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That was a video editing error on my part. I uploaded a replacement video with the music fixed at th-cam.com/video/Pj0a2wv-BW0/w-d-xo.html

The core numbers are only part of what makes up a bowling ball’s reaction. Because the coverstock is what’s actually touching the lane, it has a significant impact on ball reaction. For example, the NeX (Nano Extreme) solid that’s on the Proton PhysiX is MUCH stronger than the NRG that’s on the Ion Max. In fact NeX is Storm’s second strongest cover, while NRG is in the middle of the pack at 13th. That means the Proton PhysiX will read the lane much earlier, and I certainly see that, although it’s been a while since I’ve thrown a Proton. As you can imagine from the core numbers, they’re very close to each other on the core strength chart with the Element Max in the Ion Max coming in 5th and the Atomic core in the Proton PhysiX coming in 6th.

Glad to hear you’re enjoying the videos! Hope they help you out and help you make decisions on your future ball purchases.

lol, I'd like to think so, but I've never hidden that the videos are edited. I absolutely make bad shots, but I don't want to waste your time watching me throw bad shots. You don't get any valuable information out of it and just makes the video longer. If I miss a little inside or outside, that's valuable information - seeing how the ball recovers. If I stick, drop the ball, top the ball, or any of the other dozen ways to mess up a shot, I don't include those.

I'm also planning on changing things up a bit in 2025. Because most people bowl on a house shot, I'm still planning on bowling on the house shot, but I'll also be adding a challenge shot to the mix as well. Still reviewing patterns and deciding on which one to use.

​@@AlmostPerfectionWV I appreciate seeing reviews on a variety of patterns, because "house shot" is kind of a meaningless term in my opinion. Yeah, there'll be friction to the outside and hold inside, but no two house shots play the same. Heck, even the shot in one league can play drastically different week to week whether it's just topography/weather/etc. or they actually did some tweaking to the pattern. (And by the way, as someone else with low revs who throws 14lb stuff, glad I found your reviews! The RG is so much higher on some 14lb pieces like the X-Cell that it feels like watching reviews with 15lb stuff may not translate well.)

@djbelc01 - With the AI Outer core, some of the gaps between the weights has gotten smaller (like the Summit line), but there's still a difference in some of them - and the PhysiX Blackout is a great example of that. I'm happy to hear that you've found my videos can relate to your game. Every pattern is going to play different in every house, if there was a magic house shot pattern, everyone would use it :). There are so many variables to how a shot plays - topography from lane to lane, who else is bowling on the lane, temperature of the house, temperature of the oil, temperature of the lane beds, humidity, But you can count on friction outside and hold in the middle.

Thank you very much for the support!

Very nice! I'm a sucker for anything with "Road" in it. Can't believe it took me so long to get my first Hy-Road, but I've been a huge fan ever since!

@AlmostPerfectionWV Yes there perfect go long save all there energy back end. 3 OG hy roads 2 hy road pearl, The Road, had the Night road gave it away Road Warrior . I have Phase 2,5 Zen,Absolute Power but nobody puts out oil 🛢 VOLUME. IM glad your feeling better. 🤙

Thanks for watching. I have used Power Edge on a few things, but I haven’t touched the surface on the Road at all. So far, I’ve been very impressed with Power Edge, makes me feel much more comfortable about my dwindling supply of the old Step 2 compound.

Yes, the PhysiX Blackout will be out probably on December 26th. Comparing it to the Ion Max.

Thanks for watching! You'll get no arguments from me on the Harsh Reality Pearl being a very good ball. I hope it didn't come across that way. I actually have the Origin very similar to the Harsh Reality Pearl, that could be in part to how I have them drilled.

@@AlmostPerfectionWVNo, I didn't take it that way. It agree they both had similar ball motion when I watched your video. I'm glad that your back is getting better and I can't imagine fighting with those issues on a daily basis. I hope and pray you continue feel better. Merry Christmas.

Thank you, Merry Christmas to you as well. I’ve had back issues for quite a while, but after I got back to bowling in 2017, my back really improved. Used to be a once a year problem, this is the first time I’ve had anything more than just back tightness in the last 7 years.

Thanks for watching! If you're exclusively using a Perfect Mindset right now, I would be concerned of a lot of overlap between the Harsh Reality Pearl and the Perfect Mindset. When first starting out building an arsenal, you'll want more separation between the balls. If you can think of times that the Perfect Mindset isn't working, do you wish you had a ball that hooked more or less? Earlier or Later? Smoother or Sharper? Do you have more problems scoring in game 1 or game 3? Personally, I think the X-Cell would be a better place to start if you're having problems at the start of the night (the Harsh Reality Solid or Ion Max would be other good options). If you're struggling more towards the end of the night because the Perfect Mindset is just hooking too much, something like the Ion Pro or Road Warrior might be a better option.

