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Reviews by Mike Craig

900 Global Altered Reality

900 Global Burner Pearl

900 Global Burner Solid

900 Global Eternity

900 Global Eternity PI

900 Global Harsh Reality

900 Global Harsh Reality Pearl

900 Global Honey Badger Intensity

900 Global Reality Check

900 Global Sublime

900 Global Sublime Focus

900 Global Wolverine

900 Global Wolverine Dark Moss

900 Global Xponent

900 Global Zen 25

900 Global Zen Gold Label

900 Global Zen Master

900 Global Zen/U

Roto Grip All-Out Show Off

Roto Grip Asylum

Roto Grip Critical

Roto Grip Dare Devil

Roto Grip Dare Devil Danger

Roto Grip Defiant Soul

Roto Grip Deranged

Roto Grip Devour

Roto Grip Duo Black/Green

Roto Grip Eternal Cell

Roto Grip Exotic Gem

Roto Grip Gem

Roto Grip Halo

Roto Grip Halo Pearl

Roto Grip Halo Vision

Roto Grip Haywire

Roto Grip Hectic

Roto Grip Hot Cell

Roto Grip Hustle 3TP

Roto Grip Hustle Au

Roto Grip Hustle B/R/Y

Roto Grip Hustle Camo Solid

Roto Grip Hustle HYB Hybrid

Roto Grip Hustle INK Solid

Roto Grip Hustle M-M

Roto Grip Hustle PBR

Roto Grip Hustle Pink/Onyx/White Pearl

Roto Grip Hustle Purple/Raspberry/Orange Hybrid

Roto Grip Hustle RAP

Roto Grip Hustle Red/Indigo/Gold Pearl

Roto Grip Hustle RIP

Roto Grip Hustle Silver/Aqua/Yellow Hybrid

Roto Grip Hustle USA

Roto Grip Hustle Wine Pearl

Roto Grip Hustle X-Ray

Roto Grip Hyped Hybrid

Roto Grip Hyped Pearl

Roto Grip Hyped Solid

Roto Grip Hyper Cell

Roto Grip Hyper Cell Fused

Roto Grip Hyper Cell Skid

Roto Grip Hy-Wire

Roto Grip Idol

Roto Grip Idol Cosmos

Roto Grip Idol Helios

Roto Grip Idol Pearl

Roto Grip Idol Pro

Roto Grip Idol Synergy

Roto Grip Magic Gem

Roto Grip Menace

Roto Grip MVP

Roto Grip MVP Attitude

Roto Grip MVP Pearl

Roto Grip No Rules Exist

Roto Grip Nuclear Cell

Roto Grip Optimum Idol Pearl

Roto Grip RST X-1

Roto Grip RST X-2

Roto Grip RST X-3

Roto Grip Rubicon

Roto Grip Rubicon UC2

Roto Grip Rubicon UC3

Roto Grip Rumble

Roto Grip Show Off

Roto Grip TNT

Roto Grip UFO

Roto Grip UFO Alert

Roto Grip Unhinged

Roto Grip Uproar

Roto Grip Wild Streak

Roto Grip Winner

Roto Grip Winner Solid

Roto Grip X-Cell

Storm Absolute

Storm All-Road

Storm Alpha Crux

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 Dark Code

Storm DNA

Storm Drive

Storm Electrify Black/Silver/Yellow

Storm Electrify G/O

Storm Electrify Hybrid

Storm Electrify Pearl

Storm Electrify Solid

Storm Equinox

Storm Fast Pitch

Storm Fate

Storm Fever Pitch

Storm Gravity Evolve

Storm Hy-Road Max

Storm Hy-Road Nano

Storm Hy-Road X

Storm Incite

Storm Infinite Physix

Storm Intense

Storm Intense Fire

Storm Ion Max

Storm Ion Pro

Storm IQ Tour 30

Storm IQ Tour 78/U

Storm IQ Tour Fusion

Storm IQ Tour Nano

Storm IQ Tour Nano Pearl

Storm IQ Tour Pearl

Storm IQ Tour Ruby

Storm Journey

Storm Joy Ride

Storm Level

Storm Lightning Blackout

Storm Lock

Storm Match Ltd

Storm Match Up Black Pearl

Storm Match Up Hybrid

Storm Match Up Pearl

Storm Match Up Solid

Storm Night Road

Storm Nova

Storm Omega Crux

Storm Optimus Solid

Storm Parallax

Storm Parallax Effect

Storm Phaze

Storm Phaze 4

Storm Phaze A.I.

Storm Phaze II

Storm Phaze III

Storm Phaze V

Storm Physix

Storm Pitch Blue

Storm Pitch Purple

Storm Pro-Motion

Storm Proton Physix

Storm Reign On

Storm Revenant

Storm Ride

Storm Rocket

Storm Sky Rocket

Storm Soniq

Storm Street Fight

Storm Summit

Storm Summit Ascent

Storm Summit Peak

Storm Super Nova

Storm Super Soniq

Storm The Road

Storm Trend 16 Only

Storm Trend 2

Storm Typhoon

Storm Virtual Energy Blackout

Show all reviews

900 Global Altered Reality

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 3/25/2022

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled up my ALTERED REALITY 45 x 4 x 30. I have lightly hit this with 3000 abralon.

My intent was to have a big core pearl that would be strong and continuous on the back end. The ALTERED is just that ball.

I have thrown this on several conditions including PBA50 Johnny Petraglia 46 foot. The ALTERED is continuous compared to my heavy hitters like the NOVA and PROTON PHYSIX in that I could go to it when those 2 big oil monsters were starting to lag in the back end and straighten out. I can see even going down to 1500 or 2000 with this to smooth it out if the condition is more flat in the middle and you need to smooth it out in the back.
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900 Global Burner Pearl

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 8/31/2021

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Burner Pearl:
I drilled up my Burner Pearl 4 x 25. The diff rating suggested a little more flare potential than the usual lower powered SPI offerings so I adjusted my back angle accordingly. Compared to my other lower end balls like the Hustles. the Burner Pearl is more skid/flip than the Burner on the backend. I get a few feet further than my Burner solid but more back end than the solid also. The Burners should be a good 1-2 punch for higher rev players looking for performance at a lower price point.
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900 Global Burner Solid

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 8/31/2021

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Burner Solid:
I drilled up my Burner Solid 4 x 25. The diff rating suggested a little more flare potential than the usual lower powered SPI offerings so I adjusted my back angle accordingly. Compared to my other lower end balls like the Hustles. the Burner is more on the backend. Same kind of push thru the front, just more responsive like my higher end balls. The Global offerings keep getting better and better....
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900 Global Eternity

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 3/31/2023

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled my ETERNITY 5 x 2 x 3. I have thrown it at box and then lightly hit it with a 2000 pad.

While watching the other staffers in my area and on You Tube, it appeared to my eyes that this might be a really rolly/arcing type of ball. That is what I am seeing also.

I compared it to ZEN and ZEN MASTER since those are the only two 900 Global balls I have right now. Compared to the ZEN, the ETERNITY was a little slower but rollier down lane. ZEN was more recovery. ZEN MASTER was earlier since it is a solid but it was also very rolly and looked like these two can play off each other for staging ball motions.

Drill up a ETERNITY if you want a arcing type reaction when you have too much friction right and need smooth motion that doesn't over react off the dry.
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900 Global Eternity PI

0 of 1 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 12/19/2023

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled up my 900 GLOBAL ETERNITY PI with a strong layout of 4.5 x 3.5 x 2. This puts the pin above my ring finger and the MB just slightly above my thumb at a 2 o clock orientation. I have thrown it out of the box which is 2000 and touched it up again with a 2000 CTD pad which is the same as a 1500 SiaAir pad.

I put this one up with my stronger balls that I use when I see a slicker or longer pattern. I threw it against my EXOTIC GEM, REALITY, and DNA. Compared right away to these, the PI was longer thru the fronts other than the EXOTIC which has a pearl cover. My DNA was earlier and smoother while the REALITY got more length and a rounder motion while the PI was stronger down lane than either. The EXOTIC was the ball to move down with when the transition hit as it cleared the fronts better than the PI. The EXOTIC's motion was comparable to the PI in the back of the lane.

Put this one in your bag if your looking for a stronger piece that clears the fronts better than the duller pieces but is not too straight like the pearls can be out of the gate.
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900 Global Harsh Reality

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 8/10/2024

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled my HARSH REALITY up fairly strong with a 4.5 x 3.5 x 2.5 VLS layout. I have touched the surface up a couple of times with a 1500 and 2000 pad.

This is an early reading ball. Probably too early for my slower speed. I compared it with my other strong solids in the SUMMIT and ABSOLUTE POWER. The HARSH is much earlier read than those two balls. When there are slicker fronts and I need early read, then the HARSH is the first out of my bag. Drill this one up if you need earlier read on slicker patterns.
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900 Global Harsh Reality Pearl

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 8/25/2024

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled up my HARSH REALITY PEARL with a pin up layout of 4.5 x 4 x 2.5 layout. I have tweaked the surface with a 2000 pad lightly to get the initial gloss from the cover.

The HARSH REALITY PEARL was meant to be my strong pearl in the bag. I wanted a ball to use when the volume was higher or the pattern longer but had transitioned to where the strong solids were getting too forward but the asym pearls were too flat. I put this one up against my ATTENTION STAR and EXOTIC GEM. Compared to the EXOTIC, the HARSH REALITY PEARL is a little longer and smoother in the back end of the lane. The EXOTIC is still one of the earliest rolling pearls I have ever owned and the HRP doesn't change that opinion. Compared to the ATTENTION STAR and the HRP is a lot closer in shape and reaction. The ATTENTION is more forward for me but that is also the layout and surface prep I keep on the ball. I feel that the HARSH will be a good ball to play off the ATTENTION STAR for my bag because it will get thru the dryer developing fronts without going sideways at the break point.

Put this one in your bag if you are wanting a smoother option to your ATTENTION STAR or your EXOTIC GEM is starting to show signs of ageing, and you cannot find a replacement for it. But hit it with more surface if this is the spot you are trying to fill in your bag.
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900 Global Honey Badger Intensity

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 7/1/2021

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I finally got to drill my Intensity up 50 x 4.5 x 30. I wanted to try it out at box since it came at 4000abr and that seems like a good place to start. I am impressed with this one. Still slightly dull but it gets length like a hybrid or pearl without the whip on the back. To me this is what the Rubicon originally started out like. Great to clear the fronts with but not the squirt or excessive length past the spot. I threw it compared to my Hy-Road Max and Rubicon UC2. The length compared to the HyRoad Max was similar but the Intensity read the back end slightly stronger. The UC2 pushed much more thru the front which gave me the impression these could play off of each other as compliments
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900 Global Reality Check

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 10/20/2022

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled my REALITY CHECK up at 50 x 4.5 x 35. This put the pin over my ring finger slightly and the MB right of my thumb about an 1". Out of box it wiggled too much down lane so I hit it with a 2000 pad to smooth that out. This has been a ball to go when my INFINITE PHYSIX is starting to go side ways too much at the spot. It also bridges the gap for me before the big pearls come out like the RST-X2 or DARK CODE. Get this one to fill a gap when you are in between stronger balls and big pearls are too over/under to go to comfortably. Also don't be afraid to change surfaces if the 4K-Fast is not to your liking.
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900 Global Sublime

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 1/16/2024

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled my 900 Global Sublime at a 5 x 4 x 1.5. This is a DA layout of 50 x 5 x 22. I did take it down to 2000 trucut pads which is like 1500 abralon as the trucut pads really leave a very dull surface on the ball. The cover has worked itself back up to about 3500 smooth but not shiny as the cover is doing a good job of not lane shining quickly. I have thrown it about 10 games since I hit the cover so probably due for another 3000 Tru Cut touch up.

I have thrown this on a New Years Day sweeper and league conditions. The NYD event was a dual pattern with 44'-26.5 mls on left lanes and 47'-31 mls on the right lane. The SUBLIME was good on both lanes as I could play really tight on the higher volume lane and get enough roll in the back to carry. I had to open up my angle on the left lane more for the fresher surface adjustment. At some point, I had to get out of the SUBLIME as the surface was too early once the lanes got beat up. In league, this ball has looked good also. I can take my hand out of it and just try to roll the ball a little more end over end and get the ball to hook and "lay" off the friction right at the pocket. I can also throw my normal rev rate and speed and get it back and have it tumble forward at the break.

Summary is this is a very good release from 900 Global especially with the other balls in their line. The ZEN GOLD LABEL is about a 4/2 adjustment when the SUBLIME is getting too forward at the break or bogging down trying to get back when my angles get too open. I can also "ball up" with an ETERNITY PI to get more earlier read. This might be a good one for me to drill a second one up with a 5.5 x 4 x 2.5 layout to bridge any gap to the ZEN GOLD LABEL.

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900 Global Sublime Focus

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 12/10/2024

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled up my SUBLIME FOCUS with a standard layout of 65 x 4.5 x 30. This is my normal layout for symmetrical balls that I can get a good read on where it fits in my bag. So far, I have just thrown it at box surface of 2000 and maybe just for a couple of games. I did move down to 14 lbs and the 900 Global gear tends to stay very similar spec wise in 16-15-14 weights.

My initial thoughts are this is a stronger piece that is slightly smoother on the back end of the lane. I would see this being good when there is medium to slightly longer length (41-44 ft) with decent volume but fresher back ends. This one can keep you out of trouble until the transition to something like a HARSH REALITY PEARL or ION MAX occurs when you have to start to give up the headpin more to the right.
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900 Global Wolverine

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 3/25/2022

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled my 900 Global WOLVERINE up 60 x 4.5 x 30. I have hit it with a 2000 abralon pad.

Out of box, this got a good ways down the lane before it broke for home. Classic skid/flip reaction. I took my pad to it to smooth it out some and it slowed down the large flip reaction and made it more controllable. I have throw it side by side with my BURNER SOLID, RST-X2, and SPECTRE. Compare to the SPECTRE, the WOLVERINE was more motion in the back end. These two really complimented each other well. BURNER SOLID was early and slower than the WOLVERINE. RST-X2 was also earlier but close to the same strong back end motion of the WOLVERINE.

If you are looking for something to get down the lane and really finish on the back, then the WOLVERINE is your ball.
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900 Global Wolverine Dark Moss

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 10/20/2022

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled my Dark Moss 4 1/2 by 35 which is how I drilled my original one. To me the Dark Moss is a little more motion in the back than the original. I get good skid thru the front and great recovery in the back of the lane. I have used this when my REALITY CHECK is getting to forward or stopping. It also will let me play straighter and hug the oil line in league play. Get this one when you want something to get thru the burnt fronts but need some recovery down the lane.
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900 Global Xponent

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 10/6/2023

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled my XPONENT up 4.5 x 4 x 3. This puts the ball in a pin up position just above my ring finger. I have thrown it mainly at the 4000 abr box finish. I have thrown this on regular house conditions and also in a PBA50 Regional on Steelsmith-42 pattern.

On house, I have used it to blend out the wet/dry very well. It has enough shape to roll thru the tugs into the puddle and is smooth enough to blend out the dryer part of the lane. I can use a little more hitting power doing this so I have to make sure I don't let off the fingers doing this or it is flat ten every time. On the Steelsmith-42 pattern, it was a little too early as the pattern had a lower volume for a 42 foot pattern and more of a shined ball like the 900 GLOBAL ZEN GOLD LABEL was a better option as it didn't see that up front friction the XCEPTION seen. The XCEPTION side by side with balls like the GOLD LABEL and DNA were like this: DNA was more earlier and continuous motion. While the ZEN GOLD LABEL was longer thru the fronts and more down lane than the XPONENT.

Grab an XPONENT if you want to smooth out the wet/dry of league or need something a little less than your bigger earlier hook monsters more in the middle range.
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900 Global Zen 25

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 2/4/2025

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled my ZEN 25 at 4.5 x 4 x 4.5 which is pin under the ring finger for me. This was an old favorite layout for me on strong pearls and I used to put a weight hole down if more flare was needed. Obviously, no weight holes anymore but still wanted to see this strong of a ball with a smaller transition. I have thrown it at the box finish which is power edge polish.

This ball is very strong. I threw it up against some other pearls that I have in the PHAZE AI and OPTIMUM IDOL PEARL. I also recall my original ZEN motion as I had one up until about a year ago. The ZEN 25 is very continuous with this layout compared to the other two which both have pin up layouts. It corners slightly less than my PHAZE AI and definitely moves more than my OI PEARL which has a weaker layout over the middle finger. I almost think I could go pin up on the ZEN 25 and have close to the same motion as the PHAZE AI so might be overlap to have both of these in your bag at the same time unless you do something like one with a pin under or keep surface on to separate them both.

If you found your ZEN with the original, this one is slightly stronger. If you still plan to keep both, then maybe touch your ZEN 25 with surface to get some gap between them and you should have a great 1-2 punch!
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900 Global Zen Gold Label

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 12/19/2023

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled up my ZEN GOLD LABEL with a 5.25 x 4 x 4 layout. This put the pin over my middle finger. This is a layout I prefer when the fronts are starting to go and my bigger balls are picking up too quickly and forcing me into larger angles. I slightly have glazed the cover with a 3000 CTD pad which is almost like 2000 SiaAir pads.

I have put this up against my EXOTIC GEM, CLONE, & DUO which are my shinier choices for most medium/slightly wetter conditions. The ZEN GOLD LABEL did exactly what I needed in that it just glides thru the front of the lane much easier than the EXOTIC GEM and CLONE. My DUO was the same length in the front but a more slower move in the back compared to the ZEN GOLD LABEL. On slightly slicker patterns, the CLONE and EXOTIC GEM were better looks but I could get really shut down angles and try to force it up the gut so to speak. Even then, I had to be too perfect to justify not using the EXOTIC or CLONE at that point.

Drill this one up if you have a tougher time getting your bigger pieces to get thru burnt front panels and want something that still has some pop on it down lane.
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900 Global Zen Master

8 of 9 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 8/31/2021

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled my ZEN MASTER up 65 x 4.5 x 35 which is my go to drilling on most symmetrical pieces. I have left it box which is 3000abr.
ZEN MASTER review:
I have thrown my ZEN MASTER up against some of my other stronger pieces like the PROTON PHYSIX, INCITE, and REALITY. The ZEN MASTER is not quite as strong early as the PROTON or REALITY, but definitely moves earlier than the INCITE. The ZEN MASTER actually makes me think of the PHAZE II with how it shapes and reads the front compared to the big balls. I'm thinking this is just on the stronger side of a benchmark but I was able to get a good read on the lane with mine and make choices from there. I put the original ZEN up against it and obviously the ZEN is longer but the motion is very similar just a few feet further down lane than the ZEN MASTER. This one should be the 900 Global version of the PHAZE II and should be a great medium-strong piece with predictable motion.
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900 Global Zen/U

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 12/23/2022

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled my ZEN U up at a 35 x 4 x 65 which put the pin in the ring finger. I lightly touched up the cover with a fresh 1000 pad since it urethane shined very quickly. We chose this layout because it a control/rolly drilling for me. My experience with the urethane offerings the past few years have been to try to get the pin really high like in the 1" to 1/2" pin buffer range and the ball sails thru the breakpoint when I have done this. We were hoping to get the urethane balls more usable by getting them to roll as quickly as possible.

I really do not have much to compare it to urethane wise but do have a couple of lower end releases to see what it rolled like in the HUSTLE USA and ELECTRIFY G-O. On our house condition, the ELECTRIFY G-O was a much better look swinging it into the friction down the lane. The HUSTLE USA is a similar version but smoother due to its hybrid cover. The ZEN U was playable for me (275 rev rate-16.5 mph) staying closer to the oil line. It did recover well if I got it out of that box around the track but usually was a flat ten or thin seven. I was able to go to a stronger release and get it to corner a little better and hit better.

I see the ZEN U as being an option for lower rev players who want to use urethane to keep the ball in play especially on tougher conditions. The ball is controllable and when you get your angles closed down and figure out where the 2-3 box is to keep it in, very usable. Drill this one up to keep for tougher conditions where a 9 is a good count and keeps you in the hunt until the lanes open up.
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Roto Grip All-Out Show Off

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 12/10/2017

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled my ALL OUT SHOW OFF 65 x 4.5 x 35 which is my benchmark (go to) layout that is the most predictable for me. I left it box finish. I may touch it lightly to accelerate the polish wear down to get it more even at the point. Right out of the box, I think STORM FRANTIC from a few years ago. Great when the lanes have blown open and you need predictable push in the fronts and good arc in the backends. The numbers bear out and are very close with the RG being the only difference. Compared to the original ALL OUT, the ALL OUT SHOW UP is about an arrow less ball and a perfect compliment. Roto Grip's HP2 line has always been known for some of the best hidden gems in the pro shop and the ALL OUT SHOW OFF is another gem and definitely the best bang for the buck on the market.
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Roto Grip Asylum

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 2/13/2014

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Lay Out: 4.75" from PAP at 65* PAP angle and 35* VAL angle. Dual angle measurement would be 65/4.75/35. The pin ended up about 1/2 above my ring finger with the CG very slightly swung out from the ring finger. No weight hole yet, but plan to put one in the P2 section

Surface: I am box finish which is 3000 abralon.

