First Impressions
The RST Hyperdrive Pearl was a tremendous pleasant surprise.
Tamer Elbaga (Lefty)
Style: Tweener
RPM: 365 rpm
PAP: 5 & 3/8 up
Average Speed: 18.5 mph (at release)
Axis tilt: low
Axis rotation: medium/high
Test Equipment: 14 Pounds
Layout: 5 x 45
Bryan Hoffman (Righty)
Style: Stroker
RPM: 280 rpm
PAP: 4 1/2 & 1 1/2 up
Average Speed: 18.5 mph (at release)
Axis tilt: high
Axis rotation: medium
Test Equipment: 14 Pounds
Layout: 5 x 45
Tyler Church (Righty)
Style: Power Player
RPM: 425 rpm
PAP: 5 1/2 & 1/2 up
Average Speed: 19 mph (at release)
Axis tilt: med
Axis rotation: medium
Test Equipment: 14 Pounds
Layout: 5 x 45
“Keep in mind that coverstock accounts for 70% of ball reaction, but the core creates the dynamic shape of the reaction. Your driller will alter the shape to suit your game.”
Pattern
THS: 44ft, 25.8ml, 12:1 ratio
Sport: TBD
Specs
The Roto Grip RST Hyperdrive Pearl uses the RST + AI asymmetric core inside the new U-R1 Pearl Reactive coverstock.
15 pound = RG of 2.52, diff of .055, 017
14 pound = RG of 2.55, diff of .055, .017
Coverstock finish: Power Edge
Tweener’s Take
I have to say I wasn’t sure what to expect. The first RST Hyperdrive was a slow lumbering heavy oil piece. Roto Grip decided on a non-nano coverstock that still allows this ball to feel strong but have good response to friction. With all balls, I describe the motion of core transition relative to cover transition relative to the oil pattern. In this case, you have a core that is transitions just a bit before the cover reads the pattern. This allows for a strong explosive move that’s not exactly skid flip. For me, the clean look with strong move down lane was still very predictable and confidence inspiring, really bringing that old school big shiny asym look. The cover is not intensely strong but all in all, the RST Hyperdrive Pearl fits square in the Mid Defined slot in the bag, It’s also a very attractive ball. I also want to add that we didn’t have to touch the Power Edge, it worked right out of the box.
Power Player’s Perspective
Tyler was up next and with his higher rev rate and being a bit rev dominant, the ball covered more boards overall and also looked a bit more forward. He gives it more time to transition so while for me, the ball looked a bit more continuous, for Tyler, it shaped with a more forward stand up. Nevertheless, it was still a very nice shape. He probably started off a little too direct for his natural shot but once he moved left enough, the RST Hyperdrive Pearl looked more continuous. Just a little more oil to stay in allowing it to not rollout. But as long as he revs are a bit higher than his speed, the ball is still more forward with the kind of traditional asym look.
Stroker’s Stance
Bryan initially had the best look with the solid RST Hyperdrive. With this ball, we all had a really good look. As you know if you’ve been on our channel, Bryan is the stroker with more tilt and generally the more direct line of play. The RST Hyperdrive Pearl really was pretty easy playing near the friction line of the house shot. It has excellent hit on misses in, with the clean cover but strong core. He got an OK bounce off the friction. But while it didn’t obviously look it, the ball seemed to kind of run out of steam. Like the core transitioned earlier and didn’t have enough oomph to continue through the pins. So you can see he had a look but either a bit more direct or if in, also move the breakpoint in.
Bottom Line
The Roto Grip RST Hyperdrive Pearl is a very pretty ball on the shelf and on the lanes. It’s got the traditional strong shiny asym shape that I think a lot of bowlers are going to enjoy.
Thanks for watching.