Roto Grip Idol Helios Bowling Ball

Roto Grip Idol Helios Ikon Core XtremeTrax Solid Cover The Helios is the newest addition the Roto Grip's extremely popular Idol line. Same core as the other Idol's but a big change with the new XtremeTrax cover. XtremeTrax has chemically charged nano particle. When I here nano, I assume a strong, smooth motion. Big difference here. The Helios goes much further down lane (before making its move) than I expected. It easier is longer and more angular than any of the other Idols have been for me. The Helios gets me downlane on medium oil and take a strong, sweeping motion at the breakpoint. For me, it is a small step down from my Roto Grip RST-X1. The Helios also responds to cover changes. I polished mine to see a sharper reaction, without losing overall strength. Another great ball with the IDOL name....and oh yeah, it has been the ball used in the last 2 usbc sanctioned 900 series (which is crazy)!!

The Idol Helios is the newest ball from the Idol line. I was a big fan of the original Idol and the Idol Synergy so I knew I had to drill one. Since it's more of a early out of the bag type of ball we decided to lay it out with a 4x4x2 so that the ball would give me a strong but predictable reaction. My first shots were on a fresh 42ft house shot. The Idol Helios cover wanted to dig in as soon as it hit the friction but the ball didn't seem to over react on the back end of the lane. What I really like about the Helios compared to the original Idol is that the Helios doesn't seem to sail through the midlane and miss the break point, it sees the midlane and has smooth continuous backend. Keeping the cover at a dull finish is a must for heavier oil but can be shined for lanes that have less units of oil in the front. I consider this my benchmark ball out of my bag on almost any pattern.

Helios continues the great Idol line of balls from Roto Grip. This one reacts closest to the original for me with a similar motion but a little stronger and more continuous in the backend. If you're a fan of the Idol series don't wait to add this one to your bag.

Idol Helios RG: 2.49 Diff: 0.052 Coverstock: Xtreme Trax Layout: 5 x 5 x 4 RPM: 360 (Left Handed) I am probably one of the few staff members that never owned the Original Idol. I absolutely loved my Idol Pearl, so when the Helios came out and people were comparing it as a "Stronger" Original Idol I was not going to pass up the opportunity to order one. This ball has become the first one that comes out of my bag at league / tournaments. I have been able to use this ball on all different patterns and in all different parts of the lane. The cover provides enough beef to be able to play in the oil, while still providing a nice change of direction when it comes off the pattern. I can see why the "original" was a favorite of many bowlers and I think they have hit it out of the park with the "Helios"!! Glen Deutschendorf Storm Staff Member

The Idol Helios is the new and improved Idol. With the same Ikon Core and an updated, stronger coverstock, this Idol can handle more oil and overall is much stronger than the magenta Idol. This is the earliest symmetric ball in my bag. When my big asym pieces get to be too much but there's still a lot of oil on the lane, the Helios is the ball i'm going to reach for because i can count on it to pick up and i know i'm going to see that reliable Idol shape. -Chase Valenzuela

Idol Helios • High performance • HP3 Coverstock •XtremeTrax Solid Reactive• Finish 200 Grit Abralon Core Name • Ikon Core • Core Type Symmetric Weight • 15 lbs. •RG 2.49 • Differential .052 Layout • Pin up = 70x4x20 Pin Down 80 x 5 x 80 Tester PAP • 4 ½ R, 3/8 D Tester Axis Tilt • 12° Testers Rev Rate • 325 Test Pattern • 42' THS (Typical House Shot) • Modified, Kegel Stone Street The arrival of the Idol Helios marks another success in the Idol line for Roto Grip. Built on the trusted Ikon Core wrapped with the all-new XtremeTrax Solid coverstock, the Idol Helios will quickly become the "go-to" ball you can count on! So, let's take a look at what makes the Idol Helios so impressive! The Ikon core is a proven well-balanced, symmetric core that brings consistency and predictability you can trust in many situations. Whether drilled pin up or pin down, I found the Ikon core to rev smoothly in the early-mid lane while still producing a strong continuation down the lane and through the pins. I found the Ikon core provided a strong benchmark look I could trust in the pin-down drilling. It gave me total confidence in reading the lane conditions quickly and accurately. It also eliminated that frame or two of guesswork that can cost you a game! In the pin-up version, I found the Ikon core to be a bit stronger in the mid-lane. And further, I enjoyed the angular motion the pin-up drilling provided, especially as it uncoiled its tenacious energy through the pins! Whether drilled pin up or pin down, the Ikon core is the heart of the Idol Helios, and it is a proven workhorse that delivers results you can trust! The all-new XtremeTrax solid coverstock delivers performance from the moment you lay the Idol Helios down on the lane. The XtremeTrax solid clears the heads smoothly and reads effortlessly in the mid-lane in medium-heavy oil on a fresh THS. I liked how the XtremeTrax solid doesn't overreact or "bite" too hard when your speed is a bit slower or you miss right and find friction early. Further, I liked having a smooth, clean roll down the second arrow on a fresh THS. Then, as the night progressed, I enjoyed the cover's ability to blend the wet/dry conditions as I could easily open the lane with confidence. It's always fun when a straighter player can open the lane and not worry if he has enough "hand" to get to the pocket! In conclusion, the Idol Helios is simply a great "go-to" benchmark ball! The pin-up drilling will suit your game well and provide you with many nights of predictability and success for the THS once-a-week bowler. However, for the more advanced THS/modified and challenge pattern players, you will find the pin-down drilling of the Idol Helios to be your choice to start the night. Then, it will easily dictate where to go from there. Whether you ball up, ball down, or stay where you are, the Idol Helios from Roto Grip belongs in nearly everyone's arsenal. So, see your local pro shop owner today and see where Idol Helios fits in your bag. You will be glad you did! Rick Klimowicz Storm Products Pro Shop Staff Roll the Ball Pro shop Penndel, PA

