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Reviews by Peter Dohan Jr

900 Global Altered Reality

900 Global Eternity PI

900 Global Harsh Reality

900 Global Reality

900 Global Reality Check

900 Global Sublime

900 Global Wolverine Dark Moss

900 Global Xponent

900 Global Xponent Pearl

900 Global Zen Gold Label

900 Global Zen Master

900 Global Zen/U

Roto Grip Attention Star

Roto Grip Clone

Roto Grip Exotic Gem

Roto Grip Hustle RIP

Roto Grip Hyped Solid

Roto Grip Idol Cosmos

Roto Grip Magic Gem

Roto Grip Nuclear Cell

Roto Grip Optimum Idol

Roto Grip RST X-1

Roto Grip RST X-3

Roto Grip Rubicon

Roto Grip Rubicon UC2

Roto Grip TNT Infused

Roto Grip Tour Dynam-X

Roto Grip UFO Alert

Storm Absolute

Storm Absolute Power

Storm Axiom Pearl

Storm Dark Code

Storm Fate

Storm Infinite Physix

Storm IQ Tour 78/U

Storm IQ Tour Nano Pearl

Storm Journey

Storm Lightning Blackout

Storm Night Road

Storm Parallax

Storm Parallax Effect

Storm Phaze V

Storm Proton Physix

Storm Revenant

Storm Summit

Storm Summit Peak

Storm Super Nova

Storm The Road

Storm Trend 16 Only

Storm Virtual Energy Blackout

Show all reviews

900 Global Altered Reality
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
224
PAP:
4 5/8 over 1 5/8 up
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Stroker
Bowling Hand:
Right Handed
Sport Shot Average:
Not set
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
900 Global Altered Reality Ball Review

Layout: 35 X 4 ¾ X 45 Dual Angle

Video Ball Review: https://youtu.be/nPUIB0cBgiE

When I first drilled this piece I was expecting the S84 Pearl coverstock and Disturbance core combination to be a weaker reaction than my Dark Code. In my video ball review and first impressions with the length and how it revved up, to my eyes, it looked weaker but after using it more during leagues and getting some of the polish off the ball it is not a weaker ball than the Dark Code.

I bowl in a league with a heavier volume of oil due to the older surface and if I need a stronger asymmetric piece with the pearl cover this is the ball I will use. This ball is clean through the heads but will rev up earlier in the mid lane than the Dark Code to help me control the motion off the dry. Now that I am bowling PBA 50 events with more volumes than our local house shots this ball will get some play. This ball was too strong to use on the 39’ Mike Aulby pattern but when we bowl on a shorter pattern, Del Ballard, this should be a choice in the arsenal.

Pete Dohan
Storm Bowling Amateur Staff
#StormNation

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900 Global Eternity PI
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
224
PAP:
4 5/8 over 1 5/8 up
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Stroker
Bowling Hand:
Right Handed
Sport Shot Average:
Not set
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
Bowler Stats:
Speed: 15.5 MPH
Rev Rate: 275 RPM
Tilt: 3-5 degrees
Axis Rotation: 60 degrees
PAP: 5 ⅜ over 1 ¼ up

Layout: 5 X 5 X 23/4 VLS

With the release of the Eternity Pi I was sure how strong this ball would be compared to the Reality. So I chose a weaker layout to give the stronger asymmetrical core some length and if the 901 Reserve Blend cover was weaker than the S84 Response for me I could just add surface to make it read the oil sooner. This ball is an early rolling asymmetrical piece but the 901 Reserve Blend cover is cleaner and smoother for me so give the ball some length.

The out of box finish gave me a lot of over under on the local house shots since the centers use lower volumes and the fronts tend to go during league. After making my video review I did adjust the surface to 1000 abralon by hand and this eliminated any over/ under reaction. The 1000 grit helped me blend the wet/dry and I was able to move left into more oil. This ball is slightly weaker and more responsive off the dry than the Reality for me.



Pete Dohan
Storm Bowling Amateur Staff
#StormNation

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900 Global Harsh Reality
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
224
PAP:
4 5/8 over 1 5/8 up
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Stroker
Bowling Hand:
Right Handed
Sport Shot Average:
Not set
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
Bowler Stats:
Speed: 15.5 MPH
Rev Rate: 250 RPM
Tilt: 6.6 degrees
Axis Rotation: 80 degrees
PAP: 4 5/8 over 1 5/8 up

Layout: 5 X 4.25 X 2.75 VLS

I did not have a lot of success using the original Reality and that's crazy with how popular that ball is. With the release of the Harsh Reality the Disturbance core was upgraded with the A.I. technology so I wanted to see if that would change the shape of the ball motion and also see if the 902 coverstock would be more responsive compared to the smooth S84 Response coverstock featured on the Reality.

Along with this release I wanted to find a more pin down type of layout to use on a stronger asymmetrical solid. This layout is similar to the one I used on the Magic Gem. The A.I. added to the core helps the ball have a more quicker response off the dry at the end of the house shot. For me the Reality would be so smooth off the dry that I would move right to get the ball to read the dry better and it would be too strong and slow off the end of the house shot. The new 902 Solid is smooth through the oil of the house shot but blends the house pattern better so I notice when the ball begins to make its turn towards the pocket.

Pete Dohan
Storm Bowling Amateur Staff
#StormNation


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900 Global Reality
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
224
PAP:
4 5/8 over 1 5/8 up
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Stroker
Bowling Hand:
Right Handed
Sport Shot Average:
Not set
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
900 Global Reality Ball Review

Ball specs:
Coverstock: S84 Response Solid Reactive
Weight Block: Disturbance Asymmetric
RG: 2.49 Diff: .052 Mass Bias: .018
Surface: 2000-grit Abralon

Bowler Specs:
Rev Rate: 325 rpm
Ball Speed: 15.5 mph
PAP: 5 ¼ over ¾ up
Layout: Dual Angle 50 x 4 ⅝ x 60 (pin in ring)

Video ball review: https://youtu.be/JnSsgWDy2yo


This is the first 900 Global ball I have drilled since 900 Global was brought under the Storm umbrella in 2021 so I was not sure what to expect. This strong asymmetrical piece compliments the Storm and Roto Grip balls like the Proton Physix and the UFO.

When picking a layout for this ball I wanted to fill a gap and have a specific shape. My pin down layout on the UFO made it very conditional and not as versatile as I would have liked out of a strong asymmetrical ball. By placing the pin in the ring it positioned this ball in between the pin ups like my Proton Phyix and RST X-1 and the pin down UFO.

Because of the drilling on this ball it is more zone specific. If I move too far inside the ball will not shape the right way with the out of box surface. I plan on using this ball on medium to shorter patterns on the fresher conditions. I tested it out on 33’ Cheetah after a league night and it was too strong for me to use.

Pete Dohan
Storm Amateur Staff
#StormNation

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900 Global Reality Check
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
224
PAP:
4 5/8 over 1 5/8 up
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Stroker
Bowling Hand:
Right Handed
Sport Shot Average:
Not set
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
900 Global Reality Check Ball Review

Bowler Stats:
Speed: 15.5 MPH
Rev Rate: 300 RPM
Tilt: 3-5 degrees
Axis Rotation: 60 degrees
PAP: 5 ⅜ over 1 ¼ up

The Reality Check is the third ball in the Reality line and features a S84 Beta hybrid coverstock along with the 4K Fast finish as the surface. The Reality and Altered Reality are pieces that begin the motion to the pocket a little earlier than I like. When comparing them to the Physix line they have an earlier shape and are more forward like the Idol line for my speed and rev rate category.

Because of the shape of the Reality line I use them on the fresh house shots or in the first few games of tournaments so I can control the pocket with an earlier motion. The Reality with its solid cover will be a smoother shape off the dry compared to the quicker response hybrid cover of the Reality Check. On pattern lengths for tournament play I will use the Reality Check on lengths of 39 to 41 feet depending on the lane surface and volume of the pattern.

So far I have had more success with the Reality Check on the 42’ higher volume house shot and have not used it much on patterns since I have not bowled on many shorter higher volume ones since the release of the Reality Check.



Pete Dohan
Storm Amateur Staff
#stormnation

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900 Global Sublime
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
224
PAP:
4 5/8 over 1 5/8 up
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Stroker
Bowling Hand:
Right Handed
Sport Shot Average:
Not set
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
900 Global Sublime Ball Review

Bowler Stats:
Speed: 15.5 MPH
Rev Rate: 250 RPM
Tilt: 6.6 degrees
Axis Rotation: 80 degrees
PAP: 4 5/8 over 1 5/8 up

Layout: 5 X 4 X 3 ½ VLS

With the release of the new Sublime and the removal of the original Zen from the line I was expecting this ball to replace it. The new A.I. technology has been added to the core to have a lower RG and a higher Diff. For my rev rate category the balls are usually earlier and slower down the lane. I decided to try a new layout to help build an arsenal for the PBA 50 patterns so the higher pin buffer lowers the pin to a pin down type of layout for my axis rotation.

