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Reviews by Phoenix White

Brunswick Avalanche Pearl

Brunswick Twisted Fury Solid

Dexter Men's SST 8

Ebonite Lane Breaker

Ebonite Team Ebonite 3 Ball Tote Roller Red/Silver

Ebonite Total NV

Hammer Black Widow Sting

Roto Grip Dark Star

Roto Grip Mutant Cell

Roto Grip Mutant Cell Pearl

Roto Grip Nomad

Roto Grip Riot

Storm Anarchy

Storm Fire Road

Storm Invasion

Storm Lucid

Storm Marvel Pearl

Storm Prodigy

Storm Reign

Storm Reign of Fire

Storm Reign Supreme

Storm Victory Road Solid

Storm Virtual Energy

Storm Virtual Gravity

Storm Virtual Gravity NANO

Storm Vivid

Track Kinetic

Track Kinetic Energy

Track Kinetic Pearl

Track Mean Machine

Track Phoenix

Track Power Machine

Track Rising SE

Track The Rising

Track Up-Rising

Show all reviews

Brunswick Avalanche Pearl
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
233
PAP:
5 1/8 right by 1/2 up
Ball Speed:
Fast
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Right Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
I know this ball is old (In industry terms) but being a fan of pearl coverstocks, I decided to pick this up as I don't have a dry lane ball.

Words cannot express how happy I am I picked this up. 5 1/2 pin:
[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v690/Phoenix_RsX/Arsenal/asduhg.jpg[/IMG]

This ball has absolutely no problems clearing the heads and mids, even on a broken down shot after 7 games today. I figured with this, that it would have saved up so much energy, causing an explosive punch in the back-not even close.

The ball made the softest turn and crushed the pocket again, and again. I was primarily using this as my spare ball, but in the rare case my lanebreaker becomes too jumpy, I will not hesitate to double-duty this ball.
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Brunswick Twisted Fury Solid
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
2

About the Bowler

League Average:
233
PAP:
5 1/8 right by 1/2 up
Ball Speed:
Fast
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Right Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
I got this ball at a steal for a mere 20$ NIB on Ebay. I used a 50* 5" 65* layout that are on both my Virtual Energy and Gravity. With that in mind, I knew to expect great length with a strong conitnuous backend. Unfortunately, all I got was length, length, and more length.

No matter where I tried to play(even the twig) or surface I used, this ball made absolutely zero effort to turn. Now, I will take responsibility for choosing the wrong layout for this ball, but the specs showed me the ball should have been able to perform and not be so layout sensative.
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Dexter Men's SST 8
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
233
PAP:
5 1/8 right by 1/2 up
Ball Speed:
Fast
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Right Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The SST8's were the first pair of shoes I've bought in a very long time, and I'm so glad I chose this particular pair. They are extremely comfortable and needed no break-in time.



They also look very cool to boot. I have to say the thing I love about them the most are the interchangable soles and heels. As a bowler who does not like to slide at all, I went with the T3/H2 combo. I have never felt more comfortable and stable at the line, which has helped me become more accurate in my shots. Great product!
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Ebonite Lane Breaker
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
233
PAP:
5 1/8 right by 1/2 up
Ball Speed:
Fast
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Right Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
I was in the market for a low performance ball, and honestly picked the lanebreaker on a whim. I went with a 5 1/2 pin, left the cover oob and tried it on used lanes after our "high roller" 4-game league.

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v690/Phoenix_RsX/Arsenal/IMG_0003.jpg[/IMG]

What I found was something very surprising to me. I was able to stand on 20, target 10 with my bp at 5 and watched the ball still easily clear the heads and mids, and made a nice flip into the pocket. Typically on our fresh shot, I can't play that far right. To see what the real deal was, I came back that next day to try it on a fresh shot.

