The Roto Grip bowling ball brand started in the late 1960s in New York. Run by the Yetito family, Roto Grip had a style all its own in its nascent days. They were kind of a maverick on the bowling equipment scene, offering unique high-performance bowling balls pre-weighted with side weight and finger-weight, marked with a four-point star.
The four-point star gave you the perfect drill point, meaning you didn’t have to scale the ball with the help of a dodo scale.
As the bowling ball industry evolved, Roto Grip struggled to find a consistent partner for landing the newest and best bowling ball technology. Other brands were getting the rights to most of the good stuff, leaving Roto Grip to fend for the scraps.
In 1998, Storm Products Inc. purchased the Roto Grip brand from the Yetito family. With Storm’s access to top coverstock and core technology, along with their vast market imprint, Storm has revived the Roto Grip name and carried on the amazing legacy of the Yetito family.
Rather than making you jump from review page to review page in hopes of finding the best Roto Grip ball for you, we’ve done the leg work with our list of the 10 Best Roto Grip Bowling Balls For 2021. We’ve included a blend of aggressive asymmetric gems and control-freak symmetric beauties. Whatever category your game falls into, we’ve got you covered.
Let’s get going with #10.
Top 10 Roto Grip Bowling Balls For 2021
10) Roto Grip UFO Bowling Ball
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Let’s start with one of the coolest advancements in bowling technology we’ve seen from the Roto Grip brand. The Roto Grip UFO Bowling Ball has a brand-new E.T asymmetric core that relegates balance holes to the rearview mirror. Instead of a balance hole, the core has “Equalizer Cavities” which do the same thing — offering extra continuation and power through the middle of the lane.
Specs
Color: Baby Blue/Neon Green/Deep Purple
Core: E.T. (Asymmetric)
Coverstock: MicroTrax-S20 Solid (Solid Reactive)
Factory Finish: 2000-Grit Pad
RG: 2.52
Differential: 0.054
Flare potential: High
Recommended Lane Condition: Medium-Heavy
Pros
- This ball offers consistent energy retention in fresh oil and somewhat depleted conditions.
- The new E.T. core gives you the advantages of a balance hole without breaking USBC rules.
- This ball has sneaky hitting power and a confident breakpoint reaction.
Cons
- This ball doesn’t have the same continuation and oomph on dry lanes.
- The complex asymmetric core design will confused uninitiated bowlers.
9) Roto Grip MVP Attitude Bowling Ball
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Mid-lane traction is key, but not if it forces you to lose reactivity at the breakpoint. The great thing about the Roto Grip MVP Attitude is that it offers great mid-lane control and some fantastic angularity towards the pin deck. And with the help of the Neutron NXT symmetric core, your ball will flip and track directly to the pocket right when you need it most.
Specs
Color: Purple Solid/Violet Pearl/Golden Pearl
Core: Neutron NXT (Symmetric)
Coverstock: VTC-H20 (Hybrid Reactive)
Factory Finish: 3000-Grit
RG: 2.55
Differential: 0.040
Flare potential: Medium
Recommended Lane Condition: Medium
Pros
- The Neutron NXT symmetric core is super forgiving, helping you find the pocket on off-throws.
- The demeanor of the Roto Grip MVP Attitude is unmistakable — you want movement, you got it.
- This ball’s flip towards the pocket is distinct and super helpful.
Cons
- This ball goes a bit sideways and may not have the consistent shape some bowlers are looking for.
- The overall hitting power is quite good, but not in the top tier of balls on this list.
8) Roto Grip Winner Solid Bowling Ball
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A worthwhile update of the crowd-pleasing Roto Grip Show Off and Roto Grip Winner‘s proven formulas, the Roto Grip Winner Solid Bowling Ball clears the fronts in a way its predecessors simply could not. The return of the Altered Hotshot core is the selling point here, but the new VTC-S18 solid reactive coverstock isn’t chopped liver. It’s a hard-hitting standout that offers more backend reactivity than most solid covers.
Specs
Color: Green/Purple/Black
Core: Altered Hotshot (Symmetric)
Coverstock: VTC-S18 (Solid Reactive)
Factory Finish: 3000-Grit Pad
RG: 2.54
Differential: 0.054
Flare potential: Medium
Recommended Lane Condition: Medium
Pros
- The Altered Hotshot core portends great versatility and lane length.
- We love the durability and reactivity of the new VTC-S18 coverstock.
- Roto Grip melded the best of the Show Off and Winner into a fantastic strike ball.
Cons
- It’s a versatile ball, to be sure. But, too much wet or dry mutes its effectiveness a bit.
- The angularity of the Winner Solid isn’t bad, but it’s nothing to write home about.
