Roto Grip introduces the Illusion. A symmetric pearl reactive ball that is very versatile. The Illusion features Roto’s Ultimate Vision™ pearl reactive coverstock usually reserved for the Epic™ series of balls. The new Helios II™ core looks just like the original Helios™ core but it is not the same. The density of the weight block itself was adjusted and they increased the volume of the outer core wrap. This helped raise the RG value and lower the differential slightly. The result in numbers is a higher RG of 2.53 and a lower Differential of .042 than the previous Helios™ core. This ball was designed to conquer league conditions due to it’s versatility. The Illusion comes out of the box at 2000 polished and is a nice color mix of crimson/midnight blue.
The Illusion test ball I drilled weighed in at 15lbs 3oz. With a top weight of 2.6oz and a 3 inch pin. I used one of my favorite layouts at 4 X 4 with the pin below the ring finger. I like the pin below because I find they tend to be less skid/snap sensitive. No weight hole was needed. I left the Illusion’s cover alone as I prefer to always throw new balls in their box finish first before adjusting their reactions.
The first condition I threw the Illusion on was a THS on older Brunswick Anvilane surface. This centers oil volume is on the ligher side with incredible friction off the gutters. I stood 25 and looked to throw this ball from 17 to 5. Judging this ball solely on roll I like it. The Illusion gets down the lane easily but when it hits friction it turns left. I can’t really classify it as angular because it reads the break too soon to be angular. A strong arc is a safe description. I was able to move as far left as possible and flat out whip it at the right gutter and this ball responded every time. I liked the fact that this ball didn’t stop hooking through the pins. Hitting power was exceptional, even at this extreme angle.
The second conditon I was able to use the Illusion on was a tournament shot. Normally this tournament plays very flat and short and you need to take your hand out of it. During practice for the squad I threw what normally works for this pattern. Both balls I threw went to long. I thought I’d try the Illusion to see how that reaction was. I found out after the squad that they had gone 2 feet longer on the pattern. The Illusion seemed to be tailor made for this condition. I was able to comfortably play 22 to 10 and still get it back. I definitely had a superior ball reaction on this pattern. Carry was ridiculous as everything seemed to fall, even 9 pins were getting slapped from both directions. I wish I could say I led the squad but I didn’t make enough quality shots. I did make the finals comfortably though, so mission accomplished.
The Illusion is an eye opener for a lot of people when they see the reaction of this ball. I can use it in league most nights unless they are super dry. It has become my reference ball as the first ball out of my bag. I can judge a condition base on how this ball reacts. I haven’t had to adjust the coverstock other than cleaning and re-polishing. Roto Grip should be popping up on every bowlers radar. I see no weakness in this ball and it should match up to all release styles. Many thanks to Roger Noordhoek of Roto Grip, Steve Hocking, National Bowling Store and Bob Hodge of Parkway Lanes.