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Reviews by Mike LeViner

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 Honey Badger Intensity

900 Global Origin EX

900 Global Reality

900 Global Reality Check

900 Global Sublime

900 Global Wolverine

900 Global Wolverine Dark Moss

900 Global Xponent

900 Global Xponent Pearl

900 Global Zen 25

900 Global Zen Gold Label

900 Global Zen Master

900 Global Zen Soul

900 Global Zen/U

Roto Grip Attention Star

Roto Grip Clone

Roto Grip Duo Black/Green

Roto Grip Eternal Cell

Roto Grip Exotic Gem

Roto Grip Halo Pearl

Roto Grip Hustle 3TP

Roto Grip Hustle Au

Roto Grip Hustle Camo Solid

Roto Grip Hustle Earth

Roto Grip Hustle Glow

Roto Grip Hustle HSB

Roto Grip Hustle M-M

Roto Grip Hustle PBR

Roto Grip Hustle RAP

Roto Grip Hustle RIP

Roto Grip Hustle USA

Roto Grip Hustle X-Ray

Roto Grip Hyped Hybrid

Roto Grip Hyped Pearl

Roto Grip Idol Cosmos

Roto Grip Idol Helios

Roto Grip Idol Pearl

Roto Grip Idol Synergy

Roto Grip Magic Gem

Roto Grip MVP

Roto Grip MVP Attitude

Roto Grip MVP Pearl

Roto Grip Nuclear Cell

Roto Grip Optimum Idol

Roto Grip Rockstar

Roto Grip RST X-1

Roto Grip RST X-3

Roto Grip Rubicon

Roto Grip Rubicon UC2

Roto Grip Rubicon UC3

Roto Grip TNT Infused

Roto Grip Tour Dynam-X

Roto Grip UFO

Roto Grip UFO Alert

Roto Grip Ultimate Wrecker

Roto Grip Wild Streak

Roto Grip Winner Solid

Storm Absolute

Storm Absolute Power

Storm All-Road

Storm AstroPhysix

Storm Axiom

Storm Axiom Pearl

Storm Crux Prime

Storm Dark Code

Storm DNA

Storm DNA Coil

Storm Electrify Black/Silver/Yellow

Storm Electrify G/O

Storm Electrify Hybrid

Storm Electrify Pearl

Storm Electrify Solid

Storm Equinox

Storm Fate

Storm Fever Pitch

Storm Hy-Road Max

Storm Incite

Storm Infinite Physix

Storm Ion Pro

Storm IQ Tour 30

Storm IQ Tour Emerald

Storm IQ Tour Nano Pearl

Storm IQ Tour Ruby

Storm Journey

Storm Joy Ride

Storm Level

Storm Lightning Blackout

Storm Match Up Black/Red/Blue Hybrid

Storm Match Up Pearl

Storm Night Road

Storm Omega Crux

Storm Parallax

Storm Parallax Effect

Storm Phaze III

Storm Phaze V

Storm Pro-Motion

Storm Proton Physix

Storm Revenant

Storm Spectre

Storm Summit

Storm Summit Peak

Storm Super Nova

Storm Super Soniq

Storm Sure Lock

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 LeViner on 2/27/2022

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Layout: 40 x 4 1/2” x 40

The Altered Reality might have the strongest midlane roll of any polished ball that I have ever thrown. Even shiny, this thing gets through the fronts but then absolutely just digs into the middle part of the lane. For me, this makes it plenty of ball to use on a fresh medium oil house shot, and sometimes it is even too much for that! When there is enough oil I can play it straighter, but then the surface does allow me to chase it left without the ball losing too much energy, as long as I follow the oil. Our house does not have a ton of oil, so my arsenal is currently anchored on the top end by this ball, followed by the Phaze 4 and Wolverine. Both of those balls are any easy step down from the Altered Reality.
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900 Global Burner Pearl

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 10/22/2021

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Layout: 45 x 4 ½ x 45

The 900 Global Burner Pearl is the perfect complement piece to the 900 Global Burner Solid. The Burner Pearl is cleaner through the front and quicker in the back part of the lane, making it an easy transition from the Solid to the Pearl when the lanes transition. The Burner Pearl covers medium to medium-dry lanes, though it does have enough midlane traction to make it not sensitive to oil. This ball is not quite “skid flip”, though I wouldn't call the reaction “smooth” - to me, it is somewhere in the middle. I am quite happy with the lineup that 900 Global is putting together, as the Burners make it easy to create an entire arsenal with their equipment, top to bottom.
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900 Global Burner Solid

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 10/18/2021

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Layout: 30 x 4” x 70

The Burner Solid has become my go-to ball for when the lanes get weird or unpredictable, and it has become of my favorites right now. I drilled it pin down with a strong pin to p.a.p., which I normally do not do, but I wanted to emphasize the smooth and predictable motion. I hit the cover with a 3000 pad and I got a perfect benchmark ball reaction. I can use it when the lanes are fresh, as long as they are not super heavy, and I can move left as the night goes on. It is a strong, smooth reaction that I can use on anything from medium-dry to medium-heavy conditions. It is not quite strong enough for fresh heavy patterns, which is when the Zen Master comes into play.
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900 Global Eternity

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 3/19/2023

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

The overall strength of the Eternity took me by surprise. This is a ball that, despite having a shiny finish, absolutely needs oil in the front part of the lane to be successful. With that being said, the first game and set I shot with this ball was 300 and 815, so I very much love the reaction of this ball when my house shot is fresh. It has a lot of midlane roll, but still continues all the way through the pin deck in a very impressive manner. For my house shot, this is the strongest ball in my bag currently, and I follow it up with the Zen and Revenant.
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900 Global Eternity PI

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 1/22/2024

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

This ball grabs!! The Pi might have the most midlane traction of any ball I've ever had. You better have a good bit of oil up front for this beast; it is at home on fresh or long oil conditions, whether it be house or sport shots. This is the type of ball I want for the first game at USBC Nationals, for sure. It digs in the midlane but doesn't quit; the continuation is fantastic as long as the conditions are right. Once the lanes start drying up, it is time to put the Pi away and go to something like an Eternity or Summit. The closest comparison to the Eternity Pi would be the Gem, though I think the Gem rolls just a touch earlier.

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900 Global Harsh Reality

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 5/2/2024

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

If you need a ball that ignores heavy oil, the Harsh Reality is your best choice. This is the classic “strong core, strong coverstock” combination that any bowler looking for a heavy or long oil pattern ball needs. Replacing the original Reality is a massive task, and while the Harsh is a touch stronger than that ball, it lives up to the hype. The amount of midlane traction that this ball creates is off the charts. Due to this, once the lanes dry up, you'll need to transition to something better suited for medium lanes – the original Eternity is a perfect step down.
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900 Global Honey Badger Intensity

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 5/16/2021

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Layout: 60 x 4 ¾ x 40

The motion similarity between the Honey Badger Intensity and the preceding Honey Badger Revival is uncanny – a controllable mid lane and back end reaction, with the only difference being the Revival is at home on medium lane conditions, and the Intensity feasts upon medium-heavy conditions. It is still fairly easy through the front of the lane, but digs in with authority in the midlane. I would not put it on the traction level of the Reality or Proton Physix; I think it rests just below the Incite. That places it in a great position where it could be the strongest ball in most league bowler's bag.
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900 Global Origin EX

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 3/5/2025

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Layout: 35 x 4 1/4” x 40

The Origin EX is one of the most interesting releases from SPI in quite some time – this is one of the few times when the description of the ball given by the company does not match my experience when using the ball. The original Origin is one of my favorite SPI bowling balls from the last couple years. It gives me a medium amount of overall hook and has a good amount of backend hook, while still being very controllable. The Origin EX has all of that, while picking up the lane 3-4 feet earlier. Due to that, the idea of the cover being “clean” does not really match up to what I see, at box finish. What I get is a ball that is very smooth and controllable, while still best at home on medium to medium-heavy oil conditions. The cover will not dig into oil as much as an Ion Max or RST Hyperdrive, which makes the Origin EX a great step down from either of those 2 bowling balls.
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900 Global Reality

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 3/29/2021

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

The new 900 Global balls have been consistently great, and the Reality is no exception. It is not quite as aggressive overall as the Storm Proton Physix, but it is the strongest 900 Global ball that has come out of Utah thus far. That being said, it is just a small step down from the Proton. It has a very strong midlane roll which allows it to handle heavier oil conditions easily, but it is a little bit cleaner than some of the other higher end bowling balls. This allows it to handle transition easier. You can keep moving left with this ball until the head oil gives way, at which point the Zen or Honey Badger Revival come into play.
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900 Global Reality Check

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 9/9/2022

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Layout: 45 x 4 5/8 x 35

The Reality Check is one of the cleaner, most responsive high end balls that I have used in some time. Balls such as the first Reality or the Proton Physix roll quite a bit earlier, and even something like the previous entry in the line, the Altered Reality, I found to pick up sooner as well. The Reality Check ignores the heads and the front of the mids, but really digs in to the lane in the back half of the lane. It is a perfect step down from the dull high end choices, and a perfect stronger compliment to balls such as the Wolverine Dark Moss, Idol Cosmos, or the Night Road. It is right at home on medium/heavy to medium lane conditions.
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900 Global Sublime

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 2/25/2024

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Layout: 50 x 4 ½ x 35

The Sublime adds a unique shape to the 900 Global lineup – a smooth, strong, yet clean reaction that is very much at home on medium-dry to medium-heavy oil conditions. It ignores the heads but has a strong arcing reaction that starts in the early midlane and continues through the pindeck. The smoother nature of the Sublime lends it to being less oil sensitive than other medium-oil bowling balls that are more skid-flip. Bowling balls such as the Xponent Pearl or Summit Peak are cleaner and flippier, and are better for medium-dry to purely medium oil conditions, but are more sensitive to oil. Those balls are great choices to go to after the Sublime.
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900 Global Wolverine

