pin but what I mean by moving and grooving is that now I know I'm going to hit the pocket every single shot as long as I throw it even half decent I got holed in I got hooked to the right it's exactly what we're looking for when we're throwing basically any kind of bowling ball so
honestly no need to panic uh off that 10 pin I know that I just need to throw a better shot I have a bunch of room and I just need to throw it into that room and I know that I'm going to strike you on this next shot or not or I'm just going to wrap 10 again so normally I'd make like a one move board in off that rep 10 but when I went back and watched that video I kind of elbowed in spun it a little bit so before I make that move I just want to
commit to a good shot and then I'll make a move if I need to still yeah all right so I think I still need need to move cuz that was a pretty lucky six off the 10 so I'm going to move like a one in one left off that all right so let's move one in one left a little bit this is when I start to get worried though such a weak cover encountering so much more oil let's see what this looks
like and then it runs over the a pin hustle sets Don't Be Afraid all right the ball did exactly the right thing so we're going to go right back to that same spot try to repeat see it that's a good shot I missed in again but it was close enough got to the pocket was fortunate to strike and look as Bowlers that's all we're looking for is a ball that's going to give us the most amount of Miss room all right let's make a good shot we're working on it
guys we're working on it I can already see the comments missed a mile right yeah all right this is going to be a good shot no matter what all right last shot's pretty ridiculous should never be missing by that much there we go there we go I mean that's bowling for you it looked arguably worse than the
one that I missed 10 right on all right this is going to be the last shot of the video I'm going to move right kind of play a little bit more up the lane stay tuned for the the next video where we review The Hustle BR y on the same Lanes right after this one oh wrap 10 I I thought that would be a good look but I still think that it's going to be better to shape it a little bit and from a usage perspective I think that it's going to be a really good ball as a transitional ball if you leave it
with the 4,000 finish but I'm going to try to hit it with like a 2,000 pad and try to throw it on the fresh and see what that looks like we'll see you guys on the next one when we review the BR
Performance Analysis
Performance Analysis
The Hustle X-Ray takes the proven Hustle symmetric core and wraps it in VTC Solid Reactive coverstock at 4000 grit, creating the earliest-reading ball in the Hustle family. Where the pearl M+M pushes through the heads and saves energy for a moderate backend move, the X-Ray starts engaging the lane sooner. The solid coverstock creates more friction with the lane surface from the moment the ball passes the arrows, allowing it to begin its transition into the hook phase earlier in the ball’s path.
The 4000 grit finish is polished enough to prevent the ball from grabbing too aggressively — this is still an entry-level ball, not a medium oil monster. The surface provides just enough texture for the solid cover to read dry-to-medium-light conditions with a smooth, rolling motion. There is no sharp backend snap with the X-Ray. The motion from breakpoint to pocket is a gentle, continuous arc that delivers the ball to the pins with consistent deflection angles.
For bowlers who have struggled with the pearl M+M skating too far on particularly dry conditions, the X-Ray offers a solution at the same price point. The earlier midlane read means the ball starts making its move sooner, giving it more time to arc toward the pocket rather than relying on backend friction to create the reaction. On very dry lanes, that earlier engagement can be the difference between carrying and leaving flat corners.
Who Is This Ball For?
The Hustle X-Ray is ideal for beginners who bowl on dry house conditions and want a ball that reads the lane a little earlier than a pearl. If your house tends to play dry — either because the oil pattern is light or because you bowl later in the evening when the pattern has broken down — the X-Ray’s solid cover provides the midlane traction the pearl M+M lacks.
Experienced bowlers should consider the X-Ray as the complement to the M+M in a two-ball Hustle setup. The pearl handles the cleaner conditions and gives you length, while the solid reads the slightly oilier conditions and gives you control. Together at $109.95 each, you get complete dry-to-medium-light coverage for under $220.
The Pros
- • VTC Solid coverstock at 4000 grit provides more midlane read than the pearl M+M — better traction on drier conditions
- • Smooth, controlled arc with no sudden backend snap — highly repeatable for all skill levels
- • Exceptional value at $109.95 for a solid reactive ball
- • 4000 grit surface is easy to maintain and adjust for fine-tuning
The Cons
- • Limited on heavier oil — the conservative core and solid cover will roll out before reaching the pocket
- • Lower backend rating (6.0) means less finish than the pearl M+M for bowlers who want more angle
Who Is This Ball For?
Solid coverstock Hustle with more midlane traction and earlier roll than the pearl M+M. Just $109.95. Video reviews inside.
Technical Specifications
How It Compares
More Videos (1)
Roto Grip Hustle X-Ray Bowling Ball Review
Jeff Shadbolt Bowling ReviewsVerified Bowler Reviews (51 reviews, 4.9/5 avg)
Bowlers Say
Bowlers say the Hustle X-Ray delivers exceptional value with its controllable motion through the fronts and strong backend continuation. Works best on medium-light oil conditions and broken down house patterns, with the VTC solid coverstock providing versatility across lane conditions. Most praise its price point performance though some note it can be too strong for completely broken down conditions.
