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Author Topic: Idol Helios  (Read 26032 times)

BallReviews-scodaddy21

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Idol Helios
« on: November 05, 2021, 03:54:10 PM »
Ball NPS Score: 100.00
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The Idol continues with the Roto Grip Idol Helios! This ball uses the same low RG symmetric Ikon core as the previous Idol balls but introduces the XtremeTrax coverstock. The Roto Grip R&D team used a lot of chemistry to create the XtremeTrax Solid Reactive Coverstock that surrounds this ball. The core and cover combination found on the Idol Helios digs into heavy oil while also creating more angle as well as shape down lane.

Color: Radiant Orange
All colors do vary somewhat from the picture shown
Core: Ikon Symmetrical (14#-16#)
Coverstock: XtremeTrax Solid Reactive
Finish: 2000-grit Abralon
RG: 2.49 (for 15# ball)
Differential: 0.052 (for 15# ball)
Recommended Lane Condition: Medium/Heavy-Heavy
Hook Potential: Medium to High
Length: Middle
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StormAndrew

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Re: Idol Helios
« Reply #1 on: November 14, 2021, 12:51:06 PM »
Threw the Helios on a few conditions; 42' Scorpion and THS. On Scorpion I changed the surface to 500 to blend out the pattern more. I was very impressed with the shape I got out of it. It didn't sacrifice angle down lane and I was able to use it through some bouts of transition without the ball burning up. I can definitely see myself bringing this ball with me to more of those difficult oil patterns that are medium to long or on the higher volume side. This ball has plenty of strength. Compared to the original Idol it will be more overall; especially down lane.
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BEger

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Re: Idol Helios
« Reply #2 on: November 18, 2021, 10:14:32 AM »
Layout 5.5 x 4 x 1.5
Style – stroker
Ball Speed – 14mph
Condition – house pattern on older HPL surface
Surface – box condition

I’d had mixed results with the Idols in the past. I’m convinced my layout choice on the original one caused me issues and didn’t allow the ball to perform as it should. The Idol Pearl, I’d drilled a couple of them with similar layouts and saw effective use after cracking the box surface on it. The new Idol Helios piqued my interest enough to give it a try.

My initial thoughts are someone with my ball speed and rev rate I need oil in the heads. That shouldn’t be a surprise looking at the ball. Not a huge fan of the bright orange color, but you know what ball it is going down the lane. There’s no disputing that.

Performance from the ball was as I thought. Playing the track / in the oil was the most effective use for me. Any shots that I gave away at the break point resulted in a flat 10 or a 2-8-10 combo. That’s more of a result of my ball speed and rev rate. The ball just burned up and went forward. Those with a higher rev rates and ball speed should have no problems.

When I executed correctly, the results were excellent. I know, hard to believe. Ball roll was tight, controllable, went through the pins well. Was able to use the ball all three games in a 5-person league. With the way lanes transition typically, that was a refreshing change.

I’ll be intrigued to see how the cover breaks in with additional games and eventually what the ball will do with some surface changes.
If you were a fan of the previous Idols this will be one, you’ll want to try out. Anyone in the market for a strong rolling benchmark type of reaction, again, you’ll want to try this one.
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fazzone22

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Idol Helios
« Reply #3 on: November 21, 2021, 07:30:10 PM »
The Ikon Core that was made famous in the original Idol, is now wrapped around the brand new XtremeTrax solid cover. XtermeTrax is a chemically charged nano particles which create the thought amount of responsiveness to friction. I was a huge fan of the original Idol and it was one of my favorite balls to throw on fresh longer patterns or patterns that had a lot of volume on them so when I got my hands on the Helios, I was super excited. I drilled my Idol Helios 4.5 x 4.5 x 4, which is also the same drilling I had in my original Idol and Zen Master. My first few impressions were WOW. This ball really picks up the lane a lot sooner but never stopped hooking in the back part of the lane. I found the Helios a lot like my Idol but the major difference is that my Idol needed a large weight hole close to the thumb to really get it started up and the Helios doesn’t need the weight hole because the cover stock is that much earlier. This ball is really strong up front but also continues down lane. If you were a fan of the original Idol or if you were looking for a strong symmetrical ball, the Idol Helios is going to be a MUST have. 
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crasnic2012

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Re: Idol Helios
« Reply #4 on: November 23, 2021, 11:15:08 AM »
The much anticipated Idol Helios is the newest to the Idol series. It brings back the original IKON Core and pairs with  Xtreme Traction (XtremeTraxâ„¢) coverstock which makes this ball is a an Idol on steroids'.  For me, this is going to be the first ball out of the bag on pretty much any pattern longer than 38 ft. This is ball picks up a roll pretty quick but still has a very strong backend reaction. It is very similar to the RST-X1, but a little less in the heads, but more backend.
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Luke Rosdahl

