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Reviews by Tommy Gollick

900 Global Honey Badger Intensity

900 Global Reality

900 Global Zen/U

Roto Grip Asylum

Roto Grip Critical

Roto Grip Dare Devil

Roto Grip Dare Devil Danger

Roto Grip Dare Devil Trick

Roto Grip Deranged

Roto Grip Devour

Roto Grip Eternal Cell

Roto Grip Halo

Roto Grip Halo Vision

Roto Grip Haywire

Roto Grip Hectic

Roto Grip Hot Cell

Roto Grip Hustle Au

Roto Grip Hyper Cell

Roto Grip Hyper Cell Fused

Roto Grip Hyper Cell Skid

Roto Grip Hysteria

Roto Grip Hy-Wire

Roto Grip Idol Pearl

Roto Grip Idol Pro

Roto Grip Idol Synergy

Roto Grip Menace

Roto Grip MVP

Roto Grip MVP Attitude

Roto Grip MVP Pearl

Roto Grip No Rules

Roto Grip No Rules Exist

Roto Grip No Rules Pearl

Roto Grip Nuclear Cell

Roto Grip Outcry

Roto Grip Rubicon

Roto Grip Rubicon UC2

Roto Grip Rumble

Roto Grip Sinister

Roto Grip UFO

Roto Grip UFO Alert

Roto Grip Unhinged

Roto Grip Uproar

Roto Grip Winner Solid

Roto Grip Wreck-Em

Roto Grip Wreck-It

Storm Alpha Crux

Storm AstroPhysix

Storm Axiom

Storm Axiom Pearl

Storm Byte

Storm Code Black

Storm Code Red

Storm Code X

Storm Crux

Storm Crux Pearl

Storm Crux Prime

Storm Electrify Hybrid

Storm Electrify Pearl

Storm Fast Pitch

Storm Fever Pitch

Storm Fight

Storm Freak'n Frantic

Storm Gravity Evolve

Storm Hy-Road Max

Storm Hy-Road Pearl

Storm Hy-Road Solid

Storm Hy-Road X

Storm Incite

Storm Intense

Storm Intense Fire

Storm IQ Tour 30

Storm IQ Tour Emerald

Storm IQ Tour Fusion

Storm IQ Tour Nano

Storm IQ Tour Nano Pearl

Storm IQ Tour Pearl

Storm Joy Ride

Storm Lights Out

Storm Lock

Storm Marvel-S

Storm Match Ltd

Storm Match Pearl

Storm Match Up Black Pearl

Storm Match Up Black/Red/Blue Hybrid

Storm Match Up Pearl

Storm Match Up Solid

Storm Omega Crux

Storm Optimus

Storm Optimus Solid

Storm Parallax

Storm Parallax Effect

Storm Phaze

Storm Phaze III

Storm Physix

Storm Pitch Blue

Storm Pitch Purple

Storm Proton Physix

Storm Reign Of Power

Storm Ride

Storm Rocket

Storm Rocket Ship

Storm Sky Rocket

Storm Snap Lock

Storm Soniq

Storm Super Natural

Storm Sure Lock

Storm Sync

Storm Torrent

Storm Zero Gravity

Show all reviews

900 Global Honey Badger Intensity
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
4

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The Honey Badger Intensity is the latest release from 900 Global, in the 700 series. The Intensity has the S70 solid reactive cover and uses the same Grapnel 2.0 core that was in the Honey Badger Revival. The HB Intensity colors are pink and Navy blue and has a 4000 grit Abralon finish from the factory. The numbers in 15lb HB Intensity’s are 2.54 Rg, 0.048 diff., and an intermediate diff. of 0.012.

I drilled the HB Intensity with a layout of 4.5 X 4 X 4. This is the same layout as the Revival I drilled. The Intensity slows down a lot sooner on the lane than does the Revival, but still has a good amount of shape through the backend of the lane, and covers more boards and handles more oil than the Revival. The motion of the HB Intensity would best be described as a very strong arch. Comparing the Intensity to the solid sanded Reality, the Intensity cover is a little weaker than that of the Reality, and makes it a good ball to drop down from, if the Reality is just overall, too much reaction. The Intensity has been best on medium long to longer patterns with a moderate volume of oil, so far. The downlane motion and aggressive cover gives me a little too much shape for most medium length patterns.

I like the HB Intensity. I originally drilled this ball because the overall core shape reminds me of an asymmetrical version of the core found in the old Storm Atomic Charge and ReCharge. Those were favorites of mine from back in the day. The motion the HB Intensity makes on the lanes does remind me of the shape I used to get out of the Atomic Charge, with a balance hole. Thank you for taking the time to read my review of the Honey Badger Intensity.

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900 Global Reality
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
4

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The Reality from 900 Global is the first ball without a bolt or star on the label that I have used since 2001. That is 20 years! The Reality has a big asymmetric core called Disturbance, and is wrapped in a solid coverstock called S84 Response and comes from the factory with a 2000 grit abralon finish. The numbers in 15lbs are 2.49Rg, 0.052 differential, and .018 intermediate differential. This is the strongest ball that 900 Global has produced to date.

I drilled Reality 4.5 X 3.5 X 2.5. This is the same layout that I have on my pin up Rubicon. With the out of the box finish on a freshly oiled 41 foot house shot, and comparing to a fresh 3000 surface on the Rubicon, the Reality is a little less responsive in the heads of the lane even though it has more surface, picks up in the midlane stronger, and has more forward roll through the backend of the lane. The Reality seemed to blend the fresh pattern a little better than did Rubicon ( Rubicon was a tad flippy on the backend comparably), because Reality slowed down sooner. As the lanes break down, the lower surface grit of the Reality makes it see the transition sooner than with the Rubicon, and I have to move deeper on the lane, and make moves more frequent to keep up with the oil depletion that is taking place. I usually only use this type of layout when bowling on house conditions that have a puddle in the middle, as it helps me blend out the pattern and keeps me inside the oil line and staying away from the dry boards, outside. One note of interest so far is that the cover has seemed to hold the factory surface very well, and has not really lane shined too quickly.

The way Reality reads the lane is different than what I have become accustomed to with my Storm and Roto Grip bowling balls, as a whole. The fact the Reality is a little easier through the heads and picks up in the middle of the lane while not being as responsive at the breakpoint, will be a big plus to compliment what I already have in my bag, moving forward. I definitely am looking forward to this exciting opportunity to use 900 Global bowling balls! Thank you for reading my review of the 900 Global Reality!

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900 Global Zen/U
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The Zen U is a new Urethane bowling ball from 900 Global. This new offering features the new Meditate LD core as well as the all new s35 Urethane+ cover. This combination of cover and core is designed to provide the bowler with control on very short and or over-walled patterns. The numbers are 2.56 Rg with a 0.027 diff in 15lb bowling balls.

I drilled my Zen U with a 3.75” pin distance and a 1.5” pin buffer. I wanted to try and maximize flare as I don’t have an ultra high rev rate, and to also compliment a Pitch Black with a very similar layout. Oftentimes during regional events, there is so much oil on the lanes on these shorter patterns that I just don't have enough hand to maximize the mistake room that is built into the patterns that higher rev rate bowlers can generate. My Pitch Black is very close early on when the lanes are fresh, but as the day goes on, I need a little more all around ball motion. This Zen U makes me excited to see regional play again, and hopefully some short high volume patterns.

I am looking forward to this upcoming tournament season, and being able to use the Zen U. Lower left to right ratio patterns with high volumes lend to bowling balls with hook and control. Having the Zen U in my arsenal is a must. Thank you for reading my review of the 900 Global Zen U.

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Roto Grip Asylum
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The Asylum is the third ball released from Roto Grip with the middle roll 70 core that touts an RG of 2.50 and a differential of 0.043 in 15lb balls. This offering has a neon green, blood red hybrid cover stock. The Asylum has a factory finish of 3000 grit Abralon that is easily adjustable to fine tune the bowlers reaction.
The Asylum really is a hybrid of the Deranged and Disturbed. It doesn’t pick up near as early and has more backend than the Disturbed. The Asylum reads the lane earlier and will handle more oil than the Deranged. If there was ever the perfect “fit ball “between two bowling balls, this just may be it.
I drilled my Asylum with the pin just left of my ring finger, and Cg on my grip line. This layout breaks down to a 4x6½ x2 ½, using the Storm layout system. I left the ball at the box finish and this ball was strong, strong, strong! Not only did it hook in the midlane, it also continued through the backend, and off the pin deck. This ball could be a great oiler if you keep the cover dull and clean it with some reacta-scuff. I needed to get some games on it and oil build up on the cover, to help tame it down a bit, as I have the Marvel S and the Hyper Cell for floods, and the Asylum is a step down in my arsenal. After about 5 games, it was the perfect marriage of glide through the front, with a clean read of the midlane, and crisp, but not jerky move to and through the pins. I have at least 40 games on it now, and have never touched the cover, but to clean it with reacta-clean after every session, and it rolls about the same as it did since game 5, once it oil shinned.
I have been able to use the Asylum on house conditions, long patterns that I have to go at the pocket with such as the Don Carter (50 ft) and Mark Roth (46 ft) patterns. I used it during a tournament that had the USBC National’s team (43ft) pattern once the fronts broke down a bit, and am able to use it on shorter patterns like the Viper (37 ft) and most recently the Carmen Salvino (40 ft) pattern. Versatile, really is an understatement for this ball with this layout for my style of game.
The Asylum is the first ball out of my bag as it isn’t the strongest or the weakest cover and core combination that I have. Often times, I don’t have to reach for anything else, just make a subtle hand adjustment or move my feet, and go to work. If you want a ball that has a lot of versatility with all except the absolute extreme floods or dirt lanes, than the Asylum is the ball for you.

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Roto Grip Critical
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The Critical is the first asymmetrical ball released in the HP3 line of Roto Grip bowling balls. The Critical is advertised with a 67MH cover, that has a finish of 3000 abralon and is purple green and grey in color. This hybrid cover is two parts pearl, and one part solid. The Critical uses the same Triliptic Core that was in the Theory line of balls a few years back. The Critical has an Rg of 2.49, a differential of 0.058 and an intermediate differential of 0.013 in 15 lb balls.
I used a very aggressive layout on my Critical of 3 ⅝ x 6 x 2 ½. I went with this layout to give me a ball that blends those over walled league conditions. The Critical didn’t disappoint. In fact, I was able to shoot 300 with my Critical and average 255 in a tournament, that was bowled on the style of lane conditions that I drilled the Critical for. The early even ball motion doesn’t over-react on push shots that get to the dry too quickly, and doesn’t under-react on pull shots that stay in the puddle of oil on over walled house conditions. I took the box finish of 3000 down a bit with Storm step #1, as I didn’t want the ball to cover too many boards. The Critical gives me a completely different reaction than anything else I have in the bag. The biggest thing to keep in mind is that surface texture is more important to overall board coverage than what layout option is. Layout options, give the bowlers the chance to create a desired shape to the overall board coverage that the cover texture is finished to. The only down side to a layout like I used on my Critical, is it makes the ball very specific, which is what I wanted anyway. When my Critical becomes too much, I can step down to my Asylum for a 1-2 punch.
The Critical gives bowlers a chance to drill an asymmetrical ball, at the HP3 line of products price point. The cover is very adjustable, and can be changed to meet the bowlers need of traction and friction based on conditions. If you had any of the previously released Theory line of balls, then the Critical is a chance for you to bring back a blast from the past.

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Roto Grip Dare Devil
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The Dare Devil is the latest pearl covered bowling ball released in the HP3 line from Roto Grip. THe Dare Devil has a new core shape called Madcap core which produces an RG of 2.48 and a differential of 0.041 in 15 lb balls. The Amped cover with a Teal/white/black color combination looks great sitting on the ball rack, and rolling through the pocket!

I drilled my Dare Devil using a 4 ¾ x 5 ¼ x 2 ½ layout during the PBA Fall swing in Las Vegas. The first I used it was for the team challenge event, playing outside going up about 7-8 on a 42 foot pattern that played somewhat tight. The Dare Devil rolled excellent and gave me an unprecedented strike percentage when I made great quality shots, enough so, that fellow teammate Liz Kuhlkin commented “ I think you’ve struck every time you’ve thrown that ball!” Truth be told, if I could’ve executed slightly better that day, I would’ve definitely been able to help my team out more, and push us up higher in the standings as I could not of had any better ball reaction. I have since used my Dare Devil on a variety of different patterns from high scoring to low scoring. The Dare Devil is a ball that I can play out when they are tighter, and chase in as the pattern breaks down. The Dare Devil was also a key factor in winning a doubles tournament with my good buddy Jeremy Gilbert. The best way I can describe my Dare Devil is it is the best combination of an Optimus and Marvel Pearl. The Dare Devil is clean and easy through the heads just like my Optimus, but has the rounded off slightly smoother and continuous down-lane motion like the Marvel Pearl. Comparing the Dare Devil to the Deranged, the Dare Devil reads the lane a little earlier and also has a touch more continuation, compared to the hook set motion of my pin over ring Deranged.

The Dare Devil not only rolls great, but looks great as well. I am always honest with my reviews, and if I have a better ball already in the bag, I will be honest and say it. With that said, it also goes for when I really like a ball, I’m being honest about it. The Dare Devil is a really great ball for me, and I believe it will be a great ball for many of you. Thank you for reading my review of the Roto Grip Dare Devil. Own It!

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Roto Grip Dare Devil Danger
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The Dare Devil Danger is the third ball released using the Madcap core. This version uses a hybrid cover stock called Psyched. The core numbers in a 15lb ball come in at 2.48 Rg, with 0.041differential. The color combination of orange, red, and blue stands out on the ball return.

I really like the Dare Devil, and Dare Devil Trick, so a new release with a different cover stock was an easy decision to give a try. The Danger is cleaner through the fronts than the Trick, and has more backend reaction than the original Dare Devil. I drilled the Danger with a 4 x 5 x 2 3/4 layout (very similar to my Hy-Wire and the first DD Trick I drilled). The Danger works best for me on medium volume, medium length patterns, as I have kept it at the box finish. The backend reaction, is strong but controllable, best described as a hard arching motion. Comparing the Danger to the Hy-Wire (which is my go to, or bench mark ball), the Danger starts it’s roll earlier, and has a more continuous shape through the backend, compared to the slightly more defined change of direction and roll of the Hy-Wire.

I decided to not change the out of box cover prep of the Danger, as I like the shape and motion just the way it is. The cover seems to be cleaner than most covers today, so I don’t know that I would want to use this ball with surface, as that is what the Trick is more suited for. The Dare Devil Danger would be a really good option for a bowler looking to replace their Hy-Wire with a bit more overall board coverage, or looking for a more rolling core, that doesn’t have “snow tires” on it. The Danger would also be a good benchmark ball for bowlers not seeing tons of oil on the lane, or bone dry conditions. Thank you for taking the time to read my review of Roto Grip’s Dare Devil Danger. Own It!

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Roto Grip Dare Devil Trick
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The Daredevil Trick is the follow up ball to the Daredevil in the HP3 line of balls from Roto Grip. This version has a solid cover called Reckless and comes from the factory with a 2000 grit abralon finish. The color combination is black teal and red, and uses the same Madcap core found in the original Daredevil which has core numbers of 2.48 rg and 0.041 diff in 15 lb balls.

I drilled the Daredevil Trick with the same layout as I have on my first Daredevil,
4 ¾ x 5 ¼ x 2 ½. In the box finish, the Trick starts creating traction in oil quicker and has more overall hook potential than the Daredevil with this slower transition, medium-high flare potential drilling. I can use the Trick on lanes that have carry-down, and when the Daredevil just can’t slow down enough to make the corner, and face up properly towards the pocket. I like the Trick on medium to medium heavy lane conditions, with decent blend left to right. The HP3 line of balls from Roto Grip have produced some of the most consistent reactions for me, and my style of play, and the Trick is another great addition in this line. I have not altered the surface of the Trick, only cleaned it with Reacta-Clean, and a light touch of a grey scotchbrite to get some belt marks off of the ball. With probably 70 or so games on the Trick, there is lane shine on the ball and is a cleaner through the front part of the lane than when fresh out of the box. With some fresh surface for heavier volumes of oil; some polish or lane shine for medium conditions, the Daredevil Trick has good pattern coverage from the Medium to the heavy stuff.

The Daredevil Trick is a great addition to anyone's bag when wanting a ball that has a variety of pattern coverage, and has a consistent, reliable ball motion. The Trick is just a good ball, period. Talk to your local pro shop about a Daredevil Trick today. Thank you for taking the time to read my review of the Daredevil Trick.

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Roto Grip Deranged
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
4

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
I am happy to write my first review of a Roto Grip ball, the Deranged. The Deranged is the pearl version of the Disturbed and is in the HP3 line of balls. The Deranged uses the same core as the Disturbed, the middle roll 70, but has a pearl cover called 61MH. The Deranged has an RG of 2.50 and a differential of .043 in 15lb balls. The colors are neon green and pearl white, sure to catch the attention of bowlers eyes while rolling down the lane.
I drilled my Deranged with pin over ring and cg on my grip line. The comparison ball will be my Disturbed with same pin position, with the difference being that the cg is a little left of my grip line on the Disturbed. The Deranged glides to the break point much easier than what the Disturbed does and is less overall motion than the Disturbed. The 1500 grit polished cover saves plenty of energy for the backend of the lane. I have also tried using some surface on the Deranged with successful ball reaction, although the cover does seem to lane shine quickly, so it is best just staying with the polished finish for me. I like the Deranged the best when moving in on the lane, and opening up the pattern. I really like the way the Deranged continues through the backend of the lane when I do get deep. It doesn’t “flip” per say, but continues to hook which gives me a reaction unlike anything else currently in the bag. This core design is a winner for sure as I have had great results with the Deranged and the previously released Disturbed.
The Deranged is a great ball to get in deep on the lane and just wheel it. Throw it to the dry, and watch the Deranged roll back to the pocket. If you need a bowling ball that really clears the front of the lane, and has a lot of “hook” in the backend, then try a Deranged. If you already have a Disturbed, and find that you aren’t encountering enough oil to use it as much as you would like, than the Deranged is the way to go. Thank you for taking the time to read my review of the Roto Grip Deranged.

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Roto Grip Devour
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
4

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The Devour is in the HP2 line of balls from Roto Grip. This solid, 3000 grit pad finished ball has an Rg of 2.56, and a differential of 0.034, in 15lbs. The Devour has a core called Late Roll 56, which is a slightly modified version of the core that is in the ever popular Wrecker. The black and yellow color combination also creates the illusion of some green in the ball. I drilled the Devour with the pin just to the left of my ring finger, and cg in the grip, no extra hole. This is the same layout as I used on my Rumble, 4¼ x 5 x 3.

Comparing the Devour to my Rumble, the Devour reads the midlane harder, with more of a hook set motion than the Rumble. The Rumble archs through the backend more than the Devour. The Devour reads oil well, and can give the bowler a cheaper ball that has some read of oil, at a lower price point. The Devour can also be polished. I used Storm step #1, and smoothed out the cover to get more length out of the ball. Polishing the cover also gave me a little more backend motion.

I feel the Devour is a good ball for bowlers who are on a budget, and wants a ball for medium to medium heavy oil, that doesn’t cover a lot of boards. More speed dominant players will like the Devour on medium conditions, and rev dominant players will like this ball on medium to medium heavy oiled conditions.

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Roto Grip Eternal Cell
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The Eternal Cell is the most recent Roto Grip release using the tried and proven Nucleus Core. This new version has a polished solid cover that is cleaner through the front than the previous Hyper Cell and from my experience, Hyper Cell Skid. The eternal Cell has an Rg of 2.52, a differential of 0.056, and an intermediate differential of 0.018 in 15lb balls. The brightly colored orange, raspberry, and black, really stands out on the shelf.
I drilled my Eternal Cell with a 3 ¾ x 5 ¼ x 2 ½ layout. I originally tried the Eternal Cell with box finish, and liked it on medium conditions, that had a moderate amount of oil in the middle of the lane. If there was too much build up in the middle, then the Eternal Cell had a tendency to over skid to the spot, and roll up behind the head pin. Once I lightly hit the Eternal Cell with a 3000 abralon pad, the motion blended out perfectly, and is now one of my favorite balls in the bag. The Eternal Cell rolls well from out as well as covering some boards, when getting my hand around the side of the ball. I still prefer the Eternal Cell on slightly more blended patterns, compared to the Critical, which seems to handle the over walls better. Even though the Eternal Cell has a solid cover, I find it easier through the front of the lane, compared to the Hyper Cell Skid. I’ve had good reaction on pattern lengths from 37 to 43 feet in length with the Eternal Cell.
If you never drilled any of the previously released balls with the Nucleus Core, then I would recommend trying an Eternal Cell. The cover is a little cleaner than some of the really strong covers that are released today, and has a wide pattern coverage, especially with some cover tweaks to really dial in the ball for the condition that you bowl on. Stop by your local certified pro shop, and drill an Eternal Cell today. Thanks for taking the time to read my review of the Roto Grip Eternal Cell.

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Roto Grip Halo
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
4

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The Halo has been added to the HP4 line of bowling balls from Roto Grip. Halo uses the same solid MicroTrax S-18 cover as was used on the Idol. The Halo comes from the factory with a 2000 grit abralon finish, which is well suited for medium-heavy to heavy volume lane conditions, depending on the particular bowlers rev rate and ball speed. The Halo has a new weight block called Centrum core. The numbers in 15lb Halo’s are 2.49 Rg, 0.050 Diff with a 0.018 PSA diff.

I used a lower Rg layout on my Halo (3 x 5.5 x 2). I am able to get my intended layout to match how I want my ball to perform on the lanes by using Storm’s VLS layout method. Please visit Storm’s youtube page, as they have done a great job at putting together 3 different videos explaining how each number works to affect ball motion, and when changing those variables, you get different reaction shapes on the lane and motion through the pins. Getting back to the Halo; I chose this layout as I wanted a ball that rolled more controllable off the spot (on higher volume, flatter conditions), without hooking too soon. Basically, when urethane just doesn't have enough read of the oil. Placing the pin at 3” keeps the weight block in a somewhat unstable position (3 ⅜” from PAP being most unstable) as I still wanted the ball to flare because of using on higher volumes of oil. Using the 5.5” PSA placement, makes for a longer transition or slower spin time to the preferred spin axis. This keeps the weight block from getting to the PSA too quickly. The 2” pin buffer placement, is a good inbetween placement, staying away from being too angular (shorter distance from VAL) or too even (longer distance from VAL). With this layout, the Halo has been very good for me in tournament conditions that are as I described above. The Halo doesn’t transition too soon and leave flat seven pins, nor is it too angular off the spot,which allows for a wider pocket when they are tough. Comparing the Halo to my No Rules (same layout but with an X hole), the Halo goes a little longer and has a smoother transition shape.

I like the Halo for its intended purpose. This isn’t a layout I would look to use very often on a house shot, unless it was a shorter length, higher volume pattern. Moving forward with the USBC’s new balance hole rule, it’s a very good idea to make sure to “measure twice, cut once”, as it relates to the layout, because the pro shop operator won’t be able to mask a slightly missed drill, with a balance hole. Surface is the biggest factor in how fast the ball slows down, but layout will dictate the shape the ball makes through the pins for each different bowler. Thank you for taking the time to read my review of the Roto Grip Halo. Own IT!

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Roto Grip Halo Vision
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The Halo Vision is the third installment using the Centrum asymmetric core in the HP4 line of balls from Roto Grip. The numbers for the core in 15lb balls are as follows; 2.49 rg, 0.050 diff, and 0.018 PSA diff. The hybrid cover called eTrax-H19 comes sanded from factory with a 4000 grit Abralon finish, and has great shelf appeal with the gold & sky blue pearl with solid purple color combination.

I drilled the Halo Vision to compliment my original Halo. I used a 3 x 5 x 2 layout compared to the 3 x 5.5 x 2 on my Halo. When I use a layout like this, I am looking for a little more control off the end of the pattern, on flatter, sport and PBA conditions. For me, this kind of layout gets the ball into a roll with continuation that is controllable. The Vision has rolled well for me on the 42’ Mark Roth pattern, as well as league conditions that are more blended with similar lengths. I used a slightly closer PSA location, just to help the ball shape a touch more off the spot. Using only a ½” difference in PSA in general won’t yield any major changes in ball reaction, and is more noticeable with a matched or slower speed rev dominant player, than is with a speed dominate, or faster speed player. I happened to be fairly matched with my ball speed and rev rate, so I can see a slight more defined shape from the ball as it leaves the pattern and how it rolls through the pins. The original Halo is a more “arch type” compared to the Vision that stands up and rolls a little straighter.

The biggest difference I see with the Vision and the Halo is the change of cover, and how it responds to friction in the front of the lane. The hybrid cover is much easier through the front of the lane than the Micro-Trax S18 on the Halo. One other noticeable difference is in how my Halo Vision seems to lane shine easier than the original Halo. This can be a good thing if you want a cleaner version of the Halo, without it being too skid-flippy as was my experience with the Halo Pearl. Overall board coverage of the two balls is fairly close, they just go about getting to the pocket a little differently. The Halo likes a little more head belly with rounded shape, while the Vision is a straighter shot through the fronts with a slightly more defined shape off the spot.

Thank you for taking the time to read my Halo Vision ball review. Now OWN IT!

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Roto Grip Haywire
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The Haywire is the most recent release in the HP3 line from Roto Grip. This ball uses the same great middle roll 70 core that was previously found in the Deranged, Asylum, and Disturbed, but is wrapped with the 80H Microbite cover that is on the Hyper Cell. The numbers on the Haywire are Rg of 2.50, and a differential of 0.043 in 15lb balls. The Haywire has a guts, grit & grime rating of 70/80/H. This translates into a hook potential of 70, a cover strength of 80, and H for heavy oil. The Haywire has an unusual color combination of Navy, Peach, and Sky Blue. Everyone will definitely know when they see the Haywire roll down the lane!

