BallReviews
Reviews => Roto Grip => Topic started by: BallReviews-scodaddy21 on February 10, 2023, 09:49:06 AM
-
Following the success of the original Gem, Roto Grip presents the Exotic Gem. This high-performance ball utilizes the pearl version of the MicroTrax coverstock and pairs it with the same Defiant LRG core. This core and cover combo produces a ball that will skid through the front part of the lane then dig into the middle of the lane then produce powerful continuation at the back of the lane. The Roto Grip Exotic Gem is a high-end asymmetric pearl ball that performs best on medium/heavy oiled lanes.
Color: Citrine/Apatite/Amethyst
All colors do vary somewhat from the picture shown
Coverstock: MicroTrax Pearl Reactive
Core: Defiant LRG (14-16#)
Finish: Reacta Gloss
RG: 2.47 (for 15# ball)
Differential: 0.053 (for 15# ball)
Recommended Lane Condition: Medium/Heavy Oil
Hook Potential: High
Length: Middle
-
Roto Grip Exotic Gem
Cover: MicroTrax Pearl Reactive
Core: Defiant LRG Core
RG . Diff. 2.47
Finish: Reacta Gloss
Roto Grip’s new Exotic Gem is an Asymmetrical Pearl piece that is good for Heavy conditions. PAP is 5 5/16 R 1 3/16 Up. Rev Rate: 400. Drilled this piece with the Pin up between the fingers and CG kicked out 1†from the palm and 1†Left of the Mass Bias. Out of Box ball motion is clean through the fronts, starts in the Midlane with a smooth motion on the backend. I didn’t throw the Original Gem. I compared this to the Storm Proton PhysiX which is 3-4 stronger, 900 Global Reality 3-4 stronger, and Reality Check 4-5 stronger than the Exotic Gem. For me, this piece will be good to start off a block. This piece is good for all types of styles that are looking for an Asym pearl.
-
The new Roto Grip Exotic GEM is my absolute favorite ball on the market right now. I am higher speed, rev challenged 220-250ish, high tilt, high rotation, and super low track player. The Exotic GEM took me by surprise with its ability to perform. I generally gravitate to balls with fresh surface on a fresh house shot. But, let me tell you this ball has been a game changer and I have been able to start out with it game 1 and use it all the way through game 3.
I drilled my Exotic GEM 5x3x2 which is a very strong layout that reads the midlane and comes strong off the spot but yet continuous. This ball hits the pins like a freight train and I love it.
I have also used the Exotic GEM as a compliment to my RST X-3 that I generally use game 1/2. The Exotic GEM is just so versatile that I believe everyone could find a spot for it in their arsenal.
My YouTube video of the ball: https://youtu.be/2exs6p8OAoY
#StormNation
#SquadRG
#sm2proshop
-
LANE CONDITION
Length: 40ft
Volume: Med
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): THS
COMMENTS
Likes: One of the cleanest and strongest Pearl balls since the Altered Reality. This ball gets down the lane and makes a left turn. Just as good as the original, great 1-2 punch on a THS or pattern. This ball will be in the bag for a long time. So good I might drill 2.
Dislikes: None
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
-
Exotic Gem is HUGE!
Bowlers Info: RH tweener, PAP 4-5/8 x 3/4 up, 380 RPM, 13* of Axis tilt, 60* of Axis Rotation
Ball Layout: 45 x 5.25 x 35
VLS: 5-1/4 x 4 x 2
Finish: OOB
The Exotic Gem has quickly become one of my favorite pieces in league. I drilled mine 5-1/4†pin with a 2†pin buffer which put the pin high above my bridge. What I didn’t anticipate is how much this thing HOOKS!!! For me, this is cleaner but much bigger than my Infinite Physix. When this piece hits friction, it turns over pretty hard and simply throws pins everywhere! It’s not quick off the spot, a bit slower to transition, but once it changes motion, watch out! This hooks pretty well in oil as well and have used this as a transition piece after my Phaze 2 starts to burn up and I want to move things inside a bit. If your looking for hook, you’ve found it in this one for sure!