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Idol Helios Review by Luke Rosdahl
« Reply #5 on: November 24, 2021, 06:33:12 PM »
The Idol Helios is the latest release in the HP3 line, and looks to both replace and improve on the original Idol.  The famed Ikon core is the same at a 2.49 RG and a .052 differential in 15 pounds, while the cover has been upgraded to the new XtremeTrax solid, which is an evolution of MicroTrax and increases traction, shape, and durability.  The good news is that it accomplishes all of this, it’s the same Idol shape and look on the lane, but a little sharper and with more longevity of reaction.  It also doesn’t seem to burn as much energy or straighten out on friction as much as the original Idol sometimes could, so for me, it IS actually an upgrade.  It’s at least as strong or stronger than the Axiom, Zen Master, and Phaze 2, and I think it’s the sharpest one of the bunch, so if you’re in need of a big strong symmetric ball that almost feels like a mild asym, take a look at the Helios, which already has a 900 series to its name!
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TrevorRoberts

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Roto Grip Idol Helios review by Trevor Roberts
« Reply #6 on: November 25, 2021, 10:03:17 AM »
Lane Condition
Length: 40
Volume: Medium
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): THS

Comments
Who isn't excited when another ball in the Idol line comes out? This one is no exception, the Idol Helios! This ball is very close to the original Idol, with a solid cover stock that picks up in the mid lane. I especially like this ball to compliment my Phaze 2's, when you need a ball that is controllable and will get you to the pocket consistently. I feel like the Helios is slightly earlier and stronger than my Phaze 2, which may be because it is newer with a fresher cover. This ball is great in higher volumes of oil, and also very good when you have to move left and curve it. No matter where on the lane you use it, the Idol Helios will give you a predictable motion.

YouTube Review
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Bowler Stats
Trevor Roberts
2016 PBA Southern Regional Rookie Of The Year
Storm Products / Turbo 2n1 Grips / Bowlifi Staff Member
Right Handed
Rev Rate: 400
Speed: 16
PAP: 5 1/2 up 13/16
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caseyccg

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Roto Grip Idol Helios by Casey Murphy
« Reply #7 on: November 25, 2021, 11:17:01 AM »
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)

The Idol Helios is a cleaner version of the OG Idol.  The Helios is plenty strong but as a try to go across the lane it’s surprising clean and generates a strong continuous backend.  I’ve never had any Idol that creates this much angle to the pocket and carries this well.  With the OG Idol, I felt it needed a lot of oil or I needed to throw it hard for it to be effective.  The Helios is much more useable overall since it’s not fighting the front as much.  The Idol Helios is stronger than the Idol Pro and weaker than the OG Idol (in the front) and is the perfect update to the Idol line.
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rcgilmore

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Re: Idol Helios
« Reply #8 on: November 25, 2021, 09:56:51 PM »
Idol Helios
Cover: Xtreme Trax
2000 grit Abralon Finish
Core: Ikon Core
RG: 2.49
Dif. 0.052

The long-awaited new Idol is here. The new Idol Helios. I was a big fan of the original Idol. Just a few months ago I drilled up a new one I had gotten just before they were discontinued. The new Idol Helios is a keeper. I would say it is a bit strong and earlier than the original. It is very smooth and predictable. I will be honest and say this ball motion is what I was looking for in the Zen Master. Really wanted another solid in my bag to compliment the Phaze2. This Helios is that ball. I can move in, and the ball will finish strong has great continuation reads the mind lane well. The Helios gives me a few boards miss room as well. This will be a great ball for any style, and you can play various angles on the lane. The Helios is definitely a great addition to the Roto Grip Idol line.
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Onefrombills

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Re: Idol Helios
« Reply #9 on: December 04, 2021, 12:21:09 AM »
Roto Grip Idol Helios Ball Review

Hey everyone, I’m back with another ball review, and this time it’s for the Roto Grip Idol Helios and in 15 pounds this ball is wrapped in the Xtreme Traction Solid Reactive Coverstock and comes 2000-grit polished with an RG of 2.49 and a Diff of .052.
Layout for this ball is 4 3/8 X 4 7/8 X 1 1/4
I never had the chance to throw the OG Idol or the Idol Pearl so I kept my mind open to what this ball will do. In my testing I start out playing the track and I can see where I am having to force the ball to stay online, but as I move left and use the oil in the middle of the lane the ball is cleaner with better motion down lane. Now let's see what Roto Grip has to say about the all-new IDOL HELIOS On the inside you will find the low RG, higher differential symmetrical Ikon™ Core made famous in the original IDOL™. But on the outside, it’s the coverstock of this ball that is going to help you outshine and outscore your competition. Our newest coverstock technology known as XtremeTrax™, features “chemically charged” nano particles which create the highest amount of responsiveness to friction we have ever seen from a nano particle material. But don’t worry, the nano particles will still provide plenty of traction in oil before the “chemical charge” kicks in down lane to provide more change of direction than the original IDOL before it.
BOWLER STYLE: RH - Power Stroker Rev Rate: 320 Ball Speed: 15-16 PAP: 4 7/8 right 5/8 up.

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Brian Hirsch
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Brian Hirsch
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Bigmike

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Re: Idol Helios
« Reply #10 on: December 06, 2021, 03:25:27 PM »
I drilled my IDOL HELIOS up 5 x 25. I have thrown it at box finish which is 3000.

