Roto Grip RockStar Amped Bowling Ball

The Rockstar took the place of the Optimum Idol as the strong solid symmetric in the HP3 lineup, the Amped takes the place of the Optimum Idol Pearl as the strong pearl symmetric. That said, they are distinctly different than the Idols. The Idols had the MicroTrax cover on them and the Rockstars use NanoStar - the MicroTrax cover is significantly stronger (reads the lane earlier) than then NanoStar cover on the Rockstars. The Amped is a straight cover swap of the original Rockstar - NanoStar pearl replaces NanoStar solid. As you would expect, the Amped goes down the lane further and has a stronger backend reaction than the original RockStar, making it an excellent complement to the RockStar as the lanes start to transition and you need to get the ball further down the lane. Layout: 5 x 4 x 2 My Specs - Speed - 16 mph, Rev Rate - 280. PAP 5 3/4 x 1/2 Up. Youtube Link: https://youtu.be/GMI4QkF010w

The Amped is the perfect step-down from the original Rockstar – it's cleaner, more responsive, but still is not sensitive to oil. Whereas the first Rockstar was perfect for medium-heavy lane conditions, the Amped rules on medium to medium-dry patterns. Comparing it to other recent releases, the Amped is about as clean as the 900 Global Ember, but it makes a more defined move down lane. The Amped has the stereotypical “Storm motion”, in the best way possible. With the box shiny finish, it is certainly too clean for fresh heavier conditions, but that is where the Rockstar is meant to be used instead, anyways.

The Rock Star Amped is the newest addition to the HP3 line at Roto Grip. I felt like the original Rock Star was excellent. I don’t think it got the attention it deserved because it was really good on several different patterns and surfaces. It’s still available so if you haven’t drilled one, it could be worth drilling before they’re gone! Back to the Amped…so this is the same core as the original Rock Star (Rocker Core), but the coverstock is the new NanoStar Pearl. The goal for the Amped is to be cleaner and more responsive than the original Rock Star, and it does just that. After using it for the last couple of weeks, I’ve noticed that the Amped needs some volume on the lane. I’ve drilled one so far and really like it. It’s mapped out as 4.5 x 4 x 3. This puts the pin above my ring finger with a stacked CG. I’ve also left the surface alone (Power Edge Factory Finish), but I plan on scratching the surface with a 3000 pad to smooth it off just a bit. It’s the perfect compliment to the original Rock Star, which is a staple in my tournament bag. Also, I think it fits nicely between an Ion Pro Solid and an Equinox Solid. But, like I said before, I think the Amped needs some volume on the lane. It’s stronger and more responsive than you might think, but I think it’s really good! Go drill one!

LANE CONDITION Length:44 Volume: Med-High Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):THS COMMENTS Core: Rocker + A.I. Core Technology (14-16#) Cover: NanoStar Pearl Reactive Finish: Power Edge RG: 2.48 Diff: 0.050 ME: Right-Handed Tweener Speed: 12-13 mph Rev Rate: 315 Axis Tilt: 14° Axis Rotation: 74° PAP: 5 1/8 R 7/8 Up Ball Layout: Pin Over Bridge 5 X 5 X 2 VLS With the success of the Roto Grip Rockstar a Pearl version was easy to forsee. What came to fruition was a pearl powerhouse loaded with Nano called the Rockstar Amped. Same great Rocker core with A.I. this time wrapped in a responsive Nano Star Pearl reactive cover. The Nano makes it a little diggy in the mid-lane for a pearl cover, but it doesn't look responsiveness. I tested the Amped on our house shot behind a session of the senior league. This usually equates to the second game of a normal house league in my experience. With plenty of oil still out on the lane I did see a little bit of over/under which makes me think I'd had some polyester balls go down the lane before I bowled. I found that a small hand position adjustment to get the ball started a touch earlier took care of it and I started striking consistently. This ball should be great in the transition and it's definitely strong and responsive enough to keep getting left with it. When I transition further left game 3 is usually when I have to ball change. Rather than hoping to be lucky and get the first two games in first, or as is usually the case having to switch balls after each game, the Amped is perfect for game 2 and just gets better in game 3 and beyond. I could see this ball being really good on tournament conditions and in longer blocks. See my full video review at: https://youtu.be/WecBuF24Tx8?si=JaE92OaNaUB81P9N Lonnie Pemberton Storm Pro Shop Staff Vise Pro Shop Staff Revolutions Pro Shop Youtube Channel: https://youtube.com/@Revstormaz

