Roto Grip Idol Bowling Ball

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Color: Magenta Coverstock: MicroTrax-S18 Solid Weight Block: Ikon Core Factory Finish: 2000 Grit Flare Potential: High Radius of Gyration (RG): 2.49 Differential (Diff): 0052 Roto Grip Idol Bowling Ball Core The newly created Ikon™ Core has pushed the symmetrical dynamics in the HP3 line to a whole new level. Measuring in with an rg value of 2.49 and a differential of .052, backend motion will not be a problem. Cover In testing and development we stumbled upon our strongest blend of Nano technology for the Roto Grip Brand to date, MicroTrax-S18. With tweaks in formulas and mix ratios we have created a coverstock that provides even more traction and is overall more aggressive than the Micro DNA Coverstock. Condition Bottom line, in the HP3 line we have been looking for the next generation of Haywire. Needless to say, the new IDOL is that and then some. You will see a similar motion in the midlane compared to the Haywire, but with the new core and new cover you will see more overall hook.
LineIdol
ColorMagenta
CoverstockMicroTrax-S18 Solid
CoreIkon Core
RG2.49
Differential0.052
Intermediate Diffn/a
Factory finish2000 Grit
Weights12-16 lbs
Cleared USBCYes

26 Reviews

  • msipple

    Posted by msipple on Aug 27th 2018

    BALL SPECS Pin Length: 3 - 4 Starting Top Weight: 3.1 oz Ball Weight: 15 DRILL PATTERN Pin buffer 4 inches 4 x 5 x 4 BOWLER STYLE: RH - Stroker Rev Rate: 380-420 Ball Speed: 15-16 PAP/Track: PAP: 5 13/16" and 1/2" up SURFACE PREP Box Finish: 2000-grit Pad BALL MOTION The Idol is a strong symmetrical ball. Its rolls up a little sooner than most RG pieces with a strong continuous motion. COMMENTS I drilled this ball up to be a step more than my Phase 2. It is 2 to 3 boards stronger than my phase 2 and has a more continuous motion than my phase 2. This ball rols great and is very predictable. Mike Sipple Storm/Roto Grip/Amateur Staff www.stormbowling.com www.rotogrip.com

  • Rotogripskitt159

    Posted by Rotogripskitt159 on Jul 7th 2018

    Doing a ball review on the roto grip idol today.Another great ball built from roto grip,really big fan of colour choice lol i like bowling ball with one solid colour.I really like the haywire ball was fantastic,work well for alot of bowlers and patterns np.The idol i find it can handle alot more oil then the haywire and seems to me that is has great midlane with great smooth down lane reaction.Ive taking the idol and did alot of surface changes to see how the cover would react to different conditions we see out there today,and to be honest the ball did great with the surface changes and had some different reactions.took it to 500ab all the way up to 4000ab plus 1500 polish storm all purpose shine.All the surface changes were done useing the storm factory machine best machine out there.For sure this is ball will be going to alot of tournaments with me and a ball ill use alot for sure.If you really liked the haywire this ball will be the next best thing for sure in your bag.

  • ct9pinking

    Posted by ct9pinking on Jul 1st 2018

    Idol Considering Symmetrical Equipment is my favorite to drill this ball is no exception. The NEW MicroTrax–S18 Solid Reactive Cover and Ikon Symmetrical Core work great together. Most people compare this ball to the Haywire. I myself compare it to the Storm IQ only stronger. Since drilling this ball I find myself now using it for my benchmark ball. It gives me great mid-lane and doesn't quit on the backend. I have been able to use on typical house shots and also works well on longer sport patterns as well. Bowler Info: PAP 4 9/16 x 1 3/16 up; Ball Speed 18mph; Rev Rate 620 RPM #rotogrip #squadrg Keith DeMaine Storm/Roto Grip Amateur Staff Connecticut State & County HOF www.stormbowling.com www.rotogrip.com

