The Dare Devil…

First Impressions
The Roto Grip Dare Devil looks like the ideal middle of the road ball. Not too cold, not too hot, just right.

Our Testers:
Wayne “Guy” Porr (Righty)
RPM: 625 rpm
PAP: 5 1/2; 1 up
Average Speed: 20 mph (at release)
Axis tilt: low-medium
Axis rotation: medium

Thanks to Greg Bickta and Perfect Aim Pro Shop for drilling our equipment.
Thanks to Limerick Bowl in Limerick, PA.

“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.”

Test Pattern:
40ft THS, 22ml, 12:1 ratio

Value
9/10
The Dare Devil sits in Roto Grip’s HP3 line so it’s mid-priced. But it looks to be an extremely usable piece with a strong value proposition.

Specs
The new Dare Devil uses the symmetric Madcap™ Core with an RG of 2.48 with a diff of .041 (15 pound) wrapped in Amped pearl coverstock.

Overall
9/10
For the Roto Grip Dare Devil, the review is pretty simple honestly. This seems to be an excellent matchup of core to coverstock. It fits smack dab in the middle, meaning it’s what I would call a true benchmark ball. It’s got a great balance of length, mild-moderate midlane, and a nice smooth but continuous finish off the dry. It just looks like a ball that will be easy to throw for a lot of people, especially those searching for that middle of the road versatile ball. Ball manufacturers often sell us on the latest and greatest big oil piece, but these are the kind of balls that you will find yourself using more often.
We tested this ball alongside the Storm Code Black. Guy more or less stood in the same area with the same targets, about 20 at the arrows to 6 at the breakpoint, generating a smooth 6.5 degrees of entry angle. Overall, while it covered more or less the same boards as the Code Black, it was a little rounder downlane, i.e., less skid/flippy than the Code Black.

Compared to the HyWire which is in the same HP3 line, the Dare Devil has a less defined motion downlane, i.e., smoother. The HyWire seems to have a bit more defined reaction off the dry with a dive towards the pocket whereas the Dare Devil just booms it’s way more smoothly to the pocket.

In terms of miss room, the Dare Devil seemed to give equal forgiveness in or out.

Digitrax

Final Thoughts
At this point, we’ve sung the praises of the new Roto Grip Dare Devil. While it’s unclear whether this ball is meant to replace anything in the HP3 lineup or just add to it, it stands alone very nicely as a strong but smooth benchmark ball with excellent drive downlane. I see the Dare Devil as a “benchmark +” meaning, not only does it have the readable motion to tell you what’s happening on the lanes, it is actually versatile enough to use a lot. For those looking for that middle of the road ball that can be used often, you should give the Dare Devil from Roto Grip a serious look.