DRILL PATTERN

Layout: 4.5x4x4 2LS

BOWLER STYLE

Rev Rate: 590-610

Ball Speed: 17.5-18.5

PAP/Track: 4 7/8 over, 1 3/4 down

SURFACE PREP

Grit: OOB

LANE CONDITION

Length: 41ft

Volume: 28ml

Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): THS

COMMENTS

The TNT is the newest ball in Roto Grip's HP3 line. Boasting an RG of 2.47 and a Diff of 0.052, the TNT is going to be explosive through the pins. This TNT is drilled 4.5x4x4 2LS and the Axiom is as well. The TNT is early and controllable, and that gives it a strong benchmark shape that the Axiom has provided in years past. The new ETRAX Plus solid cover and Torpex Core give us a unique shape that we haven't seen since the Idol or Axiom, which is what people have been missing in their bags. If you need a ball that is going to let you control the pocket on higher volume patterns in higher friction centers that don't allow you to through bigger asym balls like the Reality, Super Nova, or Proton Physix, then the TNT is the ball for you.

PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS

Roto Grip TNT Ball Review by PJ Haggerty

One of the newest additions to the Roto Grip Line is the TNT.  With it’s bright orange colors and yellow writing, the TNT stands out not only with it’s looks but it’s performance too.  Because I had a feeling the TNT was going to be super strong, I decided to polish it right out of the box and use it right away.  I’ve been extremely happy with the performance thus far and plan on taking it with me to league and tournaments.  I’ve drilled one so far and really like it.

The first one I drilled is mapped out as 5.5 x 4 x 2.5.  This puts the pin above my bridge with a slight shift of the CG.  Because the RG is 2.47 and differential is .052, I knew the TNT wanted to read the lane early and not ever slow down.  Because the pin is 5.5” from my axis, this creates length and a quicker response time compared to if I were to have drilled it stronger.  I see the TNT as a nice compliment to my Eternity and Revenant.  It has a slower response time compared to my Eternity but my Revenant is much cleaner and quicker down lane.

If you need a great benchmark piece for multiple types of patterns, drill a TNT.  It’s been a perfect addition to the Roto Grip line!

The new Roto Grip TNT features an all-new coverstock, the eTrax plus solid coverstock.  The engine inside is the new Torpex core.  This ball comes finished at 2000 grit abralon.  The 15 pound version features a low RG of 2.47 with a differential of .052.  I drilled my TNT with a little longer pin than normal just to try and get a little more length out of it.  I drilled it 5.5 x 4.5 x 2.5.  The TNT is a step down in overall hook for the Roto Grip Gem.  It has an overall similar motion, but for me is about 5 boards weaker than the Gem.  For me, this makes the TNT a move user friendly ball with more opportunity to throw the TNT.  The Gem is made for oil, the TNT is made for medium conditions.  The TNT is cleaner through the fronts when compared to the Gem.  For house shots with a good volume of oil, the TNT shines.  With its 2000 grit finish, the ball does not read the friction too quickly, so those errant shots to the right don’t stand up at the arrows, the ball just kind of slowly arcs its way back to the pocket.  For the errant shots in the puddle, the TNT is strong enough to dig in the oil and have enough hitting power to carry the corner pins.  When the lanes start to break down, that’s the time you probably need to get out of this ball.  The TNT explodes but it needs oil to do so.

Roto Grip TNT is the newest version of the control symmetrical solid that is a must-have for any competitive bowler. Overall, this ball reminds me generally of the Idol, Haywire or Zen Master. The slower response allows for maximum control of the breakpoint. The TNT is unique in that it maintains its axis longer and isn't as liable to roll out or deflect like some of the other shapes before it. Overall, the TNT is great for flatter conditions and for blending out the "cliff"

User Specs:

Left handed, 375 rev rate, 17mph speed, 45 degree angle of rotation, 7 degrees tilt

Layout: 4 ½ x 2

Keywords: EARLY, FORGIVING, DRILLER-FRIENDLY

The TNT is a new symmetric ball in Roto Grip’s HP3 line.  It features the solid version of the RST X-2 cover in eTrax+ solid, which is a clean and responsive cover formula, and the new Torpex core which bears a “striking” resemblance to the Orbital core from Storm’s Axiom.  Its 2.47 RG in 15 pounds is the lowest RG Roto has featured in a symmetric ball, while the .052 diff is on par with the other strong cores we’ve seen in the line like the Ikon core from the Idol series.  This creates a very heavy and strong roll that elevates the overall strength of the ball beyond what you might assume from the specs on paper. 

