Roto Grip UC3 Bowling Ball

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The Rubicon™ UC3 (Ultimate Concept 3) takes Tour Level performance to a whole new level. We first focused on core specifics and decided that the mildly asymmetric Rondure™ Core was the ideal core shape in order to generate adequate flare. From there we engineered the Tour-ethane™ Pearl coverstock to maximize performance and control on those higher friction patterns and lane surfaces. This core and urethane cover combination changes the game!
ColorPlatinum Pearl
CoverstockTour Ethane Pearl Urethane
CoreRondure Core
RG2.49
Differential0.052
Intermediate Diff0.011
Factory finish1000 Grit Abralon
Weights12 thru 16lbs
Cleared USBCYes

45 Reviews

  • Zack Newman

    Posted by Zack Newman on Dec 27th 2021

    The Roto Grip Rubicon UC3 is just....special. It's early like urethane, but not too early, it's controllable like a symmetric core, yet angular down lane like an asymmetric. There's really no way to accurately describe it. I'm able to use it on fresh, transition, and burn. It is not conditional or situational like urethane normally is. I drilled mine 70x5x35 and it's unlike anything else I have in my bag. If the front is completely gone, that's probably the one time it wouldn't be useful. This ball is INCREDIBLE at reading the midlane and continuing off of it. The surface takes extremely well to adjustments and can easily be fine tuned to what you need! For me personally, the box surface went a tick too long so I hit it with a used 500 pad and it made the ball crazy good.

  • Glenn Wendel

    Posted by Glenn Wendel on Dec 26th 2021

    Ball Specs: Roto Grip Rubicon UC3 Tour-ethane Peal Cover 1000 Grit Rondure Asymmetric Core Bowler Specs: Right Hand. PAP 5" Over 1/2 up Rev Rate 300. Tilt 20. Rotation 50. Speed at cameras 15.5 Review: Roto Grip has something very special in the UC3. I Love this ball! I have never really matched up well with previous urethane balls before. I did not get enough hook or hit from them. This has all changed with the Rubicon UC3. Roto says light to medium oil but with the box finish I see this ball as having a very strong controllable motion in oil. The 1000 grit cover along with the high flare potential give this ball a big sweeping motion with plenty of hit. On the day we shot video the UC3 was under my Helios in hook but above my Wolverine. I also had my Pitch Purple with me and there just was no comparisons in total hook and hit. The UC3 made the Pitch Purple seem weak. I rolled the pitch purple, then the UC3 and a Phase 2 and let the oil stay on the balls without wiping them off. I then waited to see what would happen. After a while the oil was gone on the Phase 2 I saw barely any change on the Pitch Purple and the UC3 absorption rate was about half. That aspect along with the high flare of the ball seems to eliminate the carry down problem urethane balls get a bad rap for. I liked the box Rubicon UC3 so much I drilled one weak and polished it. The UC3 shines up easily. This was good but a bit snappier than I wanted so I sanded it back down then back to 4000 wet sand. This made the ball outstanding on a medium to dry pattern without too much angle on the back. In my opinion this ball is more than traditional urethane in the way it rolls, takes surface changes and hits. The UC3 does however give the control traditional Urethane provides. Summary: The UC3 is an excellent ball made for control and hit. If you're not a fan of urethane you need to give ball a try. The ball looks great and is selling very well already. This ball eliminates problems of carry down and provides excellent carry. Video Link: https://youtu.be/37KDyewL4zE Glenn Wendel PBA Member Storm Pro Shop Staff gwendel@comcast.net www.stormbowling.com

  • Brian Sumner

    Posted by Brian Sumner on Dec 15th 2021

    Rubicon UC3 I was a teen in the mid-90's when Urethane was still the dominant surface on what we would now call extremely short, low volume patterns. Aging synthetic surfaces and challenge/sport patterns have created a greater need for ball motion control. I avoided jumping on the urethane bandwagon for as long as I could; always able to adjust with speed, hand position and solid shot making. I eventually had to give in and get a Pitch Black and accept that this "old" technology was becoming a "new" necessity. This season, our house pattern morphed into a heavy, flat mid-lane with a hard cliff at 9. I eventually gave into the over/under reaction I was getting and began throwing the Pitch Black. Surprising myself, I found a lot of "success". Giving up the powerful pocket hits and crazy pin action for a controlled and predictable ball motion. But that solving one problem and creating another. Then I talked to my ball driller about other non-reactive options and he immediately suggested the Rubicon UC3. My first shot off the press... I was floored! A non-reactive ball that allowed me to move in and create predictable, powerful shape was not at all what I was expecting. This Tour-ethane cover's ability to blend the edge of a super-cliffed house pattern and remain continuous on the backend without being super sharp off the friction is something I've spent a long time searching for. If you're a speed dominant bowler who thinks they can't throw urethane/non-reactive because they don't have the rev to create power... this is the ball that is going to absolutely change your outlook. You'll stop fearing non-reactive after throwing the Rubicon UC3.

