BallReviews

Reviews => Roto Grip => Topic started by: admin on December 31, 1969, 06:00:00 PM

Title: Oracle
Post by: admin on December 31, 1969, 06:00:00 PM
See what others cannot and you will harness the ability to predict victory. As your "eye" into the future, the Oracletm is a high performance ball that combines an all new weight block and coverstock that is sure to fulfill your prophecy.

The Cyclotron IVtm core delivers the energy from the moment it leaves your hand. This medium-low RG core creates enhanced revolutions in the body of the lane with non-stop energy through the pins.

Surrounding this core is the Visiontm particle coverstock. The combination of an aggressive solid reactive with a controlled load of particle allows for increased mid-land and constant backend reaction. Traction is the key component and this one delivers on those medium to heavy oil pattern.


Specifications

Factory Finish  800 Matte  
Radius Of Gyration  
16# - 2.54
15# - 2.56
14# - 2.58  
Differential  .050 (High)  
Lane Condition  Medium - Heavy Oil  
Flare Potential  7+ Inches  
Coverstock  Visiontm Particle  
Available Weights  14-16 Lbs.  
Weight Block  Cyclotron Core IVtm  
Color  Purple/Black  
D-Scale  73-75  

Title: Re: Oracle
Post by: squid300 on August 02, 2004, 05:36:57 PM
this is by far the best ball i have thrown, works well on a wall house shot but also works well on a tough tournamaent shot. i shoot 680 in league wednesday and then i shoot 690 on a tournament shot friday, still has plenty of energy after getting through the heads and midlane. will hook on anything, not a good ball for a cranker, it will not hook, its more of a stroker/tweener or a down and in ball, my average has jumped 10/15 pins since getting, carries well on offpocket hits
Title: Re: Oracle
Post by: rotogriplefty on August 04, 2004, 11:22:34 AM
This is a great particle ball.  I had this ball drilled with a 4" pin and CG about 1" from the middle of my grip.  This ball works very well when there is oil in the heads and the backends are fresh.  I found this ball to continue in the backends more than any other particle ball that I have used.  Once there was carry-down I moved left (I'm a lefty) and the ball still reacted well.  This is a good ball to use early in tournaments or league and then migrate to an Apocalypse if there is a lot of carry-down.  This combination seems to work very well for me.

--------------------
Peter Hernandez
PBA Member
Title: Re: Oracle
Post by: Shim299 on August 04, 2004, 12:44:00 PM
I tried this ball for the first time yesterday, I drilled a pin above my ring finger and a stacked drilling (lefty).  I juiced up our house shot just a little more than usual and I put a little bit of Moon Shine on the surface before I threw it.
I was absolutely amazed with this ball.  The Oracle gets down the lane and recovers.  This ball is not going to burn as quick as other particles do, and it recovers in the back like a reactive.
I threw the Oracle, loved what it did, then I threw my Particle Silver Streak.  The Oracle definitely gets down the lane more than the SS Particle and recovers.  
I think this is going to be "The Ball"  Some bowlers won't throw or are too worried about particle burning up too quick, believe me, you don't have to worry about that with this ball.  If your looking for a particle ball that gets down the lane and recovers, get yourself an Oracle.

Scott McLaughlin
Roto Grip Test Staff Member
Title: Re: Oracle
Post by: rotostar on August 09, 2004, 06:43:59 PM
Finally another particle! I drilled mine up rev-leverage
with a crater below my thumb, on my axis. This drilling gives
me alot more roll. I am still amazed how much back end I get
with this drilling. I think this ball will be more versatile
than most particles. Another great job from Roto Grip.
Title: Re: Oracle
Post by: STEVEN HAUK on August 10, 2004, 11:15:25 AM
This ball is the best i have seen in a particle ball .
The Oracle that i drilled .I drilled mine 2 1/2 " over from the cg. place the pin under the bridge and drilled it. Then in i came back over 5" and down  1" and drilled my axis hole . I threw it the ball and the first thing i thought was " oh my " . The ball never used it energy up earlier as some partilces did in the past that i have seen did .It continous driving up through the mid-lane and the backend very smoothly.I recomend this ball on all conditions . I have bowled with this ball on both sports and house conitions and reaction is awesome.
--------------------