I was able to move 5 more boards right and keep my target and bp the same. When I see that I have to move too far left or it's shorter than usual, I will go to this ball to bail me out. Great medium/light condition ball!
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Ebonite Team Ebonite 3 Ball Tote Roller Red/Silver
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
233
PAP:
5 1/8 right by 1/2 up
Ball Speed:
Fast
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Right Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
Words cannot express how much I love this bag. The balls fit in tight and snug, but can be easily removed as well. It's compact size makes it fit in the front seat with great ease, unlike my previous overly-bulky 3-ball bag. I can also definitely see the ease of putting this on a plane as well.
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Ebonite Total NV
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
233
PAP:
5 1/8 right by 1/2 up
Ball Speed:
Fast
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Right Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
Got the Ebonite Total NV bowling ball drilled today. Closer to a rev-leverage layout. Pin about 4 1/2 in from PAP, down and to the right from ring ringer. MB ( mass bias) kicked out in a 45 degree angle from thumb. Minimal side weight drilled down and to right of "bulls eye". Left OOB (out of box) polished condition.
First action while subbing in league. I could stand and 38, roll to 2-3, and crashed the pocket each time! 255-230-249 out the gate. Will join starting lineup with My Power Machine, and Phoenix. Ebonite should really change the name from Total NV, to Total PA(pin action)!
The Total NV marks the first non-Track ball I've ever bought and thrown, and I'm completely happy with it!
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Hammer Black Widow Sting
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
233
PAP:
5 1/8 right by 1/2 up
Ball Speed:
Fast
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Right Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
I decided to get one due to what's obviously been a successful line. I decided to go with a 3 3/4 x 5 layout, with the MB on VAL:

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v690/Phoenix_RsX/Arsenal/BlackWidowSting.jpg[/IMG]

In its OOB condition, I found it way too aggressive for my style, even on a fresh 44' shot. I took it to 4000 and applied polish to store more energy and got the reaction I was looking for when I need to stay in the middle-a great midlane read with enough left over to still put 10 in the pit.

My only gripe is that I have the least room for error-but that's due to my bad choice of layout. I've seen quite a few Stings with weaker layouts, and I see the versatility with the bite this line has been famous for.
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Roto Grip Dark Star
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
233
PAP:
5 1/8 right by 1/2 up
Ball Speed:
Fast
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Right Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
Layout: 100* 5 3/4" 30*
Surface: 4000 with polish

Smooth, smooth, smooth. Needing to bridge the gap between my fast and mars on lighter/shorter conditions, I went with this. Even on the shorter conditions, I was able to stand at 15 and pipe it up 5 with no change in speed or rev rate. The ball goes straight as an arrow and tips into the pocket.

Do not let the "low performance" of this ball fool you, as it hits the pocket with some serious force. On one occasion, I even stoned a 9. There is definitely some versatility to this ball as well. I was able to move 10 boards left, turn the speed down and was able to swing it too!

Sad to see the planet series ending, but they may have very well saved the best for last!
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Roto Grip Mutant Cell
25 of 25 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
233
PAP:
5 1/8 right by 1/2 up
Ball Speed:
Fast
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Right Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
Layout:
50* 5.5" 40*(No hole)
Pin over bridge, MB about 2.5" right of thumb
Surface: 4000 "dull"

For my first Roto ball, I decided to go with a layout very similar to my Power Machine. I rolled it the 3rd game of league, and was immediately surprised and happy to see that I was able to play up to 7 boards right of where I usually have to play. I stood at 25, targeted 15, and kept my breakpoint around 3-4.

The Mutants Cell clears the heads with virtually no resistance and didn't get to grabby in the mids. When this ball nears the break point is when it begins to really shine. The 2.54 rg and my pin placement really accentuates the color scheme when it starts to rev up. When it finally turns, it does so without any hesitation at all. I had great entry angle and excellent pin action other than a stone 8, but it happens.

X 9/ 9- X out for 258 that game. I shot a couple of practice games after. With various hand positions, I had area from the 20th to the 40th board with the same results. With the right layout, you can use this ball on medium to the heaviest oil.

I got a small glimpse and understand what makes the Cell series so popular, What I don't understand is what took me so long to try it.
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Roto Grip Mutant Cell Pearl
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
233
PAP:
5 1/8 right by 1/2 up
Ball Speed:
Fast
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Right Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v690/Phoenix_RsX/Arsenal/IMG_0012.jpg

Layout: 75* 3" 25*
Surface: OOB

Having enough high end equipment with aggressive layouts, I decided to go with something for when said equipment is too much for the lane and something more favorable for THS-Enter the Mutant Cell Pearl.