I drilled my Haywire aggressively because I needed a ball in my bag to compliment my Marvel S which is also drilled very strong. I went with a 3 ⅜ x 3 ½ x 2 ¼ layout. I placed an extra hole on my VAL about 2” down from my PAP(drawing a line from grip center through the CG, onto the VAL). This placement is roughly a P2, for those that use that system. The Haywire has given me exactly what I was looking for, a slightly cleaner, more angular Marvel S. I have used my Haywire on many different medium-heavy, and heavy oil patterns. The Haywire was the ball I used to propel my standings from 16th to as high as leading the tournament averaging 221 through match play on a very difficult 41 foot World Championship pattern, at the PBA Xtraframe Gene Carter Pro Shop Classic, in Middletown Delaware, (where I would eventually qualify second for the show, and loose with a 242 game in that stepladder finals). The Haywire performed so well for me, because it didn’t bog down in the front of the lane, while not storing up too much energy, to be uncontrollable through the backend of the lane. The Haywire slowed down at the perfect time, to give me a wide pocket.

The Haywire shines on those medium-heavy to heavy oil conditions (with surface adjustments). I wouldn’t recommend the Haywire for dry conditions as there’s a plethora of other options for those conditions. In closing, the Haywire will be a great ball on medium-heavy to heavy oil for most bowlers. Stop by your local pro shop, and drill a Haywire today. Own It!

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

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The Roto Grip Hectic is the pearl version of the Devour, that is in the HP2 line of bowling balls. The violet/smoke color combination of this 50ML cover, looks great sitting on the shelf. The Late Roll 56 core is the same core that was used in the Devour. This Late Roll 56 core is a modified version of the ever popular Wrecker core.
The Hectic has been best for me on medium to lower volumes of oil. I wouldn’t consider this a dry lane ball except for the very speed dominant players, as it has too much hook. I drilled my Hectic with a 5 ¼ x 5 ¼ x 2 layout. Comparing my Hectic to my Punch Out with almost the same layout (5 x 5 x 2) the Hectic covers about the same amount of boards as my Punch Out, but is a little cleaner through the front of the lane, and shapes a touch more continuously through the backend. The Hectic is also a slight step up from my UpRoar. The Hectic also fits below my Sky Rocket as a good step down from it. The Hectic is cleaner through the front, with less total motion than the Sky Rocket.
The Hectic will be a great replacement ball for anyone's aging Punch Out or UpRoar. The value that bowlers can get out of the price point is really incomparable, when it comes to ball motion and shape. Bowling balls that fall into this particular category, is generally the weakest resin balls I can throw due to my soft hand and softer ball speed, and still get a good reaction shape. If I need less motion, I will look to my Urethane balls, and take a big step left to use the dry boards. Thank you for taking the time to read my review of the Roto Grip Hectic. Own IT!

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Roto Grip Hot Cell
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The Hot Cell is a new release from Roto Grip, that incorporates one of the most popular cores of all time, the Nucleus core, with a urethane cover called Radioactive. This ball is factory finished with a 1000 grit pad, and is bright red, with orange labels. The core numbers on pre-drilled 15lb Hot Cells are 2.52 rg, 0.056 differential, and 0.018 intermediate differential.

With the multitude of varying volumes and lengths of oil patterns these days, it was only inevitable that we would see a urethane covered ball, with a strong asymmetrical core. This ball will fill a niche void in bowlers arsenals when seeing high volume, very short oil patterns. The cover isn’t jumpy off the friction, and the core strength allows it to create fresher cover by having a lot of flair, to keep the urethane cover rolling strong through the backend of the lane. I really like this ball, and have been asking for something like it for many years now. Comparing the Hot Cell to a Pitch Black ,with same layout of 4 x 3.5 x 3, and surface prep, the Hot Cell starts up earlier, and has more “hook” and continuation through the pins, forcing me about 3 and 2 right to allow for the added hook. I have been able to use the Hot Cell on the above mentioned short patterns, as well as some very long, low volume patterns, that I just wanted to trap the pocket, but putting enough surface on a reactive ball to get it to slow down the right way, created too much overall hook.

THe Hot Cell will be a good choice for bowlers that do not have a high rev rate or super high ball speed, and want a ball to just bump the friction with a controlled shape, rather than have a weaker cored, reactive ball “flip” off the dry part of the lane. Using urethane on today’s high volume patterns does have it’s disadvantages, though. The cover will not soak up the oil like reactive can, and will lane shine quicker, and carry oil down the lane, more than what a reactive ball will do.

Thank you for taking the time to read my review of the Roto Grip Hot Cell.

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Roto Grip Hustle Au
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The Roto Grip Hustle Au is one of the latest balls in the HP1 category. The 2 tone gold pearl VTC-P18 cover wraps around the 2.53 Rg, 0.030 diff Hustle core in 15lb weights. THe Au comes from the factory polished to a 1500 grit finish, which is fairly standard for pearl balls coming out of Utah.

This is the first time that I have drilled one of the Hustle line of balls. I used a 4.5” pin with a 2.5” pin buffer. Out of the box compared to a polished Storm Black pearl Match Up (Storm step #2), the Hustle starts to pick up the roll a little sooner (closer to what I remember of the Match pearl), and is less responsive to the dry boards than the Black Pearl. I can see why other people who have used these balls along side of !Q tours, say they are like the !Q’s little brother. When compared to my !Q Tour Emerald (same layout), on fresh backends, the Hustle is about a 2-1 move left to try and find a slightly straighter trajectory through the fronts, and to compensate for the less board coverage. As the backends start to get some lineage, the Hustle sees this carrydown much more than the stronger response to friction cover that is on the Emerald. I ended up 5-3 left of where I was standing with the Emerald, after about 5 games of bowling. A great advantage that I see with the Hustle Au is even though it sees carrydown more than higher responsive balls, I can still get a good reaction without the ball being over-under. I can just move and find the friction needed to get the ball to read correctly.

To close, the Hustle Au has been a nice addition to use on medium-dry, to drier conditions, that still requires some angle that my urethane covered balls don’t provide. I’m glad I finally drilled a Hustle, and may see a hustle Ink in my future, thanks to this ball. Thank you for taking the time to read my review of the Hustle Au from Roto Grip. Own It!


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Roto Grip Hyper Cell
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
4

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The Hyper Cell is a combination of using the original Nucleus core that has an Rg of 2.52 and a differential of 0.056 with a PSA differential of 0.018 in 15lb balls; and the 80H Microbite cover that was on the Defiant, finished to 2000 grit abralon. The Hyper Cell really needs some oil in the front of the lane to get it moving in the correct direction with the box finish. A simple trip to the ball spinner for a coat of polish or a smoother surface will help if there isn’t enough oil on the lane to keep the Hyper Cell from slowing down too fast.
I choose to go with a 3¾ x6 ¼ x2 ½ layout to compliment the Asylum that I drilled up (4x6 ½ x2 ½). I wanted that true oil ball. I didn’t want a big backend reaction, and I didn’t want a ball that needed shined just to keep it from slowing down too fast even on oil. The 3 ¾” pin placement allows the ball to rev up, while the long PSA placement of 6 ¼” allows for a longer transition in the hook phase of ball motion. Translation; I drilled for heavier, longer, slightly flatter from left to right patterns. I used the Hyper Cell in a tournament that used the new 43 ft USBC team pattern. It was great on the fresh pattern. I kept my angles in front of me and moved in as the oil depleted. I was then able to go to the Asylum as the pattern broke down in the front of the lane because of the righties moving left, into my lay down area. This ball would’ve been great had we bowled on the fresh for the match play portion, as I can see where it wanted to allow me to move in (15 minutes of practice with only a few people on the pair can tell you a lot), if there is oil to move into. A slight change of the hand position to create more downlane motion as the angles become steeper is really all that is required.
The Hyper Cell is a strong cover and strong core ball. It likes oil. I can see players having success with this ball at nationals this year. The only issue I can see for me personally is because of the long PSA drill angle, I can get a little too much over under on the typical Abe Lincoln top hat house condition. If I drilled another Hyper Cell for that, I would go with a shorter PSA to PAP angle, so that the transition of the hook phase is faster, and a longer pin distance from PAP as well, to reduce the overall board coverage and hook potential. If you need a heavy oil ball, give the Hyper Cell a try. With cover modifications, you can use it on medium volume patterns, but I would recommend a different ball like an Up Roar for medium-light to dry lanes.
Thank you for taking the time to read my review of the Roto Grip Hyper Cell.

Tommy Gollick
Storm/Vise regional staff player

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Roto Grip Hyper Cell Fused
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The Hyper Cell Fused is a long overdue addition to the Cell series in the HP4 line of balls from Roto Grip. The Fused brings a new coverstock to the table called eTrax-H18. This is a hybrid version, and has similar characteristics (strong off the spot, but still reads the oil without over skating) to the Hyper Cell Skid. The jet black/silver/violet color combination really catches your eye, and looks great on the ball return. The Hyper Cell Fused uses the same tried and true Nucleus core that was in previous Cells.

I drilled my Hyper Cell Fused 4x5.5x3, using the Storm VLS system. For those who want a visual, the 4x5.5x3 layout puts the pin just to the left and even with my ring finger, and puts the mass bias just a little to the left of my grip line below the thumb (my PAP is currently 5” straight across). I needed a small X hole to make legal, which I placed on my PAP. The Hyper Cell Fused picks up on the lane earlier than my Hyper Cell Skid which has a layout of 5x5.5x2.5. Comparing the Fused to something more current, the Fused is similar through the front of the lane as my Code Red (also a polished hybrid), but comes off the spot stronger and more angular. I have been able to use my Fused on medium to longer patterns ranging from 38-43 feet, with medium to heavy volumes. I have also touched the surface of the Fused with as much as 1000 abralon, to use on the higher volumes, and still had angle in the backend, unlike some balls that smooth out too much and hit flat with surface. The Fused is no different than any other balls that I have thrown with the Nucleus core, in that I can go up the boards, and move in and curve it, depending on release and oil pattern. I believe that versatility is what has made all the Cell balls so good.

Thank you for taking the time to read my review of the Hyper Cell Fused. If you haven’t had the chance to try a ball with the Nucleus core, you don’t want to miss this one. With a versatile Hybrid cover that rolls good in the box shined finish, or with some surface added, the Fused will add a piece in your arsenal that gives you a strong, angular motion through the backend. Own It!

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Roto Grip Hyper Cell Skid
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
4

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The Hyper Cell Skid is the pearl accompaniment to the Hyper Cell. The Hyper Cell Skid has an RG of 2.52, a differential of 0.056, and an intermediate differential of 0.018 in 15lb balls. The Skid has great shelf appeal with it's black, gold, and violet color combination. The Skid comes from the factory with a 1500 grit polish. I drilled my Skid with a 5x5.5x2.5 layout. There wasn't a need for an extra hole to make it legal.
The Hyper Cell Skid covered a lot of boards for me with the factory finish. The layout and drill combination forced me very deep on the lane, and didn't give me the best ball reaction on our house condition. I decided to sand the cover with a used 1000 grit abralon pad, and had a ball that hooked the entire lane, and was more suitable for heavier volumes of oil. I then went back to the ball spinner and smoothed the cover out with Storm step #2, getting it back closer to factory finish and then topped that off with some Storm Reacta Shine. I was able to move back left with the Skid, and had a great step down reaction from my Sinister. I was able to use the Skid on a 43 foot sport pattern, as well as house conditions, while keeping my angles a little more direct with such a polished surface. Changing the cover gave me the reaction to the lane that I wanted to see, and made it a more usable ball on a multitude of patterns. It's very important to make sure you adjust the coverstock of a bowling ball, so that it fits your own style of bowling, and lane play. By adjusting the cover, I went from a ball that would have been very condition specific, to a ball that I can use on almost everything but the extremes. The Skid also compliments my Asylum very well. I can start with the Asylum on the fresh and play the pattern a little more square; and when I need to make a move in because the surface of the Asylum has broken down the pattern, the Skid reacts perfectly by opening up the lane, giving me recovery from the stronger core.
The Hyper Cell Skid is a great ball, that has it’s place in any arsenal. If this is the only ball that you would carry, make sure that you are bowling on a longer pattern, that has some hold built in to the pattern shape. This ball really has a strong continuous move in the backend of the lane.
Thank you for taking the time to read my review of the Hyper Cell Skid. Don’t forget to OWN IT!!

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Roto Grip Hysteria
12 of 12 people found this review helpful
4

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The Roto Grip Hysteria is the latest Roto Grip release in the HP3 line of balls. It uses the solid 67MH cover with an all new Late Roll 69 core. The Hysteria has an Rg of 2.58 and Diff of 0.049 in 15lb balls. The Hysteria is yellow and purple in color, which actually blends making it look like it is green, purple and yellow. The Hysteria comes with a factory finish of 1500 grit polished. The polished cover gives the Hysteria nice shelf appeal.
The Hysteria is a really good ball that has a specific ball motion, and place in my arsenal. It isn’t a benchmark piece for me, but is a ball that sees the lanes when I am able to bump the track on a house condition. This has really been my experience with about every high Rg and high differential ball that I have thrown over the years. I drilled the Hysteria with a 4 ½” x 2 ¼” x 4 ¾” layout, using the Storm VLS system. My PAP is 5” straight across. I have left the Hysteria at box finish, for testing purposes. The Hysteria glides through the front with a predictable roll. It doesn’t seem to over skid, even though it has a polished finish. As it gets to the breakpoint, it rolls off the spot for me, with a consistent hard move. The Hysteria doesn’t hook too early, and doesn’t over react to the backend of the lane. The Hysteria revs up nicely in the midlane, and gives me control of a house condition. The reaction of the Hysteria is like no other ball that I currently have in my arsenal. The one thing that I have noticed with the Hysteria is, when it is close to the reaction I need, it is awesome! But when the Hysteria goes away, it doesn’t allow me to chase the pattern real deep, and still carry. For me, the cover and core of the Hysteria is at its best when I can allow it to float through the front, and roll off the spot. When I move deeper on the lane, I almost have to force it to the hook spot and I then struggle with carry, as the high Rg doesn’t allow it to face up quick enough to get the ball into a roll through the pins. This is just my experience with how I laid the Hysteria out, and how I throw the ball. I have personally watched other bowlers with higher degrees of axis tilt get the Hysteria back from anywhere on the lane. The Hysteria for me is a ball that I want to keep at third arrow and left on the lane. Once I get deeper, it is time to get a different ball out that corners off the spot harder for me than what the Hysteria does.
As I said earlier, the Hysteria will be a great ball for high rev players that want to hook the lane, thanks to the high differential. The Hysteria is more of a control piece for medium rev players, and allows us to play closer to the dry, as the high Rg helps give the ball push, and the solid cover helps the ball roll through the backend of the lane. Low rev players will like the way they can get the Hysteria to hold pocket with carry, when riding just inside the oil line. Thank you for taking the time to read my review of the Hysteria.

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Roto Grip Hy-Wire
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The Hy-Wire is the latest release from Roto Grip with the middle roll 70 core. This rendition has a
polished hybrid cover called 62M. The 62M cover has 1 part solid (blue) and 2 parts pearl (yellow and violet). The core numbers of the middle roll 70 core is 2.50 with a differential of 0.043 in 15lb balls. The Hy-Wire is in the HP3 line of bowling balls.
I drilled my Hy-Wire 4 x 4 ¾ x 2 ¾ . The Hy-Wire has a spin off name from last years release, the Haywire, but when bowling with my Hy-Wire, I have a reaction that is more complimentary to my Deranged (polished pearl with the 61MH cover) than that of the Haywire. My Hy-Wire is a little earlier, and smoother off the spot than my Deranged, and covers more over all boards by about a 3 and 2 move in. I have had good success with my Hy-Wire on some medium length PBA patterns, as well as some modified house conditions. On our current house shot, the Hy-Wire is a little too skid flippy, and pushes me a little too deep for optimum pin carry, as the pattern is a bit cliffed, and I need to throw balls to blend the corner better. I really like my Hy-Wire when the patterns flatten out a touch, but still has more of a medium volume to them. I have tried sanding the cover of my Hy-Wire, but have found that for me, I really like the cover polished, and just use the ball when the conditions deem necessary.
The Hy-Wire is a true medium oil to slight medium heavy condition ball. For heavier volumes or highly viscous oils, I would recommend the Haywire, as the cover on the Haywire can handle more oil, but for medium volumes of oil and moderate length patterns, the Hy-Wire is a great option. I have had great success with ALL the bowling balls that have used the middle roll 70 core. For me, this is one of the most user friendly cores I have ever thrown. This Hy-Wire, is no different, just finding it’s home in a slightly different lane condition environment than the previously released balls thanks to this version of cover stock. Thank you for taking the time to read my review of Roto Grip’s latest HP3 line ball, the Hy-Wire.
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Roto Grip Idol Pearl
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
4

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The Idol Pearl is the pearl release in the HP3 line of bowling balls from Roto Grip. The Idol pearl has excellent shelf appeal with the royal/amethyst color combination of the eTrax/18 pearl cover. The pearl uses the same Ikon core as the solid Idol, which has an Rg of 2.49, and a differential of 0.052, in 15lbs.

I drilled the Idol pearl with a 4.5” pin, and 2.5” pin buffer. This layout is only slightly different from the 4.25 x 2.5 Son!Q I will use for comparison. Out of the box, the cover on the Idol had a little more bite to the front of the lane, than I would’ve expected for a 1500 polished pearl. This cover is strong. Keeping my ball speed a little more firm helped the early traction. Once the Idol got to the break point, it made a very strong move and change of direction. Once I got a few games on the ball, that early read seemed to somewhat disappear. In total, out of the box, the Idol pearl was a similar shape, with more board coverage, than the Son!Q; Son!Q’s “big brother” so to speak. Giving away the pocket wasn’t an issue to have recovery without any quit in reaction. Using the Idol pearl on medium volume house conditions was almost too angular, and too much ball, pushing me deeper than I really wanted to play. I tried adjusting the cover with a 2000 abralon pad, and this seemed to not change the shape all that much, but give me more traction on higher volumes of oil.

I like the Idol Pearl. I will admit that for me personally, I will sooner reach for the SonIQ because it has the same shape, but covers fewer boards, and I see more often medium volume patterns, than the heavier volumes that I would want, to keep the Idol Pearl in my comfort zone. I can use the Idol pearl when I need that shape on higher volumes or real slick oils; or on a lane surface that has less built in traction like pro-anvilane. The Idol pearl isn’t a control ball in my opinion, but neither was the Idol. My ball roll gives me bigger backend reaction with these balls, compared to what I see from other bowlers using this core shape. Thank you for taking the time to read my review of the Idol Pearl. Own It!

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Roto Grip Idol Pro
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The Idol Pro is the third version of the Idol series in the HP3 line of balls from Roto Grip. The Pro features a solid reactive coverstock called eTrax-S19. This cover does not have the additives that creates early traction like is found on the original Idol. This translates into a cleaner reaction through the front of the lane, with more downlane motion. The factory finish of 3000 grit-sheen, helps the Pro slow down faster than the Idol Pearl. The Pro has the same popular Ikon core as the previous Idols. The one color, solid Ocean blue is a “throwback” to a much simpler time of bowling ball colors. The Idol Pro fits right in between the original Idol, and the pearl version.
I drilled two Idol Pros with different layouts. The first layout is a 4 ¼ x2 ¾, while the second is a 3x2 (pin distance/ pin buffer from VAL). Comparing the two Pro’s in the box finish of 3000 sheen, the 4” pin Idol is more stable through the front part of the lane, while the 3” Pro glides easier through the oil in the front of the lane and has a later, smoother change of direction. The 4” Pro covers more boards than does the 3”. The 3” Idol is better when moving further to the outside of the lane, and the backends are fresh and clean. The 4” Idol Pro is more useful on longer patterns with lazier backends. I’ve adjusted the surfaces of both balls to better compliment the reaction shapes that I have experienced. I used Storm Step #1 on the 3” Idol, and have used a 2000 pad on the 4” ball. This separates their reaction even more, and allows me to use them in their strengths of reaction. The change of surface makes the 4” ball compliment my 4x3 Idol, perfectly. When the Idol gets a little too early, or I start moving a little too deep, the Pro opens the lane up, and gives me the reaction I need to come around the corner, without being overly violent. The polished 3” Pro is great for keeping my angles in front of me and blends over reaction of shorter patterns with clean backends. The Idol Pro, for me, is a big brother to the IQ Tour solid. They share similarities of being easy to read and versatile.
I like the Idol Pro. It’s a good ball that fits in the middle of my arsenal. I tend to like bowling balls that have predictability and versatility, and the Idol Pro gives me just that. Thank you for taking the time to read my Idol Pro ball review. Now, OWN It!!

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Roto Grip Idol Synergy
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
4

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The Idol Synergy is the 4th release from Roto Grip that uses the Ikon core. This version has a coverstock called eTrax Hybrid reactive and is finished to a 1500 grit polish. The amethyst pearl and Magenta solid color combination seems to really blend the original Idol and Idol pearl colors together. The Synergy has a 2.49 rg and a differential of 0.052 in 15lbs.

I drilled the Idol Synergy with a 4.5” pin and a 4” pin buffer. Comparing the Synergy to an Idol pearl with the same layout, the Synergy reads the lane a few feet earlier and covers more boards with just as strong of a backend reaction. The Synergy is cleaner through the fronts than the original Idol, with a stronger backend move. If there was ever truly a ball that fit right in the middle of it’s solid and pearl counterparts, this is it.

The one thing to take note of with the Synergy is it can be a bit sensitive to oil either being removed from the surface between shots or left on the ball. If I use my shammy with every shot, the Synergy has a strong late midlane move and plenty of hook and roll through the backend. If I don’t wipe the oil off the ball, after a few shots, the Synergy is not as strong when encountering the backends, and rolls more controllable. This can be a good thing as you go through a longer tournament block, you can manage your surface and actually stay with the ball longer without needing to switch as soon, just by managing the oil on the cover. During the start of the block when the lanes are fresh, keep the oil wiped off. As the lanes start hooking more and it gets later in the block, leave the oil on the ball to help control the motion.

I like the Idol Synergy. The combination of late midlane read, and backend reaction gives me a unique reaction shape that the other Idols didn’t have. Stop by your local VIP pro shop and drill an Idol Synergy. Own it!!

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Roto Grip Menace
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
4

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The Menace is the most recent HP4 release from Roto Grip. This ball uses the same Cage core found in the previously released Sinister. The Menace has a sanded solid 74H cover that comes from the factory at 3000 grit pad. The guts, grit and grime of the Menace is 82/74/H. The numbers of the Menace are 2.52 Rg, 0.054 differential, with a PSA of 0.015, in 15lb balls. The color combination of the Menace is red, yellow, and green.

I drilled my Menace with a 3 ¾ x 6 x 2 ½ layout. The Menace reads the midlane much quicker than the Sinister, and has a smoother motion through the backend of the lane. I really liked the Sinister, and was looking forward to this release. I tried using the Menace at the factory finish of 3000 pad. I had a little difficulty getting the ball to read the lane the correct way with the factory finish. It seemed if I squared up, It hooked a bit too hard through the backend of the lane, and if I moved in, it doesn’t have a strong enough cover to pick up and make a move off the spot. I tried the Menace on a few different patterns, and all with similar results. I then decided to change the surface of the Menace, using Storm step #1 to smooth out the cover, and save some energy through the backend of the lane. This helped some, but I still felt the Menace could be better. I finally decided to place a small hole 2” down the VAL. This was the ticket to get the ball to read the lane much closer to the way I wanted it to. I have had my best success with the Menace on house conditions thus far. The cover on the Menace is a little cleaner through the fronts than the Haywire.

The Menace is a unique ball. It has it’s place, in my opinion, for more rev challenged bowlers who want to go straighter through the front of the lane and have a strong move off the dry; and high rev, high speed players, who wants an asymmetrical ball that has a bit cleaner cover stock than most other high end premium bowling balls offer. More often, we are seeing more and more of the extreme styles being more prevalent in the industry. I personally fall in between those two extremes, so the layout I choose for the Menace is very pattern specific. True tweeners like myself, are starting to become somewhat extinct, so I can see where even though the Menace isn’t really a versatile ball for me, it will fit the bill for most other styles of bowlers. A believe a different layout would have helped make the ball more versatile for me. Thank you for taking the time to read my review of the Roto Grip Menace. Own It!

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Roto Grip MVP
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The MVP is a newly designed take on the older tried and true Wrecker in the HP2 line of balls from Roto Grip. The MVP has a new core called Neutron NXT which is derived from the Wrecker core of yester-year. The NXT version has a rg of 2.55 and a diff of 0.040, in 15lbs. The hybrid cover called VTC-H19 on the MVP comes factory polished to 1500 and is orange pearl with blue solid.

To be completely honest, I wasn’t originally going to drill an MVP. I didn’t have the greatest success with two of the three Wrecker balls (I did like the pearl version called Wreck-Em). Once I saw that there was going to be a pearl MVP coming out, I thought I would go ahead and drill the MVP that was sitting on my shelf for a couple of months. I used the same layout I have on a Hy-Road, 4.5” pin with a 2” pin buffer. I’m really glad I decided to go ahead and drill the MVP. The MVP reminds me of the Storm Rocket. The shape it makes on the lane, as well as the color combination brings me back a few years. The Rocket was a favorite of mine, and a ball that I could use on a multitude of pattern shapes ranging in the upper medium-light to medium heavy volumed conditions, which is really where most patterns that are used fall in between. The MVP is a versatile ball. I have put some surface on it with a 2000 abralon pad to get it to roll earlier for the medium-heavy side; while being in the factory finish, it is more suited for medium conditions, and with a coat of Storm xtra-shine, can be used on those medium-light volume patterns. The MVP has a controllable shape going through the lane. It gets through the fronts easily, and has a readable move downlane. It isn’t a hockey stick type shape, but isn’t real archy like a banana either. The MVP has a good compliment of change of direction and control, that falls in between those two very different hook shapes.

I’m really glad I decided to finally drill an MVP. My only disappointment is that I waited so long to drill it. If you are looking for a great medium condition ball that has versatility ,then the MVP is a reasonably priced ball that will fit that bill. Thank you for taking the time to read my review of the Roto Grip MVP. OWN IT!

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Roto Grip MVP Attitude
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The MVP Attitude is a hybrid release in the HP2 line of balls from Roto Grip. The Attitude uses the same Neutron NXT weight block that was in the previous two MVP releases which yields an Rg of 2.55 and a differential of 0.040 in 15lb balls. This version has a stronger cover than the previous two MVPs, called VTC-H20 and comes from the factory with 3000 grit abralon finish. The color combination of golden pearl, violet pearl, and purple solid makes for a two parts pearl to one part solid cover.