  • David O'Sullivan

    Posted by David O'Sullivan on Dec 13th 2021

    Rubicon UC3 45 x 4 x 70 This is by far the strongest urethane ball we have ever made and for me the most usable. Being a pearl cover it feels cleaner than both the Fast Pitch and Pitch Black, it picks up in the mid lane and doesn't quit. I will use this ball on almost all tournament conditions. This ball will be fantastic on fresh heavy oil, all medium and longer distance sport patterns, and definitely a must have for the USBC Open Championships! This ball will be a major asset on the PBA Tour for our entire staff!

  • Chris M Martinez

    Posted by Chris M Martinez on Dec 13th 2021

    Roto Grip cracked the urethane code with the UC3! Bowlers Info: RH tweener, PAP 4-1/2 x 7/8 up, 365 RPM, 17* of Axis tilt, 60* of Axis Rotation Ball Layout: 65 x 5.5 x 65 Finish: 2000 This tweener couldn't have been more excited to see that I could FINALLY throw a urethane ball I can bend on the backend!!! I was skeptical at another urethane attempt, but after watching some other ball reviews, I gave UC3 a shot. Now, the Rubicon is by far my all-time favorite ball, and the core combined with this pearl urethane (yes, it's urethane only, no resin!), I was able to get shape more down lane vs. so much upfront. My layout puts the pin under my middle finger and PSA in the thumb. I can play up the boards and even get left and this ball comes back and has the 6 pin snap out the 10, very few weak 10's!!! This hits like a tank! I would recommend a longer pin layout, at least 5" pin as this will still be early. In fact, I took mine up to 2000 to get it a bit cleaner thru the fronts. For those of us who don't have a ton of revs and need urethane option when the lanes get squirrely, GO GET THE UC3, nuff said!!! Chris Martinez Storm Amateur Staff www.stormbowling.com

  • Storm Andrew

    Posted by Storm Andrew on Dec 12th 2021

    I rarely throw Urethane although after testing the UC3 that will change. It acted as a weaker reactive ball yet provided plenty of control and angle down lane. I hit this with 500 and it looked fantastic on Scorpion. The UC3 is the most angular urethane to date from Storm. It could be a good step down off the Pitch Black when that begins to burn up too soon. The UC3 is a great compliment to the arsenal when trying to combat those shorter to medium sport conditions. It, also, may be suitable for bowlers on house conditions who love that urethane shape.

  • Kyle & Joel Johnson

    Posted by Kyle & Joel Johnson on Dec 8th 2021

    Ball Specs: Roto Grip UC3 Coverstock: 1000-grit Tour-ethane™ Pearl Weight Block: Rondure™ Core (Asymmetrical) Color: Platinum Pearl Review: This is a special ball for so many reasons. Not often do you see a pearl urethane asymmetric ball drop and be so successful and talked about. This ball seems to react well on all different kind of lane surfaces and patterns. Even when you need a ball to hook, freshening up the surface with an abralon pad will make all the difference in the world. The continuation and carry down on this ball is also amazing. Overall, the combination of core and cover is really special and looks great with that matte grey finish. Kyle & Joel Johnson Roto Grip Pro Shop Staffers joel@parklanes.net kyle@parklanes.net www.RotoGrip.com #SquadRG

  • Nate Garcia (In reply to: Casey Mattingly )

    Posted by Nate Garcia (In reply to: Casey Mattingly ) on Dec 7th 2021

    WHAT THE HECK DID I JUST THROW?!?! Roto Grip newest urethane addition, Rubicon UC3. The UC3 is the newest addition to the Roto Grip Urethane line and this thing is an absolute monster! The UC3 has the same core found in the very successful Rubicon line, but it is wrapped with the new Tour-ethane coverstock. This ball just flat out hooks. Easily an entire zone left from the Pitch Black and possibly 2 zones left of the Fast Pitch; but that's not a bad thing! Now our urethane options are even more diverse and gives the player enough difference in equipment that they can cover all the basis when it comes to urethane options. What I see out of the UC3 is it can be used on a wide verity of short and medium patterns and not just from straighter angles, but also from steeper angles on those specific types of patterns. Ive never thrown a urethane ball that hooks this much and continues from such ridiculous angles without loosing pin carry or without manipulating my release to making the ball work. This ball is truly something special and I cant wait for you all to get your hands on it!

