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Author Topic: Grand Illusion  (Read 19252 times)

admin

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Grand Illusion
« on: December 31, 1969, 06:00:00 PM »
- Color: Cherry Red/Royal Blue
- Core: Helios II Core (14 – 16lb) Modified Helios II core (12 – 13lb)
- Finish: 2000 Polished
- RG Differential: 0.042 (Medium Flare) on a scale of .000-.080 Low Flare-High Flare
- RG Average: 2.53 (Med-Low) on a scale of 2.43-2.80 Very Low-High Break Point
- Recommended Lane Condition: Medium to Light Oil
- A few tiny pit holes in the cover stock of the ball are normal
- Description: Roto Grip''''s newest addition to the Swordâ„¢ Line is the all new Grand Illusionâ„¢. Once again we''''ve created a ball that is a perfect fit within our product line. This medium RG and differential bowling ball falls right between the ever popular Cellâ„¢ and the always consistent Illusionâ„¢. The combination of the Ultimate Visionâ„¢ solid reactive and the Helios IIâ„¢ core delivers added length and strong mid-lane reaction on these medium to lighter volume patterns. The Grand Illusionâ„¢ is extremely versatile, so don''''t deceive your scores by leaving home with out it!
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partners30

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Re: Grand Illusion
« Reply #31 on: October 07, 2008, 07:47:28 PM »
I was excited to drill this ball after all the success I had with the original Illusion. Out of the box the pin was about three and a half inch's and had three ounces of top.  I kept the pin above my fingers and the cg is slightly kicked out.  I took the surface up to 2000 and polished it and I find that I get alot of length with great continuous move on the back end.  The hit and mix I get out of this ball is tremendous.  It is a great compliment to my Cell.  It is usually the second ball out of my bag because my cell is my bench mark, but I usually find myself switching to the grand illusion because The lanes hook a little more due to the typical league bowler using sanded equipment.  This ball is a must have for everyone because it is versatile and the cover can be changed very easily.  It is a great compliment the Cell and the Illusion.
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John Morvant
Lafayette, LA
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RGLull

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Re: Grand Illusion
« Reply #32 on: October 12, 2008, 04:42:15 PM »
This is the smoothest and most consistent rolling ball I have had in a long time.  It is very continueous throught the pins and keeps them low for better carry.
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Roto-Mat

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Re: Grand Illusion
« Reply #33 on: October 12, 2008, 10:47:44 PM »
My bowling stats:

PAP: 5.75” Over .25” Up
Average Speed: 18.5 MPH
RPM’s: 400+

Ball(s) Stats:

“Strong” Grand Illusion
Pin Location: 4” From PAP
Mass Bias Location: 60 Degrees
Weight Hole Location: Positive Thumb Quadrant
Personal Favorite Surface: Gray Scotch Brite

“Weaker” Grand Illusion
Pin Location: 5.5” From PAP (Above Bridge)
Weight Hole: None
Personal Favorite Surface Condition: Polished

Review:
Conditions I Would Consider Using The Ball On:
Medium Patterns
Medium Volumed Patterns
Clean To Slightly Carried Down Backends
Medium Volumed House Shots

The Grand Illusion is as close to a Mystic replacement that I think that I will find, and in some aspects even better as I see the Grand Illusion as a ball that can handle a wider variety of conditions that the Mystic.

“Strong” Grand Illusion:
 
My “Strong” Grand Illusion is the ball that replaced my similarly drilled Mystic in the bag. At first I threw it with its factory polish and thought that it was too angular/squirty to be compared to my favorite Mystic so I knocked the polish off with some gray scotch brite, and viola! It rolled and hook nearly the same as my Mystic, with out some of the early burn that the Mystic had when encountering burned up lanes/patterns.

“Weaker” Grand Illusion

I left the factory polish on this ball for one reason. I didn’t have a ball that went between my cell’s and Pluto. I can go to this Grand Illusion when my Cells are checking early and my Pluto is not yet strong enough from inside. This Grand Illusion also works well for me when there is a short sport pattern that allows playing close to the gutter.

Conditions that I would not consider using these balls on:
High Volume Patterns
Long Patterns

Roto-Grip Balls Up or Down:
Ball Up In Reaction: Cell/Cell Pearl
Ball Down In Reaction: Pluto/Neptune


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


--------------------
Mat Henning
Roto-Grip Staffer
Turbo 2·N·1 Staffer
Owner/Operator of
Champions Bowling Services
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kgunit689

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Re: Grand Illusion
« Reply #34 on: October 16, 2008, 01:42:21 PM »
Stats

17mph ball speed
300-330 rev rate
axis- 5 1/4> 1/4^

Ball is drilled 4 1/2 from pap with the pin just above and to the right of the ring. Small hole 5" out from center of grip. I took some of the shine off with a 4000 pad.

Only got to throw this for a few hours last night on a 40ft modified house with a good amount of volume.