  • PJ Haggerty

    Posted by PJ Haggerty on Jun 27th 2018

    If you've followed the Roto Grip line over the past several years, you've probably noticed one thing... bright colors. Our team in Utah is known for making equipment with very noticeable and lively colors. The Idol definitely fits that mold as well. The best thing about the Idol is it strikes a lot and when it does, people know what ball is going down the lane. I'm a big fan of the Idol and have drilled one so far. My favorite layout the last few years is mapped out as: 5 ½ x 5 with no hole. The Idol reminds me of a Haywire, but a touch cleaner and a touch quicker down lane. I remember the Haywire being a slower response time ball and great for tougher patterns when you need something predictable. I think the Idol is very close to that, but you're able to open you're angles up a bit more and create more shape with the Idol. From a surface standpoint, I've just let lane oil shine it up for me and then I used a 2000 pad to smooth it back up. If you need a strong, symmetrical, predictable piece in your bag, the Idol will definitely attract your eyes to it! #SquadRG

  • Bryan-Dpkills

    Posted by Bryan-Dpkills on Jun 24th 2018

    This ball works great for people that have good amount of hand in the ball. It is a ball that will allow you to start and keep moving left.

  • rodbowler75

    Posted by rodbowler75 on Jun 24th 2018

    After getting a chance to drill the new Roto Grip Idol i've been really impressed by what this ball adds to my bag. A very strong ball for the price point and when i need more control than a Fused and when i need more than my Hustle Hyb it's a great fit! This a great ball to build your bag around.

  • StoRoto2013

    Posted by StoRoto2013 on Jun 20th 2018

    The Idol is the newest addition to RotoGrip's HP3 line of bowling balls. The Idol features the Micro Trax S18 Solid Reactive coverstock that surrounds the Ikon Core. What that means is reaction and continuation from foul light to the back of the pit. The Idol is eye catching with a unique Magenta Color off the lanes. While on the lanes the Idol has pin pounding power with mid lane continuation. The way I describe the Idol is a way stronger IQ Tour. The versatility of the Idol will become legendary because whether you polish it or leave it in its natural state of dullness the pins have no chance to survive! I was very fortunate to throw the Idol, IQ Tour and a Daredevil Trick for comparison on a Typical House Pattern. This might not have been a fair comparison because the Idol was about an arrow stronger than the Trick. The IQ Tour did not fare any better against the Idol especially at the breakpoint. The IQ Tour is the most versatile solid bowling ball I have ever thrown and the Idol because of its power might give it a run for the money. The Idol does start up quicker than the IQ Tour but makes up for that with a devastating backend motion. I have a lower rev rate (300ish) and like to play straighter through front part of the lane. During this comparison, I noticed that I was moving left and the Idol continued to motion through the pins with authority while the other two bowling balls were noticeably weaker through the pins. There was no fancy layout with the Idol just Pin down cg kicked out with a hole down just like the other two bowling balls. It is like a Hysteria and an IQ Tour have a baby! That baby would be the Idol. The mixture of Power and Versatility will make the Idol a mainstay in anyone's Bowling Bag.

  • Kevin Duncan

    Posted by Kevin Duncan on Jun 7th 2018

    Roto Grip Idol Layout: 55 x 4.5 x 30 Rev Rate: 300 rpm Testing information: 41 foot THS (medium volume) – Kegel Machine – Brunswick Anvilane Test results: The replacement for your Haywire is here. The Idol gives you the same type of motion as your Haywire but just a little more overall hook. If you liked the Haywire, you will love the Idol. The beautiful Magenta color doesn't hurt its shelf appeal either. I am seeing so many Idols on the ball racks in league and at tournaments that its a telling sign.#OwnIt

  • Danieldeno300

    Posted by Danieldeno300 on Jun 4th 2018

    The Roto Grip Idol is their replacement for the popular Haywire. In my opinion, the Idol out-performs the Haywire in every facet. Its strong, its rolly, and continuous. Cannot ask for much more when bowling on heavier volumes or if you want to control downlane reaction. I have used the Idol primarily on house shot, but even then you can tell this ball blends the pattern out very well. Bowlers who are looking for an aggressive yet predictable ball reaction, then the Idol is no doubt the ball for you. Stop by your local pro shop and pick one up!

  • Tony Marino

    Posted by Tony Marino on May 10th 2018

    Idol Like many, I was extremely unhappy to see the Haywire go away in the Roto lineup (I still have a couple in the closet for a rainy day), so I felt a huge relief when I threw my Idol for the first time. Even though the Idol has a brand new Ikon core and Micro Trax-18 cover, it has that same strong, predictable, even rolling, shape that so many loved from the Haywire. The Idol is the strongest ball in the HP3 line. The Idol is that strong smooth shape that most serious players look for in their bag. I see myself drilling MANY of these in the future.

