Roto Grip Optimum Idol Bowling Ball

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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 beaut 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.

Color Heliotrope Purple
Coverstock MicroTrax Solid Reactive
Core Ikon with AI Core Technology
RG 2.47
Differential 0.056
Intermediate Diff n/a
Factory finish 2000 grit Abralon
Weights 12 thru 16lbs
   

32 Reviews

  • Optimum Idol Review by Kyle, Joel, & Dean Johnson

    Posted by Kyle, Joel, & Dean Johnson on Apr 24th 2024

    Roto Grip Optimum Idol Coverstock: 2000 Grit MicroTrax™ Solid Reactive Weight Block: Ikon™ + A.I. Core (Symmetrical) Color: Heliotrope Purple Review: This ball is the one everyone has been waiting for. The remake of the original Idol is finally here, in a slightly more purplish look. Out of box this ball is very early and very smooth, that first out of bag ball for most conditions. Our style: tweener, 350-375 revs, 16.5mph, layout of choice is 4x4x2 (pin is above bridge). Everyone loves a strong benchmark piece, and that’s exactly what the Optimum Idol brings. This ball looks best playing the middle to right part of the lane for us. Because it is a ball that reads so early you won’t be able to shape the entire lane if you like to play way left. Comparing the Optimum Idol to the Phaze 2 you can expect the Idol to be a little earlier, a little stronger, and smoother shape. There is enough difference between these two similar pieces that they could compliment each other very well in a long block. Starting with the Idol and balling down should give lots of hold room for the Phaze 2 which will read slightly farther down lane in game 2 and on. Overall this ball is a huge home run and we look forward to seeing a lot of these roll down the lanes. Kyle, Joel, & Dean Johnson Roto Grip Pro Shop Staffers joel@parklanes.net kyle@parklanes.net dean@frontierfuncenter.net www.RotoGrip.com #SquadRG

  • Optimum Idol Review

    Posted by Glenn W on Apr 24th 2024

    Ball Specs: Roto Grip Optimum Idol Micro Trax Solid Reactive Symmetric Ikon A.I. Core Finish: 2000 grit Abralon Layout: 4 x 4 with 1.5 Pin Buffer Bowler Specs: Right Hand. PAP 5” Over 1/2 up Rev Rate 300. Tilt 20. Rotation 50. Speed at release 17 Review: I am loving this ball! I have always liked the Idol line but this ball is better than expected. The Optimum Idol hooks a lot, reads the mids and back end like a champ and carries as good as anything I have. I am more than pleased with this one. I get everything I need as long as the lanes are not on the dry side. I have also noticed that I carry off hits and flush hits better than normal with this ball. I think the A.I. (Applied Inertia) core somehow matches up perfectly with this ball. I have already had some big scores and sets with this one and have a great amount of trust with this ball. I would put total hook between the original Gem and Tour Dynamix. So far, I have only rolled this ball at box surface but I believe it would polish nicely if you hit a dryer condition. I feel this will be a very versatile and popular ball. Summary: The Optimum Idol is a great mid to heavy oil ball. The Ball reads the lane perfectly. The roll and carry are exactly what I like in a ball. Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMmdntZlr2g&error=0 Glenn Wendel Storm Pro Shop Staff gwendel@comcast.net www.stormbowling.com

  • Optimum

    Posted by Joel Donner on Apr 21st 2024

    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 #StrikingWorldwide #RGSquad #Iambowling #bowlingisfun

  • Roto Grip Optimum Idol by Casey Murphy

    Posted by Casey Murphy on Apr 12th 2024

    Orientation: Right Handed Rev Rate: 400 RPM Speed: 16-17 MPH PAP: 4 ½ over and 1 1/8 up Location: Enterprise Park Lanes, Springfield MO Pattern: High Volume THS VLS Layout: Layout 1: 4 5/8 x 4 x 2 ½ (pin above bridge) Layout 2: 4 1/4 x 4 x 4 1/8 (pin below bridge) I loved the Idol. LOVED IT. I think the Optimum might be better. My OG Idol was amazing, but sometimes it just didn’t keep going enough. In comes the Optimum. The AI core tech they added did the trick. AI retains more energy and overall hook. Where the OG Idol might get too forward and struggle to get around the corner the Optimum stays on it’s axis longer and continues more through the 8-9! As a result I can use the Optimum much longer than I ever could with the OG! The Optimum Idol is already GOATED and is a must have!

