BallReviews

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

Title: Riot
Post by: admin on December 31, 1969, 06:00:00 PM

- Coverstock: Ultimate Vision Solid Reactive
- Weight Block:Photon Core (14-16)
- Ball Color: Dark Red/Black All colors do vary somewhat from the picture shown.
- Ball Finish: 2000 Abralon
- Track Flare Potential: 3-4 Inches (Med) on a scale of 1-10 Low-High
- Recommended Lane Conditions: Medium-Light Oil
- A few tiny pit holes in the cover stock of the ball are normal
- Description: At Roto Grip® we pride ourselves in providing a complete line of bowling balls in both value and performance. The recent introduction of the Dark Star™ created a nice complement for those medium to drier patterns, but we still needed a strong solid reactive in the Shield™ Line for those patterns with a bit more volume up front. The RIOT™ is just what the kingdom ordered. The utilization of the Ultimate Vision™ solid reactive coverstock is the key to this addition. The increased surface topography and greater coefficient of friction battles those medium to heavier volume patterns with fierce intensity. The Photon™ core delivers the energy behind the RIOT™. This newly designed medium RG (2.58) and medium differential (.040) core creates greater mid-lane read and increased entry angle to the pocket than its predecessors in the Planet™ series. It''''s time to start your RIOT™ in the Bowling Kingdom!

Title: Re: Riot
Post by: Bigmike on March 10, 2010, 03:35:14 PM

See profile for stats.

Lay Out: 4.5" from PAP at 75* PAP angle and 60* VAL angle. The pin ended up under my ring finger. No weight hole.

Surface: I left it in box finish.

Purpose: I wanted to fill a gap for a benchmark type ball in my arsenal.

Lane Condition observations: I have mainly thrown this on our house pattern both on the fresh and on broken down second shift conditions. The house pattern at our center does not hold up in the heads for very long, so I am able to stay with this longer by shimming inwards. The cover/core combo gives a very smooth read of the condition. I also noticed that the surface did not overreact off the dry boards, but made a nice smooth arcing shape. This ball reeks of control and may get smoothed up with 4000 sa-air and moved into that spot in my arsenal.

Final Thoughts: I anticipate that this will be a fantastic "read" ball for me to start with and make moves with. It also gives me a duller surface control ball that can be taken down with abralon to throw on flatter/longer patterns where keeping my target in front of me would be a plus.

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"Why don''t you call me sometime.....when you have no class" ~~Rodney Dangerfield to Sally Kellerman, his college professor in Back to School ~~1986

Mike Craig - Storm Products Pro Shop staff -Columbus, OH

Title: Re: Riot
Post by: rotogrip_rick on March 10, 2010, 04:51:51 PM

Here is my review of the 1st RIOT I drilled:
 60x4x70 a small hole at P2- Serial# 10RRTB09E050G.
WOW, this ball hooks!! With this layout on a 41ft THS I had to move extreme right and get the ball out towards the gutter so it would not hook past the head pin. By far board for board the strongest hooking ball I have in the mid to lower price points. The ball was simply amazing. Used it for about 10 games before posting this review. I was crazy to try it on Cheetah, so I used it on our marathon shot, which is pretty flat. Was able to play in and was hooking a little too much to be playing that deep. But overall, on the THS this ball was GREAT

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Rick Mitchell
Roto-Grip Staff Member

Title: Re: Riot
Post by: rotogrip_rick on March 10, 2010, 04:52:50 PM

Here is my review of the 2nd RIOT I drilled:
 30 x 3-3/8 x 70 medium size hole on P2- serial# 10RRTB04E033G
This one is much smoother and not as a BIG HOOK as my 60x4x70. A lot smoother length and hook wise. Don't get me wrong, it was not flat, just more of a good "rolling" ball. Used it for about 12 games on THS, and 4 games on our flat tournament shot. This layout performed much better on the tournament shot, less overreaction. Loved it... Feels real good and made my confidence better on the tournament pattern.
Thanks to Mike Sinek for the layout recommendations.

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Rick Mitchell
Roto-Grip Staff Member

Title: Re: Riot
Post by: banisterr on March 11, 2010, 12:21:06 AM

Surface: Box Finish

Purpose: Was looking for something with a weaker weigh block and a strong coverstock.

Lane Condition: The first time I used this ball was in a mixed tournament where the shot was moving alot.  Out of the box using the Dark Star on one lane and Riot on the other (lane 7 was hooking about 10 boards more than lane 8) I shot 816.  Next time i used the Riot was on Cheetah in the Colorado Springs Masters where I placed 2nd.  This ball was very predictable and carry everything.  It never overreacted even when the pattern broke down.  This ball is the first ball out of my bag.

Final Thoughts: If you are looking for a one two punch that doesn't cost you alot the Dark Star and Riot are the balls to get.  The Riot is a very controllable ball.  It is one of the best balls I have ever thrown.


