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Author Topic: Hustle X-Ray Review  (Read 34561 times)

addynyr

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Hustle X-Ray Review
« on: May 02, 2024, 08:51:35 AM »
Layout: 4 1/2 x 3 1/2 x 5
Surface: 2000 Abralon

The hustle X-Ray brings back the Hustle core with the VTC Solid Coverstock.  The dull factory finish gives this Hustle more traction in the oil than the Hustle RIP which is finished with Reacta Gloss.  I drilled the Hustle X-Ray with a pin down layout to give me a different look than the RIP.  I wanted this hustle to roll similarly to the IQ 78U but with more length and backend.  I was able to accomplish just that.  The weaker core allows me to keep the ball more in front of me when the lanes conditions call for a more direct line to the pocket.  Compared to the Hustle RIP which is drilled pin up, I saw about 4 boards weaker and much less overall flare keeping me straighter on the lanes.  The hustle X-Ray a great entry level reactive ball with tons of potential and performance at its price point.  This hustle X-Ray will work best for light to medium oil conditions, those with low ball speeds and those with higher rev rates.

Adam Chase
Storm Staff
Adam Chase
Storm Regional Staff
Vise Regional Staff
Bowlifi Regional Staff
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@adamchasebowling

 

rotogrip_rick

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Re: Hustle X-Ray Review
« Reply #1 on: May 09, 2024, 06:26:04 PM »

Roto Grip Hustle X-Ray

PRODUCT DETAILS: COLOR: Slate / Black - CORE: Hustle™ Core - COVER: VTC™ Solid Reactive BOX FINISH: 4000-grit Abralon®

Layouts: X-RAY # 1: 5 X 4 X 4 … X-Ray #2: 5 x 3 ½ X 2 ½

My updated specs: Ball speed: average 15.5 mph. - Rev Rate: 425 – Axle tilt: 16 degrees – Axis rotation 70 degrees.

Since the introduction of the Roto Grip Hustle line 8 years ago, I knew that the Hustle line would be a “game changer” for years to come. The Hustle INK established itself as a key piece for all levels of bowlers from weekly league bowlers all the way up to the professional ranks, like recording the 34th sanctioned 900 series to winning national PWBA and PBA tournaments over the past 8 years. My favorite Hustle all-time has been the Hustle INK for year after year even when Roto Grip released new ones to the line, the INK still stood out over all them until last year when Roto Grip released the RIP version and the RIP became my new favorite since my old INKs I had were worn out. The RIP to me is the INK 2.0 with the coloring being dark and “liquid” looking. Now the X-Ray has hit the market, the RIP has been benched for now for the simple fact the X-Ray rolls a little sooner but still packs a BIG punch entering the pin deck. I have a few standard layouts since hoping back into 15lbs equipment for the first time in 5 years due to bad car wrecks – YES – plural, 2 over the past 5 years, and I drilled the first one at 5 x 4 x 4 and now recently drilled a second one – with 5 x 3 ½ x 2 ½. The reactions on both are not but amazing. X-Ray #1 is super reliable front to back with a nice little late kick entering the pocket and X-Ray #2 is quite stronger coming off the pattern and was quite shocking to me to see that much motion in the back end that was still controllable. The X-Ray #2 likes the oil a little bit more than X-Ray #1. When you watch my video, you will see X-Ray #1 I play straighter with it and use smaller angles and X-Ray #2 I can swing the lane as much as I want. What a truly versatile bowling ball for the price point that the Hustle line is in. Don’t be afraid to try one of the Hustles, it will not let you down. Visit your local VIP pro shop or stormbowling.com for more information.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfxikKVnHic


Rick K

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Re: Hustle X-Ray Review
« Reply #2 on: August 31, 2024, 09:57:40 PM »
Hustle X-Ray • Roto Grip • HP1 Series
Core • Hustle Core (Symmetric)
Coverstock • VTC (Versatile Traction Control) Solid Reactive 
Finish • 400-grit Abralon
Weight • 15 lbs. RG • 2.53 Differential • .030
Layout • 5 x 4 7/8 x 2
Tester PAP • 5” R, 5/8” D Tester Axis Tilt • 11° Testers Rev Rate • 300
Test Pattern • 42' THS (Typical House Shot) • Modified, Kegel Stone Street

Roto Grip successful Hustle line continues with the new X-Ray. And what makes the X-Ray stand out differently than other Hustle's is the VTC (Vertical Traction Control) Solid coverstock. From the first roll off my hand, I was impressed by my Hustle X-Ray's smooth, clean motion that created a powerful punch through the pin deck!   So, let's take a closer look at what makes the Hustle X-Ray so impressive!

The Hustle Core has been a thriving industry standard since its introduction inside the original Hustle INK in 2017. Since then, the Hustle Core has proven to be a predictable and reliable workhorse for nearly any type of bowler! I like the Hustle core because it has a smooth and well-rounded motion and gives the entry-level bowler their first clean look at skid, hook, and roll. And it gives the experienced bowler a continuous and smooth roiling motion when all the big core and covers combinations are too much ball for burnt THS conditions! Lastly, the Hustle Core has plenty of destructive power through the pin deck. So, don't let the words "level 1" turn you away! The Hustle Core will deliver responsive results for any style or level of bowler!

