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Author Topic: Roto Grip Gem Review  (Read 9686 times)

StormAndrew

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Roto Grip Gem Review
« on: March 05, 2022, 01:19:05 PM »
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TCrEeZBwMU

Roto Grip Gem Review:
Roto Grip's newest asymmetrical will be the earliest and strongest asym to date. Designed for medium-heavy to heavy oil conditions the Gem will have no issues digging down to begin traction.
I have used the Gem on Bowlero's 44' house condition in different house environments and the Gem blends the lane really well. I have used it on shorter differences and the reaction was just as good. The ball seems to slow down in the perfect part of the lane as it creates maximum entry angle to the pocket.
For those looking for strong benchmark shapes the Gem will be a perfect compliment to your arsenal to tackle those house and sport conditions.

 

k1ngsizepapa

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Roto Grip Gem Review by Lonnie Pemberton
« Reply #1 on: March 07, 2022, 06:16:35 PM »
Cover: MICROTRAXâ„¢Solid
Core: DEFIANTâ„¢ LRG
Finish: 1500 Polish
RG: 2.47
Diff: 0.053
Int. Diff: .016

Right-Handed Tweener
Speed: 12-13 mph
Rev Rate: 315
PAP: 4 7/8 Right 3/8 Up

Ball Layout: Pin in Ring 4 1/2 X 4 1/4 X 3 VLS

The Roto Grip Gem is going to live up to a pretty incredible amount of hype. I am always skeptical when I see "hookingest ball ever" type posts. I will say right now, I have never thrown a ball that hooks more than the gem. I was a big fan of the Defiant series balls so I was happy to see the Defiant core come back. Wrapping it in Micro trax has created an absolute hook monster.

I am beyond grateful that my home center is using a high volume house pattern this year. First night out with the gem, it took me most of practice to figure out that I needed to stop trying to make my gem hook and just let it hook. Once I did that I felt like it could throw it anywhere to the right and get it back. My only 2 non strikes were both shots that I threw bad enough that the ball had no chance of getting right. On a pattern that has made me hyper aware of how the ball is coming off my hand it was unbelievably fun to just relax and let the ball go.

The Gem is going to be the go to "hook in a box" in every shop. Tame the wettest conditions, get the max hook for your customers that struggle to get the ball to turn over. This ball has a huge footprint and you can't oil them too much for it.

myers007

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Roto Grip Gem Review
« Reply #2 on: March 08, 2022, 02:30:32 PM »
Coverstock: MicroTrax Solid Reactive
Core: Defiant LRG Core
RG: 2.47
Diff: 0.053
Int diff: 0.016

The Roto Grip Gem features the MicroTrax cover and the Defiant core. Out of the box this ball was a hook monster and forced me into the 4th or 5th arrow on a fresh house shot. After a few games the cover settled down a bit for me and this is where the ball really began to shine. It allowed me to play from different parts of the lane depending on ball speed and hand position.  I could move left and slow wheel it or move right, add some speed, and take some hand out of the ball. I compared the Gem to the Reality, and it was earlier and smoother by 2-3 boards. The Reality had more down lane motion. I also compared to the Helios and the Helios was 5-7 boards weaker. Compared to the Nova, it was earlier and smoother and about 4-5 board stronger. The Nova has more down lane shape similar to the Reality but a step down from both. Overall, the Gem is going to allow you control the lane with its controllable reaction.

Tobias Myers
#RotoGrip

fazzone22

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Roto Grip Gem
« Reply #3 on: March 20, 2022, 10:24:37 AM »
The Gem is Roto Grip’s newest HP4 line, which is a MONSTER. It comes with the Defiant LRG Core, the lowest RG asymmetrical Roto Grip has ever made, and it is wrapped around the MicroTrax Solid cover and is finished with 2000 Abralon. I drilled mine 5.5 x 5 x 5 which is a little weaker than I normally do because I knew how strong this ball was going to be. I’ve been throwing this ball for awhile now and even with the weaker drilling the ball is still super strong. I compared the Gem to my favorite pin down symmetrical heavy oil ball the Idol Helios. My Gem and Idol Helios are within a couple boards with the Gem being a little smoother on the back compared to the Helios. This also shows you how strong the Gem actually is since the Helios is a lot stronger than the Gem. If you are in the market for a new heavy oil ball, tournament ball or just wants something to hook a ton, well you need to pick up the Roto Grip Gem !

Bigmike

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Re: Roto Grip Gem Review
« Reply #4 on: March 26, 2022, 10:03:59 AM »
I drilled my Gem with a pin under layout of 30 x 4.5 x 70. The intent is to have something that is smoother than my PROTON PHYSIX and NOVA when the condition calls for staying on line with a strong ball. I have only thrown it box finish.

I threw my GEM on a 46 foot PBA pattern and on a league condition that always starts tight outside then breaks down in the fronts quickly. On the 46 foot pattern, the GEM was quick even with the pin down layout. I ended up having to separate my feet and target too much to carry well so I had to put it away. My NOVA was better on this pattern to carry with. On the league condition, the GEM's strong cover just ate thru the heavier oil. When it came time to move, the GEM was too much ball and just moving left into where everyone else had been playing made me have to get out of it quickly.

So what I can see so far is the GEM is very strong. It is right on par with the PROTON and REALITY as far as big hitters go. The few pin up lay outs I have seen go down lane are very continuous and don't quit. So if you want a big cover/engine ball that will cover some boards and hit well, then drill a GEM up!
"Tell me Cup, how does a great ball striker like you shoot an 83? Well I lipped out this putt on 18......"

Mike Craig - Storm Bowling Amateur Staff - Westerville, OH