The 802 hybrid cover stock with the Reacta Gloss finish made the ball very clean and not as smooth off the dry as I would have liked. I removed the polish with a 2000 abralon to smooth out the shape. Due to the design of the core and the layout I used, the ball seemed confused the more I rolled it. The stronger core made the ball read the lane earlier than I would have liked and the cover looked too weak to play in the oil but too strong to stay in the dry.

I’m noticing with my rev rate category and balls with A.I. core tech I have to use higher pin placements (lower pin buffer) to help the balls get down the lane and react properly off the end of the patterns.

Pete Dohan
Storm Bowling Amateur Staff
#StormNation

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900 Global Wolverine Dark Moss
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
224
PAP:
4 5/8 over 1 5/8 up
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Stroker
Bowling Hand:
Right Handed
Sport Shot Average:
Not set
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
900 Global Wolverine Dark Moss Ball Review

Bowler Stats:
Speed: 15.5 MPH
Rev Rate: 300 RPM
Tilt: 3-5 degrees
Axis Rotation: 60 degrees
PAP: 5 ⅜ over 1 ¼ up

With the release of the Dark Moss I wasn’t sure if this was going to be the same as the original or different. I know colors can change the reaction because some colors just roll better than others. The original Wolverine I drilled with a 4 ½ inch pin placement and on the local house shots it was conditional. If there was less friction at the end of the pattern then it went too long but with the right amount it rolled great. So with that in mind I figured the Dark Moss would be just as strong so I drilled it with a 5 X 41/2 X23/4 VLS layout to give the ball more length and if it was too early I will scuff it up with 2000 since it came with the 4K Fast.

Out of the box with the 4K Fast I liked the reaction. It was smoother off the friction than the original Wolverine but that could be because the original had a surface of 1500 grit with polish. As I continued to put more games on the Dark Moss it did shine up making it look like polish and caused an over/ under reaction on the house shot. I scuffed it with a 2000 pad and let it shine up again but now I have a more controllable reaction.

For my game the Dark Moss fits in between the NIght Road and the Hyped Pearl.


Pete Dohan
Storm Amateur Staff
#stormnation


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900 Global Xponent
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
224
PAP:
4 5/8 over 1 5/8 up
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Stroker
Bowling Hand:
Right Handed
Sport Shot Average:
Not set
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
900 Global Xponent Ball Review

Bowler Stats:
Speed: 15.5 MPH
Rev Rate: 275 RPM
Tilt: 3-5 degrees
Axis Rotation: 60 degrees
PAP: 5 ⅜ over 1 ¼ up

Layout: 4 ¾ X 4 ½ X 2 ¼ VLS

The 900 Global Xponent is in the benchmark category when comparing it to the Phaze II and Summit. I drilled this piece with a stronger layout for bowling the PBA50 Tour. Out of box this ball is slightly weaker than my Phaze II and also slower off the end of the pattern where the Phaze II has more continuous motion.

On the house shot the Xponent is not a ball I can move left and swing the lane with. I need to keep my angles shallower towards my target and get help from the dry at the end of the pattern. I did have success using the Xponent on the Monacelli 40’ PBA pattern during the Lightning Strikes PBA 50 National Tour event on the fresh.

With the surface of the Xponent I scratched it with a 1000 abralon by hand and I have let it shine up by itself. This has helped blend the wet/dry on the house pattern which has more volume than the PBA 50 patterns.




Pete Dohan
Storm Bowling Amateur Staff
#StormNation

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900 Global Xponent Pearl
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
224
PAP:
4 5/8 over 1 5/8 up
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Stroker
Bowling Hand:
Right Handed
Sport Shot Average:
Not set
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
900 Global Xponent Pearl Ball Review
Bowler Stats:
Speed: 15.5 MPH
Rev Rate: 250 RPM
Tilt: 6.6 degrees
Axis Rotation: 80 degrees
PAP: 4 5/8 over 1 5/8 up

Layout: 5 X 33/4 X 21/2 VLS

I didn’t use the original Xponent a lot since it had a slower ball motion for me than the Phaze II. With the release of the Xponent Pearl I believed I would have a ball that was quicker down lane than the original Xponent but I must have drilled the Xponent Pearl a little too strong because it is quicker down lane but doesn’t have the big change of direction I look for in a pearl like the Phaze V or Zen Gold Label.

I changed the surface many times. I removed the polish and also resurfaced the ball with a 1000 grit and then added a lighter amount of polish but just couldn’t get comfortable with the ball motion on the house shot. I have not used it on patterns yet but with the PBA 50 Tour in full swing, and a few short patterns on the horizon, I will be bringing it along to see with stronger drilling and the core numbers will help me blend the wet/dry on those length of sport patterns.

Pete Dohan
Storm Bowling Amateur Staff
#StormNation

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900 Global Zen Gold Label
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
224
PAP:
4 5/8 over 1 5/8 up
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Stroker
Bowling Hand:
Right Handed
Sport Shot Average:
Not set
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
900 Global Zen Gold Label Ball Review
Bowler Stats:
Speed: 15.5 MPH
Rev Rate: 275 RPM
Tilt: 3-5 degrees
Axis Rotation: 60 degrees
PAP: 5 ⅜ over 1 ¼ up

Layout: 5 X 41/2 X 2

The latest Zen release the Gold Label features a new cover, the 901 Reverve Blend Pearl. In relation to the original Zen this cover is weaker and cleaner than the pearl cover on the Zen. With this release and the removal of one of my favorites, the Phaze V from the line, I wanted my
Gold Label to replace it in my arsenal. Since this is a weaker cover, like the R2S pearl that is featured on the Phaze V, I drilled it with a higher pin buffer to get the ball to read the lane earlier.

The higher pin buffer and a stronger symmetrical weight block allows the ball to read more in the mid lane and be more responsive off the end of the pattern. The only drawback is that if I get too steep with my angles the ball does tend to roll forward on the house shot. I picked this layout to use this ball when the lanes transition on the longer PBA 50 patterns. But this ball also gives me a stronger symmetrical ball when I bowl on house patterns with a lot of friction.

This piece is not an exact replacement for the Phaze V but gives me a comparable shape in my arsenal. I removed the Reacta Gloss with a 1000 abralon and have let the ball shine back up to give me a ball surface that is easily repeatable.

Pete Dohan
Storm Bowling Amateur Staff
#StormNation

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900 Global Zen Master
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
224
PAP:
4 5/8 over 1 5/8 up
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Stroker
Bowling Hand:
Right Handed
Sport Shot Average:
Not set
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
Ball Specs:
Core: Meditate Symmetric Core
Coverstock: S77 Response Solid
RG: 2.49 Diff: 0.051

Bowler Specs:
Rev Rate: 300 Rpm
Speed: 15.5 Mph
PAP: 5 ⅜ over 1 ¼ up

With the popularity of the original Zen when I saw 900 Global was releasing the Zen Master I wanted to see how a solid version of this ball would react. I liked the stronger earlier roll of the original Axiom and wondered if this would be a good replacement for it in my arsenal and if it would be similar in overall reaction. When I compare the ball motion of both bowling balls on the house shots in my area this ball is just as early as the Axiom and with the out of box finish was just as slow when the ball would reach the dry at the end of the pattern. But as I rolled the ball more and more the cover would shine up and the ball became cleaner in the front of the lane, began to store more energy and read a little quicker off the dry.

This was the last ball I drilled before we checked my PAP for future drillings. My PAP did change so the original layout of with a 4 ½ pin became a 3 ⅞ pin placement making this stronger symmetrical piece that flares more and rolls earlier for me. Instead of using this ball on house shots this ball gives me the option of a strong symmetrical ball for shorter sport patterns.

Pete Dohan
Storm Bowling Amateur Staff
#StormNation

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900 Global Zen/U
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
224
PAP:
4 5/8 over 1 5/8 up
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Stroker
Bowling Hand:
Right Handed
Sport Shot Average:
Not set
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
900 Global Zen U Ball Review

Bowler Stats:
Speed: 15.5 MPH
Rev Rate: 300 RPM
Tilt: 3-5 degrees
Axis Rotation: 60 degrees
PAP: 5 ⅜ over 1 ¼ up

Layout: 41/4 X 41/4 X 2 VLS

Having a lower rev rate I do not use urethane a lot. I drilled a UC3 before the 2022 PBA Senior Tour just to have it in case a urethane option was needed on the Del Ballard 36’ pattern. With the Zen U ball motion fitting in between the weaker Pitch Black and stronger UC3, I wanted to see what shape the Zen U would give me. For me this urethane option does just that. It is not as early as the UC3 but has a smoother shape to the pocket down lane than the very slow shaping Pitch Black.

In my video ball review I did use it at a center that has a lot of friction and with the out of box surface. If the scenario calls for me to use the Zen U, I will need to add more surface to the ball so the continuous shape it makes lasts longer due to lane shine.

For the upcoming 2023 PBA 50 Tour we will be bowling at Sam’s Town in Vegas and on the Del Ballard pattern for the World Series of bowling so the Zen U will be in the bag just in case urethane is in play.



