Ball NPS Score: 100.00
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Roto Grip created the Halo bowling ball to dominate heavy oil conditions. This ball introduces the Centrum asymmetric super strong core and pairs it with the proven and strong MicroTrax-S18 coverstock. This pairing produces the same type of motion found with the Hyper Cell and No Rules but takes it up a level in strongness!

Color: Coal/Fuchsia/Sky Blue
Core: Centrum (14#-16#)
Coverstock: MicroTrax-S18 Solid
Finish: 2000-grit Pad
RG: 2.49 (for 15# ball)
Differential: 0.050 (for 15# ball)
Recommended Lane Condition: Medium/Heavy to Heavy
Hook Potential: High
Length: Middle

The Halo is exactly what you expect it to be, it’s the Idol cover with an asym core.  That gives it that predictable and consistent Nano feel for me, and puts it right between the No Rules and No Rules Exist in terms of just about everything.  It’s not as continuous as the Idol is, it’s earlier and a bit slower on the backend, but it’s a bit more muscle for when the Idol just doesn’t start up early enough.  For a full and detailed review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LEQsIXUzD4g&t=37s 

LANE CONDITION

Length: 40 Ft

Volume:Med-High

Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):THS


COMMENTS

Weightblock: Centrum
Cover: MicroTrax-S18 Solid
Finish: 2000
RG: 2.49
Differential: 0.050

Me:
Right-Handed Tweener
Speed: 12-13 mph
Rev Rate: 315
PAP: 4 7/8 Right 3/8 Up

Ball Layout: Pin Up and Right of Ring 30 X 4 3/4 X 20

Roto Grip has a new HP4 ball that's stronger than the previous balls in the line. The Halo has a very strong Assym core called the Centrum. They wrapped this new core in the Micro-trax S18 cover that was featured on the Idol. The result is a ball that will hook on the Highest Volumes and continue well through the pins.

The motion of the Halo is similar to the Storm Sure Lock except that it hooks much more downlane. Where you would normally use the Sure Lock on higher volumes and keep your angles in Front of you, the Halo allows you to open your angles up sooner, providing the same great midlane read but more continuation. Compared to the last HP4 solid the Roto Grip No Rules Exist I think they improves both mid-lane and backend hook giving you more power on high volumes of oil.

I first threw the Halo on a pretty beat up house pattern. I didn't figure I'd get much of a read because I was expecting the ball to roll out when i had to open up the angles and throw it right. I was very surprised to see the Halo come screaming across the backend and go through the pins. In fact I've found that to be typical of my Halo. I tend to like it the more I open up my angles. This is obviously very unique for a ball with as much cover as the Halo has. Now while I wouldn't choose the Halo on that particular condition because of how much effort it takes to fight it through the front of the lane I still find it remarkable that it doesn't stop down-lane with the amount of Mid-Lane read it has.

I had the opportunity to use it on a completely flat pattern in league. The patterns tend to play pretty tight on that particular surface and it was definitely nice to be able to touch the area further right of the pocket downlane on the fresh and be able to count on the ball making it back. My rev rate doesn't often let me overpower conditions like that, the Halo did the heavy lifting for me.

Once the word is out on balls like this, they tend to sell themselves. If you are in a shop get these in as many peoples hands as you can, when other bowlers see what this ball does, they are going to want one too.


PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS

Roto Grip Halo
Layout: 5” pin, w/ MB right of the thumb
Rev Rate: 300 rpm
Testing information: 41 foot THS (medium to light volume)
Bowling Center: Fulton Bowling Center
Kegel Machine – Brunswick Anvilane

