Post by: admin on December 31, 1969, 06:00:00 PM
- Core: Helios II Core (14 – 16lb) Modified Helios II core (12 – 13lb)
- Finish: 2000 Polished
- RG Differential: 0.042 (Medium Flare) on a scale of .000-.080 Low Flare-High Flare
- RG Average: 2.53 (Med-Low) on a scale of 2.43-2.80 Very Low-High Break Point
- Recommended Lane Condition: Medium to Light Oil
- A few tiny pit holes in the cover stock of the ball are normal
- Description: Roto Grip''''s newest addition to the Swordâ„¢ Line is the all new Grand Illusionâ„¢. Once again we''''ve created a ball that is a perfect fit within our product line. This medium RG and differential bowling ball falls right between the ever popular Cellâ„¢ and the always consistent Illusionâ„¢. The combination of the Ultimate Visionâ„¢ solid reactive and the Helios IIâ„¢ core delivers added length and strong mid-lane reaction on these medium to lighter volume patterns. The Grand Illusionâ„¢ is extremely versatile, so don''''t deceive your scores by leaving home with out it!
Post by: nypro on August 20, 2008, 11:38:42 AM
Post by: rotomike on August 20, 2008, 12:53:46 PM
***I have not yet made any surface changes to the ball***
I have bowled in 2 PBAX leagues this summer.
I was able to use it on all patterns except Shark. I could have on Shark if I had worked the cover.
On Scorpion is was the perfect compliment to my Cell when the lanes started to break down.
On Chameleon it allowed me to play squarer than my Cell but will all of the back end I wanted
Cheetah - I was impressed with the continuation and control it gave me. I was initially worried that the ball might be a bit too strong for the pattern but I was pleased it never gave out at the pin deck.
Viper - It allowed me to attack the lane with no worries.
On THS it was a bit too strong so I have drilled up a second one pin 5.25" high with a 25 degree drill angle. League starts next week so we shall see how it goes.
To answer some earlier questions:
Is it the step down from the Cell that people are looking for?
Yep!!
Is it too close to the Pluto in reaction?
Nope it has a totally different hook shape and pin deck reaction than the Pluto. For those of you that remember the Black Silver Streak, I would say this reaction is close to that ball but with a bit more aggressiveness from midlane to pindeck.
I love the colors and after I do some cover tweaks I will let you know how it reacts.
It is a bonifide winner. Easy length strong reaction great hit!
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Mike Sinek
Roto Grip Amateur Staff
Kingdom member for life
Post by: rvmark on August 21, 2008, 05:41:35 PM
Based off the success with my Grand Illusion this definitely won't be my last Roto Grip purchase.
Post by: JMartin27407 on August 22, 2008, 01:26:39 PM
3 1/2" buffer (puts the pin just under my middle)
no hole
surface changed to 2000 w/o polish
When I laid this ball out I was looking for something to fit in between my Cell and my Illusions. What a great compliment this ball is! Much cleaner than my Cell and reads the mids better than my Illusions. I had been keeping a Illusion at 500 abralon to fill this gap and the Grand Illusion fills it so much better. I have drilled a few of these for other people now and it seems like a ball that can fit somewhere in almost anyones game. Definitely one of the best balls I have seen in a long time.
Jimmy Martin
Roto-Grip Amateur Staff
Post by: Mikelj on August 28, 2008, 08:34:43 PM
I am a low rev stroker and love to see the reaction of the ball as it bounces off the friction and makes its move to the pocket. This ball provide the backend I needed compared to the Illusion.
Last night I used this ball in the last game of league and added 20 pins to my last game when others were struggling as the heads were drying out and everyone was getting overreaction from the more powerful equipment.
You will be surprise with the performance of this ball. I got a lot more than I expected.
Another success from Roto Grip.