Purpose: I wanted to drill up this up to try to get something that I could start to the left of the oil line for league with but wouldn't overreact if sent a little wide. Plus I really like my Deranged and wanted something that might pick up a little quicker if it was too long with the same kind of shape.

Observations: The Asylum is a great piece. It does what intended by picking up a little quicker when my Deranged labors at the spot. It has the typical hybrid smoothness that Storm/Rg are known for, but can be tweaked with surface prep. I put it side by side with my Hyper Cell and it is a good step down from the Hyper. Put this one in your bag if you need a benchmark type ball or something just a step down from your mega hook monsters.
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Roto Grip Critical

3 of 4 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 2/7/2016

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Layout = 75 x 5 x 40 - This is a base layout I use when I want to see a ball for the first time and experiment with the shape and motion. I didn't have much luck with my Theory and Infinite Theories, which scared me off the Critical Theory. Quite a few folks who threw the Critical Theory loved it and drilled several as compliments or when they wanted fresh covers. With that being said, I didn't have an objective or desired place in my arsenal for this piece. That is not always a good way to approach arsenals but I wanted to see what I might have missed before.

I have been seeing a smooth response motion at the breakpoint. The cover with 3000 abralon out of the box can be early which puts it near my Lock except my Lock is more continuous down lane at the break point. My Menace is smoother due to a pin down/low hole layout so the Critical gets further down the lane than it. My Eternal Cell is sharper off the spot with more push thru the front. Due to where it fits in with other balls that I have, I think I am going to plug and redrill it with the pin in the ring finger and mb shift to the right around 45* and try to use it as a benchmark ball to read the pattern with and for transitions from my stronger equipment to my more mid-line balls that get more length and later read.

I see the Critical as a good first ball out of the bag if you do not have a defined strong ball in your bag. It also compliments when your "big dawg" is getting too early of a read. Plug a Critical into that spot and keep on plugging away.

Don't be afraid to use the abralon pads to get you separation in your arsenals. Even just hitting the cover lightly with 4000 can eliminate the over/under that shiny factory finishes sometimes cause. 2000 can make a ball read early enough to get a better look than your hook monsters.
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Roto Grip Dare Devil

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 12/20/2016

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled my Daredevil up with a 65* x 5 x 35* layout. I intend to add a motion hole once I have some time to throw the ball exclusively to mark it out. I left it in box condition. The Daredevil is something that Roto Grip has needed for awhile, a low RG pearl. I can use my Daredevil on most house shots even to start out. I did have to lightly touch the surface with a 3000 pad to smooth out some of the over/under I was getting with factory shine. Drill one of these up to get you that medium condition rolly pearl ball in your arsenal.
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Roto Grip Dare Devil Danger

3 of 4 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 12/10/2017

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled my DAREDEVIL DANGER 65 x 4.5 x 35 which is my benchmark drilling for about everything that I drill. I have thrown it box finish of 1500 reacta-shine so far but may hit it lightly with 3000 or 4000 depending on if I see it over-under at the spot. So far I like what I see and it gives me a look that reminds me of my HYWIRE's that I still pull out. Good length but smooth transition almost a strong arc at the spot. Compared to my STORM INTENSE and STORM CODE RED, this is not as strong off the point. Not enough motor compared to either ball especially the comparable hybrid CODE RED cover/motor combo. I also put this up against my original DAREDEVIL. The original for me just did not have much off the spot when the lanes had blown up to where it became the only option. The DAREDEVIL DANGER has better shape and just as much length. Put this one in your bag if you want a good shape compared to your DAREDEVIL TRICK or just slightly less than a CODE RED.
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Roto Grip Defiant Soul

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 4/9/2013

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Lay Out: 4 3/4" from PAP at 45* PAP angle and 60* VAL angle. Dual angle measurement would be 45/4.75/60. I have a 7/8" & 2" deep weight hole in the P3 position.

Ball Surface: I started box finish which is 360/500/4000.

Lane Condition Observations: I have thrown this on a couple of different patterns: Our league pattern which is around a 38' shot and I also threw this on our state tournament shot that was a 40' modified house condition. On our league pattern, the OOB finish was too early off the spot. I had to get inside of the oil line to get the ball down lane at all. When I did this the backend move was still very strong and the pins danced around the deck quite a bit. On the modified 40' house pattern, this ball came to life. The Soul rolled up very strong on the back end and even gave me some area to the right of target. The longer and more blended pattern is a better place to put the Soul on the rack. Our house condition is more medium length and medium volume and the Soul would need a smoother surface to compete better on that condition.

Other Ball Comparisons: I did get to throw it some side by side with my Defiant Edge, Disturbed, and Nomad Dagger. The Edge pushes about 3-5 foot further down the lane and was a good "ball down" option when the Soul started to check up to early as it had a similar look on the lanes. The Disturbed was very similar in that is was early reading, but the Soul pushed thru the front of the lane a little better. I would recommend "balling up" to the Disturbed if your Soul is not quite making the corner or loping too long off the spot. The Dagger was longer than the Soul and smoother/earlier than the Edge. The Dagger was not a good comparison ball because it is in an entirely different category and would need major surface to handle the volumes the Soul effortlessly takes on.

Final Thoughts: I see a good looking ball that is starting to make its way on the ball returns here in central Ohio. I am myself going to punch one up with a pin high layout and try to get a "stage" of reaction similar to the Defiant Edge that I am throwing quite a bit lately. Out one of these in your bag if you need something to bridge the gap from your stronger balls to your medium reacting balls.
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Roto Grip Deranged

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 10/14/2013

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Lay Out: 4.75\" from PAP at 65* PAP angle and 35* VAL angle. Dual angle measurement would be 65/4.75/35. The pin ended up about 1/2\" above my ring finger with the CG very slightly swung out from the ring finger. The 65* angle put the MB just very right of my thumb. I have no weight hole.

Surface: I am box finish which is 1500 Reacta-Shine.

Purpose: I wanted to drill up this up to try to give my Disturbed with the same layout a compliment to ball down to when the Disturbed is too much.

Lane Condition Observations: I have thrown this on a couple of different patterns: PBA X Chameleon, modified Chameleon ran to 45', and 2 different volume/length house shots on Pro Anvilane. The Deranged was only out of it's element on the 45' shot; It just didn't have the teeth to make any real kind of move off the spot on this pattern. I got the impression I could knock it down to something like 500 or 1000 and probably get it to read more, but that is what the solid Disturbed is for. On the house shots, it was very responsive off the friction. I usually was swinging it across the heads more on the medium volume house shot. The second place where I bowl has more volume so I had to keep it online more, but it still was very reactive on the back end of the lane.

Response to Friction: The Deranged in box condition is a quick response ball. This one will let you go away from the headpin and give you plenty of recovery. It also lets me pick up my speed, move towards the friction more, and still has enough giddy-up to play the high hard one shot.

Other Ball Comparisons: I threw it with my Rumble, Lucid, Shout, and Lights Out. Compared to my Rumble, the Deranged is much more responsive down lane off the spot and can be somewhat jerky. The Deranged makes a good strong move off friction and is a higher response ball. My Lucid is still 4000 box and it gets up in the back end a little more quicker than the Deranged. I actually have balled down to the Deranged when the Lucid is too early or quickly getting unpredictable. The Shout gets thru the fronts better but much slower off the spot. The new duller Shout 2013 gets slightly further down lane then the Deranged, but again very slow response to the friction. My Lights Out pushes the same, but much slower off the spot than the Deranged. The Deranged just has that little extra pop at the spot compared to the Lights Out.

Final Thoughts: The Deranged does exactly what Roto Grip advertised: It gives you a ball down option from the Disturbed with a little more pop at the break point. Put one in your bag at close to the same layout specs and you should have a good one-two punch in your bag.
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Roto Grip Devour

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 10/28/2015

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Layout: 65 x 5 x 35 - box finish.

I drilled up the Devour to give me something closer to a benchmark reaction like the Storm IQ Tour. The IQ Tour is a great read ball and the Devour is very close to this reaction. My Devour is best for me when there is some friction to the right of target. The Devour didn't back off at all. If you are thinking of some older Roto releases and where this might fit, think the RG Riot. Very similar type reaction. If you are getting too early of burn due to the 3000 finish, slap a coat of polish on it and watch it push with good energy in the back.
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Roto Grip Duo Black/Green

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 8/31/2023

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled up my Duo 5 x 4 x 3. This is my favorite layout for first out of the bag pearl balls. I hit the surface with a light 2000 to crack the shine and smooth the reaction out.

I put the DUO up against the SUMMIT and pin under EXOTIC GEM. Just like you would expect, the DUO is dead in the middle of these two. A little later than the SUMMIT and quicker than the pin under EXOTIC. The DUO was at home for me on a middle pattern and flared around 4-5".

I feel that the DUO will get play as a first ball out of the bag at places with some early friction burn in the fronts and also when the big solids are starting to lock up and lay flat down lane.
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Roto Grip Eternal Cell

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 2/7/2016

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Layout = 75 x 4.5 x 25 - This is a layout I use when I want more read at the break point. By doing this, I get a layout that I can soft hook with more transition in the back end of the lane or take my hand out of and go more direct with.

The first time I used this in league, I knew this would be a perfect addition to my arsenal. The lanes started out tighter in the fronts and the Eternal Cell had enough strength in the cover to get started up in time to make the spot. As the night progressed and the fronts got lighter and less downlane push was starting to occur, the EC really got golden. The polished cover gave me length as I moved left with the shape turning to strong arc. Eventually the fronts went and I just took my hand out of it and started to line drive it thru the fronts more. The EC pushed easy doing this but still had enough motion in the back to shove out the corners.

When I see this much versatility in a ball just from bowling a league set, it tells me this is something special. I would suggest drilling one of these as a great transition ball as in box shape it will give you the length thru the front of the lane with that great Cell shape in the back. And also don't be afraid to use the abralon pads to get you separation in your arsenals. Even just hitting the cover lightly with 4000 can eliminate the over/under that shiny factory finishes sometimes cause.
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Roto Grip Exotic Gem

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 3/31/2023

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled my Exotic Gem 5 x 3 x 2. I left this one at the box finish to see what it could do but then hit it with a 2000 pad to smooth it out.

The early scuttle on this one from other staffers is strong motion. When I hear that I immediately think of putting more surface on it and throwing it when I am getting a flaky reaction on slick patterns with solid covers.

I compared it to the INFINITE PHYSIX, GEM, and ABSOLUTE. Compared to the INFINITE, the EXOTIC is a stronger motion down the lane. INFINITE gives me more control, EXOTIC gives more forgiveness if I give the pocket away more. Compared to the original GEM, it is obvious a mismatch as the original GEM is just too much cover/core. It was a nice ball down when I surfaced it and needed to get left and the original GEM was sputtering. The ABSOLUTE was closer especially when both had surface on them. The EXOTIC was sharper down lane while the ABSOLUTE got more length. These two when surfaced the same can play off one another quite well.

Drill up a EXOTIC GEM if you want a good house shot killer. It also makes a great compliment to the ABSOLUTE.
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Roto Grip Gem

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 3/26/2022

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled my Gem with a pin under layout of 30 x 4.5 x 70. The intent is to have something that is smoother than my PROTON PHYSIX and NOVA when the condition calls for staying on line with a strong ball. I have only thrown it box finish.

I threw my GEM on a 46 foot PBA pattern and on a league condition that always starts tight outside then breaks down in the fronts quickly. On the 46 foot pattern, the GEM was quick even with the pin down layout. I ended up having to separate my feet and target too much to carry well so I had to put it away. My NOVA was better on this pattern to carry with. On the league condition, the GEM's strong cover just ate thru the heavier oil. When it came time to move, the GEM was too much ball and just moving left into where everyone else had been playing made me have to get out of it quickly.

So what I can see so far is the GEM is very strong. It is right on par with the PROTON and REALITY as far as big hitters go. The few pin up lay outs I have seen go down lane are very continuous and don't quit. So if you want a big cover/engine ball that will cover some boards and hit well, then drill a GEM up!
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Roto Grip Halo

6 of 6 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 8/28/2018

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

My stats: 16.5 mph ball speed, 285-315 rev rate, up the back type release with a high track. To summarize, medium speed - forward roll type of release with moderate revs.

I put the HALO at 50 x 4 x 35. This layout ended up with close to 2 oz of side weight which now doesn't require a weight hole as of August 1, 2018.

Initial thoughts are this is a strong ball. I have noticed that it doesn't quit in the back of the lane. I have gotten a chance to use it in a couple of places. When the HALO is in play, it is outstanding. Very continuous on the back of the lane. I did notice for my game, the HALO does not grab immediately coming out of the skid. It still transitions well and doesn't have that big early grab.

I have thrown it on sport and house. On house I can bank it off the puddle in the middle pretty well, but when it is time to put it away, the HALO starts leaving 9 pins and 4 pins. You can only 3 and 1 left so many times before you get too big of an angle. The HALO also hits very well on lighter hits. All I have to do is line up to get a piece of the headpin and the HALO does the work.

Compared to the IDOL which it shares the cover with, the HALO is a lot more ball. I have tried to ball down to the IDOL and that is not the move as the IDOL is still a lot of cover also. I have been dropping to the INTENSE FIRE next instead.

This should be the straighter/tweener ball of the year. It seems like it takes the 2-8-10 out of play on many longer conditions.
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Roto Grip Halo Pearl

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 3/24/2019

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled my HALO PEARL up 65x5x35 which is my standard layout for large core asymmetric balls. I have left it box since I have only had a chance to throw it on house and a sport pattern that is 45' and it rolls even on that long sport pattern.

This is a great RG pearl like the NO RULES PEARL and CELL PEARL which seemed to never miss the spot downlane. I have been able to throw the HALO PEARL like the other two above on the longer pattern and it holds a lot of energy. It also gives me some good indications when to move out of a zone as it will go forward when it burns too much at the break point. It might still carry the shot, but it is time to go left even more at that point.

I will post when I drill a second one to put some surface on as the NO RULES PEARL and CELL PEARL were excellent balls with surface also.
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Roto Grip Halo Vision

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 10/27/2019

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

PBA50 member - 14* axis tilt, 35* rotation - 16.5 mph - 315 rev rate.
I drilled my Halo Vision 75 x 4 3/4" x 35*. I have been putting 2000 to 3000 on this depending on oil volume. I have this one slightly more angular than my Halo. It handles oil better than the Halo Pearl for me. This is one to get the best of the Halos, more back end than the solid Halo, more oil handling than the Halo Pearl.
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Roto Grip Haywire

0 of 1 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 10/28/2015

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Layout: 75 x 4.5 x 35 - box finish.

I drilled up the Haywire to give me something stronger along the lines of my Optimus Solid. I polished the Optimus Solid so I needed some more friction up front if the lanes got tighter. This ball is awesome on slicker lane patterns. It grabs pretty well and is still pretty continuous in the back. I have noticed that the moment I start pinging tens to either make a 4 and 2 move left or ball down. The Haywire is very strong and will need oil upfront to keep it from burning energy too early.
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Roto Grip Hectic

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 2/7/2016

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Layout = 50 x 4.55 x 40 - This is a layout that usually picks up earlier for me in the mid lane. I have thrown it in box finish and added a weight hole in the P3 position to bring it to legal but to separate the flare some more. The idea on this was to give me something for when the "big dawgs" are all too early and not getting down the lane.

This ball is the real deal. I get good push and solid hit. It also lets me square up and ride right at the edge of the oil line if I feel there is still something there. I can slow curve it or "puck" it and it maintains it hitting power. For me it fits right below my IQ30 and Sky Rockets as it gets more length than either of them. Put this in your bag if you need something to get length before you have to go down to the weaker cover/core balls.

Don't be afraid to use the abralon pads to get you separation in your arsenals. Even just hitting the cover lightly with 4000 can eliminate the over/under that shiny factory finishes sometimes cause. 2000 can make a ball read early enough to get a better look than your hook monsters.
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Roto Grip Hot Cell

8 of 8 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 12/9/2017

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled my Hot Cell up 50x4x35. I wanted to get the large amount of flare to help me get this thing rolling. I left it box surface which is 1000 grit. This ball is a pretty neat toy for me to use. The Hot Cell had a large amount of flare compared to the Pitch Black. I had trouble with the Pitch Black getting into enough of a roll for my lower rev style to take advantage of. The Hot Cell picked up strong and got thru the pins very hard. Put this one if your bag if your not heavy handed enough to throw a Pitch series ball but want to see what the new urethane revolution is all about.
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Roto Grip Hustle 3TP

4 of 5 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 9/15/2019

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Stats in profile - PBA50 member - 16.5 mph-300 rev rate.
I laid out the Hustle 3TP with a 4" pin to pap and a 30* VAL drilling angle. I left it box finish, then touched it some with a used 2000 abralon pad to change the length downlane.
The 3TP is controllable and let me stay close to the friction both on the outsides of the pattern and also laid off some on shorter patterns. I had a tough time getting the corners out if there was carrydown or the pattern was longer than 38'. This should be good for heavy handed players looking to stay more to the right instead of urethane. Straighter players will want closed down angles to get some motion to improve carry with it.
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Roto Grip Hustle Au

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 9/15/2019

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Stats in profile - PBA50 member - 16.5 mph-300 rev rate.
I laid out the Hustle Au with a 4" pin to pap and a 30* VAL drilling angle. I left it box finish, then touched it some with a used 2000 abralon pad to change the length downlane.
The AU is controllable and let me stay close to the friction both on the outsides of the pattern and also laid off some on shorter patterns. I had a tough time getting the corners out if there was carrydown or the pattern was longer than 38'. This should be good for heavy handed players looking to stay more to the right instead of urethane. Straighter players will want closed down angles to get some motion to improve carry with it.
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Roto Grip Hustle B/R/Y

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 8/13/2024

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled my HUSTLE BRY pin up fairly strong with a 4.5 x 3.5 x 2 VLS layout. I have touched the surface up a couple of times with a 1500 and 2000 pad.

This is a good ball to get thru the fronts when your bigger & medium balls start to read too quickly. I compared it with a couple of my other better medium pieces in the SUMMIT PEAK and THE ROAD. The HUSTLE BRY is a much slower read than THE ROAD. When my THE ROAD and SUMMITT PEAK are too much ball, the BRY is slower/smoother off the spot for me. The HUSTLE BRY was much better on hooking patterns for me and also defined friction to the right of my target. I could play closer to the oil line with the BRY and not have it jump like the other two did.

As usual, Roto Grip nailed the starter piece ball. The HUSTLE BRY is much more than a starter ball and can help the better player out with a smooth controllable option on hooking lanes.

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Roto Grip Hustle Camo Solid

1 of 3 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 8/31/2021

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled the Hustle CAMO up 4 x 20. I threw it box finish.
Hustle CAMO review: I put the CAMO up against the other smoother gear I carry like the IQ TOUR, IQ NANO PEARL, HUSTLE PBR, and HUSTLE RAP. Compared to the IQ TOUR, the CAMO is smoother thru the front. I keep 2000 on my IQ TOUR so the CAMO definitely glided thru the front much easier than both the TOUR an NANO PEARL. The NANO PEARL was more on the back end than the CAMO which should be expected since it is a stronger cover. CAMO and PBR were getting closer in motion. PBR is slightly earlier but very similar motion. CAMO does corner better but gets thru the front of the lane quicker. RAP was closer in push thru the front but slower at the back than the CAMO. CAMO has a HUSTLE INK vibe to it with a shined lower end solid cover that will get in play when the fronts are really getting toasty and the smooth balls like the IQ TOUR are still too early.
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Roto Grip Hustle HYB Hybrid

3 of 4 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 3/21/2018

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled my HUSTLE HYB 65/4.5/40 which is my standard drilling for a ball to gauge where it fits or where to increase the numbers at. I put a 7/8"/2" deep weight hole on my axis which is 5 1/4 x 5/8 up. I left this one box finish.

I have thrown this on mostly THS at 2 different centers. The HUSTLE HYB is a slower response piece in my hands especially compared to my HUSTLE INK and ALL OUT SHOW OFF. The ALL OUT SHOW OFF is about 6-8 boards stronger and the HUSTLE INK is about 3-5 boards stronger. The motion is smooth and slower response and will let me stay right of higher traffic areas on the pair.

Put this one in your bag if you are looking for a piece that is smoother off the spot than the HUSTLE INK or MATCH UP'S and also a possible first ball option on short patterns.
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Roto Grip Hustle INK Solid

8 of 9 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 10/7/2017

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled up my HUSTLE INK to be a good option when the lanes have dried out and I need a smooth response downlane. I have used the INK a couple of times to be able to stay right of the heavy handers and also when my medium options like the HYWIRE and CODE BLACK are too much ball at the spot. This is a ball I would recommend for anyone looking for control when the backends have just started to kick everything left quickly but balling to urethane is not the move yet. Don't wait, get one of these in your bag today!
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Roto Grip Hustle M-M

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 8/31/2023

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled up my HUSTLE M & M 4.5 x 4.5 x 2.5. This is my usual layout for lower diff pearl balls. I hit the surface with a light 2000 to crack the shine and smooth the reaction out.

