Likes: Predictability, pin carry, ball motion
Dislikes: None
Where do I start than other to say this has to be one of the best heavy oil balls that I have had a chance to throw. Stats: 19-22mph, 380-420 revs, low track. Bought with a 3" pin to CG distance, I used a pin down, 3-1/2 x 5 x 3 layout to accomodate my speed and also give me flexibility on a wider amount of conditions. I also wanted to have the ball pick up the midlane earlier. This layout was the jackpot for me.
In the house I bowl at, we use a heavy 43' house shot and typically have clean backends. Using my A game of playing outside, this ball is a perfect match. If I threw a little too far out, the cover is strong enough to make the turn and come back. If I pulled a shot, the ball is forgiving and held in the oil without overreacting. I was absolutely locked in and was not missing the pocket. Carry is excellent where pins stay low and had virtually no deflection.
When I moved inside, I found that the Defiant is just as predictable. Slowing my speed down a little bit, I found that the Defiant worked equally great. If I went slightly wide, the ball still made the turn and could hit the swish zone without any issue. If I cut my swing short, the ball would hold without overreacting. Again, I found the carry to be excellent and virtually no deflection.
Now, this ball does need oil. Once the lanes transition and the Defiant hits the dry, it will definitely hook a ton. No questions asked on that. With the transition, be prepared to move deep, or go down to something weaker if you want to keep a similar line.
Compared to my Virtual Gravity Nano, I found the Defiant to be as strong or slightly stronger. The 3000 grit MicroBite cover and Paragon core are a great match, and fit my game better. The Nano with its 4000 grit NRG cover is good, but was hit or miss at box finish. Sanding the Nano to 2000 grit and redrilling to the same layout I used on the Defiant helped me be more successful.
I also like the predictability this ball offers. While the Nano tends to go a little longer and be more angular in the back, the Defiant will pick up the mids a little earlier and give a consistent hard arcing layout. I also found that it stores energy better. It reminds me a lot of the original Cell, but stronger.
This ball has to be one of the best that Roto Grip has ever produced. The cover/core are a perfect match for each other. It fits a wide variety of styles and is versatile with surface changes and layouts.
Bottom line- if you have a Nano but want something more predictable and forgiving, the Defiant is the answer. If you have never thrown Roto Grip before, and need a heavy oil ball, this ball should be on the short list for your arsenal. You will not be sorry that you bought one.
