Roto Grip Optimum Idol Review (4K) | Bowlers Paradise

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Welcome to Bowlers Paradise's review of the Roto Grip Magic Gem!

Although the all new Optimum idol looks like an almost 1 to 1 recreation of the original, it actually features a different core and cover. The Ikon core has been updated with Ai technology which decreases the RG and increases the differential, and this is then paired with the purple version of the same microtrax cover that was featured on the original Gem.

For the layout, I went with a 4x5x4x4 2LS Layout. Full disclosure, this is actually my second Optimum idol as I thought it was going to be much stronger than it is so I put a bad layout on the first one. So for my second try, I just went with a middle of the road strong layout trusting Roto Grip’s design intent and seeking to maximize the performance I could see out of this newest HP3 release.

AND ON THE LANES… I got pretty much everything I assumed I would see out of the Optimum Idol. Its definitely strong, but it’s not too strong. The Microtrax cover is reliably clean through the front part of the lane just like it was on the Gem, and the lower RG allows this one to stand up in a more pronounced way off the spot and get into a very direct roll towards the pocket. All that put together meant that on the good shots, the strikes came in droves and hit with a loud authority.

But my favorite part about throwing this piece is that it does actually recapture some of the magic of the original idol. I know a lot of people enjoyed the idol pro and the helios, but if we’re being honest, we all know that original was something special. This all new optimum idol is still able to be manipulated and tricked just as well as the original, with the only real difference being that it’s core a bit more core strength.

This ball is not going to be a house shot killer for most bowlers. To see the best performance out of the Optimum Idol, you’re going to have to bowl on an oil pattern that’s a little flatter and lets you keep your angles in front of you. This one can definitely cover some big angles on house shots and still get the corners out, but bowlers who can stay behind this one and let the core do the work off the spot on tougher conditions are sure to fall in love with it quickly.

That love would then be amplified if you paired this one with an Xponent Pearl as well as a DNA Coil. The coil is a big but versatile asym that handles surface adjustments really well, so that can be the top end of your bag, the Idol fits right in the middle, and the of course the Xponent Pearl rounds it out when there’s a lot of friction to work with. This is a set of three options that puts all the power to strike in your hands, and bowlers who know how to trick the ball will appreciate that level of versatility and control.

Jumping to our crossbrand comparisons, I first took a look at the GB5 and here I see a piece that is just as quick off the spot, but one that is more cover dominant. Now, to be fair, the GB5 comes out of the box super dull and will likely wear into being a similar shape to the idol over time, but with fresh surface, the GB5 wants to hook early and a lot so it needs to see more oil to make the right shape.

Then I took a look at the Raptor Fury from Motiv and even though this one and the Idol are very similar on paper, the look on the lane is much different. The Raptor hooks the earliest of our three comparisons and makes the roundest shape of all. On shorter oil patterns, I would lean more towards this one from Motiv as it blends out the hook spot a bit better, but if I need to open up may angles, the idol has this one easily beat.

But with that, here’s my recommendations on types of bowlers that I think would match up well with this piece. The first is balanced bowlers. The Optimum Idol is very well matched up in core and cover strength, and bowlers who have a matched up ball speed and rev rate will love adding it to their arsenal. As long as these folks know how to play multiple parts of the lane, it’s almost a sure thing that they’ll be able to find the pocket with this one from Roto Grip.

The second recommendation is for bowlers with a low axis of rotation. I’ve really come to love these super low RG pieces for these players as they can just allow the core to do the work for them. Even better with this one though is that the cover is reliably strong, but won’t force them into the heart of the lane. It’s really a dream piece for that traditional stroker type of player.

Thank you to Weston Lanes for allowing us to film this video: www.westonlanes.com

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00:00 - The Roto Grip Optimum Idol
01:00 - Bowling
03:05 - Crossbrand Comparisons
03:55 - Recommendations