On a THS, this layout just might become my \"sweet spot\". I was able to get quality looks consistently from 2nd to 6th arrow. Due to the drilling angle, I have absolutely no issue clearing the front part of the lane with minimal grab in the mids. However, due to the 3\" pin and low VAL angle I got the quickest, angular backend in my line up now.

On Viper, I took the surface down to 4000 and tried it on a fresh shot. Though only 37', I still had a bit of an issue with it due to going way too long before wanting to move. However, After about 3 games I brought it back out and got a much better reaction out of it. Slowing my speed or a more dull surface and I'm sure this is something I could start with.

Whether on a house shot or sport short, with the right layout, the Mutant Cell Pearl will be able to get the job done!


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Roto Grip Nomad
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
233
PAP:
5 1/8 right by 1/2 up
Ball Speed:
Fast
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Right Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
Layout: 70* 5.5" 40*
Surface: 2000 with polish

I know I'm chiming in pretty late with this one, but after a long wait I finally got my hands on one. Thus far, I'm pretty impressed. I noticed it was a bit more grabby in the mids and flipped a bit sooner in the back. However, just the slightest step up in underlying grit gave me the reaction I was looking for.

In that fine line between carrydown and breakdown is when this ball shines the most for me. It may not be as flippy as the Reign, but great to go to when the reign is out of control, is it gives me a great hook/set reaction.
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Roto Grip Riot
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
233
PAP:
5 1/8 right by 1/2 up
Ball Speed:
Fast
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Right Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
Layout: 78* 4.5" 68*
Surface: 4000 with polish

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v690/Phoenix_RsX/IMG_0008-1.jpg[/IMG]

Going with one of my more favorite layouts, I applied this to the Riot for shorter, and more importantly lower volumes of oil that most THS presents. I was quite pleased to see I was 7 and 7 right of where I usually have to start. I was standing at 22, targeting 10 while keeping my bp roughly 5-7.

As I saw the ball completely bypass the heads and mids, I expected to see the same overly explosive backend that I see out of my Kinetic Energy with the same layout and suface. I was quite surprised to see such a controlled motion off the breakpoint.

Throwing this ball on a broken down Chameleon the other day, I was still able to stay squared up and play the pattern as if it was fresh without having to jump left and swing it. A great overall ball to set up the Dark Star. The Riot should turn alot of heads for the upcoming season.
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Storm Anarchy
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
233
PAP:
5 1/8 right by 1/2 up
Ball Speed:
Fast
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Right Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v690/Phoenix_RsX/Arsenal/IMG_0001.jpg[/IMG]

Layout: 50* 5 1/4" 30*
Surface: OOB (1500 polished)

The long awaited arrival of the pearlized Invasion is here! I primarily went with this ball and layout to compliment my prodigy(55* 4.5" 35* OOB)on longer, heavier patterns.

On a house shot, depending on hand/finger position, I was able to play as far right as 20-10-5 and as deep as 35-20-5. However, I saw the poorest performance in the Anarchy when playing the "straighter" line. I left alot of ringing 10s which stopped as I started moving left. But I have another equipment to play the "straighter" game with. One thing that remained constant was that it didn't grab early in the mids like I see with high-end, sanded equipment.

The way the ball sharply recovers in the back part of the lane made it a rarity for me to rather miss it right. All and all, a potential head turner for all types of bowlers this season.
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Storm Fire Road
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
233
PAP:
5 1/8 right by 1/2 up
Ball Speed:
Fast
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Right Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
Layout: 65* 4 1/2" 25*
Surface: 1500 polish(OOB)

I was very excited for this release, as I was intially expecting a reaction in the back part of the lane like I've seen with the reign. However, I couldn't have been more wrong...

The R2X Pearl coverstock really blended out the overall motion of the fire road and gave me a very smooth, very predictable motion that I've never seen before out of a high rg symmetrical pearl. On a medium-heavy 42' house shot I had a relatively tight line for me (22-12-8. As the pattern broke down and moved 10 boards left, the ball reacted harder off the friction but didn't get too angular to the point of leaving 9 pins or it jumping through the face.

