The Idol continues with the Roto Grip Idol Helios! This ball uses the same low RG symmetric Ikon core as the previous Idol balls but introduces the XtremeTrax coverstock. The Roto Grip R&D team used a lot of chemistry to create the XtremeTrax Solid Reactive Coverstock that surrounds this ball. The core and cover combination found on the Idol Helios digs into heavy oil while also creating more angle as well as shape down lane.

Color: Radiant Orange
All colors do vary somewhat from the picture shown
Core: Ikon Symmetrical (14#-16#)
Coverstock: XtremeTrax Solid Reactive
Finish: 2000-grit Abralon
RG: 2.49 (for 15# ball)
Differential: 0.052 (for 15# ball)
Recommended Lane Condition: Medium/Heavy-Heavy
Hook Potential: Medium to High
Length: Middle

Roto Grip Idol Helios Ball Review by PJ Haggerty

A legendary line from Roto Grip over the years has been the Idol line.  The latest release is the Idol Helios and wow, it’s impressive.  When we received word another addition to the Idol series was being announced, I was excited and curious what the masterminds at Roto Grip were putting together.  The core remains the same (Ikon) but a new coverstock known as XtremeTrax with chemically charged nano particles to create a faster response time compared to the original Idol.

You’ll notice how bright the Helios is with a bright orange color that really stands out as you glance across a bowling center.  With an RG of 2.49 and differential of .052, I see the Helios as a great benchmark ball that can be used on multiple patterns.  I’ve drilled two so far and think both roll great.  The one I’ve used the most is mapped out as 4 x 4 with a surface of 4000 and water.  The surface looks shiny but because the RG is low, the Helios never misses the spot.  Also, I’ve had times where I’ve scratched the surface to make it read earlier, and it rolls great.  I believe this is a ball that can be used on all types of patterns too.  I'd recommend putting it in your bag for tournament and league play as the ball feels that versatile.

Overall, I think the Roto Grip Helios is a perfect addition to the line to compliment such balls as the UFO Alert, Rubicon UC3, and RST X-2.  Go drill one!

Roto Grip Idol Helios
Layout: 50 x 4 3/4” x 35

I, along with most of the bowling world, was very disappointed when the original Idol was discontinued. That ball had the unique duality of being a strong solid and also being able to use it long after you would think you would have had to put it away. Luckily, the Helios brings back those same qualities. Even with the coverstock on this ball being an updated version of the one that was on the pink Idol, it is still fairly clean through the fronts with a ton of midlane roll. After the ball lane shines (about 15 games in), I was then able to move left when the lanes dried out a bit, and have it retain enough energy to come around the corner. It is a medium-heavy oil monster that is versatile enough to cover the adjacent lane conditions as well.

Mike LeViner

Zach Shoff
900 Global Staff Member
BowlerMAXX Pro Shop Staff Member
Right-Handed Rev Rate: 350
Speed: 15mph
PAP: 4 Over & 3/4 Up
The Idol Helios builds off the reputation of the original Idol. With a newly designed coverstock this ball reacts very aggressively when it hits friction yet still has great continuation and predictability. This ball is a must have on heavy oil patterns and will become a permanent ball in your bag for a while.

The new Idol Helios features the successful Ikon core and the Xtreme Trax solid reactive coverstock.  It comes finished at 2000 grit abralon.  At 15 pounds the RG is 2.49 and the differential is .052.  The original Idol is one of my all-time favorite balls, so I was really looking forward to throwing the new Helios.  For me, the reaction of the Helios compared to the original is a little sooner and little more on the backend.  The Helios gets into an early roll and really reads the pattern.  However, it is nowhere near being done.  It has a stronger backend reaction than the original.  Overall, I would put the Helios at 2 to 3 boards more total hook than the original Idol.  This ball is a must have for the tournament bowler as it is very strong and predictable on flatter patterns.

