Roto Grip Planet Venus: Entry Performance
The Roto Grip Venus is the latest performance entry in the "value added" Planet Series. It joins the Planets: Mercury Reactive Pearl (rumored soon to be replaced by - Neptune; with the inverted Orbiter II block; in February), and Saturn Solid. All the current line of balls offer the same weight block (Orbiter) and basic coverstock (Sure Grip II). The series are fairly high RG (Radius of Gyration) balls, and offer a fairly aggressive coverstock with a low-medium flare potential. This line, for entry level, are some serious bowling balls.
I traded my NIB Saturn model (which was a replacement for a cracked ball - that I bowled with for about half of a year; which Roto Grip gladly replaced), for the Venus model. The Saturn proved to be too much ball, I was looking for ball that would go a tad bit longer than the Saturn, yet be a ball that was a versatile ball, that could be used on house shots - The Planet Venus was that kind of ball. In mythology they say that Venus is the "goddess of love and beauty", I've been beguiled by the love and she's a looker to boot!
I think the hardest thing in bowling these days is to try and find a ball that is equitable to the current scoring conditions without having too aggressive of ball in one's hand. The bowler can easily find very dynamic hook monsters, but those with any hand at all, need some kind of control without having to hurl the ball too hard. Yet, as always, one needs to be in touch with the benefits of reaction; aka carry.
As always, I will state my peeving Caveat Emptor, YMMV warning, when doing the reviews. There are different styles, speed, ball rotation, axis tilt, etc. What works for one might not for the next. With that being said, I would consider the Planet Venus a very Versatile ball, and could speculate would fit most styles and variables that bowlers are seeing these days on THS and medium dry tournament conditions.
This ball has a strong coverstock, and can easily be adjusted for oil, medium, with simple surface adjustments; with a little more effort could work on dry. It has stunning looks, and the backing of one heck of a Company, Roto Grip; my favorite Bowling Ball manufacturer. Roto Grip, simply gives you the most for your money, period. (excerpt of review)
Edited on 8/7/2011 at 8:37 AM