Roto Grip Wicked Gremlin Bowling Ball

I drilled my WICKED GREMLIN at 4.5 X 5 x 3 (VLS). I threw it in box condition to see how it compared to some other pieces in this slot of bigger and early ball. The WICKED GREMLIN is not as early for me as my ALPHA CRUX remake or my ION MAX PRO, but it is stronger moving in the back ends when those two start to slow down too much. Compared to my GREMLIN TOUR-X (GTX), the WICKED GREMLIN is about an arrow stronger and has that same continuous motion on the back end. For me to get more function out of this one, I am going to smooth it to 4000 so it can complement the ALPHA as a ball down and be a good option before going to the GTX or the symmetric pieces.

The new Roto Grip Wicked Gremlin features the same Rondure Maxd core as the original Gremlin, but the Wicked features a new G-R1 (Grip Response) solid coverstock finished at 2000 grit abralon. At 15 pounds this ball has an RG of 2.50 with a differential of .058 and an intermediate differential of .010. I drilled this ball 5x5x2 putting the pin above my bridge. The Wicked Gremlin is a much stronger version of the original Gremlin. The Wicked reads the lane about 5 feet sooner than the original and has a much more controlled backend motion. For me this ball fits between the big asymmetrical balls and the original Gremlin. The Wicked works best when there is enough oil that I can keep my target in front of me. The more I have to open my angles the more I start to leave the weak corner pins. That’s when it is time to pull out the original Gremlin. These two little monsters make a scary 1-2 punch!!

The Wicked Gremlin from Roto Grip is the latest addition to the HP3 line and I’ve been impressed with it so far. I’ve had a ton of success with the original Gremlin as well as the Gremlin Tour-X, so when the news was released about the Wicked Gremlin, I was excited to drill it. The biggest difference on this release is the coverstock. Our experts in Utah developed the Grip-Response coverstock which is designed without nano, but is still designed to read the mid-lane with incredible stability. Sometimes, bowlers might say that a ball ‘burns’ up, but this ball is designed to still pick up in the right spot, but also be designed for mid-heavy oil conditions. I’ve drilled one so far and really like it. I think I’ve liked the Gremlin line so much is because the RG is a touch higher (2.50) so the balls don’t read as early and I’m able to use them for a longer period of time throughout a block. It’s been a perfect ball to use once an Ion Max Pearl or Transform are done performing. I mapped it out as 5.5 x 5 x 2. I wanted a taller pin to create a bit of a faster response time and it’s given me just a little earlier read than the Gremlin Tour X, so both of those will be traveling with me everywhere I go. I think it’s worth drilling a Wicked and a Gremlin Tour X. They’ve been awesome on multiple patterns and surfaces!

Wicked Gremlin is a welcome addition to the SPI lineup of solid asyms. This ball is non-A.I. and non-Nano, so the hook shape is more traditional, and the cover is cleaner and more responsive than our stronger options. This ball does offer a familiar shape to the original Gremlin, which was one of my favorites. I have found that I like the Wicked Gremlin for fresh conditions when balls like Equinox Solid and Viking Conquest are a bit too much too soon, or off of balls like that as the lanes stretch or cliff. A cleaner solid is typically more usable for a longer window, and that is definitely my experience with the Wicked Gremlin. Where I can start in those other balls for the first game or two, I've used Wicked Gremlin deep into 5 and 7 game qualifying blocks and had no issue getting it to clear the front and face up. This is a great option in the solid asym lineup for anyone who is rev dominant or bowls on a lot of friction but still needs that earlier ball to blend them out. -Chase Valenzuela

Roto Grip Wicked Gremlin Ball Review Roto Grip has added to the Gremlin lineup Wicked Gremlin uses the Rondure Max D Core which was used in the orginal Gremlin and it’s wrapped with the G R1 solid Coverstock The Wicked Gremlin will give you a predictable midlane read and smooth transition through the backend Wicked Gremlin is a Core- Asymmetrical Core RG-2.50 Diff-.058 Int Diff .010 I drilled my wicked 5x4.5x2.5 using the VLS Layout System. I compared my wicked to the orginal Gremlin and the Gremlin Tour X The wicked was the earliest and will handle medium to heavy oil and will be a great option on fresh oil The orginal Gremlin will be cleaner through the heads with stronger backend motion The Gremlin Tour X will be the smoothest motion and give you the most control on the backend