AI summary of 51 verified purchase reviews
Bowlers frequently mention:
Roto Grip Hustle X-Ray – WWRD 4/19/2024 Cover: VTC Solid Reactive Core: Hustle RG: 2.53 RG. Diff.: 0.030 Finish: Grit Abralon Roto Grip’s new Hustle X-Ray is a Symmetrical piece that is good for Medium-Light Volume Patterns. PAP is 5 5/16 R 1 3/16 Up. Rev Rate: 400. Speed: 16.5. Drilled this piece with the Pin above the bridge and the CG kicked out 1” from the palm. I threw this piece on a burned-up house 43’ pattern. Out of box ball motion was clean through the fronts with a controllable motion on the backend. I compared this piece to the Hustle RIP (2-2 Right). X-Ray was a few boards more on the backend compared to the Hustle RIP. This piece fits between the Hustle RIP and M&M. This piece is good for all types of styles. Check Out the Ball motion Video on my YouTube Page: https://youtu.be/0ILpdxqs61I
Hey everyone, I'm back with another ball review, and this time it's for the Roto Grip Hustle Xray Solid In 14 pounds this ball is wrapped in the VTC (Versatile Traction Control) Solid Coverstock and comes in 4000 grit with an RG of 2.55, Diff of .030. Depending on the Hustle Xray’s surface, bowlers can use this on medium oil conditions. There are not many balls that can cover a variety of conditions, especially at an entry-level price point. To give a comparison the Hustle BRY will roll just a tad less through the front of the lane compared to the Hustle Xray. This two-ball release will be a nice transition when the "benchmark" balls are too early. The Solid and Hybrid will naturally be longer and more robust. BOWLER STYLE: RH - Power Stroker Rev Rate: 320 Ball Speed: 15-16 PAP: 4 7/8 right 5/8 up. #Storm #VISE #BowlersChoiceProShop #BabesAndBallsBowling #IAmBowling (coupon code HIRSCH 20% off at checkout)
TESTING ENVIRONMENT: Length:43 Volume:Med-High Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):THS 12:1 Ratio BALL: Coverstock: : VTC Solid Reactive Core: : Hustle Core Finish: 4000-grit Abralon RG: 2.53 (15lb) Differential: .030 (15 lb) 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 Ball Layout: Pin over Ring 4 1/2 X 4 1/2 X 2 1/2 VLS I've been a huge fan of the Hustle line from the beginning. I've always felt that Roto Grips HP1 line is the best in the industry for outperforming their price point and the new Hustle X-Ray continues that trend. The X-Ray features the same VTC Reactive cover featured on the Hustle RIP and the Hustle Core that has made this line what it is. The X-Ray features a different surface prep and a very cool new color scheme. The Hustle RIP has been my go to when I'm looking for a ball that will give me predictable continuous motion on lighter oil or broken down house patterns. If there has been a hole in the Hustle line it's been a ball that I feel like I can get into right away and stay with through the transition. The Hustle USA hooked plenty to handle oil but as you had to cover more boards it tended to flatten out down-lane and have trouble getting the corners out. The RIP was a little too clean for a fresh pattern. The X-Ray seems to fit perfectly in that gap. You obviously have to keep straighter angles and play closer to the friction to start but works great for that and retains energy down-lane a little better than the USA did. I tested the X-Ray on our high volume high ratio house pattern. The first week I took it out it looked great in practice but the other bowlers on the pair used some shinier stuff and they carried down so I transitioned into a stronger ball pretty quickly. The next week we caught a pair closer to the wall and it worked beautifully. It really gave me an advantage to be able to stay in the ball so long as everyone else fought the fast transition. I also added a bit of surface the next time I was closer to the middle of the house. At 2000 it was every bit as good on a little tighter pair. The core/cover combo is very versatile and takes well to both surface adjustments and release adjustments. I would recommend the X-Ray for rev-dominant and speed challenged bowlers and for anyone who is dealing with more hook in the upcoming summer months as I know many of us do. I think it will also be a very handy ball on sport conditions as it will allow you to stay closer to friction longer on flatter patterns. Check out my full ball reaction video on Youtube: https://youtu.be/0Mg8rDAG2mk?si=P0IJCchYDYKVB9m2 Lonnie Pemberton Storm Pro Shop Staff Vise Pro Shop Staff Revolutions Pro Shop Youtube Channel: https://youtube.com/@k1ngsizepapa
Layout: 4 1/2 x 3 1/2 x 5 Surface: 2000 Abralon The hustle X-Ray brings back the Hustle core with the VTC Solid Coverstock. The dull factory finish gives this Hustle more traction in the oil than the Hustle RIP which is finished with Reacta Gloss. I drilled the Hustle X-Ray with a pin down layout to give me a different look than the RIP. I wanted this hustle to roll similarly to the IQ 78U but with more length and backend. I was able to accomplish just that. The weaker core allows me to keep the ball more in front of me when the lanes conditions call for a more direct line to the pocket. Compared to the Hustle RIP which is drilled pin up, I saw about 4 boards weaker and much less overall flare keeping me straighter on the lanes. The hustle X-Ray a great entry level reactive ball with tons of potential and performance at its price point. This hustle X-Ray will work best for light to medium oil conditions, those with low ball speeds and those with higher rev rates. Adam Chase Storm Staff
The Hustle line is one of the best values for your dollar. The Hustle X-Ray is no exception to that. If you’re looking for a ball for lower volume conditions or you’re new to the game this is the ball for you. The Hustle X-Ray is great in the mid lane, then reads the dry with enough energy to carry all day.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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