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Mike Johnston
Roto Grip Advisory Staff
Post by: TBS1 on August 28, 2008, 08:54:34 PM
Layout- 5 x 3 pin buffer 3"
For me the ball is cleaner through the heads and a very strong arc. The ball fits in very nice between the Cell and the Illusion.
I love it because I can get tighter angles without fear of over reaction.
Great job Roto Grip!
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James McCarter
Co-Owner/Operator
The Bowlers Solution INC
Roto Grip Amateur Staff
Post by: rotogrip300 on August 28, 2008, 10:44:43 PM
I have two of them. 3X3, and 5X3 with hole down, and both have 4000 abrolon.
5X3 Hooked a lot. Even was a little to much on the 37 Foot pattern.
Post by: MoonsLefty on August 31, 2008, 04:13:15 PM
The Grand Illusion works well in medium to medium heavy oil. I haven't changed the surface and don't think I will.
A great compliment to the Cell and the Illusion. I can't wait to see what Hank has coming next.
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Rob Haverstock
Roto Grip Pro Shop Staff
Post by: PaulMc on August 31, 2008, 06:40:34 PM
I drilled a second one with a longer pin 5.5 inches from my PAP. At first it was either a flat seven or a six pin. After putting some surface on it I was able to move outside the oil line and “pipe itâ€. The ball struck forever and gave me a completely different look.
Post by: thegame on September 01, 2008, 12:15:52 AM
Post by: IrishMike837 on September 03, 2008, 10:12:41 PM
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Mike Keily - Roto Grip Amateur Staff
ROTO GRIP - King Of Them All!
Post by: hSDw on September 04, 2008, 11:26:37 AM
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Herb Walsh - Colorado Springs - Valley Bowl
Roto Grip Staff
Post by: Tess7654 on September 04, 2008, 12:52:06 PM
David Tessman
RotoGrip regional staff.
Post by: Los300 on September 08, 2008, 07:09:01 PM
Post by: Rotopps_thomas on September 10, 2008, 05:27:32 PM
thomas parker
bowlers aid proshop manager
roto grip proshop staff
Post by: John Brodersen on September 21, 2008, 05:17:32 PM
The Grand Illusion was drilled using the dual angle drilling method. The layout used was a 4.5-inch pin to PAP distance with a 45-degree drill angle and a 68-degree VAL angle. This placed the pin at 3/8ths of an inch directly below the ring finger and the non-marked mass bias ¼ of an inch past the VAL. An X-hole was needed. Using the gradient line system, it was placed in position 2, which is approximately 1-¼ inches down from the PAP. The cover was left in OOB condition.
I compared the Grand Illusion against a Mystic with a similar layout, a Cell and the original Illusion. (Please see my previous posts for layouts). The Grand Illusion is very clean through the fronts. Longer than the Mystic and Cell but sooner than the Illusion. It did not exhibit any lope even with the larger RG value of the Helios II core. The move in the backend was very, very strong, but not angular. The Grand Illusion covered a couple of more boards than the Mystic and Illusion but was out hooked over all by the Cell. The Grand Illusion exhibited great hit and carry.
The Grand Illusion is a great medium condition ball. As designed, it is a great fit under the Cell. It will definitely be in my tournament arsenal bag.
John Brodersen
Post by: MSUHoss300 on September 22, 2008, 02:58:00 PM
Overall this ball is very impressive, easy to get it down the lane but it doesn't jerk like alot of balls on the market today. Comparing it to the Cell, it will get through the fronts much easier which allows the ball to be much stronger down lane because it will not use up energy. The Cell tends to read the front of the lane quite a bit which makes the motion alot smoother for me. The Grand Illusion compliments the Cell really well in the when the heads start to burn up you can go to the Grand and pick up right where you left off. Another great addition to the Roto-Grip line!
Post by: Mr Scary on September 24, 2008, 11:21:29 AM
This ball is a perfect compliment to the Cell. Medium oil, the Cell gets put back in the bag, and the Grand Illusion comes out.
