- Attention-S

First Impressions
The Roto Grip Attention S is a rare sight on the lanes over here, since it was originally an "overseas" release for the international market that found its way into well-stocked pro shops in January 2022. Visually it stands out with a striking color combination of teal, magenta and deep purple. Technically, Roto Grip pairs the proven Momentous core with the eTrax Plus Pearl Reactive coverstock. Interestingly, the core specs were slightly adjusted for this model: with a 2.50 RG and a 0.053 differential (at 15 lbs) plus an intermediate differential of 0.011, the core was made a bit "tamer" than the original Attention in order to create more length. The factory 1500-grit polished finish underlines that character. Out of the box the ball looks extremely clean, glides effortlessly through the heads and stores its energy for the backend. It isn't a "grabber" in the oil, but a glider waiting for friction. Comparison The most natural comparison is to the original Roto Grip Attention (domestic release). Where the original reacted earlier and rounder with a hybrid cover and more aggressive core numbers (higher int. diff), the Attention S is clearly the "skid-flip" version. It gets through the heads considerably more easily and reacts more sharply at the breakpoint, but because of the reduced intermediate differential (0.011) it isn't as violent as some other asymmetric pearls. Compared to the Roto Grip RST X-2, which uses the same eTrax Plus Pearl shell, the Attention S often feels a tick more stable and less "jerky". It offers similar length to the 900 Global Zen, but the asymmetry brings more torque at the end of the pattern, which helps it mix the pins better once the entry angle gets steep. On the Lanes The Roto Grip Attention S is an excellent weapon for the transition phase, when the heads are already drying up ("burn-out") and you're forced to play deeper angles. It absolutely needs dry boards on the backend to initiate its change of direction. On fresh, long oil it will tend to slide too far (squirt), since it lacks the teeth to grab through the fluid. Its strength lies in playing left to right (for right-handers): if you have to open up the pocket and need a ball that releases its energy far down the lane, the Attention S is ideal. It forgives inaccurate shots out to the outside better than many symmetric balls, since the asymmetric core helps turn the ball back to the pocket.