First Impressions
Yes, I like what I’m seeing from the Rubicon UC2. This is a very clear and easy relative to the original Rubicon.

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Tamer Elbaga (Lefty)
Style: Tweener
RPM: 350 rpm
PAP: 5 1/8 & 3/4 up
Average Speed: 18.5 mph (at rele5se)
Axis tilt: low
Axis rotation: medium/high
Test Equipment: 14 Pounds
Layout: 45 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: 40 ft Med THS

The Roto Grip Rubicon UC2 uses the Rondure™ Core (Asymmetrical) inside the eTrax™ Pearl coverstock.

15 pound = RG of 2.49, diff of .052, .011 mb
14 pound = RG of 2.53, diff of .052, .009 mb
Coverstock finish: 1500 grit polished

Overall
Roto Grip continues the HP3 lineup with a pearl version of the last Solid, the Rubicon. It may seem a little odd to see asyms in the HP3 lineup but I’m not surprised. With the new USBC weight hole rules, ball manufacturers are giving a little more flexibility to PSOs with asym pieces. When we tested the Rubicon, it seemed very strong, making me wonder how much stronger a ball I would ever need. Sean saw a type of benchmark reaction where he can use a strong ball with great control. Now with the pearl version, the Rubicon UC2 instantly feels like a goldilocks. The cover is clean but fairly strong for a pearl. I had no issue getting down lane nor did I ever feel like it would skid too far. If you are too close to friction or push it to friction too early, yes it will respond hard. But there is a wide range of usability. I didn’t feel like I was trapped anywhere. I had a good look with good carry from 13 to 18. Honestly, it reminded me of the Idol Pearl with how good the look was. I would say the Idol Pearl felt a touch sharper. I really liked the Zen and I placed that in the mid control category. Honestly, I can see the Rubicon UC2 in a very similar category. It has more pop downlane for sure but doesn’t feel skid/flip. It depends on the bowler and the style of course in terms of where it fits in the arsenal. For me, the ball is a little more on the control side to be in the mid defined category of say a Nuclear Cell. It isn’t that far though so it could make it a little tricky to fit in the bag without some overlap with something else. At the same time, the middle of the bag can sometimes have overlap in both directions.

I also tested the Rubicon UC2 as a 2-hander. As expected, the ball pops more with the higher rev rate. Here, the ball obviously appears stronger overall and sharper off the end of the pattern. This would be a very clear mid-defined ball for my 2-hand game. As you may have seen, I recently tested the Storm Dual Lock next to the Snap Lock. Basically, the Rubicon UC2 fits in between the Dual Lock and Snap Lock. It’s definitely snappier than the smoother Dual Lock and just a little weaker than the Snap Lock. I would say I still prefer the smoother Dual Lock for my medium speed 2-hand game.

Sport Shot
Coming soon.

Final Thoughts
There are a couple of ways to look at the Rubicon UC2. First, it’s relationship to the Rubicon. It’s basically the 2 to the Rubicon 1. If you have the OG, you will find the cleaner more angular counterpart when you want a step down. Second, you can just assess where it would fit in your arsenal. In my mind, this ball was so easy to throw, I can see it being the middle of the bag type ball and that slots as mid control but it could slot as a mid defined as well. I hope it doesn’t get lost but the Rubicon UC2 is too good to not consider.