Roto Grip Idol Review

The release of the NEW Roto Grip Idol was welcomed with open arms. I was a HUGE fan of the original Haywire, and when that ball was taken out of the line, it was a very sad day. Now we have its modern day replacement, The Idol! The Ikon core wrapped with the MicroTrax-S18 cover takes me back to when I first threw my haywire. The very heavy continuous roll you get out of the Idol will replicate the motion of the haywire almost to the tee. I highly recommend this ball for tougher flatter conditions, due to how well it blends the back part of the lane down. I drilled my Idol with a 60X4 1/8X70 with no hole, which is the exact layout I had on my favorite Haywire. Go Out and get your Idol Today! #SquadRG Erik Ramos SIB Pro Shop Manager Storm/Roto Grip Staff

I drilled my IDOL 60/4.5/40 which is my standard drilling for a ball to read early plus I have a DAREDEVIL TRICK with the same lay out. I put a 7/8"-2" deep weight hole 5" straight across my center line. I left this one box finish which is 2000 abralon. I have used this one on a couple of different THS, a modified house pattern on the longer side, and a 45 Kegel Challenge Pattern. This ball is a good look for me in my bag and replaces a HAYWIRE that had gotten dated and losing it's pop after a few years. Side by side with a couple of balls like the DAREDEVIL TRICK and NO RULES EXIST in the Roto line. The EXIST is a slightly stronger look downlane. The IDOL grabs but is more of an earlier strong arcing shape while the EXIST is more of a hockey stick reaction on the back. The TRICK had the shape as the IDOL in the early move but was even softer off the spot than the IDOL and would be more in play if the play was to keep the ball in front of you more than with those other 2 ROTO high end pieces. I also put it up against the CODE X. The IDOL was more motion early while the CODE X was more downlane motion and looked a lot like a softer NO RULES EXIST. Put this one in your bag if you want a strong ball that reads earlier in the midlane than the stronger cover/stronger engine balls do. Or if you need to replace an worn HAYWIRE or PHAZE II that finally is showing signs of slowing down.

The new Roto Grip HP3 line bowling ball is the Idol. The Idol has the new MicroTrax-S18 coverstock which is the strongest Nano technology the Roto Grip line has used to date. This new cover is wrapped around the new Ikon symmetrical core. My Idol has a 50 x 5 X 60 layout which I also have on my Storm Hyroad Nano. Fortunately, I have been able to leave it at its box surface (2000 grit). I felt the Idol would likely be more archy with an identical layout to the Hyroad Nano. When the Hyroad Nano isn't quite adding up in terms of motion, I often find myself searching for something that is similar in overall hook, yet different in motion. Fortunately, the Idol fills that gap. I find that the Idol reads the fronts more and has a less angular breakpoint shape without losing any hitting power. The Idol is perfect on fresh house shots where the friction is a little too much for other balls AND when the same house pattern cliffs up and you need to move your eyes in and basically throw it up the oil. I believe this ball is special and I will be ordering another very soon! I can't wait to see what it does on some flatter, sport compliant patterns. Chris Freeland Storm Amateur Staff www.stormbowling.com www.rotogrip.com Bowler Info: PAP 4 5/16 x 1/4 up, Speed 16-17, Rev Rate 400

The Roto Grip Idol is a great addition to the RG line. I drilled mine 4.5 x 4 x 4.5 pin down no hole. The IDOL has great shelf appeal with the bright Magenta color, this is some white phasing is some of them. But I have a lot of good compliments on the color of the IDOL as it is different than a lot of bowling balls. With the Haywire being discontinued the IDOL is a perfect replacement. It is a strong symmetrical ball that rolls a little early and smooth downlane. Kinda of like a stronger IQ Solid. It will be a great ball on sport and PBA patterns, and especially at the USBC Open Championships. Brian Watson PAP- 3 5/8 up 1/14 RPM - 400 Speed - 16 Tilt - 17 Pro Shop Staff

Orientation: Right Handed Rev Rate: 375 RPM Speed: 16-17 MPH PAP: 4 5/8 straight across Location: Enterprise Park Lanes, Springfield MO Pattern: High Volume THS Layout: 45, 4 ?? , 70 The Idol is a great new piece from Roto Grip. I was missing my Haywire, and along comes the Idol. The cover is super strong and the Idol picks up early. And that translates into a very smooth slow motion on the back. Perfect for sport shots or hooking backends. The Idol is the perfect replacement for the Haywire.

