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- Coverstock: Insight Pearl Reactive
- Weight Block: Triliptic Core (14-16 lbs), Modified Triliptic Core (12-13 lbs)
- Ball Color: Cherry/White/Obsidian All colors do vary somewhat from the picture shown.
- Lane Condition: Medium-Heavy Oil
- Ball Finish: 4000-grit Abralon
- Flare Potential: 7+ inches
- RG: 16#-2.49, 15#-2.49, 14#-2.54, 13#-2.57, 12#-2.59
- RG Differential: 16#-0.051, 15#-0.058, 14#-0.049, 13#-0.032, 12#-0.029
- A few tiny pit holes in the cover stock of the ball are normal
- Description: The Triliptic core helps the ball get into a roll easier due to the additional contours and elongation of the ellipses within the shape of the weight block. With the Critical Theory, Storm is expanding the Theory series with its first pearl Insight coverstock. Designed to maximize dry lane traction, this shell will help increase your entry angle and sharpen your break point, all in an effort to help you strike more! Testing proved that the Critical Theory created the most entry angle in the entire product line. Its textured 4000-grit surface increases the Ra value, minimizes oil sensitivity, especially at the end of the oil pattern, and maximizes your bowling enjoyment. Wrap the new textured pearl Insight cover around the high-torque, asymmetrical Triliptic core and you have some horsepower.
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LANE CONDITION
Volume: medium
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): ths
The Critical Theory made an indelible mark in my mind with its strong motion. It truly stood out from all the balls we tested so far. It’s going to be capable of handling a decent amount of volume and generate that big move that bowlers love to see. I think this ball could make the short list for many bowlers looking for something new this fall. It really makes a very defined strong move at the breakpoint. With it's 4000 out of box finish, it allows the ball to handle medium to medium-heavy shots as well as fresh shots easily. That's something I can't say for pearlized balls typically.
Check out the video and full written review at:
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Everything Bowling, coaching tips, ball reviews, General bowling discussions
USBC Certified Level I
Edited on 7/1/2011 at 3:11 PM
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CRITICAL THEORY #1 50 X 4 X 55 WITH P2 HOLE BOX CONDITION – 11RCTE25H086
INTENDED USE FOR HEAVY OIL SPORT CONDITIONS WITH DRIER BACK END
TEST BALL ON TURNPIKE, DEAD MAN'S CURVE, AND AUTOBAHN AND A THS
FOUND THE BALL TO ROLL QUITE NICE ALL THE WAY DOWN THE LANE, IT WORKED TO MY ADVANTAGE TO HAVE THIS ONE LAYED OUT THIS WAY AND ANOTHER DRILL WITH A LITTLE MORE BACKEND IN IT. I ENJOYED USING THIS BALL ON SOME FRESH HOUSE SHOT WITH A LITTLE GRITTY LANE PANELS. THE BALL PATH WAS NICE AND CONSISENT AND NEVER SHOWED SIGNS OF ANY OVER/UNDER REACTIONS. ONE THING I WILL SAY IS THAT THIS REACTED MORE LIKE ANY MY CELLS THAN THEN ORGINIAL THEORYS THAT I DRILLED.
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
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CRITICAL THEORY #2 – 40 X 4 ½ X 20 OUT OF BOX CONDITION
INTENDED USE: TO BE STRONGER AND EARLIER THEN BANDIT WITH SIMILAR LAY OUT.
TESTED ON THS, AUTOBAHN, AND TURNPIKE.
FOUND A BALL HOOKS EARLIER AND STRONGER THEN ANYTHING I OWN. I WILL SAY I PLAYED DEEPER AND LESS HAND THEN ANYTHING ELSE I EVER OWNED. THIS BALL OUT HOOKS ANYTHING ON THE MARKET WITH THIS LAYOUT. YOU HAVE HEAVY OIL HOUSE PATTERN WITH SUPER SLICK LANE PANELS... THIS IS THE BALL FOR YOU...
