Roto Grip Gremlin Ball Review by Jeff Ussery

Layout: 60 degrees x 5 1/2" x 40 degrees

RG: 2.54"

Differential: .058"

M/b: .008"

Surface: 1500 grit w/ Power Edge Polish

Core shape: Asymmetric

Manufacturer's Intent: Your new favorite pearlized ball has been hatched to help advance your game in ways you didn’t know you needed. Our team of mad scientists in the R&D Lab pushed this core shape to its limits by changing the densities of both the block and the slug on bottom to create the highest RG value and highest Differential value this part has ever seen. From its inception, this mild asymmetric shape was created to emulate the motion of a symmetric core shape with a balance hole in it. Fast forward to this newest version, and well, even though previous models were fantastic, this version is without a doubt the longest and most continuous down lane that we have ever seen. But it doesn’t stop there, the mad scientists in the R&D Lab also managed to formulate a brand-new nano-free coverstock material during this development and testing process as well. That’s right, the versatile response (V-R1) cover formulation was created to handle a wide range of oil conditions and oil types. From the fresh, to the transition, to the burn, this cover provides easy push through the front of the lane while consistently responding to friction down lane without getting out of control.

This was the second new ball I've drilled as I gear up to the start of a new bowling season. I used the same layout as the Storm Ion Pro Solid (see previous review). Sometimes we drill balls and expect one thing to happen, and then it does, and then a plan comes together. Other times, the opposite happens, and we have to regroup. That's what happened to me with the Gremlin. I expected this piece to be longer down the lane than the Ion Pro Solid, which it is. I also expected this piece to backend a decent amount more and give me more of a skid/snap shape in ball reaction. That's what I didn't see from the new Gremlin. Instead, I observed a more controlled shape with a smoother backend motion.

When I threw this ball in my first session with it, I felt like the cover was lacking a little traction. So, I took it back to the store and refinished it using Storm's Power Edge Polish. The Gremlin did liven up a bit after knocking the factory surface off and then refinishing back to a new polished finish. But I still saw a little weaker reaction than anticipated. I've got a lot of other balls to throw some holes in, so I'll have other chances at that big skid/snap shape I was looking for. Gremlin is going to end up being a medium to slightly medium-dry lane condition ball for me. I could see this shape being very useful on a wet/dry lane condition for my game as well. We won't hesitate to recommend the Gremlin for our higher revolution players, as the extremely long cover will provide length versus other options on the wall.

For our Roto Grip users, we'll be recommending this ball as a step-up in hook from Hustles or Ultimate Wrecker. It should fall into a spot well below the Attention Star in total hook. Roto Grip's new Gremlin is available now at TBG in 14# and 15#! Come see us to check out all of Roto Grip's latest gear!