Pete Dohan
Storm Bowling Amateur Staff
#StormNation

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Roto Grip Attention Star
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
224
PAP:
4 5/8 over 1 5/8 up
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Stroker
Bowling Hand:
Right Handed
Sport Shot Average:
Not set
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
Bowler Stats:
Speed: 15.5 MPH
Rev Rate: 250 RPM
Tilt: 6.6 degrees
Axis Rotation: 80 degrees
PAP: 4 5/8 over 1 5/8 up

Layout: 5 X 4 X 21/2 VLS

With the popularity and the chatter that the Attention Star was to be a newer version of the RST X-2 I knew I wanted to give it a try. I drilled the Attention Star slightly stronger than my RST X-2 because I was not sure how much stronger the A.I. addition to the core would make the Attention Star compared to the X-2. When I compared it to the popular Exotic Gem there was a noticeable difference in how much stronger the Exotic Gem was to the Attention Star. For me the Attention Star is closer in strength to the Virtual Energy Blackout than the Exotic Gem.

After using the Attention Star on the PBA 50 Tour patterns the layout I had was flaring too much for the lower ratio patterns compared to the house shots at home. I drilled another Attention Star with a weaker layout 5 X 51/4 X 2 to get a better more forward motion on patterns. I have also removed the polish to get a more consistent motion off the end of the patterns.


Pete Dohan
Storm Bowling Amateur Staff
#StormNation

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Roto Grip Clone
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
224
PAP:
4 5/8 over 1 5/8 up
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Stroker
Bowling Hand:
Right Handed
Sport Shot Average:
Not set
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
Roto Grip Clone Ball Review
Bowler Stats:
Speed: 15.5 MPH
Rev Rate: 275 RPM
Tilt: 3-5 degrees
Axis Rotation: 60 degrees
PAP: 5 ⅜ over 1 ¼ up

Layout: 41/2 X 43/4 X13/4 VLS


The UFO and UFO Alert were both in my arsenal at one time and with the release of the Clone I was looking for a ball that was similar in shape to the original smooth and controllable UFO. I drilled this ball stronger than my normal VLS layouts to use on the PBA 50 Tour. Even with the 41/2 inch pin placement and the solid cover on the Clone it is very smooth through the heads and has an arcing motion off the end of the pattern.

On the house shot this layout gave me a lot of over/under due to the wet/dry conditions of my league. When I moved left into the oil the ball was too clean and not responsive enough off the dry to get to the pocket but when I played more in the dry it was too early and forward. I removed the reacta gloss polish with a 1000 abralon by hand and this helped with how clean this ball was through the heads but made it too slow of a reaction down lane when the ball began to read the dry.



Pete Dohan
Storm Bowling Amateur Staff
#StormNation

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Roto Grip Exotic Gem
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
224
PAP:
4 5/8 over 1 5/8 up
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Stroker
Bowling Hand:
Right Handed
Sport Shot Average:
Not set
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
Roto Grip Exotic Gem Ball Review

Bowler Stats:
Speed: 15.5 MPH
Rev Rate: 300 RPM
Tilt: 3-5 degrees
Axis Rotation: 60 degrees
PAP: 5 ⅜ over 1 ¼ up

Layout: 5 X 4 X 2 ¾ VLS


The Exotic Gem is the pearl version in the Gem series and features the Defiant LRG Core with a strong MicroTrax Pearl Cover. With how quick the X series is for me I decided to change my VLS layout a little to slow the ball down off the end of the pattern. This ball gives me the same length as all my other asymmetrical pieces in my arsenal like the X-3 and Infinite Physix but with this stronger pearl cover is slightly slower response off the dry than the X-3 and X-2 and not as continuous as the Infinite Physix.

I have been using this ball a lot on the area house shots when I have fresher conditions. As the lanes transition and the oil in the heads thins out the stronger core and pearl cover does not get down the lane far enough and becomes too slow off the dry.

This ball will definitely be in the arsenal this summer for the PBA 50 National Tour where we bowl on more volume. This is a piece I can see using on the 39’ Mike Aulby pattern.

Pete Dohan
Storm Bowling Amateur Staff
#StormNation



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Roto Grip Hustle RIP
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
224
PAP:
4 5/8 over 1 5/8 up
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Stroker
Bowling Hand:
Right Handed
Sport Shot Average:
Not set
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
Roto Grip Hustle RIP Ball Review
Bowler Stats:
Speed: 15.5 MPH
Rev Rate: 275 RPM
Tilt: 3-5 degrees
Axis Rotation: 60 degrees
PAP: 5 ⅜ over 1 ¼ up

Layout: 41/2 X 41/2 X 21/2 VLS

Being a lower rev rate bowler I don’t use many of the lower end pieces in the line but with the release of the RIP I decided I needed a weaker ball for patterns when I’m bowling in tournaments. The iQ Tour solid gives me the length I need but when it begins to hook too early I want something I can ball down to with a similar shape and the Hustle RIP does just that.

With this ball having a weaker core I chose a 4 ½ inch pin, rather than my normal 5 inch pin placement, and the 2 ½ inch pin buffer to get the ball to read the dry earlier. The reacta gloss polish did make it a little too clean in the fronts so I removed it with a 2000 pad by hand and I’m letting the cover lane shine until I see any wiggle off the end of the pattern. Once that occurs I just keep it at a mat finish to eliminate the over / under reaction. When compared to the Hype Solid but it has more length and is quicker off the dry than the slower Hyped Solid.

I used this ball during the PBA 50 event in Hammond on the 42’ Mark Roth pattern. I will also be testing it out during the league season. I bowl in a second shift league after a 5 person mixed league.



Pete Dohan
Storm Bowling Amateur Staff
#StormNation

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Roto Grip Hyped Solid
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
224
PAP:
4 5/8 over 1 5/8 up
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Stroker
Bowling Hand:
Right Handed
Sport Shot Average:
Not set
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
Roto Grip Hyped Solid Ball Review

Bowler Stats:
Speed: 15.5 MPH
Rev Rate: 300 RPM
Tilt: 3-5 degrees
Axis Rotation: 60 degrees
PAP: 5 ⅜ over 1 ¼ up

Layout: 5 X 41/2 X 23/4 VLS

The Hyped Pearl is my go to weaker symmetrical ball for when the lanes dry out in league so when the solid was being released I wanted a smoother ball with the same shape that would fit below the !Q Tour solid. The Hyped Pearl was drilled with a 4 ½ inch pin placement and with most of the newer releases being a bit stronger on the local house shots for league I decided to drill the Hyped Solid with a 5 inch pin. The 3000 surface that is out of box was creating some under/over on the higher volume house shots so I changed the surface to 1000 by hand so I can repeatedly have the same ball reaction. Unfortunately with the weaker core in the Hyped line and my lower rev rate the 5 inch pin gave the ball much length on our local house shots once the cover shined up. It does resemble the same ball motion as an !Q Tour solid.

I drilled this piece after the completion of the PBA 50 season so I will be testing it out on local sport patterns to see where it will fit in the arsenal. Currently I would plan on using it on the longer 44’ patterns later in the block when I would need a weaker ball when the !Q Tour becomes too early.

In the future, the releases in this category I will be drilling with 4 ½ pin placements to help with the way I roll the ball and the weaker cores.


Pete Dohan
Storm Bowling Amateur Staff
#StormNation

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Roto Grip Idol Cosmos
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
224
PAP:
4 5/8 over 1 5/8 up
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Stroker
Bowling Hand:
Right Handed
Sport Shot Average:
Not set
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
Roto Grip Idol Cosmos Ball Review

Bowler Stats:
Speed: 15.5 MPH
Rev Rate: 300
Tilt: 3-5 degrees
Axis Rotation: 60 degrees

I have drilled 4 releases in the Idol line and the only one I liked the reaction of was the Idol Pearl. So when Roto decided to release another with the nano pearl cover I wanted to see if I matched up with it. The Helios was too slow for my eyes and I was hoping for a quicker response pearl like the original Idol Pearl. With the stronger covers I drilled the Cosmos with a 5 X 4 X2 ¾ VLS layout to help the ball have length but recover down the lane. Out of the box the reaction was continuous and not too quick on our normal house shot. I scratched the ball with 2000 abralon to give it some teeth in the dry but the cover is too strong and not as responsive as I would have liked it on the house shot.

I am bowling the PBA 50 tour this year and did have success using the Idol Cosmos on the Mike Aulby 39’ pattern. For me this is a stronger pearl I can use to play the track area on the fresh. I have a lower rev rate and a high amount of axis rotation so this is a controllable option on older lane surfaces.


Pete Dohan
Storm Amateur Staff
#stormnation

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Roto Grip Magic Gem
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
224
PAP:
4 5/8 over 1 5/8 up
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Stroker
Bowling Hand:
Right Handed
Sport Shot Average:
Not set
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Bowler Stats:
Speed: 15.5 MPH
Rev Rate: 275 RPM
Tilt: 3-5 degrees
Axis Rotation: 60 degrees
PAP: 5 ⅜ over 1 ¼ up

Layout: 5 X 3 X 33/4 VLS

The Magic Gem is the third release in the Gem series. I have had a lot of success with the Exotic Gem and with this release having a more solid hybrid coverstock I was excited to see how it would roll for me. The original Gem was too strong for me to use in league and on some PBA 50 patterns so with the Magic Gem it was time for me to try a pin down layout to help the strong asymmetrical core get through the fronts and have some recovery down the lane.

