BallReviews
Equipment Boards => Roto Grip => Topic started by: RobK300 on June 20, 2017, 06:08:50 AM
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The new releases were announced last week but there's a distinct lack of fanfare on the message board here. The news was buried within the "No Rules Exist" thread so I've dug it out to restart the discussion here.
The new balls are:
HP4 - No Rules Exist
http://www.rotogrip.com/balls/norulesexist (http://www.rotogrip.com/balls/norulesexist)
HP4 - Hot Cell
http://www.rotogrip.com/balls/hotcell (http://www.rotogrip.com/balls/hotcell)
HP2 - Show Off
http://www.rotogrip.com/balls/showoff (http://www.rotogrip.com/balls/showoff)
HP1 - Hustle INK
http://www.rotogrip.com/balls/hustleink (http://www.rotogrip.com/balls/hustleink)
What does everyone think?
No Rules Exist - we've got the No Rules core wrapped in Reckless the Dare Devil Trick cover. Not really sure how this one will play out but the ball comparison on the Roto website has this a tiny bit weaker than the original No Rules.
Hot Cell - the old nucleus core coming wrapped in a 'pure' urethane cover. Initial thoughts are that this will probably miss the target. I've never been a fan of the strong core plastic/urethane options of the past, but perhaps there's a market out there for this one? Anybody thinking of it?
Show Off - a new core in the HP2 line Hotshot has a somewhat lightbulby look to it coming in at 2.55/0.045 in all weights 14-16 and this one get's wrapped in Micro DNA solid from the No Rules. This seems like an awful lot of ball in the HP2 line and continues the "stronger than the price point" vibe from the Wreck-Em/It. This is the new release I'm most excited in, as whilst the RG is on the higher side of medium there's higher than medium differential and a strong coverstock to get this thing started. To me this looks like one to suit a lot of bowlers on a lot of patterns.
Hustle INK - same Hustle core again, this time wrapped in Thrilled solid reactive, a new cover. Earlier and calm are words mentioned in the description of this one. It appears an odd-choice that again is unlikely to suit genuinely dry conditions but with the relatively medium RG and low diff core, a little bit of surface might make it could be a good option to control fresh on shorter medium and short sport and tournament conditions. It also has the chance to miss the target.
Let's hear your thoughts. Which are you getting? Which are you excited to see? Which will flop and which will fly...
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The only one that caught my eye was the Hustle INK. For some reason low end solids always catch my eye. I disregarded the No Rules Exist because I believe it will overlap the No Rules or at minimum be too close to have both in the bag. The Hot Cell got thrown out as soon as I saw it was urethane. I won't pay Tier 1 pricing for a urethane (my guess is most other wont either). The Show Off might surprise people (and myself) but at this point its just not calling my name.
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lol we had a no rules exist thread before it existed.
pfft no fan fare
congrats on your 23rd post jr member
we been hyping it for over a month now
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m getting the ink for sure- me and polished solids are bros.
and possibly the hot cell - wanted the fame u, so this will have to do
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Yeah I followed the post, but it's pretty quiet over there. I thought maybe more people would get involved if the title was more in their face.
I've been a member here for a very long time. Don't take 23 posts the wrong way, I know bowling. I wasn't much of poster back in the day and then took 5 years out of bowling, but I'm back now and Roto seem to have some very interesting stuff on the market. Huge fan of my WreckEm and looking to add some other Roto around it.
Anyway that's 3 out of 3 on the INK. Getting good vibes from it initially. Thinking both that and the Show Off look interesting...
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The ball I'm most intrigued by is the Show Off. I've become partial to 'lower' end solids lately, and the core is simple. I'm hoping the motion is also simple!
The Hot Cell seems like a money grab to me--I'm not interested at all.
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The Trick cover is great, so the Exist should be pretty good, probably more a shape difference than a hook difference.
Show Off won't belong in the HP2 line as far as hook goes, but this might be a price point thing rather than a hook thing. This is a super bang for your buck ball, it's going to cover all but soup for much cheaper.
Urethane doesn't interest me, but the Hot Cell should theoretically be very good for heavier flatter patterns. Tons of flare for traction but the urethane cover shape. Interesting, but urethane and I will never be friends.
Hustle Ink, I'll have to see it to believe it. The current covers at box are already too weak for that core, with an even weaker cover? Not seeing it. Those things roll heavy but don't rev, just don't like anything about the Hustle ball reaction.
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I'm just not sold on 3/4 of them. The Exist should be good, just don't really have a need for it and I don't think many around me will be buying it either
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Anyone have an idea when we might see videos for these? I thought rotongrip usually had videos for when they announced
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Same as others have mentioned. Not seeing booming sales from these releases. If the person has a No Rules already, I don't see them getting the Exist.
Urethane at that price no matter the core seems steep.
Show Off is giving me the vibe that it will be like the Haywire was for me and we didn't get along. Cover was too strong for the core for my style of play.
Ink...a weaker play on the IQ Tour solid?
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Show Off is giving me the vibe that it will be like the Haywire was for me and we didn't get along. Cover was too strong for the core for my style of play.
