While reading this post please do not think that I am bashing anyone especially Roto Grip, I live by their equipment.  I'm not trying cause a fuss, just stating my point, but please feel free to chime in.

  Roto Grips decision to release the RS-X puzzles me.  I mean I have no doubt that this will be one heck of a ball, but I believe that their timing is a tad bit off. First thing that upsets me is not only the discontiuation of the silver streak solid, but the fact that there is yet a ball to fill that void that the ball has left in the RG arsenal.  The Silver Streak Solid(out of box), was IMO one of the best medium length sport shot balls on the market. Bt with its discontinuation customers will be forced to either go with a Super sonic and make it a little stronger(which is hard to do bc of the low diff core) or try to tweak the Ressurection.  I love the Ressurection, just the way it is.  Now for someone that is looking to play the tough conditions and find that the gap between the Super Sonic and the Ressurection is too big(please do not mention the Ultra, I am simply commenting on solids) what are they left to do?  

Now what I do commend Roto on doing is going after some of today's market, HOOK OUT THE BOX!!! And that is great for the everyday league bowler, but I see no use for this ball on Sport shot tourneys.  It looks like this ball is trying to compete with the Ultimate, Vertigo, and even the WOMB.  But the midlane on this ball is going to be out of this WORLD!!! There are gonna be a lot of 7 pins hit during league for right handers. lol. But is Roto hitting that HOOK OUT THE BOX market too late?  I think so, with the release of the WOMB and Shock and Awe many already have their answer.  And as quiet as its kept, I think this ball will outhook the vision.

I just think that RG should also keep the "bowlers" in mind when they discontinue and create balls, but thats just my opionion.  Lemme know what you guys feel about it.

BMM

P.S.-Just to let everyone know, I do own the RS-1 and it is a heck of a ball, but it is VERY condition specific on a sport shot.
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Roto Grip forever!!!! What else is there??

One thing you don't see is that even though others probably share your opinion about discontinuing the Silver Streak, they aren't knocking the pro shop doors down to purchase them either.  Plain and simple, if it isn't selling anymore why keep it in the product line?  We look at numerous pieces and decide which is the best ball to discontinue in order to make room for new product, based on sales, distributor support, possible overlapping, etc....  If we kept every great piece of equipment we make in our line, we would have a product line like other large manufacturers.  Our goal is to have a small product line that covers a wide variety of conditions, not flood the market with bowling balls while still trying to push other ones that are merely inches apart.  We have a different marketing strategy and if anyone feels we have holes in our arsenal I disagree.  If you can't take 3 of our bowling balls and make an arsenal with the proper layouts, I'd be really surprised.

I hope this helps you better understand why a ball is discontinued.  We can all sit around and talk about great equipment we've had and how we wish we could find them still.  When it all boils down though, if bowlers aren't buying them we have to create something new.  


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Roger Noordhoek
Technical & Customer
Services Manager
Roto Grip, Inc.
888-450-6920
RogerN@rotogrip.com
www.rotogrip.com

For all your Roto Grip Logo Merchandise please visit www.rotogear.com

Guess I never really put any thought into the fact that they aren't selling as good as they used to. But Mustang have you guys ever thought about re-releasing in a different color?  I know it sounds stupid but when I first started bowling I dismissed it because it was solid black. lol.  Could be a reason for the poor sales.  Mustang I do appreciate your comment and the fact that you don't take any offense, afterall, you guys will still be getting my money. lol.

Jeff,
Pin over middle cg in palm.

BMM

P.S.-The RS-X does look nice....odds are I'll buy it, but don't tell anyone!! lol
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Roto Grip forever!!!! What else is there??

Edited on 4/1/2005 10:59 AM

Edited on 4/1/2005 12:50 PM

The pics are up on rotogrip.com
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Big Tom