Roto-Grip Staff Member
Rickie Banister

Title: Re: Riot
Post by: SenorRotoGrip on March 12, 2010, 08:37:31 AM

Using the Ultimate Vision solid coverstock (2000 abralon finish) with a new medium core (2.58) and medium differential (.40), Roto Grip has created a Riot in the bowling ball industry. With a slightly stronger Rg than the Planet series, the Riot is a ball for medium to drier patterns. For PBA patterns, with proper layout, a stroker will find the Riot to be a very good choice on the 37' Viper and 39' Chameleon. The ball has one of the best mid lane reads in the Roto Grip line.
 
I drilled the Riot with a 55 degree pin/pap, pin 4 1/2' from PAP, below my ring finger, with the cg out and a 7/8" weight hole drilled on a straight line 4" from my grip center to create some hook/stop on the back end. I used the ball in a PBA Sr Regional on the 37' Senior pattern on Brunswick synthetic lanes. The Riot did nothing until it reached the midlane. At that point the ball made a smooth move to the pocket and set up nicely. Carry was excellent. I was able to use this ball for 6 games of qualifying before changing to a ball that would get down the lane as the lanes had started to hook earlier as the pattern broke down.
 
SenorRotoGrip
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Senor RotoGrip

Title: Re: Riot
Post by: Mr Scary on March 12, 2010, 12:53:21 PM

Drill angle – 40 Deg., Angle to VAL – 15 Deg., PIN to PAP distance – 3 3/8”, 15 lb, box finish
This has become my go to ball.  Very predictable throughout the entire lane.  I can use this on house conditions as well as sport conditions.  I know if I hit my mark, it will strike.  I have had very good luck with the latest Roto Grip releases with sanded finishes.  Way to go.  For more, check out my video review:
http://www.youtube.com/user/mrchris299#p/a/u/0/EuEyU7lK6-w

--------------------
Chris Slagter
Roto Grip Amatuer Staff

Title: Re: Riot
Post by: kblackmer on March 15, 2010, 12:34:00 AM

The new release from Roto Grip on the dark star and riot are awesome. The combination that both balls bring to the table are well balanced. From the cover stock to the weight block makes these balls my first choice out the bag.


Riot-This ball is almost a mirror image of it's fellow brother dark star. Having the same weight block and ball dynamics in it's characteristics, there are still some differences. While keeping close to the same layout as the dark star the riot for me rolls smooth through the front part of the lanes and still stays on course to the break point. How ever the entire roll of the ball from start to finish creates more over all friction then the dark star. So while the riot rolls through the oil, it still moves towards the pocket with a smooth heavier roll due to it's solid reactive cover stock. These two balls are really ahead of there competition for there performance level. Layout for dark star- pin above bridge, cg 2” right from center of grip. Balance hole on val in pap. Riot layout pin below bridge cg 2” from center of grip. Balance hole on val in pap. I will have a video link on here tomorrow.

Once again great job Roto Grip.

Kevin Blackmer
Roto Grip-staff

Title: Re: Riot
Post by: bucko the bowler on March 15, 2010, 02:19:03 AM

This ball is great for medium to heavier oil patterns. The continuation through the pins is very impressive. With the cover stock and core combination the ball will match up with a verity of players that play multiple angles to the pocket.  I changed the surface to a 3500 grit finish because it was a little too strong for me at the factory surface finish. The ball will react accordingly to the ball surface change that you make.  (Example: If you polish the ball, it will go longer with an increased angle to the pocket. If you sand the ball, it will read the lanes earlier and smoother with less entry angle into the pocket) I had a 299 game with this ball the second time I used it bowling on synthetic lanes on a house pattern.

My layout on this ball is a 5-3/8 x 5-1/4 with a 5 inch buffer dual angle 80 x 5-3/8 x 75  (my pin is under fingers)
*************************
BRANDON HARRIS
Amateur Roto Grip Staff

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*************************
BRANDON HARRIS
Amateur Roto Grip Staff

Title: Re: Riot
Post by: John Brodersen on March 16, 2010, 10:17:59 PM

Ball specs – 15 lbs 1 oz, 2.93 top weight, and 3.00-inch pin.

The Riot was drilled with a 4.5-inch pin, 60-degree drill angle and a 40-degree VAL angle.  This put the pin just above the ring finger with the CG bumped to the right about two inches.  This layout did not require an extra hole with the ending positive side weight being 15/16ths.  The cover stock was left OOB.

I threw the Riot and Dark Star on a fresh, softer oil pattern.  The Riot, with its dull cover, started up about two to three feet sooner than the Dark Star.  The Riot proved to be a stronger ball than I expected and provided a sneaky strong, smooth and predictable motion on this medium pattern.  Hit and carry were very good for an entry-level piece. Track flare was in the four inch range and the rings were fairly close but not over lapping, similar to the Dark Star.

