- Rubicon Extreme

First Impressions
The Roto Grip Rubicon Extreme is a bit of an oddity, since it originally came out as an "overseas" release (an international model), but it gets imported frequently because of its strong performance numbers. Technically it's built on the very successful asymmetric Rondure core that's also used throughout the rest of the Rubicon line. With a 2.49 RG and a 0.052 differential (at 15 lbs), this core delivers a quick revup and medium-high flare potential. The key difference from its siblings is in the shell: Roto Grip uses the MicroTrax P-20 Pearl Reactive coverstock here. That's a significant upgrade over weaker pearl coverstocks, since MicroTrax chemistry is normally reserved for stronger solid balls. Out of the box, the ball comes with a 1500-grit polish, which in combination with the fiery orange-red look immediately suggests: this ball wants length, but it has the chemical "teeth" not to slide out in the oil. Comparison The most obvious comparison is to the Roto Grip Rubicon UC2. While both balls combine asymmetric cores with pearl shells, the Rubicon Extreme is the "stronger" version. The UC2 uses the eTrax cover, which is cleaner and reacts faster (skid/flip), while the Extreme reads earlier thanks to the MicroTrax shell and shows a rounder, more controlled move off the backend. It looks "meatier" on the lane by comparison. Put it up against a Storm Dark Code and the Rubicon Extreme often shows a slightly earlier roll phase, since the Rondure core is less extremely asymmetric than the Dark Code's RAD4 core, which makes the Extreme a bit more predictable. Compared to a symmetric pearl ball like the 900 Global Zen, the Rubicon Extreme offers a quicker response time to friction and a steeper entry angle into the pocket thanks to its asymmetric core. On the Lanes The Roto Grip Rubicon Extreme is an excellent choice for medium to heavier oil conditions where you still need the length of a pearl surface. It's not a ball for bone-dry lanes. Its niche is the transition: when pure solid balls (like the original Rubicon or a Roto Grip Gem) start burning up energy too early and arrive flat, the Extreme is the ideal next step. The MicroTrax shell provides enough traction to get through leftover oil in the heads without sliding (hydroplaning), but thanks to the pearl additives it stores enough energy for explosive carry. It works very well if you like to "twist" the ball, since the core helps bring it back to the pocket even when you lose it a little further outside.