Compared to the Crossroad, I was 3 and 2 right. When the Crossroad just can't push anymore downlane, the Fire Road can do so with the strength to recover in the back. Compared to the Marvel Pearl, I stood at the same spot on the lane and made the visual adjustment right as the Marvel Pearl is much earlier midlane than both the Crossroad and the Fire Road.

The R2X/Fe3 combo is full of potential and should be able to find its way into anyone's bag.


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Storm Invasion
37 of 37 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
233
PAP:
5 1/8 right by 1/2 up
Ball Speed:
Fast
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Right Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
Layout: 35* 5" 20* (With X hole)
Surface: OOB 4000

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v690/Phoenix_RsX/Arsenal/StromInvasion.jpg[/IMG]

Well, I do not know if it is the coverstock, core, or layout but this is definitely the most aggressive ball I've ever thrown to date. It is stronger than my next most aggressive ball(Mutant Cell) by 7 boards.

In league last night, I had to start off around 32, looking at 17 and keeping my breakpoint around 8-10. Thanks to the 4000 grit finish, it was still able to clear the heads easily, but really begins to dig midlane. However, when it hit the dry spot, it made an unforgiving angular dart into the pocket. Seeing the result I was actually able to miss right a bit and still had it recover. However, I paid the price when I missed as little as 2 boards left. 229, 289, 260 the first night-even with three nasty spits.

Most pieces I through can usually cover different conditions. If you need a Heavy Oil only ball, I believe this is the one.
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Storm Lucid
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
233
PAP:
5 1/8 right by 1/2 up
Ball Speed:
Fast
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Right Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
Layout: 50* 4 3/4" 20*
Surface: OOB

Seeing how well my other Lucid performed on medium patterns (50* 5" 65*), it was a no brainer to acquire a second one for longer patterns. Once again, I was not disappointed.

Compared to my weaker Lucid, my feet and target were identical, but my breakpoint was five boards further right and really allowed me to get in and open up the lane Where my pin down lucid had a arc motion to the pocket, the pin up had a much more defined angular reaction.

Compared to the Critical theory with the same pin high layout, the CT was 3 boards stronger midlane, but the lucid made up for that in the back part of the lane. For those who love sanded high end pearls, look no further than the Lucid.
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Storm Lucid
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
233
PAP:
5 1/8 right by 1/2 up
Ball Speed:
Fast
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Right Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
Layout: 50* 5" 65*
Surface: modified 4000 (adjusted from factory)

Continuous, continuous, continuous. I was overly excited to see that the cover was not the NRG, as I occasionally encountered issues with the Nano and Vivid. I was also excited to see it follow the Critical Theory and came sanded. On a heavy 42' house shot I could play relatively up the boards with an early, yet smooth and continuous arc while still retaining enough energy to face up in the pocket well. 20-10-5.

As I migrated left, the Lucid performed even better. The backend was stronger and more pronounced, but still didn't have that hockey stick motion like I get with the Critical theory. Perhaps the most predictable high end asymmetric I've thrown in a very long time.

Lastly, for those that find it important, Storm did a wonderful job with the color scheme. You can easily see the skid-hook-roll phase.
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Storm Marvel Pearl
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
233
PAP:
5 1/8 right by 1/2 up
Ball Speed:
Fast
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Right Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
Layout: 80* 5 1/4" 20*
Surface: changed to 2000 polished

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v690/Phoenix_RsX/Arsenal/IMG_5373.jpg[/IMG]

At first, I was quite disappointed to see there was no hybrid to truly compliment the series. However, after a quick comparison to my Marvel and Prodigy, I was ecstatic to see a distinct difference in which I was very pleased with.

Whether I was playing down and in on the fresh, or playing the deep inside angle on long broken down patterns(which was my primary reason for the layout) it was quintessential skid/flip, yet very predictable and no doubt has a lot of hitting power. Not a lot of throws with it so far-about 3 games worth-but has the potentional to be my benchmark this fall!
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Storm Prodigy
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
233
PAP:
5 1/8 right by 1/2 up
Ball Speed:
Fast
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Right Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v690/Phoenix_RsX/Arsenal/IMG_0026.jpg[/IMG]

Layout: 55* 4.5" 30*
Surface: 4000 with polish

Since I've never previously thrown anything in the Master Line, I had to give this one a shot. Even though I'm a major fan of strong pearlized equipment, I understimated the raw strength of the prodigy as I had problems keeping the ball right regardless of how deep I tried to play on a THS in its OOB finish and 2000+polish finish. I had to step it up further to a 4000+polish finish before I started getting decent results. However, please keep in mind that this house in particular is roughly 35 feet with a mere 15ml of oil.

