The Hyper Cell is a combination of using the original Nucleus core that has an Rg of 2.52 and a differential of 0.056 with a PSA differential of 0.018 in 15lb balls; and the 80H Microbite cover that was on the Defiant, finished to 2000 grit abralon. The Hyper Cell really needs some oil in the front of the lane to get it moving in the correct direction with the box finish. A simple trip to the ball spinner for a coat of polish or a smoother surface will help if there isn’t enough oil on the lane to keep the Hyper Cell from slowing down too fast.
I choose to go with a 3¾ x6 ¼ x2 ½ layout to compliment the Asylum that I drilled up (4x6 ½ x2 ½). I wanted that true oil ball. I didn’t want a big backend reaction, and I didn’t want a ball that needed shined just to keep it from slowing down too fast even on oil. The 3 ¾†pin placement allows the ball to rev up, while the long PSA placement of 6 ¼†allows for a longer transition in the hook phase of ball motion. Translation; I drilled for heavier, longer, slightly flatter from left to right patterns. I used the Hyper Cell in a tournament that used the new 43 ft USBC team pattern. It was great on the fresh pattern. I kept my angles in front of me and moved in as the oil depleted. I was then able to go to the Asylum as the pattern broke down in the front of the lane because of the righties moving left, into my lay down area. This ball would’ve been great had we bowled on the fresh for the match play portion, as I can see where it wanted to allow me to move in (15 minutes of practice with only a few people on the pair can tell you a lot), if there is oil to move into. A slight change of the hand position to create more downlane motion as the angles become steeper is really all that is required.
The Hyper Cell is a strong cover and strong core ball. It likes oil. I can see players having success with this ball at nationals this year. The only issue I can see for me personally is because of the long PSA drill angle, I can get a little too much over under on the typical Abe Lincoln top hat house condition. If I drilled another Hyper Cell for that, I would go with a shorter PSA to PAP angle, so that the transition of the hook phase is faster, and a longer pin distance from PAP as well, to reduce the overall board coverage and hook potential. If you need a heavy oil ball, give the Hyper Cell a try. With cover modifications, you can use it on medium volume patterns, but I would recommend a different ball like an Up Roar for medium-light to dry lanes.
Thank you for taking the time to read my review of the Roto Grip Hyper Cell.
Tommy Gollick
Storm/Vise regional staff player