STEVEN HAUK
ROTO GRIP ADVISORY STAFF MEMBER
Title: Re: Oracle
Post by: Mrstrike on August 10, 2004, 10:18:58 PM
The new Oracle is one of the best particle balls I have ever thrown. With the coverstock this ball performs like nothing else out there. With a great hook, but controllable backend reaction makes this ball very easy to read on the lane. With the great controllable action in the back the carry is superiour over all balls on the market. This is the best particle ball Roto Grip has ever made and for myself I cant wait to see what they come up with on the next particle.
Title: Re: Oracle
Post by: The Author on August 11, 2004, 01:05:42 PM
Drilled my Oracle 4 inches from PAP and 60 degrees (it looks nearly stacked because the pin is above and a little away from the ring finger.  The ball had a 4 inch pin and 3.56 oz starting top weight.  Surface was box condition.

We've been messing around with the shot at our house, so I'm not sure what pattern I actuall threw on yesterday.  All I know is that the Oracle was nice!  It had great recovery for a particle.  I was able to cross the arrows at 20 and send it out to past 10 down the lane and still have enough recovery to kick out the 10 pin.  

The balls I compared it to are my Mayhem and my Uranium.  The oracle seems to be stronger on the backend compared than my Mayhem and has nearly as much hook overall.  The surfaces on the two balls were similar.  Like I said, the Oracle recovered much better from deeper in, and didn't have that sort of hook-early-then-roll-out-a-little look that particles usually give me.  I left a 4-9 once and chucked the Oracle up first arrow.  It flipped predictably early, but continued on the backend to the left side of the 4 pin (this doesn't usually happen to me, since I have a problem giving the ball side roll).  

The Uranium recovered a little better than the Oracle--surprise surprise.  Although I could play almost the same line as the two the Oracle gave me a shallower angle and earlier grab--something good to have when you start leaving those sharp corners.  The fact that I could play the same line with a shiny ball leads me to believe that the shot we had didn't have the oil volume that the Oracle is really designed for.  I can't wait to run into something that's juicy enough to really let this ball work.  It looks like another good one from the folks at RG.
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Sometimes the influence you bring to those around you can’t be measured in strikes and spares.  It’s measured in smiles and confidence and back slaps and hand slaps and approach scuff marks from rubber soled push-away shoes and shaky knees and overturned balls during match play.

I'm no expert, but it seems that the pursuit of a mythic destiny isn't something that you need to get time off from a seven dollar an hour job in order to do.
Title: Re: Oracle
Post by: philbondi on August 11, 2004, 07:04:33 PM
Let me start out by saying I'm a 200 average bowler with a need for a stickier ball. When I saw that Rotogrip was going to be making one for this season, I ordered one before they even hit the shelves. I also own an Apocolypse and I am very happy with that ball.

I had the ball drilled to my specs, which is neg.side weight and positive thumb weight. With this ball and that configuration, the mid lane reaction, with my shot, is wonderful. The back end is simply overdrive, hitting even harder than the Apocolypse, and it is this reviewer's opinion that the Apocolypse is one of the hardest hitting balls on the market.

The Oracle is going to make a believer out of alot of people. This is one fine, consistent, and hard-hitting bowling ball. This bowler will not feel queezy about a mid to heavy oil condition ever again as long as the Oracle is in my bag.

RotoGrip, you've done good.
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Phil Bondi
Title: Re: Oracle
Post by: bowlwbj on August 13, 2004, 02:53:12 PM
Just purchased the Oracle.  4" pin, 3 1/2 oz. top.