  • Roto Grip Optimum Idol

    Posted by Matt Fazzone on Apr 12th 2024

    Roto Grip’s Optimum Idol is a remake of the every so loved and missed Idol. It features MicroTrax Solid cover and the famous Ikon core with AI tech. I drilled mine 5 x 5 x 3 and this is exactly how I drilled my first Idol back in the day and I was super excited for this one. When I first started to throw it, it reminded me of the original one. It gave me a clean motion through the fronts for a solid but made a nice aggressive motion in the back part of the lane. This ball will be very versatile for me as I will be able to use it on the fresh and as the second or third ball out of my bag depending on the pattern length and volume. If you loved the Idol then your going to want to run to pick up the Optimum Idol today!

  • The "Optimum" Ball Even When The Pattern Isn't

    Posted by Anthony Santos on Apr 11th 2024

    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.

  • The Optimum Idol delivers!

    Posted by Rick Klimowicz on Apr 10th 2024

    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

  • Roto Grip Optimum Idol

    Posted by Lance E Day on Apr 10th 2024

    The original Idol is one of those balls I passed on but wish I hadn’t, so when I heard this was coming out, I jumped on it! All I can say is WOW, so glad I got this piece. I place the Optimum in between my Eternity Pi and OG Eternity for when I still need a solid to chew through the oil, but not go too far down lane before making the turn. With my 5x4x2 layout this ball reads the mids like no other and the scores it has been putting up show it. What really surprised me was that I get the same reaction out of this ball on multiple lane panels. So far I have thrown it on Pro-Lane, SPL and HPL panels and I get the same consistent ball motion on all three without it over reacting or being lazy on any of them. The A.I. core’s presence truly shows its value on the “not so good”, aka: light hits, where my Zen Master would have left a flat 10, the Optimum really stirs the pins up and carries those shots. I intentionally waited a few weeks after rolling this in a couple different leagues and houses before putting this review out there to see how the ball may have changed with some lane shine on it. I found that after about 20 games I did need to freshen up the surface with a light 2k pad, but after bringing it back down the ball wakes back up just like new. I would say this ball matches up against my Zen Master with a little later reaction downlane (mainly due to a much more aggressive layout on my Master) and a higher carry percentage than the Master. I would most definitely recommend this ball for any league or tournament bowler.

  • Roto Grip - Optimum Idol

    Posted by Kristijonas S. on Apr 4th 2024

    The Roto Grip Optimum Idol is probably one of the most anticipated bowling balls of the year. The Optimum Idol features the original Ikon™ block encapsulated with A.I. Core Technology and the MicroTrax™ Solid Coverstock. Bowlers that are looking for a solid, symmetrical, benchmark-type of bowling ball should definitely take a look at the Optimum Idol. Personally, I haven’t had much success with the Idol Series. Out of all bowling balls from this series that I have thrown, the original Idol looked the best to me and because of that, I drilled my Optimum Idol with the same pin-down layout: 55 x 4 3/4 x 75. The idea for this Optimum Idol is to possibly be a “benchmark” ball that would be coming out of the bag first. However, find my Optimum Idol be very situational and pattern depended. I found this bowling ball to be a little too early for me as I struggled to keep it on-line. On the other hand, once I tried to move left, because it was so early, it wasn’t responsive enough down the lane. Since the Optimum Idol was quite “forward” to me, I can see it working well on shorter oil patterns where bowlers have more back-end distance and need to find more control down the lane. I have tried my Optimum Idol on a standard “house” pattern and I think this bowling ball does a good job a blending the “wet/dry” conditions. Finally, I think changing the surface to 4000-grit or even adding a little bit of polish to this Optimum Idol makes this bowling stay on-line a bit easier, which to me, makes the ball a little bit more useful. Watch myself and Verity Crawley throw the Optimum Idol on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yI-gVAelFzE&t=51s

  • Welcome Back!