Chris Martinez
Storm Amateur Staff
www.stormbowling.com
-
The new Exotic Gem is my discovery of the year !! With is clean reacta gloss finish, it's pass easily the first part of the lane. However, like the 900 Global Zen,with its matte color, it makes this ball really controllable. The Exotic don't give a too much hit when it's arrive on the back end like many pearl balls. It just give the right hit at the end of the lane with a big continuous motion between the pins. I can play many lines with; more straight in front of me or go to the left to pass across the lanes. It's will be the perfect house shot ball but for sure, in my bag on all tournaments that I will play this year. It's a no brainer ball ! You need it one on you bag, trust me !!! #ownit"
https://123bowl.com/bowling-balls/roto-grip/roto-grip-exotic-gem-bowling-ball/
-
The all new Exotic Gem features the same Defiant LRG Core wrapped around the MicroTrax Pearl Reactive coverstock with the Reacta gloss finish. This ball has pleasantly surprised me, I am typically not a fan of the low RG asymmetric pearls, however this ball seems to be something special. This ball gives you the strong controllable motion you saw from the Gem, but the coverstock allows you to open up your angles and strike when the original Gem struggles to get the corner pins out. I have seen some success with this ball already and I fully expect to have this ball in my bag for the foreseeable future. If you have not gotten this ball yet, you need to go out and get yours today!
Layout: 40 x 5 ⅜ x 25
-
This ball is a monster to be honest. This is one of the strongest pearl balls that I have thrown. The first few times I threw it I liked it but wasn't in love with it until I figured out that I had to get deeper than I was. I was trying to play to straight in the beginning until I figured out that the Exotic Gem definitely likes oil. As soon as I Read more about review stating Strong and a Monster
moved deep enough, I was able to open the lane up quite a bit and was able to create some area. The Exotic will allow you to start deeper from the beginning and allow you to stay away from mid set traffic on the track area. This will fit nicely in my bag for when we have a few more lefties on the pair or in a tournament so I can start and stay deep and not have to move or make so many ball changes. The Exotic Gem is a weapon that will be firmly planted in my arsenal, and it hits like a tank. Very powerful ball and looking forward to throwing the Exotic more.
Check out the video
https://youtu.be/ZRMLvEYecH0
-
Lane Condition
Length: 40
Volume: Medium
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): THS
Comments
The Exotic Gem is a new piece from Roto Grip that features the MicroTrax Pearl Coverstock. Being a step down from the original Gem, this piece is something you need after those big asymmetric solids like the Gem, Reality and Super Nova. The cover allows the ball to get through the front part of the lane very well with a lot of mid lane control and a lot of pop in the back. If you’re a higher speed dominant player or a straighter player, or just in search of a step down from those big asymmetric’s, this is the ball for you!
Social Media
Click This Link Below For All Social Media :
https://linktr.ee/ethanfiore300
Coolwick
Coolwick Customizable Jerseys
Save 10% on your order by using code Efiore10
https://www.coolwick.com/
Bowler Stats
Ethan Fiore
⭐PBA Member⭐Roto Grip Staff⭐CoolWick Staff⭐Tournament Director⭐
Right 2 Handed
Rev Rate: 500
Speed: 17.5
PAP: 4 1/8 up 7/8
-
As an experienced bowler who has had the opportunity to test a wide range of bowling balls, I can say without hesitation that the Exotic Gem Bowling Ball from Roto Grip is a must-have for any serious competitor. In fact, this ball is the first one out of my tournament bag.
The MicroTrax Pearl Coverstock and the Defiant LRG Core work together perfectly for me, as I have been able to use the Exotic Gem on a variety of different lane conditions. The ball has been very easy for me to use because it has a very predictable motion. The Exotic Gem has reacted well for me whether I was playing the 4th arrow or the 7 board.
In a few events, I have started with the pearl asymmetric Exotic Gem and then transitioned to the TNT, which has a Solid Cover and symmetrical weight block. That is an interesting combo for me.
