Roto Grip Hustle X Ray Review! AMAZING On Light Oil

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.

By BowlingBallVideos.com Staff Tested May 15, 2024 2 videos analyzed 36 verified bowler reviews
8.6
Overall
Great Score
Weight
12-16 lbs
Coverstock
Solid
Core
Symmetric
Hook
Medium
Price
$109.95

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.

Hook Potential
5.5
Length Through Heads
7.5
Back-End Continuity
6.0
Pin Action
7.5
Versatility
8.0
Value for Money
9.5

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.

BeginnersLight Oil

Technical Specifications

Core Details (Hustle Core)
RG (15 lbs) 2.53
Differential 0.03
Coverstock VTC Solid Reactive
Core Type Symmetric
Factory Finish 4000 Grit
Color Black / Grey
Release Date April 2024

How It Compares

More Videos (1)

Roto Grip Hustle X-Ray Bowling Ball Review
4:15 Influencer

Roto Grip Hustle X-Ray Bowling Ball Review

Jeff Shadbolt Bowling Reviews

Verified Bowler Reviews (51 reviews, 4.9/5 avg)

4.9out of 5

51 verified purchase reviews

100% of bowlers recommend this ball

Write a Review

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:

Patrick Dombrowski Apr 25, 2024

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

Brian Hirsch Apr 25, 2024

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)

Lonnie P. Apr 30, 2024

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

Adam Chase May 2, 2024

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

Steven Collins May 3, 2024

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.

Showing 1–5 of 36 verified reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What oil condition is the Roto Grip Hustle X-Ray best for?
The Roto Grip Hustle X-Ray is designed for medium-light oil conditions. It features a reactive solid coverstock with a 4000 Grit finish, which gives it the length and control needed on lighter oil patterns where stronger balls would overreact.
Is the Roto Grip Hustle X-Ray good for beginners?
The Roto Grip Hustle X-Ray offers moderate hook potential, making it a reasonable option for bowlers transitioning from entry-level equipment. It provides enough reaction to help develop a hook shot without being uncontrollable.
What is the RG and differential of the Roto Grip Hustle X-Ray?
The Roto Grip Hustle X-Ray has an RG of 2.53 and a differential of 0.03. The higher RG means it stores energy longer, pushing further down the lane before transitioning. The lower differential keeps the ball motion smooth and controlled.
How much does the Roto Grip Hustle X-Ray cost?
The Roto Grip Hustle X-Ray is priced at $109.95. This makes it one of the more affordable options in its category, offering strong value for bowlers on a budget. You can find it at BowlersMart.com with free shipping and 60-day returns.
What type of bowler should use the Roto Grip Hustle X-Ray?
The Roto Grip Hustle X-Ray is best suited for bowlers looking for a predictable, smooth ball motion. With its reactive solid coverstock on medium-light conditions, it works well for a wide range of bowling styles from strokers to tweeners. Its high versatility makes it a great benchmark piece that can handle multiple conditions.

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