On the house shot this ball will be more for the beginning league play when the lanes have not transitioned. As I move left with the Magic Gem it gets down the lane too far and does not recover well. If my rev rate was in a higher category this ball would be perfect for the house shot.

This layout helps me use the stronger ball and stay to the right longer. With the slower motion that it makes downlane I do need to keep the surface to at least a 1000 abralon so I can blend the wet/dry better on the house shot. For bowling on the PBA 50 patterns this ball will be used on the shorter length patterns.

Pete Dohan
Storm Bowling Amateur Staff
#StormNation

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Roto Grip Nuclear Cell
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
224
PAP:
4 5/8 over 1 5/8 up
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Stroker
Bowling Hand:
Right Handed
Sport Shot Average:
Not set
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
From the beginning the Cell line has been my favorite installment from Roto Grip brand. The original Cell was so good I had to have 2. The next version I enjoyed rolling was the Hyper Cell Skid. I bowled a 300 game with it and it easily became one of the favorites out of the bag. Fast forward to today and we have the release of the Nuclear Cell. I drilled it with a dual layout of 50x4x40 which is pin above the ring for me. With my lower rev rate (325) and with how clean through the fronts pearl covers are for me we drilled it with a stronger pin placement.

Out of the box I could see how the drilling matched my game. On our house shot 40’ and 19mls it was getting down the lane easily, revved up in the midlane, and was sharp off the end of the house shot pattern. I have tried to use it during team tournaments and with the extra lane play I had over/under with the out of box finish. After those two experiences I hit the surface with a 2000 abralon pad on the ball spinner and that gave me a more predictable (smoother) reaction off the end of the house patterns.

After seeing the ball out on the lanes and other videos online if you want a strong asymmetrical pearl ball this is the ball for you. It fits in my arsenal below the UFO and above the Phaze II.

Bowl up a Storm

Pete Dohan Jr
Storm Bowling Amateur Staffer

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Roto Grip Optimum Idol
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
224
PAP:
4 5/8 over 1 5/8 up
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Stroker
Bowling Hand:
Right Handed
Sport Shot Average:
Not set
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
Bowler Stats:
Speed: 15.5 MPH
Rev Rate: 250 RPM
Tilt: 6.6 degrees
Axis Rotation: 80 degrees
PAP: 4 5/8 over 1 5/8 up

Layout: 5 X 5 X 2.5 VLS

The original Idol was a super popular ball after its release. I didn’t throw the original Idol because I used a Phase II and they are very close in core numbers. With the release of the Optimum Idol the Ikon core has been upgraded with the A.I. technology to give bowlers a newer version of the Idol ball motion for today's lane conditions. This ball also features the same Micro Trax cover found on the Gem.

By having a combined stronger core and cover combination, in a symmetrical ball, I drilled it with a slightly weaker layout to give the ball some length and have less flare because of the strong Micro Trax cover. This ball is very smooth through the oil on the house shot and a little too slow and forward when it reaches the end of the pattern for my eyes. For my rev rate category sometimes the combination of strong core and cover makes the balls too slow on the house conditions. I had the same issues when trying to use the Roto Grip TNT. If I used too much surface the ball was even slower and if I let it shine up it gave the ball an under over type of reaction.

Because of the ball motion of the Optimum Idol, I am more comfortable using the Storm Summit when I need to use a stronger symmetrical piece in my league and tournament arsenal.


Pete Dohan
Storm Bowling Amateur Staff
#StormNation

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Roto Grip RST X-1
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
224
PAP:
4 5/8 over 1 5/8 up
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Stroker
Bowling Hand:
Right Handed
Sport Shot Average:
Not set
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
Ball specs:
Cover: MicroTrax Hybrid Reactive
Core: RST Core (Roto Star Tour Core)
RG: 2.53 Diff: .053 PSA Diff: .016

Bowler Stats:
Rev Rate: 325 Rpm
Speed: 15.5 Mph
Layout: 30 X 41/2 X 30 dual angle

Before the release of this ball the talk was how similar to the Physix this ball is. When I heard that my ears perked up and I was excited to see it go down the lane. After seeing a MatchMaker RST go down the lane, yes the shape of the ball motion is the same as the Physix and I knew I needed to give this ball a try.

When comparing the two (Physix vs RST) the Physix is an earlier motion for me compared to the RST. The hybrid cover on the RST gives me a cleaner reaction through the fronts giving the ball more length than the Physix but has the same response or shape (harder and quicker) off the dry as the Physix and and both are continuous through the pins.

This ball fits between the original Physix and Rubicon for me when comparing the Asymmetric cores in the Storm family. I tested it on 40’ Red Square and it rolled great where the Rubicon was too forward and didn’t give me enough shape at the end of the pattern to make it to the pocket.

Pete Dohan
Storm Bowling Amateur Staff
#StormNation

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Roto Grip RST X-3
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
224
PAP:
4 5/8 over 1 5/8 up
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Stroker
Bowling Hand:
Right Handed
Sport Shot Average:
Not set
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
Roto Grip RST X-3 Ball Review

Bowler Stats:
Speed: 15.5 MPH
Rev Rate: 300 RPM
Tilt: 3-5 degrees
Axis Rotation: 60 degrees
PAP: 5 ⅜ over 1 ¼ up
Layout: 5 X 41/2 X 23/4 VLS

With the release of the third installment in the RST line I was curious how close this ball would be to the RST X-3 since they were both hybrid covers. The RST X-1 has more solid as the base and the R-3 more pearl. When I drilled the X-1 I was expecting a replacement piece for the original Physix but the X-1 was stronger and smoother or slower than the Physix. I drilled the X-2 with a weaker layout and the pearl cover was too clean for me to use on a regular basis in my arsenal.

After using the RST X-3 in league around town on the local house shots it's becoming one of my favorites to use. For me it's earlier than the Infinite Physix and more sharper off the end of the house shot than the Reality Check. I did a slight adjustment to the surface to 1000 abralon by hand and just let it shine up and haven’t changed the surface since. I have rolled to 300s with it on the fresh house shots in both leagues where the 300s were in the third game. This is a good transition ball when you need to move left into the higher volume of oil of the house shot.

I was also able to have success using this ball on the 35’ Del Ballard Pattern during a PBA 50 South Region event.



Pete Dohan
Storm Bowling Amateur Staff
#StormNation

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Roto Grip Rubicon
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
224
PAP:
4 5/8 over 1 5/8 up
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Stroker
Bowling Hand:
Right Handed
Sport Shot Average:
Not set
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
Speed: 15.5 Mph
Rev Rate: 300
Drilling: 50 X 4 ¼ X 25 Dual Angle

Being a bowler that likes to see the motion of the new ball before I drill it, I was excited when I saw Pro Staffers rolling this ball during the PBA League. My first impression was this is an asymmetrical version of the !Q Tour Solid. It is clean through the fronts and rolls earlier than the !Q Tour Solid but has the same shape down the lane.

In my arsenal this ball fits below the Phaze II but is stronger than the !Q Tour Nano. I have noticed after putting games on it the solid cover likes to lane shine quicker than other pieces in my arsenal. This will reduce the overall reaction but by having a 1000 or 2000 abralon handy will help with keeping the cover fresh. I use this ball in a second shift league or on a house with a little more friction down lane. The ball is just too clean in the fronts for me to use on higher volume house shots in my area.

For tournaments this will be a benchmark ball on lengths between 37-39 for bowlers with my speed and rev rate. This will give the bowler a smooth and controllable reaction off the end of those patterns.

Pete Dohan
Storm Amateur Staff
#StormNation

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Roto Grip Rubicon UC2
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
224
PAP:
4 5/8 over 1 5/8 up
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Stroker
Bowling Hand:
Right Handed
Sport Shot Average:
Not set
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
Rubicon UC2 Ball Review
Ball Specs:
Coverstock: pearlized eTrax
Core: Asymmetric Rondure
RG: 2.49 Diff: .052 PSA: .011

Bowler Specs:
Rev Rate: 325 rpm
Speed: 15.5 mph
PAP: 5 ¼ over ¾ up

Layout: Dual angle 30 X 41/2 X 30

Video Comparison review: https://youtu.be/pfY1qodfMRE

The first time I saw this ball go down the lane was during a MatchMaker event. The bowling center that was hosting is a high friction center that I bowl team tournaments in. After the first session of the MatchMatcher and seeing all the different types of bowlers roll this ball and have a similar ball reaction I knew I needed this ball in the arsenal. The Rubicon UC2 was clean through the fronts and had a noticeable change of direction off the dry for all the bowlers rolling it.

For me the Rubicon UC2 is what I wanted from the !Q Emerald on house shots. It has the length but quicker off the dry than the !Q Emerald. With the lower differential in the !Q line the emerald was way too long and very slow off the dry which caused it to be very conditional for me. The Rubicon UC2 with a stronger core gives me the same length but with the quicker off the dry reaction down the lane it lets me play deeper on the lanes (3rd and 4th arrow) which the Emerald wouldn’t allow me to do.