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
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LANE CONDITION
Volume:
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):house sht
This ball can be very critical to the lane condition that is in front of you. This ball hooks alot and wants to continue to hook. It is very good on medium to heavy oil. My ball is driled with a 50x4 1/2x 50. works great on heavy oil cause of the combination of the asymmetrical core and reactive coverstock. Good ball ton have in your bag to attack the heavier oil patterns
COMMENTS
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Layout- Pin over bridge, cg in the palm, mass bias by the thumb and no hole.
I was interested to see what this ball looked like. I LOVED the Theory. I ended up drilling 2 and polishing the bejesus out of one to use on more conditions and left another one dull for when I ran into a flood (for the record, my dull theory out hooks my Nano on heavier patterns). The Infinite Theory, on the other hand, was a pretty conditional ball for me. It looked really good on medium length patterns on medium-light friction surfaces when I could straighten out more (so higher volume patterns in addition to those other qualifications). It rolled fine, but not as universally usable as I had anticipated from a higher end hybrid cover. The Critical was a tad weaker than I had anticipated in terms of overall hook (but I did lay it out kinda weak as well), however the reaction was A LOT more usable than I had gotten from my Infinite. It looks like a nice compliment to the Theory (or even the Nano) because it responds to friction a lot sharper on the back part of the lane, but does so in a controllable way, so you can transition from the control reaction of the Theory to the poppier (yet still controllable) reaction of the Critical as the heads go over the course of longer format tournaments or during league sessions where you see greater lane breakdown (say 4 game leagues, 5 man leagues or a lot of guys throwing charcoal in the track). The Critical Theory also stands out- I love how Roto Grip branched out into a different color scheme they usually wouldn’t touch. They gave this ball great shelf/lane appeal.
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Layout- Pin over bridge, cg in the palm, mass bias by the thumb and no hole.
I was interested to see what this ball looked like. I LOVED the Theory. I ended up drilling 2 and polishing the bejesus out of one to use on more conditions and left another one dull for when I ran into a flood (for the record, my dull theory out hooks my Nano on heavier patterns). The Infinite Theory, on the other hand, was a pretty conditional ball for me. It looked really good on medium length patterns on medium-light friction surfaces when I could straighten out more (so higher volume patterns in addition to those other qualifications). It rolled fine, but not as universally usable as I had anticipated from a higher end hybrid cover. The Critical was a tad weaker than I had anticipated in terms of overall hook (but I did lay it out kinda weak as well), however the reaction was A LOT more usable than I had gotten from my Infinite. It looks like a nice compliment to the Theory (or even the Nano) because it responds to friction a lot sharper on the back part of the lane, but does so in a controllable way, so you can transition from the control reaction of the Theory to the poppier (yet still controllable) reaction of the Critical as the heads go over the course of longer format tournaments or during league sessions where you see greater lane breakdown (say 4 game leagues, 5 man leagues or a lot of guys throwing charcoal in the track). The Critical Theory also stands out- I love how Roto Grip branched out into a different color scheme they usually wouldn’t touch. They gave this ball great shelf/lane appeal.
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Hand: Left
Ball Speed: 15-16mph
Ball Weight: 15lbs
PAP: 5 left 7/16 up
Degrees of Tilt: 17
Layout: 5 x 4 x 3
The Roto Grip Critical Theory is the strongest back end motion ball Roto Grip has in their ball line. I have it drilled pin up with the mass bias an inch away from the thumb to help control the strong motion it has. With the factory finish at 4000 abralon and using it on the kegel highway to hell pattern, I can get the ball clean through the front of the lane so it can have a strong finish on the back end. It reads the mid lane fast on the heavier pattern, but still has the drive after the pattern to put all 10 pins in the pit. I am very impressed with how it reads and how strong it is. I polished it over the 4000 abralon and it is even cleaner through the fronts, does not read the mid lane as fast and has a more angular back end motion which is great on a medium condition or even on a house pattern for the high speed or low rev bowlers.