The Idol line has been a huge success for Roto Grip. And with the discontinued Magenta Idol which was very popular there was void in this lineup. Welcome the new RG Idol Helios. With its great shelf appeal Orange Color the void was filled. There was a 900 series shot with the Helios the first week! I drilled mine 5 inch pin down and added a little Storm Step 2 to give me a little more skid with our house shots. The Helios is close to the original Idol, but its a little cleaner and more pop down lane. But the Helios still has the great ball roll that we all loved. This Helios has been very popular among league bowlers, hardly a night goes by without seeing one on the rack. Helios can be a good bench mark ball also. Stronger than the Hyped series and below the RST X-1, X-2. Go drill one of the hottest balls on the market and start striking! Brian Watson Pro Shop Staff

Solid symmetrical balls have always been my bread and butter and the Idol Helios is no different for me. I never had the original Idol but from what videos I have seen and others throwing it, it seems the Helios reads sooner and reacts to friction better. I was able to control the lane really well on both a short and longer pattern. That is what I am always looking for in a ball when going to tournaments, it is very versatile. The solid colored balls have never been my favorite to look at but after seeing all the honor scores and a 900 being thrown with it I just had to have it. It did not disappoint. I put it right up there with my Phaze 2 as far as being the first ball out of my bag to best understand what the lanes are doing. If you are looking for a new "benchmark ball" to add to your bag, I would say look no further.

Core: Ikon Symmetrical Cover: XtremeTrax Solid Finish: 2000 RG: 2.49 Diff: 0.052 Right-Handed Tweener Speed: 12-13 mph Rev Rate: 315 PAP: 4 7/8 Right 3/8 Up Ball Layout: Pin Up 5 3/4 Pin to Pap 1 inch pin buffer Roto Grip has added a new solid to the Idol line. When the original Idol became unavailable many people missed it in their bag. I think Roto has come back with an upgrade in the Idol Helios. I'm sure all the other bowlers who have been racking up honor scores with this ball would agree with me. The Idol Helios features the same Ikon core that made the original Idol one of the most powerful balls on the market. They upgraded the Helios from the Microtrax cover to a new cover called XtremeTrax™ which features "chemically charged" nano particles. The result is a much quicker response when the ball sees friction. For people like me with lower ball speed the early roll of the original Idol could make it very forward off the back of the pattern. No such issue with the Helios. I threw the Idol Helios on the long, heavy house pattern at my home center. Where many "strong balls" can bog down in the extra length and volume of this pattern, I felt like the Idol Helios opened up the whole right side for me. It responds so well to the friction that it felt a little like cheating. Second week out I bowled 300. This ball fits so many games that I feel like it will match up with anyone. As a pro shop guy, it's an easy sell that creates a lot of happy customers. As a bowler the hardest part is giving the rest of my equipment a chance.

