Top 5 BowlingLife Storm bowling ball picks
Don't feel like reading the full review? Check out our top 5 picks for the best Storm bowling balls to buy in 2024.
Storm IQ Tour Edition - the best Storm bowling ball
Storm Summit - the best Storm bowling ball for heavy oil
Storm Virtual Energy Blackout - the best Storm bowling ball for medium oil
Storm Pitch Black - the best Storm urethane bowling ball for dry lanes
Storm Mix - the best Storm bowling ball for spares
Looking for something new?
Storm DNA Coil - Best new Storm bowling ball release
Storm The Road - Best new Storm bowling ball release
About Storm Bowling
Every bowler who played at least once in the competitive bowling field knows Storm Bowling Inc. Being a big player in the bowling industry, Storm isn't just one of the best bowling ball brands; it's known for top-notch performance, an unyielding quest for perfection and...the distinctive fragrance infused into each Storm bowling ball.
For those in search of the best Storm bowling balls available, BowlingLife testers have assembled a collection of top choices to consider in 2024, including new Storm bowling balls.
Best Storm Bowling Balls
This compilation stands out as more than a typical list of bowling balls. As bowlers ourselves, we provide firsthand insights, genuine perspectives, and in-depth information on the strengths and distinctive features of each ball. Our goal is to simplify the decision-making process for you, tailoring it to your specific requirements.
Remember that the list was created by assessing each tester's unique playing style, the typical lane conditions they encounter, and the individual opinions of our testers. Additionally, note that certain links provided in this article may be affiliate links.
Best Storm bowling balls - detailed list
After covering the crucial aspects of selecting a bowling ball, let's move on to the much-anticipated segment – an in-depth list of the best Storm bowling balls available on the market. Explore the details of each ball, uncover their unique features, and pinpoint the perfect match to elevate your performance on the bowling lanes.
Best new Storm bowling ball release
(Release date: March 15th, 2024)
Key advantages:
Early Peral: Storm DNA Coil offers quicker response than other pearls, making it perfect for changing lane conditions.
Ideal for heavy oil: great reinforcement for the original Storm DNA.
Help in need: Ideal for challenging oil patterns, excelling on higher volume conditions for a reliable performance.
After Storm DNA proved to be a solid and effective choice for the heaviest of oil patterns last year, our testers were eagerly anticipating the new Storm DNA Coil. The EXO Pearl coverstock with a Reacta Gloss finish provided our testers with a clean and smooth roll, and unlike other asymmetrical pearls, the new Storm DNA Coil exhibited an early reaction, making it an excellent bowling ball choice as the lanes begin to break down. The strategically placed mass around the equator of the Supercoil Core lowers the RG, assisting the coverstock for an early midlane read. This perfect fusion of coverstock and core allows the Storm DNA Coil to hook before the pattern ends, ensuring greater controllability. From the first glimpse, this ball should find its place just under the original DNA in your bowling bag when playing on higher volume oil patterns. While it may not be the ideal partner for typical house shots, it excels on challenging patterns. Don't miss out – be one of the first to experience the game-changing Storm DNA Coil!
Best Storm bowling ball to pre-order
(Release date: April 19th, 2024)
Key advantages:
Pro-Level Precision: Unleash Your Potential with Inverted Fe² A.I. Core.
Versatility at Its Finest: From Beginners to Pros, Conquer Every Lane.
Consistency You Can Count On: Smooth, Reliable Finish with Medium-High RG.
Introducing the Storm The Road bowling ball – it's like the MVP of bowling balls! You know how the Hy-Road has been the big deal for years? Well, this one takes it up a notch. It's got this fancy Inverted Fe² A.I. Core that makes you feel like a pro, no matter your skill level. The Hy-Road's always been great at handling different styles and lanes, and this one keeps up the tradition. The Storm The Road delivers a smooth finish with a medium-high RG and differential infusion, setting a new standard for reliability. Plus, with A.I. Core available in all weights, everyone gets to feel the power, no matter their preference. Get ready to rule the lanes with the Storm The Road bowling ball – it's the game-changer you've been waiting for!