In short, I can't recommend the Exotic Gem highly enough. This is truly a great ball, and I will drill a number of them over the coming months and years.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqjkUDUcOKY&t=7s
-
The new Roto Grip Exotic Gem features the same Defiant LRG core found in the original Gem, but wraps it in the Micro Trax pearl reactive coverstock. The 15 pound version features a low RG of 2.47 with a differential of .053 and an intermediate differential of .016. With my slower ball speed, I was looking forward to this release. I drilled mine 5 x 4 x 2 which puts the pin above my middle finger. The Exotic Gem is a fantastic complement to the original Gem. Both balls have that early rolling heavy roll making them very controllable on harder conditions. For me the Exotic Gem went about 2 to 3 feet further down the lane with a much more angular backend motion than the original. For my game, the original Gem was just too much too soon. The Exotic is a ball I can throw on just about any pattern as long as there is oil in the front half of the lane. This pearl does not shy away from oil, and although it is more angular than the original, it is very controlled arcing motion for a pearl coverstock. This is a ball that will get a lot of lane time on medium-heavy conditions for me. This is a great pearl ball for tougher conditions.
-
Roto Grip Exotic Gem Ball Review by PJ Haggerty
One of the latest additions to the HP4 line at Roto Grip is the Exotic Gem. From a shelf appeal standpoint, this ball is loud and flashy. From a performance standpoint, it strikes a TON! I’ve been very impressed with the Exotic Gem thus far and continue to take it with me to all types of events. Similar to the original Gem, the engine inside is the Defiant LRG core, but the biggest difference with the Exotic is the coverstock. Big Schlem and the minds in Utah created a pearl version of the MicroTrax coverstock and wrapped the Exotic Gem with it.
I’m a big fan of the Exotic Gem and drilled it with the following numbers: 5 x 4 x 2. This puts the pin above my bridge, a slight shift of the CG, and the mass bias is just to the right of my thumb. I’ve had the most success when using this ball on medium/longer patterns with heavier volumes. The Exotic Gem is strong enough in the mid-lane and down-lane to still create shape and go through the pins the right way. Once my Gem has done it’s job and it’s time to put in the bag, the Exotic Gem is the perfect ball to use.
I’ve also adjusted the surface for those heavier volume conditions. By hand, I used a 1000 pad to create a bit of an earlier shape but to slow down the response time a bit too. If you need a ball that digs, continues, and is a perfect complement to the current lineup, go drill an Exotic Gem!
-
The Exotic Gem is the newest high end pearl asym ball from Roto Grip. While the cover is exceptionally clean, this ball is on the slower side when it comes to friction response. This provides a really nice balance of length and control. This ball was very useable on the fresh with a slightly slower speed, and as the lanes opened up it was able to come back from larger angles and still continue through the pins. This ball is going to be great for rev-dominant players who typically have a tough time throwing asym pearl balls, and for those who have more rotation or tilt that find other pearl balls to be too sharp.
-
Exotic Gem • Roto Grip• Hp4 Series
Core • Defiant LRG (Asymmetric Core)
Coverstock • MicroTrax Pearl Reactive Finish • React Gloss
Weight • 15 lbs. RG •2.47 Differential • .053 Intermediate Diff •.016
Layout • 4 x 5 x 2
Tester PAP • 5†R, 5/8†D Tester Axis Tilt • 11° Tester Rev Rate • 300
Test Pattern • 42' THS (Typical House Shot) • Modified, Kegel Stone Street
Roto Grip has taken its Hp4 line to incredible new heights with the release of the Exotic Gem. First, the Defiant LRG core brought a well-defined motion to the original Gem. Then building from the Defiant LRG's success, Roto Grip combined it with the MicroTrax Pearl reactive coverstock. And this proved to be a winning combination making the Exotic Gem a phenomenal new release. So, with its brilliant results, let's take a closer look at why the Exotic Gem belongs in your arsenal!