7) Roto Grip Wild Streak Bowling Ball
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The high-RG Mutated Rotary core of the Roto Grip Wild Streak Bowling Ball is a beast of pure energy retention. If you’re looking for some late motion and a unique backend shape with the end of your hook, you’re going to love what the Wild Streak is laying down. From medium to heavy oil conditions, this ball grips and rips for some of the craziest pin crashes we’ve seen during testing.
Specs
Color: Grey/Purple/Black
Core: Mutated Rotary (Symmetric)
Coverstock: SureTrax-S19 (Solid Reactive)
Factory Finish: 3000-Grit Pad
RG: 2.60
Differential: 0.048
Flare potential: Medium-High
Recommended Lane Condition: Medium-Heavy
Pros
- The booming pin crashes of the Wild Streak on near the level of the hardest-hitting balls on our countdown.
- If you prefer late motion and tracking towards the pin deck, this ball’s the way to go.
- The backend shape is quite different. But, it’s also quite effective.
Cons
- This ball lives up to its name. If you can’t tame the Wild Streak, you’re gonna be vexed.
- Dry lanes tend to make this ball juke and jive ineffectively.
6) Roto Grip Nuclear Cell Bowling Ball
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The star of the Roto Grip Nuclear Cell Bowling Ball is the asymmetric Nucleus core — one of the most popular cores in the Roto Grip oeuvre. It’s known for its versatility and strong motion, and it does wonders paired with the brand-new eTrax-P20 pearl reactive coverstock. Coupled together, the core and coverstock coax some of the best down-lane responsiveness we’ve seen from an asymmetric ball at this price point.
Specs
Color: Burnt Orange/Purple Haze/Red Hot
Core: Nucleus(Asymmetric)
Coverstock: eTrax-P20 (Pearl Reactive)
Factory Finish: 1500-Grit Polished
RG: 2.52
Differential: 0.056
Flare potential: High
Recommended Lane Condition: Medium-Heavy
Pros
Cons
- This ball is versatile enough for dry lanes. But, it’s not at its best in the dry.
- The motion might be too distinct for those looking for a smooth ride.
5) Roto Grip RST X-1 Bowling Ball
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The first entry into a brand-new series in Roto Grip’s HP4 line of bowling balls, the Roto Grip RST X-1 Bowling Ball retains a ton of energy on medium-heavy and heavy oil patterns for a distinct, violent breakpoint motion. While a solid MicroTrax coverstock has been used in other Roto Grip balls such as the Idol and UFO, the new MicroTrax Hybrid cover offers a bit more hook and angularity headed towards the pins.
Specs
Color: Forest Pearl/Dark Forest/Black
Core: Roto Star Tour(Asymmetric)
Coverstock: MicroTrax Hybrid (Hybrid Reactive)
Factory Finish: 3000 Abralon
RG: 2.53
Differential: 0.053
Recommended Lane Condition: Medium-Heavy, Heavy
Pros
- The RST X-1‘s aggressive breakpoint movement is fiery, to say the least.
- The brand-new MicroTrax Hybrid coverstock is a fantastic update of its solid predecessor.
- This ball has better hook potential than most of the balls on our list.
Cons
- It’s a new series for Roto Grip, so there are a couple of kinks that need to be worked out for future releases.
- Dry lanes cut this ball’s angularity considerably.
4) Roto Grip No Rules Bowling Ball
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Reactive balls that rip through heavy oil are all the rage, but none do it quite like the Roto Grip No Rules Bowling Ball. Its distinctive, wild motion in heavy oil conditions leads to some interesting angles for pocket collisions. And while it’s at its most brutal in the heaviest of oil, it’s still balanced enough to do damage when oil conditions start to deplete.
Specs
Color: Neon Orange/Neon Green/Black
Core: Chaotic (Asymmetric)
Coverstock: Micro DNA (Solid Reactive)
Factory Finish: 2000-Grit Pad
RG: 2.51
Differential: 0.053
Flare potential: High
Recommended Lane Condition: Heavy
Pros
- The No Rules is a rollercoaster in bowling ball form. It’s all thrills.
- Heavy-oil angularity and breakpoint craziness is a major plus here.
- This ball is the heaviest-hitting offering on our countdown.
Cons
- This ball is aggressive to a fault. It’ll scare away some control bowlers.
- The drier the lanes, the less you can tap into this ball’s ultimate violence quotient.
3) Roto Grip Idol Synergy Bowling Ball
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For those bowlers looking for confident, smart reads in medium oil, the Roto Grip Idol Synergy Bowling Ball is the right ball for the job. A fantastic counterbalance to the Roto Grip Idol and Roto Grip Idol Pearl, the Roto Grip Idol Synergy glides effortlessly through the heads and stays on the lane for wicked backend theatrics. This ball gets going in the middle of the lane and doesn’t stop until it’s on the ball return.