I have a video on facebook and youtube! If you have any questions about the Critical Theory email me at grichardson7716@aol.com.
Garrett Richardson
Storm/Roto Grip Amateur Staff
Vise Inserts Amateur Staff
Al Louie's Pinole/Diablo Valley Pro Shop
www.pinolevalleyproshop.com
www.facebook.com/grstorm
www.stormbowling.com
www.rotogrip.com
www.viseinserts.com
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BALL SPECS
Pin Length: 3 1/2"
Starting Top Weight: 3.21 oz
Ball Weight: 15 lb 4 oz
DRILL PATTERN
Pin to PAP: 5"
CG to PAP: 3"
X Hole (if there is one): 1" on axis
BOWLER STYLE
Rev Rate: TWEENER
Ball Speed: 14.7 AVG
PAP/Track: 5 1/4 X 1/8 UP
SURFACE PREP
Grit: 4000 ABRALON (BOX)
Type: (Matte, Polish, Sanded):SANDED BOX
LANE CONDITION
Length: 43'
Volume:MEDIUM
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): THS
BALL REACTION
Length: MEDIUM
Back End: VERY GOOD
Overall Hook: ABOVE AVERAGE/STRONG
Midlane Read: VERY GOOD
Breakpoint Shape: STRONG ARC
COMMENTS
Likes: BEST ROTO GRIP BALL FOR MEDIUM TO HEAVY OIL, MORE SURFACE THAN ORIGINAL THEORY AND CRITICAL THEORY. ROLLS EARLY BUT PEARL SHELL DOESN'T ROLL OUT EASILY. IT WILL TURN THE CORNER WITH ENERGY TO SPARE. WHITE, CHERRY , AND OBSIDIAN COLORS MAKE SEEING YOUR BALL SKID/FLIP EASY. ALSO "SHELLING DOWN" TO OTHER THEORY'S IS A GOOD MOVE WHEN THE HEADS DRY UP.
Dislikes: NOT GOOD FOR SHORTER OIL PATTERNS OR LIGHTER PATTERNS IF YOU DON'T HAVE BLAZING SPEED, BUT I CAN SEE A BOWLER WITH GOOD SPEED USING THIS BALL ON DRIER CONDITIONS ESPECIALLY POLISHED.
KEN TAYLOR SR
AMATEUR STAFF
ATLANTA GA
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BALL SPECS
Pin Length: 3.5-4
Starting Top Weight: 2.70
Ball Weight: 15
DRILL PATTERN
Pin to PAP: 5"
CG to PAP: 4 1/4
X Hole (if there is one): p-3
BOWLER STYLE
Rev Rate: 350
Ball Speed: 16
PAP/Track:
SURFACE PREP
Grit: 4000
Type: (Matte, Polish, Sanded): Abralon
LANE CONDITION
Length: 39'
Volume: medium
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): USBC Senior Master's; PBA Sr Tour 39'
BALL REACTION
Length: Very good
Back End: Strong
Overall Hook: Strong
Midlane Read: Excellent
Breakpoint Shape: Arc/Flip
COMMENTS
Likes: Pearl cover with 4000 abralon does not squirt off oil like other pearl shells have a tendency to do
Dislikes:
Senor RotoGrip
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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 above ring finger, MB right of thumb, CG straight in line with Pin and MB.
Ball out of box is clean in the fronts then it reacts very strong at the mid lane with a nice angle to it then it rolls down nicely which improves my carry. The ball does get a little weaker after several games but with good ball maintenance it can stay very strong. Personally I got better reaction once it got a little oil absorbed in it.
Great ball to start with due to mid lane reaction. You can get a good read on the lanes.
Dislikes:
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Hello all and thanks for reading. Here is the link for the Critical Theory by RotoGrip where you can see my video review:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1gTwKcd5P6s
I really have to hand it to RotoGrip for putting yet another ball in the Theory line that I just cannot put down. What a great looking great performing and great hitting bowling ball. Full pearl with some surface and another winning combination. The pearl allows this ball to clear the heads very clean but the surface and core help pick up in the midlane but let me tell you when you allow a ball to store that much energy for the last 15 feet of the lane........ You might find the ball comes back but the pins may not want to.
