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The Roto Grip Optimum Idol Pearl: a revolutionary addition to the IDOL series, now featuring the MicroTrax Pearl coverstock for the first time in the domestic market. This is a milestone, as Roto Grip's renowned nanoparticle pearl coverstock has never before been paired with this legendary core shape. Following the success of the original Optimum IDOL, Roto Grip knew the time was right to introduce a pearl version that offers optimal traction in oil while maintaining impressive responsiveness down the lane. You'll find the Ikon + A.I. Core Technology inside, just like in the original Optimum IDOL. On the outside, the MicroTrax Pearl Reactive coverstock (recently used on the Exotic GEM) ensures a perfect balance of grip and friction response. Get ready to experience a new level of performance with the Optimum Idol Pearl, designed to complement its predecessor and elevate your game to new heights.

Color: Bubblegum/Iris
All colors do vary somewhat from the picture shown
Core: Ikon + A.I. Core Technology (14-16#)
Coverstock: MicroTrax Pearl Reactive
Finish: Reacta Gloss
RG: 2.47 (for 15# ball)
Differential: 0.056 (for 15# ball)
Recommended Lane Condition: Medium to Medium/Heavy Oil

You will never go wrong with a ball that has the Idol logo on it and the Optimum is no different. A shape we been looking for in the SPI for a little bit of time, this is a throw back to the blue Idol Pearl we saw years ago. Although the current is stronger and earlier than the blue pearl; we still see that great pearl mid performance benchmark reaction with the Optimum. This ball will come out after the Ascent begins to read too soon and a cleaner and more angular ball reaction is needed. Additionally, for comparison purposes this ball will be stronger than the Xponent Pearl as it reads the body of the lane much sooner.

The Roto Grip Optimum Idol Pearl is a strong contender for bowlers seeking a blend of mid-lane control and backend power. With its MicroTrax Pearl Reactive coverstock and the innovative Ikon + A.I. Core, this ball is designed to excel on medium to medium-heavy oil conditions. It provides a smooth, yet strong reaction through the midlane and a controlled, but pronounced move at the breakpoint, making it an excellent choice when lanes start to transition. Compared to other balls in the Idol series, this pearlized version offers a cleaner motion with plenty of backend continuation, perfect for when you need a step down from more aggressive options. It’s a versatile ball that can fit into various arsenals, delivering reliable performance across different lane conditions.​

Optimum Idol Pearl • Roto Grip • HP3 Series
Coverstock • MicroTrax Pearl Reactive • Finish Reacta Gloss
Core • Ikon + A.I. Core technology
Weight • 15 lbs. RG • 2.47 Differential • .056
Layout •4 ½ x 3 ¾ x 2 ¼
Tester PAP • 5” R, 5/8” D Tester Axis Tilt • 9° Testers Rev Rate • 250
Test Pattern • 42' THS (Typical House Shot) • Modified, Kegel Stone Street

Roto Grip continues its Optimum Idol line of success with the new Optimum Idol Pearl. The Optimum Idol Pearl combines the proven Ikon + A.I. Core technology and Roto Grips' legendary MicroTrax Pearl reactive coverstock. And this combination proved to be a winning success with the Optimum Idol Pearl. So, let's take a closer look at what makes the Optimum Idol Pearl all that good!
The Ikon Core by itself is a smooth and firm rolling core that produces a predictable and stable motion you can trust. And now, combined with the A.I. Core Technology, you still get that same reliable motion, but with the added impact, power, and strength we straighter players need at the pins. And as a straighter player, what I like most about the Ikon + A.I. Core technology is that it keeps my Optimum Idol Pearl consistent through the skid, hook, and roll phases, unlike other symmetrical cores that rev great in the mid-lane but run out of gas at the pins and leaves us with corner pin city. So, if you are a straighter low-rev player, count on the Ikon Core +A.I. Core technology to deliver for your game.

The MicroTrax Pearl reactive coverstock makes the Optimum Idol Pearl the traction-loving Pearl straighter players have been waiting for! I started my review with my Optimum Idol Pearl at 3000-grit Abralon instead of the factory Reacta Gloss finish. And making that surface tweak, my Optimum Idol Pearl was outstanding on fresh oil! I loved how the MicroTrax Pearl saw the mid-lane with a clean gripping traction while giving me a predictable and smooth bite off the pattern. And as the pattern started breaking down, the MicroTrax Pearl blended the wet/dry conditions reasonably well for my straighter game. And although I did see the MicroTrax Pearl become a bit more sensitive to friction than I liked later in the night, I still found the Optimum Idol Pearl to be controllable all night on THS conditions.

In closing, Roto Grip has done a fine job crafting the Optimum Idol Pearl. Roto Grips' combination of Ikon + A.I. Core technology and MicroTrax Pearl cover make the Optimum Idol Pearl a fantastic new release for any straighter player like me, especially on fresh oil conditions. Further, straighter players can count on a smooth, rounded motion and bowl with confidence because the added striking power will deliver results to their game! So, stop into your local Storm VIP Pro Shop today, and get ready for the success the Optimum Idol Pearl can bring to your game! The Optimum Idol Pearl is a great choice!

Rick Klimowicz
Storm Products Pro Shop Staff
Roll the Ball Pro Shop
Penndel, PA