Using an existing cover stock with the new Photon core (.040 differential) allows the Dark Star (and Riot) to fill the gap nicely between the stronger Nomads and the weaker Planet series balls.  The Riot will make a nice addition to anyone’s arsenal providing a similar but overall stronger ball motion than the Pluto.

John Brodersen

Title: Re: Riot
Post by: MoonsLefty on March 21, 2010, 09:00:49 PM

The Riot was laid out using the the Dual Angle method, 50/5/70. I like this layout because it gives me a smooth, even, predictable reaction.

I tried out the Riot on the house pattern. I was surprised that the Riot was a quite a bit stronger than I was expecting. Lately when I have thrown the lower end Roto Grip equipment I have had trouble with a LOT of over/under reaction, which has been really depressing. So far I have NOT seen any of that with the Riot or the Dark Star, which makes me VERY happy.

I used the same layout on my Dark Star, and will compare the two in my review of the Dark Star.


--------------------
Rob Haverstock
 Roto Grip Pro Shop Staff

Title: Re: Riot
Post by: Onebigtwister on March 22, 2010, 03:10:58 PM

Riot

15lb 4oz with 3 oz Top weight. 3-4” pin

Drilling: 4 X 4 with a 27/32 weight hole 1” down on VAL from pap

Finish: 2000 abrolon/magic shine polish


SMOOTH, SMOOTH, SMOOTH….. That’s all I can say about the Riot, this ball is so smooth throughout the lane it’s amazing. I have yet to find a condition were this ball jerks off the spot.  I added polish to mine to get the reaction under my Nomad Solid, it fits really well in this category, and it is about 5 and 3 weaker then the solid Nomad. For the money, this ball is a winner no doubt I don’t think there is a ball at this price point that can compete with the Riot!

Any Questions or Comments please feel free to contact me: strike2win@hotmail.com

Jake Bedard
Roto Grip Staff

Title: Re: Riot
Post by: Rotoguy300 on March 22, 2010, 06:09:08 PM

Layout- 4 ¾” from pin to PAP, pin up and right of the ring, hole 5 ¾” inches straight out from center of grip, 7/8” wide by 2” deep, pitched away from weight block.

I really struggled with this ball out of the box as it was just flat too strong for most anything I was running into. A lot of that had to do with the surface. At box, it read the friction too quick for me (albeit I’m very soft with my speed and get on the ball pretty good). I did a few things like adjusting the hole a touch, but what really helped me with this ball was to polish the surface. Once I polished it, it started to be a lot more controllable/useable. Now it is a great compliment to both the Dark Star and Nomad, fitting between them perfectly. It provides a stellar amount of hook potential for the price point and has one of the coolest looking logos the market has seen in some time. I’m pretty pleased that there is a solid in this sort of price point now as well, offering a ball that should compete in price with balls like the Freeze, Tropical Storm, etc

Title: Re: Riot
Post by: cmsubowler on March 24, 2010, 12:28:13 AM

Hello everyone and thank you for reading.  THANK YOU ROTOGRIP.  Awesome addition to the line.  If you are just starting out with high ball speed or if you are looking for a great fresh short oil pattern ball this is it.  Here is what you all are looking for……   Drilled mine up with the same drilling pattern as one of my Nomad Pearls  which worked incredibly well.  Drilling pattern was 65 x 5 x 65 using the dual angle layout technique.  Here is our video so you may get an idea of reaction-- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xODtv9TGoQQ .  To keep things consistent we made surfaces on both bowling balls 4000 abralon.  This ball has given me a look in the track area longer and with a more controllable reaction on the backend on fresh and through transition.  The ball allowed me to move inside as the lanes broke down and still maintain an incredible carry percentage.  The backend move is controllable and continuous and the pin action this ball creates is unlike any other I have seen from a “lower end ball”.  This ball is anything but low end from what I have seen but definitely allows you to keep your feet and line further right(for a right hander).  The Nomad Pearl that I tested against with the same pattern can been seen on the video.  I am at least 4 to 6 boards right with my feet and 2 to 3 boards right with my target while testing and still maintaining excellent length through the front and GREAT HITTING POWER!!!!   Nuff said.   Keep the good stuff come RG!!!!!

Title: Re: Riot
Post by: mikelj1 on March 24, 2010, 10:17:26 AM

I found the Riot to be very suitable for a house shot.  This ball will be ideal in a typical league condition.

My Riot was drilled with a 3 3/8 X 3 3/8 layout from my PAP with the pin above the fingers keeping the box finish.

 This ball cleared the heads great.  In the mid-lane the ball revved up nicely and made a solid, smooth move to the pocket.


The Riot has a very predictable reaction, which is ideal for the league player. As the lanes transition, I could simply move left and continue to use this ball all night long.