I put the HUSTLE M & M up against the RUBY RED IQ and HUSTLE RIP. The M & M was later than the RIP but not as sharp as the RUBY IQ was off the spot. The HUSTLE M & M was at home for me on a med dry to dryer pattern when my two stronger balls were locking up.

I feel that the HUSTLE M & M will get play as a late ball out of the bag at places with some early friction burn in the fronts and also when the big pearls are starting to lock up and lay flat down lane.
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Roto Grip Hustle PBR

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 9/20/2020

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled my HUSTLE PBR with my normal go to layout of 55 x 4.5 x 35. I left it box surface of 3000 abr.

The HUSTLE PBR is the typical Roto Grip "Big bang for less bucks" type release. The Hustle line is typically marketed as a low end piece for the slow ball speed or newer bowler. But there is a lot of value to an experienced player looking for something that still has some teeth to it but is a nice step down from the high and medium end balls.

I put my HUSTLE PBR up against my IQ TOUR PEARL and IQ TOUR SOLID. The IQ's both revved up much earlier with the PEARL being very early and a whole zone or two left of the PBR, but the SOLID was not too much more down lane than the PBR. In fact with a little more surface on the IQ TOUR SOLID to separate it from the PBR, having both is a good idea for arsenal building.

Put this one if your bag if you have some surface or pattern friction and your big guns are too much bowling ball for the house or lane pattern.
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Roto Grip Hustle Pink/Onyx/White Pearl

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 12/20/2016

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled The Hustle POW and Hustle RIG to compliment my Hustle SAY/PRO's that I have. The POW was 75* x 5 x 35 while the RIG was 50 x 5 x 60 (pin in the ring finger). Both layouts compliment each other very well with the POW getting started later but in a stronger move than the RIG. The RIG is smoother and just a little earlier in it's motion off the back. I would recommend either the POW or RIG if you need more length than your SAY/PRO are giving you. These make great short length or lower volume pattern balls.
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Roto Grip Hustle Purple/Raspberry/Orange Hybrid

6 of 6 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 10/18/2016

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled the Hustle P/R/O up with a standard pin over the ring finger layout. I touched the surface lightly with a 4000 pad to get some of the skid under control.

This one works for me when I want to keep my angles shut down on higher friction surfaces or on shorter patterns.

This is not a stand left and wheel it back from the right ball. This is a great step up for first time reactive buyers and also for slower speed players needing some help from the ball to get it downlane.
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Roto Grip Hustle RAP

0 of 1 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 10/21/2020

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled my HUSTLE RAP with my normal go to layout of 55 x 4.5 x 35. I hit the box surface with a 3000 abr pad.

The HUSTLE RAP is the typical Roto Grip "Big bang for less bucks" type release. The Hustle line is typically marketed as a low end piece for the slow ball speed or newer bowler. But there is a lot of value to an experienced player looking for something that still has some teeth to it but is a nice step down from the high and medium end balls.

I put my HUSTLE RAP up against my IQ TOUR NANO PEARL and IQ TOUR SOLID. The IQ's both revved up much earlier with the SOLID being very early and a whole zone or two left of the RAP, but the PEARL was not too much more down lane than the RAP. In fact with a little more surface on the IQ TOUR NANO PEARL to separate it from the PBR, having both is a good idea for arsenal building.

Put this one if your bag if you have some surface or pattern friction and your big guns are too much bowling ball for the house or lane pattern.
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Roto Grip Hustle Red/Indigo/Gold Pearl

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 12/20/2016

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Roto Grip Hustle RIP

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 8/31/2023

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled up my HUSTLE RIP 4.5 x 4.5 x 2.5. This is my usual layout for lower diff balls. I hit the surface with a light 2000 to crack the shine and smooth the reaction out.

I put the HUSTLE RIP up against the RUBY RED IQ and HUSTLE M & M. The RIP was right in the middle of these two balls. The M & M was later than the RIP but not as sharp as the RUBY IQ was off the spot. The HUSTLE RIP was at home for me on a med to med dry to pattern when my stronger RUBY was locking up. It also was a good compliment to the M & M as they played off one another pretty well.

I feel that the HUSTLE RIP will get play as a 2nd ball out of the bag at places with some early friction burn in the fronts and also when the big pearls are starting to lock up and lay flat down lane but the low powered gear is not enough yet.

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Roto Grip Hustle Silver/Aqua/Yellow Hybrid

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 10/19/2016

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled the Hustle S/A/Y up with a standard pin over the ring finger layout. I touched the surface lightly with a 4000 pad to get some of the skid under control. I wanted to duplicate the layout I have in P/R/O so they can make a 1-2 punch.

This one works for me when I want to keep my angles shut down on higher friction surfaces or on shorter patterns.

This is not a stand left and wheel it back from the right ball. This is a great step up for first time reactive buyers and also for slower speed players needing some help from the ball to get it downlane.
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Roto Grip Hustle USA

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 11/29/2022

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled up my Hustle USA 4.5 x 4 x 3. I have thrown it both at box finish and with 2000 on it. What I notice with the HUSTLE USA is a round shape that is surprisingly strong for what is considered the starting line for Roto Grip. I was able to use this on some medium and short patterns with good recovery when it was time to give the pocket away. Compared to my HUSTLE CAMO, it is a little more down lane motion and really gets thru the front when the CAMO is starting to flatten out. This is another of those low end sleeper balls from Roto Grip that will give performance without breaking your wallet.
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Roto Grip Hustle Wine Pearl

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 8/31/2021

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled up my Hustle Wine 4 x 20 and left it box finish.
Hustle Wine review: I put the WINE in play against the pearls I carry like the UC2, Hustle RAP, and ZEN. Against the ZEN, the WINE was a lot weaker. The WINE compared to the ZEN is probably a couple of zones weaker and a lot less motion. Really no comparison. The UC2 got closer in push thru the front, but definitely more motion down the lane. The WINE against the RAP was more of an even comparison. The WINE picked up about the same spot but just slightly more sharper than the RAP. The WINE is an updated version of the RAP with slightly more chops at the breakpoint. Pick up the WINE for more friction environments where the stronger balls are forcing you too far left for your style or way you like to see the lanes.
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Roto Grip Hustle X-Ray

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 8/13/2024

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled up my HUSTLE XRAY with my standard 4.5 x 4 x 2 layout that I use on lower diff balls. I have tweaked the surface at 1500 to 3000.

The XRAY is a pleasant surprise. With the 1500 surface, the XRAY is just under my better sym balls like the OPTIMUM IDOL & PHAZE II. The XRAY is one that I can keep in front of me and still get good roll off the medium patterns when they get a little wet/dry. I can also ball up to the OPTIMUM or PHAZE II when I get pushed left or ball down to the TNT INFUZED when I need to open up the lane to the right.

Roto Grip nailed another lower price/high functionality piece that will work for starters or high-end players.
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Roto Grip Hyped Hybrid

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 11/30/2021

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled my HYPED HYBRID at 4.5 x 30. I have a TREND 2 at 4.5 x 25 so I wanted something to see if I could use this as a step down with that still had a good shape to it. The HYPED HYBRID is a great addition to the Roto Grip HP 2 line. Good push and really nice shape down lane. Compared to the TREND 2, the HYPED HYBRID was a 5/2 move back to the right. It was a great compliment as it got thru the early burn the TREND 2 started seeing. I balled up to a RST-X2 to see how where this one compared to both balls. They both played off the RST-X2 pretty well and the HYPED HYBRID was a good ball down choice. The HYPED HYBRID shape was continuous with length and the TREND 2 was more angular and actually started a little earlier than the RST-X2 so it could be a ball up in that spot. The HYPED PEARL is a better ball down choice as it was 4/2 more to the right than the HYPED HYBRID.
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Roto Grip Hyped Pearl

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 11/30/2021

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled my HYPED PEARL at 4 x 30. I have a HYPED HYBRID at 4.5 x 30 so I wanted something to see if I could use this as a step down that still had a good shape to it. The HYPED PEARL is a great addition to the Roto Grip HP 2 line. Good push and really nice shape down lane. Compared to the HYPED HYBRID, the HYPED PEARL was a 4/2 move back to the right. It was a great compliment as it got thru the early burn the HYBRID started seeing. I balled up to a RST-X2 to see how where this one compared to both balls. They both played off the RST-X2 pretty well and both were good ball down choices. The HYPED HYBRID shape was continuous with length and the HYPED PEARL was more push and a later move down lane.
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Roto Grip Hyped Solid

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 11/29/2022

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled my Hyped Solid up with a pin under layout of 4.5 x 4 x 5. I have only gotten to throw it in practice as this was a late add to the 25 other bowling balls I own. I left it box and compared it to the other two HYPED balls and an IQ Tour. Compared to the IQ Tour, the Hyped Solid is a little more down lane motion but definitely not as early reading and smooth. It was a lot earlier than both Hyped Pearl and Hybrids. It did give me the impression that is could be a good ball shined up to control early friction but when you need something that is too much backend.
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Roto Grip Hyper Cell

0 of 1 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 2/13/2014

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Lay Out: 4.75" from PAP at 45* PAP angle and 30* VAL angle. Dual angle measurement would be 45/4.75/30. The pin ended up about 1/2 above my ring finger with the CG very swung out from the ring finger. I put a weight hole in the P2 area to maintain reaction.

Surface: I am box finish which is 2000 abralon.

Purpose: I wanted to drill up this up to try to get something that I could start with when the lanes are on the slicker side. I copied the layout from an Attitude Shift that was my go to ball for longer patterns for almost 2 seasons. I have drilled stronger pieces since then, but none rolled as well as the Shift so I wanted to try it again.

Observations: The Hyper Cell is the real deal. It is strong but controllable. When I throw it on the right pattern it has that RG crack in the pin deck. I put it side by side with a Storm Lucid that I tend to favor these days on longer patterns and it outhooks it by an arrow so it will have a place in my bag with USBC's upcoming. Put this one in your bag if you need a mega-hooker in your arsenal.
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Roto Grip Hyper Cell Fused

5 of 6 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 3/21/2018

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled my HYPER CELL FUSED 65 x 4.5 x 35 and threw it box finish before hitting it with a 3000 abralon pad. I put a weight hole 6" from the pin on my VAL to increase the flare somewhat. I plan to use it as a ball down option for when my stronger cover balls like the NO RULES EXIST and/or IDOL are running out of energy and pinging corners.

I have had the chance to throw this now on a couple of THS patterns, a modified longer house pattern, The PBA Don Johnson 40 ft pattern, and a 45 Kegel Challenge Pattern. The HCF is strong and definitely makes a pronounced move off the back of the pattern. With the surface and balance hole tweaks that I have made the HCF is a little too much ball for the regular house patterns, it is definitely in play on the longer patterns as a ball down choice when my NO RULES EXIST or IDOL start to straighten up, the HCF picks up the pace with a good crisp move to the pocket.

Put this one in your bag if you are looking for a stronger ball option on THS or want to tweak it to be a stronger option on longer patterns,
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Roto Grip Hyper Cell Skid

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 4/3/2015

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Lay Out: 4.5" from PAP at 60* PAP angle and 40* VAL angle. Dual angle measurement would be 60/4.5/40. No weight hole as I wanted to throw it first and then make tweaks if needed.

Surface: Box which is 1500 Reacta-Shine. I also tried it at 3000 sa-air abralon by hand.

Purpose: I wanted a stronger pearl ball to throw either on longer patterns or to be able to move into the puddle for leagues.

Observations: The Hyper Cell Skid is the ball Roto heads have been craving since the original Cell Pearl. I threw it some side by side with the Optimus, Lucid, and Unhinged. The Optimus was longer with some of the same shape. On longer patterns with the Skid at 3000 there is enough separation to "ball down" from the Skid to the Optimus. Out of box, they are very close with the Skid being just a little more flippy on the back. The Lucid is one that i have always kept at the box finish of 4000. The Lucid has been a life saver for me on longer/flatter patterns as the back end reaction is very predictable. The Skid is right there with it and with 3000 has more grab early. The Skid has more downlane shape and may cause me to have to open up my angles more with it than the Lucid. Compared to the Unhinged, there can be a little bit of a gap especially if your at a place that gets wet/dry very quickly. If you surface the Skid, then the gap gets wider and might need something in between unless you can change shapes or skid the heads with your ball speed and/or release. Putting an Outcry in between these covers any gap and makes a pretty good 1-2-3 punch.

Conclusions: The Hyper Cell Skid is definitely a great piece and compliment to ball down with the original Hyper Cell or Sinister. It is also a good piece to fill the gap between your stronger solids and the lower powered Outcry to Unhinged to UpRoar/Wrecker. Try one out, you won't be disappointed.
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Roto Grip Hy-Wire

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 6/23/2016

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled up the Hy-Wire to see what the hype was about. There is a guy in our traveling league who has shot 4-5 800's in about a 3 week span using this ball exclusively. After getting mine and putting it on the lanes, I can see what the fuss. I can get it left and it rolls really heavy and strong and seems to get back from everywhere on the lane. I have noticed that I do need the pattern to be in the medium to longer-medium range for this to look really good on. I have also been able to touch the surface with 3000 and keep the lane shine down to a minimum and the ball still has a good crisp move at the breakpoint.

I have thrown this one next to my Fight and it is a good "ball" down when the Fight is too early in box condition. I have also staged this one in front of my Sky Rocket as when it starts to check up too quickly, it is perfect for me to ball down to the Sky Rocket.

Put this one in your bag if you want the typical go long-finish strong look in your bag. But as with all Storm/Roto pearls/hybrids, you can dramatically change the look with surface and get more versatility out of the ball.
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Roto Grip Idol

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 3/21/2018

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled my IDOL 60/4.5/40 which is my standard drilling for a ball to read early plus I have a DAREDEVIL TRICK with the same lay out. I put a 7/8"-2" deep weight hole 5" straight across my center line. I left this one box finish which is 2000 abralon.

I have used this one on a couple of different THS, a modified house pattern on the longer side, and a 45 Kegel Challenge Pattern. This ball is a good look for me in my bag and replaces a HAYWIRE that had gotten dated and losing it's pop after a few years.

Side by side with a couple of balls like the DAREDEVIL TRICK and NO RULES EXIST in the Roto line. The EXIST is a slightly stronger look downlane. The IDOL grabs but is more of an earlier strong arcing shape while the EXIST is more of a hockey stick reaction on the back. The TRICK had the shape as the IDOL in the early move but was even softer off the spot than the IDOL and would be more in play if the play was to keep the ball in front of you more than with those other 2 ROTO high end pieces. I also put it up against the CODE X. The IDOL was more motion early while the CODE X was more downlane motion and looked a lot like a softer NO RULES EXIST.

Put this one in your bag if you want a strong ball that reads earlier in the midlane than the stronger cover/stronger engine balls do. Or if you need to replace an worn HAYWIRE or PHAZE II that finally is showing signs of slowing down.

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Roto Grip Idol Cosmos

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 10/19/2022

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled up the COSMOS with an experimental pin position of 6" from the PAP. The pin buffer is about 3.5" away. So I expected by the layout and the composition of the ball to see it as smooth that I could probably use as a great middle control ball. This layout and ball is exactly that. I can get the COSMOS thru the fronts rather easily and still get a nice controlled arc in the back end. I have used this as a ball down option from my INFINITE PHYSIX when the PHYSIX is starting to get a little too sideways in the back of the lane. I can also cut my angles down and sort of line this one to the pocket and have it hold line to give me another option to attack the lanes. Think smooth and controllable with this one and you won't be disappointed.
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Roto Grip Idol Helios

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 12/6/2021

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled my IDOL HELIOS up 5 x 25. I have thrown it at box finish which is 3000.

The intent was to have a stronger cover symmetrical in my bag for longer (41-43') patterns that start to burn early and tend to go wet/dry in the track. I wanted to be able to just blend into the edge of the wet with this one. It also shows some characteristics of being a benchmark type ball for some styles that are lower rev/higher speed.

I have thrown the HELIOS so far on a 42' 6:1 ratio/26 mils volume challenge pattern and also on a Kegel Beaten Path pattern which is 41' 5.8:1 ratio with slightly lower volume than the 42 foot pattern. I also have thrown it on house at both places I bowl league at. The HELIOS is a strong reaction but not as early as the original IDOL. The original picked up a couple of feet sooner for me. The HELIOS looked more like the IDOL PRO with a 2000 surface on it.

To summarize, it looks like RG split the gap between the IDOL and the IDOL PRO and has done it very well. If you own all 3 of the solid versions of the IDOL to date, then you can see a lot of utility out of these 3 to start a tourney bag with. Thrown in a assym/stronger cover like a PROTON PHYSIX or REALITY and something a little smoother and longer like RST-X2, RUBICON UC2, or DARK CODE and you have a really good start to a versatile 5-6 ball tournament bag.
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Roto Grip Idol Pearl

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 11/24/2018

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

My specs are 16.5 mph ball speed with about 285-315 RPM rev rate. New axis pts are 4 1/2 > 1/2 ^. I need my tilt and rotation checked but it used to be around 15* tilt with 35* rotation. Tweener with softer speed is my style.

I drilled my IDOL PEARL up 75/4.5/25. This put the pin about 2" above my ring finger and just slightly right of it. I went ahead and left the surface box finish to see where it fit in my arsenal before I make adjustments with it.

I got a chance to put it in play on a house pattern at my drillers center with a couple of other balls that I had with me. The IDOL PEARL got online very easily without forcing it and had a strong arcing reaction. The fresh shine made it whippy off the spot when I forced it wide, but after a few more shots on the lane it blended out easier.

I put it up against my PHYSIX and my SONIC. The IDOL PEARL is about 4 and 2 stronger than my SONIC that I have taken down using 1500/3000 abralon. It was also about 5 and 2 weaker than my PHYSIX that has some lane shine on it but still moves pretty good off the spot on defined friction like this house pattern.

I can see the IDOL PEARL being a ball that with a slight removal of the factory shine should put it right in between the HYROAD X and original IDOL. The low RG will get it to rev up slightly earlier along with the Nano cover to help.
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Roto Grip Idol Pro

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 10/27/2019

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

PBA50 member - 14* axis tilt, 35* rotation - 16.5 mph - 315 rev rate.
I drilled my Idol Pro 4 3/4" x 35*. I have been putting 2000 or 3000 depending on what pattern I am using this on. I get a smooth benchmark type reaction out of the Idol Pro. It has been a great ball down option for me when my Halo is getting sluggish at the spot down lane. The Pro pushes thru the front retaining energy well. i drilled a second one with a 4" x 25*. The second one might be too strong of a lay out. I may have to scratch that one with more surface and use on longer patterns.
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Roto Grip Idol Synergy

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 12/30/2020

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled up my IDOL SYNERGY with a short pin layout of 35 x 4 x 55. This put the pin in the ring finger. This is one of my favorite control type drillings. I touched the surface up with a 3000 pad to get the gloss off.

My IDOL SYNERGY is very controllable with this layout. Maybe a little too controllable as I have other pieces like the MVP ATTITUDE, WILD STREAK, and IDOL PRO that are good for keeping my target in front of me. I really think that I should have went with a pin higher drilling like maybe 4.5 inch to pap with a 25-30 val angle to give it more down lane move.

I see some use for this layout but have not seen a flat enough pattern in awhile to use it on. I will definitely be drilling a second with a stronger pin position and pin buffer to take advantage of the good push and back end other people throwing this are telling me about.
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Roto Grip Magic Gem

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 12/23/2023

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled up my ROTO GRIP MAGIC GEM with my standard layout of 4.5 x 4.5 x 2.5. This puts the pin close to the middle of my grip line but a good inch and a half above the fingers with a small CG kick out. I have thrown it with the box finish of 2000 factory finish.

I put this one up with my stronger balls that I use when I see a heavier or longer pattern. I threw it against my ETERNITY PI, EXOTIC GEM, and VIRTUAL ENERGY BLACKOUT. Compared right away to these, the MAGIC GEM picked up a lot quicker on the lanes than the others with the ETERNITY PI being the closest. The MAGIC was a good motion much earlier than the PI and EXOTIC GEMS. The VEB would be the ball down option.

Put this one in your bag if your looking for a stronger piece to pick up early or if your original GEM was just too early/stopped.
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Roto Grip Menace

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 10/28/2015

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Layout: 60 x 5.5 x 65 - box finish.

I drilled up the Menace - pin under to give me a strong cover ball with a smooth motion on the backend. The idea is to use this piece when I'm on shorter/high volume and longer patterns where I need to keep the breakpoint more in front of me. This ball didn't disappoint as I made the cut on a 42' PBA50 Senior regional throwing this layout. I'm going to drill a second one with higher pin layout and larger drilling angle to conserve energy and also to compliment this pin under layout.
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Roto Grip MVP

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 10/27/2019

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

PBA50 member - 14* axis tilt, 35* rotation - 16.5 mph - 315 rev rate.
I drilled my MVP up 4 3/4" x 40*. I have been putting 2000 or 3000 depending on what pattern I am using this on. I get a strong back end movement out of the MVP. I can send it away from the pocket and get this one back with some power and hit. I also have it spaced between my Pro Motion and !Q Tour Emerald. I have noticed that 3000 does blend it out and take some of the whippiness out of the back end motion.
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Roto Grip MVP Attitude

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 9/8/2020

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled my MVP ATTITUDE up 55 x 4.5 x 30. I left it box finish which is 3000 abralon. This is usually my go to lay out for most gear I drill up. This was highly recommended by my ball driller as he has drilled a couple for himself and likes them both. He said this one is a sleeper.

