- Vintage Gem

First Impressions
The Roto Grip Vintage Gem, released in October 2025 as a special international release, expands the popular Gem series with an interesting pearl option that sits technically below the previous models. At the center works the familiar "heart" of the series: the asymmetric Defiant LRG Core. This core is defined by an extremely low RG of 2.47 and a high differential of 0.053 (at 15 lbs), which produces very early and stable rotation. The new element is the coverstock: instead of the aggressive MicroTrax formula (as on the Exotic Gem), the eTrax Plus Pearl Reactive coverstock is used here. This somewhat "weaker" and cleaner chemistry, combined with a factory high-gloss finish, aims to get the raw power of the Defiant core through the heads better and save energy for the backend.
Comparison
Compared directly to the original Roto Grip Gem (solid), the difference is "night and day." While the original Gem is known as the ultimate snowplow for the heaviest oil and rolls extremely early, the Vintage Gem glides effortlessly through the heads and responds to friction much later. Against the Roto Grip Exotic Gem, which also has a pearl cover, the Vintage Gem uses the eTrax base instead of the stronger MicroTrax base. That means the Vintage Gem is even cleaner through the heads and less prone to burning up in the oil. It offers a more angular reaction than the very smooth Roto Grip TNT Infused and delivers more overall hook than a Roto Grip Attention Star, since the Defiant core works harder.
On the Lanes
The Vintage Gem is the perfect solution for the transition phase on medium to heavy oil patterns. It shines when the heads are already drying up ("heads fried") and stronger balls like the Gem or Magic Gem lose energy too early. Thanks to the eTrax pearl cover, it gets cleanly through the burned-up area, while the strong asymmetric core makes sure the ball doesn't simply keep sliding straight at the breakpoint but instead makes a defined, powerful change of direction. It's an excellent fit if you like to belly the ball deep into the pocket and have to play steep angles without risking the typical carry loss of weaker cores.