Storm Hy-Road 40 Review: A Bold New Upgrade or Just Anniversary Hype?
- Erikas Jansonas
- Jun 5
- 3 min read
In this Storm Hy-Road 40 review, we take a closer look at how the latest chapter in one of bowling’s most iconic lines blends a classic core with a new-age coverstock. Designed for medium to drier lanes, the Hy-Road 40 brings a sharper, quicker motion while maintaining the clean, confident feel fans expect from the Hy-Road name.
If you’ve ever trusted the original Hy-Road during transition or relied on it late in tournament play, this one’s aimed squarely at you.
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Sharper Midlane Read, Aggressive Backend
What sets the Hy-Road 40 apart from its predecessors is the pairing of the familiar Inverted Fe² core with the brand-new A1S Pearl coverstock. First seen on the Storm Equinox, this cover is one of Storm’s fastest oil-absorbing materials to date. It gives the ball more bite in the midlane while allowing a strong, continuous finish at the back.
Compared to the Hy-Road Pearl or even the Road Warrior, this version reads sooner and turns harder off the spot—especially useful when playing deeper angles or when transition makes other gear feel flat.
Thinking about adding it to your lineup? Check the Storm Hy-Road 40 price on Amazon.
The Trusted Core, Reinvented for 2025
At the center of the Hy-Road 40 is the legendary Inverted Fe² Technology. It’s Storm’s most proven weight block for a reason—high energy retention, smooth roll characteristics, and unmatched pin carry for its class.
What’s exciting here is how the new cover brings out a different character in the same core. You get the same smooth control through the fronts, but more responsiveness downlane, especially in medium-dry conditions or when the fronts are starting to go.
This is the kind of ball that gives you confidence when you move left and need the ball to recover without over-jumping.
Comparison: Hy-Road 40, Road Warrior, and Hy Road
Ball | Length | Backend Shape | Oil Volume | Role in Arsenal |
Medium | Earliest, but still storngest in the backend | Medium-Dry | Perfect for late transition or deeper angles | |
Medium | Smooth & Controllable | Medium-Dry | More stable option when you need predictability | |
Long | Clean & Versatile | Medium-Dry | All-around classic with readable shape |
Built for Versatility
The Hy-Road 40 is ideal for bowlers who need a clean and responsive piece for late-in-the-day adjustments or for handling higher-friction house shots. It shines when the stronger stuff is too early and weaker pearls just don’t have enough finish.
For higher rev players, this ball is a dream for shaping deeper lines and staying ahead of transition. For moderate or lower rev players, it’s still playable, but something like the Road Warrior might be a more controllable option if you’re not comfortable with sharper backend moves.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Reads the midlane sooner than previous Hy-Roads
Strong, defined backend motion for its class
Proven core with enhanced coverstock tech
Excellent choice for transition or late block use
Maintains consistent reaction shot after shot
Cons:
Not ideal for heavier oil patterns
Could be too sharp for bowlers preferring smooth arcs
Why it's more expensive than the original Hy-Road remains a mystery
Final Thoughts of Storm Hy-Road 40 Review
The Storm Hy-Road 40 honors its lineage by doing something few anniversary releases manage—it feels both nostalgic and fresh. With a stronger cover and the same core that made the original a legend, it delivers a familiar roll with modern power.
This is not just a commemorative piece—it’s a high-performance upgrade that fits perfectly into today’s conditions. If your game needs a late-block striker with teeth, or you simply want to celebrate Storm’s 40 years with something functional, the Hy-Road 40 deserves a spot in your bag.