I used my MVP ATTITUDE on some house shots around 38-40 feet and also in a PBA50 Regional. I brought it out when the lanes started to get a little chopped up in the track and needed to get some push with good down lane motion. That is exactly what I got out of it.

I put my MVP ATTITUDE against some others like the ELECTRIFY PEARL and MVP PEARL. The MVP ATTITUDE is definitely earlier motion on the lane than both the ELECTRIFY AND MVP PEARLS. The MVP PEARL had more down lane shape, but the ATTITUDE had a good motion also.

The MVP ATTITUDE should be a good pick up for players looking for a ball that you can leave with a smoother dull surface (2000-4000 abr) on and get more length than the big cover balls like the AXIOM or RG UFO but still get good motion before you pull out the pearls or low diff balls like the IQ TOUR.
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Roto Grip MVP Pearl

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 3/5/2020

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled up my MVP PEARL at 45* x 5" x 30*. This is the same layout I put on my MVP. I have been throwing this one at a light 3000 abr with just enough pressure to knock the shine off.

The MVP PEARL gets more length for me than the original MVP. I see more shape out of it on the back than the WINNER which is very similar in weight block shape and dynamics. For me the WINNER is a little smoother which gives me a good 1-2 punch to rotate between when I need more or less motion on dryer and higher friction surfaces. I put this a little more ball than the Hustle lines and a little less than the IDOL PEARL. This is a good step down from the IDOL PEARL.

Drill this one up if you need some energy retention on higher friction lane surfaces and dryer house conditions.
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Roto Grip No Rules Exist

3 of 4 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 8/31/2017

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled up my NO RULES EXIST to be my "big hitter" when I see a long pattern or higher volume on a medium pattern. Compared to the DAREDEVIL TRICK which shares the same cover, I seen a more noticeable move off the spot where the TRICK was slower. Of course this makes perfect sense since the weight block is more stronger in the EXIST. I threw this some also with my MARVEL PEARL & CODE RED with the RED having slight surface on it. The MARVEL PEARL shaped a couple of board less that the EXIST and TRICK and looked like the perfect step down ball. The CODE RED was just too shined to get up on the 50' pattern that I was throwing these all side by side on and looked like it would need more texture to get in the conversation. I would think if your looking for a big hitter in your bag and the TRICK was a little too slow of the spot for you, this should fit the bill perfectly.
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Roto Grip Nuclear Cell

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 3/20/2020

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled my NUCLEAR CELL 35 x 4 x 55. This puts the pin in the ring finger and the MB on my midplane. I touched up the surface with a 1000 CTD pad then lightly hit it with a 3000 CTD over it.

I drilled the NUCLEAR CELL with the same layout as a HYPER CELL FUSED that I drilled to take to 2019 USBC Nationals. The HYPER CELL FUSED ended up being a go to ball for me on longer patterns when I need control with earlier read. The NUCLEAR CELL is as close to this as I can get except with just slightly more push thru the fronts. I have also thrown the NUCLEAR CELL as a ball down option to my GRAVITY EVOLVE when I felt that more push thru the front was needed and I felt they were too cliffed for my OMEGA CRUX.

I am going to drill a 2nd NUCLEAR CELL with a more pin-up in the range of 5" and the MB at about 75* to use when I feel there is more of a blend that needs push up front.
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Roto Grip Optimum Idol Pearl

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 12/9/2024

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled my OPTIMUM IDOL PEARL up with a 75 x 5.25 x 35 layout. I have primarily thrown it box finish but plan to take the reactagloss off and put a smoother 1000/3000 surface on it to use it as a first transition ball when the solid asyms start to burn too much and get offline or flatten out.

I have thrown this on a dryer house shot and it was great. Game 3 it started to read and stop or go thru the nose and the next move down should be my PHAZE AI. the OIP is also a great ball down from the SUMMIT ASCENT when that piece starts to get too smooth downlane and I am starting to go away from the pocket.
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Roto Grip RST X-1

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 12/30/2020

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Layout 45 x 5 x 40. I left this one box finish which is 3000 abr and have been touching this up with the 3000 pad.

My intent was to drill this and see what it looked like before adding a 2nd or 3rd one to the bag. So far it has been hard to describe where it fits and not in a bad way. It is not a PROTON PHYSIX, but is has more motion than my RUBICON. It is very readable and predictable and I have been using it on mostly medium/long-long patterns in the 40-44 foot range. If I am on the slicker side of the spectrum, I touch it with the 3000 pad and close my angles down. It also works for me when I need to open up my angles slightly more. If I have to really open them up, then I work in my NUCLEAR CELL and ball down from that to a AXIOM PEARL.

The RST X-1 looks like a great shape that anyone who isn't afraid to drill a 2nd or 3rd companion ball would want to do it with this release. The cover looks like it might be more on the solid side vs pearl and that may be what is dictating the motion which is a strong arc type reaction.
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Roto Grip RST X-2

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 8/31/2021

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled the X2 75 x 5 x 20. I have lightly touched the surface with a 3000 pad to get some of the shine off.
X2 review: This is a pearl version of the X1 and it has some of the same motion except further down the lane. My X1 was a little lazy at times and lane shined fairly easy. When I did hit it with 2000 abr, other balls like the PROTON PHYSIX or REALITY were much better looks. The X2 I compared to my DARK CODE, ZEN, and RUBICON UC2. Compared to the DARK CODE, my X2 is less violent off the spot. The DARK CODE can really go sideways on me with my slower speed. The X2 was more forward at the spot. Some of that is the 20* back angle. When I drill asyms with this back layout, they get forward on me earlier and can control the break point. Compared to the ZEN, the X2 is more push and more rounder at the spot. The ZEN is my go to ball when I want to get thru the fronts with good motion that almost never misses the spot. For me, the X2 is a little longer but my ZEN also has 2000 on it at all times. I can see these 2 playing off each other in my rotation. Compared to the UC2, the X2 is earlier and slightly stronger. My UC2 is the go long/finish later look in my bag and the X2 could be the option when I am getting too much length with the UC2.
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Roto Grip RST X-3

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 11/29/2022

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled up my RST-X3 with a 4.5 x 3.5 x 2 VLS layout. I have thrown it box (4K-Fast) and touched it with a 2000 pad also. I have thrown this on mostly PBA50 patterns in the longer range like the 46 ft and 44 ft patterns.

This is the real deal for me when it comes to send it right and watch it come back hard. I have an INFINITE PHYSIX that hooks quite a bit and the X3 is there step for step and maybe even harder on the back. Compared to my stronger cover solid balls like the SUPER NOVA, this is a great step down with big motion.
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Roto Grip Rubicon

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 10/27/2020

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled my 1st RUBICON with a layout of 45 x 4 x 35. I hit the box surface with a 2000 abr pad and let it lane shine back up. I drilled RUBICON #2 with almost the same layout of 45 x 4 x 30. The idea is to keep one at around 1000-1500 abr to use when there is more oil until the 2nd one is in play.

I used the 1st RUBICON on a PBA50 regional that was on 39ft Don Carter. We were squad C so the lanes were tighter for a 39 foot pattern than the practice session the day before. I like this motion. Good push and back end for a ball that is marketed as for more oil. The progression that day was RUBICON > MVP ATTITUDE > HYROAD X with pin in ring finger. I liked the way the RUBICON fit the progression.

2nd RUBICON has a slight bit more "pop" on the back compared to the 1st one. This is the one I am going to hit with the 1000-1500 CTD pads. My speed is naturally slow so this 2nd RUBICON with more surface will be in play on longer patterns than my usual heavy oil suspects (UFO, OMEGA CRUX, etc).

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Roto Grip Rubicon UC2

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 3/7/2021

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled my RUBICON UC2 up 60 x 4.5 x 30. I have thrown it at box finish which is polished and also hit it with a 2000 pad lightly.

The intent was to have a cleaner cover version of the RUBICON in my bag for when the RUBICON started to slow down or get lazy at the spot.

I have thrown the UC2 on mostly house as it came out right after the holidays when tournament play slowed down here in Ohio. On house it is nice to pull out when the dry starts to get sharp and my ZEN and AXIOM PEARL are getting to be too much off the spot. The UC2 is smoother than both of those and is a good compliment to sequence off of either of those balls.

Drill the UC2 up to get a cleaner option when the typical first stronger pearls out of the bag are too much and it is too early to go to the weaker core pearls.
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Roto Grip Rubicon UC3

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 3/19/2022

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled my RUBICON UC 3 with a 50 x 4 x 30 layout. So far I have used at the out of box surface which is 1000 abralon.

I haven't threw many urethane releases due to not needing that kind of look for my lower rev rate. I can usually line up with pin under-smoother balls to play shorter patterns or flatter conditions. The UC-3 is a little stronger than I imagined and to my eyes looks more like a Hustle type reaction with a stronger core.

I have actually put this on the lanes with a little more head oil to keep it online because it does finish strongly. Compared to my HYPED HYBRID, the UC-3 is close on gripping the lane earlier. The HYPED is more ball on the back end as the UC-3 is more smoother arc compared to it. I can see the UC-3 being more in play to start when patterns are a little flatter and a lower rev rate player needs that urethane type control but a FAST PITCH or PITCH BLACK is just too slow and hits flat at the pocket.
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Roto Grip Rumble

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 10/14/2013

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Lay Out: 4.5" from PAP at 60* PAP angle and 32* VAL angle. Dual angle measurement would be 60/4.5/32. The pin ended up about 1.5" above my ring finger with the CG slightly swung out from the ring finger. The 60* angle put the RG about an inch right of my thumb. I also have a weight hole 5" straight across the center line.

Surface: I am box finish which is 2000 abralon.

Purpose: I wanted to drill up this up to try to fill a benchmark type reaction my arsenal is badly missing.

Lane Condition Observations: I have thrown this on a couple of different patterns: PBA X Chameleon, modified Chameleon ran to 45', and 2 different volume/length house shots on Pro Anvilane. The Rumble was only out of it's element on the 45' shot; It just didn't have the teeth or motor to make any real kind of move off the spot on this pattern. On the house shots, it was smooth off the friction almost like I could keep it closer or in the friction more than my stronger balls like the Marvel-S, Lucid, and Disturbed.

Response to Friction: The Rumble in box condition is a medium to slower response ball. This one reeks of control and gives the impression even shined up some, it will stay in control.

Other Ball Comparisions: I threw it with my Deranged, Lucid, Shout, and Lights Out. Compared to my Deranged, the Rumble is smoother off the spot and not as jerky. The Deranged makes a good strong move off friction and is a higher response ball. My Lucid is still 4000 box and it gets up in the backend stronger than the Rumble. Again another quicker response ball. The Shout gets thru the fronts better event the new duller Shout 2013 gets a lot further downlane then the Rumble. My Lights Out is close reaction wise, but it has to start in the oil first. If I get the Lights Out in the friction too early it checks faster while the Rumble just slows down.

Final Thoughts: If your looking for something that reminds you of the Riot from a couple of years ago, then get a Rumble or two in your bag. A real nice step up from the HP1 line of balls also as it reads earlier and more predictably than the newer Shout 2013 which has the same 2000 surface on it. To use as a true benchmark though, you might need something with a little stronger core/cover combo like a IQ Tour or a solid-based hybrid like the newer Reign On.
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Roto Grip Show Off

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 10/7/2017

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled up my SHOW OFF to be my go to ball when the lanes are medium length/more volume and I need some more cover than my TORRENT and my DAREDEVIL TRICK and NO RULES EXIST are too much ball. The SHOW OFF is the ball for that spot in my arsenal. Smooth and strong off the spot, it is hard sometimes to believe this is an HP 2 line ball as the performance is more high end like the NO RULES EXIST. Put one of these in your bag today.
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Roto Grip TNT

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 3/31/2023

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled my TNT 4 1/2 x 3 x 2. I left this one at the box finish which is 2000.

The early scuttle on this one from other staffers is controllable but strong motion. Many plan to take this one to USBC Nationals a strong control piece.

I compared it to the GEM, an original IDOL, and a EXOTIC GEM. Compare to the GEM, the TNT is a definite slower reaction but still early like the GEM. If you are needing to keep it in front of you and the GEM is starting to go too early, then the TNT is in play. Compared to the original IDOL, you can see a lot of the same motion. I like my IDOL when the lanes were tougher but I wanted the ball to grip the lane a little earlier in an arcing motion. The TNT cover is slightly newer so it is a few boards earlier than the OG IDOL. Compared to the EXOTIC GEM was almost not fair. The EXOTIC skated past the spot on to much oil where the TNT had it, and when the lanes got hooking more, the TNT went more forward than the EXOTIC. Almost not a fair fight between those two.

Drill up a TNT if you want a good strong control ball for tougher/slicker lanes. The core/cover combo will immediately make you think of the original IDOL which was very controllable except a newer cover that grabs earlier.
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Roto Grip UFO

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 3/18/2020

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled up my UFO at 55* x 4 1/2" x 30*. I have been throwing this one at box finish of 2000 tru-cut.

The UFO is a bigger core/cover combo for me. I have thrown this one on some modified house patterns and on the PBA50 Billy Hardwick 44 pattern which in 2020 is 44'/28.2 mil condition. On the modified pattern, I had good results with the UFO. It read early enough to keep me from using a 1000 tru-cut GRAVITY EVOLVE. Compared to the EVOLVE, the UFO was slightly weaker up front but had more energy down lane and rolled forward just slightly at the end of the pattern making it a much better option. On the 44 ft/28 mil pattern, the 1000 covered EVOLVE was a better play as it got out of the skid just slightly earlier than the UFO. Once the EVOLVE started to bleed too much energy, then the UFO was in play for much of the remaining games of the block.

Buy this when you want something to pick up earlier than your hybrids with big core motion down lane.
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Roto Grip UFO Alert

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 8/26/2021

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled the UFO ALERT up 35 x 4 x 50. I have lightly touched up the surface with 2000 abr lightly. This was to duplicate a ball that I enjoyed quite a bit which was the HYPER CELL FUSED. The cover on the ALERT is the same as the FUSED so I thought this would be a good way to start on this one.

The UFO ALERT is a good hard arcing reaction that should be a staple in tournament bags. Not too flippy at the spot but reliable motion that is not hard to control. Compared to my DARK CODE, the ALERT blends out the oil a little smoother. The DARK CODE is sharp off the spot and at times is sideways if my speed is on the slow side. The ALERT rolls thru it and would just stand up and half-ten where the DARK CODE didn't lay off and left designer splits. Now when the ALERT is standing up and going forward a little too much, that is the signal to move to something like the DARK CODE or RUBICON UC2 which get more length naturally being pearls. Touching the surface with the 2000 pad did make it more controllable. I also tried my RST-X2 in the same spot and the ALERT was much earlier compared to the X2. The X2 is another pearl that has strong motion when the lanes have dried out a little too much for the ALERT to keep online.

Drill the UFO ALERT when you want that slightly earlier than a pearl motion but your solids are setting up or going forward just a touch too quickly.
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Roto Grip Unhinged

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 4/5/2015

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Lay Out: 5" from PAP at 50* PAP angle and 65* VAL angle. Dual angle measurement would be 50/5/65. No weight hole as I wanted to throw it first and then make tweaks if needed. This is a pin thru the ring finger drilling for me.

Surface: Box which is 1500 Reacta-Shine. I also tried it at 2000 sa-air abralon by hand.

Purpose: I wanted a pearl ball to throw either on medium or slightly broken down league patterns.

Observations: The Unhinged has a very unique look to it. I see a long and strong type of look even with a slightly mellower lay out for me. I threw it some side by side with the Optimus, Lucid, and Hyper Cell Skid. The Optimus was slightly earlier with a stronger shape. The Unhinged was a great "ball down" option.The Lucid v Unhinged look was a little more of a gap as I keep the Lucid still at 4000. I would have to pick up my speed with the Lucid since the Unhinged wasn't quite making the corner in box condition. I noticed the same with the Hyper Cell Skid v Unhinged comparison also. I did try to take the Unhinged down to 2000 by hand and closed the gap considerably. I got a stronger move and a little earlier with surface and took some of the over/under out of the Unhinged.

Conclusions: The Unhinged is definitely a great piece and ball down option with the Hyper Cell Skid or Optimus. It is also a good piece to fill the gap between your stronger solids or Outcry to the UpRoar/Wrecker. If you notice too much of a gap, put some surface on it and watch the over/under go away. Try one out, you won't be disappointed.
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Roto Grip Uproar

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 2/15/2014

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Lay Out: 4.5" from PAP at 60* PAP angle and 30* VAL angle. Dual angle measurement would be 60/4.5/30. The pin ended up about 1/2 above my ring finger with the CG very swung out from the ring finger. I put a weight hole in the P2 area to maintain reaction.

Surface: I hit the box finish with a used 2000 abralon pad.

Purpose: I wanted to drill up this up the same as my Rumble to try to get a nice 1-2 punch to compare to. I had the Riot/Dark Star combo a couple of seasons ago and loved the way they rolled on shorter and lower volume patterns.

Observations: The UpRoar is very much like a sharper version of the Rumble. It is strong but controllable. I put it side by side with a Rumble and it has the same sort of shape, but is sharper off the spot. I hit the surface with a used 2000 pad and that smoothed it out more. This ball could be the Wrecker of 2014 as far as strong top shelf performance at a lower price.
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Roto Grip Wild Streak

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 12/11/2019

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled up my WILD STREAK at 45* x 4" x 30*. I wanted to make sure that I got this high rg ball rolling a little quicker than the high rg STORM FIGHT I had drilled a couple of seasons ago. I have been throwing this one at box finish of 3000 abr. The WILD STREAK for me seems very much along the same shape and motion as the IQ TOUR EDITION solid. I have a tough time getting my IQ SOLID to hit. When it is in play for me, I have other options that seem to hit better. I see the WILD STREAK different as it lets me shut my angles down but hits a lot stronger for me doing this. When I shut my angles down with a PHAZE II or IDOL, I get some energy loss up front and ping tens a lot. I can see the WILD STREAK letting me get some more energy retention further thru the midlane resulting in improved carry when I shut it down and go more direct. I can see the shape as being controllable and will let players with stronger releases drill it with stronger lay outs to take advantage of the smoothness.
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Roto Grip Winner

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 8/28/2018

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

My stats: 16.5 mph ball speed, 285-315 rev rate, up the back type release with a high track. To summarize, medium speed - forward roll type of release with moderate revs.

I put the WINNER at 60 x 5 x 30. This layout ended up with close to 1.5 oz of side weight which now doesn't require a weight hole as of August 1, 2018.

I have thrown the WINNER on mostly house and our state Masters pattern. The WINNER is skid/flippy. I get easy push in the front with little effort and big move at the break point. I will probably have to either put a weight hole in to tame it some or smooth the cover up to about 3000 to get it to burn some of that push in the front of the lane.

Compared to the ALL OUT SHOW OFF which this ball basically has replaced, I see it more push and more whippy down the lane. I changed my cover on the AOSO and got it to read well enough for me on higher friction house shots. I see the WINNER being a good ball down option if it is drilled weak enough to lay off in the back.

The WINNER should be a great option for more friction. Don't be afraid to hit it with 3000 to smooth it out off the back end.

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Roto Grip Winner Solid

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 11/26/2018

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

My specs are 16.5 mph ball speed with about 285-315 RPM rev rate. New axis pts are 4 1/2 > 1/2 ^. I need my tilt and rotation checked but it used to be around 15* tilt with 35* rotation. Tweener with softer speed is my style.

I drilled up my WINNER SOLID with a benchmark layout for me of 65 x 4.5 x 35 with no hole. I left it box finish to try it out first before adjusting. Early opinion is smooth rolling with good push in the fronts. Obviously the shape in the back was very close to the original WINNER when it made it's move.

I have only used this on house and it is great for getting close to the oil line and letting the side and back end friction of the lane correct it to the pocket. This is not the heavy oiler the SHOW OFF was. Different cover on the WINNER SOLID compared to the SHOW OFF even though the shape of the weight block is the same (except for the puck on the bottom which increased the diff on the WINNERS).

Compared to some current balls, the WINNER SOLID is definitely about 6 and 3 right of my PHYSIX. My HYROAD X even with the shine knocked off is still stronger and the HYROAD X specs are weaker compared to the WINNER SOLID. My HALO is about 6 and 3 stronger as is my IDOL SOLID. No surprise as we are comparing apples to oranges with the stronger covers/cores in the Storm family. I will say the HYROAD X having a stronger move at the spot was my biggest surprise but the cover should be stronger also on the HYROAD X.

Drill this one up if you are looking for something that clears the fronts easier than the stronger balls but does not float like a Pearl can tend to do in this spot in the Storm/Roto line-ups. This should also be a great ball for the mediums like volume and length when you want to control the backend and the SHOW OFF is just too early at the break point.
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Roto Grip X-Cell

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 8/25/2024

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled up my X-CELL with pin under layout of 4 x 5 x 3 layout that I use for pin under layouts. I have tweaked the surface at 2000 to a light 3000.