This ball is one of the more versatile pearls in my arsenal. Along with the team tournaments I use it on the second shift league I bowl in. Since pearls give me extra length, with my speed and rev rate, I will have a 2000 abralon handy to help with any over/under reactions I may encounter.


Pete Dohan
Storm Amateur Staff
#StormNation

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Roto Grip TNT Infused
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
224
PAP:
4 5/8 over 1 5/8 up
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Stroker
Bowling Hand:
Right Handed
Sport Shot Average:
Not set
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
Roto Grip TNT Infused Ball Review

Bowler Stats:
Speed: 15.5 MPH
Rev Rate: 275 RPM
Tilt: 3-5 degrees
Axis Rotation: 60 degrees
PAP: 5 ⅜ over 1 ¼ up

Layout: 5 X 3.75 X 2.5 VLS

The Original TNT was very slow off the end of the pattern for me so when the TNT Infused was released I was hoping this ball would be quicker off the dry so I can use it when the lanes transition during league. I didn’t like the out of box surface with the reacta gloss because it made the ball skid too far and be confused off the end of the pattern. After scratching it by hand with a 2000 abralon pad the ball began to blend the wet dry better and give me a more predictable motion.

With also having the Journey the TNT Infused compliments it well. I can play to the right in league with the Journey and when that ball begins to read the house shot too early I can switch to the Infused and not have to make a large move left.

The PBA 50 begins soon so I will be able to test this ball on patterns. The TNT Infused rolls great in the second shift league I bowl in since the lanes are constantly transitioning during league and different from week to week.



Pete Dohan
Storm Bowling Amateur Staff
#StormNation

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Roto Grip Tour Dynam-X
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
224
PAP:
4 5/8 over 1 5/8 up
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Stroker
Bowling Hand:
Right Handed
Sport Shot Average:
Not set
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
Roto Grip Tour Dynam-X Ball Review

Bowler Stats:
Speed: 15.5 MPH
Rev Rate: 275 RPM
Tilt: 3-5 degrees
Axis Rotation: 60 degrees
PAP: 5 ⅜ over 1 ¼ up

Layout: 41/4 X43/4 X 2 VLS

With the release of the Tour Dyman-X during the PBA 50 Season I was not sure how I would match up with the design of the Rondure core. After seeing the core numbers and it being a weaker asymmetrical core I decided to put a stronger layout on it rather than my normal one. I thought it may give me a urethane type of motion off the end of shorter patterns since I didn't have urethane as an option in my arsenal. Unfortunately I think I missed on the layout because it’s very confused on the house and sport patterns.

The 41/4 inch pin placement gives me the proper length with the weaker core but the 43/4 mass placement doesn’t allow the ball to flare enough when it begins to read the dry at the end of the pattern. I used a similar drilling I would use on an !Q Tour solid since this ball was to be slightly stronger with the same type of ball motion.

I changed the cover to 1000 abralon by hand and that helped it read the house pattern for my ball review video but as it shined up it still was confused.

I plan to drill another one and change the mass bias placement in the VLS layout to 4 inches and so it will flare more to match my lower rev rate.

Pete Dohan
Storm Bowling Amateur Staff
#StormNation

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Roto Grip UFO Alert
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
224
PAP:
4 5/8 over 1 5/8 up
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Stroker
Bowling Hand:
Right Handed
Sport Shot Average:
Not set
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
Ball Specs:
Coverstock: eTrax Hybrid Reactive
Weight Block: E.T. Core
RG: 2.52 Diff: .054 Mass Bias: .016

Bowler Specs:
Speed: 15.5 MPH
Rev Rate: 300
PAP: 5 ⅜ over 1 ¼ up
Layout: Dual angle 50 X 4 ⅜ X 20

With the original UFO we experimented with a pin down layout for me to use on shorter sport patterns or dryer house shots where I could play more in the track area during the 3 game of league. In the last few weeks I have been working on my game and my PAP has changed so the original pin placement when the ball was drilled was 5 inch pin now with the new PAP its 4 ⅜ iinch pin placement.

I have been using this ball during the second shift league. I need a strong core to help with the volume of oil that is in the middle of the lane after the first 5 person mixed league but the Hybrid cover gives me the clean reaction through the heads with a predictable recovery off the dry. This ball did get enough press since it was released at the same time as the Dark Code.

This ball will also be used on shorter sport patterns. I have a Reality for the fresh and depending on the lane surface I can switch to this piece to give me more length from the cover but still have the strong core to help in case bowlers are using urethane.


Pete Dohan
Storm Amateur Staff
#StormNation

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Storm Absolute
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
224
PAP:
4 5/8 over 1 5/8 up
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Stroker
Bowling Hand:
Right Handed
Sport Shot Average:
Not set
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
Bowler Stats:
Speed: 15.5 MPH
Rev Rate: 300 RPM
Tilt: 3-5 degrees
Axis Rotation: 60 degrees
PAP: 5 ⅜ over 1 ¼ up

Layout: 4 1/2 X 5 X 2 ¾ VLS


With the numbers on the Sentinal Core of the Absolute, Rg: 2.48, Diff: .050, and PSA: .021, it would place this ball as a slightly weaker piece than the Reality line. Since R2S is one of the weaker pearl covers in the Storm line I didn’t know how clean this Deep Hybrid version would be compared to the other R2S pieces in the line. For me this core and cover combination gives me a stronger asymmetrical piece with a very clean cover for my speed and rev rate.

After drilling this ball with a stronger pin placement to combat the cleaner cover the out of box reaction was very clean on higher volumes of oil with less friction down the lane. After using it on the local house shots it was easy to see that for my speed and rev rate this ball needed to be used on lower volume house patterns or at centers with a lot of down lane hook or friction.

Over time I have changed the cover and removed the reacta gloss polish to help with how clean the cover is. This core and cover combination does give this ball a unique shape and allows lower rev rate players like myself to stay to the right, or in the dry longer, without the ball over reacting off the dry.


Pete Dohan
Storm Bowling Amateur Staff
#StormNation

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Storm Absolute Power
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
224
PAP:
4 5/8 over 1 5/8 up
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Stroker
Bowling Hand:
Right Handed
Sport Shot Average:
Not set
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
Storm Absolute Power Ball Review

Bowler Stats:
Speed: 15.5 MPH
Rev Rate: 250 RPM
Tilt: 6.6 degrees
Axis Rotation: 80 degrees
PAP: 4 5/8 over 1 5/8 up

Layout: 5 X 4 X 21/2 VLS


With the release of the Absolute Power I was hoping it would fit in my arsenal better than the original Absolute. The original had a lot of under/ over ball reaction for me since the core is so strong and the R2S Deep Hybrid cover is so clean. On this release I put a benchmark type of layout on it to have a smoother more controllable ball motion out of this strong asymmetrical piece.

This ball with the stronger Sentinel core and R2S Deep solid coverstock gives me a ball I match up better with and it has a similar but earlier ball motion than the Rubicon. By using a benchmark layout I have a more predictable ball motion to help me see when the lanes are transitioning.

The R2S Deep Solid cover is also a versatile cover and can be used at different grits and even polished. This ball is versatile for me on the PBA 50 Tour. I am able to use it on multiple patterns.


Pete Dohan
Storm Bowling Amateur Staff
#StormNation

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Storm Axiom Pearl
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
224
PAP:
4 5/8 over 1 5/8 up
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Stroker
Bowling Hand:
Right Handed
Sport Shot Average:
Not set
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
Ball Specs:
Coverstock: NeX Pearl Reactive
Weight Block: Orbital Core
RG: 2.48 Diff: .050

Rev Rate: 325 rpm
Speed: 15.5 mph
Condition: local area house shots and synthetic lane surfaces


All I have to say about this ball is what a great addition to the arsenal. With my speed and rev rate I usually have trouble with the pearl covers giving me too much length and then being too slow or too sharp off the dry. With this core and cover combination I have a readable midlane reaction and a strong or quick response off the dry. This reaction gives me versatility on different bowling center’s house shots in my area because I can see a noticeable change of direction in the midlane and beyond.

Along with the Axiom it is a good 1-2 punch. The motion or shape each ball makes rolling down the lane compliments each other. If the lanes are a little tighter I can use the Axiom to start and just switch to the Pearl without making a big move left or fishing for other balls to use.

From the bowlers I have seen use this ball around town there has not been many who have done big surface adjustments. It rolls well right out of the box and has the same ball motion (shape) for all types of players. This ball definitely needs to be in everyone’s arsenal.

