-
- Coverstock: Inception Pearl Reactive
- Weight Block: Caliber Core (14-16 lbs), Modified Caliber Core (12-13 lbs)
- Ball Color: Charcoal/Yellow All colors do vary somewhat from the picture shown.
- Lane Condition: Medium Oil
- Ball Finish: 1500 Polished
- Flare Potential: 4-5 inches
- RG: 16#-2.54, 15#-2.57, 14#-2.60, 13#-2.59, 12#-2.65
- RG Differential: 16#-0.051, 15#-0.048, 14#-0.044, 13#-0.045, 12#-0.035
- A few tiny pit holes in the cover stock of the ball are normal
- Description: The Roto Grip Bandit showcases a dependable weight block shape and powerful coverstock. The Caliber weight block shape of the Bandit maximizes pin action, accomplished through increased energy transfer of about 12% when compared to traditional cores, and works for both rev dominant and speed dominant players. The Inception coverstock has a surface topography that showed Ra values up nearly 10% from previous blends. The Bandit handles a variety of conditions ranging from a typical house shot to tough tournament action. the Bandit provides a "long and strong" reaction.
-
LANE CONDITION
Volume: medium
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): THS
The Roto Grip Bandit offers that impressive skid/flip reaction that many bowlers love to see. It also offers a predictable strong move so can be used on fresh shots as well as broken down shots. You might get some over/under with this type of aggressive move in transitions so look out for that. However, I think this motion will not disappoint those looking for that strong move at the breakpoint. It’s a nice addition for Roto Grip.
Check out the video and complete written review at:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Everything Bowling, coaching tips, ball reviews, General bowling discussions
USBC Certified Level I
Edited on 7/2/2011 at 10:43 AM
-
BANDIT #1 – 35 X 5 X 55 PIN ABOVE FINGERS- BOX CONDITION
INTENDED TO START UP EARLY AND NOT OVERHOOK ON ANY MID LENGTH PATTERNS THAT ARE 37-39 FT SPORT PATTERNS.
TESTED ON WINDING ROAD, MIDDLE ROAD, ABBEY ROAD, AND BROADWAY
JUST AS PLAN, IT MOVED OFF OF THE PATTERN REAL SMOOTH AND DID NOT OVERREACT EVEN THROUGH IT IS A PEARL BALL. NICE MOTION THRU THE OIL AND THRU THE BACKENDS. WILL RECOMMEND THIS BALL TO EVERYONE AS A BENCH MARK BALL TO START WITH ON THS AND SPORT CONDITIONS. BOTH ONES I DRILLED REACTED JUST LIKE I PLANNED. THIS ONE AND ONE WITH A SHARPER BACK END ARE A NICE MID PRICE 1-2 PUNCH FOR ANY LEVEL OF BOWLER.
Rick Mitchell
Roto-Grip Staff Member
Roto-Grip Staff writer
York-Adams USBC board member
USBC Bronze Level Coach
York-Adams Bowling Hall of Fame Member
-
BANDIT #2 – 40 X 4 X 20 PIN STACKED ABOVE FINGERS – BOX CONDITION
INTENDED USE FOR THS THIS IS 41 FOOT LONG AND ON REAL SLICK NEW LANE PANELS. TO BE ABLE TO BANK IT OFF THE GUTTER WHERE THE ONLY DRY BOARDS ARE ON THESE CERTAIN HOUSE PATTERNS.
TESTED ON THS 41 FOOT ON BRUNSWICK PANELS AND NEWER HPL PANELS.
WOW.... THIS BALL HOOKS MAD OFF OF THE DRY, A TON OF MOTION AND ANGLE STANDING 12 AND LOOKING AT 3 AND ALLOWING THE BALL TO WORK THRU THE LIGHTER OUTSIDE OIL AND STILL MAKE A REMARKABLE RECOVERY. THIS BALL WILL ALSO WORKS ON MID LENGTH OIL PATTERNS IF YOU WANT TO SWING IT THRU THE HEAVY MIDDLE TO THE LIGHTER OUTSIDE OIL... THIS BALL IS AMAZING...
