Ball NPS Score: 100.00
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The Roto Grip Idol Pearl uses the Ikon core that changed the perception of the HP3 line for Roto Grip. This core has a low RG symmetrical shape with high differential that generates flare as well as awesome motion down the lane and on through the pin deck. The Idol Pearl introduces the xTrax-P18 Pearl Reactive coverstock which was designed to compliment the original Idol bowling ball. This cover is finished with a 1500 grit pad and then polished. This ball can handle most any lane condition but is best used on medium to medium/heavy oil. *There will be some variance in color due to the Nano material. This is due to "phasing". Some of the balls with phasing have a white color in them and some may appear to have water spots.

Color: Royal / Amethyst
All colors do vary somewhat from the picture shown
Core: Ikon Symmetrical (14#-16#)
Coverstock: eTrax-P18
Finish: 1500-grit Polished
RG: 2.49 (for 15# ball)
Differential: 0.052 (for 15# ball)
Recommended Lane Condition: Medium to Medium/Heavy Oil

My specs are 16.5 mph ball speed with about 285-315 RPM rev rate. New axis pts are 4 1/2 > 1/2 ^. I need my tilt and rotation checked but it used to be around 15* tilt with 35* rotation. Tweener with softer speed is my style.

I drilled my IDOL PEARL up  75/4.5/25. This put the pin about 2" above my ring finger and just slightly right of it. I went ahead and left the surface box finish to see where it fit in my arsenal before I make adjustments with it.

I got a chance to put it in play on a house pattern at my drillers center with a couple of other balls that I had with me. The IDOL PEARL got online very easily without forcing it and had a strong arcing reaction. The fresh shine made it whippy off the spot when I forced it wide, but after a few more shots on the lane it blended out easier.

I put it up against my PHYSIX and my SONIC. The IDOL PEARL is about 4 and 2 stronger than my SONIC that I have taken down using 1500/3000 abralon. It was also about 5 and 2 weaker than my PHYSIX that has some lane shine on it but still moves pretty good off the spot on defined friction like this house pattern.

I can see the IDOL PEARL being a ball that with a slight removal of the factory shine should put it right in between the HYROAD X and original IDOL. The low RG will get it to rev up slightly earlier along with the Nano cover to help.

The Idol Pearl is Roto’s newest release in the HP3 line, featuring the same Ikon core as the Idol, BUT with the Pearl version of the Hyper Cell Fused coverstock.  Because of this, I find that the Idol Pearl actually shares more in common with the Fused than the Idol.  Like the Fused, it’s very very clean through the fronts, and sharp and readable on the backend, but with a bit straighter motion rather than a continuous one.  With it lacking the asym torque, it’s not quite as early or firm downlane, but it’s a ball that you can control every part of the motion with, it responds incredibly well to speed, rev, and hand position changes and will do exactly what you want it to.  Personally, I’m very disappointed in the fact that it’s not the pearl version of the Idol cover, I was excited for a truer compliment, but for me they’re so different that I feel the Marvel Pearl is a closer reaction to the original than the Idol Pearl is. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xyRgMkceIg8

The ultra popular Roto Grip was the strongest symmetrical ball that I have ever thrown, in fact I have 2 of them because they are so versatile. Everyone always asked when the pearl version was coming out, well wait no more. I drilled my 5 x 5 x 3,  This ball is much cleaner than the original Idol and so much stronger on the back end. The Idol Pearl is about 4-2 weaker than the Idol, it actually fits just after the Hyper Cell Fused making this a very helpful 3 ball arsenal!

LANE CONDITION

Length: Medium

Volume: Medium

Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): THS

The Idol Pearl is the perfect complement to the Idol in RotoGrip’s HP3 line of bowling balls.  The Idol Pearl boasts the eTrax-P18 Pearl coverstock that generates tremendous backend force.  While the Ikon weight block with its Low RG (2.49) will keep the length under control.  The combination of the two is pure poetry in motion…  Dynamic mid lane control with devastating power through the pins on the backend!  The Idol Pearl fits in when the Idol is just too much too early.  From throwing both bowling balls and also the IQ Tour and Winner on a house pattern.  There was noticeable differences between all four bowling balls.  The IQ Tour was the most readable and controlled.  The Idol was stronger and more aggressive.  The Winner was the weakest bowling ball in the bunch.  No surprise so far.  The Idol Pearl actually give me the best look on the medium to dry house pattern.  I have a relative low rev rate (300), medium ball speed (15-16mph) and I like to get as close to the friction as possible.  So the Idol and IQ Tour was forcing me left because of the early roll and my angles got steep.  The overall motion of the IQ Tour and Idol were just too smooth from losing energy too early. The Winner had too much over under because of the RG value being higher… Skid snap reaction is not really good on fresh!  The Idol Pearl was the happy medium.  The Idol Pearl was not too erratic when I got it to the dry too early and was strong enough when I missed left into the juice.  I was pleasantly surprised by the overall performance of the Idol Pearl from start to finish.  The carry down and heads vanishing was not a problem for the Idol Pearl.  You cannot go wrong with HP3 line of bowling balls from the early rolling Idol to the backend monster of the Idol Pearl.  RotoGrip has you covered!


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PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS

When i drilled the Idol it was a quick favorite in my bag. So when i heard about the Idol Pearl i was really excited to see what this ball would do. I went with a 4.5 x 35 layout and this ball doesn't disappoint you! I was missing a strong pearl in my bag in the mid range stuff since i stopped using my dare devil. The Idol pearl is a great replacement for that ball. For a pearl it's reads the mid lane very well and off the spot this ball pops hard. If you're looking for a pearl to add in your line up this is a great choice!

LANE CONDITION

Length:

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Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):


COMMENTS

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Roto Grip Idol Pearl Ball Review by PJ Haggerty

The newest addition to the Roto Grip HP3 line is the Idol Pearl.  I am a big fan of the solid version of the Idol and the pearl is just as good.  I think the Idol Pearl compliments the solid version perfectly.  Also, this is the strongest pearl ball I’ve ever thrown.  This is a ball I will be able to throw on several different patterns and have a ton of confidence in as I pull it out of the bag.

I’ve drilled one so far and used one of my standard layouts.   It’s mapped out as 5 x 4.5 and I took the surface to 3000 by hand.  This puts the pin above my bridge and is a cleaner, more angular version of the original Idol.  I’ve been able to use the Idol Pearl on multiple patterns, but they must have volume.  Because the Idol Pearl is the strongest pearl I’ve thrown, it’s been a perfect step down from the Idol, but still stronger than the Winner Solid and Match-Up line. 

The Idol Pearl also fits nicely underneath the asymmetric balls, especially if they run out of gas and you need a quicker response time.  If you need a ball that changes direction quicker than your bigger cored, asymmetrical balls, the Idol Pearl is a perfect fit.

Go drill one!  #SquadRG