The Roto Grip Halo sports the MicroTrax S-18 coverstock and Centrum Core (asymmetrical).  The cover and core combination work well together.  The Halo is a stronger version of the very popular Idol.  Time will tell if the Halo is as popular.  I am leaning towards it will be. 
We tested the Halo on our typical house shot after a manual cleaning of the lanes so it wasn’t ideal conditions to be testing such an aggressive ball.  However, the Halo performed well once we got deep enough with our feet to create some angle in the front part of the lane.  The Halo carried extremely well during testing.  We carried light hits, half-pocket hits, and flush hits.  This can’t be said for most balls that are not on their intended oil pattern conditions.  On a heavier oil pattern, you wouldn’t have to create this angle and the Halo would shine even more.  An example of this was at a recent PBA50 tournament that used a 42 foot higher oil volume pattern.  The Halo performed very well for other bowlers on the higher volume PBA50 pattern.
The Halo ended up being about 5 and 2 further left than the Idol during testing.  The Idol did have a little lane shine on it but had a 2000 grit base surface.  The Idol was also a little longer pin placement but the Halo is definitely stronger.  The Halo and Idol will be a great one-two punch to start a tournament.  If one ball isn’t working, the other one should.  The differences in cores should give options as the first balls out of your tournament bag. 
The Halo will be ideal for us lower rev players when we need a ball to hook on higher volume patterns.  Higher rev bowlers will have to use some longer pin distances.  Good luck and high scores to you with your Halo!
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#SquadRG 
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Roto Grip Halo Review by Brian Watson
The new addition to the Roto Grip HP line is the Halo. Solid coverstock with an Asymmetrica core. I drilled mine 4 x 6 x 2 pin up. I have from other staffers and bowlers that the Halo reminded them of the Storm Alpha Crux and a beefed up IDOL. I personally can see those motions in the Halo. The Halo is cleaner through the fronts than I expected with the solid coverstock. I compared the Halo to my Storm Lock and the Halo was at least 3-4 boards weaker for me. But for me the motion was very good midlane motion with a strong arcing motion at the breakpoint. The best thing I saw was how low it keeps the pins and the carry was very good. So if you like the IDOL and just need a little more ball strength the Halo is your ball. Brian Watson Storm Pro Shop Staff PAP - 3 5/8 up 1 1/4 Speed 16-17 Tilt - 17 RPM -400

This ball FLAT OUT HOOKS! After throwing the Roto Grip Idol earlier in the year, I thought to myself, wow, this ball hooks. Now a few months later, the new Halo from Roto Grip hooks even more. I drilled mine with a 5 x 5.5 x 1 layout putting the pin high above my fingers. I choose to go with this layout because I was worried about the super strong cover and core burning up too early. The Halo will easily give you 6 to 8 boards more than the Idol. This will easily make the Roto Grip Halo your first option on long patterns. If you are looking for a ball that loves oil, look no further than the new Halo from Roto Grip!

Roto Grip Halo Ball Review by PJ Haggerty

The newest addition to the HP4 line at Roto is the Halo.  At first look, I immediately thought it was a replacement of the Hyper Cell, and I think it’s a close replacement.  It’s a very strong, heavy rolling asymmetrical piece that multiple styles of players will love.  I’ve drilled two so far and they will be in my bag everywhere I go. 

The first one I drilled is mapped out as 4 x 4 x 70 with some lane shine as the surface.  I’ve only been able to use this one when there’s a bunch of oil on the lane and I have to keep my angles in front of me.  This will be the ball I used when we bowl on longer patterns or patterns where I really need a ball to read the front of the lane.

The second one is mapped out as 6 x 5.5 x 70.  This Halo is much more angular and stores a lot more energy than the first one I drilled.  I’ve used this one when patterns break down and I need a big ball to create some angle.  It gives me a very predictable, yet strong motion down lane that doesn’t miss the spot. 

If you’re missing a big, asymmetrical ball that can be used on multiple conditions, the Halo is your answer.

#SquadRG

COMMENTS

RH Bowler-55 years old
PAP 4" over, 1/8" down
Avg speed-15.8 mph
Rev rate-approx. 325

I've drilled two Halos.  The first one was to replace my No Rules Exist, so I used the same layout, 3" x 5" x 3".  This is my standard fresh layout.  The most notable traits of this ball were its cleanliness through the heads (even at 1000 abralon) and yet its ability to read the early midlane without suffering any burnup.  Despite the "rolly" layout and my lower rev rate, The Halo continued through the pins very well.  Overall, I'd have to say it is a little less total hook than the Exist, but heavier rolling and more continuous.  For me, it was mostly reminiscent of a slightly toned down Hyper Cell.

The second Halo was laid out 5" x 5" x 3".  Prior to drilling, I put it on the spinner on high speed and hit it with 3000 abralon (wet) for 3 minutes on each hemisphere and then with 4000 abralon (wet) for 5 minutes on each hemisphere.  This is the same surface I keep my IQ Tour at.  I was curious to see how this aggressive coverstock would take to being heavily smoothed but not polished.  The  results were impressive.  As expected, it was cleaner longer down the lane but didn't skate.  There was still some late midlane read and a strong, angular angle of entry.  This Halo provides a perfect companion for my Fused (5" x 4" x 3", 3000 abralon).  It provides a much more angular shape but they cover the same number of boards.

The Halo offers a very adjustable coverstock and a big, powerful core to compliment it.  I see this ball as being a very effective piece on longer, flatter patterns when drilled stronger or a house shot killer when drilled with a shorter pin to PAP.  Make sure to add one to your bag today.

Warren G Burr
PBA50
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