I drilled this ball for my Monday night scratch league. Medium oil with OB right.
I threw it first in a baker tournament and threw 12 out if 13 strikes (Unfortunately, my only miss was a stone 7 with the front 10, but our team stilled ended up shooting 289, 279 for the 2 game set) Next, the true test, the big money scratch league. I shot 658 and 707 the first 2 weeks. The reaction was great, but I knew it could be better. I put a very small weight hole in it to slightly tame the reaction. Well, it worked, 290-268-247=805 the third week. I can't wait to get back Monday to see what else this thing can do. This ball has a VERY true roll, and can be used on just about any condition. Another MUST have from Roto Grip!!!
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Chris Slagter
Roto Grip Amatuer Staff
Post by: Onebigtwister on September 30, 2008, 06:28:44 PM
Drilling specs - 5X3 pin above fingers, 61/64 weight hole on PAP 2 1/2" deep
This ball is a great compliment to the Cell, I have a Cell drilled identical to this except with the pin below fingers. The Grand Illusion is a couple of feet longer then the Cell and not as angular off the spot as the Cell. This ball has work well for me on most all sport patterns, it has the midlane read you need for control but yet still enough on the back to carry the corners. As you tend to migrate inside the 4th and 5th arrow, corner become more apparent with this drilling. That being said if you did need to play that deep the Grand Illusion could fit the bill with a different drilling (4x4 or 5x4 with hole down on VAL).
The Grand Illusion is a great fit for anyone who is looking for a ball for sport patterns as well as house conditions. There are not to many balls I can say that you can use for both. Any questions feel free to give a shout.
Jacob Bedard
RotoGrip Staff
Post by: SenorRotoGrip on September 30, 2008, 08:20:17 PM
The Grand Illusion drilled with a weak, low pin position, had good length down the lane, and made a strong move off the dry on a 39' house shot. The Ultimate Vision cover (for carry down) combined with the Helios II weight block, gives this ball plenty of hit at the pins.
The Grand Illusion rg is a med/low 2.54 with a differential of .41. This is a great complement to the Illusion. When the heads dry up and the oil moves downlane, the Grand Illusion is the way to go. A simple three ball arsenal for med/heavy oil, could be made up of a Cell (for the fresh), an Ilusion( for a burn), and the Grand Illusion(for carry down).
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Senor RotoGrip
Post by: BackToBasics on October 01, 2008, 11:41:14 AM
The Grand Illusion is a great ball that hopefully won't be overshadowed by the Pearl Cell. Strong strong covered solid piece with a very versatile cover that's a perfect compliment to the Cell.
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Anthony Chapman
Roto Grip Staff 2008
Where''s my camera?
Post by: Wes Malott on October 01, 2008, 11:29:22 PM
The other main caracteristic I see out of the Grand that i like is the way it smooths out the mid lane and makes the lane very easy to read for me. So between the Cell Pearl and the Grand Illusion I think I will have a very successfull season.
Thanks to all
"The Big Nasty"
Post by: RonCase823 on October 02, 2008, 01:02:37 AM
Thanks and good luck
Ron Case
Rotogrip staff
Post by: bowltsproshop on October 02, 2008, 03:56:42 AM
Dave Roberts Jr
Roto Grip Pro Shop Staff
Post by: BrianK on October 02, 2008, 09:50:38 AM
Have a great bowling season.
BK
Post by: gperry on October 02, 2008, 03:02:45 PM
Grand Illusion…..
Okay People… where to start??? Love this Ball, If you are looking for something to fill the Void or a good in between ball then this is the one. This ball is incredible on the Drier House Conditions and when the lanes break down a bit. Super easy through the front and I guarantee it to make the corner. Reads the lanes well and is very predictable. Don’t be afraid to get inside and crank on this ball it reads the backend very well. I recommend this ball to anyone who needs help as the lanes change. As usual this one kills the pins when it is in the hole!!!!!