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 2/27/2022

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Layout: 40 x 4 5/8 x 40

The Wolverine has become the slightly smoother, slightly less aggressive companion to the Phaze 4 in my bag. Out of box, the Wolverine loves medium to medium-dry lane conditions. I have not messed with the cover much yet, but with this ball's inherent smooth roll, I predict that at a fresh 2000 cover it would be great for medium-heavy oil conditions. In comparison, I find the core in the Phaze 4 to lend itself to handling oil slightly better, but the reaction of the Wolverine is a touch more rounded. I can be more aggressive with my hand at the release point with the Wolverine and it won't over-react; however, I've found that if I do spin it a touch more than intended, the core won't make up for it as much as the Phaze 4 would.
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900 Global Wolverine Dark Moss

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 9/21/2022

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

55 x 4 ½ x 35
I absolutely loved the original Wolverine, so I was very happy to see the Dark Moss coming out as a replacement. They are very similar, but the surface change on the Dark Moss (4000 grit instead of 1500 plus polish) does create a smoother roll. I see the same elements in both Wolverines – a very versatile ball that can cover medium-heavy to medium-dry lane conditions. The reaction is a hard arc, but not flippy. The easiest comparison is to the Idol Cosmos, which is a bit earlier and a touch stronger overall than the Dark Moss.
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900 Global Xponent

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 1/8/2024

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Layout: 45 x 4 ½ x 40

The 900 Global Xponent is the definition of a benchmark bowling ball, which makes it one of the most versatile balls available. It is best at home at medium oil patterns, is clean through the fronts, and has a smooth arc motion in the midlane and backend. It is clean enough in the front part of the lane to use on medium-dry lane conditions, which isn't always the case with bowling balls with solid coverstocks. The easiest and most valid comparison for the Xponent is the Storm IQ Tour Solid, and I do think they are quite similar. The stronger core of the Xponent gives it a slightly different shape, but the overall amount of motion is very similar. This ball is a great piece to build an arsenal around.
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900 Global Xponent Pearl

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 5/1/2024

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Layout: 60 x 4 3/4” x 35

The reaction of the 900 Global Xponent Pearl shows how massively important the coverstock and surface finish is to the final overall motion – whereas the original Xponent rolls very smooth and predictable, the Xponent Pearl has an aggressive, flippy backend reaction. It is super clean through the front part of the lane, and picks up hard in the later part of the midlane. This ball is perfect for medium to medium-dry lane conditions. For lanes that are too oily for the Xponent Pearl, the Xponent slides in perfectly. As far as comparisons go, the Xponent pearl rolls very similar to the Summit Peak for me.
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900 Global Zen 25

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 1/15/2025

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Layout: 45 x 4 1/2” x 35

The Zen 25 immediately reminded me of the Zen Gold Label – very easy through the front part of the lane, with a quick, decisive move down-lane. Due to it's slightly skid-flip nature (though I would not call it “violent”), it is best at home on medium to medium-dry or broken down patterns. It is a great choice to go to after the stronger shiny balls (Origin, Equinox, Attention Star) get to be too much. I have found that it is not as sensitive to oil as the Gold Label could be, which certainly increases its versatility. If the lanes dry up to the point that even the Zen 25 is too much, then one of the shiny Hustles is a perfect step-down.
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900 Global Zen Gold Label

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 1/17/2024

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Layout: 50 x 4 ½ x 35

The Zen Gold Label satisfies the need for a ball to go to after the original Zen – it is 2-3 feet cleaner and has a “flippier” motion in the backend. Whereas the original Zen has a good amount of midlane traction, the Gold Label moves that traction a few feet further down the lane. The end result is a ball that is best at home on medium to medium-dry conditions. Due to how clean this ball is in the front part of the lane, it is not best for heavier or longer oil conditions, nor was it designed for those. The original Zen, Xponent, or Sublime would be one ball stronger, and the Eternity Pi would be the choice for true heavy oil.
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900 Global Zen Master

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 10/19/2021

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Layout: 35 x 4 ½ x 70

The 900 Global Zen Master is a true example of how influential the coverstock is on the reaction of any particular bowling ball; the original Zen is an aggressive skid/flip ball, while the Zen Master is early, smooth, and predictable. Both balls utilize the same core, but the cover on the Master is much earlier and overall more aggressive. The Master is excellent on fresh, heavy, or long oil patterns. The massive amount of midlane roll that this ball boasts helps it to dominate those patterns. The Zen Master is too aggressive to use on anything less than medium oil, though the Zen and Zen Master combine to create a 1-2 punch that covers everything from heavy to medium-light conditions.
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900 Global Zen Soul

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 8/22/2022

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

900 Global Zen Soul
Layout: 40 x 4 ¼ x 40

The Zen Soul is the perfect complement to the original Zen; the Soul has a similar shape to the Zen, while being able to handle more oil. The hybrid cover of the Soul digs in to the midlane a couple feet earlier than the original Zen, and has a touch more overall hook. It is at home on medium to medium-heavy conditions. Due to the Soul not having too much early traction, I am still able to move left with it. Depending on what lane conditions you see, the Zen Soul could be the first ball out of your bag, and you could move to the first Zen when the Soul starts to see the midlane too quickly. If even heavier oil is seen, the Reality would fit perfectly above the Soul.
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900 Global Zen/U

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 3/19/2023

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

The Zen U is another entry in the evolution of the urethane bowling balls of today, as they continue to experience a renaissance in the bowling world. As more and more urethane balls are introduced, they seek to stake out a particular spot in the market, and I think the Zen U certainly has done that: a urethane ball that creates a little more backend reaction than a urethane ball traditionally would. That allows this ball to be used at slightly different times than other urethane bowling balls. When other urethane balls would hook too early and lose energy, the Zen U can continue to be used. With that being said, the Zen U is still best used on medium to light sport shots where there is still some oil in the heads, or for 2 handers on over/under house shots.
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Roto Grip Attention Star

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 5/2/2024

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Layout: 40 x 4 ½ x 35

This ball is, without a doubt, one of my favorite releases that SPI has produced in the last 5 years. The Attention Star has a rare combination of having a strong backend while still having a “stick to the lane” feeling – I never feel that it's at risk of over-shooting the break point, which can easily happen with some strong-backend balls. The reaction shape of this ball is a strong, hard arcing backend – I would not call it skid-flip, but it does have an impressive amount of down-lane motion. At it's out-of-box finish, it is not meant for true heavy oil, but for me it worked on anything from medium-heavy to medium-dry oil conditions. This one is an absolute must-have.
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Roto Grip Clone

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 11/6/2023

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Roto Grip Clone
Layout: 55 x 4 ½ x 35

When I heard that the Clone was going to be a polished solid, I got excited because the last high-end polished solid that Roto Grip had was the Eternal Cell, which is one of my favorite balls of all time. Luckily, the Clone lives up to the lofty standards! It has more overall hook and more backend motion than I remember the Eternal Cell having, but it is overall still very reminiscent of that ball. Even though it is a solid, it is very clean through the heads due to the polish, but it has a strong down-lane kick that I will call a “strong arc; it is not flippy, but it is not excessively smooth, either. This reaction is not made for fresh, but can easily be the 2nd or 3rd ball in the bag and cover anything from medium-heavy to medium-light conditions.
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Roto Grip Duo Black/Green

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 9/4/2023

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Layout: 50 x 4 ½ x 35
The Duo has about as strong of a late midlane/backend reaction as you can have without it being classified as “skid flip”. The decent amount of midlane read that the Duo has both allows it to have a modicum of predictability and arciness, but overall, this thing can really fly in the back part of the lane! It has become my favorite ball for when strong backend is needed, especially on house shots. I've paired the Duo with the Summit to be a killer combination – the Summit shines on fresh or heavier oil, and the Duo comes out when the Summit starts to pick up too early or when I need to circle the lane more. The bright green and black color combo on this ball is really nice, also.
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Roto Grip Eternal Cell

9 of 9 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 1/8/2016

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Drill Pattern - 55 X 4 15/16 X 40
4000 Abralon Pad Finish

The Eternal Cell fills a very important spot in the Roto Grip lineup – a high performance ball with a strong core, but a milder coverstock. This allows those with medium or slower speeds, as well as those with higher or medium rev rates, to be able to harness the power of the Nucleus core on a wide variety of lane conditions. The Eternal Cell can easily be a benchmark ball – one that is the first ball out of the bag, and one that is hard to take out of your hands. It does possess a strong backend motion, but it is of a smoother variety when compared to a bowling ball such as the Unhinged. Because of this, in combination with the 1500 abralon + factory finish polish surface preparation, the Eternal Cell is at home on medium lane conditions.

The Eternal Cell is not meant to be used on heavy oil in it's shiny box finish, but a run to the spinner and the use of a 2000 or 3000 abralon pad will quickly add much more midlane traction for longer patterns and higher volumes of oil.

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Roto Grip Exotic Gem

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 1/21/2023

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Layout: 65 x 5 3/8 x 40

Talk about midlane and backend hook!! I deliberately drilled this ball weaker than normal after watching other review videos first, and it's still a monster. I did hit it with a 4000 abralon pad to remove some of the polish, and even at 4000 it can handle all except for the heaviest of oils. I would put this ball in the category of “new” pearls, as in, they can still handle a good bit of oil. The traditional idea of a pearl coverstock ball is that it loves dry but is allergic to oil, and that certainly is not the case with the Exotic. This ball is 3-4 boards stronger than the most recent high end asym. pearl, the RST X2.
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Roto Grip Halo Pearl

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 4/9/2019

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Layout: 60 x 4 ¾ x 40

The Halo Pearl has massive midlane/backend on medium-heavy to medium-dry oil. This ball loves to turn the corner, and is great for when I have to get left and circle the lane. I drilled it with a layout to enhance the backend reaction, and also left the box finish shine on it, to use when the lanes are broken down a bit and I need to "curve it". It fits that spot perfectly. With the layout and surface that I have on it, it is not ideal for using when I have to go 'down and in'. Other balls such as the first Halo or original Idol are more suited for that, and then the Halo Pearl is the perfect ball to go to when those balls are burning up. The strong backend results in excellent pin carry when this ball matches up properly.

