Roto Grip Optimum Idol Bowling Ball

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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.

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

Layout: 5 x 3 x 2 Surface: 2000 Abralon The Optimum Idol was released as basically a new version of the original Idol while adding the AI Core Technology which makes the RG slightly lower and Differential higher than its predecessor. I got to test this on my 44ft typical House Shot and I saw a ball that was certainly a benchmark with added pop down lane. Compared to the original Idol, I actually found the Optimum to be a little cleaner and more responsive in the back part of the lane by about 3 boards overall. The original Idol was best where the angle was more in front of you, and you needed to control the lane. The Optimum Idol allowed me to open up the lane a little more to start and gave me more left to right miss room. It reads the midlane pretty strong as expected and gave ample continuation through the pins. It wasn't as forward rolling as the original. This will make the ball more versatile and usable on a wider variety of oil patterns. I believe this ball will work for many styles as that traditional benchmark type ball. Great for the fresh and controlling the lanes will be its forte. Polishing this one will give a little more down lane angle which would make it useful during transition on lanes or patterns that have a lot more friction. I expect the Optimum Idol to be in my tournament arsenal for a large majority of oil patterns that I will see. Adam Chase Storm Staff

Roto Grip Optimum Idol – WWRD 3/22/2024 Cover: MicroTrax Solid Reactive Core: Ikon + A.I. Core Technology RG: 2.47 RG. Diff.: 0.056 Finish: 2000-Grit Abralon Roto Grip’s new is a Symmetrical piece that is good for Medium Volume Patterns. PAP is 5 5/16 R 1 3/16 Up. Rev Rate: 400. Speed: 16.5. Drilled this piece with the Pin above the bridge and the CG kicked out 1” from the palm. I threw this piece on a burned up house 43’ pattern. Out of box ball motion was that it started early in the mids with a continuous motion on the backend. I compared this piece to the Hustle RIP (3-3 Right) and Tour Dynam-X (1-1 Right). I did not throw the original Idol but I am hearing this is a similar piece to it. Check Out the Ball motion Video on my YouTube Page: https://youtu.be/iWYVY2j3KaI

Roto Grip Optimum Idol – WWRD 3/22/2024 Cover: MicroTrax Solid Reactive Core: Ikon + A.I. Core Technology RG: 2.47 RG. Diff.: 0.056 Finish: 2000-Grit Abralon Roto Grip’s new is a Symmetrical piece that is good for Medium Volume Patterns. PAP is 5 5/16 R 1 3/16 Up. Rev Rate: 400. Speed: 16.5. Drilled this piece with the Pin above the bridge and the CG kicked out 1” from the palm. I threw this piece on a burned up house 43’ pattern. Out of box ball motion was that it started early in the mids with a continuous motion on the backend. I compared this piece to the Hustle RIP (3-3 Right) and Tour Dynam-X (1-1 Right). I did not throw the original Idol but I am hearing this is a similar piece to it. Check Out the Ball motion Video on my YouTube Page: https://youtu.be/iWYVY2j3KaI

Optimum Idol - Ball Specs Cover Stock: Micro Solid Reactive Finish: 2000 Grit Abralon Core: Ikon A.I. Core Layout: 65 x 5 x 35 RG: 2.47 Differential: 0.056 Review The Optimum Idol is the benchmark ball I have been waiting for since the OG Idol. The Optimum Idol has the MicroTrax solid cover stock wrapped around the iconic Ikon core energized by A.I. Core technology. Optimum Idol has an RG of 2.47 and differential of 0.056, which makes a great midlane read with an aggressive yet consistent backend reaction and great hitting power. This ball is great on medium oil patterns. It will perform at a high level in the track area and in to the fourth arrow without any loss of ball reaction and pin carry. Put your favorite pin up layout on the Optimum Idol and you will not be disappointed. This ball is a must have for league and tournament bowlers. Now available for order at your local pro shop! My ball reviews are posted on YouTube channel Stanley Waite. Stanley Waite 900 Global Staff Member Dover, DE

Laid out at 85 x4 3/8 x 40 to match my old Idol Helios. The new optimum is about 4-5 boards stronger than the helios and comes off the spot significantly stronger. Its can jump uncontrollably if lead to the outside early but if its keep in a little bit of oil it performs phenomenally. This is definitely a ball I will us on higher volume patterns. It will compliment the Absolute Power in my bag that has a slightly less and more rounded layout very well.

Laid out at 85 x4 3/8 x 40 to match my old Idol Helios. The new optimum is about 4-5 boards stronger than the helios and comes off the spot significantly stronger. Its can jump uncontrollably if lead to the outside early but if its keep in a little bit of oil it performs phenomenally. This is definitely a ball I will us on higher volume patterns. It will compliment the Absolute Power in my bag that has a slightly less and more rounded layout very well.

The Idol returns! The long awaited update on the iconic Idol line has finally arrived. The all-new Optimum Idol features the original Ikon™ block encapsulated with A.I. Core Technology, and our MicroTrax™ Solid Coverstock wrapped around the outside. The ball motion has stepped up from the original motion of the Idol. This ball is extremely versatile, you are able to play wherever you need on the lane without sacrificing ball motion. The new A.I. Core Technology amplified the motion of the Optimum Idol that will create a whole new perspective on the HP3 line. The Optimum Idol will be a great option for all types of bowlers on all types of lane conditions, you will not want to miss out on this great release! Go to your local VIP pro shop on 3/15 to get yours!