  • Casey Mattingly

    Posted by Casey Mattingly on Dec 7th 2021

    This ball is a revelation. Urethane that reads early enough but also creates more continuation than any Utah branded urethane to date. I am not the biggest fan of urethane, mainly because I bowl a lot of house events where urethane is used, but not correctly. I see this ball being extremely versatile and being able to be used in A LOT of situations. One of the biggest things I am taking away from this ball is that it's a urethane option that lower rev players can use without sacrificing carry. With that being said, I predict this ball dominating the PWBA tour next summer! My UC3 layout is 5x4x2 Other balls getting a lot of play: Dark Code-4.5x4.25.3.75 UFO Alert-4.5x5x3.75 Altered Reality-4.25x5.25x2 Wolverine-4.25x5.25x2

  • Kennon McFalls

    Posted by Kennon McFalls on Nov 30th 2021

    IT'S ABOUT TIME. To be honest, I have been so frustrated by getting beat by the PH every weekend. Don't get me wrong, our Pitch Blacks are good but we were just missing a shape like the PH. We've got the early tumble if you want and the quick downlane if you need, now. I'm competitive. I bowl regionals. This ball will be out of the bag, on the rack on any pattern with a 3 as the first number of length. This ball booms off friction, sets in the oil and keeps its surface longer than any urethane ball SPI has made thus far. Overall, the UC3 bridges the gap between Pitch Blacks and Hustle PRBs. It's a true bridge between reactive and urethane that will give you control on the fresh and shape when it shines up. I can't wait for you to get your hands on this monster!!!

  • Rodney Gilmore

    Posted by Rodney Gilmore on Nov 29th 2021

    Rubicon UC3 Cover: Tour-Ethan 1000 grit Pearl Urethan Finish Core: Rondure RG: 2.49 Dif. 0.052 PSA: 0.011 Layout: 30 x 3 ¾ x 30, Speed Dominant, Rev Rate 275-325 PAP: 5 ¾ over 1" up. The highly anticipated UC3 Urethan ball is finally here. I'm not sure where to start. This ball is nothing short of amazing. I am not one to use Urethan much, however that being said there is a place for it especially when balls like the UC3 are released. For me this ball does not act in anyway like Urethan. Its is early and picks up and just keeps going. The shape is smooth and rounded. When there is friction, it picks up but does not jump and has great backend with great carry. I am not one to play in more of a stroker style player. However, this ball forced me to move left more than normal and have the ball turn the corner and finish hard. The UC3 is a big surprise for sure. This is a great ball for any style and seems to be able to play from any part of the lane. This ball is a great addition to the Roto Grip line.

  • Michael Slatky

    Posted by Michael Slatky on Nov 26th 2021

    Roto Grip Ultimate Concept (UC3) Cover Stock: Tour-ethane Pearl Finish: 1000-grit Abralon Core: Rondure Asymmetric RG: 2.49 Differential: 0.052 Int Diff: 0.011 Layout: 4 1/2 x 4 x 5 - 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: What an awesome concept that has hit the Roto Grip line. This unique core and coverstock combination just might be the tournament and/or cliffy THS pattern solution you are looking for. The blended coverstock allows the ball adequate length while the core concept provides flare over fresh surface of the ball. Use the UC3 on drier conditions where traditional urethane is not getting the job done and where reactive pearls do not provide the control needed to manage the pocket. Also, if you tend to see a lot of higher friction lane surfaces this may be a ball for your arsenal. The UC3 will allow you to move inside compared to previous offerings in urethane lines. For me, the UC3 has impressed me the most regarding pin carry. I tested this ball on both a fresh and also a very beaten up THS pattern. Although more testing is needed on my end, I am satisfied with what the UC3 has shown me so far. When comparing the UC3 to previous urethane or urethane type options such as the Honey Badger Urethane, Badger Infused and the Shadow Ops I am liking what the UC3 brings to the table with its core and coverstock combination. For example, the HBUs provided an asymmetric option in urethane, however, at times with it's longer roll phase would not quite carry the pins the way I desired. However, I absolutely love my 900 Global Shadow Ops, so for me the UC3 is a must have. The UC3 definitely has a space in the bag for shorter and high friction patterns. If you haven't jumped into urethane or dislike overreaction in pearl lines or simply looking for a urethane "look and feel" with some extra features you'll be happy with this offering from Roto Grip. Be sure to try out a UC3 today! Michael Slatky 900 Global Staff Member York, PA

