Layout: 40 x 4 ¼ x 35

Finally...the wrongs of the original Idol being discontinued have been righted!  The original Idol solid was one of the best bowling balls that Roto Grip has ever released, and the introduction of the Optimum Idol brings the Idol line back to prominence.  The addition of AI technology to the Ikon core creates a slightly stronger midlane motion – overall, I do find this Optimum Idol to be a tad bit earlier, smoother, and overall more motion than that original Idol.  That means that the Optimum Idol is absolutely perfect for heavy to medium-heavier oil conditions.  Once the lanes dry up, this ball will begin to hook too early...but, it isn't intended for those conditions anyways.

Mike LeViner

Here are the new color combos of the Pearl and Hybrid Raws to freshen up the line-

Hammer Raw Hammer Black/Purple/Teal       @15lbs 2.537 .038
WWRD 05/16/2024       12-16 lbs Alternate Core 12-13 lbs & 10-11lbs
Volume- Light to Medium   Core- Raw Hammer   Coverstock- Juiced Pearl
Here comes another beautiful color combo from Hammer Bowling. Adding the Factory Polish to the Juiced Pearl cover gives the cleanest and quickest response to friction in the Raw Hammer line. Bowlers of all styles can find a Raw Hammer to fit their game.
Box Surface- 500/1000/2000 Siaair/Crown Factory Polish   Color- Black/Purple/Teal
Recommended Cleaner: Power House Ball Cleaner    www.HammerBowling.com

https://hammerbowling.com/collections/lower-mid-performance/products/raw-hammer-black-purple-teal

Hammer Raw Hammer Blue/Black/Orange    @15lbs 2.537 .038
WWRD 05/16/2024       12-16 lbs Alternate Core 12-13 lbs & 10-11lbs
Volume- Light to Medium   Core- Raw Hammer   Coverstock- Juiced Hybrid
Hammer is freshening up the Raw Hammer Hybrid selection with a new color to replace the Orange/Black combo. The Juiced Hybrid cover is finished with the Factory Compound. Together they will start the ball a little earlier than the Raw Hammer Pearl.
Box Surface- 500/1000/2000 Siaair/Crown Factory Compound    Color-Blue/Black/Orange
Recommended Cleaner: Power House Ball Cleaner   www.HammerBowling.com

https://hammerbowling.com/collections/lower-mid-performance/products/raw-hammer-blue-black-orange

DV8 Chill Pearl      @15lbs 2.495 .051   DynamiCore/HK22
WWRD 05/16/2024      12-16 lbs    Alternate Core 12-13 lbs   Volume- Medium
Core- Diva 2.0            Coverstock- HK22 Inciter Max Flip Pearl (NEW)
FTF believed that the original DV8 Chill (6/23/2023) would be a great bigger symmetrical as a benchmark for a lot of bowlers. The Diva 2.0 core rolled well as did the original Diva. DV8 now presents the Chill Pearl. What gets balls cleaner down the lane and more responsive to the friction? The HK22 base formula of course. The additive package of the Inciter Max Flip Pearl give another hint towards this ball’s intended motion. If you are bowling on more friction either from the start or caused by transition, consider the great looking DV8 Chill Pearl to open up your angles and turn the corner. The shape is reminiscent to the Brunswick Melee Jab. DynamiCore is there to improve your hitting power and ball durability.
Box Surface- 500/1000/1500 Siaair /Crown Factory Compound     Color- Turquoise/Silver
Recommended Cleaner: Power House Ball Cleaner      www.DV8Bowling.com

https://dv8bowling.com/products/balls/current/chill-pearl

If you need a ball that ignores heavy oil, the Harsh Reality is your best choice.  This is the classic “strong core, strong coverstock” combination that any bowler looking for a heavy or long oil pattern ball needs.  Replacing the original Reality is a massive task, and while the Harsh is a touch stronger than that ball, it lives up to the hype.  The amount of midlane traction that this ball creates is off the charts. Due to this, once the lanes dry up, you'll need to transition to something better suited for medium lanes – the original Eternity is a perfect step down.

Mike LeViner

Harsh Reality - Ball Specs
Cover Stock: 902 Solid
Finish: 2000 Grit Abralon
Core: Disturbance Asymmetric
Layout: 5 X 3 X 2 1/2
RG: 2.48
Differential: 0.054
Intermediate Diff: .019

Review
The Tour Engineered 900 Series all new Harsh Reality utilizes the Reserve Batch Blend 902 solid coverstock combined with the Disturbance Asymmetric A.I. Core to give you the strongest ball in the 900 Global line. I am convinced the Harsh Reality is stronger than the original reality and slightly better performance.  Mostly due to the AI core technology. I drilled my Harsh Reality with my standard pin up layout and this ball did not disappoint.  It was able to read in the mid lane but still continue through the pins. I have used this on a 43 foot high volume pattern as well as typical house shots.  I found this ball performing well on both, however this ball thrives when it sees a lot of volume. For me the Harsh Reality is two to three boards stronger than the original Reality. The Harsh Reality will be my first choice on heavy oil patterns. This is a great ball for all levels of bowlers that are looking for a strong ball to help with those really oliy fresh lane conditions.

Sean Daniels
900 Global Staff Member
Hillsboro, OR