The Idol returns! The long awaited update on the iconic Idol line has finally arrived. The all-new Optimum Idol features the original Ikon™ block encapsulated with A.I. Core Technology, and our MicroTrax™ Solid Coverstock wrapped around the outside. The ball motion has stepped up from the original motion of the Idol. This ball is extremely versatile, you are able to play wherever you need on the lane without sacrificing ball motion. The new A.I. Core Technology amplified the motion of the Optimum Idol that will create a whole new perspective on the HP3 line. The Optimum Idol will be a great option for all types of bowlers on all types of lane conditions, you will not want to miss out on this great release! Go to your local VIP pro shop on 3/15 to get yours!

Layout: 4 1/2 x 4 x 2 VLS

The original Idol is back!  Well.. it may not be the original, but it’s as close as any of the other Idols have been.  It is a little stronger, and it’s got the AI outer core in it now.  To be completely honest, I never owned an original Idol.  I threw it at a few Matchmakers and they just rolled too early for me.  I’ve changed my delivery quite a bit in the last few years and the Optimum Idol matches up with me much better, but I can see the similar shape and reaction.  The Idol is a great benchmark ball that you can trust to get a good read out of the lanes - a great place to start the night.  I’ve thrown it at box surface and liked the reaction, but the surfaces I bowl on typically have too much friction to throw it too long.  I’ve sanded it down to 1000 and put a light coat of step 2 on it.  It helped push the reaction a little bit further down the lane, but still gets me that Idol shape and continuation.

My Specs -
Speed - 16 mph,
Rev Rate - 315. 
PAP 5 1/8 x 7/8 Up.

Optimum Idol • Roto Grip • Hp3 Series
Coverstock • MicroTrax Solid Reactive • Finish 2000-Grit Abralon
Core • lkon + A.I. Core Technology
Weight • 15 lbs. RG • 2.47 Differential • .056
Layout •4 1/2 x3 1/2 x2 5/8
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

The new Optimum Idol by Roto Grip is a trusty new benchmark ball that will bring confidence and reliability to any straighter player’s game! The Optimum Idol is the perfect combination of the lkon + A.I. Core and the MicroTrax Solid reactive coverstock, making it a must-have for your arsenal. So, let’s take a closer look at what makes Optimum Idol the next “old-reliable” to add to your bag!

The Ikon core in itself has been a strong and consistent staple in the Roto Grip Idol line. And what I like most about the Ikon core is its consistency throughout the lane. You can count on the Ikon core to rev up methodically as it heads through the mid-lane without being overly aggressive. And because the Ikon Core has a continuously smooth nature, you can count on it to be predictable off the pattern of every shot. And now, combined with the A.I. Core technology surrounding the Ikon Core, there is a noticeable difference in striking power!

The Amplified Insight Core technology or A.I. Core surrounding the Ikon Core seriously brings a new dimension of hard-hitting impact power to the Optimum Idol. I found your typical ring ten pins to get kicked out; I saw high hits crush that high four-pin leave, and as a straighter player, I loved watching those light, low rev, and OH-NO  hits make the pins dance around the pin deck. So, if you’re thinking the Optimum Idol is just another Idol, think again! The Ikon + A.I. Core technology gives the Optimum Idol a whole new world of striking possibilities.

The MicroTrax Solid is the perfect choice for making the Optimum Idol a “go-to” in your arsenal. Being a straighter player, I like how the MicroTrax solid isn’t overly porous, which would cause it to roll at your toes. I took my Optimum Idol to 4000-grit Abralon and loved the smooth and dependable traction the MicroTrax solid provided. I found the MicroTrax to be crisp yet consistent early on fresh and equally so on the burn. So, as a straighter player, I would say that the MicroTrax Solid performs very well in many conditions with the correct surface for your game.
What I enjoyed most with the MicroTrax solid was how it blends the wet/dry and spotty conditions we straighter players tend to struggle with. So, suppose you find yourself frustrated by game three. In that case, you can count on the MicroTrax solid coverstock on the Optimum Idol to deliver the results you need to win the night’s total wood!