Roto Grip Rockstar AMPED Ball specs:ROCKER™ + A.I. CORE TECHNOLOGY with NANOSTAR™ PEARL COVERSTOCK. Coverstock finished with 2000ab with Power Edge. Layout: 3 ½ X 4 X 1 ½ My Specs: Rev rate 420’s, ball speed 15.3 to 15.8 mph off the hand, axis tilt of 16 degrees and axis rotation of 70 degrees, PAP is 3 15/16th up 3/16th. Tested on Pro-lane surface on a 43ft medium volume house pattern and 37ft sport pattern. The follow up to the very popular Roto Grip Rockstar, Roto Grip releases the AMPED - the pearl version of the OG Rockstar. The main difference between this coverstock from the Hyperdrive RST and Gremlin is that there is nano load in the AMPED coverstock and there is no nano load in the Hyperdrive RST and Gremlin. The nano load in the cover allows the ball to pick up sooner on the lane adding a different look down lane when it comes to pearl coverstock balls in the Roto Grip line. For me the AMPED is the 2nd ball out of the bag following the OG Rockstar when the pattern starts to breakdown or the carry down starts to build up in the track area on the house pattern and when bowling on the short to medium sport patterns, it's the first ball out of the bag, because it provides medium length and strong back end with out being like a boomerang or hockey stick reaction and not being over/under when trying to adjust speed or angles. I LOVE this ball almost as much as my 3 Rockstars I currently have in my bag rotation. The AMPED is taking the place of 2 balls for me in my 6 ball THS and sport pattern bag, by replacing the Storm ION Pro solid and Hyroad 40, which will free up a spot for the all new 900 Global Viking. My current 6 ball league and sport pattern leagues are: Rockstar, AMPED, Equinox solid, Gremlin with 2inch pin to pap for early and consistent roll and reaction, Hyperdrive RST pearl, and the Viking which I will be reviewing later this week. Thanks to Earl Burger at ABC North Lanes and Lounge, Bret and Damion at Bowlers’ Supply, Mike SInek, Roto_Schlem, Travis Celmer and the rest of the SPI team that supports my bowling life. Special shoutout to Coolwick and Vise Inserts for their continued support and supplying with the best and the “coolest” jerseys and grips and accessories in the bowling industries, My next 3 Storm Matchmaker Live events are: Main Lanes in Greensburg, Pa on Friday December 12th, Spins Pittsburgh on December 13th and then Sunday the 14th at ABC North Lanes in Harrisburg, Check out my Facebook for more upcoming events in 2026.

The new RotoGrip Rockstar Amped features the same Rocker AI core as the original Rockstar, but this time it is wrapped in the Nanostar Pearl reactive coverstock. At 15 pounds the RG is a low 2.48 with a differential of .050. I drilled the Amped the same as the original…5x5x2 which puts the pin above my bridge. The Amped is the perfect step down from the original Rockstar. When the original starts to lose its energy and keeps leaving those weak corner pins, that’s the time to pull out the Amped. The coverstock of the Amped provides easy length and a very controlled, smooth backend motion. This is not the quick response pearl reaction you see in many balls. The Amped provides the length you are looking for with the backend motion like that of a solid ball. This makes the Amped a great choice for when the lanes get tougher and the scoring pace is lower. The Amped helps control the pocket on the tougher conditions. This ball is a must have for tournament bowlers and anyone looking for a pearl ball that easy to control.

Cover: NanoStar Pearl Reactive Core: Rocker + A.I. RG: 2.48 RG. Diff.: 0.050 Finish: Power Edge The Rockstar Amped features the same Rocker AI core found in the OG but is now wrapped in Nanostar Pearl cover. It is the newest addition to the HP2 line, complementary to the success of the Rockstar Solid. Comparing this ball to the Optimum Idol Pearl, it clears the front very similar, slightly smoother in the midlane than the Opitmum Idol Pearl, but with more back end. This is great game 2 and 3 ball on THS. This was a great compliment to the Rockstar Solid and they make a great 1-2 punch.