This ball surprised me and played a lot stronger than you would expect based on the specs. I was getting 4-5 inches of flair and bouncing the ball off the dry all night. I found this ball to be stronger than the Nomad.

First night on a typical house shot 704 out of the box. The Riot will make a nice addition to anyone’s arsenal.




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Mike Johnston
Roto Grip Staff

Title: Re: Riot
Post by: clashbowler09 on March 24, 2010, 08:47:31 PM

The Riot is a great benchmark ball for any bowler’s arsenal.  I bowl in a PBA experience league and have had great success with this ball.  It is a very predictable ball and carries great.  I am a lower revs player and am happy with the power this ball hits the pocket with on some of the longer shots.  GREAT JOB ROTO GRIP!
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Rebekah Diers
2009 Clash of Champions
Amateur Roto Grip Staff

Title: Re: Riot
Post by: kblackmer on March 26, 2010, 08:52:31 PM

Riot-This ball is almost a mirror image of it's fellow brother dark star. Having the same weight block and ball dynamics in it's characteristics, there are still some differences. While keeping close to the same layout as the dark star the riot for me rolls smooth through the front part of the lanes and still stays on course to the break point. How ever the entire roll of the ball from start to finish creates more over all friction then the dark star. So while the riot rolls through the oil, it still moves towards the pocket with a smooth heavier roll due to it's solid reactive cover stock. These two balls are really ahead of there competition for there performance level. Layout for dark star- pin above bridge, cg 2” right from center of grip. Balance hole on val in pap. Riot layout pin below bridge cg 2” from center of grip. Balance hole on val in pap.

heres the video link to youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACiITjCplJo

Thanks
kblackmer roto grip staff

Title: Re: Riot
Post by: RG is King on March 29, 2010, 06:22:45 PM

To start, I've been a huge fan of the Saturn and Pluto, so I was really excited about the new Riot. It did not disappoint!!! I started with it on a 39' house shot and the ball was awesome. I got to move right and play straight up the boards (using 5th and 6th boards as break point). The ball was extremely clean through the fronts with a strong and continuous backend movement. If I missed a little out it would recover and a little in and it just set up. I never lost the pocket with this ball. As they dried out, I just moved a little left and was able to open up the lane. I had them put out a heavier pattern and I could still get around the pocket but it didn't seem to like the extra oil. Although I'm not a big rev player, so some of you that are could more than likely make it work. I think this ball is a must for any bowler for a league or any tournament shot. Great job by everyone at Roto Grip.

Title: Re: Riot
Post by: iluv2bd1 on April 05, 2010, 04:11:46 AM

Lane Condition- 40' House Shot.

Surface- Out of the box

Drilling- Dual Angle Method 45/5/45(45 degrees drill angle,pin 5" to PAP,and 45 degrees VAL angle).

Reaction- Smooth through the heads, good revs in the mid-lane, and a very strong move to the pins. This ball HOOKS!!

Overall the Riot is very predictable...Great job ROTO GRIP!!!


Al Tomas
Roto Grip Pro Shop Staff

Title: Re: Riot
Post by: BackToBasics on April 05, 2010, 03:36:09 PM

The Riot should be named sleeper of the year given the amount of hook and performance for the price.  I left mine box and experimented with the layout.  45x4x25 which looks almost like a modified Rico.  I wasn't sure what to expect but I didn't expect this much recovery.  It's really all from the midlane with a hard gradual arc.  The Cell is one of my favorite solids but I do not get a chance to throw it much. I could polish it but I prefer it with surface. The Riot has been a blast to throw because I can throw it with surface and it doesn't hook early.  It pushes just enough and then picks up really hard in the midlane.  Since it pushes so well with surface, it has matched up to most of the wet/dry conditions I face as well as a few lighter volume house shots.

Great read and look on those long but lighter volume shots where you need surface but Cells and Nomads are just too strong up front.  Higher diff makes it extremely versatile.  Great budget piece by Roto.


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Anthony Chapman

Roto Grip Staff 2009/10
   Vise Grips Staff 2009/10

Title: Re: Riot
Post by: mr ed 2u on April 05, 2010, 11:25:17 PM

Review Riot
Drilling  5x41/2

This ball comes 2000 finish which is great to use on a fresh low to medium volume pattern to control the back end of a pattern I think you could use this ball on a short pattern in length and more volume up front. Just like in the dark star don't be surprised how muck this ball performs. Also remember its intended use it is not a supper hooking ball for long and high volume patterns. Great addition to the Roto Grip line. Don’t be like me and not take this ball to Reno DO take this ball I regret NOT taking this ball with me  

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Ed Riffle
 Roto Grip Advisory Staff

Title: Re: Riot
Post by: Tess7654 on April 06, 2010, 12:37:50 PM

I experimented on my Riot and ended up putting the pin 2 inches below the thumb and cg near my center of grip. I also hit this ball with a 4000 abralon pad. I was hoping for a good midlane read and mellow backend reaction, i got the midlane but too much downlane hook for what i was looking for. The ball rolls good and carry is great. I will post another review after I drill another one more conventional.