Specs
Color: Magenta Solid/Amethyst Pearl
Core: Ikon (Symmetric)
Coverstock: eTrax Hybrid (Hybrid Reactive)
Factory Finish: 1500-Grit Polished
RG: 2.49
Differential: 0.052
Flare potential: Medium-High
Recommended Lane Condition: Medium
Pros
- The Roto Grip Idol Synergy makes for three amazing balls in the Idol series.
- For a clean roll through the fronts, there isn’t a better option here.
- This ball has backend firepower to spare (and for spares.)
Cons
- This is a high-maintenance hybrid reactive cover. Make sure you clean it regularly.
- Too much wet or too much dry keeps this ball from peak performance.
2) Roto Grip Halo Bowling Ball
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If you’re looking for powerful continuation and energy retention no matter what oil conditions you face, the Roto Grip Halo Bowling Ball is a serendipitous option. The new Centrum core increases continuation and rotation, keeping this ball on track towards the pocket when things are slick or broken down. And when oil gets heavy, this ball turns the deep stuff into some of the most efficacious ball movement in the Roto Grip catalog.
Specs
Color: Fuschia/Sky Blue/Coal
Core: Centrum(Asymmetric)
Coverstock: MicroTrax-S18 (Solid Reactive)
Factory Finish: 2000-Grit Pad
RG: 2.49
Differential: 0.050
Flare potential: High
Recommended Lane Condition: Heavy
Pros
- There’s ball motion and then there’s the insane ball movement of the Roto Grip Halo.
- The Halo retains energy for some booming pin impacts.
- Continuation to the back wall is a given with the Roto Grip Halo.
Cons
- This ball is versatile but prefers more oil.
- The movement can be a little daunting for beginners and intermediate bowlers.
1) Roto Grip Rubicon UC2 Bowling Ball
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A groundbreaking follow-up to the Roto Grip Rubicon released in 2020, the Roto Grip Rubicon UC2 Bowling Ball does things that other low-RG asymmetric bowling balls simply can’t. The length and consistent shape you get at the breakpoint with this ball in medium oil conditions is simply astounding. The ball motion is tops, and the hitting power is something you’re gonna have to see to believe.
Specs
Color: Purple Sky/Cosmic Black
Core: Rondure(Asymmetric)
Coverstock: eTrax Pearl (Pearl Reactive)
Factory Finish: 1500-Grit Polished
RG: 2.49
Differential: 0.052
Flare potential: Medium-High
Recommended Lane Condition: Medium
Pros
- The breakpoint reactivity of this ball is second to none on this list.
- There isn’t a better medium-oil ball out there at this price point.
- The Roto Grip Rubicon UC2 and Roto Grip Rubicon make for an unbeatable 1-2 series punch.
Cons
- The motion might be overwhelming for those used to mid-performance balls.
- Asymmetric core balls can go a little sideways on you if you’re not careful.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Roto Grip bowling ball?
Yes! Roto Grip has a reputation with bowlers everywhere for manufacturing high-performance bowling balls that get the job done in a variety of different oil conditions. Whether you’re a bowler that needs an angular ball with a movement-friendly asymmetric weight block, or items with a more traditional length and backend twist, go with Roto Grip. Roto Grip has bowling firepower at a price you can afford. Power. Balance. Strong rev rate. Roto Grip gets it done for bowlers like you.
Are Storm and Roto Grip the same company?
Storm Products Inc. is a world leader in the manufacturing of bowling balls and other bowling equipment. Their product imprint hits many different categories and receives some of the best customer reviews in the industry. So, it’s no surprise that Storm Products Inc. owns the Roto Grip and 900 Global bowling equipment brands. Storm’s manufacturing teams account for the production of 500,000 balls a year or so. When you shop for a Roto Grip ball and place your order, you’re making an investment in a ball with a proven track record and a huge fanbase.
What is the hardest-hitting Roto Grip bowling ball?
The Roto Grip No Rules Bowling Ball is one of the most violent, crazy hitters we’ve ever played with. It gets so angular in heavy oil, crushing the pins from perspectives unseen with other high-performance balls. The new Rubicon UC2 has comparable explosiveness, but the t is our pick for Roto Grip’s hardest-hitting bowling ball.
Closing Thoughts
Any of the ten Roto Grip bowling balls profiled above are a fantastic purchase decision. Whichever one you decide to place in your cart, you are investing in peak control and unparalleled hitting power. Roto Grip is one of the most trusted bowling ball manufacturers going today, and all of their releases are at least worth a second look. The ways that Roto Grip balls can improve your game are endless. All of your orders with the company are going to pay off big time at the lanes.