I drilled the MVP Attitude with a 4.5” pin and a 2.5” pin buffer. Comparing the Attitude to my original MVP (4.5 X 2), the Attitude hooks earlier and has more backend continuation. The more aggressive cover and box finish of the Attitude allows it to handle more oil than the first MVP (polished cover and also a hybrid). Comparing the Attitude to my MVP pearl (5 X 2), the Attitude slows down quicker, has a more rounded shape through the backend. The little longer pin buffer seems to allow the Attitude to not spin up too fast, which rounds off the shape downlane and creates more continuation. The cover on the Attitude is fairly aggressive for a lower price point ball. Even with the factory surface of 3000 grit, the Attitude doesn’t slow down too soon, allowing for downlane change of direction. I have kept the surface finish at around the same matte finish that the 3000 abralon box finish produces.

The MVP Attitude is a ball that can give the user some decent board coverage without breaking the bank on a high end ball. I like how the Attitude fits in the bag. It is a ball that I can move left if I need more dry boards to get it to slow down, or can chase the pattern in, and still get the ball to corner and face up toward the pocket. The MVP Attitude has a nice amount of pattern coverage, which is something that I look for when filling in my arsenal. Thank you for taking the time to read my review of the MVP Attitude. As always with Roto Grip, OWN IT!

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Roto Grip MVP Pearl
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
4

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The MVP pearl is just as the name states, a pearl version of the MVP. The Pearl has a coverstock called VTC-P19 with a factory finish of 1500 polish. The Neutron NXT core is the same as was in the MVP. The Royal, Golden, White color combination is sure to be noticed on the ball returns. The MVP Pearl has an Rg of 2.55, and a differential of 0.040, in 15lb weights. The MVP Pearl is in the HP2 line of Roto Grip balls.

I drilled the MVP Pearl with a 5” pin, and 2” pin buffer. The Pearl MVP, for me, is an almost all together different reaction than the MVP. The MVP is fairly controllable, where the Pearl is very strong at the breakpoint. I can use the pearl from deep inside angles, and have enough change of direction to get around the corner and still carry. The MVP Pearl is stronger than the HP2 line would suggest it is. For me, the MVP Pearl is a slightly earlier version of my HyRoad pearl.

The MVP pearl will be a good ball for bowlers that are a little more speed dominant, but need something for medium to medium-dry lane conditions. Rev dominant players will have better success with the Pearl on medium to medium-heavy volume patterns. Own It!!

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Roto Grip No Rules
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
4

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The No Rules is the latest ball released in the HP4 line of Roto Grip bowling balls. The No Rules has a new core called Chaotic, and an enhanced version of the micro-bite cover from the Hyper Cell called Micro DNA. This ball is bright with the neon orange, black, and neon green color combination. The No Rules is the replacement for the Hyper Cell in the HP4 line.


I drilled this No Rules with the same layout as my Hyper Cell, 3 ¾ x 6 ¼ x 2 ½. The Hyper Cell has been very good for me on heavier, flatter patterns, that I need a slow transition of my mass bias, as to not stand up too hard or too soon, which is why I tried the same layout on this No Rules. The No Rules stands up earlier, and has a stronger change of direction than the Hyper Cell. I have used the No Rules on many different patterns, with a few different surface changes. With this layout, my No Rules has actually been the best with about 500-1000 abralon on a long 51 foot medium volume pattern (the old TOC pattern), and to my surprise, highly polished and using a forward rolling release, on Cheetah. For my game, every time I have polished the Micro-bite, or in this case, the Micro DNA cover, I get a smooth transition on the backend of the lane. It doesn’t make the ball store all of it’s energy and go sideways, like a highly responsive reactive cover usually does for me.


For me, the No Rules gives me the best motion through the pins when I can keep it in front of me with moderate head belly. When I start giving away the pocket too much, the layout I choose tends to come in behind the head pin, and if I try to go too direct at the pocket, the No Rules stands up too hard and goes through the face on me. I believe this is why the No Rules has rolled best for me either highly polished on short patterns, or very dull on longer lighter patterns.


The No Rules has looked incredible for bowlers in my area that are more speed dominate, or bowlers bowling on very high volumes of oil. If you plan on bowling on some high volume patterns, and your current ball just isn’t making the corner, talk to your local pro shop operator about a Roto Grip No Rules, and OWN IT!

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Roto Grip No Rules Exist
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The Roto Grip No Rules Exist is a solid reactive cover, wrapped around the Chaotic asymmetrical core. The Exist can be found in the HP4 line of bowling balls. The cover is called Reckless and has a 2000 pad finish. This is the same cover that was on the Dare Devil Trick. The numbers on the Chaotic core are 2.51 Rg, 0.053 diff, and 0.018 intermediate diff, in 15lb bowling balls.
I drilled the No Rules Exist with a 3.5x5.5x2.5 layout. This layout puts the Exist right in between my current No Rules, and the No Rules Pearl. The Exist is earlier and more controlled off the spot than the Pearl, when keeping my hand behind the ball, but gets more angular and stronger off the spot when rotating my hand around the ball. The Exist is easier to get through the front of the lane than the original No Rules. I like the Exist on medium heavy to heavier volume league shots with clean backends, which is what I wanted this layout for.
The Exist will be a good ball for bowlers needing a little extra help from the cover and core to shape up, but not be too angular off the spot. The cover offers plenty of board coverage with controlled shape. Roto Grip has done a real good job with offering different shapes on the lane from coverstocks, while still getting familiarity by using the same core. Thank you for taking the time to read my review of the No Rules Exist.

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Roto Grip No Rules Pearl
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The No Rules Pearl is the follow up pearlized version of the No Rules in the HP4 line of balls from Roto Grip. The pearl cover called Amped has an attractive onyx/neon green/silver color combination and is finished to a 1500 grit polish. This cover change from the micro DNA on the solid, creates a reaction more suited for medium oiled lane conditions. The No Rules pearl uses the same Chaotic core found in the solid version, which has an RG of 2.51, a differential of .053, and an intermediate differential of 0.018, in 15lb bowling balls.

I drilled the No Rules Pearl 4 x 5 ¾ x 2 ¾. I choose this layout mainly to maximize mistake room and generate a large amount of flare when bowling on high scoring league conditions. The first time using the ball subbing on a 39 foot high scoring house pattern, I shot games of 300, 245, 300 for 845. I would say that I succeeded in picking the proper layout for the conditions and ball. The No Rules pearl gives me good length, with a controllable change of direction at the breakpoint. Comparing the No Rules pearl to my Dare Devil (both balls using the new Amped cover) with a layout of 4 ¾ x 5 ¼ x 2 ½ on the Dare Devil; the No Rules has a slightly later read of the midlane, and has a more defined change of direction, and roll toward the pocket than the Dare Devil. As I remember some of the shapes that some older equipment made throughout the years, the No Rules pearl reminds me most of my Gravity Shift, in that both balls seemed to be easy to get through the heads and to the breakpoint, but didn’t over react once hitting the dry part of the lane, as sometimes pearl balls do for me. I’ve used the No Rules Pearl on a few different house patterns so far, all with good success. I seem to be able to chase the pattern in on the lane, as the oil breaks down, or go a little straighter and bump the wall on tighter typical league conditions.

I really like the combination of cover and core with the No Rules pearl. Also, Roto Grip is really on to something with this pearl Amped cover, as both the No Rules pearl and the Dare Devil rolls great for me. Thank you for taking the time to read my review of the No Rules pearl by Roto Grip.
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Roto Grip Nuclear Cell
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The Nuclear Cell is the latest HP4 line release from Roto Grip that features the ever popular Nucleus core. The Nuclear Cell uses a pearl cover called eTrax-P20. The color combination is purple haze, burnt orange, and red hot. The numbers in 15lb weights are 2.52 Rg, and 0.056, 0.018.

My Nuclear Cell arrived at my house just days before covid-19 hit, and all bowling centers in my area were forced to close down. Now with bowling centers opening back up, I have the chance to use the Nuclear Cell. Using a 5 x 4.5 x 2.5 layout to compliment a Hyper Cell drilled with a 4 x 4 x 2.5, the Nuclear is cleaner with a more rounded continuous shape downlane. The Nuclear Cell is a 2 and 1 move left (covering fewer boards and closing down the angle through the front a bit) from the Fused. The Nuclear Cell can be sanded to create earlier traction and more board coverage, but the reaction I’ve seen will have it’s time and place, and should just be used when the lane conditions require the kind of motion that the Nuclear Cell offers. As I get more practice on the lanes, I will be taking advantage of many of the local tournaments that are popping up in my area. The Nuclear Cell will be in the bag, as that clean through the front, with a nice change of direction ball reaction is needed.

Every ball that I have drilled that uses the Nucleus core, I have really liked. This core is very versatile and can match almost any cover used on it. The Nuclear Cell is no different. The match of cover and core just seems to work. The reaction out of the Nuclear reminds me of what I remember seeing from the original Pearl Cell. Thank you for taking the time to read my review of the Nuclear Cell. Now, OWN IT!!

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Roto Grip Outcry
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The Roto Grip Outcry is the hybrid version of the Rumble and Up Roar. The Outcry is silver pearl and teal, and has great shelf appeal. The numbers come down to 2.55 Rg and 0.030 diff in 15lb balls. Using the Roto Grip guts grit and grime scale, the Outcry is 51/53/M, and is in the HP2 line of balls.
I drilled my Outcry with a 4 ½ x 5 x 2 ¾ which puts the pin above and slightly to the left of my ring finger. This compliments my 4 ¼ x 5 x 3 Rumble, and 4 ¾ x 5 x 2 ½ Up Roar perfectly. The Outcry is cleaner and has more move in the backend of the lane than what the Rumble has, and is more ball overall than the Up Roar. Out of the three, the Outcry covers the most boards for me.
I have been using the Outcry for some time now. I ended up smoothing the cover out with Storm step #1. I like to use the Outcry on medium conditions and go a little straighter down the lane with it by taking my hand out of it, but yet still chase hooking conditions deeper on the lane, and be confident that it will corner enough to carry when I hit the ball. I have used the Outcry on PBA Viper, Kegel Athens, house conditions, and some medium length USBC white patterns, all with good success. This is a ball that I almost always will have in the bag.
The Outcry will be a good ball for about any style of play, as long as you are using it on the proper conditions. High rev rate bowlers and very slow speed players will like the Outcry for medium to medium heavy conditions. Medium rev bowlers will see the best success with medium conditions, and possibly some medium heavy conditions with some extra surface added to the ball. Lower rev rates will like the Outcry on medium to medium dry conditions. If you need a heavy oil ball, or dry lane ball, there are better options or you, in my opinion; but for covering the middle of the road patterns, which seems to be the most popular, the Outcry is a great option to have.

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

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The Rubicon is a new asymmetric ball, in the HP3 line of balls from Roto Grip. This new release has a new core called Rondure and features a mild asymmetry of only 0.011 (intermediate differential) in 15lb weights. The Rg in said 15lbs comes in at 2.49 with a differential of 0.052. The idea behind the Rubicons lower intermediate differential is to produce a motion on the lanes similar to that of a symmetrical ball with a balance hole. The color combination of eTrax-S20 cover is azure, black, and navy, and comes finished from the factory with a 3000 grit abralon pad. Looking at the Rubicon, I am reminded of the very first Cell.

I drilled the Rubicon using a 4.5 X 3 X 4 layout based on Storm’s VLS layout system. The idea of the Rubicon is to give bowlers a shape on the lanes similar to that of symmetrical balls with a balance hole, and I would say that I can see that kind of shape out of the Rubicon. The Rubicon has a slightly more defined breakpoint, being asymmetrical, but still has a little more continuation like that of a symmetrical ball. The Rubicon is surprisingly strong with the out of the box finish. The read in the front of the lane is close to that of my Axiom with the same pin placement. The Rubicon rolls really well on fresh patterns with clean backends, and is a very good ball to start with. I can transition to my second Nuclear Cell with a 4.5 X 4 X 4 layout almost seamlessly.

I like the Rubicon enough that I will be getting a second one and using a different layout on it. Being a left hander, we see different conditions than what right handers see mainly because there just isn’t the same amount of lane play, and the lanes are not scratched up as much like they are on the right, so we tend to need balls that slow down a bit earlier to smooth out the breakpoint (pro tip of the day). Yester-year when we bowled on wood lanes and every so often they would get cut, lefties and righties would “see” similar ball motion until the right side of the lane got worn in again. Today, you would have to bowl on a brand new synthetic install to see similar ball motions on fresh conditions. With that said, I have watched plenty of right handers throwing Rubicons, and they look great for them too! In closing, left handed or right handed, drill a Rubicon and OWN IT!

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

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The Rubicon UC2 is the pearlized version of the ever popular Roto Grip Rubicon. The cosmic black/purple sky color eTrax pearl cover has an old school type color combination, but brings it to a modern era and feel with the bright pink lettering. The 15lb Rubicon UC2 numbers are 2.49 Rg, 0.052 diff, and 0.011 intermediate diff. The UC2 uses the same Rondure core as with the solid Rubicon. The Rondure core was designed by Roto Grip based on the new USBC no balance hole rule to give bowlers the reaction shape of a symmetrical bowling ball with a balance hole (that alters the core shape and final drill numbers), making it stronger than the same ball drilled without an extra hole. This helps bridge the gap between symmetrical, and big asymmetrical bowling balls.

I drilled the UC2 with a 4.5 X 3 X 4 layout, the same as my pin down Rubicon. Comparing the two balls in the respective box finishes, the UC2 clears the fronts and mids much easier by a few feet, and has a much more defined change of direction. The overall board coverage of the UC2 is a few boards less than the solid version, both in their respective box finishes. I polished my Rubicon with Storm step #2, to the same 1500 grit finish as the UC2 for comparison. With the Rubicon polished, the UC2 still has a much more defined breakpoint, and out hooks the polished Rubicon by a few boards. The UC2 finds the perfect line of being controllable and just on the verge of (without being too skid-flippy) a hockey stick type reaction. The UC2 likes some friction on the lane to help it slow down and go through the pins the right way. As always, a little surface can help with controlling when the UC2 wants to slow down, to produce the right amount of roll through the pins.

I like the UC2. Not only is it a great looking ball, the reaction shape is very usable for most conditions that have some friction to throw to. There would be a place in any bowlers bag to have both a Rubicon and the new UC2, with no overlap. The differences of the two are great enough, that I could see a hybrid version possibly coming to market, at least that would be my wishful thinking. Stop by your local certified pro shop, and drill a Rubicon UC2, and OWN IT!

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Roto Grip Rumble
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The Roto Grip Rumble is a solid covered ball in the HP2 line and is the follow up to the Shatter and Wrecker bowling balls. The Rumble has a different core shape called Late Roll 51. This produces less flare than the Neutron core, and an overall more controllable reaction. The Rumble has the 55M cover and comes from factory with a 2000 abralon finish and is orange and black. The Rumble has an RG of 2.55 and a differential of .030 in 15lb balls.
The Rumble is much more controllable than the Wrecker. It allows me to play straighter angles through the front of the lane (with some volume up front), and just smoothes out the backend reaction. There are times when you need this kind of reaction, especially when the lane is playing a little tricky, and you just want to control the pocket and leave makeable spares when you miss. The Rumble is a ball that would be good for the “bench mark” tag, as it is predicable and continuous. The Rumble is also a good step down from the Disturbed, when you still need surface on your ball and don’t want a lot of change of direction in the back part of the lane.
There are plenty of bowling balls on the market that cover lots of boards and make for high risk high reward bowling. The Rumble is a ball to throw when you just want to score and keep your angles in front of you. It’s not flashy, and it doesn’t hook the entire lane, and that is a great thing. It reminds me of what urethane rolls like when used on the proper volume of oil for a urethane ball.
The Rumble will be a great ball for just about every bowler, as long as he or she uses it in the right capacity. The high rev bowlers will get better control of the pocket as well as bowlers that have a lot of axis of rotation. Straighties will like the fact that you can go up the boards with it, and not get it to over react on the drier boards and see some “freeze” at the pocket. I’m considered a tweener, and I like the fact that I can play closer to the straighties line, and take advantage of entry angle with the Rumble. If I need to hook the lane, then I would go to a different ball, as my release strength wouldn’t afford me a very high carry percentage from inside.
The Rumble will find a home on most medium conditions, steering clear of the really dry and really oily lanes. There are lots of other balls on the market that will work for those conditions. The Rumble is just a good solid performer and gets the job done, to be plain and simple. Thank you for reading my review of the Roto Grip Rumble.

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Roto Grip Sinister
11 of 12 people found this review helpful
4

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The Roto Grip Sinister is the new hybrid high performance asymmetrical ball, in the HP4 line of balls. It has a new weight block called the Cage core. The cover is called 76H, and has a factory finish of 4000 grit abralon. The core numbers come in at 2.52 Rg, 0.054 diff, with a 0.015 PSA differential. The Sinister is neon yellow and white pearl, with solid navy in color. The guts grit and grime of the ball is 82-76-H.
I drilled the Sinister with a 4 ¼ x 6 x 2 ¾ layout. This puts the pin up and just slightly left of my ring finger. I used the Sinister in the box finish and saw a ball that has a lot of overall motion. When using the Sinister in a regional in Syracuse NY, I had a great reaction on the fresh, and also through the middle of the event. Once the lanes started to get choppy, and the righties started to get really deep into my lay down area, I had to put the Sinister away. The cover was just too strong for me to get it through the front without forcing it, which thus would give me bad angles. The Sinister is a ball that does seem to allow me to chase a pattern a little deeper than I usually would with other asymmetrical balls, but still is at its strength when I can keep it in front of me, and need a strong hard defined motion at the end of the pattern. I have also used the Sinister with 500 grit surface on the very long 52 foot PBA Badger pattern. It worked for a little bit, but lane shined a little quick, and exposed the pin distance of the layout as being a little too long for this pattern. I have also smoothed the cover down with Storm step #1, and used the Sinister on our league condition. It rolls well, and has a nice change of direction with this finish.
Over all, I like the Sinister on medium heavy conditions when I need a strong change of direction down lane. The Sinister is a real good compliment to the Asylum. When the Asylum starts to bog down because there is too much oil, or carrydown, I can go to the Sinister and get that shape that I need to get the corner pins out. The cover on the Sinister has a lot of versatility as far as polishing or dulling the ball to dial in the reaction needed. Thank you for taking the time to read my review of the Sinister, and always remember to “Own It!”.

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Roto Grip UFO
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
4

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The UFO is the latest technical development in asymmetrical bowling balls that lets the user have a “balance hole” effect on ball motion without actually drilling an extra hole. The UFO is in the HP4 line from Roto Grip, and uses Micro Trax S-20 cover which creates a lot of traction. The cover has a color combination of deep purple, baby blue and neon green and is finished with a 2000 grit abralon pad. The core of the UFO is called E.T. core (equalizer technology) and creates an Rg of 2.52, a differential of 0.054, and an intermediate diff of 0.016 in 14-16lb balls.

I drilled my UFO with a layout of 4 x 3.5 x 2. I decided on that particular layout to compliment my 4 x 3 x 2 Storm Evolve. Using such a strong layout, I wanted the UFO to be the go to ball on heavy volume, longer oil patterns after the backends get lazy while using the Evolve. The UFO has a lot more traction and angle once the Evolve gets a little lazy from oil carry-down and lane and surface shine. I used the UFO at the box finish for about 20 games, just wiping the oil off between shots and cleaning it with Reacta-Clean at the end of sessions. The UFO started to lose some board coverage, which was fine as it covered plenty of boards out of the box. Using the UFO at this “broken in” finish was a little too lazy on the 46 foot 2015 Roth/Holman doubles pattern, so I freshened the surface with a green scotchbrite pad, and the ball became a monster, almost giving me too much hook. Suffice to say, the UFO has not disappointed as being that super strong board covering hook monster that a medium rev rate guy like myself looks for at times.

I’m glad I drilled the UFO. I was originally going to pass on it because I had just drilled the Evolve and thought maybe the UFO would be too close to my Physix in reaction. It is different enough to have in the bag when going to a tournament that I know will be on a longer heavier pattern. The UFO is also usable on some over-walled, high volume of oil in the middle of the lane, house conditions, when keeping the ball in the oil. Thank you for reading my review of the Roto Grip UFO.

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Roto Grip UFO Alert
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
4

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The UFO Alert is a hybrid version of the UFO released last year. The cover is called eTrax hybrid reactive and comes from factory 1500 grit polished. The Alert has the E.T. core with built in cavities that replicate using a balance hole. The undrilled numbers in 15lb bowling balls come to 2.52 Rg, 0.054 differential, and intermediate diff of 0.016. The purple solid/ emerald teal is a great looking color combination.

I drilled the UFO ALert 4.5 X 3 x 4. This is the same layout I have on my Incite which too is a hybrid. The Alert has easy length with a very strong hard arch in the backend of the lane. This reaction is best suited for me when on blended patterns like USBC White, or patterns that don’t have a huge ratio of oil to dry. The Alert can be very clean in the oil, and a little over responsive on the dry if the ratio is too high. Comparing the Alert to my Incite, the Alert is much easier through the heads, and responds to friction very aggressively for me. Putting a little surface (fresh 3000 abralon pad) can smooth out the responsiveness to friction some, but the ball still wants to retain speed better than the Incite. I’m guessing it’s just the nature of the coverstock formula.

To use the UFO Alert on the left side of the lane, I really need the right conditions for it to perform optimally. The left side of the lane beds just aren’t as scratched up as much as the right side of the lane. Therefore, bowling balls that don’t want to slow down and then respond strongly to friction, can be a bit too angular off the spot for my bowling style. I really would like to use the UFO Alert more, as many righties I see throwing it, it rolls fantastic. A second UFO Alert with a stronger drilling to help the ball get into the roll phase quicker, would be the trick for me to take advantage of this unique core concept. Thank you for taking the time to read my review of the UFO Alert.

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Roto Grip Unhinged
12 of 12 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The Roto Grip Unhinged is the pearl version of the Hysteria. It uses the same late roll 69 core that has an Rg of 2.58, and a differential of 0.049. The cover is a pearl reactive called 60M and is finished to 1500 grit polished. The cobalt blue pearl color makes for a very attractive ball. I drilled my Unhinged 5.25x5x2.25. This layout puts the pin about ¾” above my ring finger, and the cg in my palm, with no extra hole needed.
The Unhinged gives me great length with a smooth roll off the dry. This ball doesn’t overreact to the dry boards, even though it is a polished pearl. The Unhinged is a solid 3 and 2 move left with my feet compared to the Hysteria. The Unhinged gets down the lane like my old trusty faithful Victory Road Pearl, but has a smoother change of direction. I have been able to use the Unhinged on a few different house shots, all being of the medium length and medium to lighter volumes of oil. Higher volumes of oil would call for some surface adjustments, as the cover and core really has some built in length. The Unhinged will round out an arsenal for a bowler that really wants some length out of the ball, without having to over muscle the ball down the lane.

The Rg of a bowling ball tends to be very important for me and my style of play because I have a softer ball speed and release. Based on this, I can get high Rg, high differential bowling balls down the lane further and better than low differential, medium to low Rg bowling balls. A ball like the UpRoar or Punch Out, although technically weaker cores, hook earlier and more for me than a higher Rg ball like the Unhinged. It is very important to know your individual game, when it comes to making a ball selection, and trying to fill out your arsenal. Knowing that you are speed dominant or rev dominate, or matched will help give reason to why your Unhinged is hooking less than another ball that it is supposed to be hooking more than, or vice versa. Thank you for taking the time to read my review of the Roto Grip Unhinged.

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Roto Grip Uproar
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
4

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The Roto Grip Up Roar is the latest release in the HP-2 line of balls. It is the follow up to the Rumble. The Up Roar has a 1500 grit polished pearl 51ML cover stock. This is the same cover that was used on the Shatter. The core is the Late Roll 51 that debuted in the Rumble. The numbers come in at 2.55 RG with a differential of 0.030 in 15lbs. The Up Roar has bright shelf appeal with its orange and ruby pearl color combination.
I drilled my Up Roar with pin over ring, CG on my grip line, with the 6 ¾” virtual MB in my initial ball track. This comes out to 5 ¼ x6 ½ x2 ½ using the Storm system of laying out a ball. I left the ball at the box finish. The comp balls will be my current Rumble with a 4x6½ x2½ layout and a Shatter, with the same layout as the Up Roar.
The Up Roar is very clean to the break point for me. It doesn’t jump off the dry as hard as some of my Storm balls, but is a very strong move compared to my other Roto Grip pieces. This ball needs DRY backends to slow it down. It is an excellent complement to the Rumble in that it affords me about 3 to 4 more feet of length compared to the Rumble with box finish, and a more pronounced move to the pocket. The Up Roar is about 2-3 boards less overall than the Shatter. The decrease in the differential really changes the shape of this ball as it rolls through the backend of the lane. Since the core doesn’t allow the ball to rev up as fast, the move is much more sudden than that of the Shatter, once encountering friction. I really like the Shatter a lot, but sometimes find it to be too much overall hook when the lane starts to dry up based on the cover and core relationship. The Up Roar seems to be the solution, for my style of bowling.
I like the Up Roar for broken down conditions. I also liked how this ball worked for me at Doug Kent’s bowling center, during his Brockmeyer Open event. Doug has wood lanes, and uses a very difficult pattern. The up Roar allowed me to trap the middle of the lane, and grind out, making the first cut.
I probably wouldn’t reach for the Up Roar as the first ball out of the bag on freshly oiled synthetic lanes(unless it is a very low volume), as it will be too skid flippy for my ball speed. I could see where someone who is speed dominate and wants to play the dry, would be able to use it on fresh oiled synthetics though. I can also see bowlers with slower ball speed and higher rev rates will see use of this ball on medium conditions. For me, as my ball speed and rev rate are fairly well matched, I will use it more on the broken down conditions and wood lanes where I need a clean move to the breakpoint.
Thank you for taking the time to read my review of the Roto Grip Up Roar.

