Roto Grip RST Hyperdrive Pearl Bowling Ball

The RST Hyperdrive Pearl is a high-performance pearl that’s forgiving, explosive, and versatile. For bowlers with moderate speed and revs, it’s a confidence booster—clean through the front, strong off the spot, and deadly through the pins. Whether you're looking to open up the lane or stay consistent in transition, this ball delivers.

The RST HyperDrive Pearl is the latest asymmetric pearl that Roto Grip released. It’s a step up from the Gremlin with a more angular shape. I went in with the thoughts that the ball would be too much ball for me, but I have been pleasantly surprised at how good the ball works for me. I haven’t been this comfortable throwing a big pearl Asym since the original Intense. I can usually use it even on fresh, but it really shines in games 2 and 3 when I need something to get the ball down the lane further. Typically I don’t get a ton of entry angle, but the RST HyperDrive is very angular, to the point that I’ve even managed to throw a few messengers…. And I usually only get 1 of those a year! Layout: 5 x 4 x 2 1/2 My Specs - Speed - 16 mph, Rev Rate - 280. PAP 5 3/4 x 1/2 Up. Youtube Link: https://youtu.be/oPYwVbJCxGE

Pattern: 42ft House Shot Layout: Dual Angle: 80 x 4 1/4 x 40 2LS: 4.25 x 3 x 6.25 Finish: Box (Power Edge) The Roto Grip RST Hyperdrive Pearl is the latest Asymmetrical Pearl release by SPI. This ball features the RST Block + A.I. Core technology and introduces the U-R1 Pearl reactive cover. This combination ensures optimum energy transfer to drive through the pins with maximum response. Out of the box, I loved how clean it was through the fronts. This ball may go long for some out of the box so don’t be afraid to knock the shine off of it if it’s delaying its response. Overall, this is a great pearl piece to add to the bag if you’re looking for a strong backend motion that doesn’t lose any steam. Trevor Kopas Storm Staff Ambassador Pro Shop Operator #Bigboybowling

Roto Grip Hyperdrive Pearl: Ball details: RST performance core + A.I. core technology with the all new U-R1 reactive cover stock finished with Storm Power Edge factory finish. Layout: 3 x 4 ½ x 4 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 new addition to the Roto Grip HP4 line is the next step up in the pearl coverstock revolution. The all new U-R1 pearl cover is a nano-free cover that is still very responsive, more so than prior pearl covers that were “clean” for me. I went with a different than normal layout for me of a 3 x 4 ½ x 4 to add a different look totally in my bags. This layout put the pin about an inch below my ring finger, the CG about 3 inches left of my thumb and the MB mark down left and actually out of the frame in my pictures. The HDP as I refer to it, has been a breath of fresh air when it comes to the midpoint of matches and tournaments. I will either start with my Roto Grip Rock Star or Gremlin and will migrate to the HDP once I see the back ends are getting a touch more carry down and not seeing the seven pins not being kicked out. The HDP rolls like a Cell Pearl from years and years ago for me and has that special quality of being a ball suited for medium to longer sport patterns and Typical House Patterns, aka; THPs. For me the HDP is that middle ball in my 5 ball league bags right now when it comes to reactive choices. Currently I have in my league bag the Roto Star, Storm Equinox Solid, Roto Star AMPED, HDP, and Gremlin with a long pin, to ride along is a fresh OFF WHITE Mix I picked up at a pro shop over the summer and waited for my RG Jester to be retired. Check out my Facebook page Roto Grip Rick Mitchell for all the latest news from 900 Global, Storm, 3G Shoes, and ROTO GRIP!. Hugs and applause to my partners: Roto Grip, Vise Inserts, Coolwick, Bowlers’ Supply, ABC North Lanes and Lounge and USBC Coaching.

LANE CONDITION Length: 42' Type:THS - New Bowlero THS Layout: 3 x 5 x 1.25 VLS COMMENTS: Roto Grip RST Hyperdrive Pearl is a great “go-to” pearl ball for medium-length (42') house patterns when you want more length through the front, a strong but controllable mid-lane read, and a clean, angular backend. If you like seeing the ball slide longer and then snap with energy off the spot, this one will be fun. What it does on a 42' house pattern On a 42-foot house pattern (medium oil volume, conventional taper from center lane to outside), the RST Hyperdrive Pearl wants to play from the outside and read the midlane later than a traditional solid. The U-R1 Pearl Reactive Nano Free is special. Expect it to get through the heads with minimal friction, pick up around the breakpoint, and give a fairly defined angular snap to the pocket. Because pearls generally have more skid and a sharper breakpoint, you’ll get a longer skid phase and a quicker, cleaner motion through the pins with the Power Edge Polish similiar to a VEBO with is excellent for carry and for when you need to avoid early hook. My matched speed and revrate gave me super clean length, which made it not as friendly for me. I knocked off the polish with a 1500 pad, added Storm Step 3 Compound and it gave me instant control as of this review. Now this is my 2nd option after my Ion Max/Harsh Reality and Physix Blackout read to early and have difficulty continuing through the pin deck. Mind you I'm playing the track to start and not trying to cover boards while wanting to play where I'm comfortable. Back to the description: Length: Long. The pearl cover helps the ball hold through the heads and delay hooking. Mids: The read is moderate — enough to shape the ball but not mushy. You’ll feel a clear transition from skid to hook. Backend: Defined and angular. The ball doesn’t roll out; it flips with a crisp breakpoint that produces a strong entry angle when you’re in the right lane area. Who this suits: Speed players or higher-rev bowlers who need a ball that will skid longer and then snap — helps keep ball motion from over-reacting in the fronts. Low speed- moderate rev players who like an outside line with a sharp move to the pocket. Bowlers who need a pearl/rescue ball for when their solid balls hook too early or when the lane is starting to transition but still has usable oil. Long, controllable length through the fronts. Clean, angular backend — excellent entry angle and carry. Versatile as a complement to stronger, more solid/continuous balls (Ion Max, Reality). If your bag needs a length-with-flip pearl to complement your heavier rolling balls, the Hyperdrive Pearl is an excellent pick for 42' house patterns. It’s a dependable outside-to-pocket ball that gives confident length and an energetic backend. Rating: 9 - great length and powerful backend; dial in surface for your speed/rev and it becomes a pocket-finding machine. Visit your VIP Proshop today