David Tessman
Roto Grip regional staff.

Title: Re: Riot
Post by: rotogrip_rick on April 06, 2010, 01:04:45 PM

Here is the info for my Riot #3 which was drilled last week:
# 10RRTB04E158G, 45x5x40 with no extra hole and pin above the middle finger,(i'm left handed), This ball had the BIGGEST hook all the spot I have seen in a very long time. This ball is much stronger then my Mutant with a similar layout. I used it on our normal 41ft house pattern, and a new 43ft pattern with the Kegel Drop Brush program that I have been working on, Truly amazing hook amount out of this ball. Can't be the price either. So, go visit your local pro shop and drill one, You won't be disappointed.
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Rick Mitchell
Roto-Grip Staff Member

Title: Re: Riot
Post by: pbacanuck on April 06, 2010, 01:56:34 PM

Dark Star and Riot Review

I am reviewing these balls together because I feel the two balls are perfect companions for each other.  

I had a lot of success with the Illusion and Grand Illusion.  I felt they were both great control balls.  As soon as I saw the Dark Star and the Riot and the technical data on the balls I felt they would be the perfect replacement for them.  

I drilled the Dark Star 4 X 4 and the Riot 4 ½ X 4 ½. with the pin above the finger holes. When I started practising on our house shot with them I found the Dark Star to be a bit, what I call, flippy. It gave me an over/under reaction.  I have a low track and about a 60% axis tilt with medium/slow ball speed.  I find if I have too much shine on a ball that it can have a hard time reading the break point.  I took an 4000 abralon pad and went over the ball on the spinner to take a bit of the polish off of it.  The difference that made was amazing.  I went from having about a 1 board area to a 3 or 4 board margin of error, and when the ball hit, it hit.

The Riot, even though drilled to go a bit longer, had a tendency to roll a bit early and the end result as a weak pocket, leaving 10 pins and 7 pins with the box finish.  So back into the shop I went.  I didn't want to change the ball's characteristics, I just wanted to help it go a bit longer. This time I used a 2000 abralon pad.  It worked out really well too, giving it a little more length and a better finish.

I had a set idea of what I wanted the balls to do when I drilled them and it has turned out great.  I can use the two balls in similar lane conditions with usually just a 1 or 2 board adlustment.  I can go back and forth between them very easily.

I am not presently bowling in tournaments, the survival of my business taking most of my time.  I'm bowling a couple of times a week, one league, 3 games, the other 4.  I have struggled a bit as a result of no practise and the average was hovering at just over 200.  Since I drilled the Dark Star and the Riot I have had triples of 738, 721 and 720 and 4 game totals of 987 and 939.  In the month of March my average has jumped up to 208, not easy to do this late in the season.

In my opinion, for the price, these two balls are about the best value out there. I have already drilled a number of them for entry level customers and well as more experienced bowlers looking for a good control ball.

Title: Re: Riot
Post by: RonCase823 on April 06, 2010, 10:51:35 PM

My Axis is 5 5/8 right, ¼ up, my speed is average and I would consider myself with higher revs but more up the back.  So not a cranker but not really straight either.  

Drilled pin & CG 4" from PAP.

Get a very smooth roll with this ball left with box finish.  Covers more boards than expected and has no quit to it.  It continues to hook without rolling out, exceptionally well.  I also have shined it and now it is a great dry lane ball.  It goes much straighter but the move is very smooth and predictable.  Definitely something for worn or burned heads when it's shiny and with it dull it works great on the wet dry or over under condition because it doesn't jump, it just curves.  Nice ball for those middle conditions.

Title: Re: Riot
Post by: ajensen on April 06, 2010, 11:19:55 PM

Last Saturday was awesome!

I won the Lenox IA BOWL-A-RAMA at Tiger Lanes. I won using the new Riot.

They are old wood lanes. They played tight so I needed to use a ball like the Riot to mellow out the lane but yet still give me a good recovery down lane to get the right angle to slap out the ten pin. I tried using the Dark Star as well as the old SD73 ball but the Dark Star was to skid flippy and a little over underish. As for the SD73 it rolled nice to the pocket, nice and even throughout but I had a hard time with it getting the ten pin out. I did however have good success with the Pearl Cell as well as the Riot. Proving so in the third game where I used the Riot on the left lane and the Pearl Cell on the right lane, I went on to shoot a 264, and after the 4th game I was then 6 over and in the top 5 of the four game qualifying.

