First Impressions
For Idol fans, the Optimum Idol Pearl will be another must in the lineup.

Tamer Elbaga (Lefty)
Style: Tweener
RPM: 330 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: 50 x 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: 50 x 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: 50 x 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: 42ft, 23ml
Sport: TBD

Specs
The Roto Grip Optimum Idol Pearl uses the Ikon + AI core inside the Microtrax Pearl Reactive coverstock.

15 pound = RG of 2.47 diff of .056
14 pound = RG of 2.51, diff of .054
Coverstock finish: Reactagloss

Tweener’s Take
Not a huge surprise for Storm to release a shiny version of the Optimum Idol with the Pearl. This notably brings Microtrax pearl with the 100% nanoparticles load. Microtrax is know for giving more of a midlane read to add to a control profile on the lanes. We saw with the Optimum Idol that although it offers plenty of midlane control, the formula seemed very capable of big backend. I refinished the reactagloss to the 1000 plus step 2 compound and 3000 scuff. The simplest way to describe the Pearl is basically a cleaner version of the solid. With the shiny surface, notice I don’t mention pearl specifically, but rather the finish, the ball simply pushes the midlane read a little deeper into the lane. So you get a little longer look but same shape. Not too smooth, not too angular. However, on fresh, I’d say the shiny finish did make this version more prone to over/under. It’s more sensitive to speed and release changes on fresh oil. Given this in between down lane shape but still relatively strong, it really doesn’t fit in Mid Late as that’s too far down in the bag but isn’t as angular as something I’d like slotted in the Mid Defined, like the Harsh Reality.

Power Player’s Persective
For Tyler with the Optimum Idol Pearl, there is a significant bias upfront. He has had every Idol ball and will certainly continue that. The shape is recognizable to the family. It’s a clear stepdown when he wants something cleaner than his solid version. He loves the solid version. He still keeps a Cosmos which is essentially like a benchmark for him. That has Xtreme Trax which makes it read even earlier and theoretically more even, but since Tyler can generate angle with his roll, it’s still booming and very continuous. The Optimum Idol Pearl is a little cleaner as you would expect, again due to the shiny finish. Due to age, this ball feels a bit stronger now than his Cosmos and he would have flexibility to adjust the finish to suit where he wants to fit it in the bag. Either way, the Idol Pearl is a no-brainer for Tyler. Given that he also saw a bit of over/under on the fresh, scuffing the shine even more will be useful longer term.

Stroker’s Stance
Now Bryan tests the Optimum Idol Pearl. He’s been on the hunt for something to replace his Phaze III and this ball seemed to widen his eyes. He really seemed to match up to the motion of this Idol. It was stronger than he anticipated. It offered a very nice backend move so he had to give it more room than he was expecting. he found a slot just left of the 2nd arrow. Again, he needed to make sure he gets some belly to allow some room for the shape. But it gave hime a reliable move that he was happy to see.

Bottom Line
In the end, if you love the Optimum Idol shape and need something with the same underlying texture but a little cleaner, the Pearl version is a perfect stepdown. They both use Microtrax technology in the coverstock so they have the texture needed to give a good midlane read. The main difference is the the shinier finish reads later in the midlane where as the Solid reads the middle of the midlane. For some this ball will be a no-brainer. For others, it’ll be good but you’ll have to squeeze something else out of the bag.

Thanks for watching.