Drilled rev leverage, cg even with thumb, large & deep balance hole 6" from grip center through cg.  This drilling was perfect for what I wanted - a strong, driving ball on heavier-long patterns.  Some have said the Apocalypse is  a SS Pearl on steroids, well this ball is a Rush on steroids.  Have used this ball 6 games on our house shot which is 41 feet with not a lot of crown or backends playing 8 to 3 - outside of 10 still has plenty of oil.  The ball rolls early and doesn't quit!  No jump on the backend either - like the Rush it just seems to gradually pick up momentum.  Tried my Apocalypse down the same line for comparison & it hit the 3 pin with no drive at all.  The shot outside starting drying up & I really thought I would see some rollout but it didn't happen (maybe because of the long pin??).  On this shot there is about a 6-8 board difference between my Rush drilled 4 X 3 & this ball.  Anxious to see how this ball does playing deeper on more of a wet/dry shot than we have even though that's not what I got it for.
Title: Re: Oracle
Post by: Wilbert on August 16, 2004, 03:33:35 PM
The most noticable feature of this ball is no rollout.  With a lot of other strong particle equipment once you hit a little dryer condition the ball will rollout.  Not the case with the Oracle

My ball started with 3.5 inch pin and 3.5+ top.  Ball drilled with pin 5 inches from PAP (above bridge) and CG right about an inch off the centerline.  Small balance hole 6.75 inches from the grip in the thumb quadrant.  Did not go with a more aggressive drill because of the high top weight and I did not want a big balance hole.

The ball provides a solid performance on oil.  When medium condition balls come up short, this is the ball to go to.  This ball will hook a lot on medium oil.  I was able to go deep and swing cross boards without having the ball rollout.  The ball turns over and give me a heavy end over end roll into the pocket for excellent carry.
Title: Re: Oracle
Post by: Aubert on August 20, 2004, 05:35:19 PM
Best particle ball I have used as it is less condition specific then all others.  
Laid out Oracle with pin above and btwn fingers with CG out,  This 5X3 set up put mass in line with my PAP and required a Balance hole just outside the PAP.

After 1st test I found reaction a little to strong in mid lane for my slow roll shot.  I polished and ball became very predictable at breakpoint.  On fresh it got thru heads and mids smoothly with a smooth trans to pocket. The lack of snap with a continues roll got out corners nicely and gave me miss room and good recovery.
Title: Re: Oracle
Post by: RonCase823 on August 22, 2004, 10:53:45 PM
Drilled pin 5" from positive axis and CG 4" from axis in lower right quadrant.

Ball gets surprisingly good length for a particle ball.  Then hooks unbelievably well without rolling out.  The way I drilled it may have a lot to do with it.  The only particle ball I've owned that continues to hook even after it hits the pins.  Obviously you do need some oil for this ball, but it doesn't have to be a flood.  I've put several games on the ball and don't see it slowing down at all.  The hook is all still there.  Might be too much ball for the strongest at hand but for the weak at hand or even in between I've found this ball to be the best particle I've had.
Title: Re: Oracle
Post by: walt8398 on September 01, 2004, 01:03:24 PM
Drilled one with the pin 5 1/4" from the PAP no extra hole. This layout rolls best for me with balls that flare as much as the Oracle (very high track). I was very impressed with the coverstock on this one. It definitely filled the High Performance heavy oil void for me.

Also noticed that with this ball the pins stay lower after impact. This is a big plus if you are a high rev/good ball speed player. Half pocket hits are fun to watch with this ball.

Highly recommended for the new PBA Patterns B,C & D.
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Tony Walton
Roto Grip Staff Member
Title: Re: Oracle
Post by: Charlie on September 03, 2004, 04:57:15 PM
Drilled 5x4 with pin below fingers and CG in thumb positive quadrant extra hole, 4 inches right and 3 inches down with a 800 grit polish applied to surface.  The Oracle is an excellent replacement to the Fuel with similar length, but more hitting power.  The Oracle gets through the heads with ease for being a particle coverstock, reads the mids and has a continuous arc through the pins.  Excellent particle ball for those looking for a little earlier ball movement on heavy oil.
Title: Re: Oracle
Post by: Steve Richter on September 04, 2004, 04:12:57 PM


This is the heavy oil ball that we Roto’s geeks needed with the Silver Streak Particle not in the line any longer.