I wish they hadn't gone this strong for the cover on the Show Off. If they had gone with a cover like the Hy-Wire or an updated Nomad cover, I think they could have had a big seller
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I'll pass on them all; Have bought in all hp categories, and just too much ball to handle anymore. Maybe future releases... although the hot cell, and show off do look interesting.
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No Rules exist: I'm interested in it because it has the same cover as the DDT... the colors turn me away though. I want to see it in person first.
Hot cell: Same as Bill, the Fame U caught my interest and the Hot Cell might have to do. The tier 1 price point isn't too attractive out of the gate (not that it ever is), but maybe the ball would be worth it...
Show off: I'm really curious to see some video of the this just because the cover core combination isn't like anything I'm aware of... part of me thinks too much cover for the core but we'll have to wait and see.
Hustle Ink: No initial interest here for me. Maybe after some reviews and video...
So, interesting releases, but nothing I'm going to pre-order.
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Show Off is giving me the vibe that it will be like the Haywire was for me and we didn't get along. Cover was too strong for the core for my style of play.
I wish they hadn't gone this strong for the cover on the Show Off. If they had gone with a cover like the Hy-Wire or an updated Nomad cover, I think they could have had a big seller
Agreed
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Yeah I followed the post, but it's pretty quiet over there. I thought maybe more people would get involved if the title was more in their face.
I've been a member here for a very long time. Don't take 23 posts the wrong way, I know bowling. I wasn't much of poster back in the day and then took 5 years out of bowling, but I'm back now and Roto seem to have some very interesting stuff on the market. Huge fan of my WreckEm and looking to add some other Roto around it.
Anyway that's 3 out of 3 on the INK. Getting good vibes from it initially. Thinking both that and the Show Off look interesting...
I'm just playin'
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I don't know how strong the cover is, but it seems like knocking the shine off the Hustle Ink could make it comparable to a IQ Tour Solid. Core numbers are not that far off. I'm intrigued.
I also am also somewhat intrigued by the Hot Cell - short patterns have been killing me lately. I don't have enough hand for most of the new urethane balls - this ball might be different.
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Luke, not buying the INK as an IQ Tour replacement?
How about the IQ replaced with a Trick/INK 2-punch?
Also how much shape difference do you think the changed cover will make to the No Rules, with such a strong core won't that dominate the reaction shape in a broadly comparable strength cover?
The Trick cover is great, so the Exist should be pretty good, probably more a shape difference than a hook difference.
Show Off won't belong in the HP2 line as far as hook goes, but this might be a price point thing rather than a hook thing. This is a super bang for your buck ball, it's going to cover all but soup for much cheaper.
Urethane doesn't interest me, but the Hot Cell should theoretically be very good for heavier flatter patterns. Tons of flare for traction but the urethane cover shape. Interesting, but urethane and I will never be friends.
Hustle Ink, I'll have to see it to believe it. The current covers at box are already too weak for that core, with an even weaker cover? Not seeing it. Those things roll heavy but don't rev, just don't like anything about the Hustle ball reaction.
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BITE. Haha
I've clearly got more of a chip on my shoulder than I realised over the long lay-off!
Yeah I followed the post, but it's pretty quiet over there. I thought maybe more people would get involved if the title was more in their face.
I've been a member here for a very long time. Don't take 23 posts the wrong way, I know bowling. I wasn't much of poster back in the day and then took 5 years out of bowling, but I'm back now and Roto seem to have some very interesting stuff on the market. Huge fan of my WreckEm and looking to add some other Roto around it.
Anyway that's 3 out of 3 on the INK. Getting good vibes from it initially. Thinking both that and the Show Off look interesting...
I'm just playin'
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The Show Off and No Rules Exist were briefly shown on Facebook Live yesterday. The videos are up on the Roto Grip FB page.
I'm interested in all 4 balls. I certainly don't need them, but I like trying out new things. And if something ends up fitting better than my current equipment, I ditch the old.
Show Off: Definitely getting this one. Seems like a perfect candidate for motion hole. I have had good success with this drilling in the past. Haven't put it on a Storm/RG ball in 14 yet. Sold my Ridiculous Pearl and Fix, so I have nothing with this layout at the moment. It worked good on my Haywire that I had in 15. Should be good here.
Exist: Certainly don't need this, as I'm good in the high end. However, the Trick is one of my favorite balls, so having that cover wrapped around the No Rules core has me interested. Like Luke said, it will be more of a shape thing. I'm not as versatile as some of you, with regards to changing hand positions and such, so getting a slightly different look often helps carry the corners. I finally realized this last season.
Hot Cell: Why not? Yes it is a lot of money for a urethane, but I've wasted money on far worse. I'm intrigued to find out how a urethane with a strong asymmetrical core will react. I've had mixed success with urethane in the past. I currently have the black and purple hammers. Prefer the purple hammer. Also preferred the Rebel Tank over the original Tank, but the original Tank was very good at times.