I will mention for review purposes that this ball was the first one on a fresh oil pattern and it certainly didn't disappoint. I was left of 25 with my feet and throwing from the middle of the lane to the track area an watching it scream on the back part of the lane with ease. There is so much power stored in the ball that you do not need to add much. Great for players of all levels and rev rates.
Comparing to the Infinite Theory you can see how much straighter through the front part of the lane the Infinite will travel on its was to a strong arc motion while the Critical Theory will start further left, travel further right, and move off the break point like reactive compared to Urethane. But wow does this ball HIT HARD!!!! Keep up the Great work and I can't wait to see whats in the future for RG.
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LANE CONDITION
Volume: Med-Heavy
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): THS
Likes: Easy length with the pearl cover, strong midlane move, and excellent continuation.
Dislikes: Not a fan of balls with white color in them, but this one doesn't bother me too much :) I guess the excellent hitting power and strong reaction make up for the white color in the ball.
Right Handed
Power Stroker (400+ revs)
18-19 MPH
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The first chance that I got to throw it was at the TAT. It reads the mid lane so well you'd think you were throwing a solid. It is stronger and more angular off of the spot than the Infinite Theory. It really plays well for me on medium patterns. When I got home and used it on a house shot, it rolled really well on them fresh but as they dried out it got to burning up a little quick. So I took it and applied some polish on it and then it came back to life, and I never lost my reaction. I kept on moving left and it continued to strike. I never moved to far left for me that it didn't recover. The box finish on this ball makes it react on slicker oil patterns where you normally wouldn't think about using a pearl. ONE AWESOME BALL!!
Ricky Woods
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Ball specs – 15 lbs 1 oz, 3.15 top weight, 3 3/8-inch pin.
The Critical Theory was drilled using the dual angle method. The layout is a 4 ½ inch pin, 50-degree drill angle and a 40-degree VAL angle. An x-hole was not needed. Using Storm’s layout terminology the layout would be 4 ½ by 4 1/8 with a 2 ½ pin buffer. The cover was left OOB which is 4000 abralon.
The first thing you will notice about the Critical (which is a pearl) is that the cover comes dull from the factory. This will allow it to handle heavy and medium-heavy patterns. The Critical had a great mid-lane read, made a medium-strong move down lane with great continuation. Hit and carry were very, very good. The Critical is a little longer and a little stronger down lane that the original Theory.
Keep the Critical on some oil and you’ll be striking often
John Brodersen
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LANE CONDITION
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): Modified House Pattern
COMMENTS
Drill Pattern: 50 X 4 1/2 X 70
I had very few games with this ball until this past weekend where I bowled in a scratch tournament that used a modified house condition. The cut score was -40, and the lanes were tough. This ball allowed me to move deeper than anyone else, where I was able to play off their track area bump. I finishes second to a local boy who recently won an eagle at the Open Championship doubles event. This is a great ball, and I look forward to using it more on the tougher conditions.
Chris Slagter
Roto Grip Amatuer Staff
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LANE CONDITION
Volume: medium
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): house shot wood lanes
Likes:Critical
Theory, introduces the first pearl Insight™ coverstock. Designed to maximize
dry lane traction, this shell will help increase your entry angle and sharpen
your break point. The Critical Theory comes out of the box with a 4000-grit
surface increases which is designed to minimizes oil sensitivity, especially at
the end of the oil pattern.
I
drilled my ball with the pin above the finger and a weight hole below the PAP
on the VAL line. This high differential
(.058) and low RG (2.49) goes long down the lane with a really nice angular
motion to the pocket. I found this ball to really snap off the friction.
I
am using this as my ball of choice on the 40 foot pattern. I am able to send the ball out to about 4 and
then watch the ball make the corner and face up to the pocket. It seems the harder I throw the ball out to
the dry the more it responds back to the pocket. With this extreme angle, I am seeing more 9
pins as the ball continues to drive through the pins.