The layout is 4 1/2 x 4 1/4 x 2 1/4 (50 x 4 1/2 x 35 using the Dual Angle Layout) 3 things to describe this ball… RELIABLE, CONSISTENT, and PREDICTABLE! Great length and consistent backend reaction. The Rockstar Amped is a really good compliment to the original Rock Star, especially if the Rock Star is hooking a little too early. This is a ball to take to your local leagues and tournaments! The Rockstar provides an equal amount of midlane motion with the equal amount of backend and continuation through the pins, which is something that I like to see from pearl coverstocks, and with the Rocker + A.I. core combo! This ball will be really good during transition. I added this ball to my arsenal and has been an immediate staple in my ball arsenal, especially for tournaments. You should as well!

Roto Grip Rockstar Amped Cover Stock: Nanostar Pearl Reactive Finish: Power Edge Core: Rocker + A.I. Core Technology (14pd) RG: 2.50 Differential: 0.046 Layout: 5 x 4 x 4 - 2LS Layout Extras: 2 1/2" Finger Depth, "X" - 4 1/2 D and 1 Inch Left Tester: PAP 6 1/2 R, 1 1/4 D Review: The Rockstar Amped features a second generation core design with A.I. technology building off of the Optimum Idol Pearl. Essentially, this means to the bowler more length and more motion off the spot compared to previous releases in this category. You'll also keep hearing that A.I. technology provides up to five-percent more carry on off hits. Keep in mind the cover is Nanostar which is one of the more aggressive coverstocks RG offers. The Rockstar Amped is proving to be an excellent symmetric option for medium type lanes. For me, the Amped is in my wheelhouse for THS patterns. In addition, working several SPI MatchMaker events the Rockstar Amped is showing to be a great #1 option in the arsenal or a ball that fits a great range on an array of THS conditions. A good ball to compare the Rockstar Amped to is the Optimum Idol Pearl. For me the Optimum Idol Pearl was a tad earlier and smoother. Also, the Optimum Idol Pearl for me would tend to burn up early and to the eye not go through the pins the way I ideally wanted on transitioning patterns. However, the Rockstar Amped at the OOB finish is perfectly fine and I'm more pleased than I initially thought from reviewing the specs. To point out the Rockstar Amped minor adjustments compared to the Optimum Idol Pearl make this a must have ball. Also, as I'm 900 Global focused I prefer the Amped to the Zen 25. The Amped for me has that little extra range compared to the other balls I noted above. SPI definitely has been listening and made those slight tweaks to give the bowler a better experience. I prefer the the Rockstar Amped slightly more angular shape compared to other offerings. This is due to my personal preference for smoother arc type reactions for tournament play. However, I still like a touch of extra pop on THS conditions. Don't forget to check in with Hit the Lanes with Danelle and Mike: https://youtube.com/channel/UC1VA-MgFBo9mIZde-G3T11A for occasional video reviews. Be sure to grab your Roto Grip Rockstar Amped today! Michael Slatky 900 Global Staff Member York, PA

Ball Specs: Rockstar Amped Cover: Nano Star Pear Core: Rocker AI (Symmetric) Finish: Power Edge Review: The Roto Grip Rockstar Amped is designed to give bowlers a clean, effortless move through the front part of the lane while still creating a strong, fast response downlane. The pearl cover and updated Rocker core work together to store plenty of energy, so when it turns the corner you get a sharp, confident move that drives through the pins without feeling uncontrollable. It’s a great option for medium to medium-heavy house shots, especially when your stronger solids start reading too early or your weaker pearls don’t quite have enough pop. The Amped shines for bowlers who like to open up their angles or play a little deeper as lanes transition, but it’s still predictable enough to stay in play for a wide range of styles. It may be too quick off the spot on drier conditions, but on the right pattern it fills the “clean and punchy” slot in the bag extremely well. Will Tefft Roto Grip Pro Shop Staff Member will@parklanes.net www.rotogrip.com #SquadRG