- No Rules

First Impressions
The Roto Grip No Rules, which hit the market in August 2016, comes in an extremely eye-catching, bright color combination of neon green, neon orange and black. Inside this bowling ball works the asymmetric Chaotic core, a completely new design for this series. At a standard ball weight of fifteen pounds, this core carries a medium RG of 2.51 and a strong primary differential of 0.053. These specs are rounded out by a high asymmetric differential of 0.018. These massive numbers should deliver an enormous flare potential of over five inches and allow for very pronounced axis rotation. The core is wrapped in the so-called Micro DNA Solid Reactive coverstock. Out of the box, this reactive cover is finished with a 2000-grit sand, which gives the ball an exceptionally rough, tacky texture. The combination of this strong asymmetric core and the dull solid coverstock aims to generate maximum traction on the lane. The entire construction is precisely designed to grab very early in the heads and build a continuous, strong hook without burning off all of its rotational energy too early despite the dull surface.
Comparison
Compared directly to the Roto Grip Hyper Cell, which is often seen as its predecessor in this high-end line, the Roto Grip No Rules shows a noticeably more dynamic and aggressive overall reaction. It should stand up considerably earlier in the midlane and develop a distinctly stronger change of direction toward the pins. Looking at a popular model from another manufacturer, the Storm Phaze II, released in exactly the same period, makes for a good reference. The Storm Phaze II also uses a very strong, dull solid surface, but relies on a symmetric core. This gives the Storm Phaze II a very round, even and easily controlled motion that shines especially on inconsistent conditions. The Roto Grip No Rules, on the other hand, reacts even earlier and even more uncompromisingly to the friction of the lane thanks to its strong asymmetric core and slightly rougher finish. It generates significantly more torque, which results in a distinctly sharper angle into the pocket. The fundamental difference is also immediately clear in comparison to models with smoother covers from the same series, such as the Roto Grip No Rules Pearl: while the Pearl version glides effortlessly through the heads with its polished cover and saves its energy for an explosive backend motion, the original No Rules is uncompromisingly built for early traction, maximum stability in heavy oil and a steady motion.
On the Lanes
The Roto Grip No Rules was designed primarily for medium to very heavy oil conditions. With its aggressive 2000-grit finish and the absorbent Micro DNA cover, it is the ideal tool for handling heavy oil patterns and long, flat sport patterns with authority. The rough surface should ensure that the ball does not skid uncontrolled over the oil even at very high oil volume, but instead finds enough friction early to move into its roll phase. If you throw the ball at higher speed, you'll particularly appreciate the enormous traction and the early read of the lane. The ball reads the breakpoint reliably and creates a strong entry angle to ensure optimal carry. Once transition sets in over the course of the game, however, and the amount of oil in the heads decreases through continued play, the Roto Grip No Rules can quickly burn up too much energy in the front part of the lane because of its strength. In those situations the ball often grabs too early, loses punch in the backend and hits the pins flat. As the lanes dry up, a prompt switch to balls with a shiny surface or weaker symmetric cores is therefore advisable. Alternatively, the ball motion can be adjusted by manually polishing the cover to generate a bit more length. For bowlers who play on plenty of oil and need an extremely strong, dependable asymmetric reaction, however, this ball is an excellent choice that absolutely masters the trip across the boards and inspires confidence even on difficult conditions.