Mike LeViner
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Roto Grip Hustle 3TP

6 of 6 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 10/5/2019

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

The Roto Grip Hustle 3TP, through just a layout change, has a much stronger reaction in the back part of the lane than the Hustle AU did for me. Whereas my AU was drilled pin down, I drilled the 3TP pin up, 35 x 4" x 35, to allow the core to flare as much as possible. As a result, when thrown on broken down house shot conditions, the 3TP has a ton of backend flip. I was quite surprised, actually. I hit the ball with a 4000 pad to smooth out the backend a touch, but I was still able to move quite far left and essentially hook the lane with an entry level price point bowling ball. Of course, this ball is not intended to be used on heavier or fresh lane conditions, but once the lanes break down a bit, it really shines.
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Roto Grip Hustle Au

11 of 11 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 8/20/2019

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Layout: 35 x 4" x 65

The Hustle Au is a true dry lane ball; a great step down from the stronger hustles such as the Ink and the now discontinued HYB, and slightly weaker reaction than that of the Hustle HSB. This ball completely ignores the front part of the lane and has a smooth but confident backend move that is equal parts flip and arc. The reaction is great for drier lanes, because it does not have the uncontrollable skid/flip move that lower end balls can sometimes have. This would also be a great ball for those with high rev rates or lower ball speeds.
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Roto Grip Hustle Camo Solid

1 of 3 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 10/22/2021

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Layout: 60 x 1 1/2” x 30

The Hustle Camo reminds my of one of my favorite Roto Grip balls of all time, the Hustle Ink. Both the Ink and the Camo have an uncanny combination of length, mid lane and back end roll, and control. Just like I did with a couple Inks, I drilled my Camo with a short pin to p.a.p. length to help enhance the control that these balls have. What I ended up with is a ball that has enough length through the fronts to use it on drier lanes, but a ball that has enough midlane to where I could use it on anything less than fresh heavy oil. It is shocking how good this ball is at an entry-level price. I would label the ball reaction as a smooth, consistent heavy roll.
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Roto Grip Hustle Earth

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 6/20/2025

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Roto Grip Hustle Earth

Without a doubt, this is the “strongest” Hustle ever – as far as how much oil the ball can handle. This thing digs strong in the midlane. Luckily, my home center has a lot of volume in the summer, because this ball does need some oil to get it through the fronts. Once the Earth gets through the heads, it has a massive amount of midlane traction but does not sacrifice downlane continuation. This ball is a perfect step down from balls like the RockStar or Phaze 2, as it creates a similar shape to those two ball but is a bit less overall. I have not thrown the Earth on sport conditions yet, but I think it's consistency and smoothness will be big assets on tougher patterns.
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Roto Grip Hustle Glow

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 6/21/2025

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Roto Grip Hustle Glow

The Hustle Glow – besides being possibly the coolest looking Hustle ever – has that classic skid-flip reaction that SPI products has been known for for years. This ball does not even consider starting to hook before the back part of the midlane, and then it is a strong, angular reaction. I find the reaction shape to be somewhat reminiscent of the IQ Tour AI, with less overall hook. The Hustle Glow is amazing on medium/light lane conditions, though it is definitely too clean in the fronts for any heavier volumes. I find the Glow to be a great step down from either the aforementioned IQ Tour AI, the Road Warrior, or even a ball like the Ultimate Wrecker.
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Roto Grip Hustle HSB

1 of 2 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 10/5/2019

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I drilled the Hustle HSB with a specific reaction in mind, and I got what I wanted, and even a bit more. To have a controllable ball reaction to use when the lanes get wet/dry or over/under, I drilled the HSB with a 1 1/2 pin to my p.a.p. I then hit the ball with an old 3000 pad to take a bit of the shine off. What I got was a ball that has enough traction that I can actually use it, using straighter angles, on fresh conditions. What I did not expect, however, was that it would still have enough backend that I could move left and use it when the lanes are broken down, as well. I am happily surprised by the amount of downlane traction that the HSB possesses. It has turned out to be very versatile, and a great addition to my bag.
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Roto Grip Hustle M-M

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 9/4/2023

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

The Hustle M & M, while still being most at home on medium to medium-dry oil conditions, is the strongest pearl Hustle that Roto Grip has released. This thing has an impressive amount of backend hook for the price point. I have found a good bit of use over the years using the other pearl Hustles (3T.P., P.O.W., R.I.G., R.A.P., S.A.Y., Wine), and they have all been fantastic for house shots when the pattern has broken down. The M & M follows in that tradition, while having a bit more midlane traction. When the DUO starts to be too much, the M & M fits in perfectly. I have found that the M & M is closer to the Hyped Pearl than you might initially suspect, which just shows how good of a deal the M & M is.
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Roto Grip Hustle PBR

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 10/20/2020

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Layout: 55 x 4 1/8” x 30

This is the most hook I have ever seen out of any “entry level” ball, period. I brought this ball out on a fresh medium-heavy oil shot, and it had no trouble digging though the oil. What I like the most about the PBR is the fact that it has so much mid lane traction but still does not give up in the back end; the amount of continuation is fantastic. The PBR has many uses – it could easily be the strongest ball in your bag if you do not see heavy oil often, or it could be a great ball to go to when balls such as the Idol or Rubicon start to hook too early.

Mike LeViner
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Roto Grip Hustle RAP

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 10/23/2020

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Layout: 55 x 4 ½ x 40

The Hustle RAP has an impressively strong backend reaction on medium-dry lane conditions. The aggressive skid-flip reaction is great when the lanes break down, and the stronger balls start to hook too early. In comparison to the Hustle PBR, the RAP is easily 3-4 feet further down the lane before it starts to make its move. The overall amount of hook is similar, though, due to how much ground the RAP makes up in the back part of the lane. For me, the RAP (with the out of the box surface prep) is too clean in the front and mid part of the lane to use on fresh conditions.
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Roto Grip Hustle RIP

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 7/31/2023

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Layout: 35 x 4 1/8” x 40

For the masses looking for a re-release of the vaunted Hustle Ink, this is about as close as you can possibly get. The RIP is incredible easy through the heads and has a smooth, consistent hard arc in the back part of the lane...just like the Ink. Not to mention that the color somewhat reminds me of that ball, as well. I (and many others) consider the Hustle Ink to be one of the best balls that has come out of the Storm facilities in the last 10 years, so any allusions to that ball is of the highest regard. The RIP can handle medium oil, especially with the cover taken to 3000 or 4000, but it is most at home on broken down shots that resemble medium-light oil.
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Roto Grip Hustle USA

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 9/21/2022

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

45 x 4 3/8 x 35
There have been many times over the years where the amount of motion that I get out of the various Hustles has surprised me, but this one takes the cake. The amount of midlane and backend motion that I get out of the Hustle USA easily rivals that of bowling balls that cost $50+ more than this ball. That is also after I hit the ball with a 4000 pad! Possibly due to the mild nature of the core, there isn't much early traction (which is good), but it digs in HARD once it reaches the late midlane. In box finish, I would need a good bit of oil to be able to use this ball. At 4000, it is great on medium conditions, but it is strong enough down lane that it is too much to use down-and-in.
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Roto Grip Hustle X-Ray

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 9/9/2024

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

The Hustle X-Ray builds upon the history of great sanded Hustle line balls, but for me, this ball had a lot to live up to. The last sanded Hustle ball, the Hustle USA, may have been my personal favorite of any Hustle ball ever. This X-Ray is a bit smoother than the USA, simply to the coverstock being a solid instead of a Hybrid, but it still has the unmistakable great characteristics of a Hustle – clean through the fronts, more midlane than expected at this price point, and a hard-arcing backend. The X-Ray is best at home on medium patterns – the core does not have enough torque for true heavy oil, but the cover has too much traction for light oil. This ball is great on shorter oil sport shot patterns, though, as an alternative to urethane.
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Roto Grip Hyped Hybrid

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 2/6/2022

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Roto Grip Hyped Hybrid
Layout: 35 x 4 1/4” x 45

The Hyped Hybrid has a surprisingly smooth motion for being a shiny hybrid bowling ball; most “lower end” shiny balls, whether they be pearl or hybrid, usually will be quite aggressive in the back part of the lane, but this ball truly is aggressive in the midlane. It is rolly, smooth, and predictable – a great option to have when other shiny balls are too flippy. Even with it being smooth, I would still rate it as being best at home on medium to medium-dry lane conditions; the components of this ball are not quite strong enough to tackle heavier lane conditions.