Greg
Roto-Grip Test Staff
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Greg Perry
Murfreesboro TN
Roto-Grip Proshop Staff
Post by: lil League Coach on October 03, 2008, 10:57:29 AM
The first tournament I rolled with it I ended up winning. The tournament was on the Chameleon pattern on wood (tons of friction). I used this ball to lead qualifying and go on to walk my way through the 16 man bracket! I was soo impressed with this ball due to anyone I watch they miss right ball would hang.. miss left the ball is face. Not the case with the Grand Illusion as its smoothness gave me area and carry! Thanks ROTO GRIP on ANOTHER Great piece
My specs:
Right Handed
17-18mph
PAP: 4 1/2 x 3/8 up
LAYOUT of GRAND ILLUSION - 5 x 3 3" pin buffer - pin is under the middle finger cg kicked out with an axis on the PAP.
*If you want smooth and consistent this is the ball.
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TJ TROUT
PBA EAST REGIONAL MEMBER
Vise Grip Staff "choice of champions"
thomasjtrout@yahoo.com
Post by: jeorj on October 04, 2008, 11:47:53 AM
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My friends and coworkers, May God be with you!
February 7, 2008
Post by: KENOMAN on October 04, 2008, 10:00:17 PM
Post by: partners30 on October 07, 2008, 07:47:28 PM
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John Morvant
Lafayette, LA
Post by: RGLull on October 12, 2008, 04:42:15 PM
Post by: Roto-Mat on October 12, 2008, 10:47:44 PM
PAP: 5.75†Over .25†Up
Average Speed: 18.5 MPH
RPM’s: 400+
Ball(s) Stats:
“Strong†Grand Illusion
Pin Location: 4†From PAP
Mass Bias Location: 60 Degrees
Weight Hole Location: Positive Thumb Quadrant
Personal Favorite Surface: Gray Scotch Brite
“Weaker†Grand Illusion
Pin Location: 5.5†From PAP (Above Bridge)
Weight Hole: None
Personal Favorite Surface Condition: Polished
Review:
Conditions I Would Consider Using The Ball On:
Medium Patterns
Medium Volumed Patterns
Clean To Slightly Carried Down Backends
Medium Volumed House Shots
The Grand Illusion is as close to a Mystic replacement that I think that I will find, and in some aspects even better as I see the Grand Illusion as a ball that can handle a wider variety of conditions that the Mystic.
“Strong†Grand Illusion:
My “Strong†Grand Illusion is the ball that replaced my similarly drilled Mystic in the bag. At first I threw it with its factory polish and thought that it was too angular/squirty to be compared to my favorite Mystic so I knocked the polish off with some gray scotch brite, and viola! It rolled and hook nearly the same as my Mystic, with out some of the early burn that the Mystic had when encountering burned up lanes/patterns.
“Weaker†Grand Illusion
I left the factory polish on this ball for one reason. I didn’t have a ball that went between my cell’s and Pluto. I can go to this Grand Illusion when my Cells are checking early and my Pluto is not yet strong enough from inside. This Grand Illusion also works well for me when there is a short sport pattern that allows playing close to the gutter.
Conditions that I would not consider using these balls on:
High Volume Patterns
Long Patterns
Roto-Grip Balls Up or Down:
Ball Up In Reaction: Cell/Cell Pearl
Ball Down In Reaction: Pluto/Neptune
Thank you for your time in reading this review. I hope that you have found it to be helpful. If you have any questions please feel free to PM me and I will try to help you as much as I can.
Thanks!
Mat Henning
Roto-Grip Staffer
Champions Bowling Services
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Roto-Grip Staffer
Turbo 2·N·1 Staffer
Owner/Operator of
Champions Bowling Services
Post by: kgunit689 on October 16, 2008, 01:42:21 PM
17mph ball speed
300-330 rev rate
axis- 5 1/4> 1/4^
Ball is drilled 4 1/2 from pap with the pin just above and to the right of the ring. Small hole 5" out from center of grip. I took some of the shine off with a 4000 pad.
Only got to throw this for a few hours last night on a 40ft modified house with a good amount of volume.
This ball seems to be one of my favorites and will probably be my benchmark ball. Very strong continuous ball that still clears the heads great. Very easy to read reaction that is so smooth but strong. Works great on the fresh and kept driving as i moved in. my cell has the same drilling and is much stronger in total hook and backend reaction. This is a great blend between the cell and cell pearl. I think the grand illusion is a must have for anybody.
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Kris George
08-09 UNLV Bowling Team
www.unlvbowling.org
www.collegebowling.com
Roto grip collegiate staff
Post by: partners30 on November 20, 2008, 08:38:41 AM
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John Morvant
Lafayette, LA
Post by: bouncer100 on January 22, 2009, 11:35:49 PM
Post by: nyranger21135 on January 23, 2009, 09:39:45 PM
Post by: kruzicka on February 24, 2009, 10:58:47 PM
My Grand Illusion is a few boards weaker overall than my Cell Pearl. The backend reaction is much smoother and not as flippy. I would recommend this ball for when the lanes are drier and you need to control your hook downlane.
http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l308/unobowler01/Picture009.jpg
I am very happy with all my RotoGrip equipment this year and can’t wait to see what they come out with next.
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Kristen Ruzicka
Sophomore
University of Nebraska Omaha
Storm/Roto Grip Collegiate Program
wwww.unomavsbowling.com
Post by: taylorgerard on February 24, 2009, 11:12:56 PM
I first used my Grand Illusion on the house pattern at our home center, which is dry on the outsides and heavy in the middle. I have also thrown this ball on broken down patterns in tournaments throughout the season. The Grand Illusion gives me good reaction on these patterns.
The Grand Illusion is my favorite ball to use on broken down patterns when my Cell isn’t getting enough arc on the back end. It starts up early and arcs in, similar to the Grand Illusion.
I would definitely recommend this RotoGrip ball for broken down conditions.
http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fs99.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fl308%2Funobowler01%2F%3Faction%3Dview%26current%3DPicture012.jpg&h=1817362d6d5397153650b5974b574b96
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Taylor Gerard
Sophomore
University of Nebraska Omaha
RotoGrip Collegiate Program
www.unomavsbowling.com
Post by: Moose Nugget on March 07, 2009, 01:33:29 AM
I went with a 5x5 layout with a 2" pin buffer. This is one of my favorite layouts and have an Illusion with a 5x4 and 2" pin buffer that is my go to ball when I'm struggling to find a reaction.
What I wanted from this ball: I love the look I get from the original Illusion on short to medium length and med volume shots. I wanted the Grand to have a similar look on med to longer length and med to med-heavy volume patterns.
What I got: Exactly what I wanted. This ball's more consistent than my Cell Pearl across all conditions. It handles more oil and is the most versatile ball I've used in the last couple years. The Grand Illusion and Illusion will all but eliminate the need to carry anything other than my spare ball. I could see keeping my Cell in the bag for the occasional heavy oil and my Saga for the deep inside shot when things break down and there is some carry-down but the Illusions will cover everything else. Simple hand position changes have allowed me to play straight up 5, jump in and play 20-5 or anything in between and still carry everything in the house. I have quickly developed the confidence to throw this ball on any line and know it will make to the pocket and carry.
I know Roto is talking about a new sword line but I don't know how they can improve on these two..........The Grand Illusion is with out a doubt the best ball no one is talking about. If you're looking for a benchmark ball you won't be disappointed with a Grand Illusion.
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Todd Pallas
"On the road to success, there is never a crowd on the extra mile."
USBC Bronze Level Certified Coach
Splintered Pinz Pro Shop
Redline Bowling Services
Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota
Post by: rotogrip_rick on August 06, 2009, 06:30:19 PM
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ROTO GRIP RULES!!! YOU KNOW IT!!!
RICK MITCHELL
COLONY PARK LANES NORTH
Post by: Bigmike on August 10, 2009, 04:29:58 PM
Lay Out: 4.5" from PAP at 50* PAP angle and 40* VAL angle. The pin ended up slightly above my ring finger. There is a weight hole on my axis of 7/8" about 2" deep.
Surface: I have it taken down to 2000abr.
Purpose: I wanted a benchmark type reaction. I had some other balls that had some of the internal numbers like this one that I used for benchmark balls.
Lane condition Observations: I have mainly thrown this on our league shot, but did give it a whirl on the Kegel Boardwalk pattern (35'). This surface and layout was took quick off the spot for that short of a pattern. Our house pattern lets me play out into the slot (13-7) and blow pins up. I get the feel that I can use this for a good 'read' ball for the upcoming season and also on our house pattern for league.
Final thoughts: It was hard to argue with the price, but the performance is surprising. This ball had the misfortune of coming out slighlty before the much anticipated Cell Pearl. It might not have gotten the respect it deserved.
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"Why don''t you call me sometime.....when you have no class" ~~Rodney Dangerfield to his college professor in Back to School ~~1986
Mike Craig - Storm Products Pro Shop staff -Columbus, OH
Post by: surface_solutions on April 08, 2011, 08:22:32 PM
BALL SPECS
Pin Length:3-4
Starting Top Weight:2.3
Ball Weight:15 lb 4 oz
DRILL PATTERN
Pin to PAP: 4.5
CG to PAP: 3.5
X Hole (if there is one):
BOWLER STYLE
Rev Rate: 350
Ball Speed: 16.5
PAP/Track: 4 1/4 right 5/8 up, high track .5" from fingers .750" from thumb
SURFACE PREP
Grit:2000 Abralon
Type: (Matte, Polish, Sanded):
LANE CONDITION
Length:37' and 41'
Volume: medium to med-heavy
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):
THS and Sport Compliant (USBC White)
BALL REACTION (rating based on a scale of 1-10)
Length (1-early read, 10 later read)
--6--I would give this ball a 6. That is also very dependent on the part of the lane that is being played. The length rating will vary in comparison to the oil pattern. It reads friction REAL fast!
Back End (1-smooth, 10 skid snap)
--6/7--by my assessment. Average rev rates will see a strong but controllable reaction. Those with more revs will see a MUCH MUCH stronger back end move.
Overall Hook (1-weak, 10 strong)
--7--The Ultimate Vision cover is really strong yet forgiving. I find it easily used on higher volumes of oil.
Mid lane Read: (1-early, 10-late)
--6--Given my "up the back" release I would give the Grand Illusion a solid 6. Especially with the shine taken off.
COMMENTS
Likes: The biggest asset that the Grand Illusion has to offer is its strong hook potential for the price range. Being in the mid-price category is an understatement of what the ball is truly capable of.
Dislikes: Despite the strength of the cover the med-high RG core doesn't have the strength to kick out the corners on the deep inside lines for me.
Closing Thoughts:
I was looking for a replacement for my Riot, what I got was the greatest benchmark ball of all time. I have had a couple of tournaments where I have started with other equipment but almost always end up going to the Grand Illusion. It really is like a bowlers best friend...always there when you need it!
Adam M Moreland
surface_solutions_proshop@yahoo.com
Phone: (616) 690-0590
High Games/Series for 2010/2011----288, 288, 289, 298, 299 and 300 games 757 and 789 and 811 series
RotoGrip Star Pro Shop Lifetime Member
surface_solutions_proshop@yahoo.com
Phone: (616) 690-0590
High Games/Series for 2010/2011----288, 288, 289, 298, 299 and 300 games 757 and 789 and 811 series
RotoGrip Star Pro Shop Lifetime Member