This after watching the second and last qualifying squad would get me into the top 32, where we would bowl 3 additional games to determine the top eight.
I ended up in the eighth spot with 57 over all while using the Riot. This round was a bracket, if you win three matches your the champ. I won the first match 226-177. Then in the next I won 186-160. The first and second matches were both right handers and the final match was a lefty.
The final match would be against a lefty who shot 300 earlier on the championship pair we were to shoot on. Thankfully he was not striking very much and I was. I win the championship match 222-194.

The Riot I threw was a 3" pin and I drilled it without a hole. The pin got drilled out in my ring finger. I left it with about 7/8 side(no hole). My PAP is 5 5/8 over and 1/2 up.
I did try my Dark Star in the last three matches in practice but when it came down to it I was zoned in pretty good with the Riot.
Roto Grip IS King of Them All!
Not only can I use this ball for league I can use it in and win tournaments with it as well! SWEET!

--------------------
(AJ) Andrew Jensen
 Roto Grip Staffer

Title: Re: Riot
Post by: ODriscoll on April 06, 2010, 11:45:04 PM

Riot,

Roto Grip’s intent was to fill the void between the Sword line Nomad’s and the Shield line Mars.  When the Nomad’s came out they turned out to be much stronger and therefore widening the gap between the two lines.  We needed something to smooth it out.  

The Dark Star and Riot fit right in.  The Riot 2000 / Solid Reactive is the stronger version of the Dark Star.  It’s smooth through the front when there is a higher concentration of oil or bowling on a sport pattern.  The Riot does have a slightly lower RG than the Mars which allows it to pick up a bit earlier with more predictability on the back end.  The Riot really looked good on the Cheetah and 2010 Viper.  

Another Gem in the Roto Grip Shield line.  

Kelly O'Driscoll
Roto Grip Staff

Title: Re: Riot
Post by: tonybowler on April 07, 2010, 02:32:51 AM

The Riot delivers a lot of ball for the dollar. For me, on the back ends it out hooks anything in the Rotogrip line. The 2000 abralon surface handles medium to heavy oil with ease. I really like how the shell maintains the dull look even after several games. It does not get the polished up look. With the 2000 surface you would think that it is difficult to get the ball down the lane, just the opposite, it saves most of its energy for the mid-lane and beyond. I have it drilled with a 4.5” pin just below the fingers and the CG kicked out 50 degrees and a weight hole about 2” below my PAP. This drilling pattern has a lot of flare for me. My flare spacing is about 5/16 between the rings of oil on the ball. This ball is a pleasant surprise from Rotogrip, great performance for a very small price.
--------------------
Tony Szeluga
Roto Grip Staffer.
Retired All Army Bowler

Title: Re: Riot
Post by: KENOMAN on April 07, 2010, 01:52:07 PM

I drilled my Riot 3-1/2 x 6-1/2. The pin and CG are in the Stacked area but at a 135 degree or 7:00 c'clock layout. This gives me maximum flare and hook. I had to delay the reaction by taking Abralon 500 grit to it and polishing it with Storm step 2 which took it back up to 1500. Out the box it is good for heavier oil as advertised but with the strong layout  I had to polish it to prevent roll out. Please note I have ball speed under 15 mph so you higher speed bowlers won't need to nalter the surface. This ball is best for me when I move in with my Dark Star and start leaving weak 10's, I can pick up the Riot move another board or two left and take it off the sheet.This ball is not afraid of oil. This ball gives you a lot of hook for your buck, if you had any of the previous Epic balls you know what it can do.
--------------------
KEN TAYLOR SR
AMATEUR STAFF
ATLANTA GA

Title: Re: Riot
Post by: Dino on April 07, 2010, 04:35:09 PM

For the Riot. I wanted an even rolling ball that would read well on flatter patterns, which I believe this ball is well suited for. I took a pin out 3'' ball and put the pin beside the ring finger with the CG stacked right underneath the pin. To start I left the box surface on it. I haven't been bowling a lot lately just a local league with some serious wet/dry and over/under. This ball really gave me a great look which I haven't had in some time since the league started. I can just move inside to the heavy oil and keep it tight and the ball rolls great with exceptional carry. If I wheel one wide it goes to the dry and won't "burn up" as compared to some stronger covers. The Riot has actually become my first ball out of the bag on most nights.

Title: Re: Riot
Post by: JCrewsRG838 on April 08, 2010, 10:04:09 PM

My PAP is 5 1/16th right with 0 up or down.  I drilled my Riot through the pin with my ring finger and put the cg on the center line.  It is really clean through the heads and very smooth down the lane.  This ball really takes away over under and really is very consistent.  The Riot is one of the most consistent balls I have ever had in my bag.  This ball rolls great on house shots and tougher short to medium patterns.  Everyone should have one of these balls in their bags or someone else might and strike more than you.