Pete Dohan
Storm Amateur Staff
#StormNation

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Storm Dark Code
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
224
PAP:
4 5/8 over 1 5/8 up
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Stroker
Bowling Hand:
Right Handed
Sport Shot Average:
Not set
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
Storm Dark Code Ball Review
Ball Specs:
Coverstock: ReX Pearl Reactive
Weight Block: RAD4 Core
RG: 2.50 Diff: 0.058 Intermediate Diff: 0.020

Bowler Specs:
PAP 5 ¼ over ⅜ up
Rev Rate: 325 rpm
Speed: 15.5 mph
Layout: 30 X 4 1/2 X 30

Video Ball Review: https://youtu.be/wJn664g1JSU

I have thrown all three of the previous Code releases. The Code Black was my favorite of the three. With the strong core and the Hyroad Pearl coverstock I was able to match up well with its angular down lane motion and at the time was a versatile piece in my arsenal. The Code Red was earlier and less angular off the dry than the Code Black and the Code X with its solid cover was just too slow down lane for my eyes to get comfortable with its reaction.

With the release of the Dark Code I was excited to see the RAD4 core with a newer more aggressive cover. The ReX Pearl for me has a smoother (slower) off the dry reaction than the sharp angular reaction or quicker reaction on the original Code Black. The core/ cover combination is very strong for me but the new cover is not as clean in the fronts as the Code Black which creates the slower reaction off the dry. This is also due to my speed and rev rate. I have seen other bowlers with higher rev rates roll this ball and it becomes more angular down lane.

This is a versatile piece and can be used by all types of bowlers.

Pete Dohan
Storm Amateur Staff
#StormNation


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Storm Fate
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
224
PAP:
4 5/8 over 1 5/8 up
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Stroker
Bowling Hand:
Right Handed
Sport Shot Average:
Not set
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
Storm Fate Ball Review

Bowler Stats:
Speed: 15.5 MPH
Rev Rate: 300 RPM
Tilt: 3-5 degrees
Axis Rotation: 60 degrees
PAP: 5 ⅜ over 1 ¼ up

Layout: 5 X 41/2 X 23/4 VLS

I was very much a fan of Belmo’s last ball, the Trend 2. The combination of the stronger symmetrical core and original Physix cover matched my game very well. The Trend 2 was a good ball for me to use in league but not so much on patterns due to the stronger pin placement. With the release of the Fate I was looking for a ball with more length than the Phaze V but with the same continuous motion off the dry.

I drilled the Fate with my standard layout so I can get a read on how much longer this ball will go since the REX pearl cover is a stronger pearl cover than the R2S featured on the Phaze V. For me the Phaze V revs up earlier than the Fate but with the weaker cover can have some over/under reactions on the house shot. When this happens I can change balls to the Fate and notice more length but now I can trust I will have the recovery off the dry with the stronger REX cover. In my arsenal the Fate fits below the Phaze V and depending on the amount of head oil in my second shift league can be slightly stronger than the Night Road.



Pete Dohan
Storm Bowling Amateur Staff
#StormNation

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Storm Infinite Physix
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
224
PAP:
4 5/8 over 1 5/8 up
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Stroker
Bowling Hand:
Right Handed
Sport Shot Average:
Not set
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
Storm Infinite Physix Ball Review

Bowler Stats:
Speed: 15.5 MPH
Rev Rate: 300
Tilt: 3-5 degrees
Axis Rotation: 60 degrees
PAP: 5 ⅜ over 1 ¼ up

When any ball in the Physix line is released I am excited to drill it and see how it performs on the lanes. One of my favorite balls is the original Physix and I have drilled every release in the line since my game matches the ball motion of the core and any cover combination. With the latest release the Infinite has the REX cover that is on the popular Dark Code, but instead of 1500 plus polish as the finish it is 4K with no polish. I drilled the Infinite with a 5 inch pin and a VLS layout of 5 X 41/2 X 23/4.

The REX pearl gives me the length I need as a low rev rate player and a quicker more continuous reaction off the end of the pattern. For me it is a versatile addition to my arsenal and compliments the Proton Physix. If the Proton is reading the pattern too early instead of balling down I can use the Infinite instead. I have had success using it on multiple house conditions around the Tampa area and out on the PBA 50 Tour on the Mark Roth 42’ and Billy Hardwick 44’ patterns.


Pete Dohan
Storm Amateur Staff
#stormnation

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Storm IQ Tour 78/U
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
224
PAP:
4 5/8 over 1 5/8 up
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Stroker
Bowling Hand:
Right Handed
Sport Shot Average:
Not set
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
Storm !Q Tour 78/U Ball Review
Bowler Stats:
Speed: 15.5 MPH
Rev Rate: 275 RPM
Tilt: 3-5 degrees
Axis Rotation: 60 degrees
PAP: 5 ⅜ over 1 ¼ up

Layout: 4 X 4 X 1 ½ VLS


I bowl the PBA 50 Tour and with the new PBA urethane rule I wanted to try the !Q Tour 78/U to have a urethane option in my bag. The Pitch Black was not a good choice for me because of how slow it is for my rev rate. The Pitch Black looks good early but when the lanes transition I leave a lot of flat tens. I was not sure how to drill these two urethane pieces until I watched Darren Tang’s review of the 78/U and he suggested a higher pin buffer for my rev rate category.

When comparing the !Q Tour to the Pitch Black I drilled them almost the same with the Pitch Black having a layout of 4 x 4 x 1 VLS. The Pitch Black is still earlier and slower down lane compared to the 78/U but I was excited to see the 78/U has more continuation down lane than the Pitch Black. This allows me to trust that the ball will react to the friction and have a continuous motion at the end of the pattern to the pocket rather than rolling out and leaving flat te
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Storm IQ Tour Nano Pearl
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
224
PAP:
4 5/8 over 1 5/8 up
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Stroker
Bowling Hand:
Right Handed
Sport Shot Average:
Not set
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
Rev rate: 300
Speed: 15.5 MPH
Layout: 55 x 4 x 30 Dual Angle
Ball Specs: RG: 2.49
Differential: .029

The OG !Q Tour Nano is my favorite release in the series. The cover was stronger than the solid making it stronger in the midlane and a more predictable reaction. In today’s bowling environment with thicker oils Storm releases a Nano Pearl version to help the ball have the earlier midlane reaction with a smoother reaction off the end of the pattern so bowlers can control the pocket.

After using this ball for the last few weeks you can noticeably tell how much earlier this ball reacts down the lane compared to the !Q Tour Solid and Emerald. I have all three !Q’s (Nano pearl, Solid, Emerald) drilled similar to have the same ball motion but let the three different covers give me an earlier, a middle, and a longer length. On our house pattern (40’, 19-24mls) the Nano Pearl is 3-4 boards stronger in the front of the lane compared to the solid. As the lanes changed and I had to move left the Nano Pearl was too early and was laboring down lane so I switched to the solid standing in the same spot and I had the reaction I was looking for.

How does this ball compare to the Emerald? For me the shiny pearl balls have a lot of length on any pattern. After rolling the two I have to be softer with my speed when rolling the Emerald to get the ball to react down the lane. When rolling the Nano Pearl on the house shot I am 6-7 boards left at the arrows compared to the Emerald.

The last thing is the surface on the Nano Pearl. Since the pearl covers tend to give me lots of length and the Nano Pearl is dull out of box and begins to lane shine after a few games I am opting to keep the surface at 1000 grit by hand. This way I can have the same early ball motion every time I pull this ball out of the bag.

Pete Dohan
Storm Bowling Amateur Staff
#StormNation

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Storm Journey
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
224
PAP:
4 5/8 over 1 5/8 up
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Stroker
Bowling Hand:
Right Handed
Sport Shot Average:
Not set
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
Bowler Stats:
Speed: 15.5 MPH
Rev Rate: 275 RPM
Tilt: 3-5 degrees
Axis Rotation: 60 degrees
PAP: 5 ⅜ over 1 ¼ up

Layout: 5 X 3 X 3 VLS

The Journey is the latest release in the Signature series and features the same F-8 that was in the previous Jason Belmonte release the Fate. This time the ball features a new cover, the TX-16 Pearl. It is the first time Storm has used this cover and is formulated from the TX-16 solid which is on the fan favorite the Phaze II.

I decided to try a new layout on this ball to find a truer pin down layout I can use on patterns. By having this layout the ball is earlier and smoother in the front of the lane and has a nice continuous motion off the dry. I am able to play to the right on the house shot longer but once the heads begin to go and I have to move into more oil the ball becomes too clean and angular.

In my arsenal this ball fits in between the Sublime and the Summit Peak. As the PBA 50 begins I will be planning to use the Journey on shorter patterns (36’-39’).


Pete Dohan
Storm Bowling Amateur Staff
#StormNation

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Storm Lightning Blackout
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
224
PAP:
4 5/8 over 1 5/8 up
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Stroker
Bowling Hand:
Right Handed
Sport Shot Average:
Not set
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
Bowler Stats:
Speed: 15.5 MPH
Rev Rate: 250 RPM
Tilt: 6.6 degrees
Axis Rotation: 80 degrees
PAP: 4 5/8 over 1 5/8 up

Layout: 41/2 X 41/2 X 2 VLS

I usually don’t drill the weaker symmetrical releases since my rev rate is lower and I would rather drill stronger pieces weaker to fill that gap in the arsenal. With the addition of A.I. technology to the core of this ball I wanted to see if this will help with the core strength or overall ball motion. The REX pearl coverstock is my favorite pearl blend so I decided to give the Lightning Blackout a try.

