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The Roto Grip Optimum Idol Pearl: a revolutionary addition to the IDOL series, now featuring the MicroTrax Pearl coverstock for the first time in the domestic market. This is a milestone, as Roto Grip's renowned nanoparticle pearl coverstock has never before been paired with this legendary core shape. Following the success of the original Optimum IDOL, Roto Grip knew the time was right to introduce a pearl version that offers optimal traction in oil while maintaining impressive responsiveness down the lane. You'll find the Ikon + A.I. Core Technology inside, just like in the original Optimum IDOL. On the outside, the MicroTrax Pearl Reactive coverstock (recently used on the Exotic GEM) ensures a perfect balance of grip and friction response. Get ready to experience a new level of performance with the Optimum Idol Pearl, designed to complement its predecessor and elevate your game to new heights.

Color: Bubblegum/Iris
All colors do vary somewhat from the picture shown
Core: Ikon + A.I. Core Technology (14-16#)
Coverstock: MicroTrax Pearl Reactive
Finish: Reacta Gloss
RG: 2.47 (for 15# ball)
Differential: 0.056 (for 15# ball)
Recommended Lane Condition: Medium to Medium/Heavy Oil

You will never go wrong with a ball that has the Idol logo on it and the Optimum is no different. A shape we been looking for in the SPI for a little bit of time, this is a throw back to the blue Idol Pearl we saw years ago. Although the current is stronger and earlier than the blue pearl; we still see that great pearl mid performance benchmark reaction with the Optimum. This ball will come out after the Ascent begins to read too soon and a cleaner and more angular ball reaction is needed. Additionally, for comparison purposes this ball will be stronger than the Xponent Pearl as it reads the body of the lane much sooner.

The Roto Grip Optimum Idol Pearl is a strong contender for bowlers seeking a blend of mid-lane control and backend power. With its MicroTrax Pearl Reactive coverstock and the innovative Ikon + A.I. Core, this ball is designed to excel on medium to medium-heavy oil conditions. It provides a smooth, yet strong reaction through the midlane and a controlled, but pronounced move at the breakpoint, making it an excellent choice when lanes start to transition. Compared to other balls in the Idol series, this pearlized version offers a cleaner motion with plenty of backend continuation, perfect for when you need a step down from more aggressive options. It’s a versatile ball that can fit into various arsenals, delivering reliable performance across different lane conditions.​

Optimum Idol Pearl • Roto Grip • HP3 Series
Coverstock • MicroTrax Pearl Reactive • Finish Reacta Gloss
Core • Ikon + A.I. Core technology
Weight • 15 lbs. RG • 2.47 Differential • .056
Layout •4 ½ x 3 ¾ x 2 ¼
Tester PAP • 5” R, 5/8” D Tester Axis Tilt • 9° Testers Rev Rate • 250
Test Pattern • 42' THS (Typical House Shot) • Modified, Kegel Stone Street

Roto Grip continues its Optimum Idol line of success with the new Optimum Idol Pearl. The Optimum Idol Pearl combines the proven Ikon + A.I. Core technology and Roto Grips' legendary MicroTrax Pearl reactive coverstock. And this combination proved to be a winning success with the Optimum Idol Pearl. So, let's take a closer look at what makes the Optimum Idol Pearl all that good!
The Ikon Core by itself is a smooth and firm rolling core that produces a predictable and stable motion you can trust. And now, combined with the A.I. Core Technology, you still get that same reliable motion, but with the added impact, power, and strength we straighter players need at the pins. And as a straighter player, what I like most about the Ikon + A.I. Core technology is that it keeps my Optimum Idol Pearl consistent through the skid, hook, and roll phases, unlike other symmetrical cores that rev great in the mid-lane but run out of gas at the pins and leaves us with corner pin city. So, if you are a straighter low-rev player, count on the Ikon Core +A.I. Core technology to deliver for your game.

The MicroTrax Pearl reactive coverstock makes the Optimum Idol Pearl the traction-loving Pearl straighter players have been waiting for! I started my review with my Optimum Idol Pearl at 3000-grit Abralon instead of the factory Reacta Gloss finish. And making that surface tweak, my Optimum Idol Pearl was outstanding on fresh oil! I loved how the MicroTrax Pearl saw the mid-lane with a clean gripping traction while giving me a predictable and smooth bite off the pattern. And as the pattern started breaking down, the MicroTrax Pearl blended the wet/dry conditions reasonably well for my straighter game. And although I did see the MicroTrax Pearl become a bit more sensitive to friction than I liked later in the night, I still found the Optimum Idol Pearl to be controllable all night on THS conditions.

In closing, Roto Grip has done a fine job crafting the Optimum Idol Pearl. Roto Grips' combination of Ikon + A.I. Core technology and MicroTrax Pearl cover make the Optimum Idol Pearl a fantastic new release for any straighter player like me, especially on fresh oil conditions. Further, straighter players can count on a smooth, rounded motion and bowl with confidence because the added striking power will deliver results to their game! So, stop into your local Storm VIP Pro Shop today, and get ready for the success the Optimum Idol Pearl can bring to your game! The Optimum Idol Pearl is a great choice!

