Neptune is the 8th and farthest known planet from the sun. Roto Grip has figured out how to design a ball that reacts like it is the farthest thing from hooking in oil. The Neptune is the real deal when dealing with lighter oil volumes.
The Roto Grip Neptune features the Sure Grip II™ pearl reactive coverstock designed for drier lane conditions. The weight block that drives this coverstock is the Orbiter II™. This weight block has a high RG of 2.61 and features a low differential of .018. The Neptune comes out of the box at 1500 grit polished and is an eye pleasing aquamarine/ violet blue color. The Neptune I received weighed in at 15lbs. 5ozs with a top weight of 2.26 ozs. and a ½ inch pin. Drilling was a no brainer as we put the pin and cg in the center of the palm.
The first condition I practiced on was a typical house pattern. Anvilane synthetics and a dry strip to the right. Almost an over under condition because the dry boards to the right seemed to be devoid of oil. My first warm up shots down the middle of the lane I watched the ball rev up like it was on ice. It went straight down the lane. Remarkably it still had some energy left to carry a few shots. After getting loose I wanted to see just how far right I could play with this ball. I could literally play 5-2 with this ball. It felt like I was standing right of the first board doing this though. It’s ben a long time since I could play this square and up the boards. The Neptune is the type of ball that you can grab at the bottom and not have the ball change directions too quickly. The stored energy was impressive as strikes were abundant. The Neptune is definitely your ball of choice when the lanes are on fire.
The second condition I used the Neptune on was an FIQ short oil pattern. The very type that Bill Hoffman and Team USA won the gold medal in Korea on. This pattern was listed as a 35 ft pattern but really it was oiled to 29 ft and buffed to 35. There was no chance of moving in and hooking it. Most bowlers preferred to use urethane balls on this pattern. Sacrificing carry to improve accuracy and control of the pocket. The Neptune put me right in the spot I needed to be. I was able to miss to the right and also had a little tug room. I was standing 12 and trying to play 5-2. Not the easiest of patterns to play. Especially when I like to grab the ball. The Neptune proved to be more successful than the urethanes on this pattern. The ball would easily get down the lane and when the oil stopped this ball wouldn’t jerk left,it smooth arced to the pocket. This ball is far and away the most effective ball on short and light volume patterns I’ve ever used.
Roto Grip’s slogan is King Of Them All!,and with the Neptune in your hand you too will be the king of the dry lanes. Another entry performance ball from Roto Grip that far exceeds it’s price point. Roto Grip makes the best price to performance balls on the market today. While using the Neptune on that FIQ pattern, I kept having other bowlers ask me what ball I was using. Most were surprised to find out it was reactive and not urethane. I’m positive this ball generated sales for loal pro shops. The Neptune is not a ball for all conditions so caveat emptor, but if used as recommended there are no better choices. Many thanks to Dan Smith from Roto Grip, Steve Hocking from the National Bowling Store and Bob Hodge of Parkway Lanes.