Rick Mitchell
Roto-Grip Staff Member
Roto-Grip Staff writer
York-Adams USBC board member
USBC Bronze Level Coach
York-Adams Bowling Hall of Fame Member
-
LANE CONDITION
Volume:viper pattern
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):
Being a bowler with a higher rev rate i noticed the Outlaw was a little dull out of the box. So I shined it up and used a 70x5x 1 1/ VAL layout. It gave me the length that i needed to get down the lane and didnt act to violent off the break point. It really worked great for me as i couldnt believe how it expoded at the pocket and drove through the pins with alot of stored energy. over all I feel this is a very good bowling ball that with the right layout it can be versitle. Its a must have in your arsenalCOMMENTS
-
Layout- Pin next to fingers, cg stacked with a medium size/depth hole out and just below the midline.
I was super excited to throw this ball (probably the ball I was looking forward to the most out of all the new Storm/Roto releases) and it absolutely did not disappoint. This ball is absolutely my ideal benchmark ball. It clears the fronts clean, it is super controllable through the midlane, it corners well enough to be able to use it in, but not so much that it precludes it from being used out and it continues as well as anything I’ve ever thrown. I threw it up against my Hy-Road and they were comparable in terms of strength, but what surprised me is that the Bandit was earlier, smoother, more controllable AND more continuous than my Hy-Road and these are all things the Hy-Road is known for. The reaction reminds me most of the Storm Eraser, which is my favorite ball of all time (hint hint powers that be, give me the Eraser again! Haha). It has a look that stands out on the lanes too. Countless people came up to me asking what that “Cool black and yellow” ball was. Overall this ball is about as close to a must have as any ball really can be in my opinion. It’s versatile enough to use on a multitude of conditions for a multitude of people and that’s rare in today’s hper-specialized game.
-
Bandit Review by Andrew Jensen Storm and Roto Grip Staff
WOW!!! This is a great ball!
On Saturday I bowled a local TNBA tourney that is being held at Maplewood Lanes in Omaha Ne. I threw the Bandit the whole day. It gave me the best reaction. Mine picks up a good mid lane roll while having the best downlane reaction that I've seen since the Pearl Cell. I had about 2.30 top weight before I drilled. No hole needed. My PAP is 5 5/8 over up a half.
I started the day with team and wasn"t throwing the ball great. Still managed a 622. When singles and doubles started that"s when I started to shine, with the help of the new Bandit. With a 279 in singles, and shooting a 678 series, I knew that doubles was going to be big. I left 3 ten pins all together and 3 splits. Two of the ten pins would come in the first game. One in the first frame and one on the last ball for a 289. The next game would be all strikes except the 3 splits. Two bad shots and a good one in the tenth that left me with he 7-10 split, all for a 211. Oh well, shake it off right? I did just that,after looking at the next seven strikes thinking, I should be able to finish with a 300. The eighth frame was not kind, leaving me the final ten pin I would see. I struck the rest of the way for a 279. Giving me a 779 series. All events I shot 2079.
I'm also bowling league and have the same average plus some.Glad the Bandit is my bag! Hope it's in yours.
