BallReviews
Reviews => Roto Grip => Topic started by: BallReviews-scodaddy21 on March 21, 2025, 10:12:16 AM
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A long time ago in a bowling center far, far away, the battle against ever-changing lane conditions raged on. As the lanes evolved—some with slicker surfaces, others with increased friction—bowlers sought the perfect weapon to combat heavier and longer oil patterns. Enter the Roto Grip RST Hyperdrive, the latest evolution in high-performance asymmetric power. At the core of this galactic powerhouse lies the RST (Roto Star Tour) asymmetric block, now enhanced with A.I. Core Technology. This combination delivers an unprecedented level of torque, energy transfer, and down-lane motion, ensuring maximum hitting power where bowlers need it most. The RST Hyperdrive generates superior mid-lane traction while maintaining a strong, continuous motion through the pins—making it the perfect solution for high-volume oil conditions. Encasing this advanced core is MicroTrax Solid, Roto Grip’s grippiest and most aggressive solid coverstock. Infused with a high concentration of nanoparticles, this coverstock displaces and absorbs oil efficiently, providing an ultra-consistent reaction even on the slickest conditions. Whether you're facing the challenge of fresh heavy oil or long-distance patterns, the RST Hyperdrive is built to cut through it all with ease. If you're searching for the ultimate high-performance asymmetrical ball that delivers the perfect blend of traction, control, and backend motion, look no further. The RST Hyperdrive is here to restore balance to your game, shot after shot.
Details & Specs
Color
Mango/Magenta/Royal
All colors do vary somewhat from the picture shown
Core
RST (Roto Star Tour) + A.I. Core (14-16#)
Coverstock
MicroTrax Solid Reactive
A few tiny pit holes in the cover stock of the ball are normal
Finish
2000 Abralon
RG
2.52 (for 15# ball)
Differential
0.055 (for 15# ball)
Mass Bias Diff
0.017 (15#)
Hook Potential
High
Length
Middle
Recommended Lane Condition
Medium/Heavy to Heavy Oil
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RST Hyper Drive - Ball Specs
Cover Stock: MicroTrax Solid Reactive Cover Stock
Finish: 2000 Grit
Core: RST Core & AI
Layout: 50 x 5 x 40
RG: 2.52
Differential: 0.055
Intermediate Diff: .017
Review
The RST Hyper Drive is the latest addition to Roto Grip’s HP4 line of balls. The RST Hyper Drive has the famed RST Core plus AI technology wrapped in the aggressive Micro Trax solid cover, which gives you the hardest hooking Roto Grip ball since the original GEM. Not only does this ball look great but it definitely throws its weight around. This ball is great for all styles of bowling. The RST is a little cleaner than the GEM but has the same hooking energy on the backend with continuous motion with great pin carry. Order one from your local pro shop today! My ball review videos are posted on YouTube channel Stanley Waite.
Stanley Waite
900 Global Staff Member
Dover, DE
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The new ball in the Roto Grip HP4 line is the RST Hyperdrive. The design team at SPI took the original core from RST-1 (RST (Roto Star Tour) + A.I. Core and wrapped it with very successful Gem Coverstock(MicroTrax Solid Reactive) I drilled my 4 3/4 x 4 x 4 1/2 pin down. I have been drilling the bigger asymmetrical pin down with my slower ball speed to help get them down the lane easier. I am very impressed with how much continuation that I have with RST. On the standard house shot I was able to open the lane up. The RST handled the puddle with ease and still enough energy to get the ten out. When hitting the dry a little early the RST just went into a roll and didn't over hook down lane. With the great colors and great roll the RST is very easy to spot going down the lane. For a solid cover this RST hooks pretty good off the friction, still considered a slow response ball but still give good forgiveness. Overall its the strongest over all ball in the lineup. But I actually have the Attention star S2 a little earlier and less down lane. The RST is great addition to anyone's arsenal.