Let's talk about what I love most about the Hustle X-Ray! And that is the smooth yet biting VTC (Vertical Traction Control) Solid mixture! I'm not sure what Roto Grip did differently with this VTC Solid version, but as a straighter player, I loved it from the first roll off my hand! I loved seeing my X-Ray glide cleanly through the front part of the lane. And then, even with my higher speed/low rev hand, the X-Ray had excellent biting traction in the mid-lane that wasn't overly aggressive or punchy! And I loved the smooth and clean roll the X-Ray had coming off the pattern shot after shot! And what I appreciated most was the VTC Solid's ability to blend the conditions all night! Whether fresh oil or burnt conditions, the VTC Solid coverstock makes the X-Ray one of the most consistent Hustle I have roiled yet! The only caveat I want to add, as I usually do, is that- surface is your friend, so don't be afraid to tweak the VTC Solid to fit where you need it most because the VTC Solid will deliver!

So, in conclusion, the X-Ray is a superior new Hustle by Roto Grip. Beginner bowlers will love the consistency and predictability the X-Ray provides to help them establish their form and release! And seasoned high-speed, low-rev bowlers like me will appreciate the versatility and predictable motion the X-ray will give your game, especially in those frustrating late-night scenarios! So visit your local Storm VIP Pro Shop and have a Hustle X-Ray drilled up for your new fall season league! Because the Hustle X-Ray will get your season off to a great start!

Rick Klimowicz
Storm Products Pro Shop Staff
Roll the Ball Pro Shop
Penndel, PA

kristisbowl

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Re: Hustle X-Ray Review
« Reply #3 on: September 05, 2024, 04:11:58 AM »
The Hustle X-Ray from Roto Grip is a sleeper bowling ball that a lot of bowlers will probably look past it. The Hustle core has a medium Radius of Gyration and a lower differential, which I think is very useful in today’s bowling environment. The VTC coverstock provides control and versatility without being overly aggressive.

I have had a great amount of success with the Hustle PBR, so I drilled the Hustle X-Ray with the same pin-up layout in hopes that the X-Ray would replace the discontinued Hustle PBR: 65 x 4 ½ x 35. I use this exact same layout on most of bowling balls with lower differential cores. The out-of-box surface on the Hustle X-Ray is quite dull and I found it to roll better and more consistent once the surface of the bowling ball “lane-shined” itself up a little bit. What I love about the X-Ray is that it stays on-line easily because of lower differential and slightly higher RG while the stronger coverstocks allows the ball to blend over/under lane conditions very well.

In my eyes, a bowling ball like the Hustle X-Ray is a must in the arsenal of bowlers who are dealing with wet/dry lane conditions often. This bowling ball will be in my arsenal every time I am going to bowl on a “house” pattern or any pattern that could potentially “cliff”. I have found a good amount of success with the Hustle X-Ray while bowling on some shorter patterns as well where I needed a little more down-lane control. This ball also works great on longer, broken down patterns where you need to keep the bowling ball closer to the pocket. Do not look past this bowling ball!

Jdonner111

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Re: Hustle X-Ray Review
« Reply #4 on: September 08, 2024, 09:27:59 PM »
About Me
900 Global Staff
Left Handed: High Rev High Speed Player
Layout: 5 X 5 X 2
Pap: - 47/8   +1
Rev Rate: +-500
Speed 17-18mph

Ball Video:  https://youtu.be/f_ctmcIi-Js

Chaise and I both agree that the Hustle X-Ray is essentially a smaller version of the Optimum Idol. If you find your Optimum Idol to be a bit too strong but still want that same shape, the Hustle X-Ray is the perfect alternative.
The Hustle X-Ray offers the same smooth, rounded shape with comparable hitting power. It makes an excellent transition ball across a block or a great choice to start your league or tournament, allowing you to play straighter while still achieving excellent entry angles.
As I mentioned with the B/R/Y, while the X-Ray belongs to the HP1 series and is marketed as an entry-level ball, it performs exceptionally well for advanced bowlers. It provides a straighter look with superior carry angles, making it both highly controllable and predictable. The X-Ray also offers a lot of forgiveness—just check out the video where I was throwing it across various spots and still striking.
Although you don’t see the Hustle series featured on TV as often, these balls are exceptional, and the X-Ray is no exception. It won’t disappoint.

Joel Donner
900 Global Staff Member
Cedar Rapids, IA

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hammermike2000

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Re: Hustle X-Ray Review
« Reply #5 on: September 09, 2024, 01:04:03 PM »
Roto Grip Hustle X-Ray

The Hustle X-Ray builds upon the history of great sanded Hustle line balls, but for me, this ball had a lot to live up to. The last sanded Hustle ball, the Hustle USA, may have been my personal favorite of any Hustle ball ever. This X-Ray is a bit smoother than the USA, simply to the coverstock being a solid instead of a Hybrid, but it still has the unmistakable great characteristics of a Hustle – clean through the fronts, more midlane than expected at this price point, and a hard-arcing backend.  The X-Ray is best at home on medium patterns – the core does not have enough torque for true heavy oil, but the cover has too much traction for light oil.  This ball is great on shorter oil sport shot patterns, though, as an alternative to urethane.

Mike LeViner