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Roto Grip Hyped Pearl

8 of 8 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 2/6/2022

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Roto Grip Hyped Pearl
Layout: 50 x 4 3/4” x 40

The Hyped Pearl is your prototypical light-to-medium oil shiny ball...and I love it! Our house has been on the drier side recently, and this ball is perfect for it. It skids through the fronts easy and has a hard-arc backend reaction (not quite a flip) and is at home when the lanes dry out. It has just enough mid lane traction to make it predictable, but not too much to make it too strong for drier lanes. The Hyped Pearl has two easy comparisons – the Hyped Hybrid and the Storm Phaze 4. It is a similar shape overall to the Phaze 4, but is about 3 to 4 boards weaker. The Hyped Hybrid hooks 1 to 2 boards more overall than the Hyped Pearl, and is a good bit smoother overall as well.
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Roto Grip Idol Cosmos

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 8/22/2022

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Roto Grip Idol Cosmos
Layout: 45 x 4 ½ x 45

The Idol Cosmos, despite it having a pearl coverstock, has become my current benchmark ball. With the stronger composition of the cover, and the 4k-fast finishing process, this ball is in a different universe of ball reaction than that of the previous Idol Pearl. The Cosmos has enough midlane traction to handle medium-heavy oil patterns, though it is also clean enough to be used on medium to medium-dry conditions. I would categorize the ball reaction as being smooth but with some backend kick. It is one of the most versatile pieces that I have seen in quite some time.
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Roto Grip Idol Helios

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 2/7/2022

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Roto Grip Idol Helios
Layout: 50 x 4 3/4” x 35

I, along with most of the bowling world, was very disappointed when the original Idol was discontinued. That ball had the unique duality of being a strong solid and also being able to use it long after you would think you would have had to put it away. Luckily, the Helios brings back those same qualities. Even with the coverstock on this ball being an updated version of the one that was on the pink Idol, it is still fairly clean through the fronts with a ton of midlane roll. After the ball lane shines (about 15 games in), I was then able to move left when the lanes dried out a bit, and have it retain enough energy to come around the corner. It is a medium-heavy oil monster that is versatile enough to cover the adjacent lane conditions as well.
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Roto Grip Idol Pearl

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 3/19/2019

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Layout: 60 x 4 1/2 x 40

Surface: 4000

The Idol Pearl brings a unique ball roll to the Roto Grip lineup - a pearl symmetric that is rolly, yet can still get around the corner when you need to move further left. As is the case for all shiny ball out of the box, I cracked the surface slightly with a 4000 pad, to smooth out the reaction just a bit. What I got was a ball that can be played straighter on fresh, as long as it isn't heavy oil. The rolly nature of the core helps to control the skid flip nature of the cover, and a nice mixture of the 2 is what contributes to the versatile nature of this ball. It is best at home on medium oil, but can cover medium-heavy down to medium-dry.

In comparison to the Halo Pearl, which has the same coverstock, the Idol Pearl is cleaner through the front and is a couple boards less hook overall. Starting with the Halo Pearl and then transitioning to the Idol Pearl has been a good move for me when the Halo Pearl starts to hook a bit too early due to the strength of the core.

Mike LeViner
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Roto Grip Idol Synergy

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 12/29/2020

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Layout: 50 x 4 11/16” x 30

The Idol Synergy has become my go-to ball since it came out; in fact, I have used it almost exclusively since the day I drilled it. It has a strong backend reaction, but it isn't quite as skid-flip as I had expected it to be. It gets through the heads super easily, and has just enough of that Idol-like midlane traction that allows it to be able to handle a decent bit of oil. If I had to put a title on it, the Synergy feels like a benchmark ball that has an extra bit of backend hook added. It is a perfect combination of strength and reliability for medium-heavy to medium-dry oil lane conditions. It pairs well with the Rubicon, which covers heavier oil patterns than the Synergy is designed for.
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Roto Grip Magic Gem

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 1/22/2024

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

The Magic Gem is a slightly cleaner and “flippier” version of the first Gem, though the overall reactions of the two bowling balls are not too different. This ball still needs a good bit of oil in it's 2000 grit out of box finish. Side to side with the Gem, the Magic is about a foot further down the lane, and has a slightly stronger down lane reaction. Due to this, the Magic Gem is more adept at being able to move left and circle the lane. However, once the head oil goes away, it is time to drop down to an Exotic Gem or Duo. This ball fits firmly in the heavy to medium-heavy oil range.
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Roto Grip MVP

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 8/20/2019

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Layout: 55 X 4 1/2 x 45

The MVP might very well be the most "bang for your buck" on the entire market. The amount of backend arc that this ball has is very impressive; I would not call the reaction skid/flip, but instead, a very strong backend arc. There is enough midlane traction to make the MVP usable on fresh medium conditions, especially for those with slower ball speeds. On medium-dry conditions, and when the lane opens up a bit, is when this ball really shines for those with medium-higher ball speeds or lower rev rates. It will be fantastic for "circling" the lane, due to the amount of energy that it saves for the back portion of the lane. It is easily 4-5 boards stronger than a Hustle Au.
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Roto Grip MVP Attitude

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 10/20/2020

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Layout: 60 x 1 ½” x 35

I drilled my MVP Attitude with one thing in mind: control and aggressive mid lane roll for fresh lanes with dry backends. A “control ball” was something that was missing from my arsenal, and this ball (with this layout) fills that need. I am able to keep my lines tight and “down & in” when the fronts are juicy and the backends are flying. Admittedly, the short pin layout does limit the versatility of the Attitude for me – it does not allow me to get left and open the lane up. When the fronts start to hook, I switch to the MVP Pearl or Electrify Hybrid.

Mike LeViner
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Roto Grip MVP Pearl

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 3/21/2020

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Layout: 40 x 4 ½ x 35. The MVP Pearl from Roto Grip is my favorite “low end” bowling ball since the original Match Pearl. The amount of down-lane recovery this ball has is incredible. The MVP Pearl is intended for medium-dry lanes, but for my medium ball speed and the modest amount of oil that my home lanes have, I can use it on fresh oil as well. It has a hint of mid-lane roll, but unleashes itself in the backend in a way that is very aggressive, but still controllable. The combination of the Nuclear Cell and the MVP Pearl has been perfect to cover any house condition for me - Mike LeViner.
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Roto Grip Nuclear Cell

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 3/26/2020

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Layout: 45 x 4 3/8 x 40. The Roto Grip Nuclear Cell is an absolute house shot killer! It has the perfect combination of length, strong backend, and control. The Nuclear Cell gets through the front part of the lane extremely easily, which makes it a very good option even when the lanes are broken down, and/or you have to move left to open up the lane (as a right hander). Pin carry is excellent. This ball (with the shiny out of box finish) is not intended to be used on fresh, heavy lane conditions, but from what I have seen, it can handle any other type of condition. One of my favorite balls of the last few years!
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Roto Grip Optimum Idol

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 5/2/2024

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Layout: 40 x 4 ¼ x 35

Finally...the wrongs of the original Idol being discontinued have been righted! The original Idol solid was one of the best bowling balls that Roto Grip has ever released, and the introduction of the Optimum Idol brings the Idol line back to prominence. The addition of AI technology to the Ikon core creates a slightly stronger midlane motion – overall, I do find this Optimum Idol to be a tad bit earlier, smoother, and overall more motion than that original Idol. That means that the Optimum Idol is absolutely perfect for heavy to medium-heavier oil conditions. Once the lanes dry up, this ball will begin to hook too early...but, it isn't intended for those conditions anyways.
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Roto Grip Rockstar

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 3/22/2025

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Layout: 40 x 4 3/8” x 35

Take the Storm Phaze II and make it a touch cleaner through the fronts, and you have the Rockstar! While that may not sound like it would make a big difference, I have found the Rockstar to be much more playable on a regular medium oil league pattern than the Phaze II. The Rockstar certainly has enough traction to be able to be used on medium/heavy patterns, but the usability on standard medium oil patterns is what makes this ball stand out. It has a good amount of heavy mid lane roll while not burning up too much energy. It is a great step down from the aforementioned Phaze II, or something like a Sublime Focus.
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Roto Grip RST X-1

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 3/12/2021

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Layout: 50 x 4 7/8” x 35

The RST X-1 is a unique medium-heavy oil beast that is cleaner through the fronts than your normal high end ball, and due to this, it has a quicker backend reaction as well. I was not sure exactly what to expect when I drilled it, but what I got was a ball that is a small step down from balls like the Proton Physix, but could still be used on heavier oil. The quickness that it shows down lane lends to it being very useful on all medium oil conditions, and therefore also contributes to it's versatility. It fits absolute perfectly between the Proton Physix or Reality, and balls like the Rubicon UC2 or the Idol Synergy.
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Roto Grip RST X-3

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 10/23/2022

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Layout: 55 x 4 ½ x 40
The RST X-3 is a smooth rolling medium-heavy condition ball that sits perfectly in between the heavy oil monsters and the skid-flip pieces. For most house shots I think this could be a first ball out of the bag; however, for true heavy oil or higher speed and/or lower rev rate players, this would be the 2nd ball out of the bag. This ball gave me a smooth arc, while still not reading the lane too early. Due to the ball not reading the lane too early, I was still able to move left with it when needed. I would put this ball under the Gem or Super Nova in overall motion, but over the Reality Check or Infinite Physix.
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Roto Grip Rubicon

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 12/28/2020

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Roto Grip Rubicon

Layout: 50 x 5 ½ x 35

The Rubicon has become my go-to ball on medium to medium-heavy lane conditions. The combination of strong midlane and downlane continuation that this ball possesses matches up perfectly with my game, and is one of my favorite bowling balls of the past few years. With the lower mass bias differential that this ball has, it does have slightly more skid and backend when compared to an Axiom or other similar solid symmetric upper-mid performance bowling balls; because of this, it is easier to get left and go around the lane when the fronts start to dry out a bit. I get excellent pin carry with this bowling ball when used on the right lane condition. When it does get a bit too dry to use the Rubicon effectively, I can switch to my Idol Synergy.