On a sport shot(different house)with the same ball is where the Prodigy shines. With the same finish, I had to play 5 and 2 left of where I typically play on Scorpion. Even with the mildly aggressive layout, the coverstock and surface made it easy for it to push through the oil and had a very nice hook/set reaction in the back which is perfectly fine with me. On the longer patterns I prefer this over something too angular.

Overall, this is a great addition to your arsenal if you have never had a Virtual Energy, Virtual Gravity or an Invasion. The Prodigy definitely competes with the top of the line equipment from any company.
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Storm Reign
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
4

About the Bowler

League Average:
233
PAP:
5 1/8 right by 1/2 up
Ball Speed:
Fast
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Right Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
Layout: 65* 5 1/4" 65*
Surface: OOB

The Storm/Roto line has thoroughly impressed me since switching over to them about 6 months ago, and the Reign does not disappoint. I honestly thought the expected reaction on the Reign was exaggerated until I got my hands on it.

This ball allowed me to play a bit further right(25) and play a little closer to the gutter breakpoint wise(5) than I'm accustomed to at our house. Even with the low oil, it glides cleanly through the heads and mids. As soon as it exits the pattern, there is no word to describe or a degree number I can use to explain the angular backend it makes.

So, with that said it's definitely pretty to watch. However, I've noticed on a number of occasions quickly how prone it is to stoning 9s. It is a bit too angular for my tastes but will change the surface to 4000 dull to smooth it out some. Regardless, has a room in my bag.
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Storm Reign of Fire
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
233
PAP:
5 1/8 right by 1/2 up
Ball Speed:
Fast
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Right Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
Layout: 60* 5" 65*
Surface: 2000 dull

Just varying slightly from my Reign, I wanted a slightly quicker transition phase with a sooner roll. I raised the surface on it to provide more seperation between that and my true high end equipment.

Usually, it takes me a few sets to find the perfect surface to suit when I need a certain ball. Not the case with the ROF. It offers me a touch more length and a smoother backend that I can go to when my next strongest ball, the Virtual Energy, proves to be too much.

259-235-260 fresh out of the box. I can see the Reign of Fire being able to cover multiple conditions from multiple angle. A definite keeper.
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Storm Reign Supreme
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
233
PAP:
5 1/8 right by 1/2 up
Ball Speed:
Fast
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Right Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v690/Phoenix_RsX/Arsenal/IMG_0048.jpg[/IMG]

Layout: 78* 4.5" 68*
Surface: OOB (1500 polish)

With the long awaited arrival of the hybrid version of the reign, I went with my favorite layout. Once again, I was not disappointed. On the 38' shot after the first shift, I tried playing my normal 25-12-5 shot but kept coming in very high. A slight change of hand actually allowed me to move 7 boards right and play a tighter line with excellent carry.

As I continued practice, I continued changing hand positions and I migrated further and further left to see if there would be a sacrifice in either carry or predictability in motion. There was not in either case. On the house shot, I had a 3 board area inside and outside as long as the speed didn't fluctuate too much. Compared to the Reign and Reign of Fire, I found the ROF to be about 3 boards sooner and smoother whereas I found the Reign about 3 boards later but much more angular in the back part of the lane.

The only drawback for me is with the entire Reign line, I stoned a few 8s and 9s with this ball as well. Other than that, yet another Great ball from Storm. I'm pleased to have picked this ball up.
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Storm Victory Road Solid
22 of 22 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
233
PAP:
5 1/8 right by 1/2 up
Ball Speed:
Fast
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Right Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
Layout: 55* 4 3/4" 65*
Surface: 3000 abralon

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v690/Phoenix_RsX/Arsenal/IMG_5374.jpg[/IMG]

Holy crap...I do not understand why I continue to underestimate this core, I did it with the HyRoad twice, and I did it with this ball as well. I already expected a strong midlane and an aggressive, continuous backend. However, for me it honestly rolled front to back like my Reign does. If you've ever seen the Reign roll then you know what I mean.

