Layout: 5 x 3 x 2
Surface: 2000 Abralon

The Optimum Idol was released as basically a new version of the original Idol while adding the AI Core Technology which makes the RG slightly lower and Differential higher than its predecessor.  I got to test this on my 44ft typical House Shot and I saw a ball that was certainly a benchmark with added pop down lane.  Compared to the original Idol, I actually found the Optimum to be a little cleaner and more responsive in the back part of the lane by about 3 boards overall.  The original Idol was best where the angle was more in front of you, and you needed to control the lane.  The Optimum Idol allowed me to open up the lane a little more to start and gave me more left to right miss room.  It reads the midlane pretty strong as expected and gave ample continuation through the pins.  It wasn't as forward rolling as the original.  This will make the ball more versatile and usable on a wider variety of oil patterns.  I believe this ball will work for many styles as that traditional benchmark type ball.  Great for the fresh and controlling the lanes will be its forte.  Polishing this one will give a little more down lane angle which would make it useful during transition on lanes or patterns that have a lot more friction.  I expect the Optimum Idol to be in my tournament arsenal for a large majority of oil patterns that I will see.

Adam Chase
Storm Staff

Dual Angle Layout: 55 x 5 1/2 x 40
Storm Vector Layout: 5 ½ x 4 ¼ x 2 7/8
The Optimum Idol is a very strong ball in the mid lane.  You will need some decent head volume for this ball to thrive. This is a great transition ball for me when my strong Assym solids start to burn up.

Roto Grip
Optimum Idol
Cover Stock: Micro Trax Solid Reactive
Finish: 2000 Grit Abralon
Core: Ikon Energized by A.I. Core Technology
(14pd)
RG: 2.51
Differential: 0.054

Layout: 5 x 4 x 4 - 2LS
Layout Extras: 2 1/2" Finger Depth, "X" - 4 1/2 D and 1 Inch Left
Tester: PAP 6 1/2 R, 1 1/4 D

Review:
The Optimum Idol features a second RG Core with A.I. technology. Essentially, this means to the bowler is more length and more motion off the spot compared to previous releases. You'll also keep hearing that A.I. technology provides up to five-percent more carry on off hits. Keep in mind the cover is MicroTrax which is one of the most aggressive coverstocks RG offers.

The Optimum Idol is an excellent symmetric option for fresher lanes. We have already witnessed/read about some incredible results with the Optimum Idol, namely Stu Williams and Jesper Svensson. Look to use the out of the box finish and let some lane shine build on the ball to break it in. As noted ^ the coverstock is strong on the Optimum Idol.

A good ball to compare the Optimum Idol to is the Helios. For me the Helios was a tad earlier and smoother. Also, the Helios for me would tend to burn up early and to the eye not go through the pins the way I ideally wanted on transitioning patterns. However, the Optimum Idol at the OOB finish is perfectly fine and I'm more pleased than I initially thought from reviewing the specs. The predictable motion of the Optimum Idol is one of the keys to this ball being a winner.

As noted above, I prefer the Optimum Idol smoother shape compared to other offerings. This is due to my personal preference for smoother arc type reactions for tournament play. Don't forget to check in on my channel at: https://youtube.com/channel/UC1VA-MgFBo9mIZde-G3T11A for occasional video reviews. Be sure to grab your Roto Grip Optimum Idol today!

Michael Slatky
900 Global Staff Member
York, PA

Roto Grip Optimum Idol
Ball Specs: Ikon core with A.I. outer core with Micro-Trax solid coverstock
Layout: 5 x 4 x 3 at box finish of 2000 grit abralon
Bowler specs: 15.5 mph and rev rate in the 380’s and my is PAP is 3 ¼ and at zero up/down and tested on Pro-Lane at ABC North Lanes in Harrisburg, Pa., and Colony Park Lanes and Games in York, Pa.
With the past overwhelming success of the original Roto Grip Idol, we brought the past to the current technological levels that Storm is known for. The Ikon core is an “Icon” when it comes to the Roto Grip ball lines. I noticed over the OG Idol, that the travel through the pin deck has improved with the A.I. outer core technology and updating the cover to the Micro-Trax it digs through the pattern, but does not lose any energy in the backend of the lane. When the Optimum Idol gains some lane shine and matches more to the Pro-Lane panels I bowl most on, the consistency of reaction and pin carry increases. When I bowled on older HPL – I freshened the cover with a new VISE 2000 grit pad and once again the reaction and pin carry was intense. I tried every aspect of my game, outside the track, in the track, and around the track area and the new Idol responded to my every need. I can now see why I seen other bowlers chomping at the bit when this ball was unveiled, this ball will be a HUGE hit for any level of league bowler and tournament bowler. A stronger version of a Phaze II is where I would put this in my tournament arsenal.
Thanks to my sponsors and supporters:
Storm Products Inc. – Roto Grip, 900 Global, Storm, and 3G Shoes
Coolwick Apparel
Vise Inserts
ABC North Lanes and Lounge
Colony Park Lanes and Games
Bowlers’ Supply
#SquadRG
#3GShoes
#BeCoolCrew
#ViseInserts

Testing Enviroment:
Pattern Length:43
Volume: Med-High
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):THS 12:1 Ratio

COMMENTS

Ball:
Cover: MicroTrax™ Solid
Core: Ikon™ block with A.I. Core Technology
Finish: 2000-grit Abralon
RG: 2.47 (15)
Differential: 0.056 (15)

ME:
Right-Handed Tweener
Speed: 12-13 mph
Rev Rate: 315
Axis Tilt: 14°
Axis Rotation: 74°
PAP: 5 1/8 R 7/8 Up
Ball Layout: Pin Over Middle 5 3/4 X 4 1/2 X 3 VLS


The legendary IDOL is back, this time sporting AI technology. The Optimum Idol features the same IKON block and Microtrax solid cover that made the original Idol the GOAT for strong mid-lane benchmark motion.

I tested the Optimum in league on our long heavy house pattern. I hadn't used the original alot because it was so strong up front and with my ball speed it was often too early. I've been working on getting the stronger balls out further on the front lane panels and I was excited to see how the Optimum Idol would look. The first couple shots I laid down a little cleaner and I saw the same strong early roll I remembered from the Idol, but the same problem with so much energy being used early. I tried a touch of loft and all of a sudden it felt impossible to miss the pocket. I did have to be aware of not getting down too clean or I could flat 10, but I really felt like the Optimum gave me a ton of room to get to the pocket. Misses in, misses out, mis-hits off my hand the ball just kept finding the pocket. The only minor difference I saw from the old Idol was that this one seemed just a touch quicker but I'd hate to have to live on the difference.

I think the Optimum Idol is going to be a popular one. It takes the place of the original and that is a spot I feel many people had been missing in their bags. This ball will be a tournament staple and particularly popular with bowlers on the firmer side of speed or with a bit less hand.


Check out my full ball reaction video on Youtube: https://youtu.be/EHOXSur9EJs?si=f7NDhbqHLcMcA4ki

Lonnie Pemberton
Storm Pro Shop Staff
Vise Pro Shop Staff
Revolutions Pro Shop

Youtube Channel: https://youtube.com/@k1ngsizepapa