Ball Specs: Roto Grip Wicked Gremlin GR1 Solid Reactive Rondure Asymmetric Core Finish: 2000 grit Abralon Layout: 4 x 4 with 2” Pin Buffer Bowler Specs: Right Hand. PAP 5” Over 1/2 up Rev Rate 300. Tilt 20. Rotation 50. Speed at release 17 Review: The Wicked Gremlin has the most hook potential in the Gremlin line. This ball’s cover reads the lane early and has a continuous move to the pocket. I tested this ball on our regular house shot and it was just too early and strong for the condition. The tendencies of the ball are to read early and be predictable in higher volume. I put a light polish over the 2000 box surface and the ball played much better. The polish allowed the Wicked Gremlin to save energy, get down the lane easier and hit harder. This ball is just under my Alpha Crux and above my Monsoon in total hook potential at box surface. The gremlin balls have been rolling and selling well and at the price point this trend should continue. There are now three nice options in the Gremlin line. The Wicked will be a good choice for those who bowl on slicker conditions or need a ball to rev up sooner. Summary: The Roto Grip Wicked Gremlin is a strong ball. The look of the ball is very appealing. The Wicked Gremlin fills in another option in the line. Glenn Wendel Storm Pro Shop Staff gwendel@comcast.net www.stormbowling.com

If you're looking for a ball that can handle the fresh and give you confidence when the lanes have some oil, the Wicked Gremlin is definitely one I'd recommend. I drilled this one 4x4x2 for a one-handed bowler with 14.5 mph ball speed and 350 RPM, and on a normal house shot it gave us a strong, predictable read through the midlane with plenty of continuation through the pins. The G-R1 Solid Reactive cover is designed to provide good traction without becoming overly aggressive, making the ball easier to control while still giving you the hook you need. Bottom line: If you want traction, control, and strong continuation, the Wicked Gremlin is a ball worth taking a serious look at

The Roto Grip Wicked Gremlin features the Rondure MaxD Core wrapped around the G-R1 Solid Cover. I drilled mine 4.5 x 4 x 2. This ball is smooth and controllable off the breakpoint, making it ideal for the fresh on medium-length patterns with higher volume. It gives you a strong, predictable read without being overly aggressive down lane. I also think this will be a great option for lower-rev bowlers who are looking for a bigger ball that allows them to play further outside without the ball burning up too quickly. The Wicked Gremlin gives you the traction you need while maintaining a smooth, controlled motion. If you're looking for a strong, smooth piece that you can trust on the fresh, the Wicked Gremlin is definitely one to consider.

Bowling Hand: Right Style: Tweener PAP: 5 5/8 over and 5/8 up Layout: 50 x 4 ¾ x 30 Bowling Ball Surface: OOB Rev Rate: 350 rpm. The Wicked Gremlin is on another level compared with the two Gremlins released before it. For me, this ball is extremely strong. I bowl on older HPLs with Kegel Glide oil, and on a 41-foot house shot, I cannot play it straight up the boards. The ball wants to start hooking around 30 to 35 feet and turn hard left. When I try to swing it, it carries well early, but in later games it tends to burn up. I also tested it on a longer pattern, Route 66 V2, and it really shined on the 45-foot pattern. I was able to play much straighter and keep the ball in front of me. When I first drilled it, I expected it to be a stronger Rockstar, but it is that and more. To me, this ball is on the same level as the Alpha Crux, maybe even stronger. Since Roto Grip retired the Hyper Drive, this is a great option if you need a strong, heavy-rolling solid. After five games, the cover held up well and did not shine up like some other solids I have thrown. Because of its strength, I see this as a tournament-only ball.

The Wicked Gremlin gives me a strong, aggressive shape while still being predictable enough to trust shot after shot. It picks up nicely in the midlane and continues hard through the pins without feeling too quick or uncontrollable off the spot. I really like it when I need something that can handle some oil but still give me enough recovery downlane. It’s a great option when I need a stronger reaction that I can move inside with and trust to make the corner.