As long as the pattern is moderately heavy, fresh, or in carry down, I didn't have an issue with decent, consistent carry from the outside. However, as the lane broke down and forced me deep, I just could not control it without changing hand positions, but started leaving a lot of 10s. As long as I stay in the balls' zone, I'm going to have a lot of fun with this one!
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Storm Virtual Energy
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
233
PAP:
5 1/8 right by 1/2 up
Ball Speed:
Fast
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Right Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
For this being my first Storm ball, I made a great choice!

I went with a 4.5 x 4.5 layout with a 2" buffer and an X-hole on the PAP. I left it OOB to try on our fresh 44' house shot with pretty decent volume.

I already expected the ball to go pretty long, given the length of oil combined with the fatory polish. I expected an angular reaction due to the short buffer. However, I did not expect such an explosive turn in the back! I move my breakpoint as far right as 5 and it still recovered with great ease.

Pin action is phenomenal as well. I can play it tight, I can also swing it without any sacrifice in good carry. Seeing the Energy is mainly due to the Gravity's success I have now ordered my 2nd Storm ball(Gravity) and will have it next week.
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Storm Virtual Energy
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
233
PAP:
5 1/8 right by 1/2 up
Ball Speed:
Fast
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Right Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
I liked my first VE so much (60* 4.5" 25*) that I got a second one. This one is drilled 50* 4.5 65* and adjusted the surface to 2000 abralon. This one clears the heads easily like my first one, but has an extremely agressive and continuous backend.

Started out with back to back 245's. When I had to move to the 35 board the 3rd game, I had trouble kicking out the 10. Moved 8 boards right and used my weaker VE and kicked out the 10s again. Again, great pedecessor to the Virtual Gravity.
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Storm Virtual Gravity
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
233
PAP:
5 1/8 right by 1/2 up
Ball Speed:
Fast
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Right Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
I actually got this ball because of the early success I found with the Virtual Energy. My Gravity has a 55* 5" 65* layout, surface adjusted to 2000. It uses literally zero energy in the heads.



However, what it does in the mids and especially the back is mind blowing. Not to sound overly cliche', but it does keep going and going. I've put about 40 games on it so far. Not many in the grand scheme of things, but, no O/U, no "ball death".



If you have a hard time with actual oil on the lanes, then pick up the Virtual Gravity. They are still making them and using them on tour after a year for a reason.
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Storm Virtual Gravity NANO
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
233
PAP:
5 1/8 right by 1/2 up
Ball Speed:
Fast
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Right Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
PAP: 5 3/4 right, 3/4 up
Style: Tweener
Speed: 18.5 mph
Rev Rate: 440 rpm
Layout: 35* 4 1/4" 35* with P3 hole

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v690/Phoenix_RsX/Arsenal/IMG_7063.jpg[/IMG]

Forget all you have ever known about the Virtual Gravity. The Nano may come in the same color scheme and core, but the coverstock makes it feel like a completely different ball. Obviously, I compared the Nano to my Original Gravity (50* 4 7/8" 35* with P4 hole). Even with my above average speed, I found myself playing deeper from the start than usual with this ball. 32-17-6 to be exact (feet/target/breakpoint) with my normal speed and release.

I tried playing the same line with my Gravity, and swear I heard it laugh when it got to the breakpoint, not really making much of an attempt to recover downlane. However, not only moving right, but tightening my line (26-14-8) made the original read the lane properly and finish hard through the pins. Maybe the gap would have been closer if they both had the same layout, but each definitely has their time and place.

At first, I really didn't get the point of releasing the Nano, and moreso was expecting a Hybrid version of the Invasion/Anarcy. All the heresay and videos made me buy into the hype. Seeing the ball come off my hand, seeing it rev up down lane and seeing it recover has me now believing the hype. I got overall ball motion and constant solid pocket shots that I've not seen in quite sometime.

BOTY? Maybe, maybe not. However, it's a very good ball for me that will see the true heavy oil.


