Roto Grip TNT Infused Bowling Ball Review

First Impressions
The TNT Infused looks like it could be something special.

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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 TNT Infused uses the Torpex symmetric core inside the eTrax PLUS Hybrid coverstock.

15 pound = RG of 2.47 diff of .052
14 pound = RG of 2.54, diff of .051
Coverstock finish: ReactaGloss

Let’s get the usual out of the way, the full resurface of any reactagloss finished ball. 1000 heavy on the spinner followed by Step 2 compound and then light 3000 scuff by hand. No worries about being able to repeat the surface and it’s less over/under than the factory finish. No onto business, this thing just really impressed with it’s shape. The TNT Infused will obviously have length. It is also angular. But how it transitions seems special to my eyes. It’s a little hard to see on video but in the flesh, there’s fairly easy length, then what appears to be a bit more push where you see the core transitioning. Seems like a clear phase and then a heavy turnover and roll. Dare I say reminds me a bit of the Marvel Pearl. I think the Marvel Pearl is a touch smoother but the phase transition reminds me of it. It also reminds me of the Hywire from a while back. There’s a touch forwardness through the pins very late. The TNT Infused fits in the mid Late category but I would say it’s a step up from something like the IQ Tour Ruby. Almost like a Mid Late +. It’s very interesting in how this ball relates or doesn’t to the original TNT. The benchmark type Torpex core just seemed to flounder a bit in the eTrax + Solid. Theoretically it wasn’t super angular, wasn’t super smooth but somehow I didn’t really find any consistent use for it. I think the Hybrid with some shine here really transforms the ball and somehow synergistic with the core.

Tyler is next and The TNT Infused looked just as good. I don’t want to repeat everything I said so you can mostly watch the ball reaction with a higher rev rate. Still good length and pretty angular look downlane. His eyes also liked the look of the way the Infused went through it’s phases. At first glance it might look a bit skid flip style on video but when you see it in person, it will be more clear. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still pretty angular and Tyler can go high if he’s not careful. Not fully surprising with a shiny ball on a house shot from deep. But he understands the ball reaction and it gives comfort. You can see that it’s capable of covering boards and generating angle. I would say because of the core shape it will give up a bit if you get too wide. That sort of touch forward roll I mentioned is enough to limit those huge angles. However, it’s also what makes it great otherwise.

Finally we have Bryan testing the TNT Infused. I have to say this is one of the best looks I’ve seen for Bryan in a while. The TNT Infused as you expect had the length but the nice midlane hook and strong arc that just seemed so reliable and pocket controlling for Bryan. It really looked like the ideal shape. Bryan is excellent with accuracy and pocket control. The question tends to be whether a ball will drive well enough for average or above average carry. The Infused had that non-quitting turn that really carried very well for Bryan. Additionally, it was capable of generating angle for him when he moved in and got around the ball.

At the end of the day, the Roto Grip TNT Infused looks like it could really be a special type ball reaction. It’s mid late but perhaps with a touch of surface, even make it’s way up to benchmark status like a mildly angular mid control ball. Bottom line is if you’re looking for that medium strong clean look, the TNT Infused is definitely worth a look. Storm still has some magic up it’s sleeve when it comes to coverstock chemistry.

Thanks for watching.