The Helios is a Roto Grip HP3 release that has a lot of people talking. The Radiant Orange Color and a very distinctive ball motion. The Ball motion is very similar to the Idol Pro but with just more of everything. The Xtreme Trax Solid Reactive Shell and the Ikon Core creates a benchmark bowling ball with teeth. The low RG (2.49) and the strong diff (.052) will produce a strong continuous ball motion and will blend the over under out like a champ. The layout I used was 5 X 5 X 1 ¾ and this was trying to get the ball to be stable and readable. I am on the lower rev rate scale 300 rpm, medium speed and likes to play close to the dry or dirt. My PAP is 5 5/8 over and ¾ up. The 2000 grit out of the box wants the Helios to grab early and be super smooth down lane. What I did was hit it a used 2000 grit pad on a spinner and bam more length and strong backend motion. Very familiar to an !Q Tour or an Idol Pro but with more power and forgiveness down lane. I used it on a house pattern and beat up house patterns and this is the bowling ball out of my bag. It will tell you what to go to next or if you must move left or right. The Helios is the ultimate benchmark bowling ball for most styles. That is not a negative comment but a positive comment. There is no lack of power while moving left and trying to open the lane up or lack of control if trying to throw it straight. The only problem is that the ball motion is very predictable, and you will not want to put it down for something else that might work better! The Helios will brighten up the ball return and your scores.

The new Idol Helios features the successful Ikon core and the Xtreme Trax solid reactive coverstock. It comes finished at 2000 grit abralon. At 15 pounds the RG is 2.49 and the differential is .052. The original Idol is one of my all-time favorite balls, so I was really looking forward to throwing the new Helios. For me, the reaction of the Helios compared to the original is a little sooner and little more on the backend. The Helios gets into an early roll and really reads the pattern. However, it is nowhere near being done. It has a stronger backend reaction than the original. Overall, I would put the Helios at 2 to 3 boards more total hook than the original Idol. This ball is a must have for the tournament bowler as it is very strong and predictable on flatter patterns.

Ball Specs: Roto Grip Idol Helios Coverstock: 2000-grit Xtreme Trax™ Solid Reactive Weight Block: Ikon™ Core (Symmetrical) Color: Radiant Orange Review: The Idol Helios continues the great tradition of the Idol line. Comparing it to the original Idol this one is slightly stronger but still packs the same amount of punch as the original. This is the first ball out of my bag each time I bowl. It creates a nice smooth shape that allows me to see how the lanes are playing and if I need to make any adjustments. The thing that really stands out is the color, this ball really pops on the lane and it standout. Just another reason this ball has been a great seller for us. If you are still on the fence about this ball I suggest you pick one up today, it will be worth it! Will Tefft Roto Grip Staff Member will@parklanes.net www.rotogrip.com #SquadRG

Zach Shoff 900 Global Staff Member BowlerMAXX Pro Shop Staff Member Right-Handed Rev Rate: 350 Speed: 15mph PAP: 4 Over & 3/4 Up The Idol Helios builds off the reputation of the original Idol. With a newly designed coverstock this ball reacts very aggressively when it hits friction yet still has great continuation and predictability. This ball is a must have on heavy oil patterns and will become a permanent ball in your bag for a while.

Ball Specs: Roto Grip Idol Helios Coverstock: 2000-grit Xtreme Trax™ Solid Reactive Weight Block: Ikon™ Core (Symmetrical) Color: Radiant Orange Review: This ball is getting a lot of hype with many honor scores, and a 900 coming even before the release date. We are expecting a lot of sales on this ball due to many factors, and yes, coloring being one of them. This ball looks amazing going down the lane with its vibrant orange. The idol line has been very successful and if you have not tried one yet this ball will definitely be a good starting point. The Idol line has produced some great all around pieces that really fit any style of bowler and they come out at a great price point too! This ball reminds be most of the original pink Idol for its shape and even solid color. Kyle, Joel, & Dean Johnson Roto Grip Pro Shop Staffers joel@parklanes.net kyle@parklanes.net dean@frontierfuncenter.net www.RotoGrip.com #SquadRG

Roto Grip Idol Helios Layout: 50 x 4 3/4" x 35 I, along with most of the bowling world, was disappointed when the original Idol was discontinued. That ball had the unique duality of being a strong solid and also being able to use it long after you would think you would have had to put it away. Luckily, the Helios brings back those same qualities. Even with the coverstock on this ball being an updated version of the one that was on the pink Idol, it is still fairly clean through the fronts with a ton of midlane roll. After the ball lane shines (about 15 games in), I was then able to move left when the lanes dried out a bit, and have it retain enough energy to come around the corner. It is a medium-heavy oil monster that is versatile enough to cover the adjacent lane conditions as well.

When they discontinued the magenta idol, i was waiting for the day they made one to take its place. This new idol Helios is that new go to ball out of the bag for me. The xtreme trax cover with the ikon core makes it the hisgest response to friction out of the idol line. This idol helios is versitile for not only house but for sport conditions as well. If you liked the original idol this will be a must have piece in your bag. Get to your local pro shop, pick your favorite layout and you'll be off to the races.

