- Wicked Gremlin

First Impressions
With the Roto Grip Wicked Gremlin, the manufacturer presents a high-performance addition to the HP3 line, designed specifically for oilier conditions. At the heart of the ball works the asymmetric Rondure MaxD core, which was already used in the previous model. At a standard ball weight of 15 pounds, this engine features a high RG of 2.50, a strong differential of 0.058 and an intermediate differential of 0.010. This setup is built to rev up quickly and generate an enormously high flare potential, which promises a strong overall motion down the lane. The core is wrapped in the new G-R1 Solid Reactive cover. This is a special nano-free formulation said to have a particularly tacky characteristic and to provide immense stability through the midlane. Out of the box, the surface comes with a 2000-grit Abralon finish, which gives the bowling ball a deep, matte appearance and should make it ideal for medium to high oil volumes. Thanks to this deliberately roughened texture, the ball should dig into the oil early enough not to slide through uncontrollably. Instead, it should offer a continuous arc toward the pins and ensure that the rotational energy is released at exactly the right moment.
Comparison Looking at other models on the market, the specific niche of the Roto Grip Wicked Gremlin becomes clear. Compared directly to the original Roto Grip Gremlin, which is equipped with a V-R1 Pearl cover and is known above all for an extremely clean skid phase through the heads along with a sharp change of direction at the end of the lane, the Wicked version should read the lane significantly earlier. The matte solid cover should build noticeably more traction in the midlane and result in a smoother, more consistent motion instead of a sudden flip. Compared on the other hand to a classic benchmark ball like the Storm Phaze II, the Roto Grip Wicked Gremlin promises a more dynamic and more assertive hook thanks to its asymmetric weight block once it reaches friction at the end of the oil pattern. While the Storm Phaze II has proven to react very round and even, the Wicked Gremlin should offer a stronger asymmetric release of power that does not lose energy as quickly, even on deeper angles across the boards. At the same time it positions itself more aggressively than the Roto Grip Gremlin Tour-X, which with its hybrid cover and lower differential values is geared much more toward pure control and a flatter arc.
On the Lanes Because of its specific technical setup, the Roto Grip Wicked Gremlin is in theory an excellent choice for bowlers who have to compete on fresh or heavily oiled patterns. When the lanes are freshly oiled at the start of a day of competition and weaker balls slide easily in the heads, this model should provide the friction needed to start the hook process early and enter the pocket in a stable manner. The rough texture of the cover should be forgiving of small mistakes in the release and deliver a very predictable, steady motion. If you throw the ball fast, or if you naturally generate fewer revs, you can benefit enormously from the matte surface. The ball should build enough traction on its own not to slide past the breakpoint. If transition sets in over the course of the tournament, however, and the lanes get noticeably drier in the front part of the lane, it is recommended that you switch to weaker or polished balls in good time. Otherwise the Roto Grip Wicked Gremlin runs the risk of using up its energy too early, which can cause it to hit too flat at the end and clearly worsen the carry. For starting out on a typical house shot with sufficient oil or on moderate sport conditions, though, this model promises excellent results and builds confidence through its consistent read of the lane.