Dislikes: I really like this ball. I think I need to work the cover a little to start a bit sooner.
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LANE CONDITION
Volume:10 ml. i think not for sure
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): THS
Likes: Love this ball! Tried this ball after coming back from injury. Drop to 14lb. to get back . This ball was pretty amazing. I did a 4 1/2 by 3 with 2 3/4 pin buffer. The ball was clean through heads and made the turn about 50 ft. and wow is all i can say. This also with me during a one step approach. I was able to bend (from accident) and get the ball across the oil . Second week throwing this ball from being off for three months again this did the work, i just had to not over power the ball. Critical Theory a semi truck waiting to happen .
Dislikes:
Donnie Richardson
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LANE CONDITION
Volume:
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):
Likes: I am a 64 year old male, bowl once a week...had a Cell Pearl prior to this ball... My first week series was 596 with 4 easily missed spares.. 2nd week series was 710 last Tuesday a 666 the ball rolls great and I get great carry has raised my condidence and expectations...
Dislikes: none
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LANE CONDITION
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): Stone Street
See previously written review but see latest video on Kegel's Stone Street. It's pretty close to a house shot. You can still see how strong this ball is. Not to sound cliche but this ball really is one of the strongest balls available. It makes a very defined move on the backend. People will like to swing this one out to no-man's land and watch it boomerang back. A lot of people are also going to get in trouble not knowing when to put it away.
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Everything Bowling, coaching tips, ball reviews, General bowling discussions
USBC Certified Level I
Edited on 10/21/2011 at 5:41 PM
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LANE CONDITION
Length:mid to long patterns
Volume:light to heavy
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):sport or house shots
Likes:this is a great ball for all typs of players
Dislikes:na
*************************
BRANDON HARRIS
Amateur Roto Grip Staff
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LANE CONDITION
Volume:
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):ths
Likes: Tues nite rolled my first ever 300 12 perfect shots all the pins off the lane into the pit was quite hyper afterwards and rolled 689 series once a week bowler and cant say enough about this ball Have had this ball and averaged 215 with it over the last 11 weeks or so average now up to 201
Dislikes:
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SPECS: Setup up pin under bridge mb swung about 2 inches or so, OOB surface. (I will try to put angles up next week)
SHARK PATTERN: Used the Critical Theory (CT) with reasonable sucess on Shark as you would expec from a oiler.Started about 17 out to 12 at around 43 feet, CT makes a nice powerful move toward the pins. I had miss room right even with the heavy volume to the right. As the night wore on I was forced in farther and the CT held up its end of the bargain. Finally about halfway through game three I balled down, when I put the CT away I was at 25 going out to 14 at 43 feet. Loved how strong the CT was off the spot and how easily it handled the volume on the lane.
SABRE LANES THS: Older wooden lanes well kept up but as with all wood lanes eventually the track gets worn. Sabre usually has some hefty volume inside of the track, and fair volume in the track with a drier outside. Decided to give the CT a shot. Started the night about 17 at the arrows playing out 8-10 at 45 feet. I had good miss room right and great carry. As the night progressed I moved in farther finishing up playing 20 out to 8-10 keeping the break point at 45 feet. Had to keep the speed up or it would check the through the face also had to make sure it went right far enough or it would be bad news.
COMPARE: To Requiem at 2000 abralon drilled 70x4x40. At Sabre.
CT is quite a bit stronger than the Reqiuem. On the same THS with the Requiem at about 13-15 at the arrows out to 10-8 at the break point. I needed to keep the speed on both balls to keep it from checking early, but more speed with the CT than the Requiem. Both balls made the same type of motion toward the pocket the CT just had more of it, and was a touch more angular, the Requiem just a foot or so earlier. The Requiem had a coulple advantages over the CT. Requiem seemed to get pins out better than the CT particularly on higher hits. Also the Requiem was more consistent and easier to read off the spot.
