Roto Grip RST HyperDrive Ball Review by PJ Haggerty

The RST HyperDrive from Roto Grip is the newest addition to the HP4 Line and it’s been extremely good so far.  I was a huge fan of the RST line in previous years dating back to the RST X1 and RST X2.  Those balls rolled extremely good and when we received word that an updated RST was being developed, I was excited to get my hands on one.  The HyperDrive features the older RST (Roto Star Tour ) core boosted with A.I. core technology and it’s wrapped with the MicroTrax coverstock.  The numbers show an RG of 2.52 and a differential of .055 with a PSA of .017.

I’ve drilled two so far and love both.  The first one I drilled is mapped out as 4.5 x 4 x 2.  This puts the pin near my ring finger and a stacked CG along with the mass bias just to the right of my thumb.  Because the RG is higher compared to an Ion Max or Origin, it doesn’t dig super early in the front of the lane but it still provides a nice shape down lane.  I’ve been able to keep my angles in front of me as well as shape it some if needed and there’s been plenty of giddy up down lane.

The second one I drilled is 5.5 x 5 x 2.  This puts the pin above my middle finger and I also shined this one with 4000 and water on the ball spinner.  When I need to open my angles but don’t need a super clean / quick ball, this RST HyperDrive is a home run.  It’s clean but not too quick and doesn’t miss the mid-lane. 

The HyperDrive compliments the RockStar, Ion Max, IQ AI, and Origin perfectly!

Go drill one!

Looking for a ball that handles movement well on slippery conditions requires you to consider experimenting with the Origin, as it can help you extend your throw angle and improve your performance on the course.

The new RST Hyperdrive is the latest addition to the HP4 line. The RST Hyperdrive uses the proven RST core and wrapped in AI technology and the micro trax solid cover. This ball is designed for higher volumes of oil. I drilled mine using the layout of 55x5x35 which allows this ball to see the midlane and still have good down lane motion. If you liked your Gem you will this as a great replacement for it. Pick up one at your local Storm VIP shop.

I bought the Innovative one ball Revivor a few years ago. it has paid for itself. The temperature is factory set at 140 so we can't screw that up. It does an exceptional job.

In years of working in and around pro shops I like Innovative as they have always had good customer service and parts for my spinner when needed.

Roto Grip
RST Hyperdrive
Coverstock: MicroTrax Solid
Finish: 2000 Grit Abralon
Core: Roto Star Tour A.I. Asymmetric
(14pd)
RG: 2.54
Differential: 0.055
Int Diff: 0.017

Layout: 5 x 4 1/2 x 4 1/2
Layout Extras:  2 1/2" Finger Depth, "X" - 4 1/2 D and 1 Inch Left
Tester: PAP 6 1/2 R, 1 1/4 D

Review:
The RST Hyperdrive offers an optimized core design with an aggressive coverstock. This design is intended to maximize control with more hook potential then previous RST offerings. Right away this ball shows itself as a number one asym in a player's arsenal.

The impressive part of this ball is that for how early the ball digs into the lane it still allows you to open your angles a bit more than some other big asyms in this category. At times, "big asyms" tend to quit and the next ball down is not quite enough. For me, I brought my RST Hyperdrive to 4K on a spinner then took it back down to the recommended 2K finish. For me, it really brought this ball to life. Due to my slower ball speed OOB can make these type of balls hook a bit earlier than I prefer.

The RST Hyperdrive should fill the gap on longer and higher volume patterns and will allow you to stay in a bit longer then previous releases. If you are a straighter player or have a lot of ball speed you'll want to consider this ball as an option. For me, I'll use the RST Hyperdrive to refresh the top of my bag and use most often on higher volume sport conditions.

You should expect a continuous, strong reaction throughout the lane. As previous noted above, the RST Hyperdrive will work best on longer and higher volume patterns. If your desire is to stay in your big asym longer as the lanes transition this ball will not disappoint. If you want the biggest hooking and most powerful RG ball today in your bag this is the one. Be sure to grab your RST Hyperdrive today and enjoy more information on a variety of SPI balls at https://youtube.com/channel/UC1VA-MgFBo9mIZde-G3T11A .

Michael Slatky
900 Global Staff Member
York, PA