Best Storm bowling ball overall
(Release date: July 10th, 2012)
Key advantages:
Proven Excellence: Twelve years on the market.
Enhanced Predictability: Predictable midlane roll with smooth transition.
Versatile Performance: Consistent performance across diverse lane conditions. Super friendly to cover change.
The standard bowling ball typically remains on the market for about a year, yet the Storm IQ Tour Edition has sustained its popularity for twelve years. That speaks volumes. The Master line has consistently propelled players worldwide to significant success, and the IQ Tour Edition has been no exception since its introduction in 2012. Our testers consider it the best Storm bowling ball, thanks to its remarkable predictability and unwavering reliability.
The C3 Centripetal Control Core, responsible for a lower differential, generates ample midlane roll with a seamless transition. This symmetrical shape, with its rapid-revving characteristic, boasts a unique mass distribution that serves as the intelligence behind its performance. Sporting a finely balanced 4000-grit Abralon finish, the IQ Tour Edition features the proven R2S solid coverstock, ensuring excellent traction and performance.
Known as the "9/ machine," the IQ Tour Edition has seen significant success on the PBA Tour and in the hands of recreational league bowlers globally. It has earned the reputation of being a reliable bowling ball in every arsenal, delivering consistency across various lane conditions for an extended period. It's no surprise that our testers consistently include a couple of IQ Tours in their bag for tournaments.
Best Storm bowling ball for heavy oil
(Release date: June 23rd, 2023)
Key advantages:
Unprecedented Strength: Storm Summit stands as the strongest symmetric ball in Storm's lineup
Enhanced Lane Performance: Lower RG and higher differential provide early lane grip and powerful backend motion.
Ideal for speed dominant players.
Officially, Storm Summit stands as the strongest symmetric bowling ball ever crafted by Storm. Tailored for a unique experience in your bowling ball arsenal, it incorporates time-tested features. The Centripetal HD core, inherited from the Storm SoniQ and Storm Super SoniQ, takes an exciting twist with the new Amplified Inertia (AI) outer core, using geometric cutouts to bolster core strength. This brings the RG down to 2.46 and increases the differential to .056, allowing the ball to the ball roll in the mid-lane while retaining power for a quite impressive backend motion. The TX-23 Pearl formula, derived from the trusted Phaze II TX-16, ensures unbeatable grip on slick lanes and a controllable overall motion. It makes Storm Summit bowling ball one of the best first ball options for heavier oil patterns. It is basically Storm Phaze II but with slightly more power. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, the Storm Summit is a "must-have" for your Storm bowling ball arsenal.
Best Storm bowling ball for medium oil
(Release date: August 5th, 2022)
Key advantages:
Medium Oil Dominance: Unrivaled on medium oil lanes.
Shape-Lock HD Core: High-density core for unique lane shape.
Staff Approved: Widespread staff endorsement for versatility and predictability.
Our testers strongly recommend the Storm Virtual Energy Blackout bowling ball for medium oil. With its high-density Shape-Lock HD Core (making a comeback since Gravity Evolve), lowered RG, and boosted weight block differential, this ball offers extraordinary flare potential, creating a unique shape on the lane that you didn't even know you needed. It's like the Storm Dark Code but with better midlane dig, and it still delivers substantial downlane recovery with a predictable reaction. No wonder it earned a spot in the bowling bags of almost half of our staff. It is probably the best Storm bowling ball for medium oil ever produced. The Storm Virtual Energy Blackout is ideal when you need a reliable ball during transitions, especially when playing from deeper parts of the lane.
Best Storm urethane bowling ball for dry lanes
(Release date: May 27th, 2014)
Key advantages:
Superior Performance on Dry Lanes: Designed specifically for dry lanes and short oil patterns.
Predictable Ball Motion: Offers a predictable and easily manageable ball motion.
Proven Performance: Swiftly recognized and trusted by professionals on the PBA Tour.