My layout on the Idol is 60 x 5 x 55. This is a new layout for me which puts the pin in the ring finger and the has the CG out enough for me to drop a 7/8" P3 hole. This ball give me a Great benchmark type motion. This is a ball that I can start the night on and just keep chasing it left with. I have read a lot of reviews on the Idol and many say that it is similar to the Haywire but I disagree. I was never a big fan of the Haywire, however I was a big fan of the DareDevil Trick. The motion I have with this Idol is more comparable to the Trick. Even with the new Strong cover (Micro Trax-S18 solid) Its a little cleaner through the front than the Trick and a stronger motion down lane. To give a little closer look into what I bowl on...We own a 16 lane, wood center, that was built in 1960. We currently use Kegel Prodigy Oil and the house shot is 42' and almost 21mL's. Casey Mattingly Storm/RotoGrip Staff Turbo Grips Staff

Weight: 14 lbs. Pin Length: 4-1/2 " Drilling: 35 x 3 x 25 Pattern Length: 40 ft. Pattern Volume: Medium Pattern Type: THS Right Handed The IDOL has the symmetrical Ikon core weight block in the popular HP3 line, wrapped in the Micro Trax-S18 cover stock, which is a solid reactive core. The box finish is 2000 grit, but as always, can be polished or changed to suit a variety of lane conditions. It is an attractive Magenta color. I have used the IDOL on a 40 ft. kegel house pattern, and The Orleans modified House pattern in Las Vegas. I tried the IDOL at the 2000 grit box finish, and haven't done any surface changes, as I've found this to be my go-to ball when i need to move inside and deal with the pattern trasitioning. I find it to be a little too strong on the fresh house pattern I've played on, but was a good starting ball on The Orleans modified house pattern. This ball is more aggressive than i expected it to be. I find it to have a similar motion shape to the Haywire, with a slightly earlier hook, and a stronger finish down lane. Being a lower rev player with ball speed around 14 mph, I could migrate in, left of center with the IDOL and still have it face up to the pocket with proper angle for me to carry. If you're looking for a replacement for the Haywire, and perhaps a bit stronger, this is a great ball to have in your arsenal. For a mid priced ball, you're getting the look and hook of a high end ball. It's a win, win for me! Carol Teel Roto Grip Amateur Staff Member

I drilled my Idol 5 x 5 x 3 with no extra-hole. I was really excited when this ball was announced to use and all the hype behind it wasn't a surprise. After the first few shots with it, it instantly became a favorite ball in my bag. For a ball with a RG of 2.48, this ball is super clean through the front part of the lane with a lot of angle in the back. Compared to the Hyper Cell Fused it was just as clean but a little more hook. These 2 ball will make a great 1-2 punch in any bowlers bag & if you were a fan of a Haywire, you'll defiantly want this ball.

Idol Like many, I was extremely unhappy to see the Haywire go away in the Roto lineup (I still have a couple in the closet for a rainy day), so I felt a huge relief when I threw my Idol for the first time. Even though the Idol has a brand new Ikon core and Micro Trax-18 cover, it has that same strong, predictable, even rolling, shape that so many loved from the Haywire. The Idol is the strongest ball in the HP3 line. The Idol is that strong smooth shape that most serious players look for in their bag. I see myself drilling MANY of these in the future.

The Roto Grip Idol is their replacement for the popular Haywire. In my opinion, the Idol out-performs the Haywire in every facet. Its strong, its rolly, and continuous. Cannot ask for much more when bowling on heavier volumes or if you want to control downlane reaction. I have used the Idol primarily on house shot, but even then you can tell this ball blends the pattern out very well. Bowlers who are looking for an aggressive yet predictable ball reaction, then the Idol is no doubt the ball for you. Stop by your local pro shop and pick one up!

Roto Grip Idol Layout: 55 x 4.5 x 30 Rev Rate: 300 rpm Testing information: 41 foot THS (medium volume) ? Kegel Machine ? Brunswick Anvilane Test results: The replacement for your Haywire is here. The Idol gives you the same type of motion as your Haywire but just a little more overall hook. If you liked the Haywire, you will love the Idol. The beautiful Magenta color doesn't hurt its shelf appeal either. I am seeing so many Idols on the ball racks in league and at tournaments that its a telling sign.#OwnIt

The Idol is the newest addition to RotoGrip's HP3 line of bowling balls. The Idol features the Micro Trax S18 Solid Reactive coverstock that surrounds the Ikon Core. What that means is reaction and continuation from foul light to the back of the pit. The Idol is eye catching with a unique Magenta Color off the lanes. While on the lanes the Idol has pin pounding power with mid lane continuation. The way I describe the Idol is a way stronger IQ Tour. The versatility of the Idol will become legendary because whether you polish it or leave it in its natural state of dullness the pins have no chance to survive! I was very fortunate to throw the Idol, IQ Tour and a Daredevil Trick for comparison on a Typical House Pattern. This might not have been a fair comparison because the Idol was about an arrow stronger than the Trick. The IQ Tour did not fare any better against the Idol especially at the breakpoint. The IQ Tour is the most versatile solid bowling ball I have ever thrown and the Idol because of its power might give it a run for the money. The Idol does start up quicker than the IQ Tour but makes up for that with a devastating backend motion. I have a lower rev rate (300ish) and like to play straighter through front part of the lane. During this comparison, I noticed that I was moving left and the Idol continued to motion through the pins with authority while the other two bowling balls were noticeably weaker through the pins. There was no fancy layout with the Idol just Pin down cg kicked out with a hole down just like the other two bowling balls. It is like a Hysteria and an IQ Tour have a baby! That baby would be the Idol. The mixture of Power and Versatility will make the Idol a mainstay in anyone's Bowling Bag.