But, here’s the difference.  You get great mid-lane read with continuation on the backend.  I think we have seen either-or in the past releases from Utah and this ball is an exception, in my opinion.  With a greater particle load, it reads the mid-lane better than any previous Roto Grip product, but it isn’t too smooth on the back like I see with my original Fuel.  My understanding is it’s the core shape and new particle composition that accomplishes this.

With all these attributes, I will say that this ball has become the most versatile Roto particle I’ve thrown.  At the Bob’s product showcase, I was able to take hand out and rope it up 8 as well as soften up and know it would get back from 25 out to 5.  However, although I say it’s versatile, you will still need to make the appropriate surface adjustments to match it up to your style and rev rate.

This is a ball just below the super-hookers on the market.  I see good skid, great mid-lane read, nice pop on the backend.  You won’t be disappointed by this one if you try it – and you have to try it.

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Steve Richter
Roto Grip Test Staff Member
Title: Re: Oracle
Post by: swanny on September 09, 2004, 11:29:58 AM
Drill two. One is my standard 5 3/4 in pin with negative CG. Gets through the fronts east and has a hard mid and continues. The second is 5 by 2. So far, rolls to early on the conditions I bowl on.

If you have hand, keep the layout simple. If you don't or have high ballspeed, load er up!.
Title: Re: Oracle
Post by: rotomike on September 14, 2004, 03:35:44 PM
Oily lanes watch out!!!!!

Drilled the Oracle 5x5.  Left the surface box condition. Pin was 3-3.5.

First night with the ball I had to throw it no matter what the conditions on the lanes. 35' house shot on 9 year old anvillane.  I usually use a label drilled Sonic Boom.  I had to move a good bit in but was surprised to find that the ball, instead of standing up and rolling out, kept on finishing across the lane. Impressive.... I would have bet that a dull particle would have quit but NO !!!  The hitting power was great.  Lots of energy at the pocket.

Second condition was a 45' Sport pattern. I played out first and the ball rolled phenomenally.  Easy read, predictable reaction great hit at the pins. I moved in to third arrow and circled the ball. Although a stronger layout would be a bit better, I had a good read and a look I could work with.  The hit did not go away.

Third condition was a wet 40' house shot. With about 5 boards to hit I had a blast watching the pins dance across the deck.  No early roll, a nice transition into a strong finish.  This is no ordinary particle ball.

I recently drilled one for a friend who likes to soft arc the lane.  He was extremely pleased on the above mentioned Sport condition and with a bit of polish the Oracle worked well for him on the house shot.

I also drilled one for a bowler who was replacing his original APEX. His only complaint about the ball is that it scared him with the extra pin action.  He was not used to seeing so many pins flying around. A very happy camper.

A great ball very versatile.  Only warning I would have is if you have a distinct wet/dry condition keep the pin around 4 1/2 to 5 inches from the bowlers axis and avoid large extra holes for that condition.

This is can be the hit of the season!!! Drill one you will not be disappointed.

Mike
Title: Re: Oracle
Post by: kmanuel on September 27, 2004, 01:32:37 PM
15 lbs Pin 3-4
Drilled it 3 3/8 X 3 3/8 stacked. Box finish