  • fazzone22

    Posted by fazzone22 on Apr 12th 2018

    I drilled my Idol 5 x 5 x 3 with no extra-hole. I was really excited when this ball was announced to use and all the hype behind it wasn't a surprise. After the first few shots with it, it instantly became a favorite ball in my bag. For a ball with a RG of 2.48, this ball is super clean through the front part of the lane with a lot of angle in the back. Compared to the Hyper Cell Fused it was just as clean but a little more hook. These 2 ball will make a great 1-2 punch in any bowlers bag & if you were a fan of a Haywire, you'll defiantly want this ball.

  • Roto_Roller

    Posted by Roto_Roller on Apr 10th 2018

    Weight: 14 lbs. Pin Length: 4-1/2 " Drilling: 35 x 3 x 25 Pattern Length: 40 ft. Pattern Volume: Medium Pattern Type: THS Right Handed The IDOL has the symmetrical Ikon core weight block in the popular HP3 line, wrapped in the Micro Trax-S18 cover stock, which is a solid reactive core. The box finish is 2000 grit, but as always, can be polished or changed to suit a variety of lane conditions. It is an attractive Magenta color. I have used the IDOL on a 40 ft. kegel house pattern, and The Orleans modified House pattern in Las Vegas. I tried the IDOL at the 2000 grit box finish, and haven't done any surface changes, as I've found this to be my go-to ball when i need to move inside and deal with the pattern trasitioning. I find it to be a little too strong on the fresh house pattern I've played on, but was a good starting ball on The Orleans modified house pattern. This ball is more aggressive than i expected it to be. I find it to have a similar motion shape to the Haywire, with a slightly earlier hook, and a stronger finish down lane. Being a lower rev player with ball speed around 14 mph, I could migrate in, left of center with the IDOL and still have it face up to the pocket with proper angle for me to carry. If you're looking for a replacement for the Haywire, and perhaps a bit stronger, this is a great ball to have in your arsenal. For a mid priced ball, you're getting the look and hook of a high end ball. It's a win, win for me! Carol Teel Roto Grip Amateur Staff Member

  • cmattingly

    Posted by cmattingly on Apr 5th 2018

    My layout on the Idol is 60 x 5 x 55. This is a new layout for me which puts the pin in the ring finger and the has the CG out enough for me to drop a 7/8" P3 hole. This ball give me a Great benchmark type motion. This is a ball that I can start the night on and just keep chasing it left with. I have read a lot of reviews on the Idol and many say that it is similar to the Haywire but I disagree. I was never a big fan of the Haywire, however I was a big fan of the DareDevil Trick. The motion I have with this Idol is more comparable to the Trick. Even with the new Strong cover (Micro Trax-S18 solid) Its a little cleaner through the front than the Trick and a stronger motion down lane. To give a little closer look into what I bowl on...We own a 16 lane, wood center, that was built in 1960. We currently use Kegel Prodigy Oil and the house shot is 42' and almost 21mL's. Casey Mattingly Storm/RotoGrip Staff Turbo Grips Staff

  • Bill Fike

    Posted by Bill Fike on Apr 4th 2018

    Drilled ball 4" pin from PAP. Everything Roto Grip was describing how this ball was going to react was that and more. The reaction exceeded my expectation. The new coverstock ( Micro Trax-S18 solid Reactive) is very strong. With my ball speed a coverstock this strong would bleed off to much energy and would not finish strong. let me tell you when this ball started to grab the mid-lane the ball still had a very strong back-end reaction. Great overall ball reaction. Anyone having trouble hooking a ball will not have trouble getting this ball to hook. this is by far the most aggressive ball out of Roto Grip H3 line of balls.

  • caseyccg

    Posted by caseyccg on Mar 28th 2018

    Orientation: Right Handed Rev Rate: 375 RPM Speed: 16-17 MPH PAP: 4 5/8 straight across Location: Enterprise Park Lanes, Springfield MO Pattern: High Volume THS Layout: 45, 4 ¾ , 70 The Idol is a great new piece from Roto Grip. I was missing my Haywire, and along comes the Idol. The cover is super strong and the Idol picks up early. And that translates into a very smooth slow motion on the back. Perfect for sport shots or hooking backends. The Idol is the perfect replacement for the Haywire.