HIT/CARRY: Is very good on flush and light hits but lacks something on heavier hits. I think the angle that it is coming in at just is not good for carrying a higher hit. I will say that no matter how deep I got the CT created almost identical action in the pins. Messengers are their often enough. Overall very good in this aspect.
OVERALL: This is my first ROTO ball, I am somewhat impressed and somewhat not. I like the fact that it will hook through anything put in front of it. I like the fact that is faces up easily to the pins even when playing very deep on Patterns like Shark. Even with very little help to break the pattern down the CT made the turn easily. I dislike the inconsistency of reaction, Missing the BP just slightly can sometimes create a violent jump through the guts. If a shot is tugged just a touch it will be bad news also. IMO this ball is great if a bowler lacks rev rate. For me with this layout it is very one dimensional, I have stuff that handles moderatly heavy oil better than this. I would take my Requiem long before the CT, On the other hand, This will be a great ball for me on the true floods, CT will be a great help. If you DON'T have oil and you HAVE hand this ball may not be the best for you. The most hook does not always win, but sometimes it can help.
MainzerPower
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LANE CONDITION
Volume:medium
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):house shot
Likes:Balll hits very hard I throw around 15 mph and it carried great
Dislikes: none
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SPECS
Weight:15.04lbs
Pin Distance: 3.5 inchesTop Weight: 3.0 oz
LAYOUT
Pin 4-7/8 from PAP
MB 4-3/4 from PAP
Pin under ring, MB 2.5 right of thumb with a weight hole down low, 5-1/2 inches from center of span through the CG down
LANE CONDITION
Volume:Medium to Heavy
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):THS
Likes: The CT has a strong midlane with a nice continuous backend. It works well on shots with good head oil and blended backends. The ball is way too sharp when the backends are stripped but works great on carrydown. This is definitely a ball that is going in my tournament arsenal.
Dislikes: Have to put it away when the heads breakdown
Edited on 1/3/2012 at 1:52 AM
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LANE CONDITION
Volume: heavy
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): THS
Likes: Consistent roll and carry since getting the Critical Theory have improved average 17 pins to 202 average rolled 726 last night
Dislikes: NONE
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The Critical Theory is a powerful strike ball. It has great hook potential and hits the pins hard. But it is also a quite controllable ball, with the ability to easily place it to pick up spares, even 10 pins (for right handed bowlers).
As a strike ball it works well in medium to heavy lane conditions, storing up energy as it goes down the lane, then releasing it inches from the pins. The pin reaction is decent, though not exceptional. It’s also a quite consistent ball, rarely leaves bizarre splits or spares.
Though I would classify the Critical Theory as a strike ball, I personally also enjoy using it as a spare ball. Its consistent curve capacity combined with its easy ability to control, makes for a great spare shooter.
Overall the Critical Theory is a great addition to Roto Grip’s Theory line. I enjoy the ball quite a bit, and it has made a great addition to my arsenal. I would recommend it to other bowlers looking for a powerful and controllable strike ball.
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The Critical Theory is not a ball to be commonly used. If you try to roll it down a lane with medium or light oil, your score will surely suffer. However, if you find yourself in a tournament where no one can get their ball to move, and you throw a Critical Theory straight up the side of the lane, be prepared for victory. This thing finds a way to smash the pocket even on the longest oil patterns.
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Critical Theroy #3 serial#12RCTD19G026
layout: 60x4x70
Drilled this ball to be super smooth for house patterns on wood lanes and HPL that have a lighter volume oil pattern, but still has 43ft. Overall, it started a little earlier then I wanted to, so I put the surface at 4000 and put some polish on by had, and it gave the desired look I was looking for. I wanted something I could play 3rd to 4th arrow and not a ton of backend, and I found it, It did not roll out and it did still hit the pocket at a good angle and not flat. If you want something it a great smoother look to play inside, this BALL and layout are for your arsenal.