Mike LeViner
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Roto Grip Rubicon UC2

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 3/12/2021

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Layout: 40 x 4 3/16 x 35

Similar to how I could not put down the Idol Synergy as soon as I drilled it, the same thing has happened with the Rubicon UC2 – I have hardly thrown any other ball since I put holes in this purple beauty. It is super clean in the fronts but has a good bit of midlane traction to go with the strong backend that it possesses. I purposely drilled this ball with a stronger layout than I normally would, to make sure that the ball would not be too skid-flip. What I am left with is a strong arcing pearl ball that I can use on anything from medium-heavy to medium-dry lanes, with a ton of energy left when it goes through the pins. As you'd likely guess, the original sanded Rubicon is a perfect ball to use when the lanes are too oily for the UC2.
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Roto Grip Rubicon UC3

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 2/28/2022

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

The Rubicon UC3 can be looked at in two different ways: it is either the evolution of the urethane ball, or it closes the gap between urethane and reactive. Either way, the combination of the Rondure core and the Tour-ethane coverstock definitely creates a unique ball motion that is a must in any tournament bowler's bag. With the strong midlane motion that this ball has, while still having that smooth backend motion that urethane is known for, it is money on shorter or cliffed patterns. I do think that this ball is certainly too much motion for truly dry lanes, as it will pick up too early and burn off energy. However, when this ball is in play, it is a motion that is not matched by anything else being produced in Utah. It is a good 2-3 boards stronger than the Pitch Black.
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Roto Grip TNT Infused

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 2/4/2024

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Layout: 45 x 4 5/8 x 35
I had success using the original TNT on tougher patterns, but it was too strong and rolled too early for me to be able to use it on the house shots that I see. The TNT Infused is the absolute opposite; it is clean through the fronts but has an a bunch of backend flip. Due to this, it is a killer on the medium oil house shots that I usually see. Even though I would characterize the backend as being a bit flippy, it is still controllable. It is strong enough overall to use to begin with, but has plenty of pop downlane as I need to move left throughout the night. If I need something that can handle a bit more oil than the Infused, I change to the Sublime or the Magic Gem.
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Roto Grip Tour Dynam-X

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 12/11/2023

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Layout: 30 x 4 x 65

The Tour Dynam-X has a very unique ball reaction that, as intended, is best compared to the Storm IQ Tour. It is very smooth and predictable, though the added asymmetry gives it a touch more downlane kick. It does not pick up too early, and saves everything for the midlane. With surface, this ball is good on heavier or flatter fresh patterns. For me, the smooth arcing nature of this ball lends itself to being much better when straighter angles or a “down and in” line is needed. Once I have to move left, balls like a TNT Infused or Clone come around the corner better. I find that this ball is a great alternative to using urethane.
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Roto Grip UFO

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 3/26/2020

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Layout: 70 x 4 ½ x 40

The UFO is the rare medium-heavy oil monster that still has a ton of shape down lane. The UFO got through the front part of the lane easier than I thought it would, and had a strong midlane/backend reaction. I would classify it as more angular than an Idol, but obviously not as skid-flip as the Nuclear Cell. Depending on surface prep, it can cover anything from medium to the heaviest of oil. It is definitely too strong for light oil, but that is where the MVP Pearl or the Hustle line will come into play.
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Roto Grip UFO Alert

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 9/28/2021

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Layout: 55 x 4 5/8 x 35

The UFO Alert has the biggest backend of any high end ball in recent memory. I loved the UFO, though that ball was very smooth and even. The Alert is the opposite! The strong asymmetric core does provide some mid lane traction, but it really unleashes itself in the back part of the lane. That lends itself to tremendous hitting power when it is used on the correct lane conditions. To that end – the Alert should not be used on long, fresh lane conditions. It will be too erratic. Once the lanes break down just a bit and circling the lane becomes crucial, the Alert will be right at home. This ball looks especially amazing as well – the dark sparkly green and deep purple are very attractive.
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Roto Grip Ultimate Wrecker

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 3/4/2025

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Roto Grip Ultimate Wrecker

I've been in the pro shop business since 2006, and the original Wrecker is probably in the top 3 top selling balls I've ever had in the shop, so seeing the Wrecker name return is a very welcome sight. The original Wrecker was a menace on medium-light oil conditions, which is what I essentially see out of the Ultimate, though I do think the Ultimate is stronger overall. The Ultimate gets through the fronts very easily, but picks up in the midlane enough to handle medium oil patterns. Overall, the versatility of this ball to handle both medium and medium-light oil patterns makes it a great ball to have in your arsenal. I do consider this ball to have a slightly bigger overall footprint than the other recent Storm release, the Typhoon.
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Roto Grip Wild Streak

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 3/18/2020

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Layout: 65 x 4 5/8 x 35. The Wild Streak has a unique reaction that is best used on medium-heavy oil conditions. The higher RG core helps it retain energy, though the cover keeps the reaction smooth and rounded. In that way, it is clean through the fronts, but has a ton of mid-lane traction. It is a great step down from the UFO, but is easily more ball than an Idol Pro. The Wild Streak did not quit when I wanted to move left, as long as there was still a decent bit of head oil left. - Mike LeViner
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Roto Grip Winner Solid

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 3/22/2019

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Roto Grip Winner Solid

Layout: 35 x 4 ¾ x 60

Surface: Box

The Winner Solid is a smooth and predictable benchmark ball for medium oil conditions that has much more usability on normal house shots than it's predecessor, the Show Off. It has enough mid lane traction to use on fresh house shot conditions, provided it isn't true heavy oil. It gets through the heads easy, but has plenty of mid lane and a touch of backend that makes it quite versatile. It is a bit too strong for dry lanes or burnt up heads; the Winner Pearl is much more suited for those conditions. The Winner Pearl is easily 3-4 feet further down the lane versus the Winner Solid, and is much quicker off the break point.

Overall, the Winner Solid and Winner Pearl are a duo that can cover almost all lane conditions, at an extremely affordable price.

Mike LeViner
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Storm Absolute

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 5/14/2023

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Layout: 50 x 4 ½ x 40
The core and cover combination of the Absolute allows it to have a very unique ball reaction; even though the core is quite strong, the R2S deep allows the ball to float through the midlane without over-reacting. It has some midlane read, but does not jump when it first sees friction. In fact, on a house shot, this ball allows me to miss a couple boards right without the ball over-reading. For me, the optimal lane condition for the Absolute is pure medium oil, but it has uses on a variety of conditions. In medium-heavy oil conditions on higher friction surfaces, the core will be enough to motor this ball through the pattern. In medium-lighter conditions on lower friction surfaces, the weaker cover will make this ball a great choice. Due to the coverstock, this ball is weaker overall than balls such as the Exotic Gem or Infinite Physix.
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Storm Absolute Power

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 4/28/2024

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Layout: 45 x 4 ½ x 35

As with the original Absolute itself, the combination of a weaker cover and a strong core results in a unique ball reaction for the Absolute Power. It is clean through the front but has a reliable arcing midlane/backend. This ball rolls the best for me on medium oil conditions, as the coverstock does not have enough strength to dig through heavy oil. When I encounter heavier oil, balls such as the Optimum Idol or the Summit are much better choices. As the lane breaks down through the night, moving to the Absolute Power is the right move. As with the original Absolute, when this ball encounters the correct lane condition, the pin carry is markedly fantastic.
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Storm All-Road

0 of 1 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 2/21/2020

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Layout: 50 x 4 3/4 x 40

The All Road is the perfect benchmark ball - smooth, consistent, and versatile. It is not as early as past sanded iterations of the HyRoad (HyRoad Solid, HyRoad Nano), and covers a wider range of conditions. It is easily strong enough to handle a fresh league condition, but still rolls well when you have to chase the pattern left. I would classify the motion as a hard arc downlane - smooth but with just a touch of angularity. It is a little too strong for when the fronts start to go away, but going to something such as the HyRoad Pearl fills that reaction perfectly.
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Storm AstroPhysix

7 of 7 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 8/20/2019

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Layout: 35 x 4 1/4 x 45
The Astro Physix is an incredibly versatile big-core ball that can be used both on fresh patterns, and when the pattern breaks down, depending on box finish. The Astro Phsyix gets through the front very easily but has a good mix of mid lane and backend. Out of the box with the polish, it can be used when the lanes are medium to possibly medium/dry. The Astro has a very strong backend motion out of the box, and can almost be called skid flip. However, the ball became a beast for me when I hit it with an old 3000 pad. The reaction became smoother, and I was able to use it on a fresh medium-heavy house shot. The Astro Physix is about 3-4 boards stronger than the IQ Tour Emerald.
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Storm Axiom

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 3/26/2020

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Layout: 65 x 4 1/2 x 35. I hit my Axiom with a 4000 pad due to the moderate amount of oil in the house that I bowl. The Axiom is the perfect ball for fresh oil lane conditions. Even with the surface change, the Axiom has a ton of mid lane traction, but still has great continuation. Out of box, this ball could handle any amount of oil that you can find. With the surface change, it turned into a medium-medium oil beast. I pair this with my Nuclear Cell for a 1-2 combo that is deadly
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Storm Axiom Pearl

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 12/28/2020

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Layout: 40 x 4 15/16” x 35

The Axiom Pearl has that big skid-flip reaction that Storm has traditionally been known for. It is certainly a totally different reaction than the original Axiom, which was very rolly and controllable. The Axiom Pearl goes left in a hurry when it sees friction down lane, which lends itself to be very good for when you need to open up the lane. It is very clean in the fronts but maintains a good bit of midlane roll from the Orbital core, but it really kicks in to overdrive in the back of the lane. I find it to be best on a variety of medium oil lane conditions. Due to the strong backend, however, it is not the best ball for fresh oil. That is when the original Axiom appropriately comes into play.

Mike LeViner
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Storm Crux Prime

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 4/9/2019

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Storm Crux Prime

Layout: 55 x 4 5/8 x 55

The Crux Prime has surprised me, in that it has become of my favorite bowling balls that I have thrown in years. I did not expect this super strong high end ball to be as usable at it is. I did hit the ball lightly with some polish before using it, so that I could mimic the lane shine that would usually show up after 20-30 games. My intent with doing this was to conserve the energy through the front part of the lane better, which it did. This ball is still quite strong, even with the surface adjustment, but I have no qualms with moving left and circling the lane a bit when the lanes break down. Having said that – this ball is in no way at home on drier lanes, but as long as there is some oil in the front part of the lane, this ball is a treat. Out of box it could handle the heaviest of heavy oils. The midlane traction is very strong, but the ball continues through the pins very well. Amazing ball on anything medium oil or heavier!