The newer does not always mean better. Produced back in 2014, the Storm Pitch Black is arguably the best Storm urethane bowling ball for dry lanes to date. The Storm Pitch was crafted to tackle dry short oil patterns with a predictable ball motion that is easily manageable. To achieve this desired reaction, Storm combined the Controll Solid Urethane coverstock, ensuring a controllable mid-lane roll with an innovative Capacitor core. The core is engineered to moderate flare potential, enhancing the ball's controllability and preventing overreactions on short oil. Storm Pitch Black bowling ball is still one of the favorites of our rev-dominant two-hander tester! However, if you happen to be a PBA Tour player, we urge you to get the new Storm !Q Tour 78-U, as it is designed to comply with the latest PBA bowling ball hardness rule.
Best Storm bowling ball for spares
(Release date: August 5th, 2022)
Key advantages:
Great predictability: The time-tested 3-piece Core ensures predictability for anyone who rolls it.
Unmatched Durability: urethane coverstock provides durability compared to other materials and makes it a reliable choice for first ball.
Versatility for All Ages: Available in various colors and starting from 8 pounds, the Mix series offers versatile options suitable for bowlers of all ages.
The Mix series is a fantastic option for beginners trying out bowling, straight-style bowlers, or any player in need of a spare shooting choice. It is not just a spare ball but also an excellent choice for extremely dry conditions. With its traditional 3-piece core, the Mix offers enhanced predictability, while its urethane coverstock guarantees unmatched durability and a better reaction on dry lanes than a plastic bowling ball. Available in various colors, it accommodates every bowler.
Some other great Storm bowling ball choices
(Release date: October 4th, 2016)
Key advantages:
World-renowned Traction: Phaze II features the famed TX-16 solid coverstock, delivering enhanced traction in oil.
Controlled Breakpoint Motion: With a low RG/high diff Velocity core, it offers a more controlled motion at the breakpoint.
Versatile for All Styles: Accommodates various playing styles, from high rev rates to low rev rates, making it a versatile choice.
The Storm Phaze II stands out as one of the strongest symmetric balls ever produced by Storm. It features the same low RG/high diff Velocity core as the original Phaze but is enveloped in the new TX-16 solid coverstock with a 3000 grit box finish, which granted Phaze II its worldwide fame. This combination provides the Phaze II with enhanced traction in the oil and a more controlled motion at the breakpoint. Unlike balls that deliver sharp backend motion, the Phaze II is perfect as the first ball out of your bag when assessing lane conditions. It accommodates a wide range of playing styles, from those with a high rev rate and significant curve to those with a low rev rate who prefer playing up the lane. If your kid doesn't have a Phaze II in a bag, he or she will love one.
(Release date: November 17th, 2008)
Key advantages:
Established Superiority: Storm's lengthiest-running bowling ball.
Consistant and predictable reaction: great for medium and typical house shot oil patterns.
Adaptable to Surface Changes: Super-friendly to surface modifications, allowing bowlers to use it in various game conditions.
Even after sixteen years on the market, our testers collectively agree that the Storm Hy-Road is still probably the best reactive hybrid bowling ball Storm has ever produced. The 1500 grit polished finish offers easy length on medium and typical house shot oil patterns, while creating a strong, consistent reaction at the breakpoint. The Storm Hy-Road is super friendly to surface changes and is a crucial addition to any bowling ball arsenal, performing well regardless of the conditions you play. 3000 grit with polish will allow you to play on dry conditions, while adding rough cover will open some angles on heavy oil patterns. It smoothly navigates the front part of the lane, delivering a powerful backend with impressive continuation through the pins. There's a valid reason why Storm continues to produce this ball – the Storm Hy-Road is simply exceptional. The outstanding backend motion and remarkable pin carry make this ball stand out. Whether hitting a bit high or finding the light pocket, the Storm Hy-Road efficiently handles the pins. Having a "go-to" ball like this in your bag is a must.
We hope this best Storm bowling balls review helped you to find the perfect Storm bowling ball. If you're a fan of Hammer bowling balls too, be sure to explore our informative review, where our testers have compiled a selection of the best-performing Storm bowling balls for you to discover!
Choosing the best Storm bowling balls for you
Picking the right bowling ball is super important for boosting your game. It's all about finding the perfect ball that fits your style and works well on different lanes. Remember, it's not just about getting the fanciest ball; it's about creating a strategy to make your bowling experience awesome, turning every roll into a win on the lanes.