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Roto Grip Winner Solid
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
3

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The Winner solid is the follow up to the Winner in the Hp2 line of balls from Roto Grip. This ball has the same core as the pearl called altered hotshot, which has an Rg of 2.54 and a differential of 0.054, in 15lbs. The VTC-S18 is a new cover for Roto Grip and has a black/purple/green color combination. The Winner solid has a box finish of 3000 grit.

I drilled the Winner solid with a 4” pin, and 3” pin buffer. I’m really not sure what to compare the Winner solid to, as I never drilled the original Winner. This medium Rg ball with high differential has a much different shape than I am used to. With the strong box finish, the Winner really covers a lot of boards. The more surface I put on the Winner solid, the more it hooks without losing backend reaction. I tried polishing the Winner solid with Storm Step #1. This finish really tamed down the board coverage, but the ball flares so much, it’s hard for me to get it to shape through the pins just the right way. I think I would need to try another Winner solid, with a much different layout, to get this ball to shape the right way for my style of play, on a variety of patterns. The Winner solid looked the best for me on really long patterns when the front of the lane isn’t loaded with oil.

The Winner solid is a very unique ball. For me, it needs a very specific lane pattern to really shine. This ball is a great option for a bowler looking to get some board coverage without paying the high end ball price. Thank you for taking the time to read my review of the Winner solid.

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Roto Grip Wreck-Em
2 of 4 people found this review helpful
3

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The Roto Grip Wreck-em is the pearl version of the Wrecker/Wreck-It balls in the HP2 line of bowling balls. The Wreck-Em uses the Pumped pearl cover combined with the same core as in the Wrecker and Wreck-It, called Neutron. The Neutron core has an RG of 2.55 and a differential of .042 in 15lb balls. The color combination of red/purple/ and white is distinctly different from the Wrecker and Wreck-It.
I drilled the Wreck-Em 5 ¼ x 5 ½ x 2 ¼ , which puts the pin over my ring finger, and doesn’t have a need for a balance hole. Comparing the Wreck-Em to my Hectic, the Wreck-Em revs up quicker, has a sharper change of direction, and covers more boards overall than the Hectic. The overall shape that I see out of the Wreck-Em, is a stronger version of my UpRoar. The Wreck-Em so far is my favorite compared to the Wrecker and Wreck-It, all three using the Neutron core. One benefit the Wreck-Em has over the Hectic, is the ability to really get in and cover some boards. I think bowlers who like to really wheel hooking lane conditions will like the Wreck-Em, rather than selecting a weaker ball to stay in a zone, because of the recovery the Wreck-Em provides.
For me, the Wreck-Em works best when moving in on medium to medium-dry conditions. Heavier volumes of oil that would make me play much straighter on the lanes with the Wreck-Em, seems to give me a bit too much skid snap, and makes getting to the pocket a touch inconsistent. To be honest, I have had this same experience with all of the balls that have the Neutron core in them. For me, the best look is to cover some boards with the Neutron core balls. The Wreck-Em is a nice step down from the Dare Devil when the Dare Devil starts hooking too earlier, as it is cleaner and sharper.
Thank you for taking the time to read my review of the Wreck-Em from Roto Grip.

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Roto Grip Wreck-It
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
3

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The Wreck-It is the long awaited follow up to the highly successful Wrecker. This version has a slightly stronger cover called Psyched, and comes from the factory with a 3000 abralon finish. The Wreck-It looks cool with it’s gold & white pearl with black solid color combination.


I drilled the Wreck-It with a 4 x 5 x 3 layout. In the box finish, the Wreck-It covered a lot of boards for me, in fact, too many boards. I had to knock the cover down some with some Storm step #1 to have a usable amount of board coverage. The Neutron core has been highly successful for many bowlers over the years. For me personally, I have either had a little too early or a little too late of ball motion with this particular core. The late-roll 56 version of this core (same basic shape with higher Rg and a lower differential) has been a little better for my particular ball roll. I have to have just the right oil pattern to have good ball reaction with my Wreck-It. For me, the Wreck-It is a definite improvement over my Wrecker though. The stronger cover has evened out the reaction for me a bit, and gives me a ball that is usable, on the right pattern shape, that being a true medium shot with moderate blend.


The Wreck-It can give bowlers a big ball amount of hook, at a more budget friendly price. I like my Wreck-It more than I liked my Wrecker, as the Wrecker had a bit too much backend for me. With all of the different combinations of cover and core shapes out there, there is always going to be a ball that may not be as great for one bowler as it is for another. That is why it’s so important to talk to a certified pro shop operator to find the right ball for the conditions that you are going to be bowling on. Thank you for taking the time to read my review of the Wreck-It.

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Storm Alpha Crux
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The Alpha Crux is the third ball released by Storm in the premier line that has the Catalyst core. What separates the Alpha Crux, from the previous two balls, is the new solid GI-16 cover. This is the first ball released with this solid GI-16 cover. The box finish is 2000 grit Abralon. The black/turquoise/violet color combination reminds me of the X Factor Deuce. The Catalyst Core has an Rg of 2.50, a differential of 0.052, and an intermediate differential of 0.017.

I drilled my Alpha Crux really strong. I went with a 3½ x3⅜ x2⅛ layout. I wanted a ball that was drilled for flooded lanes, knowing that I would only be using it sparingly. What I got, is a ball that I can use more often than I had originally anticipated. The Alpha Crux reads the lane really well on most patterns of a medium, to heavy and long variety, provided I have the surface prepared properly. I used the Alpha Crux at the box finish on PBA Shark pattern, and allowed it to lane shine over the few weeks of league on that pattern. I was able to cover more boards and have great ball motion, even when moving inside of fourth, and as deep as fifth arrow. It was really impressive to see a ball not dart of the spot, but hook through the pin deck, from this far inside on the lane. Now, back to the previously mentioned lane shine; the Alpha Crux didn’t hook too earlier when I would bowl on medium conditions. When I bowl on true heavy oil, I just need to retouch the surface with some fresh abralon, and the ball wakes back up, and gives me that super strong mid-lane read and hook that is needed to get the correct entry angle through the pins. The most crucial aspect of getting this new Alpha Crux to read the lane the correct way, is with the surface preparation. I was also able to use the Alpha Crux on some very demanding sport patterns, because of the controllable hook shape that this combination of cover and core yields.

The Alpha Crux is truly a heavy oil ball, that with surface adjustments, can be used on conditions as far down as medium. This strong cover will eat the oil off the lane, if you have it dull, no question about it; but, with some lane shine, or polish, this ball will also read medium condition patterns really well. Comparing my Alpha Crux to the original Crux, both with the same surface and slightly stronger PSA placement on the Alpha, the Alpha is more controllable off the spot than the original Crux. They work really well together, just using the one that gives me the proper shape through the backend of the lane.

Thank you for taking a few minutes out of your busy day to read my review of the Alpha Crux. Always remember to Bowl up a Storm!
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Storm AstroPhysix
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The Astro Physix is the second ball released in the premier line of balls from Storm featuring the Atomic core. The Astro has a Rg of 2.48, 0.053 diff, and an intermediate diff of 0.017 in 15lb weights. The beautiful color combination of cyan/indigo/charcoal looks great! This version uses the R2S pearl cover, compared to the hybrid NRG cover of the Physix. The Astro has a factory finish of 1500.

I drilled the Astro Physix 4.5 x 5 x 2.5. Using the Astro in the box finish on a 42 foot house condition, the Astro was very flippy off the spot with this layout. I touched the surface lightly with a well used 2000 abralon pad just to crack some of the shine. This helped the Astro read the lane much better, making it less squirty, but not losing too much of the dowlane reaction. Comparing the Astro to a Physix drilled 4 x 4 x 2.5, the Astro has a few feet more length, and more of a continuous motion through the backends, where the Physix stands up harder and rolls more direct. They compliment each other well. I originally wanted to compliment my first Physix (4 x 5 x 3, polished), but found that with the touch of surface, the Astro is best suited to compliment the 4 x 4 x 2.5 Physix. The Astro is also a nice reaction to go to from my Idol pearl when it becomes too rounded to carry consistently. The Astro is an asymmetrical ball that allows me to get a little deeper on the lane than what most asymmetrical balls have allowed me to do in the past. The only other asymmetrical ball that I can remember with this much downlane move was a Hyper Cell Skid.

I wouldn’t call the Astro Physix a benchmark ball because of its strong nature, but more as a fill ball when I need downlane hook. This is a good ball for opening up conditions without using too much head belly. Thank you for taking the time to read my review of the Storm Astro Physix. As always, bowl up a Storm!

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Storm Axiom
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The Axiom is the latest release in the master line of bowling balls from Storm, the bowlers company. NeX solid (Nano Extreme) is the new cover on the Axiom, and is wrapped around a new core called Orbital core. The color scheme of the Axiom is sky blue, navy, and slate, and has a blueberry muffin scent. The numbers in a 15lb undrilled Axiom are 2.48 rg, and 0.050 differential.

The NeX solid cover on the Axiom is the strongest cover to date to be put on a domestic release Storm bowling ball. This cover really creates a lot of traction. I drilled two different Axioms, the first with a 4” pin, and 2.5” pin buffer, the second with a 4.5” pin, and a 4” pin buffer. Comparing both balls at the box finish, the 4.5 X 4 Axiom reacts later on the lane, and the shape off the spot is more rounded and continuous. The 4 X 2.5 Axiom stands up earlier on the lane, and has a more defined shape that rolls forward sooner and heavier towards the pocket. The 4.5 X 4 is better when the backends are really fresh and there is plenty of oil in the heads to get the ball to the spot. The 4 X 2.5 is better when the lane is a little lazier off the spot, but still has that same heavier oil in the front of the lane. I have used the 4.5 X 4 Axiom on patterns with a little less built in hold, and seem to like the 4 X 2.5 when the lane is a little easier because of higher left to right ratios built into the pattern. Using a 4” pin buffer, for me, creates a little tighter flare pattern on the ball, thus keeping the differential of the drilled ball down a bit. This helps me take advantage of the strong cover without too much flare, resulting in me having to give away the pocket too much. The 4 X 2.5 has more distance between the flare rings, and finds it’s forward roll point sooner, therefore works better for me if there is more oil downlane. I do not use inserts or a changeable thumb, so my final drill isn’t manipulating the core as much as what other bowlers may be able to do. I’m fine with that, as I like to use the drilled ball as close to what the manufacturer intended when they designed it. Comparing the overall shape of the Axiom to an Idol, the Axiom seems to slow down sooner and have more board coverage. It’s very similar in shape, just a little more of it; Idol’s big brother, if you will. I also like how the Axiom complements my Omega Crux, as a 1-2 punch. The Axiom is better on the fresh, and then transition sees the Omega at its best.

I like the Axiom. This is a ball that will help speed dominate players get the ball to slow down sooner and create roll to the pins, and with the right layout, can help heavy handed players control wet-dry conditions. The Axiom is a great ball when you use it how it is intended to be used. Dry lanes wouldn’t be the first choice to use an Axiom on. There are plenty of other balls for that kind of condition. Thank you for taking the time to read my review of Storm’s master line release called Axiom. Now go bowl up a Storm!!

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

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The new Axiom Pearl in the Master line of bowling balls from Storm, the Bowlers Company, uses the same Orbital core found in the solid version, but with a new cobalt/graphite/candy apple pearl cover called NeX pearl Reactive. This version comes from the factory with a 1500 grit polished finish. The Axiom pearl numbers in 15lb bowling balls is 2.48 Rg with a differential of 0.050.

I drilled my Axiom pearl with a 4.5” pin and a 4” pin buffer. This layout puts the pin just below my ring finger, as I have a PAP of 5” straight across. Comparing the pearl Axiom to a solid Axiom drilled with the same pin placement, the pearl is cleaner through the front part of the lane, and is a more pronounced change of direction off the spot. This motion is better suited for when the lanes have a bit of play on them, and the backends have softened up a touch, or when there isn’t enough oil in the heads to get a solid Axiom through the front of the lane. The Axiom pearl is also better suited when chasing oil depletion of a pattern throughout the course of a tournament. I have used the Axiom pearl on many different patterns from sport to challenge as well as blended league patterns, and like it a lot. The pearl Axiom is at least a 3 and 2 move in to find more oil than my Idol pearl, drilled the same. The Axiom pearl is on the list for every tournament that I go to that has a pattern of at least 39 feet in length with medium to medium high volumes of oil. Even though the Axiom pearl has a defined change of direction, it is still very useful on more blended patterns and sport shots that have lower left to right ratios.

I really like the Axiom Pearl. Not only does it have a great color combination, but the performance on the lanes is outstanding. Seek out your local Storm VIP pro shop and drill an Axiom pearl so that you too can bowl up a Storm!

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Storm Byte
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The new Storm Byte is the latest addition to the asymmetrical family of bowling balls from Storm, the Bowlers Company. The Byte has a new twist on the G2 core called G2+. The changes give the ball a higher Rg, Lower differential, and lower intermediate differential than the Sync. The numbers are 2.52 Rg, .043 diff, and .020 interm diff in the 15 lb balls. The combination of the core and the use of the 1500 grit polished E.R.G. cover allows the Byte to clear the front of the lane, and save energy for the back part of the lane much easier than the Sync. The Byte is a beautiful blend of silver blue and purple, and is sure to catch many a customer’s eye.
I drilled my Byte pin over ring with the PSA just left of my thumb, and a larger than normal balance hole about 2” down my VAL from my PAP. The comparison Sync is pin under ring with the PSA about 2” left of the thumb, and balance hole about 3” down the VAL from my PAP. Both balls are at the box finish. I drilled my Sync to use on shorter patterns and some league conditions that have a lot of oil in the front and middle of the lane, with drier outsides. It has worked great for the fresh, but I would struggle when I need to chase the break down in on the lane and would find myself playing steeper angles. This is where the new Byte fits in PERFECTLY! With the smoother shell and slightly weaker core, I can get the Byte to save more energy than the Sync, and “byte” the dry boards at the end of the pattern to create a better shape through the pins, from those steeper angles. As the Sync starts to bog down some because it is doing all it can to not skid to the spot and create hook, the Byte just effortlessly glides around the corner and allows me to see the lane the correct way to continue striking.
The nice thing about the Byte is the versatility on medium conditions with the backend shape of the ball. The more I stay behind it, I can really stay left, and bump the drier boards (late that is, I can’t get to the dry boards too quick though) and move in deeper, and allow my hand to get around the ball, and create that big backend move. This is a big benefit that is seen in asymmetrical balls.
Storm has created a lot of great bowling balls over the past few years and is currently the industry leader in innovative core designs that allow for a wider area of different drillings, without sacrifice of performance. The Byte is no exception. From shelf appeal to performance, the Byte is a winner in all categories. Steering clear of the extreme dry, and the extreme oily conditions, the Byte, with minor surface alterations, will be a great addition to your arsenal, and the perfect complement to your Sync.

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Storm Code Black
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
4

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The Code Black is the most recent release in the premier line of bowling balls from Storm, the bowler's company. The Code Black was released a little while back in the overseas market, and based on its strength of sales, eventually made it to the domestic market. The core of the Code Black is called RAD-4, in it is the fourth generation of the radial accelerating disc technology. This core design produces a very high intermediate differential of .020, an RG of 2.50, and an overall differential of 0.058 in 15 lb balls. The cover used for this piece is the R2S pearl reactive, and is a stunning black/charcoal/silver combination, and has a box finish of 1500 grit polish.

I drilled my Code Black using the same layout as my current Crux Pearl, which is 4 x 5 ½ x 2 ¾ for comparison purposes. The Code Black glides through the front part of the lane with ease with the box finish. The mid-lane is where I start seeing a difference between the Code Black and the Crux Pearl. The core on the Code Black seems to migrate faster to its prefered spin axis, although the cover is still pushing the ball longer down the lane, compared to the Crux Pearl. The Code Black has about two feet more length for me, and rounds off the corner a little more gradually than does the Crux Pearl. For me, the Crux Pearl has a more defined shape through the hook phase than does my Code Black. As per PBA tour rep Jim Callahan’s suggestion, I then hit the Code Black lightly with a 4000 pad, to just break the cover a touch. The added cover texture now has my Code Black reading about the same part of the lane as the Crux Pearl, maybe even a hair earlier, but has a slightly more defined shape through the backend of the lane then it did with the polished box finish. With this cover adjustment, the Code Black isn’t overly sensitive to carry-down on the lane. I have used the Code Black on a variety of different patterns, and for me seems the best on lanes that I need easy skid through the fronts, with a strong change of direction that the asymmetrical core gives me. I was even surprised when I was able to use this Code Black on Kegel Boardwalk pattern after it carried down a bit entering into game three.

I can see why Storm decided to introduce the Code Black to the domestic market. For me, the Code Black is almost interchangeable in my arsenal with my Crux Pearl. If you are in the need of strong pearl defined backend shape ball and have trouble getting the ball through the heads, you really need to look at the Code Black as an option for your arsenal. Thank you for taking the time to read my review of the Code Black. As always, bowl up a Storm!



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Storm Code Red
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The Code Red is the latest hybrid covered asymmetrical in the premier line of Storm bowling balls. The Code Red uses the same RAD-4 core, found in the Code Black, while still using R2S cover, but being a Hybrid version. THe core numbers of the RAD-4 are 2.50 rg, 0.058 diff, and 0.020 intermediate diff. The Code Red comes out the box with a 1500 grit factory polish.

I drilled the Code Red using a 4 x 5 x 2 ¾ , to compliment my 4 x 5 ½ x 2 ¾ Code Black. The Code Red in the box finish, rolled a slight bit earlier and smoother off the spot than the Code Black and still has that easy skid through the front of the lane. I could stand at the same spot, but just see the transitional shape of the ball a little differently, and a slightly heavier roll through the pins. On a house condition in box finish, the Code Red and the Code Black (I returned the Code Black back to a polished finish using Storm step #2 for testing purposes), even with the slightly stronger PSA, aren’t really that different of a reaction. I decided to add a little surface to Code Red just as I originally tried with the Code Black, and this is when I started to see a bigger difference in the two balls. Hitting both balls with a slightly used 3000 grit abralon pad, the Code Red started up much earlier, by about 2-3 feet, and had a much more defined shape through the backend of the lane. I had to move 2 and 1 further right with the Red compared to the Black (already a 2 and 2 move right with Black after adding some surface) to catch a little more oil and angle to give the bigger move down lane the right amount of room to get to the pocket. To recap, from box finish, to a 3000 abralon finish, I had to move my feet and mark a total of 4 and 3 right, to get back into the pocket.

The Code Red with surface adjustments, has more overall motion through the lane pattern than what the Code Black has. I’m glad to see some strong core bowling balls use some covers that aren’t the strongest available on the market. I still bowl in a center that is using an older oil, that isn’t the really slick new stuff that you need “snow tires” on the ball to gain traction. If you are looking for a strong asymmetrical ball hook shape, but find that some of the new covers seem to slow down too soon or cover too many boards, look at trying the Code Red by Storm. Thank you for taking the time to read my Code Red review, and bowl up a Storm!

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Storm Code X
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

The Code X is the third Code series ball released in the US, and uses the RAD4 core shape. This version features the R2S solid cover, with a factory finish of 3000 grit Abralon. The black, blue, and purple color combination has similarities of the Alpha Crux in appearance.
The Code X RAD4 core gives numbers of 2.50 Rg, 0.058 differential, and 0.020 intermediate differential in 15lb balls. This core shape reminds me of the Vertigo. On the lanes, the Code X has similar characteristics to what the Vertigo had, but with a slight bit more change of direction at the breakpoint. I drilled this Code X with a 4x6x3 layout. I was looking for a later change of direction and continuous roll than my 3.75 x 5.5 x 2.5 drilled Sure Lock. I like the Code X, even though I originally struggled with finding the right condition for the Code Red and Code Black. Both of those balls had a very small window of usage, for me.
What I like about the Code X is, I have a larger window of use, meaning more varieties of pattern characteristics that I can use it on. I have been able to use the Code X on house patterns, challenge patterns, and a few longer sport patterns. I have not altered the cover from factory finish. I have only used a shammy depending on if I need the ball to read earlier on higher volumes of oil, or not wipe the ball off at all if I need more scoot through the front of the lane. The R2S solid has been around a long time, and has always given versatility in this manor for me. Since the Code X cover isn’t the strongest on the market, higher rev rate players should be able to keep this ball from slowing down too quickly, like often they do with the monster friction covers. Also, adding some extra grit to the cover will help higher speed players still have some change of direction at the end of the pattern, and not just early read of the lane. If you are looking for a ball that has good pattern coverage, and cover flexibility with an asymmetric core, then look into a Code X.
Thank you for taking a few minutes out of your busy day to read my review of the Code X. And remember to always bowl up a Storm!

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Storm Crux
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The Storm Crux is the latest premier line bowling ball from Storm. This ball has a new core called the Catalyst core, that has been years in the making. The Crux uses the ERG Hybrid reactive cover and has a factory finish of 3000 grit pad. The Crux has an RG of 2.50, a diff of 0.052, and an intermediate diff of 0.017. The Crux has great shelf appeal with the purple and white pearl, and black solid with Pomegranate fragrance.
I had the opportunity to drill 2 different Crux, thanks to Ryan Shafer for sending me a “lefty friendly PSA ball”. I drilled #1 Crux with a layout of 4 ¼ x 6 x 2 ½, and the #2 Crux with a layout of 4 x 5 x 2 ¾. Crux #1 needed a small hole to keep legal that I placed on my VAL, 2” down from PAP. I polished Crux #1 and left Crux #2 at the box finish. I am able to use Crux #1 on our house shot as well as USBC White pattern. I posted an 804 while subbing in our Wednesday night four person team league with games of 259 276 and 269. This drilling and surface is great for medium volumes of oil and lighter volumes with longer distances of pattern length due to the long PSA placement and polished finish. Once the volume gets a little higher in the middle of the lane, I need to go to Crux #2 with the box finish, as it can handle the higher volume of oil, without being over/under off the dry/wet boards. Crux #2 although drilled stronger, does not need an extra hole (hence the lefty friendly remark earlier). I bowled an Over/under 50 doubles tournament with a good friend and was able to use the #2 Crux from start to finish, going 200+ over through my 6 games of qualifying. By today’s scoring standards, that isn’t super high, but what is great about it is the fact that I was able to stay in the same place for all 6 games, only adjusting my roll based on how much backend reaction I needed, and that it was on WOOD. This particular wood house has it’s characteristics of being very different from pair to pair and lane to lane, on the same pair. Being able to stay put, and only adjust the shape of the backend reaction based on the topography of the current lane in play is a huge advantage to allowing any bowler to repeat their shot, frame after frame. I have also been able to use #2 Crux on the 36 foot Los Angeles pattern. It was smooth enough, and earlier enough to blend out the pattern, and hook the ball a little on a pattern that you generally want to go a little straighter on.
Often times, if I hit on the first of a new ball I drill, I won’t drill a second one because I figure why mess with success, but the Crux was good enough for me to want to drill a second one, and having the opportunity to drill a strong layout asymmetrical without an extra hole is a huge bonus. I can use #1 Crux when I need some skid and backend reaction, and use #2 Crux when I need the ball to slow down earlier, and blend the reaction more. Either way, the Crux seems like a “can’t miss” bowling ball. I have watched a lot of these balls going down the lane many a variety of bowling styles, and this ball can fit in anyone’s arsenal, that is if they use it in the proper environment. Heavier handed players will have great use on heavy oil, and lower rev rate players can use this ball on medium patterns, and heavier patterns with surface adjustments.
Thank you for taking the time to read my review of the Storm Crux; and as always don’t forget to bowl up a Storm!

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Storm Crux Pearl
24 of 27 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The Crux pearl is the second ball released by Storm with the Catalyst core, only this time it has the ERG pearl cover. The black, white, and copper color has great shelf appeal. The root beer fragrance takes me back to my childhood, remembering root beer barrel candies that were a staple at my great grandmothers home. The Catalyst core has an Rg of 2.50, a differential of 0.052, and an intermediate differential of 0.017, in 15lbs.
I drilled my Crux pearl 5 x 5 ¾ x 2 ⅝ . That layout puts the pin above my ring finger, and the mass bias just a slight bit right of my grip line. I did not have to use an extra hole on this ball. I will be comparing this with an original Crux that I polished with Storm step #1 and drilled with a layout of 4 x 5 x 2 ¾, and a Hyper Cell Skid drilled 5 x 5 ½ x 2 ½. The Crux pearl gives me more length than the polished Crux, and has a smoother, more continuous change of direction. The ball motion of the Crux pearl isn’t as defined at the breakpoint as the Crux. The pearl Crux needs cleaner backends to make it’s move, than does the original Crux. Most of this can be attributed to the change in layout, but the difference in cover also has the Crux pearl not slowing down as fast. The Crux pearl is about a 2 and 4 board move closer to the drier part of the lane than the original Crux.
When comparing the pearl Crux to the Hyper Cell Skid, the biggest difference on our house condition, is the shape through the backend of the lane. The Crux pearl revs up, and has a more hook set shape than does the Hyper Cell Skid. I find this better for fresher backends. The Hyper Cell Skid continues more, and has more hook through the backend than the Crux pearl. I can stand at the same place with both balls on our house condition, but the different shape they make in the backend means that if I make a mistake, it has to be different with each ball. With the Crux pearl, it is better to miss in, as it will hold pocket, and not over react. With the Hyper Cell Skid, it is better to miss out, as the stronger more continuous move the ball makes down lane will recover better.
In conclusion, when comparing the three balls listed above, I would use the original Crux for higher volumes, and a more pronounced shape at the breakpoint. I can then go to the pearl Crux when the pattern breaks down. If I am using the pearl Crux, and the pattern starts to break down, and I have to start chasing the pattern in, I can then go to the Hyper Cell Skid and open up the pattern with the stronger backend hook. Basically, the pearl Crux fits in the middle of the two balls, and would be the ball I would start with out of the three if I didn’t have any idea of what I was bowling on. The Crux pearl will fit best for medium to medium heavy patterns that I need some length through the front of the lane. The Crux pearl will benefit me on flatter patterns as well, when I want a defined shape, with some good change of direction, that only an asymmetrical ball can provide. Thank you for taking the time to read my review of the new pearl Crux. And always remember to bowl up a Storm!
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Storm Crux Prime
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The Crux Prime is the latest high performance bowling ball in the premier line from Storm. The Prime uses the same Catalyst core that was in the previous Crux balls, but this time, wrapped with an all new to the industry cover stock formula called Spec. This new formula of solid reactive material produces a lot of hook, with less oil absorption than other formulas and comes from the factory with a 2000 grit abralon finish. In a nutshell, the Crux Prime is a big hook ball that is also built to last. The Prime has an Rg of 2.50 with a differential of 0.052, and intermediate diff of 0.017, in 15lb bowling balls.

