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Author Topic: Optimum Idol Review  (Read 2004922 times)

addynyr

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Optimum Idol Review
« on: March 15, 2024, 12:31:13 PM »
Layout: 5 x 3 x 2
Surface: 2000 Abralon

The Optimum Idol was released as basically a new version of the original Idol while adding the AI Core Technology which makes the RG slightly lower and Differential higher than its predecessor.  I got to test this on my 44ft typical House Shot and I saw a ball that was certainly a benchmark with added pop down lane.  Compared to the original Idol, I actually found the Optimum to be a little cleaner and more responsive in the back part of the lane by about 3 boards overall.  The original Idol was best where the angle was more in front of you, and you needed to control the lane.  The Optimum Idol allowed me to open up the lane a little more to start and gave me more left to right miss room.  It reads the midlane pretty strong as expected and gave ample continuation through the pins.  It wasn't as forward rolling as the original.  This will make the ball more versatile and usable on a wider variety of oil patterns.  I believe this ball will work for many styles as that traditional benchmark type ball.  Great for the fresh and controlling the lanes will be its forte.  Polishing this one will give a little more down lane angle which would make it useful during transition on lanes or patterns that have a lot more friction.  I expect the Optimum Idol to be in my tournament arsenal for a large majority of oil patterns that I will see.

Adam Chase
Storm Staff
Adam Chase
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TonyMarino

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Re: Optimum Idol Review
« Reply #1 on: March 15, 2024, 12:46:02 PM »
Optimum Idol
Cover: Micro Trax Solid Reactive
Core: IKON + AI
RG: 2.47 RG
Diff: 0.054

My layout: 4 x 2

As a staffer, some ball announcements make me more excited than others… Well let me tell you, when the Optimum Idol was announced I may or may not have let out a “HELL YEA!”. haha
 
The Optimum Idol is a solid symmetrical ball that I see working best on medium-med/heavy conditions. The Mirco Trax is a strong solid cover that I would call early-medium/early. The low rg IKON core combined with the AI tech creates more flare than the OG Idol did. So all in all the Optimum Idol is SUPER close to the original pink Idol, but maybe just a hair stronger. If you are like me and still have an OG Idol (or maybe a couple more than 1 lol) in your bag, then rest assured they roll very similarly. If you are looking for a straight 1:1 replacement, because of the increased flare of adding the AI to the core I recommend adding about a 1/2” pin distance to the Optimum Idol layout from how your OG is drilled. The Optimum Idol creates to a medium response motion ball. I have found that the Optimum Idol is a bit slower than a Phase 2 but quicker than the Summit. I see this ball working well in many different situations. The Idol was only of the most versatile ball of all time for me and I see the same thing out of the Optimum Idol. I will have many of these in my tournament lineup and at least 1 will go to Vegas for the Open Championships.

Bowler stats:
Left handed
PAP: 5 x 1/4up
Rev rate: 400

Steven.Collins913

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Re: Optimum Idol Review
« Reply #2 on: March 15, 2024, 05:26:14 PM »
Dual Angle Layout: 55 x 5 1/2 x 40
Storm Vector Layout: 5 ½ x 4 ¼ x 2 7/8
The Optimum Idol is a very strong ball in the mid lane.  You will need some decent head volume for this ball to thrive. This is a great transition ball for me when my strong Assym solids start to burn up.
About Me

Storm Staff Member - Ball Driller- 230 Average Bowler - Right Handed - https://www.facebook.com/keglers.k.proshop?mibextid=LQQJ4d

djecko

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Re: Optimum Idol Review
« Reply #3 on: March 15, 2024, 05:38:41 PM »
Roto Grip Optimum Idol - HP3
Coverstock: MicroTrax Solid - 2000 Abralon
Core: Ikon + A.I.
RG: 2.47   Differential: .056 (15 lbs)
Layout: 5.25 x 5 x 3
PAP: 6" Right, 1 3/8" Up
Axis Tilt: 16°
Rotation: 51°
Rev Rate: 450-500
Speed: 17-18 mph
Location: Vista Lanes - Yorkville, NY
Pattern: 2023 USBC Jr. Gold
Lane Surface: HPL