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Storm Vivid
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
233
PAP:
5 1/8 right by 1/2 up
Ball Speed:
Fast
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Right Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
Layout: 60* 4" 30*

Because of previous premier balls like the Invasion and to a certain degree the Nano Solid, I was concerned with the ball burning up in the friction and only be able to use it on PBA patterns. Testing it on a 40' THS I was not surprised to see the typical stand left, throw right and watch it bounce off the friction on the fresh. But as the the lane broke down, I saw the energy retain and not roll out like I saw in the Invasion and Nano Solid. I was pleased to see that not only I could finish a set in league with it, but I didn't have to play over the gutter to find oil.

Bowling on the San Marino (40') and Mexico City (46') patterns, I was able to really square up and not give the pocket away without fear of it overreacting like I'm used to when I play a tight line. The vivid is a solid release. Heavy midlane roll, typical of heavy oil asymetric balls, but increasing the rg makes it turn the corner harder without burning out. Well done!
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Track Kinetic
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
233
PAP:
5 1/8 right by 1/2 up
Ball Speed:
Fast
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Right Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
After a very poor initial drill, I got it plugged and re-drilled.
I've always been skeptical of what any ball manufacturer says about a ball. With the Kinetic, I couldn't be more wrong in doubting what they say.
Of all my layouts, the Kinetic is the most odd. As a right handed bowler(My ring finger partially eclipses the pin, and my MB is actually to the LEFT of the thumb). This is the most skid/flip piece I've ever seen. As a high-speed cranker, I find myself standing at 35(sometimes deeper). The ball will skid as far right as the 2-3 board, and literally jump into the pocket! Though I've only thrown 12 games with it since the re-drill, I am quite happy with the results(my lowest game of the 12 was 225).
Though a great ball, unlike the Power Machine, it is not forgiving in the slightest if you miss your mark by more than a board. Definitely not for the faint of heart.
I have a video of my Kinetic(and picture of the drill) here: media.putfile.com/Track-Bowling-Video
You'll find the Kinetic portion closer to the end, after my Power Machine. Hope this helps anyone interested in this ball.
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Track Kinetic Energy
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
233
PAP:
5 1/8 right by 1/2 up
Ball Speed:
Fast
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Right Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
What I was to expect/what I wanted: I expected the ball to read the midlane better than the Kinetic while using more energy, but still be stronger on the backend. What I wanted was the ball to read the midlane more than my Mean Machine, and backend just as hard(if not close) as my Rising.
The layout we went with: Pin beneath and slightly right of my ring finger, 3 7/8" from PAP, MB kicked out 50 degrees, with a small hole(maybe 1/4" in VAL for more flare/backend.

[URL=http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=7778825][img]http://img2.putfile.com/thumb/3/6322225149.jpg[/img][/URL]



What I got: Exactly what I asked for and then some. On a lane after the 1st shift and still OOB at the time I had to play pretty deep and play a big angle to get the KE where it needed to be. Apparently, the KE is suitable for medium-heavy, but pending the rev rate, layout, and surface it may even be too much for a medium condition-but that's just from my point of view. I really wanted to compare it to another ball, so I decided to use my Kinetic(which is back to OOB) to show the extreme difference between the two.



I have since taken the KE down to 2000, and in terms of strength, sits in between my Rising, and MM-where I wanted it to be!
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Track Kinetic Pearl
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
233
PAP:
5 1/8 right by 1/2 up
Ball Speed:
Fast
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Right Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
For my Kinetic pearl, I decided to go with a 6" pin above the bridge, with the MB at a 2 o'clock position touching my thumb hole.



The THS here is a long, heavy, Shark-like pattern, ranging from 44-47 ft. I left it OOB and gave it a go. I stood at 22, targeted 15, and tried to keep my breakpoint around 9-10 while keeping my speed down to around 17-18 mph. Very clean through the front part of the lane. When it finally got to the backend, it made a very calm motion and crushed the pocket.



Shot 244-279(Stone 9)-256 to end my summer league. I see alot of the Power Machine in the Kinetic Pearl(in terms of roll and oil absorption) and it does my heart good!