I drilled my Crux Prime using a 4 x 4 x 3 layout. Comparing the Prime to a Physix with a
4 x 5 x 3 layout, both balls were in their respective factory finish, although the Physix has about 35 games on it. I drilled the Prime and went to league the next night with an open mind and no expectations. I had been using the Physix, and been doing very well on this higher volume house condition, and posting a 300 with it a little bit back. I started with the Prime, which I had to move in about 3 & 2 with my feet/mark, to keep the ball holding pocket, compared to the Physix. All I could say was WOW! The Prime read the pattern perfectly for two games, posting a 279 and 245 without moving my feet. Then game 3, 168. I stayed in one spot WAY too long, and by the time I moved, I was playing catch up the rest of the game which turned into Splitsville. The next set I threw the Prime, I learned from my previous mistake of staying put. I decided to gradually move in with it as the 3 game set went on, shooting 258, 237, 278 for a 773. What I learned about the Prime, is that this ball will be a beast for me when I can use it in PBA where we move every game, and generally don’t see as much traffic as the right side of the lane gets. When bowling on high traffic conditions, know when to move with it, or just put it away and grab something else. The Prime also rolled great for me on the 2012 PBA Detroit Open pattern that is 42 feet long, with total volume of 25.5ml. I was able to stay put for three games on this pattern, and not see that huge breakdown at the breakpoint like I saw on the league condition, posting blocks of 673, 653, and 664, on the fairly flat sport pattern. I polished the Prime with Storm step #1 to see how it rolled with less surface, and it looks great on USBC White pattern #2.

In summary, the Crux Prime has a very unique ball motion. It takes changes to the cover very well, and doesn’t seem to lane shine as quick as other super strong covers can. The biggest thing with the Prime, is to know when to make a move, or when to go to a different ball. The motion that it makes can sometimes trick a bowler into thinking they can stay in one spot longer, then they really should. This will be a great ball for bowlers who watch what is going on with the lanes throughout the night, but could possibly mislead a bowler who isn’t watching for transition. Thank you for taking the time to read my review of the Crux Prime. As always, bowl up a Storm!

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Storm Electrify Hybrid
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The Electrify hybrid is the latest release in the Hot line of bowling balls from Storm, The Bowlers Company. The all new circuit Core found in the Electrify bolsters an Rg of 2.51 and a dif of .030 in 15lb weights. The color scheme of silver/mulberry/neon red has a familiarity to the Rocket of a few years past. The Electrify hybrid comes from the factory with a 1500 grit polished finish. The Electrify Hybrid uses the tried and true Reactor cover.

I drilled the hybrid Electrify with a 4” pin and 3” pin buffer. This is my baseline go to layout that always seems to give a good predictable ball motion that is neither too weak nor too strong. The hybrid Electrify rolls really well on medium to medium- low volume patterns, with clean to very little carrydown on the backend of the lane. Comparing the Hybrid to a pearl Electrify drilled with a 5” pin and 4.5” pin buffer, the hybrid is about 3 and 2 stronger when throwing it to the dry. When playing straighter through the front of the lane and keeping the ball in the oil, the hybrid seems to be only about one board stronger, but reads the lane a couple feet sooner and rounds off through the pins better, allowing me to get better lateral pin movement with carry on light hits from slightly missed left shots. The hybrid electrify is better suited for medium to medium dry conditions.

I like the Electrify hybrid. This will be a good ball for people who want to see less overall hook than what some of the stronger cored balls can provide, or bowlers who are bowling on medium to medium-low volume patterns. The hybrid will also be good for tournament bowlers who need a late game, towards the end of the block ball that will still have good reaction through the pins with moderate downlane motion. Thank you for reading my review of the electrify Hybrid. As always, bowl up a Storm!

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Storm Electrify Pearl
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
4

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The Electrify pearl is the latest release from Storm in the Hot line of bowling balls. The Hot line from Storm has been a staple of the industry, offering bowlers bowling balls with very good performance, on a budget. The Pearl Electrify comes from the factory with a 1500 grit finish, and uses the all new Circuit Core which has an Rg of 2.51 and diff of 0.030 in 15lb weights. The color combination of sky/amethyst/fuschia is sure to get noticed on the ball return. The pearl Electrify also has a scent of frosted cake.

I drilled the pearl Electrify with a 5” pin and 4.5” pin buffer. I went with this layout to give me plenty of length with a long transition phase of backend motion. When comparing the pearl to my 4 X 3 hybrid version, the pearl has the flare rings much closer together, and goes longer before making its motion into the hook phase. The Pearl Electrify rolls really well when bumping the dry boards of a house shot. With this layout and the 1500 grit factory finish, the Pearl is best suited for medium low to lower volumes of oil. The Electrify pearl will also be good for those long format tournaments that have right handers getting super deep, and I need a ball that will float through their dry heads but still have some recovery at the backend of the lane. The Electrify pearl is a bit more snappy on the backend than the hybrid version. This ball is best when playing the dry boards.

The Electrify pearl is a brightly colored ball that will get used at the right time, and on the right conditions. It won’t be the first ball out of the bag for me because I don’t see true dry lanes all that often, but will be very good when the time is right to use it. Using a medium to stronger layout on the Electrify pearl will give bowlers on a budget a nice looking ball, with good change of direction. Thank you for reading my review of the Electrify Pearl from Storm. Bowl up a Storm!

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Storm Fast Pitch
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The Fast Pitch from Storm brings a new urethane coverstock to the Thunderline called Control XL urethane. The Fast Pitch uses the same Tour block weight block that was used in the Fever Pitch and comes from the factory with a 1000 grit abralon finish. The Fast Pitch is Navy with green lettering, which gives a very old school type look. The numbers of the 15lb bowling balls are 2.61 Rg, and 0.030 differential.

I used two different layouts on the Fast Pitch. The first layout is a 4.5” pin with a 2” pin buffer. This ball has a nice amount of total hook for a urethane covered bowling ball. The reaction is as advertised, cleaner through the front of the lane than the Pitch Black, with a little more shape through the backends. When the Pitch Black is a little too rounded downlane or hooks a little too early, the Fast Pitch has a little more change of direction when seeing the friction and is a little easier through the fronts. Comparing the Fast Pitch to an identically drilled Fever Pitch, the Fast Pitch reads the oil better, and has a smoother shape. One drawback of the Fever Pitch was that it would read the pattern well for a few games, and then all of a sudden, miss the head pin because the cover would get lane shine. The Fast Pitch seems to have a more constant read of the lane, even as the ball gets more games on it. Keeping the Fast Pitch clean in between shots with a Shammy gives a reliable motion throughout the block.

The second Fast Pitch I drilled, I still used a 4.5” pin, but put the pin buffer at 4”. This change in pin buffer reduced the overall flare of the Fast Pitch and created a more rounded shape through the back end of the lane. It also reduced the overall hook potential. This is beneficial in keeping my angles straight through the front of the lane when bowling on very light, short oil patterns. I also smoothed the cover down with a 4000 pad on the ball spinner just to reduce any early traction I saw from the 1000 grit factory finish. When encountering many different oil patterns or lanes that have really dry backends, having the two different Fast Pitches is a bonus.

In closing, the Fast Pitch is a good compliment to the original Pitch Black when bowling on short oil patterns in tournaments. Changing the pin buffer and pin from PAP distance will really help get the most out of the ball, for your game. It’s important to find a certified Pro shop that takes the time to know your game, and give the correct layout based on how you throw the ball. Thank you for taking the time to tread my review of the Storm Fast Pitch. Now go bowl up a storm!

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Storm Fever Pitch
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
4

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The Fever Pitch is the third release in the Thunder line of bowling balls that features a urethane coverstock. The use of the PWR+CTRL Pearl Urethane cover is different than that of the preceding Pitch Blue and Pitch Black. The Fever Pitch also has a different core called Tour Block, that yields more differential (0.030) and a higher Rg (2.61) in 15lb bowling balls. The bright Orange Pearl really stands out, sitting on the ball return.

I drilled the Fever Pitch with a 4” pin and 2.5” pin buffer. Using the Fever with the box finish of 2000 grit abralon, I am able to get a great deal of length from this ball, and more backend movement on fresh backends than the Pitch Black. The reaction shape is best described as a combination of the Pitch Blue and Pitch Black. The Fever is a little more rolly than the Blue, but still more angular off the spot than the Black. Fever is a little longer than Black, but picks up quicker than the Blue. The Fever Pitch gives me a more unique reaction by combining the two other Pitch balls, that actually compliments my Hot Cell more than it compliments the Pitch Black/ or Blue. The Fever Pitch seems to be at it’s best when the backends are clean and no carrydown is present.

I tried using the Fever Pitch in the box condition on the WTBA Tech Committee World Challenge pattern that is 34 feet with a low volume of 7.14mL. The Fever was too strong for this pattern in the box finish, and ended up using a polished Pitch Blue. I then tried scuffing the surface of the Fever Pitch with a 500 grit Abralon pad, and used it on a lighter volume, 41 foot house shot, with good success. The additional flare that is created by the stronger core of the Fever Pitch seems to like a little more oil than the Pitch Blue.

I will be carrying the Fever Pitch with me, anytime I know I will be bowling on a short or lower volume pattern. The unique shape the Fever Pitch gives me will be a monster on the right condition. The Fever Pitch has a unique reaction shape that will give slower speed players a good reaction on lighter volumes of oil, and very heavy handed players a more crisp downlane move on fresh backends than what traditional urethane covers will. Thank you for taking the time to read my review of the Fever Pitch. As always, Bowl up a Storm!

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Storm Fight
8 of 9 people found this review helpful
3

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The Fight is a solid cover ball in the Thunder line. The Fight uses the R4S solid reactive cover, which to my knowledge, is the first time we have seen this cover on a US release. The Fight also gives us the first look at the Iron Cross weight block. This core has an Rg of 2.62 and a differential of 0.043. The fight comes from the factory with a 3000 grit Abralon finish. The Fight is a 2-tone red with candy apple fragrance. The Fight reminds me of the old Reign of Fire, when sitting on the ball return.

I drilled my Fight 4 x 5 x 2 ¾ . Out of the box, the Fight covered a lot of boards. It didn't really want to slow down, or show any signs of quitting through the backend of the lane. I polished the cover with a touch of Xtra Shine over the box finish, in an effort to reduce the overall board coverage of this ball. The polish helped the Fight not hook as much.

I don’t have a ton of ball speed, or a really high rev rate and low axis tilt, so I generally look to use balls that are low Rg and stronger covers, to get them to slow down, and blend the corner. The Fight has such a strong move down lane, it is hard for me to keep this ball in play for long, except on longer lighter volume patterns. As the lanes break down, I have to make large moves in, as the Fight is just so strong off of the spot.

The Fight will benefit bowlers who want a big move in the backend of the lane. Bowlers who like to chase patterns in deep, and want recovery, should look for the Fight, to give them the strong down-lane move they are looking for. If bowlers are looking for a ball to be more controllable, or to blend a pattern, I would suggest trying a different Storm or Roto Grip ball, as we have a full line of varying ball motions to choose from. The Fight has a very specific ball reaction, that will please those who are looking to really bank the corner! Thank you for taking the time to read my review of the Storm Fight. As always, remember to bowl up a Storm!


Tommy Gollick
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Storm Freak'n Frantic
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The Freak’n Frantic is the latest release in the Hot line of bowling balls. This is the replacement for the Fringe. The lime/violet color combination has great shelf appeal, and the core of the ball is the N.O.S. core that originally debuted on the 2Fast and 2Furious. The 15lb balls have an RG of 2.53 with a differential of .045. This combo gives bowlers a great benchmark, as these numbers as well as the cover stock strength fall right in the middle of the Storm line.
The name says it all about the Freak’n Frantic. This ball will compliment the Frantic perfectly. The Freak’n is cleaner through the front part of the lane than both the Fringe and the Frantic. The change of direction is strong but controllable. This is the perfect step down from a Frantic, when needing the same core strength, but a cleaner cover.
I have my Freak’n Frantic drilled pin over ring, with CG on my grip, and no extra hole. This is the same layout as a Frantic I have, as well as a Fringe. The Freak’n allows me to move a little deeper on the lane than what the other balls with the N.O.S. core have in the past. For whatever reason, I would get to about third arrow and my carry percentage would drop, as the ball would hook a bit too soon, and not corner strong enough. The Freak’n Frantic makes that move for me, and still carries without being a “hokey stick” shaped reaction.
The Freak’n Frantic covers about the same amount of boards as the newly released Light’s Out. The difference is how the two balls get to the pocket. The Freak’n Frantic revs up quicker than the Light’s Out, but the cover pushes it to about the same hook spot as the Light’s Out. The Light’s Out changes direction harder, and has a sharper entry angle through the pins. I tend more to the earlier motion, as that is what I like to see, so the Freak’n Frantic will be seeing a lot of use from me. The color combination also makes it look like I have more revs than I really do, so that is a huge plus!
The Freak’n Frantic is a winner. Don’t let this ball pass you by. The performance far outweighs the price point of this ball. All of the N.O.S. cored balls have been good, but this one in my opinion, may be the best yet. Thank you for reading my review of the Freak’n Frantic by Storm. Always remember to bowl up a Storm!

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Storm Gravity Evolve
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The Gravity Evolve is the second asymmetric ball released by Storm featuring the Spec coverstock. As you may have guessed, the Evolve uses the same core from the ever popular Gravity Shift series from a few years back. The Virtual Gravity was one of the most successful balls in Storm's history so it makes sense to see a new version with such a unique cover like Spec coming to market. Using the tried and true Shape-Lock HD core combined with the hook and control of the Spec cover, gives bowlers a unique combination of board coverage with controlled shape.

I drilled two Evolves. The first Evolve has a layout of 3 X 5 X 1.5 which is mainly intended for use on flatter, tougher patterns. The second Evolve is drilled 4 X 3 X 2, and more intended to be used on medium to high scoring conditions early on while the pattern is still fresh. Using both balls with the box 2000 grit abralon finish, the second Evolve only covers a couple more boards than the 3" pin Evolve, but isn't dramatically different, especially once both balls lane shine. Getting into 1000 or even as low as 500 Abralon, the 4" pin Evolve creates a much more defined move at the breakpoint, as well as about an arrow more worth of board coverage. It is very interesting how close in board coverage the two balls are with less surface, and how much different they are with a lot of surface. It goes to show how important it is to get both the layout and surface correct for a bowling ball. Even at lower grits, the 3 X 5 X 1.5 Evolve has a controlled hard arch to the pocket. This is great for challenging conditions that I want a readable reaction throughout the lane. The 4 X 3 X 2 Evolve does as expected and opens up patterns that are easier and allows me to be less than perfect and still score.

The biggest take away I have with the Evolve as well as the Crux Prime, both balls using Spec cover, is that they aren't going to be big backend hockey stick shapes. The Spec cover creates traction with controlled shape for heavier volumes of oil. The Evolve isn't the typical strong response to friction at the end of the pattern like many of Storm's covers but is a reaction shape needed for hook with control. Thank you for taking the time to read my review of the Storm Gravity Evolve. As always remember to bowl up a Storm!

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Storm Hy-Road Max
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
4

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The Hyroad Max is the latest ball from Storm that features the Inverted Fe2 weight block that has been so successful over the past 15+ years. Hyroad Max uses the strongest cover (NeX Solid) to date of any ball that shared the Inverted Fe2 weight block. The 3000 grit box finish gets the Max to pick up in the oil with ease. Hy-Road Max has a color combination of emerald and lime, and takes me back to yester-year, and reminds me of the Bolt solid. The Hyroad Max has an Rg of 2.57 and a differential of 0.046 in 15lb balls.

I drilled the Hyroad Max with a 4.5 pin and 4 pin buffer. Comparing the Max to an identically drilled All Road, the Max starts creating traction much sooner and creates more hook in the midlane and through the backend. For a bowling ball with this strong of a cover, it is amazing that it can still continue downlane even though it reads the oil so well. The only ball that comes to mind that created this kind of motion throughout the entire lane was the Reign of Fire. One thing that I have noticed is that I do need to keep the cover free from oil with my shammy, to keep the consistent move throughout the lane. The Hy-Road Max has been useful on some longer, heavier patterns while keeping my hand up the back of the ball, and can still get through the front of the lane and reduce overall motion when putting my hand in a position to create a little more “spin” on medium pattern volumes.

I like the Hy-Road Max. I was a little nervous to drill it at first because my history with strong covers on high Rg balls hasn’t been the greatest, but the Max works. With my ball speed and rev-rate, the Hy-Road Max will have the right time and place to use it. Thank you for taking the time to read my review of the Hy-Road Max. Bowl up a Storm!

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Storm Hy-Road Pearl
31 of 35 people found this review helpful
4

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The Hyroad pearl is the latest addition to the Thunder line of bowling balls in the Storm catalog. The Hyroad has been a mainstay of the Storm line for about five years so it doesn’t come as a surprise (albeit how long it took) for another version of this ball to come down the pike. The core is the same as the T-Road series, as well as the Hyroad, Fe2. The cover is R2S pearl, which is much stronger than the R2S pearl that was on the T-Road pearl. Materials are much improved upon compared to the original release on the R2S pearl cover, allowing the current version to read oil better, while still having a strong change of direction. The Hyroad pearl replaces the Victory Road in the current line-up.
I drilled the Hyroad pearl with pin over ring finger and CG on the grip line. It is the same layout I use on almost all pearl balls, when drilling a new one to be able to give accurate feed back with my reviews. The comp balls will be a Victory Road, and a Freak’n Frantic.
One thing I would like to mention before going further with my review has to do with how core RG relates to different styles of players. It is important to keep in mind that how higher RG cores may react for my style can be different for how they react for another player. For example, for me, a low to medium rev player with a higher ball track (lower tilt) and softer speed, I really see the difference in high RG to low RG balls. Bowling balls like the Hyroad pearl with a higher RG and medium diff, actually goes down the lane longer and has less board coverage than what the lower RG, lower diff Freak’n Frantic does for me. So for my unique roll, the Hyroad pearl is actually a ball down from the Freak’n Frantic. Now a player that has more revs, and can apply more torque to the ball than what I do, will find that this increased torque actually makes the Hyroad pearl a stronger piece than the Freak’n Frantic, because of how the core reads the lane based on applied rotation. They can get the ball to cover more boards because the ball hasn’t “spun up” as quick as what the Freak’n Frantic would. Plus, the added speed would not allow the Freak’n Frantic’s lower RG to “read” the front of the lane the way I can get it to. So with all of that said, I have the Hyroad pearl as about a three with my feet and two with my mark, left move compared to my Freak’n Frantic. It gets to the spot much cleaner, and has less over all motion. The shape is a skid snap for me. The Hyroad pearl gets down the lane a touch longer than an identically drilled Victory Road, and “flips” off the spot a touch more than the Victory Road. I have the Hyroad as a one and one left move from the Victory Road. The Hyroad has a hook-set shape closer resembling the original Reign. The Victory is more rounded and continuous.
This ball seems to like the new Kegel Fire oil, as it doesn’t slow down too early, and doesn’t over hook. At 38 feet, and 18ml’s of oil on our house shot, It glides easily to the spot with very little effort and has a great change of direction for good entry angle and pin carry, especially as the shot dries up and I have to move in. The Hyroad pearl will see a lot of use from me when the fronts start to go away, and I need push to the spot. This ball will allow me to keep my angles in front of me on lower ratio side to side patterns, that don’t have much built in hold.
Thank you for taking the time to read my review of the Hyroad Pearl. And always remember to bowl up a Storm.

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Storm Hy-Road Solid
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
4

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The Hyroad solid is the next ball in the Hyroad series of Storm bowling balls, this one having a solid R2S cover. The black and red cover has a 2000 grit factory finish and a cherry scent. The Hyroad solid has an Rg of 2.57 and a diff of 0.046 in 15lb balls. The Hyroad is in the Thunder line of bowling balls.
I drilled my Hyroad solid with a 4x5x3 layout, using the Storm system for laying out a bowling ball. This puts the pin just to the left of my ring finger. The box finish was very aggressive, and I didn’t throw the Hyroad but a few times before needing to head to the spinner to smooth the cover a bit with Storm step #1 polish to be able to use it on our house condition. This helped the ball hold pocket, but very quickly broke down the pattern, and forced me to make constant 2&1 moves, really pushing me out of my personal comfort zone. I have since decided to go back to a lower grit surface (a used 1000 grit abralon pad), and just use the ball when there is enough oil on the lane for it to be successful. The Hyroad solid has a very specific condition in which it rolls well for me, so I need to be patient and utilize it in that proper environment.
The Hyroad will cover a lot of boards, without having much of an overreaction. The Hyroad solid has a big sweeping curve motion. This is a ball that you would reach for if you wanted to open up a fresh league pattern. The Hyroad will provide plenty of flare so that you can have fresh cover touching the lane, providing optimum traction.
The success of the original Hyroad has developed into a pearl and now a solid covered ball. The Hyroad solid isn’t a ball for dry lanes. You need a long oil pattern or a high volume of oil, to have success with this ball. With the release of these new oils that play very tight and decrease the amount of traction newer cover stocks can create on today’s slick lane surfaces, the Hyroad solid will provide that lost traction you need to get the ball to roll towards and through the pocket the correct way. If you are looking for a lot of hook, then look to your local Storm VIP pro shop for a Hyroad solid.

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Storm Hy-Road X
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The Hyroad X is the latest edition of bowling balls in the Thunder line of balls from Storm. Hyroad X uses the R2X solid cover, which is the first time we have seen this cover/core combination in the US. The Hyroad X is solid black with gold labels, and celebrates the 10th consecutive year that there has been a Hyroad in the Storm catalog, an unparalleled feat in today’s bowling industry. The 15lb Hyroad X has an Rg of 2.57 and diff. of 0.046.

Anyone who knows me, knows that I haven’t had the great success with the Hyroad or Hyroad solid, compared to the rest of bowling mankind. The original Hyroad was very condition specific for me. I do like the Hyroad pearl, however. With all that said, I REALLY like the Hyroad X! It doesn’t bog down as fast as the Hyroad Nano or Hyroad solid, and I don’t see the drastic over/under like I had with the original Hyroad. I drilled the Hyroad X with a 4 x 2 (pin/buffer). Utilizing the availability of the new no balance hole rule, the virtual MB number is now rendered unnecessary when laying out the ball (extreme amounts of top weight or extreme cg placement do need to be weighed to stay under 3oz., though). The X reads the backend of the pattern very well with continuation through the pocket and off the pin deck, with virtually no early hook.The 2” pin buffer seems to be the ticket for me, when dealing with this weight block shape. I like using the Hyroad X when I want to open up a pattern and wheel on it, especially on medium volume house patterns, and USBC white pattern #1 and #3.

I usually change surfaces around for testing, but I have decided to not adjust the surface on the Hyroad X, as I really like the way this ball shapes. I’m very pleased with the fact that I finally have a “Hyroad look” on the lanes, and am able to use this core shape for more than just burn, which is when I use the Pearl Hyroad. Thank you for taking the time to read my review of the Hyroad X. Bowl up a Storm!

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Storm Incite
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The Incite from Storm, the Bowler’s Company, has an all new weight block called the Tensor Core, and uses the R4S Hybrid coverstock. The Tensor Core has an Rg of 2.50, a differential of 0.053, and an Intermediate differential of 0.013 in 15lb bowling balls. The color combination of goldenrod, graphite, and crimson with silver labels really pops on the shelf. The cover is finished from the factory with a 3000 grit abralon finish. The Tensor core is a mildly asymmetrical weight block that is to emulate a symmetrical ball, with a balance hole.

I drilled the Incite using a 4.5 X 3 X 4 layout. This layout, for me, helps to promote ease through the front of the lane, with a solid, strong continuous motion through the backend and through the pins. The Incite provides ample traction in the midlane with the box finish, but does smooth out a bit over time with usage. A freshening up with a new abralon pad brings back the solid midlane traction that the R4S Hybrid coverstock provides. I like to use my Incite when my Axiom with the same pin placement starts to get a little lazy around the corner because of oil carry-down on medium to higher volume patterns. The Axiom is perfect when the backends are fresh and I need a slower continuous motion through the pins, but as the lane goes through transition, the Incite is the ball to go to because it has a more defined motion off the spot and gives me better angle than what the Axiom provides. The Incite is also a great ball down from my Proton Physixs with 4.5 X 2 X 4 layout. When the Proton gets too angular, but I still need a defined motion, I can drop down to the Incite and get more length and have less angle through the pins.

I really like the Incite. The Incite is a ball that has a decent amount of pattern coverage, and the coverstock takes changes well. Stop by your local Storm VIP pro shop, and drill an Incite today. Bowl up a Storm!

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Storm Intense
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
4

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The Intense is the new asymmetrical ball in the premier line of balls from Storm, the Bowlers Company. The Intense uses the new RAD-E core, that has numbers of 2.49 Rg, 0.050 differential, and 0.017 intermediate differential in 15lb bowling balls. The cover of the Intense is R3S pearl, and has an appealing color combination of lime, black, and white.

I drilled my Intense with a 4 x 4 x 2 layout. This is the first time I have used this layout. I wanted to try something a bit different, to give a different shape in my bag. The Intense is very clean through the front of the lane, with a strong, firm, change of direction once encountering the friction on the lane. The Intense with this layout for me, is the very definition of skid flip, or hockey stick type reaction. Because of the clean nature through the front of the lane, I have hit the cover with a used 4000 abralon pad, just to “break the cover in”. I have used the Intense on different patterns with different volumes of oil, and the best reaction I have had so far with it, is on USBC White #3. I can start off in the track area on the lane with the Intense, and migrate in on the lane, as the pattern changes, and still get corner, recovery and carry from deeper angles than what I normally can with other asymmetrical bowling balls. I haven’t really tried the Intense on really flat patterns yet, as I’m not sure the sudden change of direction would be beneficial, in that environment. The Intense has shown me enough, that I would like to drill another one, using one of my more standard layouts, as this 4 x 4 x 2 seems to have left me with a very condition specific ball, which I anticipated, and is why I went with this layout.