The Idol is BACK and better than ever! The Optimum Idol utilizes the proven MicroTrax Solid cover and Ikon core combination while being enhanced with A.I. core technology. The Optimum is designed to be the benchmark ball in your arsenal and create continuous motion for bowlers of all skill levels. The Optimum Idol gave me a great look sliding on 25, looking 15 at the arrows with my breakpoint around 8-9. I was able to play multiple angles by changing my speed and hand position. It also did an excellent job blending out the wet/dry on our high friction house pattern. When compared to the 900 Global Xponent, it was cleaner and created more shape downlane with more overall hook. The Optimum Idol feels very similar to the original and will be one of the first balls out of my bag no matter what condition I’m bowing on. The original Idol was one of my all time favorite balls and I can’t wait to put the Optimum to the test in league and tournaments. The Optimum will fit below the Gem and above the TNT Infused. Stop by your local Storm VIP pro shop to check it out! Available on March 22.

Dave Jecko
Storm Amateur Staff Member
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@maximumpotentialbowlerssho7625

Michael Slatky

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Re: Optimum Idol Review
« Reply #4 on: March 16, 2024, 10:58:39 AM »

Roto Grip
Optimum Idol
Cover Stock: Micro Trax Solid Reactive
Finish: 2000 Grit Abralon
Core: Ikon Energized by A.I. Core Technology
(14pd)
RG: 2.51
Differential: 0.054

Layout: 5 x 4 x 4 - 2LS
Layout Extras: 2 1/2" Finger Depth, "X" - 4 1/2 D and 1 Inch Left
Tester: PAP 6 1/2 R, 1 1/4 D

Review:
The Optimum Idol features a second RG Core with A.I. technology. Essentially, this means to the bowler is more length and more motion off the spot compared to previous releases. You'll also keep hearing that A.I. technology provides up to five-percent more carry on off hits. Keep in mind the cover is MicroTrax which is one of the most aggressive coverstocks RG offers.

The Optimum Idol is an excellent symmetric option for fresher lanes. We have already witnessed/read about some incredible results with the Optimum Idol, namely Stu Williams and Jesper Svensson. Look to use the out of the box finish and let some lane shine build on the ball to break it in. As noted ^ the coverstock is strong on the Optimum Idol.

A good ball to compare the Optimum Idol to is the Helios. For me the Helios was a tad earlier and smoother. Also, the Helios for me would tend to burn up early and to the eye not go through the pins the way I ideally wanted on transitioning patterns. However, the Optimum Idol at the OOB finish is perfectly fine and I'm more pleased than I initially thought from reviewing the specs. The predictable motion of the Optimum Idol is one of the keys to this ball being a winner.

As noted above, I prefer the Optimum Idol smoother shape compared to other offerings. This is due to my personal preference for smoother arc type reactions for tournament play. Don't forget to check in on my channel at: https://youtube.com/channel/UC1VA-MgFBo9mIZde-G3T11A for occasional video reviews. Be sure to grab your Roto Grip Optimum Idol today!

Michael Slatky
900 Global Staff Member
York, PA



cmattingly

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Re: Optimum Idol Review
« Reply #5 on: March 18, 2024, 01:34:31 PM »
It’s finally here!!  It’s no secret that since the Idol was discontinued, we, the bowlers have wanted that shape back!  The OG idol was one of the best tournament balls I have ever thrown.  It controlled the lane AND with a little polish or lane shine, it could get pretty angular.  It was an instant legend.

After a few iterations of the OG and with the emergence of AI technology, Roto Grip saw that it was time to bring back the Idol.  This time using AI technology wrapped around the inner weight block.

The AI outer core allows the numbers of the IKON core to change slightly.  This lowers the RG from 2.49 to 2.47 and it raises the Diff from .052 to .056

Basically this ball spins up a little quicker and has a little more over all hook.  I actually see this one hooking more down lane than the OG.  I drilled my first one pin up, kind of strong with a 5 inch pin and 2 inch pin buffer.  I will absolutely drill another one pin down because my favorite OG idol was pin down, albeit with a hole.

As a conclusion…IT’S BACK!!  LET’S GOOOOO!