  • stormroto

    Posted by stormroto on Mar 25th 2018

    The Roto Grip Idol is a great addition to the RG line. I drilled mine 4.5 x 4 x 4.5 pin down no hole. The IDOL has great shelf appeal with the bright Magenta color, this is some white phasing is some of them. But I have a lot of good compliments on the color of the IDOL as it is different than a lot of bowling balls. With the Haywire being discontinued the IDOL is a perfect replacement. It is a strong symmetrical ball that rolls a little early and smooth downlane. Kinda of like a stronger IQ Solid. It will be a great ball on sport and PBA patterns, and especially at the USBC Open Championships. Brian Watson PAP- 3 5/8 up 1/14 RPM - 400 Speed - 16 Tilt - 17 Pro Shop Staff

  • KPjr300

    Posted by KPjr300 on Mar 23rd 2018

    Layout: 60 x 4 1/2 x 40 The Idol from Roto Grip is a great addition to any bowlers bag who is looking for a strong symmetric piece whether it's for house conditions or even sport patterns. If you loved the Haywire, you're gonna love the idol even more. The Idol is very strong and continuous through the pins. It gave me a nice smooth shape off the back and was very predictable. I found I could play with a couple different lines with success. Within one week of having the ball, I shot 300/812.

  • bowlstorm3

    Posted by bowlstorm3 on Mar 23rd 2018

    The new Roto Grip HP3 line bowling ball is the Idol. The Idol has the new MicroTrax-S18 coverstock which is the strongest Nano technology the Roto Grip line has used to date. This new cover is wrapped around the new Ikon symmetrical core. My Idol has a 50 x 5 X 60 layout which I also have on my Storm Hyroad Nano. Fortunately, I have been able to leave it at its box surface (2000 grit). I felt the Idol would likely be more archy with an identical layout to the Hyroad Nano. When the Hyroad Nano isn't quite adding up in terms of motion, I often find myself searching for something that is similar in overall hook, yet different in motion. Fortunately, the Idol fills that gap. I find that the Idol reads the fronts more and has a less angular breakpoint shape without losing any hitting power. The Idol is perfect on fresh house shots where the friction is a little too much for other balls AND when the same house pattern cliffs up and you need to move your eyes in and basically throw it up the oil. I believe this ball is special and I will be ordering another very soon! I can't wait to see what it does on some flatter, sport compliant patterns. Chris Freeland Storm Amateur Staff www.stormbowling.com www.rotogrip.com Bowler Info: PAP 4 5/16 x 1/4 up, Speed 16-17, Rev Rate 400

  • bigmikecraig

    Posted by bigmikecraig on Mar 21st 2018

    I drilled my IDOL 60/4.5/40 which is my standard drilling for a ball to read early plus I have a DAREDEVIL TRICK with the same lay out. I put a 7/8"-2" deep weight hole 5" straight across my center line. I left this one box finish which is 2000 abralon. I have used this one on a couple of different THS, a modified house pattern on the longer side, and a 45 Kegel Challenge Pattern. This ball is a good look for me in my bag and replaces a HAYWIRE that had gotten dated and losing it's pop after a few years. Side by side with a couple of balls like the DAREDEVIL TRICK and NO RULES EXIST in the Roto line. The EXIST is a slightly stronger look downlane. The IDOL grabs but is more of an earlier strong arcing shape while the EXIST is more of a hockey stick reaction on the back. The TRICK had the shape as the IDOL in the early move but was even softer off the spot than the IDOL and would be more in play if the play was to keep the ball in front of you more than with those other 2 ROTO high end pieces. I also put it up against the CODE X. The IDOL was more motion early while the CODE X was more downlane motion and looked a lot like a softer NO RULES EXIST. Put this one in your bag if you want a strong ball that reads earlier in the midlane than the stronger cover/stronger engine balls do. Or if you need to replace an worn HAYWIRE or PHAZE II that finally is showing signs of slowing down.