Even with the stronger layout this ball does not flare a lot so I need plenty of friction down the lane to have the ball motion I’m comfortable with. On the house shot I can stay to the right in the dry and have a good reaction but when I move into more oil I need to add more surface to help the ball cut through the oil and read the dry the correct way. I always use a 1000 grit abralon on all the REX pearl releases.

With the way lanes transition on patterns I have not needed to use the Lightning Blackout in PBA 50 events. If you bowl on a lower volume house shot or an older lane surface then this ball would be a good choice along with the Hustle line.


Pete Dohan
Storm Bowling Amateur Staff
#StormNation

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Storm Night Road
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
224
PAP:
4 5/8 over 1 5/8 up
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Stroker
Bowling Hand:
Right Handed
Sport Shot Average:
Not set
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
Storm Night Road Ball Review

Bowler Stats:
Speed: 15.5 MPH
Rev Rate: 300 RPM
Tilt: 3-5 degrees
Axis Rotation: 60 degrees
PAP: 5 ⅜ over 1 ¼ up

Layout: 5 X 5 X 23/4 VLS

My style has never matched up with the Hyroad series so I was a little worried when I decided to give the Night Road a try. I drilled the original Hyroad to help with the PBA 50 events and longer pattern lengths I would be bowling on. I drilled it with a 4 ½ inch pin placement to help the ball roll earlier because of the higher RG core and how clean the hybrid cover is for me. The ball never made the shape I was comfortable with so it didn't go down the lane much.

Fast forward to the Night Road with a stronger REX pearl cover and a weaker layout of 5 X 5 X 23/4 Vls. The combination of cover to layout really matches up with my low rev rate and style of play. The core gives me the length I need and the REX cover is strong enough to make a sharper Hyroad type of reaction off the dry. This ball will help me on the longer patterns later in blocks where I will be playing farther left but give me the ability to keep my angles to the pocket shallower. This releases out of box surface is 4K Fast but I have taken it to 2000 abralon by hand.

I am also having success using this ball in game 3 of our second shift league on a lane surface that has lots of friction to the right. Game one I start with the Phaze V as the lanes transition, the next ball I use in game 2 has been the Fate and when that ball is too early in game three the Night Road fits the shape I need to have standing left and throwing it to the right.


Pete Dohan
Storm Bowling Amateur Staff
#StormNation

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Storm Parallax
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
224
PAP:
4 5/8 over 1 5/8 up
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Stroker
Bowling Hand:
Right Handed
Sport Shot Average:
Not set
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
Layout: 50X4X40 Dual Angle
Rev rate: 300 rpm
Speed: 15.5 mph


When the Parallax was released I wasn’t sure where it would fit in the arsenal. Before I drill the new stuff I like to see how it reacts when bowlers use it then decide where it fits. After some research and asking questions I was told it will replace my favorite, the Physix, but be earlier and smoother off the dry than the Physix. Those guys at Storm know what they are talking about. I drilled it similar to the Physix and it reads the lanes earlier and is smoother off the dry.

With my lower rev rate and on the cliffed house shots I need the big ball specs to help combat the wet/dry conditions of league bowling in my area. By adding the Parallax to my arsenal which also includes a Nuclear Cell, I have 3 strong asymmetrical pieces that have 3 different reactions off the dry. The Physix is early but stronger off the dry, the Parallax is smoother, and the Nuclear Cell is sharper.

If you're looking to add a strong asym to the bag with an early hook but with a smoother and more controllable reaction off the end of the pattern this is the ball for you.

Pete Dohan
Storm Bowling Amateur Staff
#StormNation

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Storm Parallax Effect
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
224
PAP:
4 5/8 over 1 5/8 up
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Stroker
Bowling Hand:
Right Handed
Sport Shot Average:
Not set
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
Ball Specs: 15lbs
Cover: Traction X7 pearl reaction
Core: Aeroflo Core
RG: 2.50 Diff: .052 PSA: .020

Bowler Specs:
Speed: 15.5 mph
Rev Rate: 300+
Layout: 30 X 4 ½ X 30 Dual angle

Video ball comparison: https://youtu.be/SvV_jn-rWXU


I’ve had the opportunity to throw the original Parallax and the Parallax Effect. With the original it was to be similar and replace the Physix in the line. After rolling it for a few weeks I could see that it was earlier than the Physix and slower off the dry. The Parallax needed a lot of downlane friction for me to get it to the pocket consistently. Because I have a lower rev rate I like to see a dramatic increase in downlane motion to be comfortable. After seeing a teammate roll the Parallax Effect during league I noticed that this ball was early but quicker off the spot than the original. So I decided to give it a whirl. I am glad that I did.

This ball for me fits below the RST X-1 and Axiom Pearl but is overall stronger than the Nuclear Cell. The pearl cover/ core combination, for me, is not as strong (earlier) as the Axiom Pearl but is sharper off the dry. Some pearl covers for me have to be adjusted with a 2000 abralon pad to eliminate the over/under downlane reaction but with the Parallax Effect the strong core and cover there was not a lot of over/under with the out of box finish. If the Parallax Effect is overall too strong as the lanes dry out I can go right to the Nuclear Cell and a complimentary ball reaction.

Pete Dohan
Storm Bowling Amateur Staff
#StormNation

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Storm Phaze V
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
224
PAP:
4 5/8 over 1 5/8 up
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Stroker
Bowling Hand:
Right Handed
Sport Shot Average:
Not set
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
Storm Phaze V Ball Review

Bowler Stats:
Speed: 15.5 MPH
Rev Rate: 300 RPM
Tilt: 3-5 degrees
Axis Rotation: 60 degrees
PAP: 5 ⅜ over 1 ¼ up

Layout: 5 X 41/2 X 23/4 VLS

With the removal of the Phaze 4 from the line and the release of the Phaze V which has the same core and cover as the 4 but with a new Reacta gloss polish I was anxious to try it. I drilled the Phaze 4 too strong with a 4 inch pin placement and this caused the ball to be too early and forward off the end of patterns. Even though the R2S Pearl cover is a weaker one this ball still picks up in the midlane nicely and the Reacta Gloss polish gives it a smoother shape off the dry instead of the sharper shape of the 1500 polish surface of the Phaze 4.

I was able to drill another Phaze 4 with the same layout as the Phaze V for my video review and the out of box finish for both of these balls gives them a slightly different look off the dry. They are both clean through the fronts, began to pick up in the midlane but with the polish on the Phaze 4 was quicker off the dry on the house shot than the Reacta Gloss polish on the Phaze V. Bowling a second shift league gives me the chance to use the Phase V during the first game as the lanes transition. Since the Phaze V was not released until after the PBA 50 season I have not used it on any sport patterns.

After putting some games on the Phaze V I have scratched it with a 2000 abralon pad to help with the over/under reaction.

Pete Dohan
Storm Bowling Amateur Staff
#StormNation

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Storm Proton Physix
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
224
PAP:
4 5/8 over 1 5/8 up
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Stroker
Bowling Hand:
Right Handed
Sport Shot Average:
Not set
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
Proton Physix Ball Review

Ball Specs:
Coverstock: NeX Solid Reactive
Weight Block: Atomic Core
Rg: 2.48 Diff: .053 Mass Bias: .017

Rev Rate: 325 rpm
Speed: 15.5 mph
Layout: 45 X 4 ½ X 30 Dual Angle

By far my favorite Storm ball is the original Physix and I was upset when it came time to see it on the discontinued list. It’s ok I still have one NIB. But with the release of the Proton Physix I was excited to see the updated version of my favorite piece in my arsenal. Now with the new NeX Solid coverstock this ball is stronger which makes it read the lane earlier and has a more rounder shape off the dry down the lane compared to the original Physix.

This is not a ball to use all the time. I bowl in a league with an older surface where the house uses a higher volume to have the shot hold up during our league. Topography issues at its best from week to week. Last year I was able to use the Physix and Phaze II throughout the year because they used Fire oil. This year they changed to Ice oil and the original Physix was not early enough on the fresh house pattern. I drilled the Proton specifically to help me with the higher volume and oil until they begin to transition.

On sport patterns for my game I will be using this ball on longer lengths of 43’ and longer. Also with the solid cover keep the abralons handy to give yourself the optimal reaction on the higher volumes of oil. I primarily use 1000 on the solid covers because 500 make the balls read the lane too early for my rev rate and speed.

Pete Dohan
Storm Bowling Amateur Staff
#StormNation

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Storm Revenant
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
224
PAP:
4 5/8 over 1 5/8 up
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Stroker
Bowling Hand:
Right Handed
Sport Shot Average:
Not set
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
Storm Revenant Ball Review

Bowler Stats:
Speed: 15.5 MPH
Rev Rate: 300 RPM
Tilt: 3-5 degrees
Axis Rotation: 60 degrees
PAP: 5 ⅜ over 1 ¼ up

Layout: 5 X 5 X 2 ¾ VLS

With the removal of the Spectre from the line I was missing this core and cover combination. I matched up well with the Spectre so when Storm decided to release the Revenant which has the same Vector core and R3S coverstock I was excited to drill this one. I changed my layout from the 4 ½ pin placement on the Spectre to a 5 inch pin to give me a little more length so I can use the Revenant in later games during tournaments on patterns.