    Posted by Joel Eyssen on Apr 1st 2024

    The optimum IDOL is everything the original IDOL was. A benchmark piece that should be in everyone’s bag. With the addition of the MicroTrax solid cover which is found on one of the most popular balls in the Roto Grip Line (GEM) the ball wants to pick up very early and pick up in heavier volumes of oil, while being smooth, continuous and predictable when it exits the pattern.

  • Same Great Roll

    Posted by Thomas Szczepaniak on Apr 1st 2024

    What could make an Idol better, well that would be adding the AI technology. This ball rolls very similar to the original Idol for me but this ball just continues through the pins. I also feel like where there is a point that I need to get out of the original Idol when the lanes start to transition, that the Optimum Idol lets me move in a little and I am confident enough in the ball being able to come off the spot.

  • Review

    Posted by Storm Andrew on Mar 31st 2024

    The Idol is back! This time with new AI technology yet with the same benchmark ball reaction. What I loved about the original Idol and now with the Optimum Idol it's ability to hook and blend out almost every fresh pattern. The Idol is the first ball out the bag litmus test to see what the lanes are doing. The main difference I see between the new Idol versus the original is a cleaner and more overall reaction. The original would hook immediately upon lane impact where as the Optimum has more length and continuation down lane. I see myself using this ball a lot where the Phaze 2 may be to clean and I need something to pick up sooner yet still continue well through the pins.

  • The Original Idol is Back!

    Posted by Rich Kollmeyer on Mar 30th 2024

    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!

    Posted by Josh Shoemaker on Mar 28th 2024

    The Optimum Idol features the same MicroTrax solid and IKON core found in the OG, but now features the AI core technology. This bumps the differential up a couple of points and drops the RG as well. This provides a slightly earlier and more defined shape than the original. The Optimum for me fits right below my Summit and right above my Phaze II. Be sure to stop into your local Storm VIP pro shop and grab your own while you can! Review Video: https://youtu.be/kACOqW9Vvmc?si=zxTxOR8gBnTDK1NP

  • Optimum Idol

    Posted by Will on Mar 24th 2024

    Ball Specs: Optimum Idol Coverstock: Micro Trax Solid Coverstock, 2000 Abralon Finish Core: Symmetric Weight block Review: The Idol line has been the definition of consistency dating back to the original pink Idol. The Optimum Idol continues that greatness. The Ikon core alone is going to draw people to this ball. The Ikon core will draw people to the latest iteration of the Idol line. What is going to keep people throwing this ball is the performance they are going to see on the lane. This ball is the perfect first ball out of your bag. With a smooth strong reaction, you are going to be able to judge the lanes very quickly and easily when throwing this ball. Besides the great reaction you are going to see with this ball it really stands out when going down the lane due to the vibrant purple that really stands out. This ball is going to be as close to the original Idol that you will find, make sure you get out and get yours today! Will Tefft Roto Grip Pro Shop Staff Member will@parklanes.net www.rotogrip.com #SquadRG

  • Optimum Idol Review

    Posted by Alex Thomes on Mar 21st 2024

    Ball Specs: Roto Grip Optimum Idol COVERSTOCK: MicroTraxTM Solid Reactive CORE: IkonTM + A.I. Core Technology COLOR: Heliotrope Purple FINISH: 2000-grit Abralon® Layout 35x4 3/4x25 or 4 3/4X4 3/16x1 9/16 Bowler Specs: Right Hand. PAP 3 11/16Over 7/8 up Rev Rate 400 Speed at release 17.5 Review: The Optimum Idol is the newest ball in the HP3 line and the return of the idol. This is featuring the microtrax solid cover that was found on the gem and has now been beefed up with Ai core tech. This will give you the familiar idol shape just a little stronger. This ball will fit various bowlers from high rev rates looking for an oil tank or the lower rev bowler looking for a benchmark shape. For me this fit when I needed something on the fresh and needed a smooth easy read. Get yours today at your local Storm VIP Pro Shop. Alex Thomes #StormNation #StrikingWorldwide #SquadRG #Driven2Bowl Video review here: https://youtu.be/X4y2iHM8sSE?si=5dGWS1m59-HeByam