If you are looking for a strong pearl bowling ball, the Roto Grip RST Hyperdrive Pearl is that ball. This big asymmetrical pearl makes a strong move on the back end. It also has enough teeth to gain traction in the oil and not squirt through the breakpoint. I have thrown this on a house shot as well as a 45’ sport pattern and it has performed will on both. The better looks for me was playing up the lanes as opposed to swinging the lane left to right. Go orders your now or give it a try at a matchmaker event.

The new Roto Grip RST Hyperdrive Pearl features the same Roto Star Tour + A.I. core as the original Hyperdrive, but this version is wrapped in the U-R1 Pearl reactive coverstock and finished with Power Edge. At 15 lbs the RG is 2.25 with a differential of .055 and an intermediate differential of .017. This ball is the perfect compliment to the original Hyperdrive. When the original is losing it’s punch and can’t kick out the corner pins any longer, that’s when it’s time to pull out the Hyperdrive Pearl. The pearl still requires a good amount of oil to be effective, but it is cleaner through the front part of the lane than its predecessor. The pearl version is about 3-4 feet longer before it starts to pick up and features the same strong but smooth backend motion as the original. This ball fits perfectly between the original Hyperdrive and the Roto Grip Gremlin. For me the Gremlin is 2 to 3 boards less overall hook than the Hyperdrive Pearl. Oh and by the way, this ball is an absolute beauty…talk about shelf appeal!!!

the release of the RST Hyperdrive because the original RST X-1 and RST X-2 have been great balls for me. In fact, I had just asked Steve Kloempken if they could start making the X-2 again and a week later, the RST Hyperdrive Pearl was announced- coincidence? The RST Hyperdrive solid featured the Microtrax (solid version) of what was on the original RSTs. The core has AI added which I feel makes the ball a little earlier in the midlane. Therefore the RST Hyperdrive ended up earlier than X-1 and similar to an Ion Max. I was looking forward to trying the RST Hyperdrive Pearl hoping it would be cleaner and an upgraded version of the X-2. Roto Grip ended up putting a brand new U-R1 (Ultra-Response) pearl coverstock on this one which interestingly is nano free that should help it push down the lane easily. The numbers are same as all the solid. The 15# has high RG of 2.52, but slightly lower that original RSTs which tells me what I feel, the AI core does make it stronger in the midlane. It’s high dif at 0.055 so it has plenty of flare potential and the PSA dif is 0.017. Many compared the Hyperdrive Pearl to the Gremlin released just before. I think the Hyperdrive Pearl is more overall, but similar ball motion. Clean through the front, strong midlane which could get it a little forward, so be careful with the layout if you want it continuous. I drilled mine with pin 4 1/2” from my PAP, PSA 4” from PAP and pin 2” from my VAL (4.5x4x2).

I Drilled the new RST Hyperdrive pearl with a 4.5 inch pin to give me some versatility playing straight and opening up my angles. Thats exaclty what i got with this new ball. The UR1 Pearl paired with the RST Core creates a sharp, angular motion down lane, which is a great step down from the original hyperdrive. This ball fits in the ball 2-3 category for me in a 6 ball arsenal. I can definitely see myself going to this ball when i need to open my angles up or slow my speed down. You won't be disappointed when you pick one of these up!

The RST Hyperdrive Pearl builds on what the original solid version started. What makes this ball unique is the combination of a higher RG core and a clean-but-strong cover. As a result, this ball gets to the back of the pattern really easily while also having no trouble handling a fair amount of volume. The lack of NANO additive creates more length and downlane motion than other balls in the product line, but the stronger base formula still lets this ball be first out of the bag on medium friction. Overall, this ball has been really useable for me on medium friction, and I love how quick it is off the spot. This is the quintessential "skid-snap" house shot killer ball. If you like seeing your ball go sideways down lane, you won't want to miss this one! -Chase Valenzuela