The X-CELL was laid out with control in mind. I wanted a ball to use when the volume was higher or the pattern longer but also with clean/fresh backends. The pin under layout on the X-CELL gives this one a smoother transition to the dryer end of the pattern so it doesn't boomerang off the spot. I put this one up against some of my bigger balls that I use on longer/higher volume patterns. Compared to the HARSH REALITY, the X-Cell is a smoother transition from wet to dry. The HARSH really digs in compared to the X-CELL and is much closer to the GEM than the X-CELL. Compared to my GEM, the X-Cell is a good compliment as it reads the friction slower and is a good ball down with the light 3000 on it. I may drill another X-CELL with a pin up layout to see how much closer it gets to the early and predictable read of the original GEM.

Put this one in your bag if you are wanting to put a bigger reliable strong piece that is not super early but is more ball than your big pearls. This is also a good one to put in between your HARSH REALITY or GEM and ATTENTION STAR.
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Storm Absolute

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 3/31/2023

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled my ABSOLUTE 5 x 3 x 2. I cracked the surface first with 3000 to remove the shine then hit it again with 1500 lightly to put some teeth on it. I have thrown on a couple of cliffed up house shots mainly.

The ABSOLUTE gave a couple of ways to play this wet/dry pattern. I could go right up the edge of the cliff with softer speed and the ABSOLUTE would just roll off it and hit very well. When that went away, I started more up the back with slightly higher speed and now it came back to life as it cleared the now burnt fronts easier but still had plenty down lane.

I compared it to the REVENANT and EXOTIC GEM. The EXOTIC was a lot more motion down lane and was almost uncontrollable playing where the ABSOLUTE looked so good at. If there was a need to get into the meat of the pattern, the EXOTIC would have been the better play. The REVENANT was just too clean to play in the burn like the up-the-back ABSOLUTE was. The REVENANT just was too late and made me move into the dry more and then was not enough when I blended left to get away from the early burn.

Drill up an ABSOLUTE if you want a versatile piece that is a slight step down from the sharp motion of the EXOTIC GEM or a little more than an REVENANT.
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Storm All-Road

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 12/10/2019

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled my All Road up 75 x 4 x 30. I have touched up the surface with 2000 and 3000 pads. It seems to fit my style at 3000 CTD pad. I have always been hit or miss with the Road series weight blocks going all the way back to the Thunder Roads and T-Roads. A ball like the Cross Road would fit my game and I would throw it until the cover stopped reacting, but then a ball that everyone loved like the Hy Road I couldn't get to hit no matter the layout or surface. The All Road is a perfect fit for my game. I can throw this on medium (39-42 feet) patterns and go away from the pocket or line it straighter and get it to hold and hit. I am going to drill a compliment ball since I throw this on both league and sport patterns so well. I figure a slightly weaker pin distance in the 5" range but with a smaller val angle like 20* will make this one push and tip downlane when the 4" one is too early. Drill this one up and be pleased as the cover and core match up well together.
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Storm Alpha Crux

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 6/23/2016

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled my Alpha Crux up with the same specs as a Pearl Crux that I drilled last season. This made it 50 x 5 x 40 or pin up. I left it box finish to start which is 2000 abralon.

The Alpha is a beast. Good finish on longer patterns and really strong on house patterns coming out of the puddle in the middle. I did notice that once I got some "lane shine" the ball tamed down and was in play more on house patterns. But the good thing is the minute I touched it with a 2000 pad it was back to it's out of box hook.

Compared to the Pearl Crux it definitely picks up earlier and is still strong at the break point. I threw it some side by side with a Lock that I keep around 3000 and it is earlier and little smoother than the Lock. My Lock tends to want to get a later/stronger move towards the pocket.

Put this one in your bag if your looking for your "big hitter" in your arsenal.
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Storm Axiom

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 3/20/2020

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled my AXIOM 50 x 4 3/4 x 30. I threw it some at the box of 3000 but adjusted it to 1500 CTD.

I threw my AXIOM on the PBA50 Billy Hardwick 44 condition and also on our 40' house shot. On the Hardwick which is a 44'/28.4 mil shot, I got surprisingly good and strong reaction compared to my GRAVITY EVOLVE. There was one pair in the center that I had to go to the EVOLVE because the AXIOM would not grab downlane. What I was seeing compared to the EVOLVE was good downlane motion. When I threw it on my house shot, I had to open up my angles quite a bit as it was very strong compared to my ALL ROAD that I normally throw in that center.

I would say the AXIOM is very similar to a PHAZE II with more movement down lane. These 2 should be a good 1-2 punch. I can't wait to drill an AXIOM slightly weaker and smooth it out to use on more medium patterns to take advantage of the good back end motion.
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Storm Axiom Pearl

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 11/23/2020

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled my AXIOM PEARL up 65 x 4.5 x 35. I have cracked the surface with a used 2000abr pad to help smooth out some of the sharpness of the down lane motion. This layout is a slower responding layout for my game and I wanted to keep the AXIOM PEARL usable.

I have thrown this mainly on league patterns of 41 feet and tried it a couple of times on some of the medium longer patterns in the 40-42 ft range. I put it up against the IQ NANO PEARL, ASTRO PHYSIX, and TREND. For me the AXIOM PEARL was more responsive down lane than the IQNP. The TREND responded sharply but after the AP was slowing down so they were a nice progression. The ASTRO PHYSIX was sharper off the spot when the AP had the transition to the TREND. The TREND was the better move as the ASTRO was sharper and forced me to move another 5 and 2 left and give up some angle to the pocket which made my carry go down. Against the IQNP, the AXIOM PEARL was more motion and would be a good compliment to control a pattern that has evolved into a wet/dry scenario where the IQNP has slowed down too much in back. The AXIOM PEARL with some surface would be a great move left into the cliff.
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Storm Byte

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 10/14/2013

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Lay Out: 4.5" from PAP at 55* PAP angle and 25* VAL angle. Dual angle measurement would be 55/4.5/25. The pin ended up about 2" above my ring finger with the CG very slightly swung out from the ring finger. The 55* angle put the Bolt even or slightly higher than my thumb. No weight hole.

Surface: I am box finish which is 1500 Reacta-Shine.

Purpose: I wanted to drill up this up to try to fill a "long and strong" type reaction my arsenal is badly missing on league shots.

Lane Condition Observations: I have thrown this on a couple of different house patterns: 2 different volume/length house shots on Pro Anvilane. The Byte was only out of it's element on the lower volume shot; It just labored thru the front and didn't have much pop on the back. On the more puddled shot, the Byte is very strong and I need to keep it online thru the oil to keep it from leaving rope tens and nines.

Response to Friction: The Byte in box condition is a medium to faster response ball. This one can respond fast down the lane with a stronger layout or slow down to medium with a pin under layout if needed.

Other Ball Comparisons: I threw it with my Deranged, Lucid, & Lights Out. Compared to my Deranged, the Byte is stronger off the spot and needs more oil or it will labor at the spot. The Deranged gets more length than the Byte. My Lucid is still 4000 box and it gets up earlier in the midlane than the Byte. I could probably dull the Byte to 4000 but then it would be a carbon copy of the Lucid reaction wise. The Byte makes a good ball to go down from and keep the same motion on the lane. My Lights Out is a lot longer than the Byte. I have to get into the friction zone more to get the Lights Out to move up sharp like the Byte.

Final Thoughts: The Byte seems to remind me of the Gravity Shift a lot more than anything else. The Gravity was pretty versatile and the specs for the Byte suggest there is a lot of room to tweak with. I would say if you want something to get longer than the Sync, Defiant Soul, or Lucid, then the Byte should fill that void in your line up.
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Storm Code Black

17 of 17 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 12/20/2016

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled my Code Black up with my favorite pearl ball layout of 60 x 4.5 x 45. I touched the surface lightly with 4000. This usually takes the over/under from house shots away for me. I liken the Code Black to one of my favorite Storm pearls in the Lucid. The Code Black is clean thru the front and strong thru the back. I hit it softly with 4000 to slow it down a bit which worked as I left more 9 pins the first few games than I normally leave in a season. Once the ball tamed down, it took the 2-8-10 out of play for me. I just couldn't seem to throw it far enough right without it recovering and blowing the pins away. This is the skid/flip ball Storm has needed in their line up for awhile now.
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Storm Code Red

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 8/31/2017

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled up my CODE RED the same as my original CODE BLACK, 75 x 5 x 35 which is my favorite drilling for stronger balls as they retain energy in the back end of the lane more this way for me. I noticed right away how much earlier the CODE RED is compared to the original CODE BLACK. I get continuous motion and can play multiple angles with this ball as long as there is enough head oil present. The CODE RED is a great compliment to the CODE BLACK as an earlier reading piece when your CODE BLACK is too long to the spot.

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Storm Code X

10 of 10 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 3/31/2018

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled up my CODE X with a standard asym layout of mine, 65/5/35 with a weight hole 5" across the grip center. I have throw this box finish and then hit it with a 2000 pad to make it a little more earlier for a tournament with more head oil. This puts the pin above my ring finger with the RAD4 slightly right of my thumb.

The CODE X is strong especially compared to some of my other balls that I prefer when there is more oil up front like my NO RULES EXIST or IDOL. Compared to the IDOL, my IDOL is much earlier and the CODE X is more on the back end. Compared to the NO RULES EXIST is a little tougher because I usually leave the NRE at 1500 abralon so naturally it is much earlier than the CODE X. They are good compliments in that progression of surface as when the NRE starts to ping or check too quickly, the CODE X is in play.

Put this one in your bag if you want a ball for oilier lane conditions that has back end movement.
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Storm Crux

7 of 8 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 12/10/2014

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Lay Out 4.5" from PAP at 75* PAP angle and 35* VAL angle. Dual angle measurement would be 75/4.5/35. The pin ended up about 1/2 above my ring finger with the CG close to my center of grip. No weight hole as I wanted the direction change to be smooth. After throwing it some more, I may add one.

Surface: I left it box which is 3000 abralon.

Purpose: I wanted a strong hybrid piece in my bag since I have had good reactions from Storm balls that use ERG cover-stocks. Seeing how this is Storm's first foray into a high end hybrid, I was all ears.

Observations: The Crux is a good looking piece. I got to throw it on a 45' flat sport shot left over from a local college teams practice session the night before (Go Bucks!). I also got to put my IQ Tour Nano into play side by side with it along with a Marvel S, Zero Gravity, Lucid, IQ Tour Fusion with surface, IQ Tour Fusion-box finish, and a Prodigy that is at 2000. The Crux was stronger than the IQ Fusions easily by 3-4 boards for the 1000 abr one and 6-8 boards for the box finish one. The comparison to the Zero was the one I had the most interest in since they share the same cover-stock. The Zero just doesn't have the motor the Crux has to get thru the deck with the authority the Crux does. I also wanted to see it side by side with the two NRG cover balls in the Marvel S and IQ Tour Nano. The Tour Nano and Marvel S could match it in hook maybe even hooking a little sooner than the Crux. Hitting power was the difference as the Crux just seemed like it split the 8-9 in half on well thrown and some weaker throws.

Conclusion: The Crux looks like a good stronger ball to have in the bag. If you do not frequent heavy tournament type patterns, you may even have to shine it a little. I am going to pop some holes in another with a stronger layout to see if it can replace a couple of balls in my line up for slicker patterns.
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Storm Crux Pearl

9 of 9 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 4/6/2015

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Storm Crux review by Mike Craig

Lay Out: 4.5" from PAP at 50* PAP angle and 45* VAL angle. Dual angle measurement would be 50/4.5/45. 7/8" weight hole 5" straight across the axis as I only wanted to make it legal as I was pleased with the motion.

Surface: Box which is 1500 Reacta-Shine.

Purpose: I wanted a strong pearl ball to throw either on longer patterns or to be able to move into the puddle for leagues.

Observations: The Crux Pearl is what most tweeners hoped the original Crux would be out of the gate. I threw it some side by side with the Optimus, original Crux, and newer Rocket. The Optimus was longer with some of the same shape. On longer patterns is where the Crux Pearl had a significant advantage as it had no problem moving off the end of the pattern strongly. I used both in a PBA50 regional that had the Shark pattern out and the Optimus was at home due to the surface being wood. The Cruz Pearl was just too violent off the spot and would have forced me to open my angles up too much for the way the pattern was playing. I instead used the IQ Tour Nano when I needed the ball to bleed off more energy while the lanes settled down. Once they settled, the Optimus was much smoother and the better choice. Now on league patterns with dry out and puddle in, the Crux Pearl is very good for me. I can throw with my normal 325 rev rate or flatten my hand/pick my speed up and move closer to the oil line and have a great look from there also. Using it with the Rocket is interesting. The Rocket is just too long and late compared to the Crux Pearl. The Rocket has its place, just not as a ball down choice from the Crux Pearl unless I hit the Rocket with 3000 to get the skid more under control.

Conclusions: The Crux Pearl is definitely a great piece and compliment if you drilled the original Crux. For some of the tweeners, the Pearl is a lot better option for league conditions. On tournament patterns where the back end is less defined, you may need to touch the cover to get this one to slow down and be more predictable. Try one out, you won't be disappointed.

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Storm Crux Prime

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 3/23/2019

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

My stats are in my profile. I laid the CRUX PRIME out 65x5x35. This is my preferred initial layout on big core asymmetric bowling balls. I have been touching the surface up with 2000 when it shows a little lane shine.

For me I have mainly been throwing the PRIME on a sport condition league that is 45' this half. The PRIME can be very slow off the spot if I am lazy with my release. Compared to a PHYSIX that has 45x4x30 layout, the PRIME was slow at the point. I went ahead and put a balance hole 6 3/4" from my pin down the VAL. Different bowling ball with the balance hole. The PRIME is more responsive at the break point and can be a little sharp. The strong cover does let me play the hold on this longer pattern which is better for my game as I tend to miss left more than I do right.

I have been balling down with either the PHYSIX or new RG HALO PEARL depending on how much we chop up the track with surfaced balls.

Drill this one if you want a strong ball that responds to your grip pressure. If you hit it the PRIME will hook. If you lay off, the PRIME will stay online and be predictable. All in all, this should be a good sport shot type ball because it is controllable and does not naturally break loose at the end of the pattern even on the fresh unless you "get on it" at the bottom and make it hook sharply.
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Storm Dark Code

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 8/26/2021

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled the DARK CODE up 75 x 5 x 30. I have touched up the surface with 2000 abr lightly. i wanted to get a long and strong reaction with this one.

The DARK CODE is the long/strong reaction that many are looking for. Compared to my UFO ALERT, the DARK CODE comes off the spot faster. The ALERT rolls thru it while the CODE jumps off the spot. Touching the surface with the 2000 pad made it more controllable. I also tried my RST-X2 in the same spot and the CODE is still stronger at the spot than the X2.

The DARK CODE gives me the impression that if you are looking for something to get left and send it right, this is the ball.
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Storm DNA

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 3/31/2023

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled my DNA 4 1/2 x 4 x 2 1/2. I left this one at the box finish to see what it could do.

The early word on the DNA from other staffers is it looks like an asymmetric PHAZE II both in color and motion. I immediately thought the same thing. The DNA has that easy motion just like the PHAZE II except definitely a stronger cover as it blended out the lane easier

I compared it to the SUPER NOVA and GEM, both of the other stronger pieces that I have thrown. The SUPER is a lot more back end motion and I needed my feet further left. The GEM was earlier and it seemed like there just was not enough head oil on the lane to get it to hold energy to hit as I left a lot of burn tens. I did also throw a couple of other balls to ball down like the ABSOLUTE which was about 3-4 boards weaker in the front but quicker down lane and a DARK CODE that I really like on house. The DARK CODE was about 2-3 boards weaker on the house shot down lane. The DNA really played off the DARK CODE for me as I could move off the DNA when it was time for a change.

Drill up an DNA if you loved your PHAZE II and just felt it wasn't enough when the lanes had more volume or were longer and you didn't want to put 500 or 1000 on it. Also if one of your stronger pearls just isn't reading early enough. This is where the DNA excels. It is stronger but controllable.

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Storm Drive

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 3/31/2018

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled my DRIVE up with a 65/4.75/35 layout but with no weight hole. I wanted to leave the option to tweak the motion if needed. This put the pin slightly above my ring finger with the CG still in USBC legal range. I have left it box since I have other much stronger options on higher volume/longer patterns.

I have throw the DRIVE on house patterns, a modified house pattern, and a couple of Kegel Challenge patterns. The DRIVE is smooth. It makes me think of my HYROAD NANO with just a touch more back end motion. Compared to my IDOL or CODE X, the DRIVE is smoother and not as hard off the point like both of those can be.

I would think anyone looking for control out of a stronger surface ball on longer and tougher patterns would want to put the DRIVE in their bag.
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Storm Electrify Black/Silver/Yellow

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 8/31/2023

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled up my ELECTRIFY B/S/Y with a standard drilling of 4 x 4 x 2. This is my favorite drilling for balls with lower differentials to get them to flare up a little more and not go too straight at the break point. I tried box surface then hit it with a 2000 abralon pad to get the gloss off.

The ELECTRIFY B/S/Y is one of those balls that was definitely better when the lanes were hooking quite a bit for me. I put it up against some of my newer pieces like the DUO, ZEN GOLD, and DARK CODE to get a feel even though these were apples to oranges.

Against the DUO, it wasn't a bad compliment especially when the 2000 was applied. It made them play off one another a little better than the ZEN GOLD or DARK CODE. Both of those were too angular compared to the ELECTRIFY B/S/Y and were not the same motion.

I would say the ELECTRIFY B/S/Y would be a good option if you have a high friction environment like older wood or really worn panels on synthetics and need something to get down the lane and make a smoother move to the pocket.
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Storm Electrify G/O

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 12/22/2022

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled up my ELECTRIFY GO 55 x 4.5 x 30. I lightly hit the surface with 3000 to get the factory gloss off of it. I threw this side by side with some pearl Storm pieces namely the PHAZE V, NIGHT ROAD, and INFINITE PHYSIX.

On a more medium pattern like a 40 foot house, the ELECTRIFY GO is in play a lot sometimes to start and thru the entire set. When I got it on longer patterns, it was not in play unless the field blew up the pattern and everyone was forced left of the third arrow. Compared to the PHAZE V, it was no contest. PHAZE V was too early and too strong. Same with INFINITE PHYSIX. Now it was closer to the NIGHT ROAD and was a great compliment length wise. It is a slightly softer motion compared to the NIGHT ROAD and works well when the lane starts to get toasty.

Drill this one up if you are rev dominant or slower speed but want more performance than the low end starting level balls.
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Storm Electrify Hybrid

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 9/8/2020

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Drilled my ELECTRIFY HYBRID up 50 x 4 x 30. Left it box finish to get a feel for it. 4' pin positions for me are usually very early starters for my game which is on the straighter side of tweener.

Right away I noticed the length. Being a weaker cover than Storm's big hitters made it get length without having to throw harder or force it down lane. The ELECTRIFY HYBRID should be good for dead burn or getting outside of a league shot with a defined dry area to the right/left of target.

I put it up side-by-side with it's sister release, the ELECTRIFY PEARL, ASTRO PHYSIX, AND MVP PEARL. The HYBRID to me was slightly longer than the PEARL. ASTRO was a lot more ball and quicker down lane. MVP PEARL was closer but still a lot more ball than both the PEARL and HYBRID ELECTRIFYS.

Drill this one up when you want something for the dead burn or to play right on a really dry league shot.

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Storm Electrify Pearl

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 9/8/2020

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Drilled my ELECTRIFY PEARL up 50 x 4 x 30. Left it box finish to get a feel for it. 4' pin positions for me are usually very early starters for my game which is on the straighter side of tweener.

Right away I noticed the length. Being a weaker cover than Storm's big hitters made it get length without having to throw harder or force it downlane. The ELECTRIFY PEARL should be good for dead burn or getting outside of a league shot with a defined dry area to the right/left of target.

I put it side by with a couple of other balls like the ASTRO PHYSIX & MVP PEARL. ASTRO as figured was a lot more motion downlane. MVP PEARL was also more motion but later downlane then the ASTRO. The ELECTRIFY PEARL looked like a step down when the MVP PEARL is getting up to the pocket too early.
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Storm Electrify Solid

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 11/11/2021

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled my ELECTRIFY SOLID at 4.5 x 30. I have a BURNER SOLID at 4 x 25 so I wanted something to step down with that still had a good shape to it. The ELECTRIFY SOLID is a great addition to the Storm Hot line. Good push and really nice shape down lane. Compared to the BURNER, the ELECTRIFY SOLID was a great compliment especially when I took the BURNER down to 3000 so they had separation. I balled up to a RST-X2 to see how much more this piece was compare to both. They both played off the RST-X2 pretty well as ball down choices. The BURNER shape was more continuous and the ELECTRIFY was more angular.
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Storm Equinox

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 3/1/2025

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled up my EQUINOX at 5 x 4 x 3. I wanted this to be stable rolling and to possibly be a middle of the set ball on medium to med/heavy patterns. I have thrown it at the box finish.