@ Thanks for the reply. I primarily throw the Perfect Mindset but still pull out my balls from 1997 (Track Synergy and Columbia 300 red pulse). The Perfect Mindset gets better each game. I was leaning toward the Xcell to get more hook game 1 and then go to the PM later. The PM does drive through the pins when I throw it right but not allot of backend hook so I struggle with the move left and washouts. Thought a Pearl might help with the move left when the outside track is worn out

Some big differences, the Hustle line has always out performed its price point - the Hustle M+M has a stronger cover, a higher differential core, and a lower RG core. So the Hustle is going to hook earlier and hook more. That being said, both of them have their place, so it really depends on what you’re looking for. The Tropical Surge is a great entry level ball (think Rhino or Twist from Brunswick) or a drier lane ball.

Thanks for the feedback. Typically I can get an opportunity to record the videos with no music playing at the center. Unfortunately, this video had lots of music playing and had to do something to cancel out the music that I’m not licensed to play on TH-cam.

Thanks!

I have a forester drill bit that I use for the fingers. I only have a 31/32 bit, but the far majority of fingers that I drill get inserts, so it works out well. I have found that I'm much more accurate drilling the fingers with those bits. I believe I purchased the bit through Bowler's Asylum and they specialize in overseas balls, it wouldn't surprise me that they're commonly used overseas.

I don't know what all you've bought, but hopefully your PSO wouldn't have sold you balls that really overlapped too much. Rather than selling and buying more, if you do have some that overlap, you might want to give some surface changes a shot to get some separation from balls that are too similar. That's a much cheaper solution.

Interesting question - the core numbers between the LBO and the X-Ray are very close. The LBO a being a shiny pearl is going to go longer and be more angular down lane than the VTC Solid on the X-Ray. Storm’s site has the Hustle X-Ray with an angular shape and good on dry lanes. I’ve used the X-Ray on a lot of different conditions and really haven’t seen anything that I would consider angular. As far as when to use one versus the other, if you needed something to get further down the lane - if the heads are really beat up and other things are rolling way too early, the LBO would likely be my choice. If you need something with a smoother shape that rolls a bit early and can control aggressive backends, then the X-Ray would be my choice.

Thank you very much! The original Xponent had a 2.48 RG and a 0.042 differential in 15 pounds and had the Reserve Blend 701 solid coverstock. The Summit Ascent has a 2.46 RG and a 0.056 differential, which is not an insignificant amount. Overall, you should see more total hook with the Summit Ascent. I could see them both in a 6 ball arsenal, but probably not in a 4 ball arsenal, unless they were drilled with a different layout or you made a surface change to one of them.

The RG of a ball indicates how a bowling ball spins - think of an ice skater with their hands outstretched (High RG) or tucked in closer to their body (Lower RG). The differential is the imbalance between the high and low RGs. The Ion in 14 and 15 pounds have a very similar differential, but the RG is higher on the 14 pound version. That typically means you'll see the 14 pound version go down the lane a little bit further than the 15 pound ball.

@bhartissimo - first off, welcome to the bowling family! In the grand scheme of things, 4 1/2 months isn't a very long time, so I want to caution you of falling into the "this bowling ball will fix everything" trap. If you're progressing along and have some good coaching that's a good start. In any 2 ball arsenal, there's going to be some pretty big gaps between balls. I think you're on the right track with the balls you're looking at and if you have a Matchmaker event (Storm's demo days) nearby, all of those balls will be available at the Matchmaker. Shops frequently run those toward the beginning of the season. I would certainly put the Ion Pro between those two and I'm a huge fan of it, so that would be a great ball if you feel like you need something between the Attention Star and the RAW. The X-Cell is definitely something that's going to roll earlier than the Attention Start and will have a much rounder shape, but will likely fit above the Attention Star. If you're struggling with heavier oil or needing something that hooks more than the Attention Star, the X-Cell would be the better fit.

It is going to be good for a number of different styles of bowlers, lower rev strokers will be able to get good ball motion with straighter angles. The big concern I would have with a no thumb bowler is speed - which is one of the hardest things to get when bowling with no thumb. If you are speed-rev matched, the X-Cell could be great. If you're extremely rev dominant, I think you'll run into some issues with the ball hooking too much too early with the box surface. You may have to adjust up to a 4000 grit or a light coat of polish to get the ball down the lane a bit further.

Great to hear! I’m glad you found me!

I agree. I just finished watching his Reality and Eternity PI comparison video. I'm a Senior Bowler.

The Ion Pro will have less overall hook than the VEBO and a completely different shape, so it would definitely complement the VEBO.

A lot of it depends on your game and how you like to shape the ball. From a balancing perspective, if you’ve got a VEBO, you’ll probably want something a little stronger - something that digs into the oil earlier for times that the VEBO slides too long. I’m a big fan of the Absolute Power, you would have a different shape and a bit more overall hook. I would look for a symmetrical piece below it - i would look for something with a higher RG like the Road or Hy-Road.

