- RST X-3

First Impressions
The Roto Grip RST X-3 continues the successful Roto Star Tour series and comes in the striking color combination of Yellow, Smoke and Grape. Inside sits the proven asymmetric RST core, which at 15 lbs shows a 2.53 RG, a 0.053 differential and a 0.016 intermediate differential. Those numbers promise strong torque and a defined direction change. The heart of the cover is the MicroTrax Hybrid Reactive coverstock, a chemical formulation that already turned heads on the first ball in the series. One decisive difference, however, is the surface finish: the ball ships with the so-called 4K-Fast preparation. This is not a high-gloss polish but a very fine finish that helps the ball skid cleanly through the heads while still retaining enough texture to read the oil in the midlane.
Comparison
To put the performance of the RST X-3 in context, a comparison with its predecessors is essential. Against the Roto Grip RST X-1, which also used the MicroTrax Hybrid cover but arrived with a rough 3000-grit finish, the X-3 goes noticeably longer. Where the X-1 grabbed early and drew a very round arc, the X-3 stores more energy and delivers a stronger move at the end of the oil pattern. Compared to the Roto Grip RST X-2, which had a pearl cover, the X-3 offers considerably more stability in oil and an earlier reaction. The X-2 leaned toward a stronger skid-snap reaction, while the X-3 feels more controllable and covers up lane transition better. You can also loosely compare it to the Storm Infinite Physix, though the RST X-3 is often perceived as rolling a bit earlier and more continuously because of its core character.
On the Lanes
The Roto Grip RST X-3 is made for medium to slightly heavier oil volumes (medium-heavy oil). It works excellently as a benchmark ball, the first one out of the bag to read the lane. Thanks to the 4K-Fast finish it gets through the heads well without burning up energy too early, yet still grabs aggressively enough as soon as it hits friction. That makes it ideal for situations where a pure solid reacts too sluggishly but a pearl is still too unpredictable. Once transition sets in and you have to move deeper, the X-3 lets you open up the angles without carry suffering. It offers a versatile reaction usable by strokers and crankers alike, as long as there is enough oil on the lane to hold the strong core in check.