Set it up the same as my rush(polished). I wanted the same type of reaction but a dull particle would create earlier roll in heavy oil.  This ball is a monster.
This is the first particle ball that I like with a dull finish. I always had to shine previous particles to smoothen the reaction (always too early and too strong). Oracle rolls up early in oil but doesn't over-react on dry boards. Carries really well and doesn't seem to quit hooking.  The best particle ball I have ever thrown. I might have to shine up another one and drill it for a little more length. Seems like it would be a very versatile particle.
Title: Re: Oracle
Post by: vivasrv on September 27, 2004, 02:11:19 PM
This is the best particle offering from the good folks at Roto-Grip.  I drilled one pretty strong (about a 4X3) with a hole below axis.  Was looking for a ball I could stay right with on heavier patterns and this one turned out perfect. Out of the box this ball was smooth past the arrows then stood up hard and revved all the way through the pin deck.  Carry percentage was very good.  Have been able to use dull or shiny and didn't lose any backend reaction.  This one will definately be the first one out of the bag at most tournaments.
Corey Atkinson
Regional Staff SW
Title: Re: Oracle
Post by: Mr Scary on October 01, 2004, 07:01:56 PM
Me 15 lb.  Pin next to the fingers, with CG kicked out a very little bit, and polished

Wife 15 lb. Pin next to the fingers, with the CG in the stacked position, box finish

My reaction was very smooth, and hit fairly hard.  Very controllable.  I still needed a lot of oil to make this ball play.  I have not hit heavy oil with this one yet, but I am looking forward to it.  Still very playable with a swing shot, on medium oil conditions.

My wife on the other hand absolutely loves hers.  Even with the box finish, she still got the ball to go fairly long.  There was a totally different sound from when she hit the pocket, compared to any other woman.  Incredible reaction, incredible hitting power.  Even shots I thought she was going to leave a weak 10, still ripped it out like nothing.  She was very impressed with her 720 series, right out of the box.  I ought to be careful, she may end up catching me in average.  Roto Grip has been very good to us.
Title: Re: Oracle
Post by: swanny on October 11, 2004, 02:42:27 PM
Top 3 out of 5 were throwing Oracles at our SW res pro. Baldo, Cory and myself. Great on oil
Title: Re: Oracle
Post by: CKO on October 18, 2004, 05:26:02 PM
Lacking power in your particle ball?  The Oracle has plenty.
The ball rolls extremely strong off the break and hits like a tank.
Surprisingly the cover is very versatile and with a little shine can
get through the heads.  However keep it on oil for best results.

CKO
Title: Re: Oracle
Post by: big balls on October 20, 2004, 12:53:47 AM
This ball ROCKS!!! got it drilled at 5x5 and threw a 179 with it my first game. Then i followed that up with a 166 and a 161. By the way i am 14. bowled 30 pins over my average. not to much backend, it seems to really arch about half way down the lane. i would not suggest it for dry or medium oil lanes. great on heavy oil though. would suggest ball to the high end bowler. A+
Title: Re: Oracle
Post by: ChrisLak on November 17, 2004, 08:02:38 AM
Check the side and top weight of the ball and take then to 0 and if thats not enough then just make the hole and 1/8 bigger until u get the roll u want
Title: Re: Oracle
Post by: Sofloridarevs on January 11, 2005, 01:15:03 PM
Drilled up an Oracle with the pin below the middle finger cg kicked out about 1/2 inch right of midline with the out of box finish.  The ball does NOTHING!!! I am a high rev player with med-high ball speed.  I knew the drilling was going to tame the ball, but this ball reacts like its on sleeping pills. The ball hits like I'm throwing pudding at the pins. I have never been more disappointed with a ball in my entire bowling life.
Title: Re: Oracle
Post by: Jeffrevs on January 12, 2005, 09:41:43 AM
16# 4 inch pin out ....4 ounce top......had king of the mill punch this 4 strong for some more entry angle than my Rush on a medium-medium heavy shot and that's exactly what I got!

I've tried this ball on a few different conditions w/ different cover preps as well....oob and very very light coat of polish done w/ NeoTac ReNew-It.

Box condition is by far the best prep for this ball as it's design with it's smaller sized particles gives it more of a reactive solid look rather than a particle.  This ball which is drilled very close to my Rush is actually longer than my Rush...not by much,...but it is...