Is it good for the first game? As much as everyone hates to hear it, it depends. It depends on your style and the house you’re bowling in. As a general rule, yes, it would help you dig through the oil in the first game and help you control the back ends. I haven’t thrown the Optimum Idol in direct comparison of them but there are some significant differences. While they all have very similar RG values, the Differential on the Ion Pro is much lower than the Idol. The Phaze 2 is less than three Idol, but much closer. The Microtrax coverstock on the Idol is much stronger coverstock than the TX-16 cover (Hybrid on the Ion Pro and Solid on the Phaze 2)

It depends, how low speed and how low revs? What types of balls have you had success with?

@AlmostPerfection Is this the Phaze 2 replacement ball. Is Storm planning on discontinuing the Phaze 2?

@@garybryant19 ​ I don't have any insight into Storm's plans, I typically find out about them the same time you do. Historically speaking, balls that are still selling are not getting discontinued. I know we still sell several Phaze 2s every season, so I would be surprised to see it discontinued. The Ion Pro and the Phaze 2 are definitely different balls. They have similar RGs, but the Phaze 2 has solid coverstock with a much higher differential and is symmetric. The Ion Pro has a pearl cover, lower differential, and is asymmetric. Personally, I think there's plenty of room for both of them in the lineup.

Ion pro is a hybrid cover.

Welcome aboard! Glad you found me!

They’re painstakingly done manually during video editing using Adobe After Effects. Learned how to do them by watching videos on how to create ball tracers for golf videos. I think they add quite a bit to the video.

Agreed, thanks! I have been using Inshot, and I had not tried using that program. My asking centers around training. I intend to trace my strike roll. Then, use the rinse and repeat method to improve my eye target training. Thanks again!

You're correct, I didn't refresh the surface on the Attention Star. I haven't altered the surface at all, but the surface has definitely changed through lane shine through use. As a polished ball lane shines, it will typically get more traction in oil than it does with a fresh surface. If you're looking to get the snap back into your Attention Star, a quick resurface and finish with Step 2 or Reacta Gloss will get that back.

@@AlmostPerfectionWV interesting - thanks for letting me know… I was thinking of putting surface on it but that is a constant battle I’m not really interested in doing every 3-5 games

@@whitehh15 I like the reaction I get out of the Attention Star and where it fits n my bag, so I haven't considered putting surface on it. If you do put surface on it.- say 3000 grit, it will cause it to hook earlier and definitely not jump off the friction like it does out of the box. Getting it back to box surface with a sand and polish should definitely get you a lot more than 3-5 games.

Where do you put this ball in your bag? Can you throw this on a house pattern game 1?

@@jbin2756 I think you can throw the attention star on anything. It's very versatile - it I could only bring 1 ball, it would be the attention star. I know some people do consider it a ball down from something really strong first game, but I'm happy to adapt and play a slightly different angle to get the result I want

@anthonydorazio9650 I would definitely look at getting an asymmetric ball in your bag just to give you a slightly different look. I'd work with the Pro Shop Operator at a Storm VIP Pro Shop to match you up to the best asymmetric for your game. The DNA coil is a great choice for a lot of bowlers!

@AlmostPerfectionWV Yes both my guys in the pro shop storm staffers.😁👍🫵

We've been staying so busy working in the shop, it's been tough to get out to the lanes for much organized coaching sessions.

Great to hear that you're finding the videos helpful!

I don't actually see a huge difference between the 14 and 15 in the real world. The core numbers between the 14 and 15 aren't huge, just 0.01 RG, which is insignificant. There's 0.009 difference in differential, which puts them both in the medium flare category, although at opposite ends. The big difference in the Hy-Roads is between the 15 and 16 pound versions with a 0.05 RG difference and a 0.012 difference in the differentials.

@@AlmostPerfectionWV I also prefer 14lb balls. I actually have a 13lb I bought used by accident and it strikes as well as a 15 without any deflection.

Thank you!

Thank you!

Thanks for the sub!

Thank you! Unfortunately, I haven’t picked up an IQ Tour solid since I moved to 14 pounds yet.

I’m usually around 16.5 odd my hand, which would put most balls in the 14.5 to 15 range at the pins, where most scoring systems read the speed.

I'm really enjoying your reviews. Keep up the good work!

Thanks!

Thank you!

Thank you very much!

That’s great! We try to get Mike to come down once a year or so. He’s an amazing coach! Thursday night, I shot 244 with the Hustle X-Ray in game 3. Definitely a great ball to have around.

Great! Glad to hear you like them. They’re a ton of extra work, but I think they’re quite helpful.

REX pearl and a 0.029 differential on the Lightning Blackout, REX Hybrid and a 0.045 differential on The Road on both 14 and 15 pounds. Probably not a big enough difference in a 4 ball bag, but maybe a 6, especially if you change the surface on one of them. I have hit the Lightning with a used 2000 pad to scuff up the polish a bit and really do like it. It does give it a bit of a different shape and makes a bigger difference between the two.