In my opinion, the Intense was designed to offer a really strong change of direction at the friction spot, in which it does. If you want to see that type of reaction, then you really should try an Intense. If you are looking for control, than maybe a different option would be more beneficial for you, like a Marvel pearl or Dare Devil. Thank you for taking the time to read my review of the Storm Intense. As always, don’t forget to bowl up a Storm!

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Storm Intense Fire
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
4

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The Intense Fire is the second ball in the premier line to use the RAD E core shape, only this time with a polished hybrid R3S cover. The core numbers of the RAD E core in a 15lb ball is 2.49 Rg, 0.050 diff, and 0.017 PSA diff. The ultramarine, persimmon, black color combination is a new look for Storm.

I drilled my Intense Fire 4 x 5.5 x 3. This is the same layout I used on my Hyper Cell Fused. The Intense and the Fused are both strong asymmetrical pieces, so I will be comparing the two. The Intense Fire in the box finish gets through the heads nicely. The Fire produces a very strong midlane read, with a hard change of direction at the breakpoint. Comparing to the Fused which has a strong continuous hard arch, the Intense Fire is a more defined and earlier shape, with more roll toward the pins. The overall hook potential of the Intense Fire is a few boards more than that of the Fused, mainly because of the stronger change of direction and earlier read of the lane. The hybrid cover in box finish of the Intense Fire reads oil a little better than that of the Fused also at box finish. These are a great one/two combination for bowlers who bowl a lot of tournaments and see lots of variety in lane patterns and lane surfaces. If you already have a Fused, and primarily only bowl league on a house shot, the two could overlap a bit. The differences in roll shapes is more noticeable on flatter patterns in my opinion.

Comparing the Intense Fire to the original Intense (R3S pearl), the Fire is earlier and stronger overall by a few boards. Bigger differences can be achieved by adjusting the cover to the Fire, as the cover is very tunable, and holds surface better than on the original Intense.
I like the Intense Fire for times when I need a defined hook shape. I would suggest the Intense Fire for anyone looking for a little angularity off the spot. There are better options than the Intense Fire if you are looking for that benchmark type reaction, unless the only thing you bowl on is a condition that you need a stronger breakpoint ball, then by all means, this IS the one ball for you.Thank you for taking the time to read my review of the Storm Intense Fire bowling ball. As always, bowl up a Storm!

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Storm IQ Tour 30
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
4

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The IQ Tour 30 celebrates 30 years of bowling industry success from Storm, The Bowler's Company. IQ 30 has the same pearl R2S cover but has slightly different characteristics than that of the IQ Tour pearl which has been nicknamed the “gold ball”. The “30” has the same C3 centripetal core as the previous tour balls (rg of 2.49 and a very low differential of 0.029 in 15lb balls). The 30 has a black pearl color, and is scented with Lava Spice.
I drilled my Tour 30 with a 5x5x2.5 layout, which is my favorite layout for pearlized bowling balls. When comparing the 30 to the gold ball, they both cover about the same number of boards, they just go about it a little differently. The IQ Tour 30 goes a touch longer and has more backend continuation for me, than IQ Tour pearl. For me, the gold ball rolls earlier, and has more of a hook set motion that is a great step down from the Tour Fusion. Also, the 30 has closer characteristics to the solid IQ Tour, which is more continuous through the backend of the lane, for me, than what the Fusion or the gold ball is. Basically the IQ Tour 30 shapes the way I originally expected the gold ball to shape. I like using the 30 on wood lanes, and broken down house shots, that started with a nice blend. Anytime I want to open up a pattern that started out with a reasonable blend, the 30 is my go to ball.
I personally struggle a bit with the Tour 30 on those over walled, super wet dry house conditions, as I see too much jump off the dry, and too much skid in the oil. I personally always reach for something that has more flare to blend out those kind of conditions.
As a whole, I really like my IQ Tour 30. When I use it as a step down, cleaner reacting IQ Tour Solid, or a ball to open up a broken down blended pattern, it is a great piece in my arsenal. If I’m only seeing real wet dry conditions, then I rely on something else that will blend out the reaction for me. Thank you for taking the time to read my review of the IQ Tour 30. As always, remember to bowl up a Storm!!
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Storm IQ Tour Emerald
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The !Q Tour Emerald brings current bowlers the chance to relive the !Q 30 and “gold ball”. The Emerald uses the same Centripetal core (2.49 Rg, 0.029 diff in 15lbs) found in the previous Tour releases as well as the same R2S pearl cover, but this time with an emerald green color. The Emerald is still in the Master line of balls in Storm’s catalog.

I drilled the Emerald with a 4.5” pin and 2.5” pin buffer from PAP, the same layout used on my Idol Pearl. My !Q 30 and my “gold ball” both had the pins at 5” with 2.5” pin buffer from PAP. Compared to a current ball in the Idol Pearl, the !Q Emerald is more responsive to friction at the end of the pattern, and creates more angle. The Idol Pearl starts up sooner, and is smoother overall, while covering more boards. This is almost always the case for me when comparing lower differential to higher differential balls. Other people and their roll may see it differently. Comparing the Emerald to a Son!Q with a 4” pin and 3” buffer, the Emerald needs to be straighter through the fronts to get the ball to read the right way, and has more angle than the Son!Q. Basically, I can use the Son!Q when seeing fresh backends, and switch to the Emerald when more backend shape (but less overall board coverage) is needed. The overall shape the emerald makes throughout the lane is very similar to that of the !Q 30. It seems to be more continuous through the backend than the “gold ball”, just like the 30.

The !Q Emerald is a welcomed addition to many tournament bowlers who see conditions that straighter trajectory through the fronts is key. The Emerald still has its place on easier conditions, especially those players with very high rev rates, who wants to circle the whole lane when they hook, as well as players who are speed dominate and want to keep their angles very tight. Thank you for taking the time to read my review of the !Q Emerald. As always, bowl up a Storm!

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Storm IQ Tour Fusion
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The IQ Tour Fusion is the new release from Storm that has taken the proven success of the solid and pearl IQ’s, and “fused” them into one great ball. The Fusion has a bright gold pearl and Blue solid color combination of the R2S hybrid that is sure to catch a bowler’s eye. It uses the same C3 Centripetal Control core that was in the first two releases. The C3 core has an RG of 2.49 and a differential of 0.029 in 15lb balls. The Fusion comes from factory with a 1500 grit polish, and a blueberry muffin scent.
I drilled this Fusion with a 4x 6 ½ x 2 ¼ layout. This fits nicely in between my soild and pearl IQ’s, a little closer to my pearl, as I use more surface on my solid than factory (I keep it at about 2000 abralon compared to the 4000 factory). The Fusion is a good ball to start with on medium conditions.
I like the Fusion for medium conditions, and on patterns that I want to keep my angles more in front of me, but still need a defined move to the pocket. I have been able to use the Fusion on house conditions as well as Viper and on broken down Carmen Salvino pattern (40ft). The Fusion is just an all around good ball. Between the Fusion and the Roto Grip Asylum, most all of my medium condition lanes are covered. The Fusion is in the bag all the time, as of right now.
The Fusion will be good for all types of players, because of the proven R2S hybrid cover and the low flare, controllable core. Lower rev rate players will be able to bump the dry without getting over reaction thanks to the lower RG weight block, and high rev players will be able to hook it, and generate some hold thanks to the low flare potential. It surely will be a must have for all tournament players, wanting to be able to get control of the lane, and having a cover that can be fine tuned during practice to handle all variations of medium conditions.

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Storm IQ Tour Nano
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The IQ Tour Nano is the latest Master line bowling ball from Storm. The Tour Nano uses the same C3 Centripetal Control core as the previous IQ Tour balls. The addition of the Nano cover stock gives bowlers a ball that has the capability to handle more oil than the previous Tour releases. The 15lb Tour Nano has an RG of 2.49 and a differential of 0.029. The Tour Nano comes from the factory with a 4000 grit pad finish and is easily adjustable for the lane condition you are bowling on, and smells like Apple Cider. The color combination of black, hunter green, and red and overall look of the ball reminds me of the Second Dimension, an old time favorite of mine.
I drilled my IQ Tour Nano 4 x 4 ¾ x 2 ½. This is the same layout I have on my favorite IQ Tour solid. Comparing the two, the Nano is much earlier and has a continuous reaction, making the Nano seem like a beefed up IQ Tour Solid; whereas the Fusion and the IQ Tour Pearl has more of a hook set motion for me. I have had good success with the Tour Nano on Scorpion, and a few other unnamed patterns that have some volume up front, but lower left to right ratios. The Tour Nano has taken to cover stock changes easily and doesn’t have a problem slowing down too early with even as much as 500 grit abralon. The Tour Nano will cover a lot of boards even with more surface on the ball. Some have found that the Marvel S was way too early and strong for their needs. The IQ Tour Nano will give those bowlers the traction that you need for heavier oil, without the ball over flaring or quitting on them.
I have found my IQ Tour Nano to be the perfect step down from my Marvel S. Seeing the cover read the lane very similar, but having less flare, allowing me to use the Nano when there isn’t as much built in “hold” on the lane is a huge benefit. I can also use the Nano on house conditions that has a lot of oil up front, but is a little shorter in length. I can see where I will be using the Tour Nano on shorter, high volume patterns, and longer, light volume patterns where I want to keep my angles in front of me. The Tour Nano is a step up from the Fusion, and a perfect step down from the Marvel S. The Tour Nano will give bowlers a unique blend of traction as well as downlane motion.
Thank you for taking the time to read my review of the IQ Tour Nano. Don’t forget to always bowl up a Storm!

Tommy Gollick

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Storm IQ Tour Nano Pearl
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The !Q Tour Nano pearl is the latest Master line release from Storm, the Bowlers Company. This edition features the nano pearl cover stock in black pearl, and is finished with a 3000 grit abralon pad. The numbers in 15lb balls are 2.49 Rg, with a differential of 0.029. This edition features the same C3 Centripetal core that was in all of the previous !Q Tour releases.

I drilled the !Q Nano Pearl with a 4” pin and a 3” pin buffer. This is the same layout I have on my original Idol, and I felt that these two balls could complement each other. As expected, the overall board coverage is similar, but the Nano pearl has more downlane recovery and flares less and tighter than the Idol. The Idol seems better at blending a pattern that has more hold area when playing the bounce off the dry on easier patterns, where the Nano pearl works better with a more blended pattern. This ball will be very useful on tournament patterns that have lower left to right ratios. The Nano pearl also works very well with the !Q emerald pearl, as the nano pearl creates better traction in more oil and earlier on the lane than does the pearl Emerald. The !Q Tour Nano pearl has almost the same shape through the lane as does my Idol Pro that has a 4.25 X 2.75 layout, but isn’t as sensitive to oil in the front of the lane as the Pro.

I don’t know if it’s possible to have a bad ball ball reaction with any ball that has the C3 Centripetal core, so the Nano Pearl is no different and feels like another homerun for Storm. Use your favorite layout, get your angles correct, and the Nano Pearl will work for almost any style player on the right condition. Thank you for taking the time to read my review of the !Q Tour Nano Pearl from Storm. Now go bowl up a Storm!

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Storm IQ Tour Pearl
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The IQ tour pearl is a great addition to the master line of bowling balls. The gold pearl R2S cover really stands out on the shelf. This ball is the second ball released with the density changed C3 Centripetal core. The change in densities of the centripetal core lowered the diff to .029 from .050 in 15lb bowling balls. The scent is butterscotch, which we haven’t smelled since the Double Agent.
I drilled my pearl IQ tour with the pin over the ring finger, and the cg only about 5 degrees left of stacked, to produce a touch of midlane, without sacrificing down lane motion. It basically comes out to a 5x5x2.5 drilling for me. I used a very small, shallow hole to keep the ball at ¾ oz side weight, to stay under the USBC max allowed of 1oz. I very moderately touched the cover with a well used 4000 abralon pad; just to give the ball that slightly used cover finish.
The pearl Tour IQ gets through the front of the lane very easy, and produces more backend reaction than the solid tour IQ. I like to use the pearl IQ tour as a step down from my pearl Marvel. If the pearl Marvel starts hooking too early or just stops cornering, because it is slowing down too soon, the IQ tour pearl is a great go to piece. This is the same way I use the Marvel solid and IQ, and step down to the IQ tour solid.
The strong backend reaction I get out of the pearl IQ tour, allows me to stay a little more firm, and throw the ball keeping my angles a bit tighter, when there isn’t a lot of miss area on the lane. The lower flaring core keeps the ball from reacting too quickly later on in the blocks when the fronts start to go, and for me, seems to give me a bit of miss area and recovery from pitch out shots when the patterns are a little harder. Interesting enough, I also can use the IQ tour pearl on house conditions, as long as I keep it in the oil, and don’t get it to the dry too quick. The strong move down lane is enough to slap pins left and right, and make me feel like I have more revs on the ball than I really do. The pearl tour IQ really rolls strong through the pins. Seeing the pearl tour finishing off the deck going through the 9 pin position is not an uncommon occurrence with the pearl tour. This ball really continues down lane.
I have had good success with the pearl IQ tour on Shark, house conditions, USBC White pattern, WTBA Seoul pattern, and Chameleon. The pearl tour IQ really allows me to open up the backend of most any pattern just short of very oily conditions. I can just chase the pattern in, and find a touch of oil up front, and find some dry to throw to, and let the pearl tour IQ come screaming back to the pocket. Thank you for taking the time to read my review of the pearl IQ tour.

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Storm Joy Ride
6 of 8 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The Joyride is the second ball released with the Cruiser Core, only this time, with Reactor pearl cover. The Joyride looks great with a platinum/bronze pearl color scheme, and has a caramel pecan scent.The Rg of 2.58 and low differential of 0.021 in 15lb balls gives bowlers a controlled amount of flare, better suited for drier lane conditions. I drilled my Joyride with pin over ring, and cg on grip line, which comes out to a 5x5x2.5 layout.

Comparing the Joyride to Ride(drilled 4.5x5x2.5), the Joyride covers about the same amount of boards, and works on about the same amount of oil, but goes about it a little differently. Standing at the same spot on the approach, I have to move my eyes a board or so in from what I was targeting with Ride. The Joyride goes straighter to the same spot as the Ride, and then changes direction harder, and has a slighter sharper move back to the pocket. To make the Ride and Joyride gapped a bit more, I have since changed the surface on Ride to 4000 abralon. With this adjustment, I can start off on the fresh lighter volume house shot of our center, and blend the pattern with Ride, and then go to Joyride when it breaks down a little, and I want to create a little more angle through the back part of the lane.

The Joyride seems to have an ever so slight advantage when getting into third and fourth arrow on really dried up conditions. The slightly stronger move off the spot seems to create a better angle through the pins for a slightly higher carry percentage. If you haven’t tried the Ride yet, then you really don’t want to miss out on the Joyride, if you are looking for a drier condition ball, that still has some board coverage. The Joyride also bridges the large gap between the Tropical Breeze and the recently discontinued Punch Out. For me personally, the Joyride is the perfect drier condition ball, as the Tropical Breeze went a touch too straight for most patterns I see, and my Punch Out was better suited for medium conditions, than it was for drier lanes.

Thank you for taking a moment and reading my review of the Storm Joyride. As always, bowl up a Storm!

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Storm Lights Out
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
4

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The Light’s Out is the latest release in the Hot Line of bowling balls. The Light’s Out uses the Turbine core that debuted on the original Street Rod solid and pearl bowling balls. It has been used with a few different cover variations, and also name changes. It is no surprise to see the R2S hybrid cover combined with this core. I have been waiting for this combination ever since the Fast and the Furious had the R2S pearl and solid (respectfully) covers on them. The Light’s Out has a kind of “stealth” appearance with its midnight solid and charcoal pearl color combination. The ball comes out of the box finished with a 1500 polished surface and has an Apple Fritter fragrance.
I drilled my Light’s Out with the pin over the ring, and the CG on my grip line. For any of you that have followed my reviews over the years, you would know that this is my favorite layout. I don’t have to use an extra hole and the layout gives me a nice compliment of backend reaction and hook, and allows for me to adjust the cover as needed, for extra traction. This is the same layout that I have on a black and Silver Tropical Heat Hybrid which will be the comparison ball.
The light’s out picks up on the lane a little earlier than the Tropical Hybrid. Even with the same drilling, the cover reads friction earlier, and creates more change of direction than the hybrid. As the front part of the lane goes away, I need to move in faster with the Light’s out than I do with my hybrid. The black silver hybrid had a tendency to either hook too soon on the dry, but not enough in the oil. The Light’s Out doesn’t seem to have that problem when moving into the oil.
I used the Light’s Out on a few different patterns so far, and to my surprise, It seemed to perform on longer patterns as well as medium patterns. One would think that with the nature of the core, that the ball wouldn’t like a 42 foot pattern, but to my surprise, it rolled quit well on a 42 foot USBC white pattern. I started at around second arrow, and just kept my speed a little slower, and allowed the ball time to recover down lane. Pulled shots in held pocket, as well as shots pitched out, recovered. The Light’s Out has no problem covering the backend boards for me. This core shape has always given me a big backend move, as there isn’t a lot of differential to get the ball to spin up and slow down too fast.
The “Light’s Out will be a fit ball for me. It won’t be the first ball out of the bag, but when I need it, I know I have it, and it will get the job done. This will be a good ball for players that don’t want to spend the money on a high end ball, but would still like versatility with the cover stock. This hybrid cover is the same cover that was used on some very successful balls in Storm’s history, including the HyRoad and the Frantic.
If you are looking for a ball with a modest price point, but find the looks of the Frantic to be a bit “flashy”, drill a Light’s Out. You won’t be disappointed.

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Storm Lock
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The Storm Lock is the latest release from Storm, The Bowlers Company. This premier line release has a brand new cover stock called G1-15, which is a hybrid reactive. The core is a new shape also, and it is called the RAD-X core. The numbers on this new core is Rg of 2.48, a differential of 0.054 and an intermediate differential of 0.018. The black pearl/white pearl/crimson color has an attractive look when sitting on the ball rack.

I drilled my Lock with a 3.5x5x2.5 layout. I have used my Lock on heavy longer patterns with good success. My Lock reads the lane earlier and has a stronger hook set motion than a Crux that I have drilled with the same layout. The cover rolls through the front about the same as ERG hybrid on the Crux, but doesn’t seem to lane shine as fast. I have applied as much as 1000 grit abralon to my Lock for the long PBA Badger pattern. The Lock was easier to the spot than my Hyper Cell with the same cover preparation, and didn’t break down the pattern as quick.

I haven’t had many opportunities to use my Lock, as I drilled for a specific purpose, but the times I have been able to use it, it gave me the reaction I needed to stay within my game and repeat shots to make a regional final, and post our league high series on Badger pattern.

The Lock is a strong ball for longer patterns. I would suggest using it for such, or you will have to really polish the ball and probably want to go with a weaker layout than what I chose for my Lock. The Lock will be good for bowlers that have high ball speeds and lower rev rates, or bowlers looking for a true heavy oil ball, that doesn’t hook all in the first 10 feet, even with surface on it.

Update:

Since originally writing this review, I have polished my Lock so I can use it more often. I hit it with Storm step #1, on all four sides. This ball stills digs in, and changes direction with a strong heavy roll toward the pins; but now it does it on less volume of oil. The Lock is a really nice ball that with cover adjustments, can be used on medium to heavily oiled lanes; so much so, I ordered a second one so that I can keep one shined, and have one dull. Thank you for taking some time and reading my review of the Storm Lock. As always, bowl up a Storm!

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Storm Marvel-S
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The Marvel S is the latest release in the master line of bowling balls from Storm. This uses the same centripetal core that was first out in the Prodigy, and then found in the previously released Marvels. The difference, and a BIG difference I may add, is the NRG cover that was used on the Sync, the Vivid, and originally on the Virtual Gravity Nano. This combination of NRG cover and core of the Marvel S, in my opinion, is the best yet.
The Marvel s has more continuation than any ball that was released with the Nano cover. The three releases prior, all had asymmetrical weight blocks, and had more of a hook set shape. The Marvel S has a more arching, continuous shape. The big difference comes when moving deeper on the lane. Usually, as you get deeper, most bowlers look for a ball that doesn’t slow down as fast, and has energy to make the corner and carry. The Marvel S, even with the 3000 finish, rolls through the pins better than any other dull, low RG, high differential ball that I can remember. Interesting enough, the Marvel S also rolls well from out, provided there is enough soup on the lanes to keep it holding pocket.
When comparing the Marvel S to the Sync, with matching drillings (the Sync has a larger balance hole than the Marvel S), pin under ring with the PSA kicked toward VAL, the Marvel S is a little cleaner to the spot, and more of a hard continuous arch, compared to the Sync that changes direction stronger, and rolls heavier toward the pins. If I need a defined shape, I go with the Sync. If I need to open it up a little, I go with the Marvel S.
The Marvel S is a must have for heavy oiled conditions. Speed dominant players should have no problem seeing enough pick up and roll to the pins. No squirt past the break point here. If you feel you are a rev dominant player, just add some polish to the cover to get it through the front of the lane.
If you are in the market for a strong cover, strong core bowling ball, then look no further than the Marvel S. Be sure to talk to your pro shop operator about the VLS system when laying out your new Marvel S. This great tool will give you the proper layout you are looking for, provided you enter the data correctly, when drilling any bowling ball. After you drill your Marvel S, just fine tune the reaction with proper balance hole placement and surface adjustments to maximize the bowling balls potential.
The last thing I would like to talk about is cover stock maintenance. The NRG cover is one of the most advanced covers in the industry. With that, means proper care to keep your new Marvel S rolling strong. I personally recommend using a microfiber towel every shot to keep the surface oil off the ball, and a good cleaning with reacta clean after your bowling session. Every 15-20 games or so, I also recommend using Storm’s reacta scuff for a deep cleaning of the cover. This will get dirt and oil out of the peaks and valleys of the cover better than just ball cleaner alone. Proper maintenance will mean that your new bowling ball will have a much longer life.
Thank you for taking the time to read my review of the Marvel S. And remember, always bowl up a Storm!!

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Storm Match Ltd
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The Match solid is the latest ball released in the Hot line of bowling balls from Storm, the Bowler's Company. Match solid uses the new Stinger core that has an Rg of 2.55 and a differential of 0.030 in 15 lb balls. The cover is the Reactor, which is cleaner through the front of the lane than all of the other current covers in Storm’s line up. The Match solid comes factory sanded at 2000 grit Abralon. The Match solid has a unique color combination of red/grey.

I drilled a Match solid 4 x 4.75 x 3.25. I used this layout on a Haywire that I like very much, and as such drilled the Match solid to compliment said Haywire. I really like this ball! Match solid doesn’t read the front of the lane as strong as the Haywire, but still has continuation through the lane that most solid cover bowling balls don’t have. The Match solid isn’t flashy, and may not have the shelf appeal that the pearl Match has, but the ball just rolls great. Match solid has controlled hook on medium oil lane conditions with fresher backends. The Match solid will work for a variety of bowlers, when used in the proper environment. High rev bowlers will like the Match solid on medium heavy conditions with a surprising amount of hook. Lower rev rate bowlers will have use for the Match solid on medium conditions when going straighter and wanting to control the pocket.

The new Match solid will give bowlers a fair amount of hook at a bargain price. The Match solid also offers a more controlled ball reaction than Match pearl. Pin up layouts will help the Match solid have a more pronounced change of direction. If you find that some of the current stronger cover bowling balls hook a little too soon, then maybe it’s time to try a Match solid! Thank you for taking the time to read my review of the new Match solid. As always, remember to bowl up a Storm!

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Storm Match Pearl
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
4

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The Match pearl is the latest ball released in the Hot line of bowling balls from Storm, the Bowler's Company. Match pearl uses the new Stinger core that has an Rg of 2.55 and a differential of 0.030 in 15 lb balls. The cover is the Reactor, which is cleaner through the front of the lane than all of the other current covers in Storm’s line up. The pearl Match really stands out on the shelf with the bright gold/burnt orange color combination, and is finished to a 1500 grit polish.

I drilled my Match pearl with a 5.25 x 5.25 x 2 layout. Comparing Match pearl to an identically drilled Rot Grip Hectic, the Match pearl goes a touch longer before making a much stronger move off the spot and has more angle through the pins. This will be an advantage to bowlers looking to move deep on the lane when seeing drier conditions. I haven’t been able to use my Match pearl a ton, because the reaction for me personally is very condition specific. The slightly smoother transition of the Hectic has a little more pattern coverage for me personally as I have a softer hand and slightly slower ball speed.

The Match pearl provides a step up in hook compared to the Ride series balls, but not as early or as much hook as the Punch Out. Bowlers who want to really open up drier lane conditions, and like a strong change of direction will love the Match pearl!

Match pearl gives bowlers a new option and ball motion for drier to medium lane conditions. Being a step up from the JoyRide is a real plus! Bowlers looking for skid snap will love the Match pearl. Thank you for taking the time to read my review of the new Match Pearl from Storm, the Bowler’s Company. Bowl up a Storm!

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Storm Match Up Black Pearl
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
4

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The Match Up Black Pearl is an updated version of the Match Up pearl but with a 2000 grit Abralon finish. The core numbers of the Stinger 2.0 are 2.57 rg and 0.035 diff in 15lb balls. The Match Up Black Pearl has a cool pearl black color, just as the name would suggest. The Reactor cover of the Black Pearl is cleaner through the front of the lane then most of today’s current highly porous, strong cover stocks, even with the 2000 grit finish.

I drilled the Black Pearl the same as my Match Up, 5.25 x 5.25 x 2. The Match Up has more length compared to the earlier reading sanded Black Pearl. The Black Pearl covers about the same amount of boards and has similar hook shapes as the Match Up, but on higher volume oil patterns, and more viscous oils. The Black Pearl is more of a medium oil ball, that still saves energy for lighter oiled lanes that you need to get in, and still get recovery from the ball. I have also polished the Black Pearl, and get a closer reaction to the orange/silver/black, but with a little more rounded shape through the backend.