I found the best reaction with this ball on a 39ft THS on Proanvilanes in box condition.  Read the pattern nicely and carved a great path to the hole.

Not sure if this ball could handle soupier conditions....but then again...my drilling was not conducive to that shot.  I would guess a 600 smooth prep and a hook-set drill, say in the 4x2 range, pin under ring...and you'd be able to cover some pretty thick stuff.

I'd pop this one with a strong drill (mb in the strong position) leave it in box condition and go tear up a THS anywhere !

Can also see someone owning 2 of these....one drilled 4x2, the other say, 4x4 with a slight polish on it...and you'd have a deadly 1-2 punch for league!

What they say about this ball is true....reacts more like a reactive solid than a particle....unique piece.  Use it on it's indended condition and you'll tear it up!
--------------------
JEFF
I think I'm finally starting to catch on.....
Proud FCC!
Title: Re: Oracle
Post by: vivasrv on February 08, 2005, 05:18:29 PM
Drilled another oracle for playing deeper.  Used a 4" + pin put pin on grip line above fingers with CG 1" on positive side with no hole.  With a little shine this ball rolled good for me at the Regional in Little rock.  Very smooth, but strong an keeps coming!

Corey Atkinson
Roto Grip Staff
SW Region
Title: Re: Oracle
Post by: Roto Runner on February 21, 2005, 09:31:05 PM
Bugsy Kelly RotoGrip Western Sales Rep. laid out my Oracle 5" from my Pap
above my ring finger kicked out to 15 degees with a large WH on Pap . I got
smooth reaction shape with a little kick at the midlane . I like using this
on D pattern and certain house conditions where I need to play more direct.
One of the better carrying rotos!
Title: Re: Oracle
Post by: stormed1 on March 11, 2005, 02:06:43 AM
Drilled my Oracle a little while ago. 15lb ball with a 3 1\2 pin to cg distance. Drilled the ball with the pin at 4x4 massbias stromg. Because of my short span this put the cg just to the right and above my thumb. This ball required a 1 1/8 inch weight hole 3" deep on the VAL positione in the thumb quadrent  in line with a line drawn from the center of grip through the cg. Ending weights are 3/4 side 1/4 thumb 3/4 top. I am throwing this ball on a modified sport shot with a large out of bounds outside 10. This ball rerads the midlane great and when it makes it's move to the pocket it just does'nt quit. As a right handed bowler I have left several solid  7-9's wioth this ball. Am looking forward to drilling a Oracle Vision in the near future
Title: Re: Oracle
Post by: RotoGripBowler on May 05, 2005, 02:21:11 PM
I like everything about this ball. i think it is best for the money compared to other particle balls.
I am an okay bowler, this has helped me in many lane conditions
Title: Re: Oracle
Post by: RotoDave on June 11, 2005, 10:10:56 PM
I love my Oracle, its like RotoGrip designed it specifically for me.  Its drilled 4.5 x 2.5(cg) with a balance hole an inch or two below my PAP.

As others have said this ball is all about smooth, continuous power.  I get a reactive look for the first 30 feet, then a mellow transition before the continuous backend pop kicks in.  The head clearing ability even when dull would sell me this ball alone being a med-low speed player with a lot of axis rotation. Stops unpredictable jumping earlier in the shot than you want.

It sort of shines up pretty fast where i play, leading to exceptional length and stored energy from a particle ball. But keep it box or duller and you'll get progressively earlier pick up the more course you go, however itll still hold energy well. Very versatile cover and easy to prep.

You get great continuation on the backend.  It like the ball is hitting for longer .. none of this rollout leaving weak 10pins. You carry percentage will go up with an Oracle. It stomps all over carrydown too .. best ball on carrydown ive thrown.

Personally i cant fault this ball, i just wish we'd see a version with a heavier particle load for those 'oil to the headpin' days. Oracle Intuition?
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ROTO GRIP & STORM
at
www.rpsbowling.com - Get a Grip