The Halo has been added to the HP4 line of bowling balls from Roto Grip. Halo uses the same solid MicroTrax S-18 cover as was used on the Idol. The Halo comes from the factory with a 2000 grit abralon finish, which is well suited for medium-heavy to heavy volume lane conditions, depending on the particular bowlers rev rate and ball speed. The Halo has a new weight block called Centrum core. The numbers in 15lb Halo’s are 2.49 Rg, 0.050 Diff with a 0.018 PSA diff.
I used a lower Rg layout on my Halo (3 x 5.5 x 2). I am able to get my intended layout to match how I want my ball to perform on the lanes by using Storm’s VLS layout method. Please visit Storm’s youtube page, as they have done a great job at putting together 3 different videos explaining how each number works to affect ball motion, and when changing those variables, you get different reaction shapes on the lane and motion through the pins. Getting back to the Halo; I chose this layout as I wanted a ball that rolled more controllable off the spot (on higher volume, flatter conditions), without hooking too soon. Basically, when urethane just doesn't have enough read of the oil. Placing the pin at 3†keeps the weight block in a somewhat unstable position (3 ⅜†from PAP being most unstable) as I still wanted the ball to flare because of using on higher volumes of oil. Using the 5.5†PSA placement, makes for a longer transition or slower spin time to the preferred spin axis. This keeps the weight block from getting to the PSA too quickly. The 2†pin buffer placement, is a good inbetween placement, staying away from being too angular (shorter distance from VAL) or too even (longer distance from VAL). With this layout, the Halo has been very good for me in tournament conditions that are as I described above. The Halo doesn’t transition too soon and leave flat seven pins, nor is it too angular off the spot,which allows for a wider pocket when they are tough. Comparing the Halo to my No Rules (same layout but with an X hole), the Halo goes a little longer and has a smoother transition shape.
I like the Halo for its intended purpose. This isn’t a layout I would look to use very often on a house shot, unless it was a shorter length, higher volume pattern. Moving forward with the USBC’s new balance hole rule, it’s a very good idea to make sure to “measure twice, cut onceâ€, as it relates to the layout, because the pro shop operator won’t be able to mask a slightly missed drill, with a balance hole. Surface is the biggest factor in how fast the ball slows down, but layout will dictate the shape the ball makes through the pins for each different bowler. Thank you for taking the time to read my review of the Roto Grip Halo. Own IT!