Roto Grip Idol Helios Ball Review by PJ HaggertyA legendary line from Roto Grip over the years has been the Idol line. The latest release is the Idol Helios and wow, it's impressive. When we received word another addition to the Idol series was being announced, I was excited and curious what the masterminds at Roto Grip were putting together. The core remains the same (Ikon) but a new coverstock known as XtremeTrax with chemically charged nano particles to create a faster response time compared to the original Idol.You'll notice how bright the Helios is with a bright orange color that really stands out as you glance across a bowling center. With an RG of 2.49 and differential of .052, I see the Helios as a great benchmark ball that can be used on multiple patterns. I've drilled two so far and think both roll great. The one I've used the most is mapped out as 4 x 4 with a surface of 4000 and water. The surface looks shiny but because the RG is low, the Helios never misses the spot. Also, I've had times where I've scratched the surface to make it read earlier, and it rolls great. I believe this is a ball that can be used on all types of patterns too. I'd recommend putting it in your bag for tournament and league play as the ball feels that versatile.Overall, I think the Roto Grip Helios is a perfect addition to the line to compliment such balls as the UFO Alert, Rubicon UC3, and RST X-2. Go drill one!

Roto Grip Helios Cover: Xtreme Trax Finish: 2000 Abralon Core: Ikon RG: 2.49 Diff: 0.052 Layout: 65 x 3 5/8 x 20 Drilled my Helios to counter with the Zen Master for my upper strong symmetrical solids. This layout is the strongest for my specs which gives me the most total hook potential. Allows me to play the track on the fresh as long as the volume holds up in the heads with my slower ball speed (15 MPH @ the pins). With the OOB surface can handle mid-heavy volumes, But I found my most success with lane shine as the lanes transition during league play. Big rolly reaction which makes it easy to read your breakpoints. The solid cover is surface friendly like the original. This one is by far the most user friendly strong symmetric in the SPI/RG lineup. A solid addition to your league and tournament arsenals. Keith Cordy 900 Global Staff Ambassador

The Idol Helios is one of those balls that will not fit into everyone's hand. In the beginning mine was very over under. After a few games there was a new life and this ball just started to hook. Right now I wouldn't say the first ball out of my bag but will be one of them for a specific place and a time when the shape is just right. To me this would look really good on your Typical house shot, its ability to get through the front but now wanting to really bite and turn left where the zen or even the uc2 will just come marching back.

Roto Grip Idol Helios Coverstock – Xtreme Trax Finish – 2000 grit Abralon Core – Ikon Core RG – 2.49 Diff- .052 Layout – 45x3 3/8''x45 PAP 4 ½''x ½'' up Speed 17-18mph Rev 425 Roto Grip continues the greatness of the Idol series with Idol Helios. This is the first time for me throwing a ball in the Idol line, but with the success of original Idol and Idol Pearl, I felt the need to have the Idol Helios in my bag. The Idol Helios features the Ikon core, which is found in the original Idol and is wrapped with the new Xtreme Trax coverstock. This new coverstock creates the highest amount of responsiveness to friction, which provides more change in direction then the original Idol. I was very impressed with how versatile the Idol Helios is. The layout I chose was a 45x3 3/8''x 45. The layout will allow me to blend out a lot of patterns and have a controllable motion. I tested the Idol Helios on the 36' PBA Viper, the 42' PBA Scorpion, and a 42' 12:1 house pattern. I found using the Idol Helios on the Viper very interesting. I normally can't use stronger equipment on short oil. However, when urethane became trapped, the Idol Helios helped blend the "cliffed" pattern and actually started to open up the pattern. On the 42' Scorpion, I was able to play around the track area playing 20 at the arrows and 10 at the break point. I Idol Helios had a predicable motion with a lot of down lane pop. On the 42' house pattern, I could play any line I wanted and had no issues hitting the pocket or having carry issues. The Idol Helios will probably be the first ball out of my bag on most patterns. Stop in your local pro shop and see how the Idol Helios will fit your game. Sammy Shaffer 900 Global Staff member