The Black Pearl is a good budget ball for league bowlers not wanting to break the bank, and still get some decent hook on medium conditions. The Black Pearl will also work well for tournament conditions that has the Match Up pearl pushing too long and not slowing down enough to generate roll through the pins . If you feel the need to replace your aging Match Up pearl or never drilled one in the first place, the Match Up Black pearl will fit right in. Thank you for taking the time to read my review of the Match Up from Storm, the Bowler’s company.

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Storm Match Up Black/Red/Blue Hybrid
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
4

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The Match Up BRB is a hybrid version of the Match pearl in the Hot line of bowling balls from Storm, that still uses the Stinger 2.0. This replaces last years Match Up BYR. The core numbers of the Stinger 2.0 are 2.57 rg and 0.035 diff. The Match Up BRB has a cool color combination of black, red, and blue, and is scented with cranberry chill. The Reactor hybrid cover of the Match Up BRB is cleaner through the front of the lane then most of today’s current highly porous, strong cover stocks.

I drilled the Match Up BRB with a 5” pin and 2” pin buffer. The Match Up BRB seems to have a more rounded continuous motion through the backend, compared to a slightly more defined “hockey stick” shape of the Match Up pearl BOS. Comparing the BRB to the Black pearl that has factory surface, the BRB is a little cleaner, and less overall board coverage.The Match Up BRB covers about the same amount of boards as the Match Up BYR that it replaced. It is a medium-light to light oil ball in box finish, that saves energy for slightly drier lanes that you need to move in a bit, and still get recovery from the ball.

The Match Up BRB is a good tournament ball for bowlers that see long blocks of competition, or bowl in events that don’t re-oil for semi’s and finals. The Match Up BRB will also work well for second shift, used, league conditions that have had a lot of games already rolled on them. If you feel the need to replace your aging Match Up BYR or never drilled one in the first place, the Match Up BRB will fit right in. Thank you for taking the time to read my review of the Match Up BRB from Storm, the Bowler’s company.


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Storm Match Up Pearl
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The Match Up pearl is an updated version of the Match pearl in the Hot line of bowling balls from Storm, with a change of core from the Stinger to the Stinger 2.0. The core numbers of the Stinger 2.0 are 2.57 rg and 0.035 diff. The Match Up pearl has a cool color combination of black, orange, and silver, and is scented with papaya splash. The Reactor cover of the Match Up is cleaner through the front of the lane then most of today’s current highly porous, strong cover stocks.

I drilled the Match Up the same as my Match, 5.25 x 5.25 x 2. The Match Up seems to have a more rounded continuous motion through the backend, compared to a more defined “hockey stick” shape of the Match. The Match Up covers about the same amount of boards as the Match. It is a medium-light to light oil ball, that saves energy for burnt up lanes that you need to get in, and still get recovery from the ball.

The Match Up is a good tournament ball for bowlers that see long blocks of competition, or bowl in events that don’t re-oil for semi’s and finals. The Match Up will also work well for second shift, used, league conditions that have had a lot of games already rolled on them. If you feel the need to replace your aging Match pearl or never drilled one in the first place, the Match Up pearl will fit right in. Thank you for taking the time to read my review of the Match Up from Storm, the Bowler’s company.

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Storm Match Up Solid
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The Match Up solid is the updated version of the Match in the Hot line of balls from Storm, The Bowler’s Company. Sitting on the shelf, the Match Up resembles the Marvel S with the black, aqua, lime color combination. The Match Up solid also has the new updated Stinger 2.0 core, wrapped with Reactor solid cover. The pre-drilled Core numbers of the Stinger 2.0 are 2.57 rg, and 0.035 diff in 15lb balls.

Using the same template as with the Match Up pearl and Match, I used the same layout on the Match Up solid, as I used on the Match, 4 x 4.75 x 3.25. The difference of having a factory finish of 1500 grit polish on the Match Up solid, compared to the 2000 grit abralon finish of the Match (with a coat of Xtra-Shine over top) was very noticeable, as the Match Up was a 3 and 2 left move to the drier part of the lane, in order to get the ball to the pocket. I decided to add a little surface to the Match Up using a used 2000 abralon pad, and was able to move my feet back the 3 boards to the right, to the same spot as I was standing with the Match, but I had to change my angle through the front of the lane by bringing my mark 3 boards right also, and allowing the Match Up to float to the breakpoint. So basically, I could stand at the same place, but I had to add more head-belly for the Match. The Match Up has a more continuous, stronger backend motion, and more continuation through the pins than does the Match.

I feel there is a little more of a noticeable difference in ball motion between the solid Match Up and Match, compared to the pearl versions. While having both pearls may have some redundancy in a bowlers arsenal, I feel that the Match Up and Match can compliment each other well (especially with different surface prep), or at the very least, a bowler who was reluctant to try a Match because it seemed too smooth, may want to give the Match Up a try. Also, don’t forget to try a little surface adjustments if you don’t see what you were expecting, as this Reactor cover takes changes in cover prep well. Thank you for taking the time to read my review of Storm’s Match Up solid.

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Storm Omega Crux
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The Omega Crux is a factory sanded pearl ball with a cover called GI-20 in the premier line of Storm bowling balls. The Omega comes from the factory at a 3000 grit abralon finish, and has a color combination of white, copper, and graphite. The numbers in 15 lb weighted balls are 2.50 Rg, 0.052 diff, with an intermediate diff of 0.017. The Catalyst core is the same core used in all the previous Crux balls.

I drilled the Omega Curx with a layout of 5 x 3.5 x 2.5. This layout creates a lot of motion in the late mid-lane, toward the end of the oil pattern. I went with this layout to use this ball to open up softer backends, and lanes that aren’t really crisp at the breakpoint. Comparing the Omega Crux with my 4 x 4 x 2.5 Crux Prime, the Omega is a lot more defined through the back part of the lane. The Prime is good when the backends are fresh, and the Omega is great to go to when the backends tighten up. The Omega starts up a few feet later than the Prime. Both of these layouts seem to work a little better when there is some built in area in the pattern. So far, the Omega has been really good on 41-43 foot patterns, with a nice crown shape built in. The GI-20 cover on the Omega seems to hold the surface fairly well.

I like the Omega Crux. I can see this ball as being user friendly for most any bowler, provided they use the right layout and the ball on the right pattern. Rev dominant bowlers will get use from this ball on heavier volumes of oil and won’t need super strong layouts to get motion. Matched rev rate to ball speed players will be able to use this ball on the widest range of patterns, just drill to flare accordingly. Speed dominant players will want to use stronger layouts, and should see a ball that still has some change of direction for them. Thank you for reading my review of the Omega Crux. Now go bowl up a Storm!!

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Storm Optimus
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The Optimus is the latest ball in the Master line of Storm products. The Optimus has the R2X pearl cover wrapped around a new weight block called Tri-Sphere. The unusual shape of this core has an Rg of 2.48 and a differential of 0.048 in 15lb balls. The Optimus is red, white and blue, and smells like berries and cream.
I drilled my Optimus 5x5x2. This is the same layout that I have on the comp ball, the Marvel pearl. The Optimus reads the front of the lane almost identically to the Marvel pearl. The middle of the lane is where you start seeing a difference between the two balls. The Optimus rolls about one to two feet longer than the Marvel pearl, and has a more defined change of direction on the backend. The overall board coverage of the Optimus and the Marvel pearl is about the same, but the later move and stronger change of direction from the Optimus, helps this ball have a steeper entry angle into the pocket. The difference of the Optimus and the Marvel pearl is slight on house conditions, but really shows through on flatter sport patterns. The more defined shape is better for me when I bowl on tougher patterns, because I can go straighter to my hook spot with the Optimus, compared to the Marvel pearl. Because of my softer ball speed, I have to give the Marvel pearl a little more head belly, thus throwing it away from the pattern, and this can sometimes get me in trouble when I really want to keep my angles in front of me as much as possible, on flatter patterns. As successful as the Marvel pearl has been so far, I feel the Optimus has potential to be even better.
The Optimus will be a fit for most styles of bowlers, who would be looking for a ball for medium to medium heavy lane conditions, and some heavy oil patterns. To be more specific, speed dominate players would be able to use the Optimus on medium conditions and some medium heavy conditions with the addition of a little surface to the cover. High rev players will like the Optimus on medium heavy conditions, as well as have good success on heavier oiled lanes with the addition of a little surface to the cover. If you see only dry lane conditions, I would suggest trying a different ball other than the Optimus.
The Optimus is a great addition to the already stellar line up that Storm has to offer. As technology evolves with everything, the Optimus is the evolution of a strong pearl bowling ball. See your local VIP pro shop today and optimize your striking potential with the new Storm Optimus.

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Storm Optimus Solid
7 of 8 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The Optimus solid is the latest release in the Master line of bowling balls from Storm, the bowler’s company. Optimus solid has the same Tri-Sphere core as the first Optimus (Rg of 2.48 and differential of 0.048), but is now wrapped with the solid R2X cover that was on balls like the Marvel solid and Virtual Gravity. This cover has proven itself over time, always offering a reliable predictable ball motion on medium-heavy to heavy oil lane conditions. The match of cover and core allows the ball to rev up and have a nice consistent arch to the pocket.

I used a very strong drilling on my Optimus solid, 3 ¾ x 4 x 2. I drilled the solid Optimus with the idea of using it on very heavy oil up front with clean backends. The Optimus solid has replaced the Marvel S as the new solid covered ball in the master line. The Optimus is cleaner through the front of the lane and has a more even arch on the backend of the lane than the Marvel S. I can start with the Optimus solid on fresh heavy oil; and as I see carry-down, and the Optimus is too soft through the backend of the lane, I will switch to either my Marvel S if I still need lots of traction, or my Crux, if I need more length with backend reaction.

The R2X cover on the Optimus solid can be polished for some additional length, or scuffed to create more traction. I recommend drilling and using the Optimus solid for heavier conditions, as that is what the ball is designed for. I personally like the shape the Optimus solid gives me through the backend of the lane, as it isn’t too jumpy when the ball comes out of the oil. I understand that many bowlers like seeing a strong change of direction, but that isn’t always going to give you the best ball reaction on heavier oil. The Optimus solid might not have that big backend motion as some other balls Storm offers, but definitely is a ball motion that bowlers should have in their arsenal, especially when encountering tougher, heavier patterns. The predictable motion will keep you out of trouble. Also, having the proper angle through the pins is what will allow you to strike more often on those less than perfect shots, and having too much angle can leave splits, while a smooth motion, like the Optimus solid offers, can either strike or have a tendency to leave the bowler a more makeable spare leave.

Thank you for taking the time to read my review of Storm’s Optimus solid. as always, bowl up a STORM!

Thank you,

Tommy Gollick
Storm PBA east region staff member
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Storm Parallax
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
2

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The Parallax is the latest high end asymmetrical ball in the premier line from Storm, the Bowler's Company. The Parallax uses the all new Aeroflow core which has a void that allows for lighter material to “flow through” the core which produces an Rg of 2.52, and differential of 0.054, and an intermediate differential of 0.019 in 15lb balls. The cover on the Parallax is called Traxion X7 hybrid and comes from the factory polished to a 1500 grit finish. The color combination of marine, steel, and black make for a very attractive ball.

I drilled the Parallax using the Storm VLS system, with a 4.5 X 3 X 4 layout. Out of the box, the Parallax has a defined move off the spot, with a sideways but forward roll toward the pins (hockey stick type shape). I found the Parallax useful on very specific lane conditions. The pattern had to be of a medium volume, with fresh backends, and around 37-41 feet in length. With these conditions, the Parallax rolls great, and has a very high carry percentage, even when not hitting the pocket perfectly flush. Trying to find a little more pattern coverage, I sanded the Parallax with a slightly used 2000 grit abralon pad, and lost some of the backend pop and got the ball to slow down sooner making the ball's reaction just a bit too lazy. Adding even more surface, the Parallax looked great with a green scotch brite pad on higher volumes of oil, but lane shined a bit too quickly to want to keep at this low of a grit for heavier oil. Comparing all the different surfaces, the Parallax rolled best at the box finish using it on the right conditions to make it successful.

The Parallax is a unique ball in that it introduces the consumer to the Aeroflow core. I would recommend using the Parallax on lanes that have cleaner backends, and are more on the medium side with the volumes and lengths. Use the Parallax on the right lane conditions, and it will be a fantastic ball! Thank you for reading my review of the Storm Parallax. As always, bowl up a Storm!

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Storm Parallax Effect
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
3

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The Parallax Effect is the second ball released in the premier line of balls from Storm that features the innovative weight block called Areoflow core. The numbers in 15lb Effects are 2.52 Rg, 0.054 diff., and 0.019 intermediate diff. The cover on the Parallax Effect is called Traction X7, and is a pearl. The color combination is tangerine, midnight and turquoise.

I drilled the Effect with the same layout as I had on my Parallax, 4.5 X 3 X 4. I liked the Parallax on the right conditions. The Parallax created good traction in the midlane, and then had a nice move to the pocket, but wasn’t uncontrollable. What I see out of the Effect is that it still has that strong midlane read, and has a much more defined move off the spot, with traction through the backends and through the pins. The Parallax didn’t respond as hard to friction as does this new Effect through the backend of the lane. I like the Effect on longer patterns, when I’m trying to trap the pocket. I have been able to use the Effect on house conditions, if I keep the ball in the puddle and my angles straighter to stay away from the dry outside. On blended patterns, the Effect has great recovery on shots outside of target. I have also found the Parallax Effect to be easier to get through the front of the lane on Pro-Anvilane, than it is on AMF HPL, or SPL lane surfaces.

The Parallax Effect is a polished pearl that, for me, reads the front of the lane more like a ball with surface, but still has good response to friction downlane. Bowlers looking for a ball that responds to friction, and has a defined move towards the pins, the Parallax Effect is the ball for you. Thank you for taking the time to read my review of the Storm Parallax Effect. Now go bowl up a Storm!


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Storm Phaze
7 of 8 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The Phaze is the latest ball released in the Master line of Storm bowling balls. The Phaze has a brand new pearl cover and core combination. The cover is called AX-16, and the core is called Velocity. The Phaze has a unique look with the royal, yellow and copper colors. The Rg of the Phaze is 2.48 and the differential is 0.051, in 15lb balls. The Phaze replaces the Optimus in the Master line.
I drilled a Phaze with a 4 x 4 x 3 ½ layout which puts the pin just to the left of my ring finger and is void of needing a balance hole. The Phaze comes out of the box highly polished. In the box finish, the Phaze was best with squeaky clean backends. If there was a touch of carry-down, I would have to move too far left looking for dry, which then made the core roll too soon. I hit the cover with a 4000 abralon pad, and it made all of the difference in the world! It allowed me to move back right into the oil ,and have great reaction. Mind you, the Phaze still isn’t a big motion through the backends, but that is what I really like about the reaction. Storm makes plenty of bowling balls that I can make go sideways down-lane, so having a pearl ball that gets to the spot fairly easily, and doesn’t make a big move in the backend is a huge plus in my arsenal.
I like the Phaze the most when there isn’t a lot of oil down-lane or the pattern hasn’t carried-down. The Phaze helps even out and provide a little hold, when it isn’t built into the pattern. Comparing the Phaze to my Optimus, the Phaze is a little more even through the backend of the lane, and produces more track flare, which for me, evens out over under reaction.
The Phaze will be a good ball for slower ball speed players that have trouble with their bowling balls changing direction too hard. Speed dominant players, will be able to bump closer to the dry part of the lane, and keep their angles in front of them. The Phaze really looks different in how it reads the lane. The overly tacky cover makes you think this ball should go sideways, but for me, it has the opposite effect, as it uses most of it’s energy once it sees friction, so the move through the backend is much less than most balls that Storm has in the current line-up. I would categorize the Phaze as being a medium oil ball, to medium-heavy with surface adjustments. This new AX-16 cover WILL take surface changes well, so be sure to adjust your surface to get the reaction you are looking for. Thank you for taking the time to read my review of the new Storm Phaze.
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Storm Phaze III
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
4

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The Phaze III is the latest Master Line release from Storm. This version uses the R3S Hybrid cover, which we first saw on the Intense Fire from last year. The Phaze III has great shelf appeal with the combination of Obsidian, Jade, and Orchid. The Phaze III uses the same core as the two previous releases called Velocity. This core has a low Rg of 2.48 and a differential of 0.051 in 15lbs.

I drilled my Phaze III with a 4.5” pin, and a 2.5” pin buffer. The Phaze III with the out of the box finish of 1500 polish, is very clean to the spot, with a strong backend move. Compared to a Phaze II with a 4” pin and 2.5” pin buffer, the III takes much longer to slow down, and is sharper off the spot. I used a grey scotch brite pad to break in the surface and get the III to slow down a little more. Surprisingly, even with more surface, this didn’t really take anything away from the backends, but did make the III much more manageable through the front of the lane. The added surface allowed me to keep the ball on line better, and not over squirt through the front of the lane. The Phaze III will be useful on lane conditions that are a bit more blended left to right, as the strong move at the breakpoint could get unpredictable on very wet dry patterns. This will be a useful ball for players that need to chase a pattern in, but still need a strong core to help the ball spin up quickly.

The Phaze III is different enough from the II to have both balls in a bowlers bag. The two compliment each other very well, with the III being better suited for medium conditions. Thank you for taking the time to read my review of the Phaze III from Storm.

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Storm Physix
11 of 13 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The PhysiX is the new release in the premier line of balls from Storm. This high end bowling ball features a new weight block design called Atomic core which has an Rg of 2.48, a diff of 0.053, and an intermediate diff of 0.017, in 15lb bowling balls. The NRG hybrid cover is making its debut here the states. The PhisiX comes from the factory with a 3000 grit abralon finish.

The layout I used on the PhysiX is a 4x5x3, using Storm’s pin buffer layout method. I will be comparing the PhysiX to a Code X with a layout of 4x6x3. Both balls have their respective factory finish of 3000. The PhysiX reads the front part of the lane more, compared to the solid cover Code X, which will be more suited for higher volumes of oil, or slicker lane surfaces. Once the PhysiX gets into the hook phase and starts to turn towards the pocket, the shape is more defined than the Code X. It is also noteworthy that the PhysiX does have the MB placed 1” closer to the PAP than the Code X. The PhysiX flare rings are closer together than the Code X, which can be explained by the overall drop in differential and intermediate diff. This tighter flare migration helps the ball shape a little sharper downlane for my style of play. I have been using the PhysiX when a strong arch hook shape is needed. The PhysiX is versatile enough that I can move left, take hand out of the ball, and go more firm and direct, with excellent carry, as well as move right, and slow hook the ball with great continuation.

The hybrid NRG cover does take a little maintenance to keep it performing as close to box as can be. A little touch up with a fresh abralon pad, or a light pressure cleaning with some Reacta Scuff will help the PhysiX regain the strong traction that the NRG cover is known for. I have let the PhysiX lane shine a good amount, and have found it very useful as I have been bowling the most on medium to medium heavy volume conditions as of late. Dropping the surface texture down to 1000 or 500, will give any bowler all the traction they may need for heavy volume lane conditions. The PhysiX will be usable on anything from medium to heavy oil, depending on surface finish. Thank you for taking a moment to read my review of the PhysiX. Remember to always bowl up a Storm!

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Storm Pitch Blue
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The Pitch Blue is the most recent ball released by Storm utilizing a urethane cover called Control Plus Pearl. The out of the box surface texture is created with a 2000 abralon pad. The Pitch Blue
uses the same Capacitor core found in the Pitch Black which has an Rg of 2.57 and a differential of 0.022 in 15lb balls. The bright blue pearl with red lettering is very appealing to the eye.

I drilled my Pitch Blue 4 x 3 ½ x 3. This is a similar layout that I have on a Pitch Black. Comparing the two balls with their respective box finishes, the Pitch Blue gets through the heads much cleaner, has more length in the midlane and has much more pop on the backend. Using them on a fresh lighter volume house condition, I can stand about the same place or within a board or so with both balls and just bring my eyes more in front of me, to close down my angles to use the Pitch Blue. One big difference I see between the two balls is that the Pitch Blue seems to be more sensitive to carrydown, than the Pitch Black. The Pitch Blue has similar ball motion characteristics to my Super Natural.

I’ve had the most success with my Pitch Blue bowling in a PBA regional on wood lanes, on Cheetah pattern. I led “A” squad shooting +313 on a version of Cheetah that wasn’t near as high scoring on our squad as we are usually used to seeing. The Pitch Blue gave me the extra length I needed as my Pitch Black was hooking too soon, and forced me to go too much away from the pocket. The Pitch Blue allowed me to keep my angles more in front of me, and get push from the cleaner cover; compared to having to belly the heads with the Pitch Black, putting me in the wrong angles to have good pin carry. The Pitch Blue and the Pitch Black compliment each other very well on short patterns. I generally will be using the Pitch Blue more often on wood lanes, and the Pitch Black on synthetic lanes.

Thank you for taking the time to read my review of the Pitch Blue. And remember to Bowl up a Storm!
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Storm Pitch Blue
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The Pitch Blue is the most recent ball released by Storm utilizing a urethane cover called Control Plus Pearl. The out of the box surface texture is created with a 2000 abralon pad. The Pitch Blue
uses the same Capacitor core found in the Pitch Black which has an Rg of 2.57 and a differential of 0.022 in 15lb balls. The bright blue pearl with red lettering is very appealing to the eye.

I drilled my Pitch Blue 4 x 3 ½ x 3. This is a similar layout that I have on a Pitch Black. Comparing the two balls with their respective box finishes, the Pitch Blue gets through the heads much cleaner, has more length in the midlane and has much more pop on the backend. Using them on a fresh lighter volume house condition, I can stand about the same place or within a board or so with both balls and just bring my eyes more in front of me, to close down my angles to use the Pitch Blue. One big difference I see between the two balls is that the Pitch Blue seems to be more sensitive to carrydown, than the Pitch Black. The Pitch Blue has similar ball motion characteristics to my Super Natural.

I’ve had the most success with my Pitch Blue bowling in a PBA regional on wood lanes, on Cheetah pattern. I led “A” squad shooting +313 on a version of Cheetah that wasn’t near as high scoring on our squad as we are usually used to seeing. The Pitch Blue gave me the extra length I needed as my Pitch Black was hooking too soon, and forced me to go too much away from the pocket. The Pitch Blue allowed me to keep my angles more in front of me, and get push from the cleaner cover; compared to having to belly the heads with the Pitch Black, putting me in the wrong angles to have good pin carry. The Pitch Blue and the Pitch Black compliment each other very well on short patterns. I generally will be using the Pitch Blue more often on wood lanes, and the Pitch Black on synthetic lanes.

Thank you for taking the time to read my review of the Pitch Blue. And remember to Bowl up a Storm!
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Storm Pitch Purple
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
4

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The Pitch Purple is the latest Thunder Line release from Storm, the bowler's company. The Purple has a new coverstock called Rev Control Urethane. The Pitch Purple uses the Capacitor core that was in the Pitch Blue and Pitch Black. The numbers in 15lb weights are 2.57 Rg and 0.022 differential. The Purple comes from the factory with a 1000 grit abralon finish.

The Pitch Purple has a unique cover material, in that it is cleaner with a little more pop than that of traditional urethane when using the same surface prep. The Pitch Purple also covers more boards than most all urethane balls on the market today. I drilled the Purple with a 4 x 3 (4” pin, 3” pin buffer) layout. This layout is basically my benchmark layout, and gives me the most usability on the widest range of patterns. Comparing the Purple to 3.75 x 3 Pitch Black, the Purple is a 3 and 2 move in, with more continuation through the backend. The Purple doesn’t lane shine as quick as the Pitch Black. Even though the Purple doesn’t lane shine as quickly, I still need to keep the cover clean with my shammy after every shot to have a consistent reaction. The Purple will be a good ball to use on beat up old wood lanes when my Pitch Black hooks too soon, and too even, and I need to open the pattern up a touch.

The Pitch Purple is a good ball, but is a very specific reaction. It’s more angular than traditional urethane, but doesn’t respond to friction like true reactive balls do. To me, it’s like a baby cousin to the Spec cover that is on the Crux Prime and Gravity Evolve. I think the Pitch Purple will work well for players with lower rev rates that struggle to get a Pitch Black to carry on short patterns, but see too much dart/dive with their lower end reactive equipment. Rev dominant players will see the most pattern coverage out of this ball, ranging from a big curve on low volumes, and usability on medium conditions as well. Thank you for reading my review of the Pitch Purple.

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Storm Proton Physix
6 of 7 people found this review helpful
3

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The Proton Physix is the third release in the premium line of bowling balls from Storm, the Bowler's company to use the Atomic weight block, but with the added feature of the new NeX solid reactive coverstock that is factory finished with a 2000 grit abralon pad. The bright magenta, black, and violet really stands out on the ball return. The numbers on the Proton Physix in 15lb weights are 2.48 rg, 0.053 diff, and 0.017 intermediate diff.

I drilled my Proton Physix with a layout of 4.5 X 2 X 4. This is the same layout I have on Gravity Evolve that is always in the bag for tournaments. The Proton Physix reads the fronts, the midlane, and the backend stronger than what the Evolve does. The NeX solid cover really likes large amounts of oil. Comparing the Proton to an Axiom with the same pin placement, the Proton is a lot more defined at the breakpoint and rolls heavier toward the pins. The Proton Physix needs oil, and I seem to have the best look when there is some carry-down on the backend of the lane. If I can’t get hook or backend reaction out of any of my other bowling balls, I know that I can get motion from my Proton Physix. I have used the Proton at the factory finish of 2000, as well as sanded to a lower grit of 1000, and still get motion throughout the lane.

The Proton Physix is a hook monster and likes oil, and lots of it. This ball will be a great ball for bowlers that are speed dominant and maybe don’t have such a high rev rate. Higher rev players will need lots of oil for the Proton to perform as Storm intended it to. If you are looking for big traction with shape on the lane, look no further than the Proton Physix. Bowl up a Storm!!

