Ball NPS Score: 100.00
- Color: Cherry Red/Royal Blue
- Core: Helios II Core (14 – 16lb) Modified Helios II core (12 – 13lb)
- Finish: 2000 Polished
- RG Differential: 0.042 (Medium Flare) on a scale of .000-.080 Low Flare-High Flare
- RG Average: 2.53 (Med-Low) on a scale of 2.43-2.80 Very Low-High Break Point
- Recommended Lane Condition: Medium to Light Oil
- A few tiny pit holes in the cover stock of the ball are normal
- Description: Roto Grip''''s newest addition to the Swordâ„¢ Line is the all new Grand Illusionâ„¢. Once again we''''ve created a ball that is a perfect fit within our product line. This medium RG and differential bowling ball falls right between the ever popular Cellâ„¢ and the always consistent Illusionâ„¢. The combination of the Ultimate Visionâ„¢ solid reactive and the Helios IIâ„¢ core delivers added length and strong mid-lane reaction on these medium to lighter volume patterns. The Grand Illusionâ„¢ is extremely versatile, so don''''t deceive your scores by leaving home with out it!

Pin 4.25" low 40 degree drilling angle low hole on val

***I have not yet made any surface changes to the ball***

I have bowled in 2 PBAX leagues this summer.

I was able to use it on all patterns except Shark.  I could have on Shark if I had worked the cover.

On Scorpion is was the perfect compliment to my Cell when the lanes started to break down.

On Chameleon it allowed me to play squarer than my Cell but will all of the back end I wanted

Cheetah - I was impressed with the continuation and control it gave me.  I was initially worried that the ball might be a bit too strong for the pattern but I was pleased it never gave out at the pin deck.

Viper - It allowed me to attack the lane with no worries.

On THS it was a bit too strong so I have drilled up a second one pin 5.25" high with a 25 degree drill angle.  League starts next week so we shall see how it goes.

To answer some earlier questions:

Is it the step down from the Cell that people are looking for?

Yep!!

Is it too close to the Pluto in reaction?

Nope it has a totally different hook shape and pin deck reaction than the Pluto.  For those of you that remember the Black Silver Streak, I would say this reaction is close to that ball but with a bit more aggressiveness from midlane to pindeck.

I love the colors and after I do some cover tweaks I will let you know how it reacts.

It is a bonifide winner.  Easy length strong reaction great hit!
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Mike Sinek
Roto Grip Amateur Staff
Kingdom member for life

Layout:  5 x 3 1/2
         3 1/2" buffer (puts the pin just under my middle)
         no hole
         surface changed to 2000 w/o polish

When I laid this ball out I was looking for something to fit in between my Cell and my Illusions.  What a great compliment this ball is!  Much cleaner than my Cell and reads the mids better than my Illusions.  I had been keeping a Illusion at 500 abralon to fill this gap and the Grand Illusion fills it so much better. I have drilled a few of these for other people now and it seems like a ball that can fit somewhere in almost anyones game. Definitely one of the best balls I have seen in a long time.

Jimmy Martin
Roto-Grip Amateur Staff

First impression on the looks of the ball is impressive


Layout- 5 x 3  pin buffer 3"

For me the ball is cleaner through the heads and a very strong arc.  The ball fits in very nice between the Cell and the Illusion.

I love it because I can get tighter angles without fear of over reaction.

Great job Roto Grip!



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James McCarter
Co-Owner/Operator
The Bowlers Solution INC
Roto Grip Amateur Staff

I drilled my Grand Illusion with 50 x 4" x 70, which puts the pin just below my ring finger, with a small hole down on the VAL. I have 2 Cells, one with a 50 x 5" x 40 drilling, and the other with a 50 x 5" x 70 drilling. The grand Illusion fits in between the 2 Cells. I am very impressed with this ball so far. I needed something a little stronger off the spot than my Cells, and this ball is just that.

The Grand Illusion works well in medium to medium heavy oil. I haven't changed the surface and don't think I will.

A great compliment to the Cell and the Illusion. I can't wait to see what Hank has coming next.
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Rob Haverstock
 Roto Grip Pro Shop Staff

Got a few days of practice in with my new Grand Illusion, and I'll tell you what I've seen thus far.  Had it drilled rico, and this is my first ball using this layout, so I was very interested to see what all the talk is about.  The ball gets fantastic length, and makes a real nice powerful arc to the pocket.  Not a snap by any means, but juat a hard, controllable arc.  Not sure if this is more due to the layout, or the ball, but it's a great thing to see on the lanes.  I got this out on the lanes at the same time as my new Momentum Swing, and they are a great compliment to one another.  I know Roto Grip says the Grand Illusion fits perfectly in an arsenal under the Cell, and I couldn't disagree with that either.  No overlap whatsoever, but just when the Cell is getting to the point where it's too much ball to use, the Grand Illusion should fit just right.  I've only used this ball on a house pattern, and a very dry house pattern, on the very dry shot, I had to use almost excessive speed to keep it in play, but on the THS, it was a monster.  Roto Grip is a great company to look at right now, because while they don't have a lot of equipment currently on the market right now, what they do have compliments each other very nicely.

this ball is predictable.  although classified as a solid reactive, it glides through the heads as clean as some pearls.  the grand illusion can cross a lot of boards as you jump into it, but it is fairly smooth in transition making for easy lane adjustments.
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Herb Walsh - Colorado Springs - Valley Bowl
Roto Grip Staff

I drilled a Grand Illusion this week and I really like it thus far. I kept the ball in the polished box finish.  With this finish the ball will clear the heads easily, pick up in the late mid lane, and make a sharp move on the backend. The polished, solid reactive coverstock creates a reaction that I can best describe as a solid reactive front with a pearl reactive backend which creates a unique angle and look that will allow you to really open up the lane. I found that I have had my best looks keeping my hand under the ball as any considerable side rotation will make the ball duck hook on the backend and leave some interesting designs. The ball has enough natural, built-in backend that you do not have to do anything to help it finish. In comparison with the great Roto Grip Cell, the Grand Illusion will go about 3-4 feet longer through the heads but will backend about 4-5 more boards. When the Cell burns up a bit too soon and doesn’t have a lot left for the back or is just simply too much ball, then pick up the Grand Illusion. When the Grand Illusion goes too long and won’t pick up on the back or if you run into a longer, heavier volume pattern you can then pick up the Cell. The two balls do have a very similar violent hitting power that throws pins around aggressively. As their ad says, Roto Grip has definitely produced a great 1-2 punch in their product line with the Cell and Grand Illusion that compliment each other perfectly. Once again, if you are looking for a ball that will go easily through the fronts, picks up in the late mid lane, comes back hard for great mix and carry, and is a great compliment to the Cell, then pick up the Grand Illusion.