Mike LeViner
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Storm Dark Code

0 of 1 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 8/9/2021

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Layout: 40 x 4 3/8 x 40

The Dark Code is a slightly more aggressive version of the great Code Black from a few years ago. The Code Black was a highly versatile asymmetric pearl that was a big hit, and the Dark Code follows perfectly in those footsteps. I find it to be slightly smoother than the reaction that I got from the Code Black, but that helps it to conquer heavier oil conditions. It has a good mix of strong midlane and backend that helps it fit perfectly between balls like the Proton Physix or Incite, and balls like the Trend or HyRoad. I am able to use it on fresh, especially when the cover has been lightly hit with a 2000 or 3000 pad, or keep it out of the box and use it on medium to medium-heavy conditions.
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Storm DNA

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 5/14/2023

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Layout: 60 x 4 5/8 x 35
The biggest compliment that I can give the DNA is that it rolls like a stronger, beef-ed up Phaze II. Indeed, I see a similar motion between the two, with the DNA being 2-3 boards stronger overall. Even though this ball is a touch cleaner in the front part of the lane than the Gem or Super Nova, it can still handle any heavy or fresh oil conditions. The DNA has a massive amount of midlane roll without detracting from its entry angle. The DNA fits perfectly between balls such as the aforementioned Gem or Super Nova, and the strong shiny asyms such as the Exotic Gem or Absolute.
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Storm DNA Coil

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 5/19/2024

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Layout: 55 x 4 ½ x 35

The DNA coil is one of the strongest shiny balls that Storm has ever produced. The amount of midlane traction that this ball has is quite incredible, and it makes it extremely versatile. Due to the out of box shiny finish, the DNA Coil ignores the heads and works well on medium to medium/dry oil conditions, but it digs in the midlane enough to make it very usable on medium/heavy conditions as well. The reaction shape is a hard arc; not flippy or unpredictable, but not super smooth either. When the DNA Coil is too much ball for a certain condition, The Road or the Lightning Blackout are perfect compliments.
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Storm Electrify Black/Silver/Yellow

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 7/4/2023

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

The Electrify BSY is an updated version of the Electrify GO, which makes it a great option for those looking for a strong-arcing backend reaction on medium oil conditions. The BSY has enough midlane traction to handle the upper ends of medium oil, though I certainly would not deploy it on true heavy or long oil patterns; that's where options such as the DNA or Summit come into play. I did find the BSY surprisingly strong, just as I did with the GO – it is a bit too strong for light or short oil patterns. I had to switch to a Hustle Camo for those.
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Storm Electrify G/O

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 1/11/2023

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

The Electrify GO is a surprisingly smooth, arcing, and controllable mid range pearl ball. Unlike some previous pearl balls that have been in this price range over the years, the GO does not go sideways down lane, and due to that is an impressive piece that is quite versatile. The midlane traction that this ball has allows it to be used on more volume than expected, up to a point. It still does not have the strength to cut through fresh heavy oil, but that's what the Super Nova or Phaze II is for. Once those dull balls start to pick up too early is where the GO shines. Medium to medium-dry conditions is where this ball is at home.
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Storm Electrify Hybrid

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 10/20/2020

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Layout: 30 x 4 1/4 x 30

The Electrify Hybrid has been one of my favorites out of all of the new Storm/Roto Grip releases. It has a very controllable arc motion, while still retaining enough down lane motion to have excellent pin carry. It is quite versatile too; it is great for medium-light lane conditions and when the oil on a fresh pattern breaks down, but can also be used on a fresher condition if the box shine is slightly removed. The new core gives me better mid-lane motion than I had with any of the Matches or Match Ups.

In comparison, my Electrify Pearl is actually earlier and smoother than my Hybrid, but that is because my pearl is a pin down layout (35 x 4 1/8" x 65) that I hit with a fresh 3000 pad. It is great for playing straighter angles when the lane is wet/dry. The versatility of these two balls has been very impressive, thus far.

Mike LeViner
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Storm Electrify Pearl

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 10/20/2020

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Layout: 35 x 4 1/8" x 65

I did something a little different with my Electrify Pearl - I went with a stronger pin than I usually use, and drilled it pin down, which I rarely do anymore. I then hit it with a fresh 3000 pad. My intent was to end up with something that was smooth and controllable, but still went through the pins well - and that is exactly what I got. Drilling it pin down makes it much more usable when straighter angles are better utilized, which still retaining plenty of energy for good pin carry. It is perfect for medium oil conditions.

To compliment my Electrify pearl, I drilled my Electrify Hybrid pin up, to maintain backend reaction. Due to the ball being hybrid instead of pearl, however, it maintains controllability as well. I can switch to the Hybrid when I need slightly more overall motion.

Mike LeViner
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Storm Electrify Solid

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 2/4/2022

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Storm Electrify Solid
Layout: 30 x 4” x 70

I had a specific intention in mind when drilling the Electrify Solid - I wanted a shiny ball that still had a smooth and predictable motion, and that is exactly what I got. To ensure that would happen, I drilled this ball pin down, which I rarely do anymore. Even with the weaker cover that it has, this ball still has enough midlane traction that I can use it on fresh medium conditions. It is a great option to have when stuff like the Spectre or Phaze 4 are a bit too clean and quick, though when I want to really move left, I'll switch to one of those two bowling balls; the pin down on the Electrify limits how far left I can move with it effectively.
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Storm Equinox

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 3/8/2025

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Layout: 45 x 4 ½ x 35

My Equinox is the definition of “send it and bend it” - when the lanes are medium-dry to
medium-heavy, this thing will cover a lot of boards with its strong backend. The Solarion AI core gives the Equinox easy length through the front of lane, and tons of torque down-lane. It is cleaner and “flippier” than the 900 Global Origin (one of my favorites), and as such, is a perfect ball down from it. I do not find the Equinox to be suitable for fresh oil, as it's skid-flip tendencies can make it a bit too inconsistent until the lanes break down a bit.
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Storm Fate

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 1/20/2023

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Layout: 35 x 4 1/4” x 45

The Fate fits an important spot in the Storm lineup - between the stronger asym. pearls, such as the Infinite Physix and Dark Code, and the cleaner pearls like the HyRoad Pearl and Night Road. The core and cover create a smooth roll that has more midlane than the HyRoads or the Phaze V. Essentially, this is the strongest symmetric pearl ball in the Storm lineup. It is best at home on medium-heavy to medium oil conditions. If the cover is hit with 2000-3000 abralon it can handle a good amount of oil as well, but that's what the Phaze 2 or Nova is for.
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Storm Fever Pitch

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 5/28/2019

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Storm Fever Pitch

Layout: 50 x 4 ½ x 65

As a mid-level rev rate and ball speed player, I have never been able to use urethane on house shots, due to sub-par carry and a lack of backend. The Fever Pitch changes that, however, as it is easier through the fronts and has more backend and entry angle than the normal urethane ball. It is still very controllable and has that classic urethane predictability, but the extra little kick of backend reaction that it has makes it great for wet/dry house shots. It is still not at its best at trying to circle the lane too much, however; straighter angles are better for optimum carry. It will also shine on shorter sport shots.

Mike LeViner
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Storm Hy-Road Max

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 3/29/2021

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Layout: 60 x 4 7/8” x 35

The HyRoad Max has a unique ball roll that I am enjoying far more than I did with previous sanded HyRoad line balls. Neither the HyRoad Solid nor HyRoad Nano rolled well for me at all – it felt like the strong covers were fighting against the high RG core system. That is not the case at all with the new Max. The cover is strong enough to handle a lot of oil, but the core allows it to not burn up too much energy in the front part of the lane. My home house does not put down much oil, but I am still able to use this ball for at least the first two games. This is a very versatile ball that I see being used in a lot of situations, except for true dry lane conditions.

Mike LeViner
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Storm Incite

5 of 5 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 5/9/2021

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Layout: 65 x 4 ½ x 35

The Incite, despite having a lower mass bias differential, still has an absolute ton of mid-lane roll. It gets through the front of the lane a little easier than the traditional high-end sanded asymmetrical ball, but then digs in throughout the midlane and backend. It is right at home for fresh house shots, or any medium-heavy oil lane condition. In a comparison to the Rubicon, Roto Grip's lower asym differential ball, the Incite is definitely stronger overall. I would place it below the Proton Physix, but stronger than balls like the Axiom and HyRoad Max. For most people, this could easily be the strongest ball in their bag.
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Storm Infinite Physix

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 7/18/2022

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Storm Infinite Physix

Layout: 40 x 4 ¼ x 40

The Infinite Physix might have the strongest overall hook of any pearl coverstock ball that I have ever had. The 4000 grit finish that this ball has, combined with the massive strength of the REX coverstock, enables this ball to have quite a bit of midlane traction. Combine that with strong backend continuation, and you have a ball that is great on medium-heavy to medium conditions. With all that being said, this ball does not feel like a pearl ball in the traditional sense; it is not skid-flip, nor is it sensitive to oil. This is a different kind of strong beast that feels better suited for heavier conditions today.
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Storm Ion Pro

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 11/4/2024

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Layout: 55 x 4 3/8 x 35

The uniqueness of the Ion Pro is the first thing that comes to mind – when it is at a fresh 4000 out of box finish (or brought down to 3000, depending on the oil pattern), this ball is the prototypical benchmark ball that it is marketed to be. However, if the ball is allowed to get lane shined up past 4000, the backend reaction is markedly sharper. This adds a layer of versatility to the usability of the Ion Pro. For myself, on fresh conditions, I preferred a fresh 3000 surface to add more midlane roll and predictability on medium to medium-heavy conditions. In my arsenal, this ball fits between the 900 Global Sublime Focus (for heavy oil) and the Storm Phaze AI (for medium oil).
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Storm IQ Tour 30

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 1/8/2016

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

The IQ line of bowling balls is perhaps the most successful current line of bowling balls in the entire industry – and the IQ Tour 30 will only continue this trend. Using the vaunted C3 Centripetal Control Core and an amped up RS2 pearl reactive coverstock, the IQ 30 is a very versatile bowling ball. While the ball has easy length through the front portion of the lane, is has an assertive midlane read and a strong but smooth backend reaction. Because of this, with proper surface management, the IQ Tour 30 can be used on anything from fresh house or sport lane conditions, all the way down to dry and broken down patterns. Kept at box finish, I have been able to use it with great success on a second shift league; sanded to 3000 abralon, I used the IQ30 on a fresh pattern and had an equally good look with it.

