When bowling for college you are bowling on patterns that are some of the most challenging in the world. As a freshman at Wright State University I found that the transition from High School to College was extremely difficult from a bowling perspective. This new Theory bowling ball has made that transition easier. Already bowling in six college tournaments this year I have come to realize that all college bowlers need a ball that is good in the mid lane. The Theory is nothing short of fantastic in this category. This ball is just as good if not better than any other bowling ball on the market today at opening up an oil pattern, getting through the mid lane, and hooking viciously on the back end with exceptional carry. The Theory is the strongest bowling ball I have ever thrown. Best way to put it, it's a Mutant Cell on steroids.
BALL SPECS
Pin Length: 3"-3.5"
Starting Top Weight: 2.68oz
Ball Weight: 15lbs-2oz.
DRILL PATTERN
Pin to PAP: 4.5"
CG to PAP: 4.0"
X Hole (if there is one): None
BOWLER STYLE
Rev Rate: 275
Ball Speed: 15.5-16mph
PAP/Track: 4.5 over> 1/4 ^
SURFACE PREP
Grit: 1000
Type: (Matte, Polish, Sanded): Matte
LANE CONDITION
Length: 39 ft
Volume: Med-Hvy
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): THS
BALL REACTION
Length: Excellent
Back End: Booming
Overall Hook: Excellent
Midlane Read: Great
Breakpoint Shape: Hockey-stick
COMMENTS
Likes: Strong and continuous motion
Dislikes: None
Please see my initial 12/22 review for the gut feelings about this ball. Finally got to see this ball in action on a condition that it is suited for. This ball did not disappoint! Threw a couple of paractice balls with my AZO Pure Tactics to get an oil volume read. When I realized how heavy the volume was I went straight to the Theory. A pure strike thrown on either lane, assured me that fireworks were about to start. I had taken my ball back down to 1000 grit abralon, hoping that I'd get a chance to put it to a true "oiler" test.
This ball glides thru the heads and handles the midlane steady and true. It gives a very consistent read of the mids and then, just as smoothly drives through the pindeck, with continuous power. When this ball hits the pins, there is never any doubt of whether it will be a strike or not.....it just destroys the rack! I'd love to say, "it hits like a truck" but it doesn't. It hits more like a diesel-powered train!! I love this ball's consistency, and I love the fact that the more carrydown it sees....the stronger it gets! That was what really surprised me. As other bowlers continually got 2-4-5 leaves, or full buckets because of carrydown, and their balls being unable to make the corner, this ball acutally picked up steam and seemed to get stronger! I hope my 754 set is indicative of what I'm talking about. I shot this last nite, and shot it with complete confidence due to the Theory. 207-247-300. Without a doubt, the guys over at Roto Grip have outdone themselves this time. This ball is the Cell times 3!!This ball is an absolute BEAST!
Thanks again Roto Grip and thanks to Roger for giving me a chance to play with such a great ball!
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.
LANE CONDITION
Volume: Medium
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): House Pattern
Likes:I could tell you about all the amazing things the Roto Grip Theory can do but instead I am going to talk numbers. Before the Theory I had bowled 54 games in 2 leagues this season, knocked down 10,782 pins and was averaging 199.6. Since I started bowling with the Theory, in 24 games I have knocked down 5,391 pins and have averaged 224.6 with it, a whopping 25 pin improvement. The biggest difference is carry. It does need oil to get through the heads though. If you liked the Cell you will love the Theory.
Dislikes:
Edited on 2/7/2011 at 10:42 AM
THEORY #4 – 30 X 4 X 55 P2 HOLE-- OUT OF BOX CONDITION 11RTYC30G052
INTENDED TO REPLACE A MUTANT CELL THAT HAD OVER 300 GAMES WITH SIMILAR LAYOUT
TESTED ON THS, AND SOME KEGEL PATTERNS LIKE BROADWAY, TURNPIKE, DEAD MAN'S CURVE .
THIS BALL STARTED UP EARLY AND GOT INTO A ROLL RELATIVELY VERY EASY AND DID NOT CREATE A LOT OF OVER/UNDER EVEN ON FRESH CONDITION. THIS BALL HAD A VERY NICE PATH TO THE POCKET AND VERY EVEN AND SMOOTH. JUST WHAT I WANTED AND NEEDED.
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