(AJ) Andrew Jensen
Storm and Roto Grip Staff
(AJ) Andrew Jensen
Roto Grip Staffer
-
BALL SPECS
Pin Length: 3"
Starting Top Weight: 2.90 OZ
Ball Weight:15 LB 3 OZ
DRILL PATTERN
Pin to PAP:5"
CG to PAP: 5"
X Hole (if there is one):NONE
BOWLER STYLE
Rev Rate: TWEENER
Ball Speed: 14.7
PAP/Track: 5 1/4 X 1/8 UP
SURFACE PREP
Grit: 1500
Type: (Matte, Polish, Sanded): POLISHED
LANE CONDITION
Length: 41'
Volume:MEDIUM
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): THS
BALL REACTION
Length: VERY GOOD
Back End: VERY GOOD
Overall Hook:MEDIUM
Midlane Read:MEDIUM
Breakpoint Shape:SNAP/FLIP
COMMENTS
Likes: MY BENCHMARK BALL, MEDIUM HOOK, BUT GREAT SKID/FLIP, SAVES ENERGY AND FACES THE POCKET. GETS DOWN THE LANE LIKE A WEAK SHELL BUT BACKENDS WITH AUTHORITY. GREAT ON MEDIUM TO SLIGHTLY DRY SHOTS. PERFECT COMPLIMENT TO THE THE OUTLAW.
Dislikes: NOT GOOD ON LONGER OIL PATTERNS OR HEAVY OIL VOLUMES.
KEN TAYLOR SR
AMATEUR STAFF
ATLANTA GA
-
BALL SPECS
Pin Length: 2.5-3
Starting Top Weight: 3.70
Ball Weight: 15
DRILL PATTERN
Pin to PAP: 4 1/2
CG to PAP: 40 degrees
VAL Angle: 40 Degrees
X Hole (if there is one): P3
BOWLER STYLE
Rev Rate: 350
Ball Speed: 16
PAP/Track: 5 over 11/16 up
SURFACE PREP
Grit: Box 1500 Polish
Type: (Matte, Polish, Sanded):
LANE CONDITION
Length: 39'
Volume: Medium
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): PBA Senior Chameleon
BALL REACTION
Length: Very Good
Back End: Strong
Overall Hook: Medium
Midlane Read: Very Good
Breakpoint Shape: Arc
COMMENTS
Likes: Good length with strong hit and carry
Dislikes:
Senor RotoGrip
-
Sword line: Mid-price
Cover: Inception Pearl Reactive
Core: Caliber (new weight block)
RG: 2.57
Diff: .048
Rev Rate: 420+ RH
Average: 220+
Ball Speed: 16-18 mph
PAP: 4” over
Weight Hole: none
Layout: 50 x 6 x 50 (pin up)
Intent: Use on all patterns (sport/THS) when the conditions start to open up, only exception I would say would be higher volume patterns
I drilled my Bandit with one of my favorite layouts for symmetrical equipment. The pin is located above and slightly left of my middle finger, no changes were made to the OTB surface which is 1500 grit polished. As soon I threw my first ball I knew this was a keeper! The Bandit clears the heads and mid-lane extremely well with a strong backend motion maintaining superb hitting power as it continues through the pin deck. The Bandit is the perfect complement to the Nomad Dagger, one of my all-time favorite balls mind you. The Bandit is cleaner through the mid-lane and slightly less angular than the Nomad Dagger, perfect ball a notch under the Nomad Dagger!
Likes The Bandit floats through the head with ease storing all of its energy to its breakpoint, and then it goes left like a BANDIT! Another ball that seems like it will be in my arsenal for some time to come. Yet another great ball at a mid-price with great performance from Roto Grip!
Dislikes: No dislikes for me ….. For people with lower rev rates I would possibly suggest a stronger layout and possible surface adjustment pending the individual’s likes/dislikes.
Anthony Colosimo
Roto Grip Amateur Staff
10 Back Proshops
Pembroke Pines, FL
-
LANE CONDITION
Volume: heavy oil, lane master oil
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): THS
Likes: Still able to make the turn even in SUPER HEAVY OIL
LAYOUT INFORMATION:
55x5x35 woth pin above the bridge of fingers and CG kicked out a slight bit.I decided to drill this because I thought that the 40x40x20 was a little to short in length and to sharp in the back end to use in the Tuesday night league at Hanover Bowling Centre. Needed something to go a tick longer but not as strong in the backend and not to be to angular into the pocket... I touched up the surface with a worn 4000ab pad to just knock a little off of the cover. Once again, Roto Grip has provided a Super ball for less money...
