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:  50, 5 ½, 40

The Critical Theory has returned in the form of the brand new Critical!  The covers differ slightly, as the Critical Theory was a sanded pearl and the Critical is a sanded hybrid, but the overall reaction is very similar.  The low RG, high diff core provides a motion for Roto Grip that’s not been seen in quite some time.  The Critical revs up quick, hits the breakpoint very sharp, but still smooth, and has a good deal more continuation than traditional Asymmetricals.  When you compare the Critical’s performance to the price, it’s clear to see it’s the best bargain on the market!

BALL SPECS

Pin Length: 3 1/2"

Starting Top Weight: 3 oz.

Ball Weight: 15lbs.


DRILL PATTERN

Pin to PAP: 5 3/8"

CG to PAP: 3 1/4"

Pin Buffer: 3"


BOWLER STYLE

Rev Rate: 430rpm

Ball Speed: 16mph

PAP/Track: 4 1/2" x 1/2" up


SURFACE PREP

Grit: 3000

Type: (Matte, Polish, Sanded): Box Finish


LANE CONDITION

Length: 42'

Volume: Med/Heavy

Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): Various


BALL REACTION

Just when we thought the incredible HP3 line couldn't get any better....Roto Grip dropped this bomb on us just in time for the holidays! The new Critical not only adds a Hybrid option to the line but also an asymmetric core that is truly the definition of "continuous". I'll be honest, I thought that my eyes (or the colors) were playing tricks on me when I first threw this ball because it revved up so well in the mids but didn't check up and quit. The shape is truly unique in the sense that the Triliptic Core gets into motion so soon but doesn't compromise the balls energy or skid. The 67MH hybrid cover glides effortlessly through the heads and handles surface changes quite well. I've tried 2000, 3000, and 4000 grit finishes and have found that (as expected) the ball can definitely handle higher volumes with a little rougher surface. I think that is the biggest upgrade from the famed Critical Theory. For tournament bowlers, this ball should be a benchmark staple for 38-43' patterns alongside the Haywire. For league play, this ball will allow players to be left of the track on these 10:1 or higher house shots while maintaining superb read in the oil which translates to continuation and a smooth consistent flip downlane. #OwnIt   

LANE CONDITION

Length: Various Medium and Long

Volume: Medium and Heavy

Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): Various patterns


The newest release by RotoGrip into their HP3 line up is the Critical.  The weight block is the Triliptic weight block that was used on the Critical Theory…  Again using proven weight block wrapped around by strong Hybrid cover stocks will lead to higher scores!  The coverstock used by the Critical is the 67MH Hybrid Reactive. The Critical is the first asymmetrical bowling ball in the HP3 line.  The layout that I used for the Critical is Pin over the fingers with the mass bias roughly 2 inches from center line with no hole or 60 X 5.5 X 45 for the dual angle people.  My coordinates are 5 5/8 over and ¾ up for my PAP, Ball speed is medium, Rev Rate around 300 and I am right handed.

I threw the Critical on various conditions along with the unhinged and the Haywire.  The Critical fits in between the 2 other bowling balls in the HP3 line perfectly.  The Critical starts up quicker than the unhinged and is more continuous.  The Critical gets down the lane farther than the Haywire and is stronger on the backend.  On the longer patterns the Haywire was in play until the fronts started to dry up and if you switched to the unhinged it would not have enough in the mid lane to make the turn.  The Critical will be able to read the mid lane and make the turn.  The real difference occurs when you bowl on medium patterns the Critical is in its element…  Gives you enough length mixed with enough power to throw some pins around!  Another thing that I noticed is how it blended out the over under that occurs when the lane is transitioning especially front to back.  I did not throw the Critical on any of the shorter or dryer patterns.  From experience the unhinged would be the bowling ball of choice because of the pearlized coverstock.  The Critical is more suited to the heavier medium length patterns or a heavier house pattern condition.  The price point on the Critical is in the HP3 line with HP4 technology… This is a bargain for the customer!


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PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS

Roto Grip Critical Ball Review by PJ Haggerty

The Critical is the newest addition to the HP3 line and fits perfectly underneath the bigger cored, assymetrical balls, but stronger than the HP4 line.  If you drilled a Haywire, the Critical is quite a bit different.  My personal opinion is the Haywire is significantly stronger.

I’ve drilled one Critical so far and have used it mostly as a benchmark piece.  I drilled my middle finger through the pin, with a slight shift and a hole two inches under my axis.  I didn’t adjust the surface out of the box, but with some lane shine, it has a decent shine to it creating more length, but still a relatively slow response time.  The Critical is a nice step down from your Eternal Cell, Hyper Cell Skid, and Haywire for the transition periods of tournaments.

I could see using the Critical on medium and shorter patterns.  As mentioned before, the response time is on the slower side, and if you were to add some surface to the Critical, I think this would create an even smoother shape.  All in all, a very versatile ball that players will be able to use on several different patterns.

#OwnIt

Weight:  14 lbs.
Pin Length:  2.5”
Drilling:  30 X 3 X 20
Pattern Length: 39 ft.
Pattern Volume:  Medium
Pattern Type:  House
Right Handed

The CRITICAL has the Triliptic Core surrounded by a hybrid reactive  67MH coverstock, with a 6” flare potential, and an asymmetrical core.  This ball comes out of the box at 3000-grit.  The cover can be changed by sanding to a lower grit, or polishing, to suit a variety of lane conditions.

The CRITICAL is the newest release in Roto Grips popular HP3 line, which included the popular Disturbed, Hysteria, and Haywire.

I have used the CRITICAL on our local house patterns. 

I’ve used the CRITICAL at the box 3000 grit finish, 1000 grit finish, and 4000 grit, polished, and found it to be much stronger reacting than I’d expected.  It reacted for me, more like a high performance ball, but in the mid performance price range.  I found it to be very even rolling and arcing, and continuous through the pins.  At box finish, it was a good starting ball for me.  It got through the heads, and had a strong, even finish.  With the 4000 grit polished, I was able to go to the CRITICAL later in the set, with more length, and snap on the back end.  At 1000 grit finish, it started up earlier, and would be great on a little heavier oil pattern.   If you were a fan of the Critical Theory, you will be a fan of the CRITICAL. 


Carol Teel
Roto Grip Amateur Staff Member

The Critical has become my benchmark ball.  I have been able to use it on any pattern longer than 38 feet.  The Critical has worked best on sport/challenge patterns that are medium in length. 
Compared to my Crux, the Critical is earlier and smoother.  When the Crux is too angular, I can use the Critical to smooth out the pattern. 
What impressed me the most was the Critical never lost hitting power as I moved left.  It always seemed to pick up in the right spot.  I am very impressed with the Critical and highly recommend one for any bowler looking for a benchmark ball.

Christina Hardee Critical Review




I have lots of love for this ball. For me it has its very own unique shape. I'm a pretty big fan of the shape of most asymmetrical equipment. Smoother motions and less angle allows me to keep my feet right a little longer and up the right is a stronger point in my game.

The Critical is everything I would hope for in a asymmetrical mid performance ball. It keeps the over all smoother shape of the HP equipment but is cleaner and just slightly more angular. So when the big HP stuff starts working to hard and leaving me 10pins this is my next go to ball.

Or this is a good option in centers with a med/heavy oil pattern. Where a hp might be just a little to strong the Critical would fit right in.




Plus on top of great performance the colors on this ball are fun and very neat looking.




Overall this is a winner in my book. Awesome performance, great looks and mid range pricing make this one a big bang for your bargain