Roto Grip Exotic Gem
Coverstock: MicroTrax Pearl Reactive (Reacta Gloss)
Core: Defiant LRG core
RG: 2.47, Diff: 0.053, PSA: 0.016 (15 lbs)
PAP: 5 3/16 over x 5/8 up
VLS Layout: 5 x 4 3/8 x 2 3/8
Dual Angle Layout: 55 x 5 x 35
Location: Prairie Lanes, Sun Prairie WI
Pattern: Medium volume THS
The new Exotic Gem is the pearlized version of the original Gem from Roto Grip. It features the same Defiant LRG core as the solid Gem but is wrapped in the MicroTrax Pearl reactive cover, which bucks the trend of previous pearl releases that use a weaker cover compared to their solid counterpart. But don’t be mistaken, even though the Exotic Gem has a pearl cover it’s an incredibly strong ball.
The layout I used puts the pin above my ring finger and the mass bias slightly right of my thumb. It’s a fairly strong layout that gives me a little length up front with plenty of midlane read and a strong continuous backend. I typically scuff shiny balls with a 2000/3000 Abralon pad, but given the strength of the Exotic Gem I decided to leave it at box finish with Reacta Gloss. My first chance to use it was in league on a medium volume THS. Given the strength of the Exotic Gem, I was required to move deeper than I typically would. Often times pearl balls become pretty over/under on league patterns given the amount of oil in the middle and dry to the outsides, but the Exotic was plenty strong enough to dig through the soup in the middle of the lane and still make a strong move off the friction without over-reacting. In fact, the further left I moved as the night went on, the better the Exotic looked as it was able to retain that much more energy – so much so that I was able to pop off 300 in the final game of league. Not bad for the first set out-of-the-box!
Compared to the Gem, it’s a few feet longer and retains more energy for the back 1/3 of the lane. It’s actually a great go-to from the Gem when that ball starts getting lazy and leaving weak hits. The RST-X3 in comparison to the Exotic Gem is a little earlier and a little smoother, likely due in part to the hybrid cover on the X3. Both balls cover about the same number of boards but do it with different shapes.
I think the Exotic Gem would slot right between the solid Gem and RST-X3. If you’re a high-speed low rev player, or someone that gravitates to bigger hooking bowling balls, the Exotic Gem should be your first consideration. This ball definitely needs oil and seemingly rolls much better the deeper on the lane you get and on longer oil patterns. I’m confident in saying it’s the strongest pearl I’ve ever thrown.
Chris Pollentier
Storm Products Pro Shop Staff
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