The IQ 30 has a similar roll to that of the IQ Tour Solid, but is simply a few feet further down the lane and has a slightly more angular backend due to the different coverstock. The IQ Tour Solid has a few boards more overall hook, as well. Due to this, these two balls are a deadly combination to conquer almost any lane condition. The Joy Ride is easily 3-4 boards less overall hook than the IQ Tour 30, and is an excellent choice for drier lanes.
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Storm IQ Tour Emerald

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 8/20/2019

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Layout: 60 x 4 5/8 x 40

The IQ Tour 30 is one of my favorite Storm balls of all time, so I was extremely excited when I saw the impending release of the IQ Tour Emerald. Just like the IQ 30, the Emerald has a strong backend but is still quite controllable. The Emerald is best on medium oil patterns, as it is a bit too clean for fresh or heavy oil patterns; when the lanes break down is when this ball shines. It is more responsive to hand position changes than most balls - getting up the back of it allows me to go down-and-in and a bit straighter, and getting around the side of the ball allows it to come off the end of the pattern quite strong and allows me to open the lane up considerably.The Emerald is 3-4 boards weaker overall than the Astro Phsyix, making those two balls a great 1-2 punch that covers most lane conditions, especially house shots.
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Storm IQ Tour Nano Pearl

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 12/4/2020

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Layout: 30 x 4 1/8 x 45

The Storm IQ Tour Nano Pearl is a very versatile ball that has a unique ball motion within the Storm line. It has a ton of midlane roll that is very continuous downlane, and harkens back to the particle pearl type bowling balls of the past. I used a stronger layout on this ball than I normally do, which helped to make this a ball that is better used on fresh medium-medium heavy oil patterns for me personally, in the box finish. It has enough push through the fronts to still be good on medium oil, but I find that it has too much midlane traction to be used on lighter conditions. Bowling balls such as the Electrify line or the Trend are great companion pieces to this IQ. - Mike LeViner
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Storm IQ Tour Ruby

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 5/14/2023

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Layout: 45 x 4 3/8 x 40
The IQ Tour Ruby mimics the reactions of the IQ tour pearls before it, but in the Ruby color and with Reacta Gloss, it has a cleaner and quicker backend reaction. The Ruby, for me, is the flippiest ball in the Storm lineup currently. It is very clean in the front part of the lane, and turns quickly and sharply when it sees friction. With that comes some positives and some negatives; this ball is amazing when the lanes break down and circling the lane becomes necessary. When the lanes are fresh or the pattern is long, however, this ball can skid too far and become unpredictable. That's when equipment such as the Phaze II or DNA would be better suited.
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Storm Journey

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 1/21/2024

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Layout: 45 x 4 1/2” x 40

I really liked the versatility and predictability of the Fate, the previous ball in the Belmo line, and the Journey takes that overall motion and increases it. The Journey slides through the fronts easily, but has enough midlane roll for it to be able to handle a decent bit of oil. The down lane motion can be described as a hard arc, but not quite flippy. It is a newer iteration of the classic “Storm ball motion” - strong backend, but user friendly. I love where the ball fits in the overall SPI lineup – the 900 Global Sublime has more mid lane and is overall stronger, but the Summit Peak is cleaner and flippier. Those three balls cover everything from medium-heavy to to medium-lighter oil conditions.
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Storm Joy Ride

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 1/8/2016

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

The Joy Ride contributes another ball reaction to Storm's Hot line of bowling balls by adding a stronger coverstock to the conservative Cruiser core. Whereas the original Ride was excellent for controlling shorter oil patterns and ligher oil volumes, the Joy Ride brings more backend reaction to the mix. I drilled my Joy Ride 45 X 4” by 35 to maximize the flare potential of the core. The Joy Ride is excellent on lighter to medium oil patterns. It completely ignores the heads, has a slight midlane read, and gives a crisp backend motion with plenty of entry angle into the pindeck. This ball feasts upon broken down or second shift lane conditions.

In comparison to a few other recent releases, the Joy Ride hooks 4-5 boards less than an IQ Tour 30, but is 3-4 boards stronger than the original Ride, all 3 with the same drill pattern.

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Storm Level

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 1/10/2025

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Layout: 30 x 4” x 40

When I first saw the review videos for the Level, I was ecstatic because this type of reaction is exactly what I need for tournaments such as USBC Nationals, where the lane patterns are more difficult. The reaction that I was looking for was an early reading ball that is very controllable, but preferably more overall hook than urethane, also without the negative aspect of pushing oil down the lane. The Level absolutely nails that, while also adding more versatility than expected. This ball will is very usable on fresh house conditions as well, provided there is enough oil in the front of the lane. Overall this ball is a few boards stronger for me than the Pitch Black is, while maintaining more continuation down lane and being much more able to chase the pattern left.
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Storm Lightning Blackout

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 6/30/2024

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Layout: 40 x 4 1/8 x 40

The combination of a low-flaring core with a shiny, high-traction coverstock creates a unique ball reaction that is killer on medium to medium-light oil conditions. The medium-RG core revs up in the midlane stronger than expected and creates a more predictable reaction than a lower differential core would usually possess. Even with the strong REX coverstock, the Lightning Blackout is very clean through the fronts, and as such, will not work very well on heavier oil conditions in its shiny box finish. In the Storm lineup, this ball sits in between balls such as the Summit Peak and Virtual Energy Blackout which are for medium-heavy oil, and balls such as the IQ Tour Ruby or the Electrifies for lighter oil.
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Storm Match Up Black/Red/Blue Hybrid

6 of 6 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 6/4/2019

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Storm Match Up BRB

Layout: 50 x 4 ½ x 35

The Match Up Black/Red/Blue (BRB) brings a much more controllable motion to the Match Up series. I was expecting a reaction closer to the original Match Up Hybrid, which had quite a strong and flippy downlane reaction, however, the Match Up BRB had a much smoother and more consistent motion that works well on medium-dry lanes. The arc reaction made it easier to read the ball reaction even when the lanes broke down. The Match Up BRB is not designed for heavier or longer oil patterns though, which is where balls like the Crux Prime or Super Son!q shine until the lanes dry up and balls like the Match Ups come into play.
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Storm Match Up Pearl

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 9/8/2017

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

I absolutely loved the Match pearl, and the Match Up Pearl gives a very similar motion, but with a few boards more hook overall. The Match Up Pearl gets through the heads very easily, and has a smoother backend that is perfect on medium to medium-dry lanes. I hit the surface with a 4000 pad, as I often do with any polished ball, just to slightly round out the ball reaction and give more predictability. This certainly helped it be less allergic to oil. One a medium oil house shot, it was good on fresh but rolled even better once the pattern broke down. The Match Up Pearl is an easy 2-3 feet further down the lane versus a Match Up Solid, with a similar motion, and is 5-6 boards less hook than a Code Red.
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Storm Match Up Pearl

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 9/8/2017

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Storm Night Road

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 1/11/2023

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

The addition of the Rex coverstock to the Road line of balls has created a monster in this new Night Road, which has more traction than the cornerstones that are the HyRoad and HyRoad Pearl. In using a newer, more aggressive coverstock, the amount of midlane and overall hook have been increased. Due to this, where the Hyroad or HyRoad Pearl have been perfect for medium to drier lane conditions, the Night Road is at home one medium to medium-heavy conditions. It is a perfect stepping stone between the asym pearls and hybrids (Nova, Infinite Physix, Absolute) and the pearls designed for medium to lighter conditions (Phaze V, HyRoad, HyRoad Pearl, Electrify Pearl or Go). The Night Road is overall very versatile; the only time it isn't at home is on fresh heavy oil.
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Storm Omega Crux

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 3/26/2020

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Layout: 70 x 4 ½ x 40

The Omega Crux is a beast in the back part of the lane! I did not expect the huge amount of midlane and back end traction that this ball possesses. Even though it is a pearl coverstock, do not let that scare you – this ball handles oil with ease. In fact, it was just as strong as the UFO for me. The pearl coverstock does lend itself to have more angularity than your normal heavy oil ball, however. As long as you have some oil in the fronts and midlane, this ball will perform.
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Storm Parallax

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 12/4/2020

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Layout: 40 x 4 3/8” x 45

The Parallax has a much smoother and more predictable ball roll than most high end shiny bowling balls, and it is a welcome change. The massive amount of midlane roll that this ball has makes it shockingly usable on heavier and longer patterns, even with a shiny surface. It loves straighter angles or going down-and-in, and is a great option for when the lanes are wet/dry. I do not recommend this ball for lighter oil, as the amount of midlane torque can make it hook too early for those certain conditions. - Mike LeViner
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Storm Parallax Effect

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 5/16/2021

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Layout: 50 x 4 3/4 x 40

The first Parallax ended being a weird one for me – it was a touch too early and smooth for the house conditions that I normally bowl on. The Effect certainly fixed any issues I had with the first rendition, as it is much stronger in the back part of the lane. The Parallax Effect does still have a decent bit of midlane traction, but the energy it saves for the backend is impressive. It fills an important spot in the Storm lineup, also – not as early as the Proton Physix or Incite, but more midlane and more overall motion than the Trend, Phaze III, or Axiom Pearl. This ball is a great fit on a medium to medium heavy house shot.
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Storm Phaze III

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 3/21/2020

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Layout: 70 x 4 1/2 x 30.
The Phaze III is a unique combination of forward roll in the midlane, with a strong flip in the back part of the lane. I know - those things rarely go together, but it is the only way to describe the strength of this ball. The mid lane roll lets it handle a good amount of oil, but the continuation of the backend also allows it to be used when opening up the lane is needed. The Phaze III is most effective on medium-light to medium-heavy lane conditions.
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Storm Phaze V

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 1/20/2023

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Layout: 45 x 4 5/8” x 40

The Phaze V has become my go-to ball for the medium-lighter house shot conditions that I see on a day-to-day basis. It is very clean through the front of the lane, and has a strong backend reaction without being too quick. I would classify it as a hard arc reaction. I'm able to play straighter with it, or move in deeper when the lanes break down. I don't like using the Phaze V when fresh heavier amounts of oil are present; the Fate is better if there is only a bit too much for the Phaze V, or (of course) the Phaze II if there is a lot more oil.
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Storm Pro-Motion

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 8/24/2019

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Layout: 60 x 4 5/8 x 40

The reaction of the Pro Motion actually surprised me. I expected it to be early and very smooth, but there was a lot more down lane motion than I had anticipated. It is a great ball for fresh patterns or medium to heavy conditions, due to the massive amount of mid lane roll that this ball has. The surprising element about the Pro Motion is the amount of continuation that the ball has in the back part of the lane. It was even a couple boards stronger than a Halo Vision, when I compared them head to head. The only downside to the massive amount of ball motion that the Pro Motion has is that I would not recommend it for lower speed bowlers, unless there was quite a large amount of oil.