  • Roto Grip Optimum Idol Review by Lonnie Pemberton

    Posted by Lonnie Pemberton on Mar 19th 2024

    Testing Enviroment: Pattern Length:43 Volume: Med-High Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):THS 12:1 Ratio COMMENTS Ball: Cover: MicroTrax™ Solid Core: Ikon™ block with A.I. Core Technology Finish: 2000-grit Abralon RG: 2.47 (15) Differential: 0.056 (15) ME: Right-Handed Tweener Speed: 12-13 mph Rev Rate: 315 Axis Tilt: 14° Axis Rotation: 74° PAP: 5 1/8 R 7/8 Up Ball Layout: Pin Over Middle 5 3/4 X 4 1/2 X 3 VLS The legendary IDOL is back, this time sporting AI technology. The Optimum Idol features the same IKON block and Microtrax solid cover that made the original Idol the GOAT for strong mid-lane benchmark motion. I tested the Optimum in league on our long heavy house pattern. I hadn't used the original alot because it was so strong up front and with my ball speed it was often too early. I've been working on getting the stronger balls out further on the front lane panels and I was excited to see how the Optimum Idol would look. The first couple shots I laid down a little cleaner and I saw the same strong early roll I remembered from the Idol, but the same problem with so much energy being used early. I tried a touch of loft and all of a sudden it felt impossible to miss the pocket. I did have to be aware of not getting down too clean or I could flat 10, but I really felt like the Optimum gave me a ton of room to get to the pocket. Misses in, misses out, mis-hits off my hand the ball just kept finding the pocket. The only minor difference I saw from the old Idol was that this one seemed just a touch quicker but I'd hate to have to live on the difference. I think the Optimum Idol is going to be a popular one. It takes the place of the original and that is a spot I feel many people had been missing in their bags. This ball will be a tournament staple and particularly popular with bowlers on the firmer side of speed or with a bit less hand. Check out my full ball reaction video on Youtube: https://youtu.be/EHOXSur9EJs?si=f7NDhbqHLcMcA4ki Lonnie Pemberton Storm Pro Shop Staff Vise Pro Shop Staff Revolutions Pro Shop Youtube Channel: https://youtube.com/@k1ngsizepapa

  • Best benchmark on the market?

    Posted by andrew smith on Mar 19th 2024

    The new Optimum Idol features the famous Ikon core now with A.I. Tech wrapped with MicroTrax solid cover is the benchmark of todays game! I honestly don’t even need to write a review it’s another legendary Idol that can be used on any lane, any pattern and by any player! Smooth predictable motion I do feel it’s a little stronger than the original. I just recently used it in a PBA event on 40FT and it was the perfect ball out of urethane for me! If you don’t have this ball in your arsenal for Open Championship you need to pick one up asap! Andrew Smith Storm staff LH Rev rate 420+ Speed 16.5

  • Optimum Idol

    Posted by Chase Valenzuela on Mar 19th 2024

    The Optimum Idol is the modern version of an absolute classic! This ball takes the beloved Ikon core and combines it with A.I. technology. This dual density application makes the core more dynamic. With decreased RG and increased Differential, This ball revs up quicker and continues more than any Idol so far. The Idol's have always been a pinch slow for me, and I've found myself throwing other balls in the same spot that are a little more continuous. The Optimum is the first Idol i can consistently get to go through the deck the right way, whether i/I'm throwing it hard and straight or throwing it slow and across it. This is such a unique shape compared not only to previous Idol's, but to anything else in the product line. You do NOT want to miss this one!

  • New Idol is not JOKE!