Hustle Ink: I am hoping this one will be my new Venom Shock. Stronger than the intended light oil, but still a very good ball. Unlike Luke, I really like my Hustle POW. I don't find the cover to be too weak for the core. In fact, I think they match up very well. It is just way more ball than I expected. As I posted before, I think it is not a big step down from the high end stuff. Even after taking the shine off, and going with 4000, the ball just snaps in the back. But it also handles a decent amount of oil. If the solid is this but smoother, I think I'm going to like it. I had 2 Shocks. One drilled motion hole and one drilled for a midlane roll. Both were great.
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The Show Off and No Rules Exist were briefly shown on Facebook Live yesterday. The videos are up on the Roto Grip FB page.
I'm interested in all 4 balls. I certainly don't need them, but I like trying out new things. And if something ends up fitting better than my current equipment, I ditch the old.
Show Off: Definitely getting this one. Seems like a perfect candidate for motion hole. I have had good success with this drilling in the past. Haven't put it on a Storm/RG ball in 14 yet. Sold my Ridiculous Pearl and Fix, so I have nothing with this layout at the moment. It worked good on my Haywire that I had in 15. Should be good here.
Exist: Certainly don't need this, as I'm good in the high end. However, the Trick is one of my favorite balls, so having that cover wrapped around the No Rules core has me interested. Like Luke said, it will be more of a shape thing. I'm not as versatile as some of you, with regards to changing hand positions and such, so getting a slightly different look often helps carry the corners. I finally realized this last season.
Hot Cell: Why not? Yes it is a lot of money for a urethane, but I've wasted money on far worse. I'm intrigued to find out how a urethane with a strong asymmetrical core will react. I've had mixed success with urethane in the past. I currently have the black and purple hammers. Prefer the purple hammer. Also preferred the Rebel Tank over the original Tank, but the original Tank was very good at times.
Hustle Ink: I am hoping this one will be my new Venom Shock. Stronger than the intended light oil, but still a very good ball. Unlike Luke, I really like my Hustle POW. I don't find the cover to be too weak for the core. In fact, I think they match up very well. It is just way more ball than I expected. As I posted before, I think it is not a big step down from the high end stuff. Even after taking the shine off, and going with 4000, the ball just snaps in the back. But it also handles a decent amount of oil. If the solid is this but smoother, I think I'm going to like it. I had 2 Shocks. One drilled motion hole and one drilled for a midlane roll. Both were great.
I think your process of thought here is warranted, but why nt grab another Venom Shock while you can?
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I very well could, and may, at some point. But for now, I've been primarily throwing Storm/RG stuff. Although I have never really stuck to one company, I do primarily try to build an arsenal from one at any given time. I'm still lacking in some areas with Storm/RG. Particularly the low end.
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Strokers and speed dominant players will love the Hot Cell imo. When the condition trashes and the power players mkve way left and bring out the Pitch Blacks, Booyahs etc, most strokers can't compete as most urethane balls compromise carry for strokers. The extra pop from the core will give the strokers an edge they would not otherwise have.
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It certainly could be, the core numbers really aren't that different, depends more on what the cover ends up acting like. I'm not that big of a fan of the IQ though, aside from one random monster set at a state tournament, never had much success with them, and I've owned 4 total, 3 righty and one lefty. It's really good at getting 9, so depending on what you're bowling on that could be a good thing or a bad thing, but I've never been a big fan.
5 years ago the IQ was THE sport ball, now it's the Trick. If you're a tournament bowler and don't have a Trick, I just feel like that's a mistake. There's nothing else on the market that's in its league, and I believe that's a very objective statement.
You're going to have overlap with the No Rules and the Exist for sure, no way to avoid that, but I think the shapes are going to be so different that they'll lend themselves to different surfaces which will further differentiate themselves from one another. I bet the Exist with a good shine on it, ala the Eternal Cell, will be the ticket while leaving your OG No Rules at box to handle the heavy stuff. I don't think there's any reason to have both these balls at box surface, because a Trick is a perfect step down from the OG No Rules both at box surface, the Exist with polish gives you something between those two with a different look on the shape also. However, the Exist by itself, IF you have neither the No Rules OR Trick will be excellent at box.
Luke, not buying the INK as an IQ Tour replacement?
How about the IQ replaced with a Trick/INK 2-punch?
Also how much shape difference do you think the changed cover will make to the No Rules, with such a strong core won't that dominate the reaction shape in a broadly comparable strength cover?
The Trick cover is great, so the Exist should be pretty good, probably more a shape difference than a hook difference.
Show Off won't belong in the HP2 line as far as hook goes, but this might be a price point thing rather than a hook thing. This is a super bang for your buck ball, it's going to cover all but soup for much cheaper.
Urethane doesn't interest me, but the Hot Cell should theoretically be very good for heavier flatter patterns. Tons of flare for traction but the urethane cover shape. Interesting, but urethane and I will never be friends.
Hustle Ink, I'll have to see it to believe it. The current covers at box are already too weak for that core, with an even weaker cover? Not seeing it. Those things roll heavy but don't rev, just don't like anything about the Hustle ball reaction.