On November 22nd, Roto Grip released an exciting addition to their lineup—the Attention Star S2. Building on the success of the original Attention Star, the S2 is designed to provide enhanced performance for bowlers tackling medium-to-heavy oil conditions. With its Momentous AV + AI core and eTrax PLUS Hybrid coverstock, this bowling ball was built as a powerhouse for those seeking traction and energy retention.
BowlingLife tester finally had a chance to put their hand on this Roto Grip Attention Star S2 and in this review, we’ll explore if the Roto Grip Attention Star S2 is a must-have for bowlers aiming for consistent performance and striking power.
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Short Roto Grip Attention Star S2 Review
Don't want to read a full Roto Grip Attention Star S2 review? Here is a short summary!
The Roto Grip Attention Star S2 is designed for bowlers who need consistent mid-lane traction and a powerful backend motion. Featuring the Momentous AV + AI asymmetric core and eTrax PLUS Hybrid coverstock finished at 2000 Grit Abralon, this ball delivers strong midlane read and excellent energy retention. If you're looking for a bowling ball to handle heavier oil patterns with more angular backend motion, the Roto Grip Attention Star S2 is a fantastic choice.
Key Specifications
Coverstock Type: Reactive Hybrid
Coverstock Name: eTrax PLUS
Core Type: Asymmetrical
Core Name: Momentus AV + A.I.
Box Finnish: 2000 Grit Abralon
Best For: Heavy oil
RG: 2.48
Total Diff: 0.049
Int. Diff: 0.017
Definitions
Asymmetrical core - Asymmetric bowling ball deliver sharper, more angular motion when meeting friction.
Symmetrical core - Symmetric bowling balls produce a soft, controllable motion.
Radius of gyration (RG) - The higher RG, the more back-end motion a bowling ball will produce, as high RG ball skids more and tends to conserve more power for the further part of the lane.
Total Diff - the difference between low RG (X axis) and high RG (Y axis).
Intermediate Diff - only found in asymmetrical balls, as it is the difference between the high RG (Y axis) and intermediate RG (Z axis).
First Impressions of the Roto Grip Attention Star S2 Bowling Ball
The Attention Star S2 immediately stands out with its bold design and top-tier performance features. The Momentous AV + AI core, paired with the eTrax PLUS Hybrid coverstock, ensures the ball digs into the oil early while maintaining energy for a strong backend reaction. This combination offers bowlers improved mid-lane stability and powerful pin carry, making it a reliable choice for more tricky oil patterns.
Lane Performance
For this review, two testers—a speed-dominant one-hander and a rev-dominant two-hander—tested the Roto Grip Attention Star S2 on heavy, medium, and typical house shot (THS) patterns.
Roto Grip Attention Star S2 on Heavy Oil
The speed-dominant one-hander found the Roto Grip Attention Star S2’s ability to grip heavy oil impressive. It provided excellent mid-lane control and a strong backend finish. Despite the dull surface, the ball maintained energy for effective backend motion and monster pin carry. This makes this bowling ball an excellent option to start on fresh heavy oil patterns with heavy oil, giving the bowler more room for error, especially on more challenging oil patterns.
The rev-dominant two-hander highlighted the Roto Grip Attention Star S2’s versatility, noting its smooth transitions and ability to handle higher volumes of oil without sacrificing backend motion. It allowed for deeper angles while maintaining consistency. The ball’s ability to dig into the lane early and retain energy downlane suits well high-rev players seeking controlled aggression.
Roto Grip Attention Star S2 on Medium Oil
On medium oil, the Roto Grip Attention Star S2 proved surprisingly versatile. Testers were able to play similar angles with minimal adjustments, thanks to the ball’s smooth 2000 Abralon finish. As the lanes transitioned, both testers resurfaced Roto Grip Attention Star S2 to 3000 Abralon to keep the ball's energy further downlane. Roto Grip Attention Star S2 was super responsive to the surface change, giving the testers shape they were seeking for.
Roto Grip Attention Star S2 on Typical House Shot (THS)
On a typical house shot pattern, the Roto Grip Attention Star S2 excelled only in fresh conditions. At first, both testers did not require any adjustments on surface finish, only in position and speed. Once both testers dialed in, the ball delivered consistent reaction and impressive carry for both of them. Once the oil pattern broke down a little, it was hard for both testers to control the pocket, as the bowling ball was too "jumpy." Changing the surface did not help too much.
Overall Impression of the Roto Grip Attention Star S2 Bowling Ball
The Roto Grip Attention Star S2 is a stellar addition to Roto Grip’s lineup, offering unmatched control and power on medium-to-heavy oil patterns. The Momentous AV + AI core and eTrax PLUS Hybrid coverstock combine to deliver exceptional mid-lane read, angular backend motion, and adaptability to varying conditions. It might not be the best option for a league night as there are some better bowling ball options for that task, but once you have to read more challenging oil patterns with higher volume, the Roto Grip Attention Star S2 is a dependable option, delivering top-tier performance.
Detailed Evaluation of the Roto Grip Attention Star S2 Bowling Ball
The Roto Grip Attention Star S2 stands out as an impressive choice for bowlers tackling medium-to-heavy oil conditions. Thanks to its Momentous AV + AI asymmetric core and the eTrax PLUS Hybrid coverstock, this ball provides exceptional mid-lane traction while retaining powerful backend motion. Designed for those who need more angularity and energy retention, the Attention Star S2 excels in heavy oil patterns, offering both control and a strong finish. While it may not be the best option for league play, as other balls perform better under typical house shot conditions, the Attention Star S2 truly shines on challenging oil patterns with higher volumes. In these conditions, it delivers top-tier performance, making it a dependable choice for serious bowlers looking for a reliable, high-performance option.