    Posted by Roto Grip Rick on Mar 19th 2024

    Roto Grip Optimum Idol Ball Specs: Ikon core with A.I. outer core with Micro-Trax solid coverstock Layout: 5 x 4 x 3 at box finish of 2000 grit abralon Bowler specs: 15.5 mph and rev rate in the 380’s and my is PAP is 3 ¼ and at zero up/down and tested on Pro-Lane at ABC North Lanes in Harrisburg, Pa., and Colony Park Lanes and Games in York, Pa. With the past overwhelming success of the original Roto Grip Idol, we brought the past to the current technological levels that Storm is known for. The Ikon core is an “Icon” when it comes to the Roto Grip ball lines. I noticed over the OG Idol, that the travel through the pin deck has improved with the A.I. outer core technology and updating the cover to the Micro-Trax it digs through the pattern, but does not lose any energy in the backend of the lane. When the Optimum Idol gains some lane shine and matches more to the Pro-Lane panels I bowl most on, the consistency of reaction and pin carry increases. When I bowled on older HPL – I freshened the cover with a new VISE 2000 grit pad and once again the reaction and pin carry was intense. I tried every aspect of my game, outside the track, in the track, and around the track area and the new Idol responded to my every need. I can now see why I seen other bowlers chomping at the bit when this ball was unveiled, this ball will be a HUGE hit for any level of league bowler and tournament bowler. A stronger version of a Phaze II is where I would put this in my tournament arsenal. Thanks to my sponsors and supporters: Storm Products Inc. – Roto Grip, 900 Global, Storm, and 3G Shoes Coolwick Apparel Vise Inserts ABC North Lanes and Lounge Colony Park Lanes and Games Bowlers’ Supply #SquadRG #3GShoes #BeCoolCrew #ViseInserts

  • Optimum Idol

    Posted by Casey Mattingly on Mar 18th 2024

    It’s finally here!! It’s no secret that since the Idol was discontinued, we, the bowlers have wanted that shape back! The OG idol was one of the best tournament balls I have ever thrown. It controlled the lane AND with a little polish or lane shine, it could get pretty angular. It was an instant legend. After a few iterations of the OG and with the emergence of AI technology, Roto Grip saw that it was time to bring back the Idol. This time using AI technology wrapped around the inner weight block. The AI outer core allows the numbers of the IKON core to change slightly. This lowers the RG from 2.49 to 2.47 and it raises the Diff from .052 to .056 Basically this ball spins up a little quicker and has a little more over all hook. I actually see this one hooking more down lane than the OG. I drilled my first one pin up, kind of strong with a 5 inch pin and 2 inch pin buffer. I will absolutely drill another one pin down because my favorite OG idol was pin down, albeit with a hole. As a conclusion…IT’S BACK!! LET’S GOOOOO! Balls Currently getting play: Absolute Power: 5x4x2 Xponent Pearl: 5x4x2 Zen Gold Label- 5x5x2 (pin up) box surface Attention Star-5x4x2

  • Optimum Idol is a Winner!

    Posted by Michael Slatky on Mar 16th 2024

    Roto Grip Optimum Idol Cover Stock: Micro Trax Solid Reactive Finish: 2000 Grit Abralon Core: Ikon Energized by A.I. Core Technology (14pd) RG: 2.51 Differential: 0.054 Layout: 5 x 4 x 4 - 2LS Layout Extras: 2 1/2" Finger Depth, "X" - 4 1/2 D and 1 Inch Left Tester: PAP 6 1/2 R, 1 1/4 D Review: The Optimum Idol features a second RG Core with A.I. technology. Essentially, this means to the bowler is more length and more motion off the spot compared to previous releases. You'll also keep hearing that A.I. technology provides up to five-percent more carry on off hits. Keep in mind the cover is MicroTrax which is one of the most aggressive coverstocks RG offers. The Optimum Idol is an excellent symmetric option for fresher lanes. We have already witnessed/read about some incredible results with the Optimum Idol, namely Stu Williams and Jesper Svensson. Look to use the out of the box finish and let some lane shine build on the ball to break it in. As noted ^ the coverstock is strong on the Optimum Idol. A good ball to compare the Optimum Idol to is the Helios. For me the Helios was a tad earlier and smoother. Also, the Helios for me would tend to burn up early and to the eye not go through the pins the way I ideally wanted on transitioning patterns. However, the Optimum Idol at the OOB finish is perfectly fine and I'm more pleased than I initially thought from reviewing the specs. The predictable motion of the Optimum Idol is one of the keys to this ball being a winner. As noted above, I prefer the Optimum Idol smoother shape compared to other offerings. This is due to my personal preference for smoother arc type reactions for tournament play. Don't forget to check in on my channel at: https://youtube.com/channel/UC1VA-MgFBo9mIZde-G3T11A for occasional video reviews. Be sure to grab your Roto Grip Optimum Idol today! Michael Slatky 900 Global Staff Member York, PA