The Defiant LRG core is a big and beefy asymmetric core. And as down and in player, I like that the Defiant LRG has a robust and decisive motion. But unlike other bulky asymmetric cores that tend to become angry and violent in their motion, the Defiant LRG revs smoothly. And impressively, it has a more methodical attack behind its roll. And when the Defiant LRG stood up and headed to the pocket, I was impressed with its powerful impact as it struck the pocket. And being a low-rev player, I loved the strong and continuous roll I saw with the Defiant LRG, as it makes the Exotic Gem a continuous crushing machine.
The MicroTrax Pearl reactive coverstock delivered success to the Exotic Gem's outstanding potential. I found the MicroTrax Pearl provided biting traction early in the midsection. And although I liked its aggressive nature, I loved how the MicroTrax Pearl was smooth off the pattern. The MicroTrax Pearl reads earlier than you would expect from a pearl, but I liked how it maintained a well-defined motion as it made its way toward the pins.
Now, being a straighter player, surface is my friend. And for my speed and rev rate, the Reacta Gloss finish needed some tweaking for a THS league night. So, I sanded my Exotic Gem to 1500-Grit Abralon and followed it up with Storm Step 2 finishing compound (320-1500 grit.) And this surface adjustment made the Exotic Gem fun to roll all night long. Early on, I could play my A game - rolling up twelve with a powerful down and in motion. And as the night went on and the lanes transitioned, I thoroughly enjoyed being able to move my angles in and not stress over it. And even with my weak rev rate, the Exotic Gem retained plenty of energy that exploded at the pins. So, for me, the MicroTrax Pearl reactive coverstock was the missing ingredient to kick out the annoying tens pins I left with the original Gem.
In conclusion, the Exotic Gem is an excellent release from Roto Grip. And for down and in players, the Exotic Gem is smoother and cleaner than the original Gem and retains much more energy. And with the right surface adjustment to fit your speed, style, and rev rate, the Exotic Gem is a powerful weapon to add to your arsenal. So, talk with your local Storm VIP Pro Shop Operator and have your Exotic Gem ready for tonight's league. And be prepared to crush the competition!
Rick Klimowicz
Storm Products Pro Shop Staff
Roll the Ball Pro Shop
Penndel, PA
-
Yikes the Defiant core with a reactive pearl coverstock. Yes lets go this ball is already a favorite. I was happy with the original gem but it was a little much for me. But this exotic gem is what i was needing. This ball is giving me a different shape for me down lane that i was missing and needs. The core rolls heavy up front but the pearl lets it get through the fronts. Down lane for me it def reads the friction but seems to set up for me and really gets through the pins well. I have thrown this with success from house to middle volume sport shots. love this gem
-
Roto Grip Exotic Gem – Defiant LRG core with e-Trax Pearl reactive cover stock – with Reacta Gloss finish.
My specs: Ball speed 15+, Rev rate 425, PAP 4 and up 13/16
Layout: 50 x 2 x 60 used on SPL and HPL lane surfaces with Typical house pattern – both with a BIG cliff on the end of the pattern.
Was quite excited when Schlem at Roto Grip decided to bring back one of the best asymmetrical cores back the Defiant LRG core, which means to me the fastest, captivating and STRIKING core Roto Grip has had, then they even made the ball sweeter, by wrapping that alluring cores with the most aggressive pearl cover to date, the e-Trax pearl.
To put it in very simple terms for me, the ball was simply a “GEM†in both centers. The Exotic Gem with the strong combination of this cover and core, gives you the angular reaction in backend like a normal pearl, but you don’t have to “wait†to see the motion, and the direction the Exotic GEM goes through the pins is still strong, even though the ball starts up a little sooner, the ball does not QUIT. The Exotic GEM on the HPL lanes was a little bit strong on fresh, but with just changing a little bit in my set up and just use more of the middle part of the pattern, the ball struck A LOT. As the carry down starter, I did not have to change balls like I would normally do to stay inside of the other lefties I was bowling with, I was able to move my eyes down lane and close the angles up a little, and the Exotic GEM did not fail me. The center with SPL, it was the only ball I needed all throughout practice and scoring. By changing my release a little, I can manipulate the weight block to stand of a little bit earlier, to help with getting for end over end roll, which creates more energy down lane and still blow the racks apart. Don’t be afraid to invest in a Exotic GEM, even though it is an asymmetrical ball, it can be the best ball in your bag.