  • Casey Murphy

    Posted by Casey Murphy on Nov 25th 2021

    Orientation: Right Handed Rev Rate: 400 RPM Speed: 16-17 MPH PAP: 4 ½ over and ½ up Location: Enterprise Park Lanes, Springfield MO Pattern: High Volume THS VLS Layout: Layout 1: 4 ½ x 4 x 4 1/8 (pin below bridge) Holy Crud, what the heck is the UC3. At first it hook so much more downlane than my Pitch Black I thought it was reactive, but after a few shots I realized it's got urethane in it for sure. It will definitely pull a little oil downlane. But that said, it's something else entirely. It acts like urethane it the front part of the lane but has a very strong midlane and good backend motion. I can play this like a urethane and not worry if I miss like a "reactive" ball because it will still hit the pocket. The UC3 is incredible and not like anything else Roto Grip has EVER Made!

  • Trevor Roberts

    Posted by Trevor Roberts on Nov 25th 2021

    The newest urethane from Roto Grip is here! The Rubicon UC3 is the strongest urethane from Storm to date! I compared this ball with the Pitch Black and Fast Pitch in my YouTube ball review. I can be way further left with my feet with the Rubicon UC3 than either of the other balls I just mentioned. The interesting thing about this ball is that it rolls like both urethane and reactive. The motion can be very forward, or it can hook a lot down lane depending on your hand position and roll. I did notice that the cover stock began to shine up once I had 4 or 5 games on it. This is not a bad thing though, it just allowed me to play further left. I really like this ball, and I think you would like it to! Trevor Roberts 2016 PBA Southern Regional Rookie Of The Year Storm Products / Turbo 2n1 Grips / Bowlifi Staff Member Right Handed Rev Rate: 400 Speed: 16 PAP: 5 1/2 up 13/16

  • Luke Rosdahl

    Posted by Luke Rosdahl on Nov 24th 2021

    The UC3 was a quite unexpected release in the HP3 line, and is a pearl urethane Rubicon. The mild asym Rondure core is the same at a 2.49 RG and an .052 differential with a .011 intermediate differential, with the tour-ethane pearl urethane coverstock. The result is also unexpected, the UC3 controls the lane like urethane, it's early, very stable in the midlane and fairly strong, but also has a surprising amount of shape down lane. The shape it creates is a bonus to the urethane idea, and it successfully bridges the gap between urethane and reactive in a way I haven't seen done before. It really acts like a smoother Incite or Omega Crux. Due to the higher flare created, this is also a urethane ball that you can use in league without worry of creating extra carry down or "ruining" the shot.

  • Curtiss Rasnic

    Posted by Curtiss Rasnic on Nov 23rd 2021

    The Rubicon UC3 uses the asymmetrical Rondure Core found in the Rubicon and UC2 but wrapped with new Tour-ethane coverstock material. This ball has taken me by total surprise as this is not your typical urethane ball. This is by far, one of the smoothest rolling balls I have ever thrown. It is strong like a resin ball, but still has that same smooth rolling urethane shape, but with more hitting power. One of the biggest problems I have with urethane, is its so much up front that it can be tough to carry the corner pins. With the UC3, that is no longer a problem. This ball blends out the lane so well, it almost eliminates any over/under you may have. Its tough to compare this to anything I have thrown before, but it is somewhat close to the Pitch Purple, it is just as strong, but is much smoother rolling. This is now my go to ball for league, simply because its strong enough to throw on fresh, and blends out the over/under that occurs by game 3. This will be in my bag for a long time.