I adjusted the surface of the TNT prior to using it, I took it to 1000 grit on a resurfacing machine, then finished it on a spinner with a light coat of Storm’s Step 2 compound to shine it slightly.  My speed is too slow for the 2000 box surface to be effective for me on most conditions, however I think the box surface is generally appropriate for the ball design.  I’ve used this ball on both a house shot and Kegel Chromium (challenge pattern)

The TNT is definitely an EARLY rolling ball, also very smooth, and somewhat directional.  For me it preferred straighter angles, and I think in general it will for most due to the shot shape and type of reaction.  While it was better than I expected on the house pattern, I think its best used on tougher conditions because of how extremely well it manages the midlane and how consistent and FORGIVING it is.  It’s a very stable reaction, controlling the lane and pattern both front to back and left to right better than virtually anything else I’ve thrown.  This is an elite level sport ball in my opinion, on par with the Idol and Phaze 2.  While it’s not quite as strong as those 2 due to the much weaker coverstock formula, it’s much closer than it appears to be on paper.  The core’s contribution to that is significant due to the heavy roll and how fast the ball wants to slow down.  Being symmetric, the ball is very DRILLER-FRIENDLY, and I feel like you could have a couple of these with different layouts and surfaces together in the same bag.  The TNT reminds me of the Zen Master, just refined and dramatically improved. 

I drilled my TNT 4 1/2 x 3 x 2. I left this one at the box finish which is 2000.

The early scuttle on this one from other staffers is controllable but strong motion. Many plan to take this one to USBC Nationals a strong control piece.

I compared it to the GEM, an original IDOL, and a EXOTIC GEM. Compare to the GEM, the TNT is a definite slower reaction but still early like the GEM. If you are needing to keep it in front of you and the GEM is starting to go too early, then the TNT is in play. Compared to the original IDOL, you can see a lot of the same motion. I like my IDOL when the lanes were tougher but I wanted the ball to grip the lane a little earlier in an arcing motion. The TNT cover is slightly newer so it is a few boards earlier than the OG IDOL. Compared to the EXOTIC GEM was almost not fair. The EXOTIC skated past the spot on to much oil where the TNT had it, and when the lanes got hooking more, the TNT went more forward than the EXOTIC. Almost not a fair fight between those two.

Drill up a TNT if you want a good strong control ball for tougher/slicker lanes. The core/cover combo will immediately make you think of the original IDOL which was very controllable except a newer cover that grabs earlier.

Ball Specs: Roto Grip TNT
Coverstock eTraxâ„¢ PLUS Solid
Weight Block Torpexâ„¢ Core
Color Amber / Fire / Blaze Orange
Finish 2000-grit Abralon
Layout 50x4x20 or 4x4 5/16x1 1/4
Bowler Specs:
Right Hand. PAP 3 1/2 Over 5/8 up
Rev Rate 400
Speed at release 17.5
Review:
The Roto Grip TNT is the newest ball in the HP3 line for Roto Grip. This features a new core in the Torpex and the solid eTrax plus cover. This ball is going to be similar to those Idols of the past. The TNT is going to start up a little sooner than the Idol but have a more responsive move on the back end. This is going to be a great benchmark ball for those people who have lower rev rates but also for higher ball speed and rev rate. I found this ball to read earlier than other solids but with the layout gave me a fast move on the back end. This ball is going to be a great control ball for me with being higher ball speed. If you are looking to get the ball to roll later this ball is great with surface changes. Get yours now at your local Storm VIP pro shop.
Alex Thomes
#StormNation #StrikingWorldwide #SquadRG #Driven2Bowl

Roto Grip
TNT
Coverstock: eTrax + Solid Reactive
Finish: 2000 Grit Abralon
Core: TORPEX
(14pd.)
RG: 2.54
Differential: 0.051
Layout: 5 x 4 x 4 - 2LS
Layout Extras:  2 1/8 Finger Depth, "X" - 4 1/2 D and 1 Inch Left
Tester:  PAP 6 1/2 R, 1 1/4 D

Review:
The TNT features the eTrax + solid reactive which makes the TNT distinctive in the Roto Grip line of bowling balls. In comparison to the Helios the TNT is earlier and a tad smoother. However, the TNT provides a touch more length then the Gem.

Anything you desire in a ball to create earlier hook and control the TNT is what you are looking for. If you have been following the USBC Open scene the TNT has been a favorite to provide the bowler a nice controlled reaction for the patterns. In addition, at recent SPI MatchMaker events the TNT has grown in popularity for arsenals as a first ball out of the bag.

Overall, I feel the oob finish is a tad strong and needs to settle in a bit. Either let the TNT lane shine slightly over a few games or knock the peaks of the surface down a touch with a 3K or 4K pad. Just to note, in my area the lanes tend to be older surfaces and get "sparky" fairly quickly. The TNT has its place as that control piece when you have it set to where you need it.

The TNT will work best on medium and higher volume patterns.  If your desire is to have control at the end of the pattern the TNT will nail it. Don't hesitate to try out the TNT.  Please be sure to visit your favorite pro shop today or https://youtube.com/channel/UC1VA-MgFBo9mIZde-G3T11A for more information.

Michael Slatky
900 Global Staff Member
York, PA

LANE CONDITION

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PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS