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Author Topic: Grand Illusion  (Read 17659 times)

admin

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Grand Illusion
« on: December 31, 1969, 06:00:00 PM »
- Color: Cherry Red/Royal Blue
- 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!

 

Rotopps_thomas

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Re: Grand Illusion
« Reply #16 on: September 10, 2008, 05:27:32 PM »
first off i am right handed, balls speed is 17-20mph, 400-450rpms. my a game is hooking the lane but i can pipe it up the twig if i have to. most of my games on this ball have been on a ths (typical house shot) 38ft walled up. i just drill this ball about 2 weeks ago with a 5" 45 degree drilling with the pin 4" above my center of grip. i did this layout hoping it would complement my cells. now let me tell you this ball is a dead ringer for a 2 ball behind the cell. when my cell starts checking up to soon or starts burning up is when i move to the grand illusion. and it gives me that lil extra push down the lane to help me get that look i had with my cells on the fresh shot. let me tell ya this ball hits like a truck! my first three games out the box with this ball were 279 280 279 for 838. could of easily been 900  but you know 9 nine pins killed that lol. but anyways i think this ball would fit in anyones arsenal who is looking for a ball to fit behind there strong ball or looking for a strong polished solid this ball is for you.

thomas parker
bowlers aid proshop manager
roto grip proshop staff

John Brodersen

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Re: Grand Illusion
« Reply #17 on: September 21, 2008, 05:17:32 PM »
Ball specs – 15 lbs 0 oz, 2.82 top weight, and 2.25-inch pin.

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

MSUHoss300

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Re: Grand Illusion
« Reply #18 on: September 22, 2008, 02:58:00 PM »
I recently drilled 2 Grand Illusions, this is the best Roto-Grip ball I have seen so far. I drilled the first one 5" x 3" pin down under my middle finger with a hole on my VAL 2" below my PAP and left it at box finish.   The other is also a 5" pin but I drilled this one out with the middle finger to try and make it smoother then the other.  I hit this one with a 500 Abralon pad.  The first Grand Illusion clears the fronts really well, and gives me the strong continuous motion I like to see.  This is Roto-Grips "benchmark ball" in my opinion, if it is not the right ball it will tell you what is.  I like to use this one on Shark and Scorpion and can also see some play late block on Chameleon.  The other Grand Illusion allows me to play straighter, the shape is much flatter.  I can use this one on our shorter patterns like Cheetah and Viper and maybe a little bit on Chameleon.
     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!

Mr Scary

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Re: Grand Illusion
« Reply #19 on: September 24, 2008, 11:21:29 AM »
15 lb. drilled the ring finger through the pin with the CG kicked out.  Right Hander.

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
Chris Slagter
Roto Grip Amatuer Staff

Onebigtwister

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Re: Grand Illusion
« Reply #20 on: September 30, 2008, 06:28:44 PM »
Ball specs – 15 lbs 3 oz, 3.18oz top weight, and 3.5" pin
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

SenorRotoGrip

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Re: Grand Illusion
« Reply #21 on: September 30, 2008, 08:20:17 PM »
I drilled my Grand Illusion with a 6" pin/pap, pin under middle finger, no hole. I drilled the Grand Illusion this way because my arsenal was lacking a ball with this type layout to be used for Sr PBA medium patterns (the 39 and 41 foot) when the back ends get tight.  
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

BackToBasics

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Re: Grand Illusion
« Reply #22 on: October 01, 2008, 11:41:14 AM »
My Grand Illusion was drilled pin under ring 5" from PAP with weighthole 6 3/4" from center of grip at 45* angle.  I wasn't sure what to expect from the Grand Illusion since I didn't match up to the regular Illusion at all.  The GI is much more than just a solid Illusion and IMHO it has a much stronger cover.  The midlane of the Grand Illusion is shockingly good.  I expected more angle with the box finish but instead a got a great reading piece with good push through the fronts (more than a polish cell drilled similarly).  However, it still had the same good midlane and hard arc downlane as the Cell. I believe this is more of compliment to the Cell than the Pearl Cell because of the similar motion throughout the lane.  It's been really easy to go from a Cell (which I have 3 of) to the GI when I want a similar read but the overall pattern has broken down too much for the Cell.  