The EQUINOX is all it is advertised to be which is a predictable league shot killer type ball. I get good rolly reaction but not too sideways when it sees friction unless it is fed directly into the friction too early. From deeper angles, I get the good roll when it does see the friction, but it can blow past the breakpoint if I get too far left too quickly. Hitting power is good for me and it does give some release forgiveness.

I put this up against my SUBLIME FOCUS which I shined up with Power Edge and has been my starting league ball. Very similar in that I can play with both in the same general area on the lane and get predicable ball motion. The FOCUS has an edge if I am "lining" it to the pocket more as being a solid base, it picks up just soon enough to get the weak ten out where the EQUINOX might still be too flat to carry that hit yet. I tried it against some other pieces in this medium/heavy range like the PHAZE AI or PHYSIX BLACKOUT but there is not much comparison as I keep both of those with more surface, so they pick up quicker than the EQUINOX. I do get the feeling that I could drill a companion EQUINOX with a stronger pin placement and keep surface on it and have a predictable smooth pearl for a longer pattern when the front goes away for the stronger solids, but the shined pearls just are not seeing the pattern early enough to get the corners out.
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Storm Fast Pitch

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 12/29/2020

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Layout 50 x 4 x 35. I left this one factory which is 1000 abralon.

I have thrown this on mostly house which is around 40 feet with medium volume.

I was able to throw the FAST PITCH by playing very close to the oil line and almost trying to miss left of my target. By doing this, the FAST PITCH would set up close to the pocket and trip the 4 a lot more. The FAST PITCH was jumpy off the dry and would go thru the nose when played into the friction. I threw it besides a PITCH PURPLE. There is no comparison, the FAST PITCH is very much old school urethane reaction. The PITCH PURPLE is almost a lower grade reactive reaction like a TROPICAL SURGE or very stable drilled HUSTLE RAP.

If you were waiting to for a Storm urethane that helped the straighter player get more controllable motion down lane, the FAST PITCH is the ball.
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Storm Fate

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 12/23/2022

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled my FATE at 60 x 4.5 x 30 which is a favorite drilling for me on pearl balls. I cracked the surface with a fresh 3000 pad to get the shine a little duller. I put it side by side with some other high end pearl Storm releases like the PHAZE V, INFINITE PHYSIX, and NIGHT ROAD. I used this primarily on house conditions as when it was released, the PBA50 regional season had ended.

On our house shot which is close to 40 feet with medium volume, the FATE is a beast and sometimes hard to control if playing too close to the friction. Obviously compared to the INFINITE, the FATE is a ball or two down as the INFINITE is definitely stronger and earlier. The PHAZE V is closer to the FATE. The FATE got thru to the spot a little easier for me and if I scuffed the PHAZE V, then the FATE would be a great 1-2 option for these pairings. Compared to the NIGHT ROAD, the FATE is quicker and stronger. Again another 1-2 option scenario with a little surface on the FATE. To me, the FATE is the strongest Belmo release from Storm so far. Drill this one up when you want something to get thru the fronts cleaner or when you INFINITE is starting up too quickly.
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Storm Fever Pitch

9 of 9 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 3/24/2019

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

This will be my first urethane ball since the SUPER NATURAL. I have a very end over end type of roll and what I see with the PITCH BLACK is early read/soft backend which is usually a no-no for my style which is med revs/med speed. I put the FEVER PITCH 4" to PAP with a 35* back angle. So far I have tinkered with it at box finish which is 2000 abralon.

I have thrown this in practice on our house shot which is about 38-40' and the surface is pro anvilane but with a large amount of lineage as it is a 24 hour center that is always busy. The FEVER PITCH is surprisingly stronger in the backends than any of the recent urethane balls Storm has put out. I did throw the NATURAL some at a demo days and just left soft ten after soft ten. My SUPER NATURAL was more of the same except my adjustment to tighten up my angles would result in 4 pin or 4-9 combos and then back to the half tens. Face it, with the volumes of oil on the lanes compared to when original urethane was the ball of choice some styles are just not meant to throw urethane anymore.

I do feel this will have a place in my bag. One to train my release with, two to take to USBC Nationals to shoot spares with, and three to use in place of an entry level ball on wood and very short patterns like 34' and less. The FEVER PITCH might just be the one urethane out that lower rev and older players can throw and not have it fluff tens all set. Just be prepared to square up your angles and throw it well and you will enjoy this look in your arsenal.
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Storm Gravity Evolve

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 12/10/2019

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled my Gravity Evolve 45 x 4 1/2 x 35. I have hit the surface with 500/2000 abralon. I get a heavy rolling controllable reaction for most any pattern with oil up front. The SPEC cover does require touch up as it will lane shine quickly without touch up. I can use the Gravity Evolve to slow down when their is oil up front and and cleaner backends. Once the oil carries down, the Evolve starts to slow down to early for me and starts to ping tens. I did let it lane shine during a longer practice session and the cover pushed the ball further with that nice arcing backend. This gave me the impression the Evolve can be smoothed out to get more length and conserve more energy for the back ends.
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Storm Hy-Road Max

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 3/28/2021

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled up the MAX at 70 x 4.5 x 25 and also took the thumb an inch deeper to spread out the flare more. I have thrown it at box, 2000 abr, and at 5000 smooth.

The MAX for me is early and sets up in the pocket. With the higher RG/med diff core, this is a different and more nichey motion for my 275 rev rate. Comparing it to my PROTON PHYSIX and INCITE, the MAX is definitely later in it's motion. Both the PROTON and INCITE rev up faster and get out of the oil quicker. For me this one was better when the spot started to burn and a 4 and 2 left was a 2-4-5 reaction. I could just ball down to the MAX and throw at the oil line and get it to roll and set until the smoother cover balls came into play.
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Storm Hy-Road Nano

8 of 8 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 12/10/2017

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled my HYROAD NANO 65 x 4.5 x 35 and left it box finish. I plan to use it as a benchmark type of ball since I don't have a !Q TOUR. The friends of mine who are staffers that have them all say the same thing, smooth off the friction and at the breakpoint. They are dead on. I get control with a stronger cover, but some of my other pieces have more shape like my NO RULES EXIST and INTENSE which both handle more volume and shape stronger on the back end. My DAREDEVIL TRICK is close to the look of this HYROAD NANO and might be just a bit earlier. For me, the HYROAD NANO is right about dead middle of my arsenal and I use it before switching to the smoother hybrids like the DAREDEVIL DANGER or ALL OUT SHOW OFF. Put this one if your bag if you want a smooth reaction that can help you read the pattern.
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Storm Hy-Road X

2 of 3 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 11/22/2018

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

My specs are 16.5 mph ball speed with about 285-315 RPM rev rate. New axis pts are 4 1/2 > 1/2 ^. I need my tilt and rotation checked but it used to be around 15* tilt with 35* rotation. Tweener with softer speed is my style.

I drilled the HYROAD X up with a benchmark layout for me of 65/4.5/35. This puts the pin above my bridge with the cg kicked just slightly right of my grip middle. No weight hole, but took the cover down to 1500/3000 to get the shine off but not too textured.

I have thrown this one on a couple of different patterns. We bowl on a Challenge League pattern and usually I can stay right of everyone when they transition in the middle of game 2. The HYROAD X let me do just that. I had good push thru the chopped up fronts but enough recovery downlane not to miss the breakpoint and wash out. I then used this on a league pattern that seems in the medium range but stronger stuff just pings off the pocket. The HYROAD X was at home on this pattern with good length and even some hold when I got my feet more left and separated my target a little more.

I did get to use the HYROAD X against some other balls in my arsenal. Compared to my PHYSIX, the HYROAD X is about 4 and 2 less ball. I also put a WINNER in the mix and the HYROAD X is about 4 and 2 more ball. I can honestly see the HYROAD X being a great 1-2 punch with the new PHYSIX on the stronger side and the WINNER on the lower side.

Drill a HYROAD X to get a ball that can be tweaked to use when you need to ball down from the stronger cover/big core balls or even to use a read ball with a benchmark layout.
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Storm Incite

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 3/7/2021

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled my INCITE up 65 x 4.5 x 30. I have thrown it at box finish which is 3000 and also hit it with a 2000 pad. The 2000 surface seems to liven up the ball for me so I try to touch it up every 6-10 games.

The intent was more out of curiosity. This is a new cover and new core design so I didn't know what to expect compared to other releases. The numbers spec out as a lower rg/higher diff but lower intermediate diff. Storm Products has been putting out lower intermediate diff balls with different core shapes to promote a motion like a ball with a weight hole in it. Balls with weight holes for me were usually smoother and earlier in motion.

The INCITE is a good ball for my game. I can throw it when the big covers are too early or slowing down like my PROTON PHYSIX or RG UFO and the shinier hybrids like my IDOL SYNERGY are not getting thru the pin deck strongly. Compared to the RST-X1, the INCITE is smoother for me and could be a ball down if I take the cover on X1 down to 1000. With this progression, the INCITE would float thru the heads when the X1 is starting to straighten up or get too slow.
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Storm Infinite Physix

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 10/19/2022

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled up 2 of these one pin up at about 65 x 4.5 x 30 and the other pin down at 50 x 4.5 x 70. I have thrown both at box finish to see the differences. The pin under is slower and is more like a hook and set reaction. The pin up has became a go to ball for me on medium to medium/heavy conditions and longer patterns. The Infinite has a good solid backend motion for me on those patterns and I may drill a third one with a much higher pin buffer to see if it will finish strong when I have to move inside deep.
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Storm Infinite Physix

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 10/19/2022

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Storm Intense

5 of 6 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 12/9/2017

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled my Intense up 60 x 4.5 x 30. I have not put a weight hole in it and have left it box finish.When I first threw the Intense, it was hard to get it to lay off at the breakpoint. Any little hand movement or hit the fingers and it turned sideways. Now a couple of games of oil in the cover and it's a different ball. I can get in and get on it a little if I want to cover boards or I can get my hand out of it really clean with not much turn or hand motion and it will float the heads and strong arc and just blow the rack. This is a great compliment to one of your high end hook bombs especially if your versatile with your release or speed.
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Storm Intense Fire

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 8/28/2018

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

My stats: 16.5 mph ball speed, 285-315 rev rate, up the back type release with a high track. To summarize, medium speed - forward roll type of release with moderate revs.

I put the INTENSE FIRE at 55 x 4.5 x 35. This layout ended up with close to 2 oz of side weight which now doesn't require a weight hole as of August 1, 2018. I may still add one as I doubt that I will have this come 2020 when weight holes are eradicated from the game. I may add one to get this one to slow down some on the back.

I have used my INTENSE FIRE on many house and some on longer sport conditions. On the longer sport, it was squirty in box finish. A quick hit with a 2000 pad took a lot of that right out of play. The pad helped blend the heavy push in the front down to where the back end wasn't so jumpy when the INTENSE FIRE seen the friction of the end of the pattern. On house, the INTENSE FIRE is mucho ball. It really comes off the friction at the end of the pattern hard almost uncontrollably. The 2000 pad really helped to get it to slow down some but if I just use it in league play, I may need to smooth that up to 2000/4000 to get the ball to lane shine.

Compared to other piece in my bag and progression: I have been also using the new RG HALO. I am positioning the INTENSE FIRE as the ball down from the HALO when I am moving left away from the pocket. I have the original INTENSE also. I see the FIRE with the 2000 as much earlier and the INTENSE is a good ball down for my game when the FIRE is starting to dig in too hard and I want to keep a strong shape downlane.

I think that straigher/tweener players will like this one. Get the shine knocked down to suit your game if this one plays squirty out of the box. Power players may not like the hard backend of this one and may want to tone down their layouts on this one. All in all looks like a great compliment to the original and to someone wanting a ball down option from their big hitters in the bag.
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Storm Ion Max

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 12/10/2024

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled my ION MAX up with a 65 X 4.5 X 35 layout. I primarily used it with the box finish at 2000 but let it lane shine to approx. 4700.

This one to me was comparable to the X-CELL, SUBLIME FOCUS, & GEM. The ION MAX had a much stronger and earlier motion to me than the FOCUS. It was right with the GEM as far as grab and early read on the lanes and at times looked like a carbon copy of the GEM. The X-CELL was slightly longer but mine also was a pin down layout. The color scheme is crazy and was tough to pick up the rotation at times but this one hooks. I will be interested if SPI will put this in a pearl cover or put the ION PRO out in a solid cover since it is a much milder core.
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Storm Ion Pro

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 8/16/2024

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled up my ION PRO with my standard 4.5 x 4 x 2 layout that I use on lower diff balls. I have tweaked the surface at 1500 to 3000.

The ION PRO is a good piece for the center that I bowl at with their 20+ year old synthetic panels. With the 1500 surface, the ION PRO is just under my THE ROAD & it might have just a little more pick up than my IQ TOUR RUBY. The ION PRO is one that I can keep in front of me and still get good roll off the medium/dryer patterns when they get a little wet/dry. I can also ball up to THE ROAD when I get pushed left or ball down to the IQ RUBY when I need to open up the lane to the right.

Put this one in your bag if you are bowling on worn surfaces and your IQ Ruby is still not enough off the spot to carry with. This is also a good one to put in between your PHAZE II and IQ TOUR.
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Storm IQ Tour 30

2 of 3 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 11/29/2015

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Layout = 65 x 5 x 35 - one of my favorite layouts. This layout gets me a decent amount of flare potential with the weight block at a good versatile angle with potential to weight hole it for more flare if needed.

I have been able to use the !QT-30 on a couple of league conditions and side by side with a couple of recent releases. On my normal house pattern, it is long and strong. Good push thru the front with a sneaky strong back end reaction. Putting it side by side with the Sky Rocket, a similar type release, and it gets a little more length but comparable back end. The energy at the break point is where I see a difference in the !Q30. The Sky Rocket has a higher diff and can use that energy earlier to make the turn where as the !QT-30 still have that energy at the pins. For me to get better staging of these 2 balls, I'm going to have to put the SR at 3000 and leave the !QT-30 at box. This will separate the energy at the break point where they will be sequenced perfectly in my line up. I also put it up against the !Q Tour Fusion (!QF). As expected the !QF is much earlier on the lane at the break point. It is at least a 4 n 2 or 6 n 3 move left compared to the !QT-30. They do both have the same motion at the pins so another ball that can be sequenced into an arsenal. Drill one of these up and it should fit perfectly into how you sequence your arsenal. And also don't be afraid to use the abralon pads to get you separation in your arsenals.
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Storm IQ Tour 78/U

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 12/23/2023

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled up my STORM IQ TOUR 78u with a layout of 4 x 4 x 0. This puts the pin on my VAL with the CG towards the axis. Warning, I am a stroker with about 16.5 MPH speed and around a 275 RPM rev rate. Urethane is usually off limits to me but I do bowl some PBA50 and if a short pattern comes up, this is the best way to keep the ball on line with my slower speed.

I put this one up with my other urethane, then ZEN/U. The ZEN/U is a urethane that I can actually get enough movement from to line up and play almost dead straight on short patterns with. The IQ TOUR 78/u is surprisingly good for me, but it does lane shine rather quickly compared to the ZEN/U. The motion is very rounded and kind of roll than lay. Still, this should be in play until the lanes transition on short for me to get to lower end pieces like the BURNER SOLID or HUSTLE RIP with surface.

Put this one in your bag if your looking to give the new 78 hardness urethane a try. It will be smoother than a PITCH BLACK or ZEN/U but still worth having this look in the bag.
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Storm IQ Tour Fusion

1 of 2 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 5/29/2014

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Lay Out #1: 5" from PAP at 75* PAP angle and 35* VAL angle. Dual angle measurement would be 75/5/35. The pin ended up about 1/2 above my ring finger with the CG very swung out from the ring finger. No weight hole as I wanted the direction change to be smooth.

Lay Out #2: 4.5" from PAP at 60* PAP angle and 35* VAL angle. Dual angle measurement would be 60/4.5/35. The pin ended up about 1/2 above my ring finger with the CG very swung out from the ring finger. Weight hole in the P2 location which measured 7/8" drilled 3" deep.

Surface: I hit LO#2 with a 1000 pad by hand. I left LO#1 in the box finish with a 1500 reacta-shine.

Purpose: I wanted a couple of pieces that could go in the middle end of my bag.

Observations: The IQ Fusion is a solid piece. LO#1 is the go long-turn left type reaction. LO#2 gave me a good look on higher volume/longer patterns. And the hitting power is amazing. I use LO#1 when my Lucid is starting to get a little too quick off the spot and my Reign On is not picking up enough yet on the back. LO#2 is a ball that I have slotted in front of my Lucid just behind my MarvelS and Zero Gravity. LO#2 is a little stronger off the spot than my Zero is.
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Storm IQ Tour Nano

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 1/19/2015

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Lay Out: 5" from PAP at 75* PAP angle and 35* VAL angle. Dual angle measurement would be 75/5/35. The pin ended up about 1/2 above my ring finger with the CG slightly swung out from the ring finger. No weight hole as I wanted the direction change to be smooth with the possibility of tweaking with a weight hole.

Surface: Box which is 4000 abralon.

Purpose: I wanted a stronger ball that was controllable when the lanes had a longer pattern without much shape.

Observations: The !Q Nano is just as advertised. I threw it some side by side with the Crux, Prodigy, Lucid, and Zero Gravity. The only one of those that it did not outhook was the Crux. The Crux had a little more downlane motion which makes sense because of the Crux specs. The impression that I get from the !Q Nano is that it is also the right marriage of core and cover. I had a MarvelS and Virtual Gravity Nano. Both successful pieces from Storm. Neither did much for me compared to other more controllable strong cover balls in the Storm line at that time (Zero Gravity, Marvel) I would imagine it was the dynamics of the ball just not matching up to my softer speed. I also have noticed that the shell takes shining pretty easily. I got a small glaze of "lane" shine just from the testing that I did. I also noticed that the more glazing it got, the better the downlane motion got. I may put a weight hole in this and hit the cover with a light shine to try it that way
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Storm IQ Tour Nano Pearl

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 10/27/2020

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled my !Q TOUR NANO PEARL (ITNP) with a slight variation of my normal go to layout of 55 x 4.5 x 30. I hit the box surface with a 2000 abr pad and have smoothed it back up to 4000. I also drilled a 2nd one to play with a "short pin" layout with specs of 90 x 2.25 x 45. I have left this one at box finish to see what the buzz about short pins are.

The ITNP is a great extension of the !Q series. The !Q line is typically marketed as control pieces with versatility available in the covers, tunability with surface adjustments, and lower powered cores that preserve energy at the pins. The ITNP fits right into those statements as Storm keeps hitting home runs with there recent releases.

I put my ITNP up against my IQ TOUR SOLID and IQ TOUR EMERALD. As expected the IQ SOLID was just a bit earlier than the ITNP and EMERALD. If I hit the ITNP with 2000, it was right on par with the SOLID and maybe just a bit more on the back than the SOLID. I went back to 4000 on the ITNP to give it some separation from the SOLID !Q. The EMERALD was a perfect step down from both of these balls as it got thru the burn spot effortlessly and still had a similar shape. The ITNP "short pin" has a place all of it's own and will be a niche ball for me. I used it on a 37' pattern on a surface that has friction near the edge. This "short pin" was smaller hook but still good hitting power. I will give the "short pin" ITNP a try to control the early hook of short patterns until the lanes carry down some and I need to open my target. Perfect time to break out the other ITNP and work it until the EMERALD is eventually in play!

Put this one if you liked the !Q series and don't be afraid to try the short pin layout once in awhile for smaller hook/control on tougher patterns where keeping it in front of you is a good play until the lanes develop.
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Storm IQ Tour Pearl

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 4/9/2013

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Lay Out: 5" from PAP at 65* PAP angle and 30* VAL angle. Dual angle measurement would be 65/5/30. I have a weight hole 5" straight across the grip center.

Ball Surface: I started box finish which is 1500 Reacta-Shine. I have also touched up the surface with a used 2000-abr pad.

Lane Condition Observations: I have thrown this on a couple of different patterns: Our league pattern which is around a 38' shot. I also threw this some on a Kegel Sport Pattern that was 43'. On our league pattern, the OOB finish was kind of snappy off the spot. I left several 9 pins with this. I decided to hit it with the used 2000-abr pad to slow it down in the back a little more. This did well and let me edge closer to the friction line since the ball would stop more in the back of the lane than in box finish. On the 43' pattern, it gave the appearance it might be in play once the heads really went away. We never got enough games in to dramatically alter the front of the lane, so the IQ Tour Solid and the Lucid were much better choices on that condition.

Other Ball Comparisons: I did get to throw it some side by side with my Fire Road, IQ Tour, and Lucid. The Lucid is earlier than all of those as the surface lets it slow down more. The IQ Tour is a little smoother of a look for me than the Lucid and I was 3 and 2 right compared to the Lucid. Where the IQ Tour Pearl shone for me was when I put it head-to-head with the Fire Road. Now this ball was blowing racks and just sawing up pins compared to the slower to medium response of the FR. Head to head with the IQ solid and the pearl was sharper off the spot in the back of the lane but the solid was earlier in the mid lane. There is the primary difference in both balls: one is a smooth surface solid and the other a shined pearl. The IQTP was more skid/snap in box. The look with the IQTP was more closer to the original when I put the 2000-abr on it.