The Idol Helios is the new and improved Idol. With the same Ikon Core and an updated, stronger coverstock, this Idol can handle more oil and overall is much stronger than the magenta Idol. This is the earliest symmetric ball in my bag. When my big asym pieces get to be too much but there's still a lot of oil on the lane, the Helios is the ball i'm going to reach for because i can count on it to pick up and i know i'm going to see that reliable Idol shape.

-Chase Valenzuela

Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):

THS, Sport




Solid symmetrical balls have always been my bread and butter and the Idol Helios is no different for me. I never had the original Idol but from what videos I have seen and others throwing it, it seems the Helios reads sooner and reacts to friction better. I was able to control the lane really well on both a short and longer pattern. That is what I am always looking for in a ball when going to tournaments, it is very versatile. The solid colored balls have never been my favorite to look at but after seeing all the honor scores and a 900 being thrown with it I just had to have it. It did not disappoint. I put it right up there with my Phaze 2 as far as being the first ball out of my bag to best understand what the lanes are doing. If you are looking for a new “benchmark ball” to add to your bag, I would say look no further.

Idol Helios • High performance • HP3
Coverstock •XtremeTrax Solid Reactive• Finish 200 Grit Abralon
Core Name • Ikon Core • Core Type Symmetric
Weight • 15 lbs. •RG 2.49 • Differential .052
Layout • Pin up = 70x4x20 Pin Down 80 x 5 x 80
Tester PAP • 4 ½ R, 3/8 D Tester Axis Tilt • 12° Testers Rev Rate • 325
Test Pattern • 42' THS (Typical House Shot) • Modified, Kegel Stone Street

The arrival of the Idol Helios marks another success in the Idol line for Roto Grip. Built on the trusted Ikon Core wrapped with the all-new XtremeTrax Solid coverstock, the Idol Helios will quickly become the "go-to" ball you can count on! So, let's take a look at what makes the Idol Helios so impressive!

The Ikon core is a proven well-balanced, symmetric core that brings consistency and predictability you can trust in many situations. Whether drilled pin up or pin down, I found the Ikon core to rev smoothly in the early-mid lane while still producing a strong continuation down the lane and through the pins. 

I found the Ikon core provided a strong benchmark look I could trust in the pin-down drilling. It gave me total confidence in reading the lane conditions quickly and accurately. It also eliminated that frame or two of guesswork that can cost you a game! In the pin-up version, I found the Ikon core to be a bit stronger in the mid-lane. And further, I enjoyed the angular motion the pin-up drilling provided, especially as it uncoiled its tenacious energy through the pins! Whether drilled pin up or pin down, the Ikon core is the heart of the Idol Helios, and it is a proven workhorse that delivers results you can trust!

The all-new XtremeTrax solid coverstock delivers performance from the moment you lay the Idol Helios down on the lane. The XtremeTrax solid clears the heads smoothly and reads effortlessly in the mid-lane in medium-heavy oil on a fresh THS. I liked how the XtremeTrax solid doesn't overreact or "bite" too hard when your speed is a bit slower or you miss right and find friction early. Further, I liked having a smooth, clean roll down the second arrow on a fresh THS. Then, as the night progressed, I enjoyed the cover's ability to blend the wet/dry conditions as I could easily open the lane with confidence. It's always fun when a straighter player can open the lane and not worry if he has enough "hand" to get to the pocket!

In conclusion, the Idol Helios is simply a great "go-to" benchmark ball! The pin-up drilling will suit your game well and provide you with many nights of predictability and success for the THS once-a-week bowler. However, for the more advanced THS/modified and challenge pattern players, you will find the pin-down drilling of the Idol Helios to be your choice to start the night. Then, it will easily dictate where to go from there. Whether you ball up, ball down, or stay where you are, the Idol Helios from Roto Grip belongs in nearly everyone's arsenal. So, see your local pro shop owner today and see where Idol Helios fits in your bag. You will be glad you did!

Rick Klimowicz
Storm Products Pro Shop Staff
Roll the Ball Pro shop
Penndel, PA