After getting a chance to drill the new Roto Grip Idol i've been really impressed by what this ball adds to my bag. A very strong ball for the price point and when i need more control than a Fused and when i need more than my Hustle Hyb it's a great fit! This a great ball to build your bag around.

This ball works great for people that have good amount of hand in the ball. It is a ball that will allow you to start and keep moving left.

If you've followed the Roto Grip line over the past several years, you've probably noticed one thing

Considering Symmetrical Equipment is my favorite to drill this ball is no exception. The NEW MicroTrax?S18 Solid Reactive Cover and Ikon Symmetrical Core work great together. Most people compare this ball to the Haywire. I myself compare it to the Storm IQ only stronger. Since drilling this ball I find myself now using it for my benchmark ball. It gives me great mid-lane and doesn't quit on the backend. I have been able to use on typical house shots and also works well on longer sport patterns as well. Bowler Info: PAP 4 9/16 x 1 3/16 up; Ball Speed 18mph; Rev Rate 620 RPM #rotogrip #squadrg Keith DeMaine Storm/Roto Grip Amateur Staff Connecticut State & County HOF www.stormbowling.com www.rotogrip.com

Doing a ball review on the roto grip idol today.Another great ball built from roto grip,really big fan of colour choice lol i like bowling ball with one solid colour.I really like the haywire ball was fantastic,work well for alot of bowlers and patterns np.The idol i find it can handle alot more oil then the haywire and seems to me that is has great midlane with great smooth down lane reaction.Ive taking the idol and did alot of surface changes to see how the cover would react to different conditions we see out there today,and to be honest the ball did great with the surface changes and had some different reactions.took it to 500ab all the way up to 4000ab plus 1500 polish storm all purpose shine.All the surface changes were done useing the storm factory machine best machine out there.For sure this is ball will be going to alot of tournaments with me and a ball ill use alot for sure.If you really liked the haywire this ball will be the next best thing for sure in your bag.

Ball : Roto Grip Idol Layout : 5.75" Pin to Pap, 65* VAL Axis : 6 1/4" Right 1 1/4" Up from center of grips Rev Rate : 460-490 RPM Axis Rotation : Variable but generally 45-55* Axis Tilt : 0 Surface : 2000 grit The Roto Grip Idol is the latest release in the HP3 line, replacing the Dare devil trick and is designed to be the Haywire 2.0 with both a bit more midlane traction AND a bigger move on the backend. I can report that Roto succeeded in their endeavor. Comparing to the Trick, the idol is at least 3 feet sooner to start slowing down and is similar response to friction but shaping a few boards more. Compared to my haywire with 6" pin, the Idol is more traction in oil with a very similar shape, just more from the idol. The idol Solid is by far the earliest ball in the midlane for me out of anything I've drilled from Utah. It plays best when there is head oil to get it some projection before it slows down. It also really likes cliffed backends as the Idol's Slow Response will make tough shots much more playable. The idol always looks best for me playing relatively small angles on a fresh shot. It's biggest asset (it's traction in oil) can also be its biggest hinderance at times. It can get too slow down lane if there is head burn but that's more on the bowler to recognize that and ball down to something cleaner. The idol is an absolute sport shot killer and finds itself in play on anything 37' to 48'. I'm sure with a 1" pin I could even use it on wolf.... if you're looking for lots of traction, consistent shape on Heavy oil and control the idol may be the piece you're looking for

This ball is a great first out of the bag ball. This ball is super controllable and very continuous. It reads the mid-lane very well and is very controllable to the pocket. Super smooth and continuous!

The Idol is a perfect first ball out of your bag type ball. Perfect control in the middle part of the lane with a smooth continuous motion downlane. If you are building a tournament bag this NEEDS to be in it

The idol has been an absolute favorite of mine since it released. The Idol is a great first ball out of the bag with great traction in oil, and a smooth continuous motion. I have had the same idol for 2 years now, and it still hasn’t lost its edge!

Very satisfied with the product, price was great and I was happy to get one of these before they sold out.

HI, United States

Only 15lbs Idol I could find now that they are discontinued, though it had a few small scratches a little shallower than the logo ingraivings. Still a really good find and nothing majorly bad.

I was able to grab one of these for the original price after they went on close out.

MI, United States