Brian Watson
PAP 4 1/8 up 1 1/8
RPM - 400
MPH - 16-17
TILT - 17
Brunswick Pro anvilane
43ft House shot
46 Ft sport pattern
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LANE CONDITION
Length: 44'
Volume: 28 ml
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): THS
COMMENTS
The RST Hyper Drive marks my first dive into the RST line. I skipped the first two releases and passed on the third—it just wasn’t my style, aesthetics-wise. But the Hyper Drive’s color scheme, reminiscent of rainbow sherbet, has quietly won me over. With so many modern balls packing a serious punch, I struggle to use them on typical house shots, often drilling them with the pin in my middle finger to tame the reaction. For the RST Hyper Drive, I opted for a 6-inch Pin-to-PAP, and I’m genuinely blown away by how straight I can play with it. It delivers the extra length I need while still packing enough punch when it hits the pocket. If I swing it too wide, it’ll fight its way back—sometimes leaving a 10-pin—but as long as I keep it in front of me, this ball impresses me more with every shot.
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The Roto Grip RST Hyper Drive is a powerhouse for bowlers seeking strong mid-lane read with a controlled yet aggressive backend motion. Featuring the RST + A.I. Core and the MicroTrax Solid Coverstock, this ball blends the best of both worlds—strong traction in oil while retaining energy for a dynamic finish. Out of the box at 2000-grit Abralon, it handles medium to heavy oil conditions exceptionally well, providing a smooth yet continuous motion without being overly sharp. Compared to the original RST X-1 and X-2, the Hyper Drive offers a slightly earlier roll with a more predictable backend, making it ideal for players who want consistency without sacrificing hitting power. Whether you're a high-rev player looking for control or a straighter player needing extra motion, the RST Hyper Drive delivers a well-balanced reaction that excels in transition.
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One of the strongest asym solids to date, the Hyperdrive wants to read the lane early and provide plenty of continuation. In terms of comparisons, I find the Gem to be smoother and more forward than the Hyperdrive. The Gem is better for closed angles and playing up the lane whereas the Hyperdrive will allow more left to right (for righties) and more continuation through the pins. The Hyperdrive adapts well to surfaces adjustments as well as polish. This ball is designed for fresh and heavier volume conditions. If you're looking for your next big asym solid, the Hyperdrive will be a great option to have in your bag.
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LANE CONDITION
Length: 42'
Volume: Meduim/Heavy
Type: League House
COMMENTS
Layout: 4 3/4 x 5 x 2
Cover: 2000 with Power Edge
**Roto Grip RST Hyperdrive Bowling Ball Review**
Description:
The Roto Grip RST Hyperdrive is a high-performance bowling ball designed with cutting-edge technology and innovatively designed, this ball offers exceptional control, power, and versatility on the lane.
The RST Hyperdrive features the RST Aysmmetric Core wrapped in with the A.I. core, which is engineered to provide a unique blend of consistency and energy retention. This core provides a predictable and stable roll, ensuring that the ball delivers a smooth and controlled reaction throughout the lane. The asymmetry allows for greater accuracy and improved performance for players looking to maintain a steady shot trajectory.
The powerful MicroTrax Solid Reactive coverstock from the Gem line is one of the standout features of the RST Hyperdrive. Designed to offer a more pronounced footprint than the X1 and X3 ideal for medium to heavy oil conditions is highly responsive (OOB finish) giving the ball a strong finish, while still offering enough control to avoid overreaction.
My Take:
When tested the RST Hyperdrive clearly out performed my X3 on the fresh. Knowing in league I would require more versatility of use so off to the spinner for a Power Edge coating. The polished version allowed me a more sustainable playing field while box had its limitations. I would say this is the twin to my Magic Gem but with A.I. tech. High consideration for my nationals arsenal. Highly versatial for sport coditions if you use multiple hand positions.
The average league bowler who loves big Asymms, this is your new ball. Slower speeds may require some lane shine or polish for maximum performance. I like mine as my step down from the Ion Max/Harsh Reality for a solid and complimentry to my pin down PhySix Blackout.
Final Thoughts:
When you're playing on a fresh pattern THS his ball adapts and delivers impressive results while quite forgiving, allowing bowlers to feel confident even when not executing the perfect shot.
Overall, the Roto Grip RST Hyperdrive is an exceptional choice for any bowler looking to enhance their performance with a ball that combines power, control, and adaptability.
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