Rick Mitchell
Roto-Grip Staff Member
Roto-Grip Staff writer
York-Adams USBC board member
USBC Bronze Level Coach
York-Adams Bowling Hall of Fame Member
-
LANE CONDITION
Volume:
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):
Likes:My Axis is 5 5/8 right, ¼ up, my speed is average and I would consider myself with higher revs but more up the back. So not a cranker but not really straight either.
Pin under ring finger, CG in poss thumb weight quadrant.
This ball is unbelievable! It goes through the front with ease and then is very angular. When it comes off the pattern it darts left and keeps going all the way through the pins.
I’ve used this ball on several patterns (high roller, TAT, PBA Regional and Kegal patterns) and it has given me more room for error than I ever thought it would. Even after about 100 games it still reacts like new.
This ball is definitely a keeper. Do not pass it up!
Dislikes:
-
Hello everyone and thanks for watching. Here is the YouTube link to the video that goes along with this written review of RotoGrip's new Bandit :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6deBju_ZpY
If you have been keeping up with some of my previous reviews or know me personally, you will remember how much I loved the Nomad series for RotoGrip's middle price point performance. I thought it would be rather difficult to improve upon but I was certainly mistaken here. The Bandit is overall a 10. Hitting power length, breakpoint shape. If you love the overall motion of the Cell and Cell Pearl then the new mid-price line is gonna be perfect for you. The new core shape introduces a similarities to those while still maintaining an incredible ability to rev up in the midlane. As you can see from the video the Bandit clears the heads clean, revs up and then a nice strong backend movement which doesn't leave much on the deck. It has a little bit more hook stop action than the Nomad Dagger but this can easily be remedied through surface change.
Comparing to the Dagger in the video you will see how the Dagger needs a little more of the track area in order to gain some extra angle into the pocket where the Bandit stays on a tighter line towards the pocket and still retains entry angle.
Overall this will be a great addition to anyone's arsenal and will best be utilized for a stroker or tweener looking to gain some extra entry angle into the pocket without having to go to a ball that will force your feet too far to the left. Keep up the great work guys.
-
DRILL PATTERN
Pin to PAP: 5 1/4"
Dual Angle: 45 / 5.25 / 75
X Hole (if there is one): 1.5" down from PAP on VAL
BOWLER STYLE
Rev Rate: 450
Ball Speed: 17 mph
PAP: 5 3/8" right, 1/8" up
SURFACE PREP
Grit: Box Finish (1500 polished)
Overall Hook:7
Midlane Read:8
Breakpoint Shape:6
COMMENTS
I was extremely excited to see this ball released! I had been a huge fan of the Nomad Dagger and was looking for a ball with a little more length and the same amount of control.
This ball has blown me away and exceeded my expectations greatly which were set very high! The ball gets through the front of the lane very easily which is to be expected, but the read I get in the middle is amazing. It has a heavy roll to it, making it controllable and consistent like solid. But, gets far enough down the lane to handle pattern break down. When I had to bump in with my feet because of burnt heads the ball read the lane great and still produced enough angle to kick out the ten.
If anybody is looking for that perfect "Benchmark" ball, this is the clear winner in that category!!! This will be the first ball out of my bag weather it be in regular league or tournament play.
RotoGrip Amateur Staff
Striking Edge Proshop (Weston, WI)
-
Ball specs – 15 lbs 3 oz, 2.87 top weight, 2 7/8 inch pin.
The Bandit was drilled using the dual angle drilling method. The layout used was a 4 ½ inch pin to PAP distance with a 65-degree drill angle and a 25-degree VAL angle. No extra hole was needed. If you prefer Storm’s layout terminology it is 4 ½ by 5 1/8 with a 1 ¾ pin buffer. The cover was left in OOB condition which is 1500 polished.