Now for longevity of the Reacta Gloss on the Roto Grip demo balls, I usually have to touch up the surfaces with polish after they are used for a few events. I have not touched up the demo balls other than cleaning them with Reacta Foam to get the condition and grime off of the balls. The cover bonds very well with the new Storm Reacta Gloss “polishâ€. So, maintenance is very light over the course of its life.
Thanks to the crew at Bowlers' Supply, Inc, Roto Grip, Colony Park Lanes and Vise Inserts for all the support and assistance!
Remember to Bowl Up a Storm!
#SquadRG
#Coolwick
#ViseInserts
-
I drilled my Exotic Gem 5 x 3 x 2. I left this one at the box finish to see what it could do but then hit it with a 2000 pad to smooth it out.
The early scuttle on this one from other staffers is strong motion. When I hear that I immediately think of putting more surface on it and throwing it when I am getting a flaky reaction on slick patterns with solid covers.
I compared it to the INFINITE PHYSIX, GEM, and ABSOLUTE. Compared to the INFINITE, the EXOTIC is a stronger motion down the lane. INFINITE gives me more control, EXOTIC gives more forgiveness if I give the pocket away more. Compared to the original GEM, it is obvious a mismatch as the original GEM is just too much cover/core. It was a nice ball down when I surfaced it and needed to get left and the original GEM was sputtering. The ABSOLUTE was closer especially when both had surface on them. The EXOTIC was sharper down lane while the ABSOLUTE got more length. These two when surfaced the same can play off one another quite well.
Drill up a EXOTIC GEM if you want a good house shot killer. It also makes a great compliment to the ABSOLUTE.
-
The Exotic Gem is almost exactly what I expected out of a pearl version of the Gem, however one surprising takeaway is the sheer midlane strength this core continues to provide, even with the shiny pearl cover. I drilled mine with a 5x4x4 layout for control through the front and a little smoother transition down the lane. I am a low track player, 470RPM, 14 degrees of tilt and 55 degrees of axis rotation, avg 16.4 MPH. It's a perfect combo along with the original Gem! I'm not able to stay right on top of where I begin when I transition out of the Gem (or Reality), but a nice 3/2 or 4/3 move inside gets me exactly where I need to be to continue striking on most conditions. I did adjust the surface to 500/1000/Step 2 polish just based on personal preference as I think I get a little truer read with a bit more teeth under the surface along with the extra traction the compound provides me.
-
Roto Grip Exotic Gem Ball Review
Bowler Stats:
Speed: 15.5 MPH
Rev Rate: 300 RPM
Tilt: 3-5 degrees
Axis Rotation: 60 degrees
PAP: 5 ⅜ over 1 ¼ up
Layout: 5 X 4 X 2 ¾ VLS
Video Ball Review: https://youtu.be/1uyCWBhckGE
The Exotic Gem is the pearl version in the Gem series and features the Defiant LRG Core with a strong MicroTrax Pearl Cover. With how quick the X series is for me I decided to change my VLS layout a little to slow the ball down off the end of the pattern. This ball gives me the same length as all my other asymmetrical pieces in my arsenal like the X-3 and Infinite Physix but with this stronger pearl cover is slightly slower response off the dry than the X-3 and X-2 and not as continuous as the Infinite Physix.
I have been using this ball a lot on the area house shots when I have fresher conditions. As the lanes transition and the oil in the heads thins out the stronger core and pearl cover does not get down the lane far enough and becomes too slow off the dry.
This ball will definitely be in the arsenal this summer for the PBA 50 National Tour where we bowl on more volume. This is a piece I can see using on the 39’ Mike Aulby pattern.