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

The Optimum Idol Pearl released 8-23-2024 is the newest addition to the Idol series. Filled with history going to the original Idol. Using the same trusted Icon core now with Al technology and wrapped in the micro Trac pearl cover. This is one of the most aggressive pearl Storm has to offer its customers. Using the Reacta Gloss polish this ball was really a quick to respond to friction. Using the dual angle layout of 40x5x45 this layout gives me a taller pin and travel distance down lane. I had to change the surface using a 3 thousand pad by hand to break down the polish. This allowed me to see the pattern better without losing my impact through the pins.

Weight:  14 lbs.
Pin Length:  3-3.5 inch
Drilling:  65 x 3 x 20
Drilling VLS:  4-1/2 x 5 x 2-1/4
Pattern Length:  44 ft.
Pattern Volume:  Light to Medium
Pattern Type:  THS
Right Handed

The Optimum Idol Pearl has the AI Core in the popular HP3 line, wrapped in the Micro Trax pearl cover stock.  The has the Reacta Gloss box finish, but as always, can be altered to suit a variety of lane conditions. This, like the previous balls in the Idol line, has a Symmetrical weight block, with a high flare potential. It is a gorgeous hot pink swirl color.

I have used the Optimum Idol Pearl on a 44 ft. kegel house pattern, and a variety of other house patterns.

I’ve thrown the Optimum Idol Pearl at the Reacta Gloss box finish, and haven’t made any surface changes. I’ve found this to be a very good transition game ball.  Once the transition comes into play, I can pretty much stay where I am, play the same line, and keep the ball in play.
This is a high end ball at a medium price.  It is a fixture in my arsenal.   It gets through the heads extremely clean and flips pretty hard off the break point.  I highly recommend the Optimum Idol Pearl, and add a star if you were a fan of the rest of the Idol line.


Carol Teel
Roto Grip Amateur Staff Member

Ball Specs:
Roto Grip Optimum Idol Pearl
Micro Trax Pearl Reactive
Symmetric Ikon A.I. Core
Finish: Reacta Gloss Polish
Layout:  4 x 4 with 2” Pin Buffer

Bowler Specs:
Right Hand. PAP 5” Over 1/2 up
Rev Rate 300. Tilt 20. Rotation 50.
Speed at release 17


Review:
I have had the opportunity to roll this ball quite a bit on different patterns. So far I am very happy with what I am seeing. The Optimum Idol Pearl is surprisingly good on medium sport shots and is a great piece on a medium to heavy house shot. The Optimum Idol Pearl has a very good midlane read without going too long. The ball is responsive to friction but is not jumpy. I feel this ball is forgiving and versatile. I think this ball may be a better version of the much loved original Zen. It seems Roto Grip putting a strong pearl cover on the Ikon core was a great fit. This ball has a beautiful color and looks great going down the lane. The carry of the Optimum Idol Pearl is very good and I swear it sounds louder hitting the pins than some other equipment. I will be relying on this ball for the fall season. This should be a great addition to any arsenal to cover a wide range of lane conditions.

Summary:
The Optimum Idol Pearl is versatile and forgiving.
The core and cover match seem to be a great combination.
The Optimum Idol Pearl will be a great piece for any arsenal.

Glenn Wendel
Storm Pro Shop Staff

gwendel@comcast.net
www.stormbowling.com

Video Link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sv6Wawm602k&error=0

LANE CONDITION

Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): Various sport and recreational oil patterns.

COMMENTS

The Optimum Idol Pearl is the continuation of the famous Idol series. What makes this bowling ball special is the fact The Optimum Idol Pearl is the first Idol series bowling ball to feature the MicroTrax Pearl Coverstock. This coverstock combined with the Ikon A.I. core provides a good amount of traction in the oil while providing plenty of responsiveness in the friction. Not to mention, this bowling ball is hard to miss when going down the lane.

I drilled my Optimum Idol Pearl with the same pin-down layout as my Optimum Idol, which rolled pretty good to me. The polish on this bowling ball makes it to be very clean through the front part of the lane, however, the early rolling core makes the bowling ball want to change direction earlier and force you to increase your launch angle. I was surprised how much the bowling ball “read” the pattern even though it was shinny. I did feel like the Optimum Idol Pearl would sometimes exaggerate the over/under reaction, which is not something I like to see. Just like with most similar type of bowling balls, I felt like I wanted to put a little bit of surface on this Optimum Idol Pearl to make the front-to-back ball motion a little bit more predictable.

Historically, I haven’t had much success with Idol series bowling balls. I don’t think that the Optimum Idol Pearl will change that very much as there are other bowling balls with similar specs that just seem to match-up with my style a little bit better. Those who like the Optimum Idol, will like the Optimum Idol Pearl as a cleaner, more responsive option. I can also see bowlers who don’t have too much ball speed or bowl on very worn lane surfaces have some success with this bowling ball.

PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS

Watch myself and Verity Crawley throw the Optimum Idol Pearl on “The Bowling Passport” YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/lnaHCIDOUx8?si=ZyNXecbtTmtzWYD-