The Bandit is very clean and lopes slightly through the fronts with about an additional three feet of length than the Outlaw. The response to friction on the backend is quicker and also stronger (more angular) than the Outlaw. The Bandit hooks less overall than the Outlaw but provides a lot of recovery down lane.
The Bandit is a great choice to use when the Outlaw is burning up and hitting flat.
John Brodersen
-
I got to use this ball for the first time at the July High Roller. Out of the gate with the Bandit, I was impressed. I made some bad shots out wide and it hooked back and I missed in a little and it pushed down the lane and still finished. When I got home, I took the Bandit, a Mutant Pearl and a Nomad Pearl to the bowling center with all three balls 1500 polish and on a house shot. The Bandit and the Mutant Pearl were close, but the Bandit out hooked the Nomad Pearl by several boards. So I bowled several games with the Bandit and it was as strong when I got finished as it was when I started. For a pearl cover stock ball it really read the mid-lane very good. This Bandit and Outlaw to me may be the best two ball combo on the market. My game and these balls matched up REALLY WELL!!!!!
-
@import url(http://www.ballreviews.com/CuteSoft_Client/CuteEditor/Load.ashx?type=style&file=SyntaxHighlighter.css);
LANE CONDITION
Volume:
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): House shot
Likes:The
Bandit is a great compliment to the Outlaw.
My Bandit was drilled with the pin up above the fingers
The
Bandit goes 1-2 feet longer for me and has a more dynamic reaction to the
pocket. With the 1500 polished pearl
finish, once this ball gets a sniff of friction it wants to begin to hook. I like
to use this ball on the 39 foot house shot. I am able to swing the ball out to
4 or 5 and bring it back strongly to the pocket.
With
my medium ball speed and low rev rate I find this ball perfectly suited for my
game. I especially love the versatility
of the offering. Recently I used this ball on the 35 foot PBA pattern on wood.
When the heads began to burn out, it was nice to be able to switch to the Bandit,
move 2-3 boards to the left and watch the ball clear through the heads and
finish strong from the extreme outside angle.
Having
both the Bandit and the Outlaw in your bag will provide you with the range of
equipment you will need to compete successfully on most house or tournament
conditions and may be the best two ball combination on the market today.
Dislikes: Nothing
-
@import url(http://www.ballreviews.com/CuteSoft_Client/CuteEditor/Load.ashx?type=style&file=SyntaxHighlighter.css);
LANE CONDITION
Volume: medium oil
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):House shot
Likes:The
Bandit is a great compliment to the Outlaw.
My Bandit was drilled with the pin up above the fingers
The
Bandit goes 1-2 feet longer for me and has a more dynamic reaction to the
pocket. With the 1500 polished pearl
finish, once this ball gets a sniff of friction it wants to begin to hook. I like
to use this ball on the 39 foot house shot. I am able to swing the ball out to
4 or 5 and bring it back strongly to the pocket.
With
my medium ball speed and low rev rate I find this ball perfectly suited for my
game. I especially love the versatility
of the offering. Recently I used this ball on the 35 foot PBA pattern on wood.
When the heads began to burn out, it was nice to be able to switch to the
Bandit, move 2-3 boards to the left and watch the ball clear through the heads
and finish strong from the extreme outside angle.
Having
both the Bandit and the Outlaw in your bag will provide you with the range of
equipment you will need to compete successfully on most house or tournament
conditions and may be the best two ball combination on the market today.
Dislikes: I would like a lower RG and higher differential ball to get the ball to be more dramatic.