This ball seems to be one of my favorites and will probably be my benchmark ball. Very strong continuous ball that still clears the heads great. Very easy to read reaction that is so smooth but strong. Works great on the fresh and kept driving as i moved in. my cell has the same drilling and is much stronger in total hook and backend reaction. This is a great blend between the cell and cell pearl. I think the grand illusion is a must have for anybody.
--------------------
Kris George
08-09 UNLV Bowling Team
www.unlvbowling.org
www.collegebowling.com

Roto grip collegiate staff
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partners30

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Re: Grand Illusion
« Reply #35 on: November 20, 2008, 08:38:41 AM »
To update my Grand Illusion post:  I have now taken my Grand Illusion down to 1000 abralon with no polish.  I did this because the shot I have been playing on lately make the ball a bit jerky off the spot.  At 1000 I get a great ark off the spot wich allows me to stay further right for a longer period of time. My release allows me to spin the ball a bit which gets it down the lane anyway so with a little surface I don't go past the break point.  I still get great hit and mix, and I llike the ball better with a little bit of an earlier read on the lane.  The cover tunes easily to your liking, and if you don't own one do yourself a favor and get one.
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John Morvant
Lafayette, LA
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bouncer100

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Re: Grand Illusion
« Reply #36 on: January 22, 2009, 11:35:49 PM »
This ball has helped me through many situations. The ball has become a much needed weapon in my arsenal. On all different patterns, the ball has reacted and my scores have improved. I know I can acheive some great things with this ball. I will definitely recommend this ball to any player who has difficult with the different oil patterns. I originally had problems, but the Grand Illusion has solved them. Rotogrip has released many good bowling balls, with the Grand Illusion being one of them. Im glad I made this choice and it will always be my top choice whenever I roll a few games with my buddies.

 
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nyranger21135

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Re: Grand Illusion
« Reply #37 on: January 23, 2009, 09:39:45 PM »
The Grand Illusion is extremly versatile.  I have used it on many patterns and it has never let me down.  This is a great ball especially if you are going to start bowling on PBA patterns.  I have not had a problem with it and it is now my favorite ball.
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kruzicka

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Re: Grand Illusion
« Reply #38 on: February 24, 2009, 10:58:47 PM »
My Grand Illusion is laid out with a 3 ¾” x 3 ¾” stacked layout, with a weight hole 2 ¼” below my axis on the VAL.  The first time I used the Grand illusion was on a broken down house pattern at our home center.  It reads the lane sooner than my Cell Pearl but overall hooks less.  This ball gives me a smoother, more controlled reaction compared to my Cell balls.  

My Grand Illusion is a few boards weaker overall than my Cell Pearl.  The backend reaction is much smoother and not as flippy.  I would recommend this ball for when the lanes are drier and you need to control your hook downlane.

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l308/unobowler01/Picture009.jpg

  I am very happy with all my RotoGrip equipment this year and can’t wait to see what they come out with next.
--------------------
Kristen Ruzicka
Sophomore
University of Nebraska Omaha
Storm/Roto Grip Collegiate Program
wwww.unomavsbowling.com
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taylorgerard

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Re: Grand Illusion
« Reply #39 on: February 24, 2009, 11:12:56 PM »
I received my Grand Illusion through the RotoGrip Collegiate Program.  It is drilled with a 4” by 2” pin to PAP with a 1” x-hole on my VAL, 2” below my axis point.
I first used my Grand Illusion on the house pattern at our home center, which is dry on the outsides and heavy in the middle.  I have also thrown this ball on broken down patterns in tournaments throughout the season.  The Grand Illusion gives me good reaction on these patterns.
The Grand Illusion is my favorite ball to use on broken down patterns when my Cell isn’t getting enough arc on the back end.  It starts up early and arcs in, similar to the Grand Illusion.
I would definitely recommend this RotoGrip ball for broken down conditions.

http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fs99.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fl308%2Funobowler01%2F%3Faction%3Dview%26current%3DPicture012.jpg&h=1817362d6d5397153650b5974b574b96

--------------------
Taylor Gerard
Sophomore
University of Nebraska Omaha
RotoGrip Collegiate Program
www.unomavsbowling.com
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Moose Nugget

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Re: Grand Illusion
« Reply #40 on: March 07, 2009, 01:33:29 AM »
Grand came in at 15lbs 2oz with 3.25 top and 3.5 inch pin.  I've had this ball sitting in the box for the last 7 months but military deployment has kept me from punching it up until last week.  

I went with a 5x5 layout with a 2" pin buffer.  This is one of my favorite layouts and have an Illusion with a 5x4 and 2" pin buffer that is my go to ball when I'm struggling to find a reaction.

What I wanted from this ball:  I love the look I get from the original Illusion on short to medium length and med volume shots.  I wanted the Grand to have a similar look on med to longer length and med to med-heavy volume patterns.  

What I got:  Exactly what I wanted.  This ball's more consistent than my Cell Pearl across all conditions.  It handles more oil and is the most versatile ball I've used in the last couple years.  The Grand Illusion and Illusion will all but eliminate the need to carry anything other than my spare ball.  I could see keeping my Cell in the bag for the occasional heavy oil and my Saga for the deep inside shot when things break down and there is some carry-down but the Illusions will cover everything else.  Simple hand position changes have allowed me to play straight up 5, jump in and play 20-5 or anything in between and still carry everything in the house.  I have quickly developed the confidence to throw this ball on any line and know it will make to the pocket and carry.