In conclusion, the Optimum Idol is an excellent new release by Roto Grip! Straighter and low-rev players will love the strength and power of the Ikon + A.I. Core technology and the MicroTrax Solid to deliver that benchmark roll you can count on all night long! So, stop into your local Storm V I.P. Pro Shop today and have your optimum Idol ready to roll tonight. And end your fall season with success!

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

Rev Rate: 315 rpm
Avg. Ball Speed: 14.5 mph
PAP: 5 1/4" x 1"

Whether you prefer a Pin Up or Pin Down layout, get ready to fall in love with the reliable and consistent motion this ball delivers to your arsenal. It served as the perfect ball up from my Tour Dynam-X, particularly when the pattern gets cliffed. Thanks to its Microtrax solid reactive coverstock, this ball maintains ample traction in the oil, while the Ikon A.I. Core ensures smooth and controllable movement off the friction. It responds well to lane shine, making transitions during longer blocks more intuitive. 'Comfort' perfectly encapsulates the essence of this ball, making it an ideal benchmark piece for your collection.

About Me
900 Global Staff
Left Handed: High Rev High Speed Player
Layout: 5 X 5 X 2
Pap: - 47/8   +1
Rev Rate: +-500
Speed 17-18mph

Ball Video: https://youtu.be/pQ_m0YYf_MA
Smooth and packing a punch is the best way I can describe the new Roto Grip Optimum Idol. Like I state I have never owned any of the balls in the Idol line and boy am I mad at myself for not giving the Idol line a try. This ball is such a complete ball and should fit the eye for most people. It's long but not too long, it's angular but not too angular, and the Optimum Idol is as smooth as can be. This Idol reads the lanes beautifully and will give you every ready that you need to adjust or to ball down.
The Optimum Idol hits so ridiculously hard that I cannot even make a comparison. Most of the time you can say a ball hits like a truck or packs a punch, but this Optimum Idol hits the pocket it gives off a different sound and it’s so loud. The Optimum is going to be a benchmark ball for most or for some it will be a ball you start out with on house shot or games 2-5 in a longer game tournament. Like I stated the Optimum is so smooth and very predictable to be able to adjust or ball changes. This is going to be a cheater ball for many bowlers. Go get yours today if you want to score high.

Joel Donner
900 Global Staff Member
Cedar Rapids, IA

#StormNation
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LANE CONDITION

Length: 42'

Type: THS med/heavy

Optimum Idol
Micro Trax Solid Reactive
Symmetric Ikon A.I. Core
Finish: 2000 grit Abralon
RG: 2.47 Diff: 0.056
Layout: 5 1/4 x 1 1/2

COMMENTS

Tough patterns. Easy patterns. Issues with fresh over reacting backends. Struggles on transition. We say BRING IT ON! Between the original Ikon™ block encapsulated with A.I. Core Technology, and our MicroTrax™ Solid Coverstock wrapped around the outside, this beauty is definitely like using a cheat code on the lanes. And there is no doubt this combo of core and cover will increase the confidence and playability for bowlers of all skill levels on a variety of lane conditions.

If the OG Idol had a child, the Optimum Idol is it. I had 4 OGs drilled various ways and none compare to the carry I get from the OI. I say the latest technology has elevated this to next level in my arsenal. It covers a broader range of conditions without any cover changes of which I prefer not to do.

As of this review I have well of 35+ games from league to tournament play because of its VERSATILITY and  PREDICTABILITY. I have been able to play the entire lane up to my capabilities on the fresh THS and broken down sport patterns in tournament environments.

Drilled with my go to benchmark pin up 5 1/4 x 1 1/2 layout, this ball stays in my bag because of the confidence it gives me with pin carry with my now lower rev-rate. Light pin hits have increased as well. Compared to other balls in my bag, the  is just a pinch earlier than my Sublime and I would attribute that to the quick rolling Ikon core.  When my Optimum Idol starts picking up too early, I have had success balling down to either my Xponent (cleaner) or Xponent Pearl (cleaner with a quicker response).

I recommend the for bowlers with above average ball speed and rev rate looking for a VERSATILE hooking  ball for THS heavy to medium patterns.  For a lower/medium rev late player wanting a stronger ball for league purposes I would apply some polish or 4k finish which will handle plenty of oil, but make a stronger move on the back end.

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