BAll drilled for length and backend by the drilling chart - 5 inches to the PAP with the CG in the strong position to be diverse with my style on medium to dry lanes.
This ball was to replace my Mercury which was a very good dry to medium lane condition ball but had an older drilling and never felt right and was kind of beat up over time and didn't want to spend money to fix it. So got the Mars, which is quite a bizarre reacting ball - in some ways has some similarities to the Mercury but in some ways does not. This hybrid ball wants to roll like a solid down the lane yet gets through the heads very easily and has a skid smooth snap but even though I was comparing it to my Mercury which is somewhat drilled similar but the Mars reved up on the heads better, reacted sooner and had a bigger snap and more backend.

This may not be a true dry lane ball but in my opinion neither was the Mercury but loved it on dry lanes where I was forced to play deep inside lines without changing to weaker hand positions this ball is similar in that way. Amazingly what I didn't like about the Mercury was at times that ball hit soft at times, the Mars seems to hit harder and could scatter pins around better on lighter hits. Another fine ball by Roto-Grip and must say that that I ever care what a ball looks like but the shelf appeal is terrific and cool logo including the larger modified Roro-Grip logo.

Drilling  Rico, pin in the palm with CG at 45 deg angle.

This ball is very smooth throughout.  Easy through the heads, good read through the mids, and does not jump when it hits dry.  The pin action is good.  I have had very good luck with the entry level Roto Grip balls, and this ball is no different.  Great addition with the hybrid coverstock.  


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Chris Slagter
Roto Grip Amatuer Staff

My bowling stats:
PAP: 5.75” Over .25” Up
Average Speed: 18.5 MPH
RPM’s: 400+
Ball(s) Stats:

“Early” Mars
Drilled out: “4x4
Weight Hole: On VAL Drilled on a line through CG
Personal Favorite Surface Condition: OOB

“Semi-Label Drilled” Mars
Pin Location: 5.5" from PAP Directly above Ring Finger
CG Located in Grip Center
Weight Hole: N/A
Personal Favorite Surface Condition: OOB

Review:
Conditions I Would Consider Using The Ball On:
Light Oil
Short Oil
Beat Up/Chewed Up Lanes (Wood or Synthetic)

The Mars is probably one of the weakest balls that Roto-Grip has come out with since the Mercury (although the Mars is slightly stronger). I found that the Mars is definitely allergic to oil, but knows hows to read friction down the lane with a vengeance. The Mars has allowed me to play parts of the lane that I otherwise would not have been able to when they are severely broken down.

“Early” Mars

I labeled this ball with the term “Early” because that is what it is compared to my other Mars. This particular ball is very smooth and does not know how to read early hook. I found this ball to play “Top Hat” type house shots very well near the oil line. I have no fear of missing a board or two right and having it over react and jerking too hard on the back end. However, if I manage to miss a board or two left on a “Top Hat” house shot, I hope I missed enough left to go high flush and kick out the 10. On a broken down sports/PBA shot, this ball does really well navigating the broken down pattern.

“Semi-Label Drilled” Mars
This ball rolls just like the “Early” Mars does, except it takes another 3-5 games for it to shine. This ball is very straight though the heads (and even part way into the midlane!), with a mild arc in the backend. This is one of the best control balls for dry lanes I have ever thrown.

 If you are a player that is not comfortable moving left and out of your comfort zone, I would not hesitate drilling 2 Mars for you like these for late blocks in a tournament.

Conditions that I would not consider using these balls on:

Any heavy or long pattern.

Roto-Grip Balls Up or Down:
Ball Up In Reaction: Neptune
Ball Down In Reaction: Mercury

Thank you for your time in reading this review. I hope that you have found it to be helpful. If you have any questions please feel free to PM me and I will try to help you as much as I can.
Thanks!

Mat Henning
Roto-Grip Staffer
Champions Bowling Services
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Mat Henning
Roto-Grip Staffer
Turbo 2·N·1 Staffer
Owner/Operator of
Champions Bowling Services

I laid out my Mars pin high  4 1/4 “ to pap cg 4” to pap with an extra hole on my VAL at midline. I bowl on a THS that is blatantly wet dry but carry also is an issue.

I was surprised at how smooth this ball is. Even though I have it drilled strong I do not have to worry about it jumping too hard off of the spot and I do not have to throw it to get it down the lane.

Recovery is great and the continuation through the pins is awesome. I am surprised how well this entry performance ball works.  

It is very versatile I have seen Mars used on the shorter PBAX patterns with great success.

In the shop the shelf appeal has novice bowlers commenting on how they like the colors.

A great benchmark ball for all styles of bowler.

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Mike Sinek
Roto Grip Staff Manager
Kingdom member for life

15lbs ball, 3" pin kicked out from the ring finger about 2"

First thing I have to say is WOW!  I love this ball.  I throw the ball with mid to high revs, 16mph, and with mid track line on my ball.

This ball is so smooth and very predictable.  I've always had a problem of balls over reacting on me, but this one is perfect.  It gives me length and a very nice smoooooth reaction.  It is also very versitile.  I can use it on a number of shots.  The only thing it didn't like was shark on my pbax league.  But other than that, it is awesome.  I have shot a couple 700 series and even shot my first 300 with this ball.  I think what I like about it the most is that I can really let the ball work and not have to worry about having to muscle it through shots.  Just let it go and let it work its magic.  Not to mention it's pretty too.  Nice color pattern.

Overall - I love it.  It is now my go to ball whenever I run into trouble.  Thanks Roto-Grip!!
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Representing VICE

G-Money Drake

Desert Strike Lanes
Ft Bliss, TX

RH
Rev Rate 450-475
Speed 16.5 by qubica

Ball 3-3.5 pin, 2.5 top weight
Drill 6x4 or there abouts and almost stacked
Cover OOB
Lane Brunswick Gaurdian fresh ths but light and short

Much stronger than anticipated. Really extremely good length but my goodness is the backend angular. Wasn't expecting that from the .018 diff. but ok I'll take it. Going to try another house on Monday and see if plays there. If not I'm going to take and scuff it with a grey or white scotch brite to make it a little sooner and smoother and try again.

I got this ball for burnt up shorter patterns. The first time I threw it I knew I made a great choice.

Midnighter (BKY)
Visionary Bowling