Roto Grip Helios Coverstock: Xtreme Trax Finish: 2000 Grit Abralon Core: Ikon RG: 2.49 Differential: 0.052 Layout: 5 1/2 x 5 x 2 - 2LS Layout Extras: 2 1/8 Finger Depth, "X" - 4 1/2 D and 1 Inch Left Tester: PAP 6 1/2 R, 1 1/4 D Review: The Helios features the same core that the original Idol featured with a new Xtreme Trax cover that has been optimized to handle more oil. This ball is an excellent symmetric option for fresher lanes. We already have witnessed/read about some incredible results with the Helios. Look to use the Helios "as is" out of the box for most league patterns. The 2000 Abralon finish allows the bowler to play multiple angles as transition occurs. On flatter tournament conditions when you want to keep your angles closed down and then bump in as the lanes transition quickly the Helios will be a versatile option. The aspect I like the most about this ball is the predictable look I am able to see down the lane. On a fresh White #2 pattern, where the lane pattern transitions quickly, I was able to simply bump further in and not lose carry with the Helios. This one performs as advertised for a nice starter ball out of bag for volume into your medium conditions. For me, I prefer the Helios smoother shape compared to other offerings. This is due to my personal preference for smoother arc type reactions for tournament play. Grab the Roto Grip Helios today! Michael Slatky 900 Global Staff Member York, PA

The Idol is back! The original Idol was a staple in almost every tournament bowler's bag for the better part of 2 years. Now, Roto Grip has come out with the latest and greatest Idol, the Idol Helios. The Helios features the same core as the original Idol that we all loved (Ikon™), wrapped around the all new XtremeTrax™ coverstock which is chemically charged with nano particles which allows the ball to have the highest response to friction that we have seen from the nano material. The Idol Helios for me seems to be a little cleaner and rounder than the original Idol. I am pleased with what I have seen so far out of this ball and I anticipate seeing this ball used a lot by bowlers across the country on a variety of sport and challenge conditions. Make sure you go out and get yours today!

Roto Grip Idol Helios Layout: 60 X 6 X 40 - 2000 grit finish Test drive on SPL lane surface with 46ft THS with a Kegel ION lane machine Helios tested well on this very finicky oil pattern and lane panels. The Helios dug in the front of the pattern and still had a BIGGER kick then the OG Idol downlane. Compared it to the Electrify Solid and the OG Idol. Not volatile off the end of the pattern like other solids with low RG / High Diff blocks in them. I figured the "secret sauce" AKA "chemical charge" helps with added length and the stronger kick in the back end. Rolled BETTER once the lane shine set in on the cover. Keeping it clean with a shammy and leaving the lane shine on it.

Roto Grip Idol Helios Cover: XtremeTrax Solid Reactive Core: Ikon Layout: 60 x 4 5/8 x 35 I had a lot of success with the original Idol. It is still in my bag, but we now have an upgrade in the Helios. The core remains the Ikon but the upgraded cover is the XtremeTrax Solid Reactive, which I see as a bit cleaner/sharper. This ball flat out strikes. I see it as similar overall strength to the original Idol, Zen Master, and Phaze 2. The difference between the balls is really where they hook and how they react at the end of the pattern. I see the new Helios as the sharpest off the spot with the OG Idol having similar traits (my Idol with a lot of games is simply a bit more forward off the spot). The Zen Master is the earliest/most round and the Phaze 2 is the most clean and long in this family of comparison balls. If you ever wanted an OG Idol and missed the boat, don't miss out on the Helios. If you want a replacement for the OG Idol, this is a great upgrade. Chris Freeland Storm Amateur Staff Average Rev Rate 400 Average Speed 18 mph PAP: 4 1/8 over 3/4 up

Ball Specs: Roto Grip Idol Helios Cover stock Extreme Solid Reactive Weight Block Ikon Core (Symmetrical) Color Radiant Orange Finish 2000-grit Bowler Specs: Right Hand. PAP 5" Over 1/2 up Rev Rate 300. Tilt 20. Rotation 50. Speed at release 17 Review: The new Roto Grip Idol Helios is an eye catching, very strong ball. This Idol will continue the success of the Idol line of balls. The Helios hooked more than I expected. I was 4 boards left with my feet and 2 boards left with my target than what I had expected. The Helios reads the mid lane even on heavy oil and then makes a strong move to the pocket. This ball just keeps on hooking! The only thing to keep in mind is when to ball down because as the lanes break down this ball will be too aggressive. I was also able to roll this ball on a heavy oiled house shot and the Helios came back to the pocket easily from outside of board 5. I was also able to move in and find a nice line with good carry. My first Helios is pin up for length so I drilled a pin down and got the same hook with a smoother shape. The carry was equally good on both balls. The Helios fits between my Phase 2 and Proton Physix in total hook. Summary: The Idol Helios hooks a lot! The bright orange color is a hit with the customers. This ball has been in high demand at our shop. Glenn Wendel PBA Member Storm Pro Shop Staff gwendel@comcast.net www.stormbowling.com Video Link: https://youtu.be/PgrhGyjhbik