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Track Mean Machine
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
4

About the Bowler

League Average:
233
PAP:
5 1/8 right by 1/2 up
Ball Speed:
Fast
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Right Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
I've had the Track Mean Machine bowling ball for about 2 months now. Stack Leverage drilling, with pin 4" from PAP. On heavy oil, this ball is phenomenal. It cuts through the oil as if it's not even there. Unless you have a weak drill, it will be too strong for any other condition.
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Track Phoenix
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
233
PAP:
5 1/8 right by 1/2 up
Ball Speed:
Fast
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Right Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
The Track Phoenix bowling ball was Tracks last ball before being bought out by Ebonite. I decided to go with the 'Rico' layout on this one. With that said, the pin lays in the middle of my grip, about 5 1/2" from my PAP, CG of 45 degrees, and X hole beneath and to the right of my thumb. Shot 764 with it the first night go. Satisfies the length of the Power Machine, with more backend than my Power Machine. Because of this, I had to play much deeper(36 board), than usual(24 board) Perfect for heavy oil.
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Track Power Machine
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
233
PAP:
5 1/8 right by 1/2 up
Ball Speed:
Fast
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Right Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
My Track Power Machine bowling ball is drilled with the stacked leverage layout, with the pin 4" from PAP, no side weight drilled.
The length is awesome, and the hook is phenomenal. It is also very forgiving. If you miss right of your target, it slams back into the pocket. If you miss left, it holds the line, and eases its way into the pocket.
Since the acquisition of the Track Power Machine, my strike percentage has increased, and has been earth shattering. Perfect for light to medium oiled conditions.
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Track Rising SE
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
233
PAP:
5 1/8 right by 1/2 up
Ball Speed:
Fast
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Right Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
By far, the best Rising to date. I went with a strong 20* 20* layout with the pin 5" from PAP, and took it down from 4000 OOB to 2000. It still manages to clear the heads with great ease, has the midlane strength of the Kinetic Energy and still has enough to make a great turn into the pocket.

The ball is also the most forgiving in the Rising line as well. Whereas the Rising went through the nose and the UpRising darted "brooklyn" on errant shots to the inside, the S.E. makes a soft turn into the pocket for at the very least an easily makeable spare attempt. If you stray right(but not too far right) the ball still has enough energy to makes up ground for your error. This is forgiveness I've not seen from Track since the Power Machine.

After 3 league nights, I've managed sets of 695, 720 and 735.

The Cell pearl has been very popular since its release. After throwing both, the S.E. definitely sees eye to eye with the Cell pearl. Great ball.
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Track The Rising
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
233
PAP:
5 1/8 right by 1/2 up
Ball Speed:
Fast
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Right Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
It's been a long time since Track produced a true piece for heavy oil. Until the Rising came. It may somewhat look like the old Critical Mass, but after one throw you know this is not the case. With a PAP of 4 1/4 right, 1/4 down, I decided to go with Tracks' recommended layout.


I've never seen a ball go so long and smooth down the lane, yet have the insane backend that the Rising provides at 4000 grit. I would consider my self to be a somewhat high-speed(18 mph), and definitely high-rev(425+) kind of bowler. With that said, the Rising still doesn't(or at least not yet) die out or stop making that strong left turn towards the pocket. I've since taken it down to 1000 for even more predictability and control on the heaviest oil.


But, every ball has a downside. If the lanes are broken down, or even completely dry, then you're in alot of trouble. But then again, who in their right mind would try using any ball with this kind of surface on the dry?


Add the Kinetic Energy to that, and you have a strong 1-2 punch!
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Track Up-Rising
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
5

About the Bowler

League Average:
233
PAP:
5 1/8 right by 1/2 up
Ball Speed:
Fast
Style:
Tweener
Bowling Hand:
Right Handed
Sport Shot Average:
210
Experience:
Advanced (I have bowled in a league)
I took my UpRising down to 2000 and gave it a go for the first night of the fall season. I stood at 30, targeted 20, while keeping my breakpoint around 4-5 while keeping my speed down to around 17-18 mph. Very clean through the front part of the lane. And as promised with Tracks’ recommended layout, a strong, continuous backend.





My scores that night (232-196-235) do not reflect how well this ball rolls, but do reflect how bad my spare shooting was, but I digress. The UpRising may not be as strong as the Rising in terms of backend, but still a good heavy oil ball nonetheless.


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