Roto Grip Exotic Gem – Defiant LRG core with e-Trax Pearl reactive cover stock – with Reacta Gloss finish.
My specs: Ball speed 15+, Rev rate 425, PAP 4 and up 13/16
Layout: 50 x 2 x 60 used on SPL and HPL lane surfaces with Typical house pattern – both with a BIG cliff on the end of the pattern.
Was quite excited when Schlem at Roto Grip decided to bring back one of the best asymmetrical cores back the Defiant LRG core, which means to me the fastest, captivating and STRIKING core Roto Grip has had, then they even made the ball sweeter, by wrapping that alluring cores with the most aggressive pearl cover to date, the e-Trax pearl.
To put it in very simple terms for me, the ball was simply a “GEM” in both centers. The Exotic Gem with the strong combination of this cover and core, gives you the angular reaction in backend like a normal pearl, but you don’t have to “wait” to see the motion, and the direction the Exotic GEM goes through the pins is still strong, even though the ball starts up a little sooner, the ball does not QUIT. The Exotic GEM on the HPL lanes was a little bit strong on fresh, but with just changing a little bit in my set up and just use more of the middle part of the pattern, the ball struck A LOT. As the carry down starter, I did not have to change balls like I would normally do to stay inside of the other lefties I was bowling with, I was able to move my eyes down lane and close the angles up a little, and the Exotic GEM did not fail me. The center with SPL, it was the only ball I needed all throughout practice and scoring. By changing my release a little, I can manipulate the weight block to stand of a little bit earlier, to help with getting for end over end roll, which creates more energy down lane and still blow the racks apart. Don’t be afraid to invest in a Exotic GEM, even though it is an asymmetrical ball, it can be the best ball in your bag.
Now for longevity of the Reacta Gloss on the Roto Grip demo balls, I usually have to touch up the surfaces with polish after they are used for a few events. I have not touched up the demo balls other than cleaning them with Reacta Foam to get the condition and grime off of the balls. The cover bonds very well with the new Storm Reacta Gloss “polish”. So, maintenance is very light over the course of its life.
Thanks to the crew at Bowlers' Supply, Inc, Roto Grip, Colony Park Lanes and Vise Inserts for all the support and assistance!
Remember to Bowl Up a Storm!

#SquadRG
#Coolwick
#ViseInserts

The Exotic Gem is almost exactly what I expected out of a pearl version of the Gem, however one surprising takeaway is the sheer midlane strength this core continues to provide, even with the shiny pearl cover. I drilled mine with a 5x4x4 layout for control through the front and a little smoother transition down the lane. I am a low track player, 470RPM, 14 degrees of tilt and 55 degrees of axis rotation, avg 16.4 MPH. It's a perfect combo along with the original Gem! I'm not able to stay right on top of where I begin when I transition out of the Gem (or Reality), but a nice 3/2 or 4/3 move inside gets me exactly where I need to be to continue striking on most conditions. I did adjust the surface to 500/1000/Step 2 polish just based on personal preference as I think I get a little truer read with a bit more teeth under the surface along with the extra traction the compound provides me.

LANE CONDITION

Length:43'

Volume: 22.5 mLs

Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):THS


COMMENTS

Likes: More useable than the Gem

Dislikes: Nothing!

Talk about a killer combo…Defiant LRG Core which is the fastest revving asymmetrical core RotoGrip makes PLUS MicroTrax Pearl Coverstock, the earliest and most aggressive pearl cover RotoGrip offers (on any ball currently) is just a SICK combo! 
Also, when you walk into the pro shop this ball just jumps off the shelf!

With as different of a motion as the GEM is, this ball is a great compliment.  I really feel like after you can’t get any further left with the gem, the Exotic is right there to keep chasing it left.  Even though its a fast revving ball, the thing keeps booming down lane

This ball is unique in motion in my bag.  It’s more of a tournament ball for me, I like to use it on more modified/sport patterns.

Layout is 5.25X4x2

Balls getting a lot of play
Infinite Physix: 5x4x2
HyRoad: 4.5x4.25x3.75
IQ Ruby: 5x4x2
Phaze4: 5x4x2
Fate: 5x4x2


PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS

Orientation:  Right Handed
Rev Rate:  400 RPM
Speed:  16-17 MPH
PAP:  4 ½ over and ½ up

Location:  Enterprise Park Lanes, Springfield MO
Pattern:  High Volume THS
VLS Layout: 
Layout 1:  5 x 4 x 2 ½  (pin above bridge)
Layout 2:  4 ½ x 4 x 4 1/8 (pin below bridge)

The Exotic Gem is a new pearl Gem from Roto Grip.  It features MicroTrax Pearl, which is pretty strong for being a pearl.  This makes the Exotic Gem clean enough to use on some lighter volume patterns or some transition but it still has plenty of teeth to get around the corner.  I was a fan of my Gem with some lane shine, so I was ready for a pearl Gem that would be even a little cleaner and more responsive.

A bowling ball can't hook early and snap in the backend but this ball comes pretty close to doing it!!!!
Amazing the overall strength of this ball while still having an almost snappy backend reaction.  High speed high rev players this ball is an absolute must!