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Author Topic: Optimum Idol Review  (Read 17002 times)

StormAndrew

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Optimum Idol Review
« on: March 31, 2024, 04:44:13 AM »
The Idol is back! This time with new AI technology yet with the same benchmark ball reaction. What I loved about the original Idol and now with the Optimum Idol it's ability to hook and blend out almost every fresh pattern. The Idol is the first ball out the bag litmus test to see what the lanes are doing. The main difference I see between the new Idol versus the original is a cleaner and more overall reaction. The original would hook immediately upon lane impact where as the Optimum has more length and continuation down lane. I see myself using this ball a lot where the Phaze 2 may be to clean and I need something to pick up sooner yet still continue well through the pins.
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Kyle.Johnson88

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Re: Optimum Idol Review
« Reply #1 on: April 24, 2024, 03:19:53 PM »
Roto Grip Optimum Idol
Coverstock: 2000 Grit MicroTrax™ Solid Reactive
Weight Block: Ikon™ + A.I. Core (Symmetrical)
Color: Heliotrope Purple

Review:
This ball is the one everyone has been waiting for. The remake of the original Idol is finally here, in a slightly more purplish look. Out of box this ball is very early and very smooth, that first out of bag ball for most conditions. Our style: tweener, 350-375 revs, 16.5mph, layout of choice is 4x4x2 (pin is above bridge). Everyone loves a strong benchmark piece, and that’s exactly what the Optimum Idol brings. This ball looks best playing the middle to right part of the lane for us. Because it is a ball that reads so early you won’t be able to shape the entire lane if you like to play way left. Comparing the Optimum Idol to the Phaze 2 you can expect the Idol to be a little earlier, a little stronger, and smoother shape. There is enough difference between these two similar pieces that they could compliment each other very well in a long block. Starting with the Idol and balling down should give lots of hold room for the Phaze 2 which will read slightly farther down lane in game 2 and on. Overall this ball is a huge home run and we look forward to seeing a lot of these roll down the lanes.

Kyle, Joel, & Dean Johnson
Roto Grip Pro Shop Staffers
joel@parklanes.net
kyle@parklanes.net
dean@frontierfuncenter.net
www.RotoGrip.com
#SquadRG
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Brian Eger

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Re: Optimum Idol Review
« Reply #2 on: May 07, 2024, 07:35:11 AM »
Roto Grip – Optimum Idol
Layout 5 x 4 x 2.5
Style – stroker
Ball Speed – 14–15 mph at pins
Condition – house pattern - HPL surface
Surface – box condition
Pleasantly surprised by the motion I received from this ball. Worried my slower speed would slow the ball down too much and therefore not continue through the pins. Totally wrong on my end if there is some oil in the heads. I don’t believe that to be too surprising of a comment given lane surfaces and strength of bowling balls today.
The ball was left in box condition for initial use. I’m waiting to see how many games it takes before lane shine is present. Early use hasn’t shown any noticeable shine. Little tough to get the surface clean after using it in box condition. Might need to use Clean and Dull or a spinner to assist in the future.
Didn’t get past 15 at the arrows with use. With some polish that could be an option, but I’ll have to change balls in box condition once I start migrating further left. I’ll need something cleaner and responsive on the backend for my style.
Strong benchmark option for those in the market for that reaction. Believe this will be a ball that many styles can utilize with success. The Storm Products YouTube page has a great video showing the difference between the box surface versus shine. Link below. I might try some polish in the future or just drill a second one for polish.

https://youtu.be/ISLOn37f8LY?si=R3IJbM37rFLeyt9G
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Brian Eger
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