When you're buying a bowling ball, keep these things in mind:
Coverstock - the outer surface of the ball that interacts with the lane, is a key factor in bowling. Despite the multitude of bowling balls available, they can be categorized into three primary groups based on their coverstock: plastic, urethane, and reactive resin. Each type serves distinct purposes, enabling players to easily adjust to varying lane conditions.
Core - it determines how a bowling ball spins as it travels down the lane. Composed of denser materials like iron or calcium oxides, the core represents the heaviest section of a bowling ball. Cores can take on symmetrical or asymmetrical shapes.
Radius of Gyration (RG) - functions as an indicator of how mass is spread within a bowling ball. A higher RG results in heightened back-end motion, as a ball with a higher RG tends to slide more and retains more energy for the latter part of the lane.
Differential (Diff) - it comes in two types: total and intermediate. Increased differentials result in a more powerful hook potential, injecting additional flare into your shots.
How do we choose the best bowling ball?
To assist our readers in making well-informed decisions when selecting bowling balls, BowlingLife relies on thorough testing for all our recommendations. We firmly believe that an unbiased opinion about each ball can only be formulated after our team has personally tried it out.
Our testing team comprises three individuals – one with dominant speed, one with dominant revs, and a two-handed player. The goal is to give each ball the chance to demonstrate its strengths across various lane conditions.
We strive for our ball reviews to find a middle ground between being casual and informative. We constantly update the links in the article so you can find reviewed bowling balls easily. Please note that certain links provided might be affiliate links. It's crucial to emphasize that, regardless of the review's tone, it is still a subjective opinion. Just because we found success with certain bowling balls doesn't necessarily mean you will keep on striking with them. Nevertheless, rest assured that our reviews are carried out with fairness, consistency, objectivity, and honesty, guided by bowlers for bowlers.
History of Storm bowling balls
Established in 1985 by Bill and Barbara Chrisman, the company initially operated as High Score Products, specializing in chemical solutions for bowling ball cleaning. In 1991, it transitioned to manufacturing high-performance bowling balls, giving rise to the subsidiary Storm as we recognize it today.
Fun fact - Storm's first bowling ball was created using resin, mixed in a KFC bucket. The Teal Storm, Storm's first-ever reactive resin bowling ball, eventually inspired their brand name and color.
Storm is a company dedicated to bowlers. The company founders promptly initiated collaborations with professional bowling players, sponsoring them on the PBA Tour. The inaugural bowler to join forces with Storm was none other than Pete Weber, who eventually ascended to become one of the greatest bowlers in history.
In 1997, Storm acquired the Roto Grip line of bowling balls, and later, it added the Master brand of bowling accessories to its portfolio. The year 2020 marked the completion of Storm's full acquisition of Global Manufacturing, broadening its marketing scope to include 900 Global and 3G products.
With its headquarters in Brigham City, Utah, Storm's primary manufacturing facility, accompanied by two smaller ones in California and Texas, produces approximately 500,000 bowling balls annually. Some of these are considered among the finest ever produced.
FAQ
Where are Storm bowling balls being made?
Storm Bowling balls are primarily manufactured in Brigham City, Utah, where the company's headquarters and its main manufacturing facility are located. Additionally, Storm has two smaller manufacturing facilities in California and Texas.
Who makes Storm bowling balls?
Storm Bowling balls are produced by Storm Bowling Inc. The company was established in 1985 by Bill and Barbara Chrisman. Initially operating as High Score Products, it transitioned into manufacturing high-performance bowling balls in 1991 under the subsidiary Storm, as it is recognized today.
How many bowling balls does Storm make annually?
Storm produces approximately 500,000 bowling balls a year.
Is it true that Storm bowling balls have a fragrance?
Storm Bowling balls have a distinctive fragrance infused during manufacturing for branding and recognition. This unique scent is a trademark feature, creating a memorable experience for bowlers. While the specific reasons for the chosen fragrance may not be disclosed, it serves as a marketing strategy to enhance the brand's identity and create a positive association for users.
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