Gem • Performance Line • HP4
Core •Defiant LRG Core
Coverstock • MicroTrax (Micro Nanoparticle Traction) Solid Reactive Finish • 2000 Grit Abralon
Weight • 15 lbs. RG •2.47 Differential • .053 Int. Diff • .016
Layout • 4 x 5 x 2 1/2
Tester PAP • 5" R, 5/8" D Tester Axis Tilt • 11° Tester Rev Rate • 325
Test Pattern • 42' THS (Typical House Shot) • Modified, Kegel Stone Street
There is truth to the statement, "Sometimes evolution can spark new life into technology." And with the release of the Gem, Roto Grip has sparked a brilliant new dimension into their HP4 line. With the Defiant LRG Core and MicroTrax Solid Cover combination, the Gem delivers a powerful, cutting-edge new look to your ball motion. So let's break it down on a THS!
The heart of the Gem is the Defiant LRG Core. And I loved how this core reacted from the first shot! The Defiant LRG Core rev's smoothly and earlier like you would see in a strong symmetrical core. However, when it makes the turn and stands up, it enters the roll phase with a rolling thunder of power! So if you are a straighter, low rev player like me, this core is ideal for your game! And what I found most appealing about the Defiant LRG was although, being it is a low RG core, it flared (hooked) more than expected. Yet it also delivered an impressively powerful continuation through the pins! So down and in, players will love the Defiant LRG's potential to dispense those frustrating ten pins even without having six degrees of entry angle!
The MicroTrax Solid reactive cover is well-suited for straighter and down and in players. And being the MicroTrax is a strong solid cover, you can count on its teeth to bite into heavy oil! Yet, although it is an aggressive cover, I found the MicroTrax Solid didn't overreact to friction. I saw a smooth transition coming off the pattern on fresh oil playing the nine board. Then as the THS pattern began to break down, I liked how this MicroTrax cover blended the wet/dry conditions that developed. And as a straighter player, I enjoyed moving my target in decisively without worrying if I had enough hand to make the Gem turn off the pattern! The MicroTrax cover gave me the confidence to stand left while still retaining the Gem's intense hitting power.
In closing, I was impressed with this new release from Roto Grip! The Gem performs brilliantly for down and in players and those with a challenged rev rate! And with the Defiant LRG's asymmetrical core and the MicroTrax Solid reactive cover, the Gem will be a powerful tool to add to your arsenal. So have your local pro shop operator drill yours up and tweak the Gem's surface today, then see for yourself why the Gem is the jewel in your arsenal!
Rick Klimowicz
Storm Products Pro Shop Staff
Roll the Ball Pro shop
Penndel, PA