The Storm Summit Ascent is crafted to help bowlers elevate their performance, combining forgiveness with peak control. Known for creating innovative and high-performance bowling balls, Storm has once again delivered a winner. The Summit Ascent promises to deliver a smooth transition from skid to hook to roll, making it a reliable option for bowlers seeking predictability and consistency in their game.
In the latest addition to the Storm lineup, the Summit Ascent features the innovative A.I. Core, enhanced with Centripetal HD technology. This advancement pushes the limits of RG and differential, making the ball rev up early and maintain a consistent shape as it travels down the lane. Its strong backend motion ensures you can rely on it to deliver powerful strikes with fewer surprises.
In this Storm Summit Ascent review, we’ll explore the strengths and potential weaknesses of this bowling ball and how it could become a staple in your bowling ball arsenal.
Short Storm Summit Ascent Review
Don't want to read a full Storm Summit Ascent review? Here is a short summary!
The Storm Summit Ascent stands out for its seamless transitions and strong backend motion, making it a predictable yet potent option for a variety of lane conditions. Thanks to the R2S Solid coverstock at 4000-grit Abralon®, this ball offers excellent control over the shape and length of your shots. What sets it apart is its ability to deliver a strong hook without sacrificing smoothness, making it an excellent benchmark ball for medium to heavy oil conditions. Its Centripetal HD core ensures early revs and consistency, helping bowlers maximize their potential.
Key Specifications
Coverstock Type: Reactive Soild
Coverstock Name: R2S
Core Type: Symmetrical
Core Name: Centripetal HD - A.I.
Box Finnish: 4000 Abralon
Best For: Medium-Heavy oil
RG: 2.46
Total Diff: 0.056
Definitions
Asymmetrical core - Asymmetric bowling ball deliver sharper, more angular motion when meeting friction.
Symmetrical core - Symmetric bowling balls produce a soft, controllable motion.
Radius of gyration (RG) - The higher RG, the more back-end motion a bowling ball will produce, as high RG ball skids more and tends to conserve more power for the further part of the lane.
Total Diff - the difference between low RG (X axis) and high RG (Y axis).
Intermediate Diff - only found in asymmetrical balls, as it is the difference between the high RG (Y axis) and intermediate RG (Z axis).
First Impressions of the Storm Summit Ascent Bowling Ball
At first glance, the Summit Ascent appears to be a game-changer in Storm's lineup. With its R2S Solid coverstock and Centripetal HD core, this ball is designed for bowlers who seek predictability and strength in their shots. Unlike traditional solid coverstock balls, the Summit Ascent is cleaner through the fronts while still providing a strong and continuous backend motion. Its unique design makes it an excellent choice for those who want a ball that can handle medium to heavy oil without losing its power.
Additionally, the Summit Ascent introduces a new scent, Cream Soda, adding a touch of freshness to the experience.
Lane Performance
We tested the Storm Summit Ascent with two bowlers, a speed-dominant one-hander and a rev-dominant two-hander, across various lane conditions, including heavy oil, medium oil, and a typical house shot pattern (THS).
Speed-Dominant One-Hander Test
The Summit Ascent quickly became a favorite for our speed-dominant tester. On medium oil, the ball's clean motion through the front part of the lane was evident, and its backend reaction was both smooth and strong. The tester appreciated how the ball transitioned effortlessly from skid to hook to roll, offering excellent control without the need for surface adjustments.
On heavy oil, the Summit Ascent performed well with a slight surface adjustment to 2000-grit Abralon®. The ball maintained a strong read in the midlane and delivered a powerful backend, making it a reliable choice for more challenging oil conditions.
Rev-Dominant Two-Hander Test
Our rev-dominant two-hander tester also found success with the Summit Ascent, especially on heavy oil patterns. The ball’s early revs, combined with its ability to maintain shape down the lane, made it a strong performer. Even when playing deeper angles, the Summit Ascent continued to provide a consistent reaction and excellent pin carry.
On medium oil, the ball's out-of-the-box finish worked perfectly, allowing the tester to maintain control and shape the ball exactly as needed.
Overall Impression of the Storm Summit Ascent Bowling Ball
The Storm Summit Ascent is a versatile and reliable option that bowlers will appreciate for its balance between control and power. Its unique blend of grip and glide makes it suitable for various lane conditions, and the Centripetal HD core ensures that it remains consistent shot after shot. Whether you’re looking for a new benchmark ball or something to complement your existing arsenal, the Summit Ascent is worth considering.
Detailed Evaluation of the Storm Summit Ascent Bowling Ball
With its combination of the R2S Solid coverstock and Centripetal HD core, the Summit Ascent offers a unique experience for bowlers. It’s cleaner than most solid balls, which means it can handle a variety of lane conditions with ease. Our testers found that it complemented other benchmark balls like the Phaze II and the Idle, making it an excellent choice for those looking to expand their arsenal with a ball that offers both predictability and power.