The out of box reacta gloss gave me too much length and an inconsistent reaction off the end of the patterns in league and during tournament play. I removed the reacta gloss with a 2000 pad by hand and this ball came to life. It now reads the midlane more consistently and gives me a more consistent motion off the dry. It is quicker off the spot than the Wolverine Dark Moss but not as quick as the Night Road.

I have had success using this ball in PBA 50 competition on the Weber 45’ pattern. For league play I need more friction down the lane to have success.



Pete Dohan
Storm Bowling Amateur Staff
#StormNation


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Storm Summit
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
224
PAP:
4 5/8 over 1 5/8 up
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Stroker
Bowling Hand:
Right Handed
Sport Shot Average:
Not set
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
Bowler Stats:
Speed: 15.5 MPH
Rev Rate: 300 RPM
Tilt: 3-5 degrees
Axis Rotation: 60 degrees
PAP: 5 ⅜ over 1 ¼ up

Layout: 4 ½ X 4 ¾ X 3¾ VLS

As I am bowling on the PBA 50 National Tour this summer I needed to try a different layout and ball motion to help me with lane transitions that we face. I can’t do a true pin down layout because the ball becomes too delayed as it goes down the lane and if there is not enough friction the ball becomes too slow. With the ball shape of the Summit, with its Centripetal HD core where it revs up in the midlane and is continuous on the back end, and a weaker layout, it gives me a stronger symmetrical piece with more length for when the heads start to break down, but the continuous motion off the end of the pattern without the use of polish.

The TX-23 cover makes this ball stronger than the Phaze II and TNT for me. I was able to test out the ball motion on two of the PBA 50 patterns so far since drilling this ball. The 42’ Mark Roth pattern hooked more than usual since the oil volume was lower and the lane surface was older and on the 36’ Del Ballard pattern at the PBA 50 World Series where I should have added polish or 2000 abralon to help with the over/ under reaction I had. This ball may be more geared for the 39’ Mike Aulby or 38’ Marshall Holman patterns.

On the house shot this ball rolls fantastic. If you watch my ball review with the out of box surface on the Summit it was a little too slow but after scratching the ball with a 1000 abralon by hand the ball reaction got better with a noticeable stronger motion off the dry.

Pete Dohan
Storm Bowling Amateur Staff
#StormNation

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Storm Summit Peak
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
224
PAP:
4 5/8 over 1 5/8 up
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Stroker
Bowling Hand:
Right Handed
Sport Shot Average:
Not set
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
Storm Summit Peak Ball ReviewBowler Stats:
Speed: 15.5 MPH
Rev Rate: 250 RPM
Tilt: 6.6 degrees
Axis Rotation: 80 degrees
PAP: 4 5/8 over 1 5/8 up

Layout: 5 X 3 X 21/2 VLS


I matched up well with the original Summit so when the Summit Peak was released I knew I wanted to see how well this ball would compliment the Summit. The TX-23 pearl cover stock seems slightly weaker than the TX-16 pearl that is featured on the Journey. The A.I. Tech in the core gives me the same mid lane reaction as the Summit but pearl cover adds some length from front to back.

The layout featured on this ball gives me the length and quicker motion off the dry that I need on the lower volume house shots in my area. This layout also allows me to stay to the right during the transition of the house shot during league. I can start with the Journey in the track area then when it becomes too early I can change to the Summit Peak and have more length and sharper back end motion off the end of the pattern.

I have not changed the surface on this piece at all. I just let the amount of games remove the polish. I have not used this ball on any PBA 50 patterns yet as the 2024 PBA 50 Tour season has just begun.

Pete Dohan
Storm Bowling Amateur Staff
#StormNation

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Storm Super Nova
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
224
PAP:
4 5/8 over 1 5/8 up
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Stroker
Bowling Hand:
Right Handed
Sport Shot Average:
Not set
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
Storm Super Nova Ball Review
Bowler Stats:
Speed: 15.5 MPH
Rev Rate: 300 RPM
Tilt: 3-5 degrees
Axis Rotation: 60 degrees
PAP: 5 ⅜ over 1 ¼ up

Layout: 5 X 41/2 X 23/4 VLS

The Super Nova is the second release in the Nova line. Instead of the Hybrid cover they used the NEX Solid coverstock which has been featured on the Proton Physix. The Proton is one of my favorite balls to throw even though it is asymmetrical it is very versatile and has a continuous shape off the dry. The original Nova was drilled similar to the super nova with a 5 inch pin placement but the mass was in a stronger position and that created a very slow reaction off the dry.

The Super Nova is a very strong piece and with the stronger cover was earlier than the Nova and just as slow off the dry on the house shots in my area. With my lower rev rate I’ve been drilling the balls with weaker layouts to help the balls get down the lane since the centers don’t have higher volumes of oil in the heads. I have tried different surface adjustments from 1000 to 2000 and even letting it lane shine to help with the overall ball reaction. I think with this core and cover combination having a polish on this piece creates the best ball shape.

I didn’t drill this ball until the end of the PBA 50 season so it does not have much use on patterns yet but by the shape it has I will be using it on shorter patterns with higher volumes. Also need to make sure the lane surface is newer so there is less overall friction on the lane.



Pete Dohan
Storm Bowling Amateur Staff
#StormNation


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Storm The Road
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
224
PAP:
4 5/8 over 1 5/8 up
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Stroker
Bowling Hand:
Right Handed
Sport Shot Average:
Not set
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
Bowler Stats:
Speed: 15.5 MPH
Rev Rate: 250 RPM
Tilt: 6.6 degrees
Axis Rotation: 80 degrees
PAP: 4 5/8 over 1 5/8 up

Layout: 5 X 5 X 2 VLS

One of my favorites to throw in the Road series was the Night Road. The REX cover gave me an earlier ball motion compared to the HyRoad Pearl with the R2S pearl cover. With the addition of A.I. to the Fe2 core I wanted to see it would be a replacement for the discontinued Night Road. I drilled The Road for longer length patterns to help me have a weaker piece to help me stay to the right as the pattern transitions.

The ball comes with Reacta Gloss polish and the REX Hybrid cover. I was not sure how much stronger this cover would be compared to the REX Pearl but after throwing it on the house shot the polish gave it too much length and no recovery off the end of the pattern. After removing the Reacta Gloss polish with a 1000 grit abralon pad the ball begins to read the lane just after the mid lane and has a smoother more predictable motion once it hits the dry. The REX hybrid cover and A.I. cover enhancement has made The Road stronger than the Night Road for me.


Pete Dohan
Storm Bowling Amateur Staff
#StormNation

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Storm Trend 16 Only
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
224
PAP:
4 5/8 over 1 5/8 up
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Stroker
Bowling Hand:
Right Handed
Sport Shot Average:
Not set
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
Speed: 15.5
Rev rate: 325
Layout: 50 X 4 X 20 dual angle

The Trend is the newest signature series ball from Jason Belmonte and from what I have seen is the best out of all the releases. I had the Timeless but just didn’t match up with it. The nest release I drilled was the Pro Motion and I liked the motion from the Piston Core but the Spec cover made it roll to early on the conditions I was bowling on.

After seeing players roll the Trend and the motion I was seeing out of core and pearl cover I had to try it. With my speed and rev rate along with the pearl covers I normally need friction down lane to help with ball motion. Not with this ball it begins to read the midlane and is sharper off the spot at the end of the house shot.

To help with ball shine and the polish on the pearl cover I will be hitting it with a 2000 abralon just to keep it reading patterns correctly.

Pete Dohan
Storm Amateur Staff
#StormNation

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Storm Virtual Energy Blackout
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
224
PAP:
4 5/8 over 1 5/8 up
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Stroker
Bowling Hand:
Right Handed
Sport Shot Average:
Not set
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
Bowler Stats:
Speed: 15.5 MPH
Rev Rate: 275 RPM
Tilt: 3-5 degrees
Axis Rotation: 60 degrees
PAP: 5 ⅜ over 1 ¼ up

Layout: 5 X 51/4 X 23/4 VLS

With the Storm Infinite Physix being one of my favorite balls and it being discontinued I was excited about the release of the Virtual Energy Blackout since it was using the REX Pearl coverstock. The core in the Virtual Energy is slightly stronger than the core featured in the Physix line so I decided to drill it to a little weaker than Infinite Physix.

The Infinite Physix is clean but smoother off the dry for me than the Virtual Energy. The Blackout is noticeably a few feet longer and quicker off the dry than the Infinite Physix. I am not a fan of the Reacta Gloss polish with my lower rev rate so I changed the surface to 2000 abralon. I use 1000 on the Infinite Physix and having the added length on the Virtual Energy I didn’t want the two to be the same. I’m able to use the Infinite when the patterns are fresher and then as they change I can use the Virtual Energy and not have to ball down.

If you liked the Infinite Physix the Virtual Energy Blackout is a good replacement for the Infinite in your arsenal.

Pete Dohan
Storm Bowling Amateur Staff
#StormNation


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