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Storm Reign Of Power
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
4

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The Reign of Power is the latest release in the Thunder line from Storm. 15lb balls have an Rg of 2.57 and a diff of 0.048. This is the same CAM core that debuted on the original Reign. The cover is the new PFT cover that debuted on the IQ. The blueberry scent compliments the sky blue/purple color combination.
I drilled my RoP with the pin under my ring finger at 5”, with the PSA (6 ¾” straight through the cg on symmetrical balls) at 4”. This compliments a Victory road pearl that is drilled the same.
After using the Reign of Power for a few weeks now, the biggest thing that stands out to me is the ability to change direction as well as it does, even though it has 1000 grit surface on it. Usually, balls this rough have a much more blended reaction on the lane, and just chew up the front of the lane, and slow down way to quick. Even though this is the same core as the original Reign of Fire and 1000 surface prep, the cover change really changes the motion on the lane. The Reign of Fire was better when going away from the pocket for me, and the Reign of power is better when I keep it in front of me, on oil. The PFT cover seems to read the oil better than what the R2S on the Reign of Fire did, while still changing direction down lane. The Reign of Power is more of a hook set motion, usually a shape that I get out of asymmetrical pieces.
I have been able to use the Reign of Power on Viper, house conditions, and also Cheetah. Even with the cover as rough as it is, the best reaction I get is when keeping my angles tighter through the front of the lane, and I can utilize the aggressive change of direction I see.
The Reign of Power will be a good choice for bowlers heading to USBC Nationals. Bowling on fresh lane conditions every block will require a ball that reads the lane in the body of the pattern, but has a predictable motion. Just to be clear, even though earlier I said this ball has a strong change of direction, doesn’t mean it “flips” or is uncontrollable. Drill angles can also enhance that shape or decrease the transition length, giving the bowler a more controlled or stronger move out of the oil.

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Storm Ride
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
4

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The Ride from Storm is the latest release in the Hot line of bowling balls from Storm, The Bowler's Company. Ride has a new weight block called Cruiser core and is wrapped with Reactor cover. The Rg in 15lb balls is 2.58 with a differential of 0.021. The scarlet red/platinum pearl has great shelf appeal.

I drilled Ride with a 4 ¾ x 5 x 2 ½ layout, and left it in the box finish. I have been using my Ride the last few months, and have had great success with it on our well used, leftover from the night before, house pattern. I have also tried the Ride in a regional that we used Wolf pattern. The Ride rolled well on Friday’s practice session, but was a little too clean to the spot because of the high volume of oil in such a short distance come Saturday and Sunday. Ride just didn’t hook early enough, and when I tried moving left to the dry, it had too much backend. I will, however, be looking forward to using Ride on some different short patterns that won’t have as much volume as what Wolf has. Pitch black was a better option for the high volume, short distance Wolf pattern. I use Ride as a go to ball from my Pitch Black, when I dry out the oil line, and I have to make a move right, and the urethane covered Pitch Black doesn’t want to make the corner. Ride is also a step up from the Tropical Breeze. It offers a touch more flare, and more overall hook potential.

Ride is a drier condition ball, no doubt about it. Unless you have a very high rev rate with low ball speed, stick to using the Ride on the drier conditions it is intended for, and you will have a GREAT reaction to the pins. The biggest asset I have found with my Ride is the carry I get when I am able to use it. This is a huge bonus as Ride has limited pattern capability.

In the modern era of entire lane covering hook monsters, Ride is a refreshing change of pace in allowing me to play straighter up the boards on drier conditions. When urethane hooks too soon and hits weak, and your Punch Out is just too much hook, reach for Ride from Storm. You won’t be disappointed!

Thank you for reading my review.

Tommy Gollick
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Storm Rocket
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
4

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The Rocket is the latest release in the Thunder line from Storm, the Bowler’s Company. The Rocket uses the R2S hybrid reactive cover that was used on the HyRoad. The core is a new core called Booster and has an Rg of 2.54 and a differential of 0.046 in 15lb balls. The orange and black pearl cover with citrus grove fragrance has been polished to 1500 grit.
I drilled my Rocket 4 ¾ x 5 x 2 ½. This is the same layout that is used on the HyRoad and the Frantic that I will be comparing it with. The Rocket reads the lane earlier than my HyRoad and a touch later than my Frantic. It fits right in the middle of those two bowling balls, if anything reminding me of closer to the Frantic shape, than the HyRoad shape, on the lane. The Rocket doesn’t push as far on oil, or react as strong off the dry boards as does the HyRoad. I have so far only used the Rocket on USBC white pattern and our house shot. As I stated earlier, the Rocket has a shape closer to that of the Frantic, but allows me to have a touch more hold than the Frantic. The Higher Rg pushes to the spot a little easier. It definitely is a middle of the road kind of ball for me. The Rocket is also a good step up ball from the Punch Out and Lights Out. Having a stronger core (lower Rg and more differential than the Turbine cored balls), makes the transition from the hot line to the master line a little more seamless. The Rocket has been able to replace both my now tired Frantic and Lights Out, in the tournament bag. I would have to carry both of those balls, as I would use the Frantic for more oil when playing the lanes straighter, and go to the Lights Out as they broke down and I had to curve it; but the Rocket seems to give me the ability to play straighter like the Frantic, but still get the core to fall over when I have to move in, with a hand adjustment, which is when I would’ve switched to the Lights Out previously.
As I stated earlier, the Rocket for me is truly a middle of the road ball. Medium length patterns with medium volumes of oil, and moderate ratios of left to right and front to back tapers will give the Rocket a home on most all lane surfaces. The R2S hybrid cover has always taken surface adjustments well, so being able to find the right surface for your particular style of play shouldn’t be a problem. Thank you for taking the time to read my review of the new rocket from Storm.

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Storm Rocket
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
4

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The Rocket is the latest release in the Thunder line from Storm, the Bowler’s Company. The Rocket uses the R2S hybrid reactive cover that was used on the HyRoad. The core is a new core called Booster and has an Rg of 2.54 and a differential of 0.046 in 15lb balls. The orange and black pearl cover with citrus grove fragrance has been polished to 1500 grit.
I drilled my Rocket 4 ¾ x 5 x 2 ½. This is the same layout that is used on the HyRoad and the Frantic that I will be comparing it with. The Rocket reads the lane earlier than my HyRoad and a touch later than my Frantic. It fits right in the middle of those two bowling balls, if anything reminding me of closer to the Frantic shape, than the HyRoad shape, on the lane. The Rocket doesn’t push as far on oil, or react as strong off the dry boards as does the HyRoad. I have so far only used the Rocket on USBC white pattern and our house shot. As I stated earlier, the Rocket has a shape closer to that of the Frantic, but allows me to have a touch more hold than the Frantic. The Higher Rg pushes to the spot a little easier. It definitely is a middle of the road kind of ball for me. The Rocket is also a good step up ball from the Punch Out and Lights Out. Having a stronger core (lower Rg and more differential than the Turbine cored balls), makes the transition from the hot line to the master line a little more seamless. The Rocket has been able to replace both my now tired Frantic and Lights Out, in the tournament bag. I would have to carry both of those balls, as I would use the Frantic for more oil when playing the lanes straighter, and go to the Lights Out as they broke down and I had to curve it; but the Rocket seems to give me the ability to play straighter like the Frantic, but still get the core to fall over when I have to move in, with a hand adjustment, which is when I would’ve switched to the Lights Out previously.
As I stated earlier, the Rocket for me is truly a middle of the road ball. Medium length patterns with medium volumes of oil, and moderate ratios of left to right and front to back tapers will give the Rocket a home on most all lane surfaces. The R2S hybrid cover has always taken surface adjustments well, so being able to find the right surface for your particular style of play shouldn't be a problem. Thank you for taking the time to read my review of the new rocket from Storm.

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Storm Rocket Ship
1 of 4 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The Rocket Ship is the third ball released with the Booster Core in the Thunder Line of bowling balls. The Booster core has an RG of 2.54 and a differential of 0.046 in 15lb balls. Two things separate the Rocket Ship from the Rocket and Sky Rocket, a solid R2S coverstock and a new factory finish of 3000 grit sheen. This finish is polished and then brought back to “scuffed” with a 3000 grit pad. The Rocket Ship has a two-tone purple color combination, with a butter pecan scent.

I drilled two different Rocket Ships. The first one is a 4 x 4 x 2 ¾ with a P2 balance hole, and the second one is a 4 x 5 x 2 ¾ (same layout as the Fight I drilled and reviewed earlier this year), no extra hole. I used Storm step #1 on the second ball. The first Rocket Ship reads the midlane stronger and is sharper at the breakpoint than the second Rocket Ship. The second Rocket Ship without the extra hole is a true benchmark ball. The sharper breakpoint of the first Rocket Ship is still smoother overall, compared to my Rocket and Snap Lock and Fight. I can use the second Rocket Ship on sport and challenge patterns, and it does not overreact to the flatter lane condition. The first Rocket Ship needs some hold area, or some bounce area, as the stronger backend motion isn’t as suitable on flatter patterns, until they break down, and the pattern develops some miss area. I really like this new ball, and it will be a great fit in my arsenal. This is a completely different motion than the Fight, but covers about the same amount of boards, for me.

Thank you for taking the time to read my Review of the Rocket Ship. As always, Bowl up a Storm!


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Storm Sky Rocket
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
Sky Rocket is the pearl release of the Rocket. The Sky Rocket uses the R2S pearl cover and has the same Booster core that was in Rocket. The Booster core has an Rg of 2.54 and a differential of 0.046 in 15lb undrilled bowling balls. This cover and core combination offers easy length and strong backend reaction that Thunder Line pearl releases are known for. The color combination of sky blue/charcoal is very pleasing to the eye.
I drilled my Sky Rocket with a 5 x 5.5 x 2.5 layout. This layout puts the pin above my ring finger, and doesn’t require an extra hole to meet USBC legal static weight requirements. I kept the Sky Rocket in out of the box, 1500 grit polished finish. The Sky rocket gives me easier length with less overall board coverage than the Rocket (drilled 4.5x5x2.5, and left at the box finish of 1500 grit polish) on medium conditions. When comparing Sky Rocket to Hy-Road pearl, I get an earlier read of the lane, with a touch smoother motion out of the dry, on medium conditions. Even though my Sky Rocket is a tad smoother on the backend of the lane than Hy-Road pearl, it still is a strong backend reaction, or skid-flip motion, if you will. I use my Sky Rocket to open up the backend of the lane, when I need to move deeper on the approach.
I have used Sky Rocket on different patterns with varying lengths. I prefer to use my Sky Rocket on medium conditions the most. Heavy volumes are too much for this ball in the box finish, for me, and the Sky Rocket hooks a bit too much for really dry lanes. Sky Rocket, for me, is a true skid flip, open up the backend of the lane ball.
Sky Rocket is just one of the balls that just flat out works for my style of bowling, and my prefered way to see the lane. The way it reads the lane is a great addition to my arsenal. If the conditions are on the slightly heavier side of medium, I can go a bit straighter with it with good success. If the conditions are on the lighter side of medium, I can get plenty of backend reaction to get the corner pins out, as I have to move in on the lane. Again, Storm offers better options for dry lanes, and heavily oiled lanes.
Thank you for taking the time to read my review of the Storm Sky Rocket. and as always, remember to Bowl up a Storm!

Tommy Gollick
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Storm Snap Lock
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The original Lock has been updated with the R3S pearl cover creating the new Snap Lock. The Snap Lock uses the same RAD-X core as the Lock. The Snap Lock comes from the factory with a 1500-grit polished finish, and has a ginger verbena scent. The color combination of indigo/white/copper has a somewhat patriotic feel, and sometimes makes you look twice to see if it happens to be the Snap Lock or an Optimus. The numbers of the core, RAD-X, are as follows in 15lb balls; 2.48 Rg, a differential of 0.055 and intermediate differential of 0.019.

I drilled my Snap Lock 3.75 x 6 x 2.5 to compliment my Lock that was drilled 3.5 x 5 x 2.5. I wanted to accentuate the cleaner cover with a slightly further pin distance, and longer transitioning mass bias, to create a touch more length and a little less hook set, and more backend continuation. By using the Storm VLS (vector layout system), I achieved my desired ball reaction. The Tuesday I received my Snap Lock and drilled it, happened to be summer league night. I was somewhat fighting the oil pattern the first 3 games, and once the wet dry mellowed out some for game 4, I knew I could now use the Snap Lock, and it rolled perfectly, to the tune of 300, which happened to be the first game I used the Snap Lock! Not a bad start. The next night, I was bowling on a 42 foot modified house condition in a local elimination style tourney, and finished fourth while using this ball. Since then, I have used the Snap Lock on a variety of different broken down heavier lane conditions, and medium volume conditions. The Snap Lock also happens to be a good compliment to my Hyper Cell pearl. The Snap Lock is a little earlier and smoother than the Hyper Cell pearl, which makes it better for slightly cleaner backends, with a little more control. When it’s all said and done, the Snap Lock likes at a minimum, medium conditions.

This strong asymmetrical pearl ball has it’s time and place to be thrown. A Snap Lock IS the ball to consider, if you want to open up a broken down higher volume pattern, or medium volume pattern. If you are going to be drilling and using the Snap Lock exclusively as your only bowling ball, take your time and select the right layout and surface texture for your league conditions. With a ball as strong as the Snap Lock, you can vary your ball motion characteristics by following the Storm VLS drilling guide which can be downloaded by visiting stormbowling.com . Using the proper layout, and adjusting the ball surface to compliment the volume and viscosity of oil, and also taking into account the lane surface, will give you the right tool for the application you are looking for. Talking to your local certified pro shop will help you make the proper decisions on layout and surface prep. Thank you for taking the time to read my review of the Snap Lock. As always, remember to Bowl up a Storm!

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Storm Soniq
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The Son!Q is the latest release from Storm in the Master line. Son!Q has a new version of the Centripetal core called HD (high density) which creates a lower RG than previous versions, coming in at 2.47 with a diff of 0.047 in 15lbs. Using a blue/bronze/gold, R2S pearl cover finished at 1500 polish, the Son!Q has reminded me of the Anarchy while sitting on the ball rack. The Son!Q has a Gingerbread s'mores scent, for those of you taking note.

I drilled my Son!Q using the layout 4 ¼ x 5 x 2 ½. Comparing the Son!Q to my Dare Devil (same layout), the Son!Q has a stronger cover and handles oil better, and reacts stronger to the dry boards once encountering friction. The Son!Q doesn't seem to slow down as fast as the Marvel pearl, which creates a little more change of direction at the breakpoint. For me personally, the Son!Q has a very similar shape on the lanes as the Optimus had. The low RG core in the Son!Q does need some oil in the front of the lane for bowlers who may be softer with their speed, even though it is a polished finish. On a side note, I am a big fan of the !Q30, and !Q tour pearl, and the Son!Q is a perfect complement to those balls, when they begin to lag downlane, or become a little dart/dive type reaction. The Son!Q does a great job of evening that out. Heavy handed bowlers will like the Son!Q on higher volume house conditions, when they are trying to open up the pattern. Weaker releases will find usage from the Son!Q on medium conditions, and some tournament patterns that are a touch flatter as the ball will get into a roll for them and open up the pocket a bit.

The Son!Q is a good ball, and has a specific place in my arsenal. If your Marvel Pearl or Dare Devil are starting to show signs of a lot of usage, it is time to give a Son!Q a try, and freshen up the backend move to the pocket! Thank you for taking the time to read my review of Storm’s Son!Q.

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Storm Super Natural
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
4

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The Super Natural is Storm’s latest urethane release having combined pearl and solid to create the all new U3S hybrid urethane cover stock. The engine is the same as the previous Naturals, The Turbine core. This core gives bowler’s ample amount of flare potential, when considering the cover strength of the ball. The Super Natural has very nice shelf appeal with its red pearl and darker red almost burgundy solid cover. The polished 1500 grit surface, and the bright yellow labels, with the cool emblem reminded me of a classic car. The Super Natural will definitely fill the bill of someone wanting a cool looking bowling ball.
Don’t let the cool looks fool you though, this ball is all about performance on drier lanes. The biggest difference with the Super Natural, compared to the Natural Pearl, is the change of direction. While the Super Natural isn’t a “reactive” move, it does read the lane stronger than any other urethane ball that Storm has released in the recent past. Second arrow and out on our regular house shot seems to be the preferred area to play with the Super Natural. We have been trying out a recreational pattern that has only 11 mL of oil, and is only 36 feet in length, and this ball is a monster on it. The Super Natural hits and carries like a reactive ball on this pattern. I haven’t left a lot of 7 pins with this ball. If and when I do leave a single pin, I have seen more 8 pins than anything else.
I have had great success with the Natural and the Natural pearl in the past when bowling on wood lanes, as well as Pro-Anvilane. I have had a bit of trouble carrying with those urethane balls on AMF HPL. I am hoping that as the regional schedule is picking up, this ball will be my go to for those shorter, hooking patterns on HPL that we often see in the east region. With the popularity of shorter patterns, any tournament bowler should look into buying a Super Natural. When reactive is just way too strong, the Super Natural will step in and fit as needed.

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Storm Sure Lock
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
4

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The Sure Lock is the solid covered version of the Lock and Snap Lock, in the premier line of balls from Storm. This solid cover is called GI-17. The Sure Lock uses the same RAD-X core as the previous two releases. The Sure Lock color combination of orange, electric and Navy, is sure to remind bowlers of the Virtual Gravity Nano. The Sure Lock comes from the factory sanded with a 2000 grit abralon finish. The core numbers of the Sure Lock are 2.48 Rg, .054 diff, and .018 intermediate diff, in 15 lb balls.
I used a very strong layout of 3.75 x 5.5 x 2.5 on the Sure Lock, to compliment my Snap Lock drilled 3.75 x 6 x 2.5. I decided to go with this strong of a layout, because many of the current oils today give me an over under reaction, if I'm not using a higher flare drilling, as I don’t have an ultra high rev rate. Long pin distance drillings with more surface on the ball become too speed sensitive for me, and often times cover too many boards. A stronger layout like this, for me, tends to reduce the overall board coverage because the core finds it’s prefered spin axis quicker and I don’t need to use as much surface to get the ball to read the lane the right way. When bowling in centers with either a flatter pattern, or using older technology oil that isn’t as “slick” as the new stuff, I use more traditional layouts and or would gravitate more towards the Snap Lock. My Sure Lock in the box finish had good motion, but was too big of a gap from my Snap Lock. I lightly smoothed out the cover on all four quadrants with Storm step #1 compound. With this finish, the Sure Lock gives me that earlier and stronger reacting version of my Snap Lock. The Sure Lock has a more defined motion than the Alpha Crux, which it replaced in the line-up. The Alpha Crux is more rounded through the backend, where the Sure Lock is a more defined shape.
The Sure Lock is a big hooking ball, that will cover some boards depending on your layout choice. The defined shape through the backend is more ideal for slick lane surfaces, and not real squeaky clean backends. If you are looking for a big ball motion with change of direction, look into a Sure Lock. Thank you for taking the time to read my review of the Storm Sure Lock. Now go Bowl up a Storm!

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Storm Sync
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The Sync is the latest ball from Storm in the premier line. The cover is the same NRG solid reactive found on the Virtual Gravity Nano. The core is called the G2, and has the strongest preferred spin axis of any Storm ball to date. The Sync has a very low RG of 2.47, with a differential of 0.058, and a PSA of 0.028 in 15lb balls.
I drilled the Sync with a 5x3½ x4 ½. This puts the pin below my ring finger, and PSA out on my VAL. I used a large hole; 2” down my VAL form my PAP. I wanted this ball to be usable on house conditions, and be the go to ball from my Marvel and IQ. Also, we tend to see more of the shorter patterns in the East region, and the need for control of the lane more often than not outweighs the need for a lot of board coverage.
For the initial testing, I kept the Sync at the box finish. The 4000 abralon surface is more than enough cover prep to get the ball to change direction and slow down, without burning out for our house condition. I used a Virtual Gravity Nano as the comp ball. The Nano is drilled the same as the Sync, with the only difference being the size of the balance hole (the Nano has a very small hole, while the Sync has a large hole).
The Sync has a slightly earlier break point, but much more defined move than the Nano for me. I would best describe the Nano as being a banana shape with a very hard arch, while the Sync is more of a sharper move, with roll towards the pocket. The Sync is a few boards stronger than the Nano, as far as total boards covered is concerned.
The Sync fits in my arsenal as being the most aggressive reaction, while still maintaining control of the lane. I can cover more boards with weaker balls than the Sync, but those bowling balls seem to see the transition of the lane more than the Sync. For example, I have an identically drilled IQ. The Sync will cover more boards on fresh oil, but as the lane starts to break down, the IQ starts to hook too high, and split, forcing me to make a 3 or 4 board move to keep the ball in the pocket, where as the Sync may leave a 6 pin, and only force me to move only 1 or 2 boards to strike again. This comes in very handy while bowling regionals, and moving pair to pair and seeing big differences in the topography of a center. For me, this is a big advantage of very strong asymmetric weight blocks. The motion characteristic is a little more “built in” to the ball, compared to a symmetrical piece that is looking for friction to help the ball go through the different hook phases of motion. I have had good success with my Sync on the Kegel pattern Boardwalk(high volume at 35 feet), our house condition that is 38 feet, USBC white pattern, 2012 USBC nationals pattern, and also on the 2013 US Open 42 foot pattern. Surprisingly enough, the Sync seems to have a lot of pattern coverage for me, more so than I would’ve expected based on how strong the cover and core is. For my bowling style, and my game, the Sync is a big step forward over the Virtual Gravity Nano. I needed the right environment for the VG Nano to work for me, where as the Sync can adapt better with a slight change of release, or by applying different spin on the ball.
Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedules to read my review of the Sync.

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Storm Torrent
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
4

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The Torrent is the replacement solid covered ball for the Rocketship in the Thunder Line of balls from Storm, the Bowler's Company. The Torrent uses the proven R2S solid cover, with a tweaked version of the Booster core called Booster HV, which raised the Rg to 2.56 and lowered the diff to 0.044 in 15lb bowling balls. The Torrent also comes out of the box with a 2000 grit abralon finish, which creates much more traction than the Rocketship out of the box. The Torrent has a Navy/Hunter green color combination that reminds me of the Victory road solid.

I used a 4 x 5 x 2 ¾ layout on my Torrent, the same layout as I used on one of the Rocketships I drilled, and reviewed late last year. Out of the box, the Torrent reads the lane much quicker, and covers more boards overall than the Rocketship, due to the box finish being so much more aggressive. For me, the reaction covered way too many boards, and needed too much oil to get it down the lane, and be usable for most conditions. I smoothed out the cover with a used 4000 grit abralon, on the high speed of of a two speed spinner. This smoother finish made the Torrent get down the lane about 5 feet longer, and have a harder move off the spot, and through the backend. The overall shape of the Torrent had a little too much backend reaction for me with this surface finish. The next step was to use Storm #1 compound, and really get rid of the underlying grit that came from the factory finish. With this cover preparation, the Torrent is now closer to what I had originally anticipated the ball motion to be like. With the cover being the same as on the comp Rocketship, the Torrent has more length and a touch more backend motion than the Rocketship.

I had very high expectations for the Torrent, as I really like all three balls that had the Booster core. The Torrent is a good ball, but seems to have a little bit smaller window of use than what my Rocket, Sky Rocket and Rocketship have. With the box finish, the Torrent needs a lot of oil to get it down the lane, but the great thing about the R2S solid cover, is surface changes can really dial in the reaction for you. Thank you for taking the time to read my review of the Storm Torrent. As always, bowl up a Storm!

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Storm Zero Gravity
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
240
PAP:
5
Ball Speed:
Medium
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Left Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The Zero Gravity is the evolution of the Shape Lock core design in the premier line of Storm Bowling balls. The shape lock core was first introduced in the Shift. We then saw the transformation into the HD Shape Lock core with the release of the Gravity Shift. This is the third variation called Shape Lock LD which has the highest RG (2.55) and lowest Differential (0.037) of the three core variations. It also has the lowest rated intermediate differential at a modest 0.010. The cover on the ball is the ERG solid reactive, the first that we have seen a solid version of that cover. The Zero Gravity is 2 toned purple and red, and reminds me of the old Trauma ER when sitting on the shelf. It has a grape scent.
I drilled my Zero Gravity 4x5 x2½. I did not need to use an extra hole as the top weight was low enough, and the PSA was sitting far enough to the left of the Cg to keep the ball under the 1oz maximum allowed by USBC. I have left the ball at its box finish of 4000 abralon as well.
The Zero Gravity is very clean to the breakpoint for a high end solid cover ball. What is unique though is that it rolls to the spot, not skids to it. This is very beneficial when dealing with today’s slicker oils. Once through the front of the lane, the Zero Gravity then makes a strong move down lane, not to be confused with a flip. It is a very readable reaction, and will be very beneficial on flatter harder patterns that don’t have a huge launch pad up front, but still has a medium to medium high volume on the lane. Another nice feature of the Zero Gravity is the ability to move in a little deeper than what other asymmetrical balls usually allow me. The lower intermediate differential means that the ball won’t stand up as hard as what a high intermediate differential ball can. So in other words, the Zero Gravity has characteristics closer to that of a symmetrical piece than an asymmetrical piece. Don’t take me wrong, the defined shape is still there, just not as hook-set or as fast of a spin time as a lot of other asymmetrical balls. The other thing worth noting about the Zero Gravity is how much energy it seems to have at the pins. This added energy allows my medium rev rate to throw messengers across the deck, surprisingly frequently. It also seems to give me a higher carry percentage on those light hits, by mixing up the pins quite a bit.
So far, I have had good success with my Zero Gravity on a few different house shots. I haven’t really had the chance to throw it in many tournaments, as what I have bowled lately, has required bowling balls that start up much quicker than what the Zero Gravity does. I can see this ball working out well for me in the upcoming regional where we will be competing on the Chameleon pattern. For me, I will be looking to use the Zero Gravity on medium to medium heavy (with some addition of surface for the extra oil on the lane) length patterns, and some drier, broken down, longer patterns as well.
If you are a bowler that has struggled with asymmetrical balls in the past hooking too early and appearing to not store enough energy for the backend of the lane, then the Zero Gravity just may be the answer for you. Thank you for taking the time to read my review of the Zero Gravity. As always, don’t forget to bowl up a Storm!

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