Balls Currently getting play:
Absolute Power: 5x4x2
Xponent Pearl: 5x4x2
Zen Gold Label- 5x5x2 (pin up) box surface
Attention Star-5x4x2
Casey Mattingly
Storm/RotoGrip Staff
Turbo Regional Staff
Coach's Corner Pro Shop
Alexandria, IN

rotogrip_rick

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Re: Optimum Idol Review
« Reply #6 on: March 19, 2024, 09:40:23 AM »
Roto Grip Optimum Idol
Ball Specs: Ikon core with A.I. outer core with Micro-Trax solid coverstock
Layout: 5 x 4 x 3 at box finish of 2000 grit abralon
Bowler specs: 15.5 mph and rev rate in the 380’s and my is PAP is 3 ¼ and at zero up/down and tested on Pro-Lane at ABC North Lanes in Harrisburg, Pa., and Colony Park Lanes and Games in York, Pa.
With the past overwhelming success of the original Roto Grip Idol, we brought the past to the current technological levels that Storm is known for. The Ikon core is an “Icon” when it comes to the Roto Grip ball lines. I noticed over the OG Idol, that the travel through the pin deck has improved with the A.I. outer core technology and updating the cover to the Micro-Trax it digs through the pattern, but does not lose any energy in the backend of the lane. When the Optimum Idol gains some lane shine and matches more to the Pro-Lane panels I bowl most on, the consistency of reaction and pin carry increases. When I bowled on older HPL – I freshened the cover with a new VISE 2000 grit pad and once again the reaction and pin carry was intense. I tried every aspect of my game, outside the track, in the track, and around the track area and the new Idol responded to my every need. I can now see why I seen other bowlers chomping at the bit when this ball was unveiled, this ball will be a HUGE hit for any level of league bowler and tournament bowler. A stronger version of a Phaze II is where I would put this in my tournament arsenal.
Thanks to my sponsors and supporters:
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DrewsiclexSPI

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Re: Optimum Idol Review
« Reply #7 on: March 19, 2024, 10:58:22 AM »
The new Optimum Idol features the famous Ikon core now with A.I. Tech wrapped with MicroTrax solid cover is the benchmark of todays game! I honestly don’t even need to write a review it’s another legendary Idol that can be used on any lane, any pattern and by any player! Smooth predictable motion I do feel it’s a little stronger than the original. I just recently used it in a PBA event on 40FT and it was the perfect ball out of urethane for me! If you don’t have this ball in your arsenal for Open Championship you need to pick one up asap!
Andrew Smith
Storm staff
    LH
    Rev rate 420+
    Speed 16.5

k1ngsizepapa

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Re: Optimum Idol Review
« Reply #8 on: March 19, 2024, 05:12:06 PM »
Testing Enviroment:
Pattern Length:43
Volume: Med-High
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):THS 12:1 Ratio

COMMENTS

Ball:
Cover: MicroTrax™ Solid
Core: Ikon™ block with A.I. Core Technology
Finish: 2000-grit Abralon
RG: 2.47 (15)
Differential: 0.056 (15)

ME:
Right-Handed Tweener
Speed: 12-13 mph
Rev Rate: 315
Axis Tilt: 14°
Axis Rotation: 74°
PAP: 5 1/8 R 7/8 Up
Ball Layout: Pin Over Middle 5 3/4 X 4 1/2 X 3 VLS


The legendary IDOL is back, this time sporting AI technology. The Optimum Idol features the same IKON block and Microtrax solid cover that made the original Idol the GOAT for strong mid-lane benchmark motion.

I tested the Optimum in league on our long heavy house pattern. I hadn't used the original alot because it was so strong up front and with my ball speed it was often too early. I've been working on getting the stronger balls out further on the front lane panels and I was excited to see how the Optimum Idol would look. The first couple shots I laid down a little cleaner and I saw the same strong early roll I remembered from the Idol, but the same problem with so much energy being used early. I tried a touch of loft and all of a sudden it felt impossible to miss the pocket. I did have to be aware of not getting down too clean or I could flat 10, but I really felt like the Optimum gave me a ton of room to get to the pocket. Misses in, misses out, mis-hits off my hand the ball just kept finding the pocket. The only minor difference I saw from the old Idol was that this one seemed just a touch quicker but I'd hate to have to live on the difference.

I think the Optimum Idol is going to be a popular one. It takes the place of the original and that is a spot I feel many people had been missing in their bags. This ball will be a tournament staple and particularly popular with bowlers on the firmer side of speed or with a bit less hand.


Check out my full ball reaction video on Youtube: https://youtu.be/EHOXSur9EJs?si=f7NDhbqHLcMcA4ki

Lonnie Pemberton
Storm Pro Shop Staff
Vise Pro Shop Staff
Revolutions Pro Shop

Youtube Channel: https://youtube.com/@k1ngsizepapa