At the end of March, 2024, Roto Grip unveiled an exciting new addition to their lineup: the Roto Grip Optimum Idol bowling ball. This release builds upon the success of the original Roto Grip Idol by incorporating advanced AI technology and a new MicroTrax Solid Coverstock. The Optimum Idol bowling ball is designed to tackle a variety of lane conditions, making it a versatile choice for bowlers of all skill levels.
In this Roto Grip Optimum Idol in-depth review, we will explore whether this bowling ball can become your go-to option for medium to medium-heavy oil patterns.
Short Roto Grip Optimum Idol Review
Don't want to read a full review? Here is a short summary!
The Roto Grip Optimum Idol combines the original Ikon core with A.I. Core Technology and the MicroTrax Solid Coverstock. It excels on medium to medium-heavy oil conditions, offering excellent mid-lane grip and strong backend reaction. Our testers found it to be slightly stronger than the original Roto Grip Idol, making it a versatile and reliable choice for various lane conditions. The Roto Grip Optimum Idol is suitable for both speed-dominant and rev-dominant players, providing consistent performance and adaptability. Overall, the Roto Grip Optimum Idol bolwing ball is a solid addition to any bowler's arsenal, delivering enhanced performance across a range of conditions.
Key Specifications
Coverstock Type: Reactive Solid
Coverstock Name: MicroTrax
Core Type: Symmetrical
Core Name: Ikon + A.I.
Box Finnish: 2000-grit Abralon
Best For: Medium-Heavy oil
RG: 2.47
Total Diff: 0.056
Intermediate Diff: 0.000
Definitions
Asymmetrical core - Asymmetric bowling ball deliver sharper, more angular motion when meeting friction.
Symmetrical core - Symmetric bowling balls produce a soft, controllable motion.
Radius of gyration (RG) - The higher RG, the more back-end motion a bowling ball will produce, as high RG ball skids more and tends to conserve more power for the further part of the lane.
Total Diff - the difference between low RG (X axis) and high RG (Y axis).
Intermediate Diff - only found in asymmetrical balls, as it is the difference between the high RG (Y axis) and intermediate RG (Z axis).
First impression
From the first few shots, the Roto Grip Optimum Idol impressed with its smooth, strong roll through the lanes. The performance reminded us of the original Idol but with noticeable enhancements. The addition of AI technology to the Ikon core brought increased flare and a stronger back-end reaction. This ball seemed to offer a solution for various lane conditions, especially when transitioning lanes or dealing with fresh heavy oil patterns.
Lane Performance
To truly assess the Roto Grip Optimum Idol's capabilities, we conducted a thorough examination with two distinct types of bowlers: a speed-dominant one-hander and a rev-dominant two-hander. Our objective was to understand how this ball performs across different lane conditions, specifically on a medium sport oil pattern and a typical house shot (THS) pattern.
Speed-Dominant One-Hander tester approached the Roto Grip Optimum Idol on heavy oil with cautious optimism, given their history with the original Idol’s early energy loss in the midlane. Initially, the Optimum Idol showcased a powerful and consistent motion through the front part of the lane, allowing it to conserve energy for an impactful backend reaction. The tester noted that the ball provided a larger margin for error than it's ancestor. Misses inside still found their way to the pocket, and misses outside retained enough energy to carry the corner pins effectively. The Ikon + A.I. Core Technology played a significant role in this, offering increased flare and a more dynamic response to friction.
On the fresh medium oil pattern, our speed-dominant tester had to move more left compared with the original Idol to find the ideal line. The Roto Grip Optimum Idol glided through the front part of the lane, reacting sharply as it encountered friction. This resulted in a strong and angular backend motion, a characteristic highly appreciated during the test. The tester remarked that the ball’s ability to maintain its energy and provide a predictable reaction made it a reliable choice for those tricky medium oil patterns.
Rev-Dominant Two-Hander tester’s experience with the Optimum Idol was equally impressive but in a different way. Starting with a deeper position on the medium sport oil pattern, the tester targeted around the middle arrow, keeping the breakpoint near the 6-7 board. The ball’s performance was consistent and robust, showcasing its ability to handle high rev rates without losing control.
As the oil pattern began to break down, the Optimum Idol truly shone. The tester moved further left, utilizing the ball’s strong mid-lane read and backend reaction to navigate the changing conditions. Even when the ball encountered transition zones, it maintained a powerful and decisive motion, efficiently driving through the pins. The MicroTrax Solid coverstock ensured that the ball gripped the lane well, preventing it from skidding too far and missing the intended breakpoint.
On the typical house shot (THS), the rev-dominant tester found the Roto Grip Optimum Idol to be a reliable and versatile option. It performed admirably, providing a predictable and controllable reaction. The ball’s low RG and high differential worked in harmony to deliver a continuous and strong motion, ensuring effective pin carry. The tester highlighted that the Optimum Idol’s ability to adjust to different parts of the lane without sacrificing performance made it an invaluable tool for both league and tournament play.
Additionally, both testers concurred that the Optimum Idol is going to shine on a lot of different conditions and is easy to adjust with surface changes. This flexibility allows bowlers to fine-tune the ball’s reaction to match specific lane conditions, further enhancing its effectiveness and reliability.
Overall impression
The Roto Grip Optimum Idol proved to be a powerhouse on the lanes. It effortlessly handled medium to medium-heavy oil patterns, providing a strong, smooth roll through the front part of the lane while conserving energy for a pronounced back-end reaction. Compared to the original Idol, the Optimum Idol offered a slightly stronger performance due to the advanced AI technology. Both testers found the ball to be extremely reliable, especially when needing to play deeper inside lines or adapt to transitioning lanes.
Roto Grip Optimum Idol Evaluation
If you’re seeking a bowling ball that can navigate a variety of lane conditions with ease, the Roto Grip Optimum Idol is an excellent choice. Its combination of the MicroTrax Solid Coverstock and AI-enhanced Ikon core delivers a strong, consistent motion, making it a valuable addition to any bowler’s arsenal. The Optimum Idol is particularly well-suited for bowlers who require a versatile, reliable ball that can handle medium to medium-heavy oil patterns without sacrificing performance.