  • Roto Grip UC3 Ball Review by Ric McCormick

    Posted by Roto Grip UC3 Ball Review by Ric McCormick on Nov 23rd 2021

    The newest Urethane motion from Storm Products and newest addition in the HP3 Line the brand new Rubicon UC3! This features the Tour-ethane Pearl Coverstock Wrapped around the Rondure Core seen in the Rubicon! This will give you the most reaction for a urethane ball in Storm Prodcuts! My Rubicon UC3 is drilled pin over my bridge with the mass bias close to my thumb! This UC3 will give me and everyone an option on the flatter patterns as well as shorter oil patterns of throwing a strong urethane piece once the Pitch Black and Fast Pitch aren't quite enough! This will be a great addition in your bag if you need a strong urethane ball! Head over to your local Pro Shop and get yours today!!!

  • Adam Chase

    Posted by Adam Chase on Nov 22nd 2021

    Layout: 40 x 4 x 20 Box Surface When I first heard about this one, I was super excited because me and urethane don't get along that often at all due to my more heavy forward roll and lower tilt. Since traditional urethane shapes like this, I've only used urethane when there truly is a lot of overall friction or shorter oil. I tested this ball on the 42' PBA Scorpion pattern to see what it do more on the fresh of a higher volume, longer length, flatter oil pattern. When I first threw the ball, I played the lane like I would with a Pitch Black which is up the lane and a breakpoint a little closer to the pocket. When I did this, the ball went Brooklyn! I was amazed how much this ball hooked down lane and hoe much flare there was. I was getting 5-6" of flare which is unheard of in most urethane pieces. The lower RG and higher differential and mild asymmetry allows this piece to flare much more down lane as opposed to so much more in the front part of the lane. What I feel is great about this ball is the feel of urethane in the front part of the lane and the resin feel in the back part of the lane. The amount of flare this ball produces allows myself to use this ball for longer periods of time and from different parts of the lane that normally wouldn't be good with urethane. Compared to the Pitch Black, I saw about 5 more boards of total hook and significant more back end shape. For me, this is will come with me for a lot of flatter oil patterns with higher volumes of oil or longer lengths of oil. The past trouble that I had seeing enough shape with a Pitch Black will be replaced by the UC3. For those who never matched up with urethane, this ball give you a much better overall shape and more usability. For those who love more traditional urethane, this UC3 will probably be too much ball motion for you and not liked as much. For me personally, shorter patterns and lower volumes of oil, I would still likely stick more to a Pitch Black or Fast Pitch to control the backend further. Adam Chase Storm Staff

  • Matt Fazzone

    Posted by Matt Fazzone on Nov 21st 2021

    The Rondure core has helped bridge the gap been the symmetrical cores to the bigger asymmetrical core with the Rubicon and Rubicon UC2, now Roto Grip has taken that core and added a whole new cover stock and style to the Rubicon line with the brand new Tour-Ethane pearl cover stock. I drilled mine 4.5 x 4 x 1and after throwing this ball I was completely shocked. I thought it was going to be a little stronger than the Fever Pitch, which was Storm's pearl urethane ball, but this ball was a totally different motion. It revved up quick like typical urethanes do but then it kept going and continued through the pin deck even after it had about 5-6 games of oil on the cover where other balls would start deflecting. The UC3 is a lot stronger than any of the urethanes on the Storm line and will be a great addition to any bowlers bag who is looking for something when there is extra friction on the lane.

  • UC3

    Posted by UC3 on Nov 21st 2021

    Rubicon UC3 - Ball Specs Cover Stock: Pearl Tour Ethane Finish: 1000 Grit Abralon Core: Rondure Core RG: 2.49 Differential: 0.052 Intermediate Diff: .011 Review The HP3 line has taken the Tour Level performance to a new level with the Rubicon Ultimate Concept 3 (UC3) which has the Rondure Core with the Tour ethane Pearl cover stock. The UC3 is engineered for medium/light oil, but let me tell you this ball strong. I tested this ball on 44 feet typical house pattern after Saturday morning junior bowling league. As a mid to low rev player I was able to stand any where from 21 to 26 board with my feet and between 6 and 10 board with my eyes. The UC3 has a great midlane reaction and power through the pins. This ball will be in my bag for league and tournaments. This is a great ball for all levels of bowlers. Order one from your local pro shop today! My ball review videos are posted on YouTube channel Stanley Waite. Stanley Waite 900 Global Staff Member Dover, DE