Final Thoughts: I see a lot of IQ Tour Pearls on ball returns in our area. Several of the centers have defined wet/dry house conditions and the IQTP rolls enough in the oil and hooks back sharply if sent right of target. The guys who are really hitting league shots in our area with the IQTP are the ones who have slightly hit their ball with a 4000-abr pad. This lets them get closer to the friction and cuts down on the 9 pins left.
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Storm IQ Tour Ruby

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 3/31/2023

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled my !Q TOUR RUBY 5 x 3 x 2. I left this one at the box finish to see what it could do but may hit it with a 2000 pad to smooth it out some more when I got USBC Nationals.

The color is very bright but pleasing. I was more impressed by the amount of hook out of the box for a .29 differential ball. If I let off the speed any, it jumped off the friction sharply.

I compared it to the DARK CODE, REVENANT, and NIGHT ROAD. Compared to the Dark Code, it was almost an arrow less of hook. My DARK is lightly scuffed at 2000 so a polished ball is going to get a lot longer. But the RUBY is a good compliment if you are at a place that just blows up middle of game two due to higher rev players. The RUBY pushed right thru all of that burn and still had motion in the back to hit well. REVENANT was a good in between ball to the DARK CODE and RUBY. REVENANT was a little less than the DARK CODE and just slightly more than the RUBY as it started to move a little later but stronger. NIGHT ROAD was longer of course but shaped better when the dry was there and was a little more back end than the RUBY.

Drill up a !Q TOUR Ruby if you want something to have in the bag for a couple of options like just ramming it up the wet/dry line on the dryer side of that line. Or if your big balls start to go sideways too early and you want similar motion but need push thru the fronts.

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Storm Journey

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 12/23/2023

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled up my STORM JOURNEY with a layout of 4.5 x 5 x 1.5. This puts the pin about an inch above my ring finger with the CG towards the thumb. Before I even put holes in it, i took it down with a 1000 pad and then went over it with Storm Rough Edge as me and Reacta Gloss do not get along very well on longer pieces.

I put this one up with my pearl balls that I use when I see a medium to medium dry pattern or house on burnt panels. I threw it against my EXOTIC GEM, BURNER SOLID, and VIRTUAL ENERGY BLACKOUT. Compared right away to these, the JOURNEY was longer thru the fronts other than the BURNER SOLID which was close to the same length. The EXOTIC and VEB were too much ball compared to the JOURNEY but the JOURNEY with just a little more surface would be the ball down option. The JOURNEY and BURNER SOLID had similar motions and will play well off each other. The motion on the JOURNEY was smooth but playable. It let me get closer to the dry and didn't overreact off of it and still rolled well enough to carry well.

Put this one in your bag if your looking for a smoother piece that clears the fronts better than the bigger pearls but are not ready to get to the lower end balls like HUSTLES or ELECTRIFYS yet.
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Storm Joy Ride

7 of 10 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 10/31/2015

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Layout: 65 x 4.5 x 35 - box finish.

I drilled up the Joy Ride to give me something that still has some pop but is not quite a low level reactive like the Tropical Breezes or urethane like the Super Natural. The Joy Ride does need some friction to get it to start up, but it works for me when the lanes are toasted and it is hard to get stronger pearls like the Sky Rocket to push down lane enough to conserve hitting power. This should also be a great ball for very slow ball speeds and for senior players who do not need high end reactives to still compete.
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Storm Level

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 2/4/2025

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled my LEVEL at 4 x 4 x 0. I have thrown it at the box finish which is 1000 grit. I went with the strongest pin distance and buffer possible because I have trouble getting the small hook balls like urethane to retain energy at the pins. I can line up and hit the pocket but get 9 counts all day with urethane and really super low flaring balls.

This ball is perfect for players like me who want to take advantage of the control of urethane but not shoot several single pins the entire set. I threw it up against my ZEN/U since it is the only urethane I get any movement with. My ZEN/U is smaller hook and set motion. My LEVEL is about 4-5 boards stronger and has a reactive type of movement on the backend of the lane. My pin carry was better than the ZEN/U once the lanes started to loosen up some.

I would say drill this one if you are lower rev/slower speed and want a control ball in your arsenal but something that has more hitting power than the Hustle/Electrify lines. It would also complement higher rev rates that like urethane to start when the lanes are tougher and want to transition inside and get hitting power with control.
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Storm Lightning Blackout

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 8/14/2024

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled up my LIGHTNING BLACKOUT (LIBO) with my standard 4.5 x 4 x 2 layout that I use on lower diff balls. I have tweaked the surface at 1500 to 3000.

The LIBO is a good piece for the center that I bowl at with their 20+ year old synthetic panels. With the 1500 surface, the LIBO is just under my THE ROAD & it might have just a little more pick up than my IQ TOUR RUBY. The LIBO is one that I can keep in front of me and still get good roll off the medium/dryer patterns when they get a little wet/dry. I can also ball up to THE ROAD when I get pushed left or ball down to the IQ RUBY when I need to open up the lane to the right.

Put this one in your bag if you are bowling on worn surfaces and your IQ Ruby is still not enough off the spot to carry with.
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Storm Lock

12 of 14 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 11/1/2015

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Layout = 65 x 5.25 x 35

I have been throwing the Lock on mostly house conditions but also go to test is out on a 45' Mexico City pattern. Man does this ball remind me of the original Virtual Gravity. Very continuous threw the pins for a dull/strong ball. On the sport pattern, the Lock still had good teeth and got thru the pins very well. Mexico City plays shorter because the volume is lower, but as I kept tweaking across the lane the Lock didn't give up energy and got thru the pins well. The cover does lane shine a little but that only helps to tame the early burn potential down. Finally an aggressive ball that can be thrown on the puddle!
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Storm Match Ltd

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 6/30/2016

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled up the Match and it's counter part the Match Pearl because I have always liked the Storm entry level releases for shorter and medium volume patterns. Most of the time these releases have weaker covers/core combos. That is not the case with either of these. The numbers may show Med/High RG with Med/Low diff but the reaction is more like their mid-line products.

I drilled both balls at 60 x 5 x 35. This is a favorite drilling of mine for lower powered gear as it gets the block slightly more at an angle to wobble early then can be tweaked with a weight hole or surface. The Match solid was keeping up motion wise with my Fight. The Alpha was too much compared to it, and also going from high end to the Match required a big alignment change back to the right.

I see this as a definite gap filler when you need a little more punch on higher volume-shorter length patterns. The surface could be tweaked to smooth out the down lane reaction if needed as Reactor is one of Storm's original versatile surfaces.
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Storm Match Up Black Pearl

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 8/28/2018

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

My stats: 16.5 mph ball speed, 285-315 rev rate, up the back type release with a high track. To summarize, medium speed - forward roll type of release with moderate revs.

I put the MATCH UP BLACK PEARL at 50 x 4.375 x 30. This layout ended up with close to 2 oz of side weight which now doesn't require a weight hole as of August 1, 2018.

I have used my MATCH UP BLACK PEARL on many house and some on longer sport conditions. On the longer sport, it was not enough ball in box finish. It took a few games to get it to read enough to carry the corners. With that being said, this is not the pattern the ball was designed for. I got it on some sport that was in the 39-41 foot range and more reaction. It let me keep closed angles compared to other stronger pieces in my bag like the RG HALO, SURE FIRE, and INTENSE FIRE. It was also weaker than my IQ TOUR which is expected since we are talking a much weaker coverstock than R2S.

Compared to other piece in my bag and progression: This is going to be on some sport where I need early enough read to miss downlane hang but not over reaction off the friction in the back. I throw an IQ TOUR a lot on shorter patterns and when it starts to check early or really ping tens, the MATCH UP BLACK PEARL is going to be in play big time. I also may add a RG HOT CELL to my tournament arsenal. I can imagine the MATCH UP BLACK PEARL will be in play before I progress to the HOT CELL.

I think that straigher/tweener players may pass on this one, at least for general house conditions. Avid tournament players should put this in the bag as a ball up option from urethane. Heavy handed players will like this one as it will lay off for them in the back but get rolling strong enough to merit putting in play.
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Storm Match Up Hybrid

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 12/9/2017

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled my Match Up Hybrid 75 x 5 x 40 or pin over the bridge with CG almost dead grip center. This kind of layout lets the ball tumbles end over end for me and is good when length thru the fronts become a problem. I put this on the lanes with my Match Up Solid and Pearl. The MUH got thru the fronts easier than the MUS. Not quite as well as the MUP, but the move on the backend was quicker than the MUP or the MUS. Put this one in your bag to give you an option when you need to keep straighter angles for carry and your trusty symmetrical pearls are just strong off the spot.
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Storm Match Up Pearl

0 of 1 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 8/31/2017

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled up my MATCH UP PEARL to be my burnt before urethane ball which was pin straight over the fingers, no CG swing and no weight hole. I wanted this one to let the friction on the lane take charge of the shape. I got to use this one on some shorter and more hooking patterns. Our house pattern is shorter than most at around 38-39' so it worked as long as it got fed into the dryer part of the lane. When I kept it inside of the oil line, it just didn't get into a strong enough roll to knock out the corners plus it was touchy if I missed it at the bottom. Now on shorter and more friction, this one was in play. I used it on a very hooking 39' pattern and it was almost too much ball as it turned left pretty hard. I would recommend this one to the players who need length but don't have the rev rate to make the TROPICAL STORM line hit hard enough and if the pattern is not short enough or dry enough yet for urethane.
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Storm Match Up Solid

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 8/31/2017

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled up my MATCH UP SOLID to be my shorter pattern "shape" piece. I had a ROTO GRIP LOCO that was always dynamite on shorter patterns or higher friction back ends. I got to use this one on some shorter and more hooking patterns. Our house pattern is shorter than most at around 38-39'. Compared to the MATCH UP PEARL, the MATCH UP SOLID had enough cover to get rolling stronger to play into the oil line more. I still have better options in the bag if the wet is wetter, but could see the MATCH UP SOLID being excellent when they get a "cliffed" look and the move is to get the ball into the dryer part of the lane to combat the over/under. Now this one might be a better choice in that "cliffed" scenario with more surface as you could stay at the oil line longer. I would recommend this one to the players who need more length than their high end solids but don't need the change of direction the pearls provide. This one should keep you out of trouble until a move is needed.
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Storm Night Road

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 12/22/2022

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled up my NIGHT ROAD 60 x 4.5 x 30. This is my go to layout for most balls. I did take the surface down to 1000 and bring it back up with Storm Step Two to a light gloss. This is a combo that gives me a better consistent reaction than the factory finish.

I put this on the lanes with some other newer Storm releases like the INFINITE PHYSIX and PHAZE V. The NIGHT ROAD is definitely longer thru the fronts compared to both newer pearls in Storm's line. The INFINITE picks up a few feet earlier compared to the NIGHT ROAD. The PHAZE V was close in length, but rolled sharper almost angular than the NIGHT ROAD and was sharper at the spot also.

Where the NIGHT ROAD really shined was a great compliment down from these two higher performance pearls. The NIGHT ROAD has a smoother motion that worked for me when the PHAZE V was getting sideways at the break point and was forcing me too far left to carry well. The NIGHT ROAD fit right in this spot and let me stay right longer before I had to go the lower powered releases.

Drill the NIGHT ROAD for surfaces that have more friction and you need the ball to get thru it but still have some good motion on the backends. Also the NIGHT ROAD is a good compliment when the higher powered pearls are getting to sharp downlane.
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Storm Nova

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 3/26/2022

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled my NOVA up with a 60 x 4.5 x 30 layout. This put the PSA just slightly in my thumb. I have thrown it at box finish and also hit it with a 2000 pad for a longer pattern to try on.

I like the motion this NOVA offers. I was able to keep it slightly tighter with smaller angles on a slick 46 foot pattern and the ball hits well. I was also able to start and open my angles up with it and still get recovery so a duller hybrid that doesn't quit in the back.

I threw it side by side with some other balls that I like on longer/higher volume patterns like the TREND 2, the new GEM, and the INCITE. Where the TREND 2 was a better ball down option, the NOVA stretched the pattern a little longer for me before I put the TREND 2 in play. The GEM was a much earlier move and the NOVA became the better ball down option off the GEM. The INCITE even though a hybrid cover was much slower at the spot compared to the NOVA. The INCITE would be a better option if the volume was higher but the pattern a little shorter where the NOVA might take too much angle to get to the pocket. Possibly polishing the NOVA lightly would make this a good ball down option using this strategy of INCITE to start with.

Pick this one up if you want a ball that is versatile and can compliment both your big hitters and your stronger mediums with cover changes.
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Storm Omega Crux

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 3/20/2020

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled up my OMEGA CRUX at 55* x 4" x 35*. I have been throwing this one at 3000 tru-cut.

The OMEGA CRUX is a duller pearl out of the box. It works in well for me when it is time to get out of my stronger asym balls but shiny pearls are too over/under yet. I have thrown this with my PHAZE III and the OMEGA CRUX is slightly stronger and earlier.

Drill this one when you want a dull pearl option in your bag to compliment your big core balls. It also is a good step down from the CRUX PRIME.

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Storm Optimus Solid

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 8/10/2015

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Lay Out: 4.5" from PAP at 65* PAP angle and 35* VAL angle. Dual angle measurement would be 65/4.5/35 & no weight hole.

Surface: Box which is 2000 abralon.

Purpose: I wanted a strong symmetrical piece to fill the gap between my Sinister and IQ Nano.

Observations: The Optimus Solid is a great looking ball. I threw this side by side with the Sinister and IQ Nano. The Optimus gets into a roll quickly just like the Sinister and IQ Nano. The continuation in the back end is where this ball separates itself from those two as the Optimus is very rolly to me and keeps on coming in the back. My IQ Nano is surfaced at 2000 which slows it down in the fronts more. If I need a strong read but with continued motion, I throw the Optimus Solid.

Conclusions: The Optimus Solid fills that gap between the high end strong balls and the hybrid-solid releases in both lines. I have seen a couple of high end players throw it polished and it gets the same downlane look with just a little more scoot thru the fronts first.
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Storm Parallax

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 10/27/2020

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled my PARALLAX with a layout of 65 x 5 x 35. I hit the box surface with a 2000 abr pad and have smoothed it back up to 4000.

The PARALLAX is a newer weight block and hybrid cover stock composition. This is marketed as a hook/stop reaction an the PARALLAX definitely does that.

I used the PARALLAX on a 42' pattern that is original Anvilane so the surface has some built in friction. The PARALLAX was good for me on this as getting the ball to stop off the breakpoint was a key for this pattern/surface match up. When I put it against some other pieces that came into play that weekend like the ASTRO PHYSIX and OMEGA CRUX, the PARALLAX was the hook/stop the pattern required to score. The AP was more push and sharper break down lane. The OMEGA CRUX was early compared to the PARALLAX and was tough to control down lane.

Drill a PARALLAX if you are looking for defined hook/stop reaction.
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Storm Parallax Effect

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 3/28/2021

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled up an PARALLAX EFFECT with one of my favorite drillings for big pearl assyms and that is 50 x 4.5 x 35. I threw it mainly box finish with a lite glazing over with a 3000 pad.

I was not a big fan of the original PARALLAX. It set rolled forward very quickly for me and if I tried to use it on longer patterns, it didn't make the corner. Just not a good look for me when other great Storm/Roto releases were sitting there in the bag. The EFFECT is a totally different look for me. More motion at the end like a typical Utah pearl. When my RUBICON or PROTON start to stand up and stop, the EFFECT just kicks in to high gear to compliment them.
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Storm Phaze

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 3/18/2016

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Layout = 75 x 5 x 35 - one of my favorite layouts. This layout gets me a decent amount of flare potential with the weight block at a good versatile angle with potential to weight hole it for more flare if needed. I left it box surface initially.

The Phaze is something different from Storm. If your looking for the go long-turn left reaction, move on to another piece. If you are looking for something that lets you close down your angles and keep your target more in front of you, now you have found the ball. I would use the Phaze on tougher patterns in the medium range or even on shorter patterns. Longer patterns are going to want to push the Phaze downlane a little too far. If you are very accurate you may be able to put something like 1000 or 500 abralon, but Storm has much better pieces in their line for that type of lane condition.

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Storm Phaze 4

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 3/26/2022

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled up my PHAZE 4 with a 5.5 x 28 lay out. This was an experiment layout to see if I could get something that ignored slightly burnt fronts and save energy for the back. I have lightly touched the surface with a used 2000 pad after trying at box surface the first night out.

The PHAZE 4 didn't disappoint. I have used this one after my ALTERED REALITY starts to go sideways on the back ends. I can also play tighter right up the oil line at the edge of the wet/dry which lightly touching the surface helped to smooth out. The colors are a little tough for me to pick up axis precession but that will come as it is a different look.

Compared to some other pearls, the PHAZE 4 is smoother than my RST-X2 and longer than my ZEN but not by much. I would rate these two closer in motion and where they start up. My DARK CODE is much longer and more violent on the back end than the PHAZE 4.

Grab this one if you like to keep tighter angles on wet/dry or league patterns that cliff up Adjust the surface lightly if you are getting too late of a break and leaving flat corners.

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Storm Phaze A.I.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 12/9/2024

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled up my PHAZE AI with the trusty 60 x 4.5 x 35 layout. So far, I have thrown it at box surface but have thrown it enough to wear the Power Edge off of it and bring it to a more stable surface closer to 4700 grit.

My first impression was one of disappointment as I felt it was too close to the OPTIMUM IDOL PEARL in shape and length. Enter trying to smooth the surface by throwing it more along with lightly cracking the surface with a 4000 CTD pad which is more like 3000 in regular abralon. Now the PHAZE AI is different enough that OIP is very much longer and a nice compliment down from the PHAZE AI. I did throw it some also beside the newer ORIGIN but the ORIGIN is a much earlier and stronger reaction down the lane. The AI impressed me enough to consider drilling a second one with a pin down layout to close the gap to my ROAD WARRIOR which is a lot longer than the AI and OIP and smoother. I also may drill a second one and put more surface on it to bridge the gap between it and the ORIGIN which is a lot earlier than the PHAZE AI.
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Storm Phaze II

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 12/20/2016

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled up my Phaze II the same as my original Phaze, 75 x 5 x 35 which is my favorite drilling for stronger balls as they retain energy in the back end of the lane more this way for me. I noticed right away how much stronger the Phase II is compared to the original Phaze. I get continuous motion and can play multiple angles with this ball as long as there is enough head oil present. The Phaze II is a great compliment to the original as an early reading versatile piece of equipment.
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Storm Phaze III

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 3/5/2020

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled up 2 PHAZE III'S: First one at 50 x 4 1/2 x 35 and the second one at 65 x 4 1/2 x 20. I put 3000 CTD on the first one and left the second one at box surface which is 1500 Storm factory shine. The idea is to get separation so these compliment each other in my rotation.

PHAZE III #1 was originally thrown at box surface and what a pleasant surprise. Easy length and great movement in the backend of the lanes. There wasn't too many places on the lane this one didn't come back from for me. I hit the surface with 3000 to get the shine off because it's strength turned into a weakness on a flatter lane condition for me. This made it slightly earlier but the good motion on the back was still prevalent. I drilled the 2nd one to give me a longer compliment since I plan to keep surface on the 1st one. #2 gets good length and has a slightly more forward roll towards the end of the pattern. This is good for me as it gives me a chance to trip more 4 pins forward. I plan to keep it close to the box surface.

Drill this one as a great companion to the PHAZE II. The PHAZE III gets more easy length than the II with strong backend and should make these a great 1-2 punch.
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Storm Phaze V

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 12/22/2022

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled up my PHAZE V 75 x 4.5 x 20. I lightly hit the surface with a 3000 pad to slightly dull the surface. I have thrown this on a couple of PBA50 longer patterns along with house. I put this up against other strong Utah pearls like the INFINITE PHYSIX, NIGHT ROAD, and 900 Global ZEN.

On the longer pattern, this ball was pretty good once the pattern started to burn in the track. It gave me something I could start to open up the lane with and know it would finish and hit. On the house pattern, it would start to go sideways at the break point if my speed was too slow.

Against the NIGHT ROAD, it was earlier and sharper off the spot. When the NIGHT ROAD was slow, the PHAZE V was the play as it was more continuous off the spot. Compared to the INFINITE PHYSIX, the PHAZE V was in play once the INFINITE start to slow down or stopped hitting. Compared to the Zen, they were very similar. Both stronger pearls that you could throw on oil and open up the lane with. If I had to choose, the ZEN is a little more proven for my style but you can't go wrong with either the PHAZE V or ZEN.
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Storm Physix

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 11/24/2018

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

My specs are 16.5 mph ball speed with about 285-315 RPM rev rate. New axis pts are 4 1/2 > 1/2 ^. I need my tilt and rotation checked but it used to be around 15* tilt with 35* rotation. Tweener with softer speed is my style.

I drilled my first PHYSIX - I up with a slight variation from my benchmark layout for me of 75/4.75/30. This puts the pin just above my bridge with the cg just slightly right of my grip middle. No weight hole, but left the cover at box which is 3000. I liked the reaction of PHYSIX - I so much I went ahead and drilled a second one at 45/4/30 which puts me close to the Storm layout of 4 x 4 x 2. PHYSIX II was also left box.