Pete Dohan
Storm Bowling Amateur Staff
#StormNation
-
LANE CONDITION
Length:43'
Volume: 22.5 mLs
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):THS
COMMENTS
Likes: More useable than the Gem
Dislikes: Nothing!
Talk about a killer combo…Defiant LRG Core which is the fastest revving asymmetrical core RotoGrip makes PLUS MicroTrax Pearl Coverstock, the earliest and most aggressive pearl cover RotoGrip offers (on any ball currently) is just a SICK combo!
Also, when you walk into the pro shop this ball just jumps off the shelf!
With as different of a motion as the GEM is, this ball is a great compliment. I really feel like after you can’t get any further left with the gem, the Exotic is right there to keep chasing it left. Even though its a fast revving ball, the thing keeps booming down lane
This ball is unique in motion in my bag. It’s more of a tournament ball for me, I like to use it on more modified/sport patterns.
Layout is 5.25X4x2
Balls getting a lot of play
Infinite Physix: 5x4x2
HyRoad: 4.5x4.25x3.75
IQ Ruby: 5x4x2
Phaze4: 5x4x2
Fate: 5x4x2
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
-
Roto Grip Exotic Gem
Length:43ft
Volume: 25.5 mls
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): THS
Likes: So if I’m going to be completely honest when I first drilled the Exotic I wasn’t too big of a fan and I couldn’t figure out why because typically I love balls like this. So I put it in “timeout†to come back to at a later date. So a week or 2 went by and I made a pretty big fit change so I figure my test ball would be the Exotic. I ended up shortening my span 1/4 of an inch and I could immediately tell that it made my roll a little more end over end. But during league that was the only ball that I had at that fit. So I said screw it and decided that I would try and make it work. Well game 1 I ended up shorting 300 with it and what I noticed was that because I was rolli my it a little more end over end it made it wanna pick up a little sooner and roll through the pins just slightly different which made all the difference. Now the exotic doesn’t leave my bag for league or for tournaments and I will end up drilling another one here very shortly. And if you need a slightly bigger ball but with a pearl cover than this is the one I would recommend over and over again!
Dislikes: Not anymore! But if anything a little bit too strong at times haha
-
Orientation: Right Handed
Rev Rate: 400 RPM
Speed: 16-17 MPH
PAP: 4 ½ over and ½ up
Location: Enterprise Park Lanes, Springfield MO
Pattern: High Volume THS
VLS Layout:
Layout 1: 5 x 4 x 2 ½ (pin above bridge)
Layout 2: 4 ½ x 4 x 4 1/8 (pin below bridge)
The Exotic Gem is a new pearl Gem from Roto Grip. It features MicroTrax Pearl, which is pretty strong for being a pearl. This makes the Exotic Gem clean enough to use on some lighter volume patterns or some transition but it still has plenty of teeth to get around the corner. I was a fan of my Gem with some lane shine, so I was ready for a pearl Gem that would be even a little cleaner and more responsive.
-
The new ball in the Roto Grip HP4 line is the Exotic Gem. I am a big fan of the original Gem. So I was pretty excited to see a pearl version. I drilled mine very similar to the Gem, 4.5 x 5 x 2 basically pin above bridge drilling. The Exotic has great colors and is vert noticeable when going down the lane. With the same core as the Gem the Exotic still needs some oil up front. But the Exotic does have a pretty strong midlane and backend motion compared to the original. The exotic has been a little conditional to me with my ball roll. But I have had good success on the longer sport patterns. It's a different motion but when your lined up with it, strikes for days. Very strong Asymmetrical Pearl.
Great addition to the RG line!
Brian Watson
Storm Pro Shop Staff
PAP - 3 7/8 up 1 1/8
RPM - 400
MPH - 16-17
Tilt - 17
-
A bowling ball can't hook early and snap in the backend but this ball comes pretty close to doing it!!!!
Amazing the overall strength of this ball while still having an almost snappy backend reaction. High speed high rev players this ball is an absolute must!