Bowler Ratings

PatternStTwCr
Oily:X.XX.XX.X
Medium:X.XX.XX.X
Dry:X.XX.XX.X
Sport:X.XX.XX.X

Bowler ratings are from 1 to 10 in order of Stroker (ST), Tweener (TW), Cranker (CR)

Note: Ratings are only available to our premium members.

General Info

Brand:
Name:Optimum Idol
Reviewed:March 2024
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Coverstock Specs
Name:MicroTrax Solid Reactive
Type:Reactive Solid
Box Finish:2000 Abralon
Color:Heliotrope Purple
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Core Specs
Name:Ikon + AI
Type:Symmetrical
RG:2.47
Diff:0.056
Int. Diff:0.000

For details on our standard test layouts, please click here.

Roto Grip’s original Idol became a go-to option for many touring professional and amateur tournament bowlers, so the new Optimum Idol is certainly a hotly-anticipated release. This new iteration features the symmetrical Ikon weight block with the AI outer core system, along with the MicroTrax Solid coverstock that comes out of the box at a 2000 Abralon finish. In our testing, the Optimum Idol was slightly cleaner and more angular compared to the original, while proving to be quite versatile across our four test patterns.

Cranker

Cranker had the best reaction out of the three testers on the heavy oil pattern with the Optimum Idol. The rough box finish dug into the lane quickly, allowing him to swing the ball to the right and have plenty of back end motion and total hook. He liked the amount of flare this ball produced on this condition, giving him the continuation he needed to continue opening up his angles as the lanes broke down. He had no trouble getting this ball to shape downlane and could keep moving left to keep striking without needing to make any changes to his ball’s surface.

Cranker needed to start the Optimum Idol much farther left on the medium oil pattern and keep the ball in the oil so it could retain enough energy through the pins. It was a great look on the fresh, but starting so far left did see him run out of room later in the session. By adding Reacta Gloss to the cover, he saw improved length and a more angular shape at the breakpoint. He could move a bit more outside and see the ball retain energy better than he did with the box finish. Despite such a good look on the fresh with the box finish from deep inside,

Additional Roto Grip Optimum Idol Resources

Click here to visit Roto Grip's website to read the manufacturer-supplied information on this ball. Also, see below for the manufacturer-produced promotional video for this ball.

Please remember that our reviews are solely based on our own testing and that you may sometimes find differences between our comments and ratings and the manufacturer's claims. Links to these manufacturer resources are provided here strictly for convenience purposes.

The BTM Ball Testing Team

About The BTM Ball Testing Team

The BTM Ball Testing Team is led by Eric Martinez. Our team of three testers has thrown and reviewed hundreds of bowling balls for Bowling This Month. When not testing balls for BTM, Eric owns and operates University Pro Shop in San Antonio, TX and he is an avid competitive bowler. Click here to learn more about how we test and review bowling balls.