  • StrikeItBig

    Posted by StrikeItBig on Mar 15th 2018

    The release of the NEW Roto Grip Idol was welcomed with open arms. I was a HUGE fan of the original Haywire, and when that ball was taken out of the line, it was a very sad day. Now we have its modern day replacement, The Idol! The Ikon core wrapped with the MicroTrax-S18 cover takes me back to when I first threw my haywire. The very heavy continuous roll you get out of the Idol will replicate the motion of the haywire almost to the tee. I highly recommend this ball for tougher flatter conditions, due to how well it blends the back part of the lane down. I drilled my Idol with a 60X4 1/8X70 with no hole, which is the exact layout I had on my favorite Haywire. Go Out and get your Idol Today! #SquadRG Erik Ramos SIB Pro Shop Manager Storm/Roto Grip Staff

  • Kingpinwoods

    Posted by Kingpinwoods on Mar 14th 2018

    ROTO GRIP IDOL Well, when I first heard of the Haywire being discontinued I was upset. It is one of my favorites. Now that I have the Idol there is absolutely no disappointment here anymore. I am very impressed with the new Idol. On a fresh 40' house shot it was easy to get the Idol through the fronts with a GREAT mid lane read and strong continuation through the pins. One of the biggest thing I have noticed with the Idol is when throwing it with more traffic, I could make smaller moves left than most normal moves with several on the pair. The more I have bowled with my Idol as it now as a littles lane shine, it just gets better and better. With the little bit of lane shine my Idol has it is so clean and strong off of the spot. I know with my Idol at box finish it'll tackle all heavier oiled oil patterns. I have a few friends with the Idol that has it shiny, and it is super clean and real angular down lane. The Idol is sure to fit in all bowlers arsenals. Great job!!

  • d21982

    Posted by d21982 on Mar 8th 2018

    I have my Idol drilled pin up and it gives me so much versatility on several conditions I play on. The shape it gives me changes depending on the part of the lane I am playing and the surface i am using. Box surface lets me get right on the fresh and have a strong controllable motion without any jerk on the back. As the lanes start carrying down, this surface does very well combatting the push. As i polished it, i could play the same part of the lane as it stored more energy to give it more jerk on the back end while keeping its hitting power. The polished surface was also a pretty good choice for after that first game transition when the carry down breaks down a little more. This will be one of my bench mark balls that I start with in league and house condition type tourneys.

  • ITZPS

    Posted by ITZPS on Mar 7th 2018

    The Idol features new everything, new core in the super aggressive symmetric Ikon core, and Micro Trax-18, their strongest Nano cover to date. This is easily the strongest ball Roto has released in the HP3 line, stronger than the Haywire even by a couple boards, and challenges the GB3 for the most hook in a symmetric ball and at that price point on the market. The result is a very smooth, even, controllable, and naturally strong ball that due to the characteristics of the Nano cover is more versatile than most balls that strong, as well as very continuous and great at blending wet/dry transition without jerking or burning energy on friction. The Idol should be a serious consideration for sport tournament bowlers and especially collegiate bowlers looking for a strong symmetric 1 ball. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_7qQzDPw4A&t=14s

  • StormAndrew

    Posted by StormAndrew on Mar 2nd 2018

    Ball Review: I absolutely love this ball. For those who miss their Haywire the IDOL will be the perfect replacement for those seeking the benchmark ball. Personally, with the original Haywire I could easily get to the pocket although I had issues with carry. With the IDOL's new surface and core there is a stronger continuation through the pins. Out of the box in league I went 769 with it and used it all 3 games. The moves weren't substantial when the lanes transitioned which was a rarity at the house I bowl league in. I moved only 3 boards the whole night (3 one and one's). I bowled on wet/dry and playing the lanes inside out I was able to get through the oil to the dry and the ball bounced back incredibly with great carry. I have a 55 x 4 x 70 pin down layout on this ball. You can see how early this balls begins to roll without over or under reacting. Video Review: https://youtu.be/23pZLoCaphY

  • Tarheel232303

    Posted by Tarheel232303 on Feb 28th 2018

    This is an awesome new piece of equipment from Roto Grip I've only had this ball for 5 days won a city title with it and shot a 300 with it the very first night in league with this ball. It's a must have!!!!

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