- Transformer

First Impressions
The Roto Grip Transformer marks a significant milestone in the Storm group's portfolio, as it is the first bowling ball to launch the newly introduced HP5 line. Visually, the ball comes in a striking mix of dark purple, light purple and a gray-green tone. Technologically, the centerpiece of this new development is the so-called "Morph Wing Core." This asymmetric core features specific wing structures positioned very close to the surface of the ball, which is physically designed to influence what is known as "Torque Induced Precession." The technical specifications of the core include an RG of 2.51, a differential of 0.051 and an intermediate differential of 0.015. The somewhat higher RG for an asymmetric ball suggests that the Transformer should get through the heads comparatively cleanly. The coverstock material is the VR1 Solid Reactive, a further development of the blend already used on the "Gremlin," here in a solid, nano-free version. From the factory, the ball ships with a 4000-grit Abralon finish. This combination of core and cover aims to compensate for the limitations created by the elimination of weight holes and to open up new possibilities in ball reaction through specific drilling techniques.

Comparison
In direct comparison with other balls in the Storm group's lineup, the Transformer positions itself as a link between the extremely early-rolling "heavy oil" pieces and the shiny pearl balls. Against the Storm Ion Max or the Equinox Solid, the Transformer should get down the lane later and produce a more angular move at the breakpoint. While the Ion Max is described as noticeably earlier and smoother in its motion, the Transformer should be able to generate more angle. A parallel that is frequently drawn is the comparison to the Roto Grip Attention Star S2. The Transformer could serve as a potential successor or replacement here, since it covers similar areas of use. Out of the box, the Transformer probably looks a bit more angular than an Attention Star S2 due to the 4000 finish, but with surface adjustments (for example to 2000 or 3000 grit) it could develop a very similar character. Compared to the Roto Grip Hyperdrive, the Transformer is perceived as less "chuggy" and should offer more definition down the back part of the lane. Comparisons are also drawn to technologies from other manufacturers, such as the DV8 Heckler, because of the core construction, in which drilling into or avoiding certain core areas changes the dynamics.

On the Lanes
Probably the most outstanding characteristic of the Roto Grip Transformer lies in its extreme variability through the drilling layout. The "Morph Wing Core" allows the pro shop operator to drastically "transform" the ball reaction, depending on whether the finger holes hit or miss the wing of the core. If it is drilled so that the wing is missed (for example through longer or very short pin distances to the grip center), the "Torque Induced Precession" should be amplified. This causes the ball to pull harder to the left (for right-handers), generate more hook and show a more continuous, more angular motion through the pocket. Such a layout is recommended when more angle and backend motion are desired. If, on the other hand, you drill directly into the wing of the core (which often happens with a pin distance of roughly 4 inches to the grip center), mass is removed and the precession is inhibited. This results in a more stable, more controlled and smoother motion in which the ball tends to roll earlier and go "forward" (more straight-line) through the pins. This version is particularly suited to fresh, demanding lane conditions where control over the breakpoint is essential. In general, the Transformer works excellently on medium to longer oil patterns and can be used effectively both on fresh oil and in transition. Because of the 4000 surface it is not necessarily the first ball for extremely heavy oil, but by taking the surface down (for example to 1000 grit) it can be made to read the lane considerably earlier without losing its continuity. It offers a high degree of versatility for different player types, both one-handed and two-handed bowlers, since it is said to respond very readily to hand positions. Carry and energy transfer into the pins benefit from the axis rotation optimized by the core technology.