Make no mistake, both balls are strong! PHYSIX I was right at home on my Challenge League pattern as I put up 725 right out of the box with it on a pattern that only 12 of the 48 players are averaging above 200 on. I got good strong recovery off the spot but the 3000 surface didn't burn too early and let me blend across the lane with adjustments. I was also able to take my hand out of it and stay right and pick up my speed and it was gold throwing it that way also. PHYSIX II was more of a gamble for a 45' PBA Dragon pattern that I bowled a NON-CHAMPS Regional on. On practice day, I couldn't miss with the P2. I probably got lulled to sleep not realizing that I needed to take it down to 2000 to have any reaction the next day crossing the house. Live and learn.

Compared to other pieces in my bag, PI is still about 4 and 2 stronger than my HYROAD X. P2 is about 3 and 2 more than PI. I also have a SURE LOCK with a newer cover and the PHYSIX II was very close and would probably be right there with a 2000 surface on it.

Drill the PHYSIX if you are looking for something versatile as the PI has some lane shine on it and still rolls on the back very well. Also keep in mind, that surface adjustments put it up there with STORM's big hitters like the SURE LOCK and Roto's HALO.
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Storm Pitch Blue

15 of 16 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 6/23/2016

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled up a Pitch Blue for a couple of reasons: One to use as a training tool to make sure my release stays crisp as with today's lane conditions urethane just doesn't read the lane like it did when I was younger. And two to have something to be a combo spare/dryer lane ball. This way I could use it to go direct at smaller combos of spares but it also would read to get sleeper pins. Plus if the lane pattern is really short or higher friction surface, it can be in play under these circumstances as well. One of the reviewers above made a great point about using it also to shut down your angles and go straighter and not give the pocket away. I think that is a fantastic way to look at what the Pitch Blue could be used for also.

I got to throw it and it is something newer for my eyes. I have gotten so used to seeing a ball break sharply in the back end and the Pitch Blue is more even and might even be considered early hooking. It sets up well in the back end and I find myself playing a little more to the left trying to get it to hold than letting it out and expecting it to come roaring back. It is not that type of ball and unless you have 500+ rpms rev rate, you will get frustrated.

Put this one in your bag if you do have a large rev rate and can't get any reactives to slow down in the back end. Also straighter players will like the versatility of using it to go straighter at spares and also get on the "dirt" and play direct to the pocket.
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Storm Pitch Purple

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 3/20/2020

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled my PITCH PURPLE up 50 x 4 x 30. This is normally a much earlier reading layout for me. I have thrown it so far at box finish which is 1000 abr.

I threw my PITCH PURPLE side by side with a newer PHAZE III and OMEGA CRUX as I drilled all 3 at the same time. The PITCH PURPLE is definitely a slower response down lane compared to both of those balls. I was pleasantly surprised at how much better I could get it to hit than the last urethane ball I drilled which was a FEVER PITCH. I like the motion out of this one and would love to be on some short patterns to see how this one will fare.

I would say for more rev challenged players who want to try out urethane, give the PITCH PURPLE a try first.
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Storm Pro-Motion

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 10/27/2019

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

PBA50 member - 14* axis tilt, 35* rotation - 16.5 mph - 315 rev rate.
I drilled my Pro Motion up 4 3/4" x 30*. I have been putting 2000 or 3000 depending on what pattern I am using this on. I get a type of strong benchmark motion out of this ball. I have been able to use it on league using the strong cover to blend out the puddle in the middle. I also get good traction on longer patterns and use this as a ball down option when my Halo is too much. The cover is very needy as i do have to clean or scuff it after any real usage.
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Storm Proton Physix

0 of 1 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 12/30/2020

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled my PROTON PHYSIX up 65 x 4.5 x 30. I have thrown it at box finish which is 2000.

The intent was to have a big hitter in my bag for long patterns and also ones with more volume that blended down lane. I found out some unique things throwing this and it has more utility than I ever imagined.

I threw this on a 47 ft. sport pattern called Statue of Liberty. The PROTON is at home on this kind of pattern. Good motion and enough cover out of the box to grab the lane and strike pretty frequently. I put it side by side with the RST-X1 and IDOL SYNERGY. The X-1 was about 4 and 2 back to the right and also slightly softer speed. The IDOL SYNERGY was another 4 and 2 right of the X-1 and much slower down the lane compared to both balls.

I also got to throw this in a 50 and over tournament club that used a house pattern. This was one of the most over walled house patterns I have played on in awhile. While my RST-X1 was the look to start, by game 3 that was starting to go away and forcing me left. Now I was in wet/dry zone. On a hunch, I balled up to the PROTON PHYSIX and had enough grab to get on the wetter part of the cliff but enough control that slight misses right just rolled up and stopped. That is refreshing because now another potential use for the ball and to get in the puddle on wet/dry and control the edge of the cliff.
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Storm Reign On

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 10/14/2013

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Lay Out: 5" from PAP at 60* PAP angle and 40* VAL angle. Dual angle measurement would be 60/5/40. The pin ended up about 1/2 above my ring finger with the CG very slightly swung out from the ring finger. No weight hole yet, but plan to put one in the P2 section

Surface: I am box finish which is 4000 abralon.

Purpose: I wanted to drill up this up to try to get something that I could start closer to the oil line with but wouldn't overreact if sent a little wide.

Lane Condition Observations: I have thrown this on a couple of different house patterns: 2 different volume/length house shots on Pro Anvilane. The Reign On was only out of it's element on the lower volume shot; It just labored thru the front and didn't have much pop on the back. On the more puddled shot, the Reign On is strong enough and I need to keep it online thru the oil to keep it from leaving rope tens and nines.

Response to Friction: The Reign On in box condition is a medium response ball. This one looks to be versatile enough to go pin up or down if needed.

Other Ball Comparisons: I threw it with my Deranged, Lucid, & Byte. Compared to my Deranged, the Reign On is much more earlier off the spot and needs more oil or it will labor at the break. The Deranged gets a lot more length than the Reign On. My Lucid is still 4000 box and it gets up earlier in the midlane than the Reign On. I could probably dull the Reign On to 2000 to get it earlier than the Lucid. The Byte makes a good ball to go down from and go away from the pocket more.

Final Thoughts: The Reign On gives me the impression it could be a benchmark type ball as I know right away whether to go early/stronger (Lucid) or later/stronger (The Byte) right away after about 4-5 shots.
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Storm Revenant

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 3/31/2023

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

See stats in profile. I drilled my REVENANT up 5 x 4 x 2 and have thrown it with a light 3000 abralon pad on the surface. I compared it to some other pearls I throw frequently which are the DARK CODE and PHAZE V.

I have throw the REVENANT on a couple of sport patterns like Kegal Broadway and Kegel Winding Road. On Broadway, it went sideways at the start until the lanes settled down. All of the pearls above did this as they all have light 2000 or 3000 on them and something with less engine/cover were better plays. On Winding Road and our House pattern, the REVENANT was much better. I get good push down the lane when the fronts started to bog the DARK CODE down. REVENANT was a good look and when it went away, moving to the PHAZE V was a great compliment as it got further to the break point. I tried taking my hand out of the DARK CODE and just rolling it up the back and it was still too much ball.

Put this one in your bag if you want something that will get down the lane easier but still has enough smooth shape to get those pesky corners out.
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Storm Ride

7 of 8 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 6/14/2015

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Lay Out: 4" from PAP at 60* PAP angle and 40* VAL angle. Dual angle measurement would be 60/4/40, weight hole on axis point (5 1/4" over and 5/8 up).

Surface: Box which is 1500 Reacta-Shine.

Purpose: I wanted a piece to fill the gap I have between my Super Natural and Punch Out.

Observations: The Ride reminds me of the Tropical Heat Hybrid from a couple of years ago. The numbers and cover stock are very similar. So to compare apples to apples, I threw this side by side with the Super Natural and Punch Out. The Punch Out gets into a roll much quicker since it is a stronger cover ball than the other 2. The Ride is perfect to ball down to from it for me. I also like the fact that the Ride is very smooth and lets me get on top of the friction more. My Super Natural is a different look entirely with a hook and early set motion (urethane reaction). The Ride gives me the impression that I can stay with it longer and not stray too far from the friction. I will be most curious to see the Ride on shorter pattern like the 32' PBA Wolf and the 34' & 35' Team USA patterns.

Conclusions: The Ride fills that gap between urethane and reactive perfectly for me. I also get the impression that heavy handed players will love the Ride since it look like you can rip on it and not have it boomerang off the back of the pattern.
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Storm Rocket

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 4/6/2015

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Lay Out: 5.25" from PAP at 75* PAP angle and 25* VAL angle. Dual angle measurement would be 75/5.25/25. No weight hole.

Surface: Box which is 1500 Reacta-Shine.

Purpose: I wanted a piece to fill the gap I have between my IQ Fusion and Punch Out. I had an original HyRoad and might have been the only person in the Storm universe to just have no look with it and whatever surface/lay out put in it.

Observations: The Rocket reminds me of the Frantic from a couple of years ago. You couldn't bowl a better league in central Ohio without seeing the Frantics come out the minute they started to hook. The numbers are very similar. So to compare apples to apples, I threw this side by side with the IQ Tour Fusion and Punch Out. The Fusion is stronger in the back for me but I have also knocked the factory shine of it and keep it close to 4000. The Punch Out is still factory shined and gets down the lane without much adjustment from me. The Rocket is fitting in perfectly between the two. In fact I think I am getting a second Rocket and doing a pin under lay out with 3000 on it to get another one with a more even reaction. This current Rocket is very long and strong out of the box and might need hit lightly with 4000.

Conclusions: The Rocket fills that gap between the IQ Fusion and Punch Out perfectly for me. I do not have a Hyroad Pearl or hybrid to compare it with. From a general standpoint, I would imagine it is earlier than both just based off core numbers compared in box finishes. If you want something to get you length with good motion, give the Rocket a try.
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Storm Sky Rocket

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 8/10/2015

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Lay Out: 5" from PAP at 75* PAP angle and 25* VAL angle. Dual angle measurement would be 75/5/25 & 7/8" wight hole 2" down my VAL.

Surface: Box which is 1500 Reacta-Shine.

Purpose: I wanted a compliment to a Rocket with the same layout.

Observations: The Sky Rocket is a strong backend motion. I threw this side by side with the original Rocket. The Sky Rocket gets thru the fronts cleaner but moves a lot sharper in the back than the Rocket does. My Rocket was a good go to when my stronger stuff like the Crux Pearl started to go sideways at the break point. The Sky Rocket is sharped off the spot and forces me to go more left when I switch to it.

Conclusions: The Sky Rocket is more finish than the Rocket. If you want a smoother motion than think Rocket. If you want skid/flip, think Sky Rocket.
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Storm Soniq

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 3/31/2018

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled up my SonIQ with a dual angle layout of 65/4.75/35 with a weight hole 5" across my midline. This put the pin up above my ring finger with the CG slightly to the right of my span. I have touched the surface lightly with a 4000 pad a couple of times but mostly thrown it with box finish. The weight hole was mainly to get it back to legal specs.

I have thrown the SonIQ on a variety of conditions like house, modified house, PBA Don Johnson (40 ft), and our state tournament shot. The one thing that stands out on all of them is the cover out of box gets good length thru the front of the lane. The core revs up pretty well and the SonIQ is what I prefer when I need push on slightly burnt heads.

I usually will start one of my leagues on modified house with a couple of different DAREDEVIL DANGERS, one with surface and a rolly layout and the other shined with a little ore length and back end. When those become too early in the front or get harder to push down the lane, then it is SonIQ time.

I also have thrown my SonIQ with my HUSTLE INK and HUSTLE HYB. My HYB is smoother and a little earlier move than the SonIQ. The INK is definitely longer thru the front part of the lane. The one thing is that neither HUSTLE has the back end motion of the SonIQ.

Put this one in your bag when you need something to get thru choppy fronts but want a good and crisp motion on the back end of the lane. I will venture that the SonIQ can be thrown with much more surface on it like 2000 or 1000 but I have other pieces in my arsenal to fill those spots.
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Storm Street Fight

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 12/20/2016

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled my Street Fight up pin up at 65* by 5 by 35*. I left the Street Fight in box surface to throw. I get an even reaction from the Street Fight. I was able to use this as a ball down option from my original Fight and got more length and later back end motion from the Street Fight. I also used the Street Fight on flatter and tougher patterns where I wanted to keep my target in front of me. Drill one up for more length than the original Fight.
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Storm Summit

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 8/31/2023

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled my SUMMIT up with a 4 x 4 x 4 pin under layout. I use this layout on pin unders to try to get a smooth transition. I have left it box finish which is 2000 abralon.

Initial thoughts were strong but smooth. The SUMMIT was seeing the friction very early but not hopping off it like my other stronger pin up balls like the DNA and GEM were.

The SUMMIT is a nice add on for when your big core/big traction balls are seeing the friction early and starting to stop or slow down too much. The SUMMIT also gives the appearance of a nice ball to have another as a compliment. I am going to add a pin up layout in the SUMMIT to go with the one I have already.
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Storm Summit Ascent

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 12/9/2024

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled up my SUMMIT ASCENT with the trusty 60 x 4.5 x 35 layout. I only got to throw it at box surface as I ended up giving it to a teammate when I dropped to 14 lbs.

I noticed that it had a very rolly type of reaction and was very similar to an oldie but goodie that I first drilled when I came on SPI staff in the SPECIAL AGENT. The SPECIAL was my go-to ball as a benchmark and reliable ball to keep it in play if there was oil and the lanes were touchy. The ASCENT showed a lot of those same characteristics, and I will put holes in another one in 14 lb once I get all of the gear I had drilled back up in 14 lbs.

Drill this one up if you want control on more medium to slightly slicker lane conditions or a good all-around first ball out of the bag.
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Storm Summit Peak

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 5/22/2024

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled my STORM SUMMIT PEAK at a 4.5 x 4 x 2. I left it mainly shined but did lightly hit it with a 3000 Tru Cut pad to get the glaze off. I have thrown it about 10 games since I hit the cover so probably due for another 3000 Tru Cut touch up.

I have thrown this on league conditions. In the center I bowl on Mondays at, it just seemed like it needed the lanes to be a touch more dryer to carry better. It would glide thru the fronts easily but not get thru the pins hard enough to carry out tens for me. My RG ATTENTION STAR was more bowling ball and worked much better there. My Tuesday night league gets more blown up in the track area and this ball was golden when they got to that shot. I would use the RG ATTENTION STAR until it got to forward and then step down to the SUMMIT PEAK to take over. When the PEAK was starting to get too forward or flat, then my 900 GLOBAL XPONENT PEARL was in play.

The motion was smooth like the original SUMMIT, but the pearl cover got it down the lane quite a bit further than the original.
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Storm Super Nova

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 12/22/2022

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled up my SUPER NOVA 45 x 4 x 35. This is a strong layout that I have used on balls like the PHYSIX and RUBICON in the past. This is my strongest and earliest reading layout for me that I ever use. I threw it box finish which was plenty dull. I threw it up against a PROTON PHYSIX, GEM, and NOVA.

I threw it on a longer 46 foot pattern but the volume wasn't high enough to need this much cover. I also tried it out on a longer house shot. I was having a hard time getting it to retain energy at the pins and left a lot of flat tens. My GEM was better as my PROTON was doing the same. The NOVA was slow at the spot until there was more burn in the pattern then it was at home.

My thoughts on this one are do not drill it aggressive but more mildly to take advantage of the flare. With my layout, the ball flared close to 7 inches. I could have probably cut down the pin distance to 5 - 5.5 inches and still got around 4-5 inches of flare which is more than enough on todays lanes surfaces. The ball motion is still very strong like the original NOVA, so a milder layout should let you use this one much longer in a set or block.
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Storm Super Soniq

3 of 4 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 3/24/2019

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled my SUPER SON!Q up 4.75 x 55 which puts the pin in my ring finger. This is a layout I like to use when I'm going from a strong asym ball and a strong asym pearl is too over/under to use yet. This layout on a strong ball gives me some time until the lane lets me get to my HALO PEARL or even further down to my SON!Q.

I may drill a second one to be like my SON!Q which has a layout of 5 x 40 and is more versatile for me on house. The SUPER would give me a ball to start a little more into the oil line until we blow a hole in the track and need to ball down to the SON!Q.

Drill this one up for control and early smooth read.
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Storm The Road

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 8/12/2024

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled my THE ROAD pin up fairly strong with a 4.5 x 3.5 x 2 VLS layout. I have touched the surface up a couple of times with a 1500 and 2000 pad.

This is a good ball to get thru the fronts when you bigger balls start to read too quickly. I compared it with a couple of my other medium pieces in the SUMMIT PEAK and LIGHTNING BLACKOUT (LIBO). THE ROAD is much earlier read than the LIBO. Where my PEAK is slower off the spot for me, THE ROAD has a little more giddy up in the back end.

When there are dryer fronts and I need later read, then THE ROAD is the go-to piece out of my bag. Drill this one up if you need later read on medium to dryer patterns.
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Storm Trend 16 Only

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 11/23/2020

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled my TREND with a layout of 65 x 4 x 35. I hit the box surface with a 2000 abr pad and let it lane shine back up.

I used the TREND on a PBA50 regional that was on 37ft Marshall Holman and also on the 42ft Mark Roth Patterns. On the Holman pattern, the TREND is too much bowling ball as it breaks very sharply off the friction. Better options were balls like the WILD STREAK, PHAZE II, and IQ TOUR NANO PEARL which were smoother transitions along with the HUSTLE PBR as these blended the pattern out and let me control the down lane motion better. The TREND wanted to break loose too quickly so I gave it a try on a longer pattern that gets more wet/dry during PBA50 tournament play in the 42 foot Roth pattern, Now the TREND was more at home as it gave me a longer option when my ASTRO PHYSIX was starting to go forward too much at the end of the pattern. Compared to my AXIOM PEARL, the TREND was a few feet later and sharper off the back when the lanes had went thru their final transition.
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Storm Trend 2

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 11/11/2021

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled up my TREND 2 at 4.5 x 25 and threw it at box finish. The idea is to compare to a couple of other trusted pieces that tend to come out when I think the TREND 2 should be in play. These are the ZEN and IDOL SYNERGY. First thing I noticed about the TREND 2 is it glides fairly easily thru the fronts no matter how chopped up they seem to get. My ZEN is a go to when I need something to pick up and the bigger balls are sluggish looking in the back ends. As predicted. the ZEN was earlier than the TREND 2 for me. I keep my ZEN at a light 2000. They do play off each other well as my TREND 2 gets slightly longer and has that ZENlike pop on the backend. IDOL SYNERGY plays off the TREND 2 as well getting more length when the TREND 2 is starting to check too quickly or go forward too fast. I did also try the HYPED HYBRID. It was after the TREND 2 was slowing down too much. I had to be more precise with it speed wise than going to the IDOL SYNERGY but that is another review. If you been skeptical about the Belmo releases (I was because my rev rate is about half of Jason's), this ball will get your attention. I have been able to get it up the lane or get around it some more and get it back and still have strong hit with it.
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Storm Typhoon

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 2/13/2025

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled up my TYPHOON 4 x 4 x 2. This stacks the CG/Pin over my ring finger. I lightly scuffed it with a 3000 pad to just get the gloss off.

The TYPHOON is a good read for our center with its 20+ year old panels. It floats thru the front and has a good shape in the back. It is a great ball down option compared to the ROAD WARRIOR and OPTIMUM IDOL PEARL. When those balls are too much early or down lane, the TYPHOON shines as the next option before going to the TROPICAL BREEZES.
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Storm Virtual Energy Blackout

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike Craig on 12/19/2023

About the Bowler

League Average:

215

PAP:

4 1/2 > 1" ^

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

204

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled up my VIRTUAL ENERGY BLACKOUT with a 4 x 2 x 3.5 layout. This put the pin in my ring finger. This is a layout I prefer when I need to blend patterns that have became wet/dry and my bigger balls are standing up too soon and shiny options are too long off the pattern. In essence, this is my version of a pin under layout with a weight hole down. I slightly have glazed the cover with a 3000 CTD pad which is almost like 2000 SiaAir pads.

I have put this up against my EXOTIC GEM, CLONE, & ZEN GOLD LABEL which are a couple of my shinier choices for most medium/slightly wetter conditions. The BLACKOUT did exactly what I needed in that it can hug the oil line much easier than the EXOTIC GEM and CLONE. My GOLD LABEL was the same length thru the fronts but a slower move in the back compared to the VE BLACKOUT and was weaker hitting. It could also blow thru the backend and miss the headpin right completely. On slightly slicker patterns, the CLONE and EXOTIC GEM were slightly better looks. I did get the impression that I could hit the VIRTUAL ENERGY BLACKOUT with a 1000 pad and get a much earlier read to put it on par with those quicker reading shiny balls. One thing with this layout was I had to keep my speed up or the ball would get forward too quickly and stop.

Drill this one up if you want something to have when you encounter your first transition from slightly slicker to more medium slick. Also don't be afraid to hit it with surface to get it to read quicker if you are leaving flat corner pins.
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