Jimmy Crews

Roto Grip staff member

Title: Re: Riot
Post by: ajensen on April 11, 2010, 11:22:59 AM

Friday night I bowled at Tiger Lanes in Tucama NE. The guys from the pro shop(Tom Kelley's Pro Shop) bowled a team challenge there at 8 p.m.
The lanes there are wood, there are 8 lanes. The lanes are usually dry and remind you of how it use to be to bowl back in the day on a house shot where you had to make good shots to score well.
I decided to use a Nomad pearl and play straighter. The pin is about 2.5" and I put the pin off center to the right a little under my ring and cg kicked out to give me about 1/2 side. It worked well but I was inconsistent with my line. I started with a 180, which was second high score for our team in that game. In the tenth I switched to my Riot where the pin is drilled out in my ring and cg kicked out for about 7/8 side. Neither ball has a hole. Pin distance for the Riot is about 3". With the Riot I was able to step in around 3rd arrow and swing the ball. It gave me just the right angle to the pocket and I shot 222. We bowl here next week on friday night again I'm going to try using the Riot first instead and switch to the Nomad Pearl after the shot has started to go away. The reason I say this is because I rolled a 182 for the 3rd game. I think I'll have a better look this way and my scores tell me that as well.
When using the Nomad Pearl I was trying to hit 7 board straight down and let my swing be free and let the ball do the work from there, NO HAND. The more free push you can get on wood lanes the better, for they will become drier faster then synthetic's by far.
--------------------
(AJ) Andrew Jensen
 Roto Grip Staffer

Title: Re: Riot
Post by: LarryH on April 12, 2010, 12:19:59 AM

Roto Grip has 2 more balls for all ages & averages in the low value market range....As a senior LH stroker I had both balls drilled the same with 3 inch pin 1/2 inch below ring finger. The Riot goes further down the lane than my Star and has a smooth back end with this set up without losing its carry...The riot has worked better on Mid. to heavier oil patterns. (case in point). On March 7th on a very nasty Sport Condition in the Mesa Az. Open Masters I had to point up from the 2-3 boards. 1st senior to win the Open in the 8 game match play. Averaging only 199 in the tournament..Felt like I was bowling back in the 60's & 70's..Had to be the ball....Layout Photo's on RG Reviews....L Hoffman RG Staff

Title: Re: Riot
Post by: batbowler on May 02, 2010, 06:07:44 PM

I drilled a R/G Riot just before leaving for a tournament in Arkansas. I put the ball in the bag and never tried it until I got to the tournament and we had our 10 minutes of practice before competition. I used several other balls and decided to try the Riot and never put it down, but for about 4 frames in 5 games of qualifying. The layout I used is the dual angle method, 45deg X 3-5/8" X 65deg. This placed the pin under my ring finger, the cg is below my midline and right of grip center line, in the thumb quadrant! I modified a Jimmy Martin layout that he used in a review of the Dark Star and Riot, thanks Jimmy! I placed a weighthole just right of my val on a line from grip center, thru cg and out just outside my val on about the P3 location! I won some bracket money, the eliminator which is for the five games of qualifying, a high game, second high game and made the finals. I shot a 279 first game in the double elimination finals. The bad news is I lost my next two matches, 211 to 279, I had five 9 count frames and that's when I tried different balls to carry and they weren't all 10 pins!! I lost my next match 235-274, and the ball rolled great, but I made a couple bad pitches. All in all, if I drill a new ball and can use it all day, it gave a great reaction, carry, and very predictable! I was 3rd high qualifier at +157 for the five games and it's becoming my favorite ball. I can see this ball being the most versatile ball that I own! The other balls that I used in practice was: Global 900 Bounty Hunter Pearl, rolls really good and like this ball a lot as well! Storm Dimension, Storm HyRoad, Roto Grip Dark Star, Hammer Backlash Blue/Silver, great ball with smooth roll, predictable reaction, great hit, I just felt more comfortable all day with the Riot! Sorry so long, but the Riot deserved the "Shout Out"!
--------------------
"Train a child up in the way they should go and when they are old they will "Get MOTIVated, with a Big B cause a Storm''s a brewing and not turn from it.
Bruce Campbell
USBC Bronze Certified Coach
IBPSIA Certified Technician
Originator of the -35deg x 25 leverage drilling!
http://www.motivbowling.com/products/2/
http://www.stormbowling.com/products/balls
http://www.rotogrip.com/products/balls/

Title: Re: Riot
Post by: rotogrip_rick on September 15, 2010, 07:20:23 PM

Riot Review #4

My specs: left hander, 230 plus average 3 & 5/8th and 1/16th up, 17+ plus ball speed ,bowl in several leagues in 2 counties and bowl in about every tournament locally and state and nationwide.