Mike LeViner
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Storm Proton Physix

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 3/21/2021

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Layout: 35 x 5 x 65

The Proton Physix is the new true heavy-oil ball in Storm's lineup, and is the strongest ball being produced out of Utah. It has a massive amount of midlane roll to dig through any heavy oil pattern, while still retaining enough energy to go through the pins very well. Even though it is a very strong ball, it does not roll as early as the heavy oil balls of past generations. This allows it to be used whenever there is a good bit of head oil. The Proton Physix has more overall motion than the recently released Incite, which is cleaner through the front part of the lane with a more pronounced backend reaction. The Proton Physix is not the best ball choice for drier lanes, though the ball was certainly not created to be used on those conditions.
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Storm Revenant

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 5/14/2023

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Layout: 55 x 4 ½ x 35
Following in the footsteps of the Spectre, the Revenent provides a smooth, consistent reaction on medium to medium-light oil conditions. It has enough midlane read to be used for straighter angles on some medium-heavier conditions, but it is most at home on medium oil. It is very clean in the front part of the lane, and has a smooth arc the rest of the way. The Revenant is a great step down from equipment such as the Exotic Gem, Infinite Physix, or Eternity, which are all at home on heavier conditions. The Revenant has more overall motion than balls such as the Electrify GO or BSY, and is smoother than the Hyped Pearl or HyRoad Pearl.
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Storm Spectre

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 3/13/2022

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Layout: 40 x 4 3/8 x 40

The Spectre is a versatile medium-conditions bowling ball that is clean in the front with a strong hard-arc backend. It is strong enough for medium-heavy to medium-dry conditions, though I do find the Spectre to have better carry if I stayed right of 25; once I got too far left, the carry went away. I contribute that to the predictability and hard-arcing characteristics of the core. This is a great ball to use when the solid/sanded equipment starts to burn up, but when the cleaner balls like the Wolverine or Electrifys aren't enough.
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Storm Summit

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 7/31/2023

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Layout: 45 x 4 3/4” x 35

The Summit, even though it is technically a hybrid, rolls just like a solid for me. Compared side-by-side to a recently drilled Phaze 2, the Summit is slightly cleaner in the front part of the lane and has slightly more backend, but it can handle the same amount of oil. The difference for me is that the Summit rolls better when I need to move left and circle the lane more. Right now I have it as the strongest ball in my house shot bag after hitting it with 4000, though I will bring it back down to 3000 for sport shots. It is squarely in that medium-heavy to heavy oil lane condition range - not as strong as the asymmetric balls such as the Gem or Reality, but still can handle a lot of oil. I would put the overall strength and shape of the Summit as similar to the DNA.
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Storm Summit Peak

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 4/28/2024

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Layout: 55 x 4 5/8 x 30

The Storm Summit Peak combines a flippy coverstock with a quick-revving core, and the end result is a lot of ball motion. Due to it's shiny coverstock prep, it is still best on medium oil lane conditions, but the overall amount of downlane motion is quite impressive. The original Summit is one of my favorite sanded symmetrical balls that Storm has released in quite some time; it can handle a good bit of oil, but is versatile enough to still be quite usable on medium conditions. The Summit Peak takes the reaction of the Summit and moves it 3-4 feet further down then lane, making them a perfect 1-2 punch. With it's out of box surface, the Summit Peak is at home on any medium to medium-dry lane condition.
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Storm Super Nova

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 1/11/2023

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

The Storm Super Nova is a highly aggressive solid ball that does not quit down lane. The Ignition core, which in the original Nova created more backend motion than I had expected, is implemented here again with impressive results. It is earlier and smoother than the aforementioned original Nova, and because of that, it can handle heavy or fresh oil conditions easier. I place this ball as more overall motion than the Gem, because of the fact that it has more down lane motion. The Gem is earlier and smoother. As the lanes break down, the Super Nova is still usable as long as there is still a decent bit of oil in the heads. Once that oil starts to go away, ball down to the original Nova, or possibly even shinier balls such as the Fate or Phaze V, will be necessary.
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Storm Super Soniq

7 of 7 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 4/9/2019

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Layout: 60 x 4 ½ x 35

The Storm Super Son!q is a midlane-heavy beast that needs oil in the front part of the lane, but is great when the lanes are heavily oiled or the pattern is long. The amount of midlane roll that this ball possesses rivals other heavy oil balls in the Storm lineup, such as the Crux Prime, but the Super Son!q has a smoother reaction off the end of the pattern. It is a great ball to start on fresh heavier league patterns, and then transition to other balls, such as the original Son!q, when the lanes start to dry up a bit.

Compared the the Storm Crux Prime, the overall amount of hook is similar, but I was more comfortable throwing the Crux Prime once I got further left, due to the directional change of the asymmetric core. The rolly nature of the symmetric core in the Super Son!q allows it to be smoother at the break point.

Mike LeViner
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Storm Sure Lock

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 6/27/2017

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Storm Sure Lock

Mike LeViner

Layout: 60 X 1 1/2 X 30

Surface: Box

With the anticipated strength of the Sure Lock, and the (at best) medium volume oil at my home center, I used a very weak pin to help calm down the overall hook of the ball, and to attempt to conserve more energy through the front part of the lane. The result was that the Sure Lock was *still* quite strong, but had a definite arc motion that continued down lane very well. It did not burn up in the fronts. With a more normal 4"-5" pin, the Sure Lock will be the strongest ball in almost anyone's bag. Compared to a Storm Torrent, which was drilled with a more normal 5" pin, it was still an easy 3-4 boards stronger, a complement to the strong cover of the Sure Lock.
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Storm The Road

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 6/30/2024

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Layout: 45 x 4 5/8 x 30

The Road surprised me with how controllable it is; it is rare to find a clean, responsive ball that is also controllable, but The Road nails it. It is clean through the fronts but has enough midlane to not be too sensitive to oil, then has a strong sweeping backend reaction. The Road is easily smoother than balls such as the HyRoad Pearl or the IQ Tour Ruby, but it does not have as much overall much such as the Summit Peak or TNT Infused. This ball is at home on medium to medium-light oil conditions, as it does not have enough cover texture for heavier oil patterns.
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Storm Trend 16 Only

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 12/4/2020

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Layout: 50 x 5” x 35

The Trend has the strongest downlane reaction out of any of the Belmo branded balls! It is super clean in the front part of the lane, but even though it does have a lot of backend hook, it still feels predictable due to the awesome Piston core. It has just enough midlane traction to keep me from labeling it “skid-flip”, though it is close. It definitely has that big backend reaction that provides very good pin action on a standard house shot. I would recommend touching the coverstock with a 2000 or 3000 abralon pad if being used on a fresh heavier shot, but it is at home with the shiny box finish on medium or medium-dry shots. - Mike LeViner
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Storm Trend 2

3 of 4 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 2/6/2022

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Storm Trend 2
Layout: 45 x 4 ½ x 35

Where the original Trend had a smooth down lane motion for a pearl, the Trend 2 has a tremendous amount of downlane traction. I would not quite call the motion skid-flip, though – I would classify it as a strong, hard arc. It is great for moving left and opening the lane up after the big solids and asyms have opened the pattern up. I would place it as being at home on anything from medium-light to medium-heavy lanes; it has too much traction to use on true dry lanes. For me, the Trend 2 fits perfectly between the Idol Helios and the Electrify Solid.
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Storm Typhoon

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 2/28/2025

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Storm Typhoon

Layout: 35 x 4 1/4” x 40

Finally, the “Hot” line has returned! The orange and purple Tropical Heat is one of my favorite bowling balls of all time, regardless of price point. The ball motion of the Typhoon definitely reminds me of that bowling ball, just updated. The Typhoon gets through the front part of the lane very easily- much easier than balls such as the Road Warrior or Optimum Idol Pearl, but similar to the Zen 25. The backend motion is strong but not quite flippy, and is a bit less overall than the Zen 25 as well. This ball is right at home on medium-dry lane conditions, though I hit mine with an old 3000 pad and it is now really good on medium patterns.
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Storm Virtual Energy Blackout

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by Mike LeViner on 1/28/2024

About the Bowler

League Average:

220

PAP:

4 1/8 over, 3/8 up

Ball Speed:

Medium

Style:

Tweener

Bowling Hand:

Right Handed

Sport Shot Average:

190

Experience:

Advanced (I have bowled in a league)

Layout: 45 x 4 ½ x 35

From the previous releases that the NEX coverstock was featured on, it has shown itself to have a massive amount of traction, and that is no different on the Virtual Energy Blackout (Vebo). Even with the out-of-box shine, the Vebo has a smooth reaction that can handle a good bit of oil. I have seen this ball have a slightly flippier reaction for others, but for myself it is strictly smooth arcing. It is best at home on medium-heavy to medium oil conditions. The Vebo fits perfectly between the stronger sanded balls such as the Summit or Absolute Power, and the weaker symmetric-cored balls such as a Journey or TNT Infused.
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