  • Optimum Idol

    Posted by Dave Jecko on Mar 15th 2024

    Roto Grip Optimum Idol - HP3 Coverstock: MicroTrax Solid - 2000 Abralon Core: Ikon + A.I. RG: 2.47 Differential: .056 (15 lbs) Layout: 5.25 x 5 x 3 PAP: 6" Right, 1 3/8" Up Axis Tilt: 16° Rotation: 51° Rev Rate: 450-500 Speed: 17-18 mph Location: Vista Lanes - Yorkville, NY Pattern: 2023 USBC Jr. Gold Lane Surface: HPL The Idol is BACK and better than ever! The Optimum Idol utilizes the proven MicroTrax Solid cover and Ikon core combination while being enhanced with A.I. core technology. The Optimum is designed to be the benchmark ball in your arsenal and create continuous motion for bowlers of all skill levels. The Optimum Idol gave me a great look sliding on 25, looking 15 at the arrows with my breakpoint around 8-9. I was able to play multiple angles by changing my speed and hand position. It also did an excellent job blending out the wet/dry on our high friction house pattern. When compared to the 900 Global Xponent, it was cleaner and created more shape downlane with more overall hook. The Optimum Idol feels very similar to the original and will be one of the first balls out of my bag no matter what condition I’m bowing on. The original Idol was one of my all time favorite balls and I can’t wait to put the Optimum to the test in league and tournaments. The Optimum will fit below the Gem and above the TNT Infused. Stop by your local Storm VIP pro shop to check it out! Available on March 22. Dave Jecko Storm Amateur Staff Member YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@maximumpotentialbowlerssho7625

  • Strong

    Posted by Steven Collins on Mar 15th 2024

    Dual Angle Layout: 55 x 5 1/2 x 40 Storm Vector Layout: 5 ½ x 4 ¼ x 2 7/8 The Optimum Idol is a very strong ball in the mid lane. You will need some decent head volume for this ball to thrive. This is a great transition ball for me when my strong Assym solids start to burn up.

  • IDOL is back baby!

    Posted by Tony Marino on Mar 15th 2024

    Optimum Idol Cover: Micro Trax Solid Reactive Core: IKON + AI RG: 2.47 RG Diff: 0.054 My layout: 4 x 2 As a staffer, some ball announcements make me more excited than others… Well let me tell you, when the Optimum Idol was announced I may or may not have let out a “HELL YEA!”. haha The Optimum Idol is a solid symmetrical ball that I see working best on medium-med/heavy conditions. The Mirco Trax is a strong solid cover that I would call early-medium/early. The low rg IKON core combined with the AI tech creates more flare than the OG Idol did. So all in all the Optimum Idol is SUPER close to the original pink Idol, but maybe just a hair stronger. If you are like me and still have an OG Idol (or maybe a couple more than 1 lol) in your bag, then rest assured they roll very similarly. If you are looking for a straight 1:1 replacement, because of the increased flare of adding the AI to the core I recommend adding about a 1/2” pin distance to the Optimum Idol layout from how your OG is drilled. The Optimum Idol creates to a medium response motion ball. I have found that the Optimum Idol is a bit slower than a Phase 2 but quicker than the Summit. I see this ball working well in many different situations. The Idol was only of the most versatile ball of all time for me and I see the same thing out of the Optimum Idol. I will have many of these in my tournament lineup and at least 1 will go to Vegas for the Open Championships. Bowler stats: Left handed PAP: 5 x 1/4up Rev rate: 400