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Roto Grip Defiant #5 serial#12RDED03K013 layout: 65 x 5 ½ x 40
Drilled this Defiant to compliant my two new EDGES and my new Critical Theory I drilled for the upcoming tournament season. Mainly, did this for longer sport patterns I will be seeing. Tested on Dead Man’s Curve, Highway to Hell and Mexico City on HPL… Found the length and the hook angle ideal for these patterns, the ball was too strong on HPL house and on the SPL house pattern it was MONEY… Love the length this layout gave me, it did not burn up in the front part of the lane on SPL and still had plenty of backend and pocket angle. I drilled a number of these balls for some of my customers at HBC in Hanover, because the SPL is new and the lane pattern is super tight. If you bowl in a center with a tight house pattern, this BALL is for you.
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Ball Weight: 15lbs
Length: Varrying
Volume: Varrying
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):
Various Sport Patterns
Likes:
I love the way this ball moves. Since getting the ball about 2 months ago I have been able to increase my average by more than 10 pins and I have also increase my strike percentage by more than 10%. This ball has been a life saver and has done wonders for my game.
Dislikes:
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
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LANE CONDITION
Length:
Volume:
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):
COMMENTS
Likes:
Dislikes:
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
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This ball works wonders for me! I love the way it rolls off my hand. One of my new favorites.
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LANE CONDITION
Length:
Volume:
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):
This ball is the best ball I ever own. The way it comes off my hand is like no other ball I have thrown. No matter how much oil is out there it still comes back. Cannot complain about the color. GET THIS BALL!!!
COMMENTS
Likes:
Dislikes:
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
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LANE CONDITION
Length:
Volume:
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):
COMMENTS
Likes:
Dislikes:
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
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LANE CONDITION
Length:
Volume:
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):
COMMENTS
Likes: I do not have many balls in my arsenal, but this is my new favorite! It's my top choice on medium oil. It reacts well throwing up the outside and in, but it also works well on the inside line as the lanes break down.
Dislikes:
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
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LANE CONDITION
Length: 43 ft on Brunswick Anvilane
Volume: 40mL/board, total volume 25.84mL using Brunswick Logic oil
http://www.transitlanes.net/lanepattern.pdf
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): THS
COMMENTS
Likes: Clean in front, continuous motion in back, versatility
Dislikes: None
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
I'm late to the party with reviewing my Critical Theory. However, after holding out and deciding to pick one up, I have to wonder why did I wait?
On this ball, I went with a 5 x 3-1/2 x 2-1/2 layout with the MB kicked out 2-1/2, no weight hole. The intent is to give me something between my Defiant and Infinite Theory but with more backend motion. This did not disappoint at all.
The first thing I noticed with the Critical Theory is that for a strong pearl, it is still very clean in front with a good midlane read. The back is where this ball shines though. I love how this ball has a very continuous motion that does not quit. The other thing I noticed is the versatility. Having a ball speed range of 19-22mph, I was able to take some hand out, throw it firmer playing outside of 10 (out to 3 in some cases), and the Critical had no problems.
Inside, I also found it to be versatile. On the 43ft pattern I threw this on, it tends to play more slick compared to other houses. However, the Critical easily handled it. Playing 25 to 12 was no problem. 30 to 17, also no problem. It reminded me of my Defiant except with more length and a sharper backend.
Compared to my Infinite Theory, the Critical will be more versatile on league nights. The Infinite is a great ball on many medium patterns, but can be squirty with higher volumes of oil. The Critical Theory solves that issue by remaining clean in front but with additional continuation. I'm roughly 3-7 boards deeper compared to the Infinite where I will square up more.
Compared to my Defiant, the Critical remains very versatile. It's about 3-5 boards weaker, but will provide more continuation. The Defiant will get into a heavy roll in back, providing a slightly different motion.
Overall, I'm very happy with the Critical Theory. In my arsenal, the Defiant, Critical Theory and Infinite Theory give me a great 3 ball combo to handle virtually anything from medium all the way to the heaviest patterns available. It's absolutely a great ball from Roto Grip.