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?

Wes Malott

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Re: Grand Illusion
« Reply #23 on: October 01, 2008, 11:29:22 PM »
What a great piece.  Ever since they got this ball to me for the Summer Series, I have not been able to get it out of my hand.  I have drilled this ball many different ways and no matter how I drill it the ball rolls good.  I think this ball with the correct drilling is going to be good for any style of player but especially good for any player with any kind of rev rate.  

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"

RonCase823

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Re: Grand Illusion
« Reply #24 on: October 02, 2008, 01:02:37 AM »
Drilled 4 by 4. This ball is very clean through the head and reads the mid lane quite well. At first it was very jumpy but in a few games became a nice continuous arc. Works well for me when I need to get something going in the mid lane and be smooth in the back. With a higher pin and continual shine I think this ball could also be very sharp on the backend if you so desired.
  Thanks and good luck
  Ron Case
Rotogrip staff

bowltsproshop

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Re: Grand Illusion
« Reply #25 on: October 02, 2008, 03:56:42 AM »
My grand illusion is drilled with my pin at one o'clock with the cg under my ring close to the center of my palm. (4 x 5)  The grand gets through the heads very clean for a solid reactive but also makes a smooth and predictable move at the midlane.  Extremly versatile and easy to predict this ball would be a excellent choice for a benchmark ball.  A great addition to an already perfect rotogrip line.



Dave Roberts Jr
Roto Grip Pro Shop Staff

BrianK

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Re: Grand Illusion
« Reply #26 on: October 02, 2008, 09:50:38 AM »
Hello everyone. The Grand Illusion has made bowling this late summer a lot easier. The way it smooths the lane out but still has the pop on the backends let me play all angles without having to change balls. The ball also rolls into the pins heavier then most of my balls there for making my hit power increase.

Have a great bowling season.

BK

gperry

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Re: Grand Illusion
« Reply #27 on: October 02, 2008, 03:02:45 PM »
Drilling Pattern: 3 X 5 with Weight Hole

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

lil League Coach

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Re: Grand Illusion
« Reply #28 on: October 03, 2008, 10:57:29 AM »
I love this ball for any type of Tournament/ PBA patterns. The Grand Illusion rolls so effortlessly through the heads and reads the oil  pattern very smooth on the back.
 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

jeorj

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Re: Grand Illusion
« Reply #29 on: October 04, 2008, 11:47:53 AM »
I have mine drilled with the pin over the bridge 5x3. Using it on the new synthetics they just installed here in Savannah, with a light to medium oil pattern, it glides through the heads, has a smooth midlane motion, then BAM, flips hard for the pocket and hits like a ton of bricks! This is a great addition to my arsenal as I have finally found a ball to fit under my Cell and Torque.
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In memory of the Fallen at the Imperial Sugar Refinery in Savannah, GA.
My friends and coworkers, May God be with you!
February 7, 2008
In memory of the Fallen at the Imperial Sugar Refinery in Savannah, GA.
My friends and coworkers, May God be with you!
February 7, 2008

KENOMAN

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Re: Grand Illusion
« Reply #30 on: October 04, 2008, 10:00:17 PM »
MY FIRST BALL OUT OF THE BAG. A SMOOTH ROLLING, STRONG ARCING BALL, HITS WELL. I COPIED THE DRILL OFF MY OLD APOCALYPSE 5X4. I DIDN'T LIKE THE REACTION WITH THE FACTORY POLISH SO I DULLED IT UP. IT STILL GOT THROUGH THE HEADS EASILY FOR A DULL BALL AND I WAS SURPRISED AT THE RECOVERY AREA I GOT WHEN I MISSED RIGHT. A VERY FORGIVING BALL. I WAS VERY PLEASED AND WHEN IT STARTS READING THE HEADS I CAN SWITCH TO MY POLISHED ORIGINAL ILLUSION AND START STRIKING AGAIN.