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Author Topic: Magic Gem Review  (Read 117292 times)

addynyr

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Magic Gem Review
« on: October 26, 2023, 12:56:16 PM »
Layout: 5 x 3 x 3
Surface: 2000 Abralon

The Magic Gem brings back the Defiant LRG Core with the Microtrax Hybrid Coverstock.  My initial though with this ball was that it was going to be a slightly more angular Original Gem that could handle oil.  When I threw the ball for the first time, it was significantly stronger than I expected.  Compared to the original Gem, it was a little more cleaner through the front but had much more continuation.  It kept the pins low through the deck which increased my pin carry.  I got to test this on a 44ft Typical House Shot and a 42ft 32ml sport pattern.

On the House pattern, it was evident that it was very strong.  With my higher ball speed and rev rate, it was almost tough to keep the ball in the pocket enough on the fresh as it just was strong in the midlane and continued hard down the lane.  It definitely forced me a little deeper on the lane than I wanted to play on the fresh.  I typicall slide around 25 with my feet and throw the ball to between 5 and 10 at the breakpoint on the fresh.  The Magic Gem made me slide closer to 32 with my feet to see the right shape down lane.  To my surprise, it continued so well that I still had no problems striking from that angle.  Compared to the original Gem, I was actually straighter with the original due to how much more forward the roll is.  I had to give the pocket away with the Magic Gem to have success.  As the lanes started to carry down, my ball reaction got better as I could keep my angles a little straighter.  I would recommend this ball for the fresh if you have a lot of oil volume or are more speed dominant.  If you are a big fan of the original gem and want a more continuous shape, you can get the Magic Gem.  The Magic Gem will not give as much angle as the Exotic Gem for comparison's sake.

On the 42ft Sport pattern, the higher oil volume put the Magic Gem in its comfort zone.  I was able to play the fresh without a problem and still allowed me to play closer to the friction because of the amount of oil.  As the pattern broke down, I was able to move more left with my feet and target and again have no issues with continuation.  The ball did however, start to go a little bit more forward as I got closer to sliding around 30-35 with my feet and carry suffered to an extent.  The Exotic Gem had a much better angle through the pins from this part of the lane.

 As a higher rev rate bowler, I prefer the Magic Gem for tournaments or where there is heavy oil just due to its overall strength.  Those who have slow ball speed or low amounts of oil will struggle with this ball to keep on line. 

Adam Chase
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Adam Chase
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Metal_rules

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Re: Magic Gem Review
« Reply #1 on: October 29, 2023, 06:29:29 AM »
I also have this on order and am debating on pin up / down. I do some tournaments but mostly will be on house shots. I was thinking pin down to smooth it out? your thoughts.
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jappling

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Re: Magic Gem Review
« Reply #2 on: November 02, 2023, 10:12:27 AM »
I picked one up from my PSO a couple weeks ago now just before the official release and took it to Tulsa for the Greater Tulsa Open. I found on that House Shot Pattern I had to stand way left with my 15-16 mph ball speed and throw way right.

Brought it back to league and I can start using on fresh but I have to ball down by the second game because it is so strong.

I did use it last weekend on a challenge shot tournament and did real well with it. I finished 8th in the tournament and we very pleased with it.

When I ball down I usually go to my Nova or Exotic Gem. I love both of these two also.

Good Luck and High Scores.

addynyr

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Re: Magic Gem Review
« Reply #3 on: November 06, 2023, 10:53:09 AM »
@Metal_rules I think it depends on the amount of oil volume you think you will see in these tournaments and the house shot and your style.  A pin down layout would tend to be slightly smoother but more continuous through the pins.  A pin up layout will handle more oil and transition faster.  The ball is still on the smooth side regardless of pin up or down but if your initial thoughts is to keep it smoother, then I would go pin down.
Adam Chase
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Bowlifi Regional Staff
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@adamchasebowling

Steven.Collins913

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Re: Magic Gem Review
« Reply #4 on: November 14, 2023, 03:18:22 PM »
Dual Angle Layout: 55 x 4 1/2 x 35

Storm Vector Layout: 4 ½ x 4 ½ x 2 ¼

This ball is STRONG!!! When there is a heavy volume of oil this is the ball for you.  This ball has been the perfect fit between the original Gem and the Exotic Gem.  This ball gives me good length, a strong midlane reaction, and plenty of pop to kick out the corner pins.  The Magic Gem is super versatile, I’ve used the ball with surface and with polish and either way the ball continues to perform.
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Metal_rules

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Re: Magic Gem Review
« Reply #5 on: November 20, 2023, 06:24:27 AM »
@Metal_rules I think it depends on the amount of oil volume you think you will see in these tournaments and the house shot and your style.  A pin down layout would tend to be slightly smoother but more continuous through the pins.  A pin up layout will handle more oil and transition faster.  The ball is still on the smooth side regardless of pin up or down but if your initial thoughts is to keep it smoother, then I would go pin down.
I did go pin down. I really like it -- still strong even with a pin down layout.
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Kevin Duncan

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Re: Magic Gem Review
« Reply #6 on: November 26, 2023, 03:19:19 PM »
Roto Grip Magic Gem
Layout: 4.5 x 5 x 2 Storm Pin Buffer Layout
Rev Rate: 325 rpm, 7 degree of axis tilt, 40 degree of axis rotation
Testing information: 41 foot THS (medium to light volume)
Bowling Center: Fulton Bowling Center
Kegel Machine – Brunswick Anvilane

The Roto Grip Magic Gem utilizes the MicroTrax hybrid coverstock and the Defiant LRG weight block. The speed dominant or low rev players are going to love this one.  The design of the Magic Gem was to fit between the Gem and Exotic Gem.  I think this was accomplished but the Magic Gem is closer to the Gem, which isn’t a bad thing.  I will use the Magic Gem on long oil patterns and heavier oil patterns.  This ball will fill my No. 1 (first ball) slot in my tournament bag.  I don’t have my Gem anymore so the Magic Gem came into my life at the right time.  Lol

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