Ball specs: 60x 2 ½ x25 at box finish, no extra hole.
Intent for: to use in league play at a center that has newer SPL lane panels and using on a fresh house shot that is much flatter than other local house shots. Wanted to get something to roll and to able to make a strong enough turn, but not angular. I love the fact that I am able to get my feet just right of center and able to play the a little deeper line around 14-16 at the arrows and using a break point about 7-8 board near the end of the oil pattern. This ball rolls, skids and hooks just like I need to. Very predictable and I feel very confident rolling this ball on this type of surface and oil pattern. I hope this information of the Riot is helpful. Thanks to Donnie Harbaugh at Bowlers Supply for lay out recommendation.

--------------------
Rick Mitchell
Roto-Grip Staff Member
Roto-Grip Staff writer
York-Adams USBC board member
PSBA Sergeant at Arms
USBC Bronze Level Coach

Title: Re: Riot
Post by: sverran on December 13, 2010, 08:00:40 PM

need a ball for heavy oil that hooks up about half way down the lane. i did the star reccomender at roto grip.com and they reccomended this ball. is this the right ball? feel free to comment

Title: Re: Riot
Post by: wcritzer on January 25, 2011, 03:00:27 PM

LANE CONDITION

Length:

 

Volume:

Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):THS  

 

COMMENTS

Likes: This ball is great for your typical house shot, it has a good hook and is very easy to control. I shot my highest game ever of a 279 using this ball.

Dislikes: I have tried using this ball in two tournaments one with a 39 ft pattern and one with a 40 ft pattern, both times I found that this ball hooks too much on fresh heavy oil patterns. The last tournament I bowled in was a 5 game tournament across 10 lanes and I was not able to control the hook on this ball well until the 4th game once the pattern was broken down quite a bit.

 

PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS

 

 

 

Title: Re: Riot
Post by: Jesse James on September 28, 2011, 04:33:12 PM

LANE CONDITION

Length: 41ft

 

Volume: Heavy oil, Medium oil, Light oil, and broken down patterns

Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): THS

 

COMMENTS

 

Likes: I like this ball a lot. It is extremely versatile, (as most RG pieces are).

Dislikes: That I didn't buy three of these! Ball is drilled in the classic RG drilling pin over ring, about 1" right of center line. CG is kicked out about three inches. In the box condition, I was able to throw this ball on heavy oil. Unbelievable hooking power! But that is not why I bought this ball. To the spinner we go. Hit it with a red 3M pad for 10 seconds on all sides. Then followed with a 4000 abralon and repolished it. Ball still has that dull look to it but feels real smooth. I  am now able to throw this piece on light oil and dryish broken down patterns with ease. I have complete control of my backend motion, regardless of how hard the backends are hooking! This is a wonderful ball. I am able to still use this ball when everyone else has gone to their weakest pearls. The ball pushes down lane marvelously, yet does not overreact when it sees friction. Great, but deceptive striking power, and excellent carry! Way to go, RG!!

 

PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS

 

 

 

Duct tape is like 'The Force'. It has a light side and a dark side, but it still holds the universe together.

Some days you're the bug; some days you're the windshield.

Title: Re: Riot
Post by: rotogrip_rick on October 13, 2011, 02:42:14 PM

LANE CONDITION

Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): Cheetah, Viper, and Abbey Road and Middle Road

Layout: 50 x 6 x 80

 

COMMENTS

Likes: Super Super Super Roller... Not much recovery.

Dislikes:a little weaker then I thought it would be. 

I used it on the above pattern on two types of lane surfaces, really used HPL that was recently re-leveled by KEGEL and softly used HPL also recently re-leveled by KEGEL.

 

I was needing a ball stronger then my two Grenades and my Natural Pearl, but weaker then a 60 x 4 x 25 Riot and my new Shooting Stars. Found this to be the key to the puzzle... I have stuff that is either too weak for these pattern or too strong for these patterns. It does not over hook at ALL... if anything, if I "jump on it" a little bit, then there is no recovery, a very good ball for those bowling in centers with a TON of friction and or wood lanes...

 

 Please read my other reviews to get a jist of what I drill and what I like...

Rick Mitchell
Roto-Grip Staff Member
Roto-Grip Staff writer
York-Adams USBC board member
USBC Bronze Level Coach
York-Adams Bowling Hall of Fame Member

Title: Re: Riot
Post by: matty418 on December 14, 2011, 09:07:10 PM

LANE CONDITION

Length:

 

Volume:

Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): Typical House

 

COMMENTS

Likes: This ball is very strong at the break point. The Riot loves a freshly oiled lane! The ball seems to break early but with the right lane conditions, the Riot hits hart into the pocket and barely leaves pins! When the lanes burn down, this ball has way too much action to handle. This ball is generally used when the lanes are fresh and are using a heavy oil pattern.

Dislikes: The ball hates dry lanes!

 

PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS

 

 

 

"When you bowl you are always on a roll!"

MDK