Roto Grip Idol Synergy Ball Review by Jeff Ussery

Layout: 60 degrees x 5" x 40 degrees

RG: 2.54"

Differential: .049"

M/B: n/a

Surface: 1500 grit polished

Core shape: Symmetric

Around six weeks ago I took the plunge into drilling a 14# bowling ball. I only drilled two balls as I really wanted to evaluate the difference and see what changes I noticed before taking the full steps to starting over. My main reasoning was to try to improve pin carry at one bowling center I bowl league at this year. It's a place that I simply haven't consistently struck at it my 30 years of bowling, and now that I'm bowling there weekly, I've really noticed how little I strike there. After trying some different equipment and different angles over the first 8-10 weeks with limited results, I finally decided to try a 14# ball just to see if I could roll it a little different and create some different (or better, or both) pin action. I had an unbelievable five week stretch throwing the 14# balls, so I decided to empty the car (don't leave your balls in your car), and start over with a 14# arsenal. The Idol Synergy is the first ball I'm adding to the two I previously drilled (Nuclear Cell and IQ Tour Emerald) and I was hoping it would fit right in between them.

The first thing I noticed with the Idol Synergy is how quick it reads the friction. For a symmetric core ball with a rounded core shape, this ball really hooks quickly off of the dry. At times that gives me the ability to hook this ball more than my Nuclear Cell, which isn't necessarily desired but it could be useful. As far as the length of this product, it is definitely longer than the Nuclear Cell, but earlier reading than the IQ Tour Emerald in my bag. I'd rate this one at an average to above average length. I haven't found too many house or sport conditions I've bowled on where the front of the lane was trouble for the Idol Synergy.

My best looks so far with this product have been on typical house shots/standard league patterns. It's a little too much skid/flip for me on sport conditions so far. But for the money, this ball is a very strong piece with quick reaction in the backend. I feel like it's one that Roto has been missing for a bit. For me, the Idol Pearl didn't quite hook enough until they really got dry. I didn't feel like there was another shiny symmetric core ball in their line that matched up well on the "mediums." This piece certainly does that.

I haven't tried it with any surface yet as I simply don't have a need to, and like it too much out of the box. But it feels like a ball that would handle a sanded cover very well. Typically symmetric balls in this rg/diff range respond well to scuffing.

Come by Total Bowling Gear and learn more about the Idol Synergy today!