-
LANE CONDITION
Length: good mid lane read and controled reaction
Volume:light to med oil patterns
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):works well on all oil patterns
Likes:controled reation and can changed surface to what you are bowling on
Dislikes: na
*************************
BRANDON HARRIS
Amateur Roto Grip Staff
-
LANE CONDITION
Volume:
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):
COMMENTS
Accomplishment: The Bandit with its new weight-block & Pearl Reactive finish will compliment Senior strokers & not just PBA power players. As a LH stroker, my 3 inch pin is 1 inch left & below ring finger and the ball goes long with a smooth flip to the pocket & super carry.I can go up 10 to start, but, move into 17-18 after several games. We had several lefties in a tournament Oct. 29th & after a 300 start, I moved in, staying in the light oil which took away the 7 pin leaves. Had high qual. 6 games of 1449. A great League & Med. oil condition ball for any age...Larry Hoffman, RG Advisory Staff
-
MY LATEST BANDIT REVIEW
BANDIT #4 – 62 X 4 3/8 X 40 PIN ABOVE RING FINGER AND BRIDGE
INTENDED FOR HEAVIER AND FLATTER OIL LIKE US OPEN AND USBC MASTERS PATTERN.
TESTED ON KEGEL TURNPIKE, AND 2011 USBC MASTERS PATTERN, 2011 AND 2012 USBC OPEN CHAMPION PATTERN AND USED IT AT THE 2012 USBC MASTERS TOURNAMENT IN LAS VEGAS
THE BALL EVEN IN THE O.O.B. CONDITION WAS SHARP OFF OF THE DRY AND DID DELIVER A STRONGER THEN NORMAL ANGLE INTO THE POCKET.
ON THE OLDER LANE PANELS, IT WAS ACTUALLY A LITTLE STRONGER THEN I INTENDED TO BE. I PLAYED DEEPER AND WAS ABLE TO CREATE ENOUGH HOLD, BUT THEN THE BALL TENDED TO HIT A TICK BEHIND THE HEAD PIN.
OVERALL, AN OUTSTANDING BALL FOR THE PRICE POINT. I LIKE THE DIFFERENT COLORS SO I CAN WATCH THE BALL MOTION BY WATCHING THE PIN AND BRIGHT GREEN SPOTS IT HAS ON IT. OVERALL A GREAT ALL AROUND BALL FOR YOUR BAG.
Rick Mitchell
Roto-Grip Staff Member
Roto-Grip Staff writer
York-Adams USBC board member
USBC Bronze Level Coach
York-Adams Bowling Hall of Fame Member
-
Drilling: 50 X 5 1/2 X 45
Balance Hole: None
Cover Finish: Box Finish
I drilled my Bandit 2 week ago and i won my 64th career titles last week-end with this ball and bowl 2 800 series(815 &842) and one perfect games during this time.I like the reaction of my Bandit...good lenght with very good backend and incredible pins carry.
Henrik Tremblay
Vise Staff member
Storm Staff member
-
BALL SPECS
Pin Length: 3 inches
Ball Weight: 15
DRILL PATTERN
Pin to PAP: 40 x 4.25 x 60
CG to PAP:
X Hole (if there is one): low hole on VAL
BOWLER STYLE
Rev Rate: 375
Ball Speed: 16 mph Qubica which gets the speed at the backend
PAP/Track: 4 up 1- 1/4
SURFACE PREP
Grit: 3000
Type: (Matte, Polish, Sanded): 3000 abralon
Volume: 36.9 ml
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):TAT Sport pattern at the Gold Coast, Brunswick Pro anvil lane
Overall Hook:8
Midlane Read: 7
Breakpoint Shape: 7
COMMENTS
Likes: Steve Kloemken layed this ball out for me while bowling at the TAT in Las Vegas. I was close but just needed something a little more controllable that would still get through the fronts. So I drilled a the bandit 40 x 4.25 x 60*. Which ended up pin in the middle finger and CG kicked out and a low hole. This ball was da bomb, as I shoot 737 and led my squad and made the finals The bandit gave the control that I was looking for and the roll of the spot. This reaction also gave me about 3-5 boards at the breakpoint to strike. Thanks Steve.
I used the ball on this years USBC pattern practicing at home center, and I added some Step 2 to the Bandit and had a great look going from 11-7.
Very Good ball especially for the price point.
Dislikes:
Edited on 3/31/2012 at 8:29 PM