The intent was to have a stronger cover symmetrical in my bag for longer (41-43') patterns that start to burn early and tend to go wet/dry in the track. I wanted to be able to just blend into the edge of the wet with this one. It also shows some characteristics of being a benchmark type ball for some styles that are lower rev/higher speed.

I have thrown the HELIOS so far on a 42' 6:1 ratio/26 mils volume challenge pattern and also on a Kegel Beaten Path pattern which is 41' 5.8:1 ratio with slightly lower volume than the 42 foot pattern. I also have thrown it on house at both places I bowl league at. The HELIOS is a strong reaction but not as early as the original IDOL. The original picked up a couple of feet sooner for me. The HELIOS looked more like the IDOL PRO with a 2000 surface on it.

To summarize, it looks like RG split the gap between the IDOL and the IDOL PRO and has done it very well. If you own all 3 of the solid versions of the IDOL to date, then you can see a lot of utility out of these 3 to start a tourney bag with. Thrown in a assym/stronger cover like a PROTON PHYSIX or REALITY and something a little smoother and longer like RST-X2, RUBICON UC2, or DARK CODE and you have a really good start to a versatile 5-6 ball tournament bag.
« Last Edit: December 06, 2021, 03:34:07 PM by Bigmike »
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jmeorock

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Re: Idol Helios
« Reply #11 on: December 07, 2021, 11:34:26 AM »
Rev Rate: 375
Ball Speed: 15-16 mph
PAP: 6 1/8 over, 5/8 up
Layout: 60x5x30

The Idol Helios is another great ball in the Idol family from Roto Grip. Comparing it to the OG Idol, I found that the Helios had an earlier response in the front part of the lane as well as the friction. The Helios has a smoother overall roll than the OG, but has a stronger cover to where I had to be a couple of boards left to account for the extra bite it has. The Helios will be a great first out of the bag option for medium/heavy oil conditions. It will be a great addition to your arsenal.

Below is my video review of the Idol Helios. Feel free to check it out!

https://youtu.be/tbl-iIro9uY
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NateGarcia

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Re: Idol Helios
« Reply #12 on: December 07, 2021, 10:23:55 PM »
The Idol is back and better than ever! Roto Grip introducing the Idol Helios. The Idol Helios has the same core that we all know and love but with an upgraded coverstock for todays modern oil conditions. With the new xtreme trax solid coverstock, the new Idol Helios has a very strong cover but don’t let the strong cover fool you.
I had such high hopes for this ball because the Idol is one of my favorite balls of all time. I love the shape I got out of it and it was one of the most versatile pieces I have in my bag. This new Idol Helios does not disappoint for one second. I found that with a lighter surface on the Helios, it is phenomenal! This ball is very versatile and I can go from playing far right to deep inside without losing pin carry or continuation. If I had to compare it to the original Idol, I find that this Idol Helios is slightly smoother on the backend than the original.
This ball is going to be another staple in the bag and it should be in your’s as well! Stop by your local Storm VIP Pro Shop and get one now!
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live2bowlgr8t

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Re: Idol Helios
« Reply #13 on: December 08, 2021, 09:29:43 AM »
LANE CONDITION

Length: 41ft

Volume: medium

Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): THS


COMMENTS

Likes: The Idol is back!!!!!! The new Idol Helios is the latest edition in the extremely popular IDOL series. The new xtreme Trax cover wrapped around the IKON core provides a very dynamic shape on the lanes. For me the Helios is a little cleaner through the fronts than the original Idol with a very smooth continuous motion down lane. When compared to balls that are in the same category like the Phaze2, ZenMaster, IQ Tour, I have the Helios the cleanest out of all of them and stronger overall. I did fid that the cover on the Helios does shine up pretty quickly which will just help bowlers to stay in it longer after the oil starts to breakdown and force bowlers to move. This has quickly become one of my favorite balls in the lineup thus far. Be sure to hit up your local PSO and ask about the new IDOL Helios, you will not be disappointed.

Nick Smith
Storm/Roto Grip Amateur Staff
Striking Results Pro Shop

Dislikes:


PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
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Kyle.Johnson88

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Re: Idol Helios
« Reply #14 on: December 08, 2021, 07:08:52 PM »
Ball Specs:
Roto Grip Idol Helios
Coverstock: 2000-grit Xtreme Traxâ„¢ Solid Reactive
Weight Block: Ikonâ„¢ Core (Symmetrical)
Color: Radiant Orange

Review:
This ball is getting a lot of hype with many honor scores, and a 900 coming even before the release date. We are expecting a lot of sales on this ball due to many factors, and yes, coloring being one of them. This ball looks amazing going down the lane with its vibrant orange. The idol line has been very successful and if you have not tried one yet this ball will definitely be a good starting point. The Idol line has produced some great all around pieces that really fit any style of bowler and they come out at a great price point too! This ball reminds be most of the original pink Idol for its shape and even solid color.

Kyle & Joel Johnson
Roto Grip Pro Shop Staffers
joel@parklanes.net
kyle@parklanes.net
www.RotoGrip.com
#SquadRG
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