I know Roto is talking about a new sword line but I don't know how they can improve on these two..........The Grand Illusion is with out a doubt the best ball no one is talking about.  If you're looking for a benchmark ball you won't be disappointed with a Grand Illusion.

--------------------
Todd Pallas

"On the road to success, there is never a crowd on the extra mile."

USBC Bronze Level Certified Coach
Splintered Pinz Pro Shop
Redline Bowling Services
Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota
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rotogrip_rick

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Re: Grand Illusion
« Reply #41 on: August 06, 2009, 06:30:19 PM »
On this the third Grand Illusion I had drilled, I went with a 5x3 with the pin kicked 3 inches up. I found this to be better then my earlier ones, just because he seems to hold more energy when hitting the pins. Not as stron in the back end as I new NOMAD SOLID. It fits with my Rogue-Grand-Pearl Cell 3 bag combo for local house shots.


--------------------
ROTO GRIP RULES!!! YOU KNOW IT!!!
RICK MITCHELL
COLONY PARK LANES NORTH
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Bigmike

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Re: Grand Illusion
« Reply #42 on: August 10, 2009, 04:29:58 PM »
See profile for stats.

Lay Out: 4.5" from PAP at 50* PAP angle and 40* VAL angle. The pin ended up slightly above my ring finger. There is a weight hole on my axis of 7/8" about 2" deep.

Surface: I have it taken down to 2000abr.

Purpose: I wanted a benchmark type reaction. I had some other balls that had some of the internal numbers like this one that I used for benchmark balls.

Lane condition Observations: I have mainly thrown this on our league shot, but did give it a whirl on the Kegel Boardwalk pattern (35'). This surface and layout was took quick off the spot for that short of a pattern. Our house pattern lets me play out into the slot (13-7) and blow pins up. I get the feel that I can use this for a good 'read' ball for the upcoming season and also on our house pattern for league.

Final thoughts: It was hard to argue with the price, but the performance is surprising. This ball had the misfortune of coming out slighlty before the much anticipated Cell Pearl. It might not have gotten the respect it deserved.
--------------------
"Why don''t you call me sometime.....when you have no class" ~~Rodney Dangerfield to his college professor in Back to School ~~1986

Mike Craig - Storm Products Pro Shop staff -Columbus, OH
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"Tell me Cup, how does a great ball striker like you shoot an 83? Well I lipped out this putt on 18......"

Mike Craig - Storm Bowling Amateur Staff - Westerville, OH

surface_solutions

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Re: Grand Illusion
« Reply #43 on: April 08, 2011, 08:22:32 PM »
BALL SPECS


Pin Length:3-4


Starting Top Weight:2.3


Ball Weight:15 lb 4 oz


 


DRILL PATTERN


Pin to PAP: 4.5


CG to PAP: 3.5


X Hole (if there is one):

 





BOWLER STYLE


Rev Rate: 350


Ball Speed: 16.5

 

PAP/Track: 4 1/4 right 5/8 up, high track .5" from fingers .750" from thumb


 


SURFACE PREP



Grit:2000 Abralon



Type: (Matte, Polish, Sanded):

 





LANE CONDITION


Length:37' and 41'

 

Volume: medium to med-heavy



Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):

THS and Sport Compliant (USBC White)

 

BALL REACTION (rating based on a scale of 1-10)



Length (1-early read, 10 later read)
--6--I would give this ball a 6.  That is also very dependent on the part of the lane that is being played.  The length rating will vary in comparison to the oil pattern.  It reads friction REAL fast!



Back End (1-smooth, 10 skid snap)
--6/7--by  my assessment. Average rev rates will see a strong but controllable reaction.  Those with more revs will see a MUCH MUCH stronger back end move.

 

Overall Hook (1-weak, 10 strong)

--7--The Ultimate Vision cover is really strong yet forgiving.  I find it easily used on higher volumes of oil.

Mid lane Read: (1-early, 10-late)
--6--Given my "up the back" release I would give the Grand Illusion a solid 6.  Especially with the shine taken off.


 

 


COMMENTS



Likes: The biggest asset that the Grand Illusion has to offer is its strong hook potential for the price range.  Being in the mid-price category is an understatement of what the ball is truly capable of.



Dislikes: Despite the strength of the cover the med-high RG core doesn't have the strength to kick out the corners on the deep inside lines for me. 
 

 

Closing Thoughts:

I was looking for a replacement for my Riot, what I got was the greatest benchmark ball of all time.  I have had a couple of tournaments where I have started with other equipment but almost always end up going to the Grand Illusion.  It really is like a bowlers best friend...always there when you need it!


 

 

 


Adam M Moreland
surface_solutions_proshop@yahoo.com
Phone: (616) 690-0590
High Games/Series for 2010/2011----288, 288, 289, 298, 299 and 300 games 757 and 789 and 811 series
RotoGrip Star Pro Shop Lifetime Member
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