20 Best Heavy Oil Bowling Ball (2023 Updated)

Dark Code: Premier Series Coverstock: • ReX Pearl Coverstock Finish: 1500-Grit Polished Core: RADCORE4 Core RG: 2. 50 (15lb) • Differential: 0. 058 (15lb) • Int. Diff: 0. 020 (15lb) Tester Axis Tilt = 12° • Testers Rev Rate = 325 Tester PAP = 5 1/8 R, 1/2 D • Tester Axis Tilt = 12° •Testers Rev Rate = 325 Layout =4 x 4 x 2 Test Pattern = 42’ THS • Modified, Kegel Stone Street The new Storm Dark Code delivers a uniquely solid and robust ball to your arsenal.

With the combination of RAD4 Core and the new ReX Pearl coverstock, Storm has once again hit a winner! Let’s take a look at how the Dark Code handled a THS. The new ReX Pearl cover was surprisingly aggressive on fresh oil.

While looking up the ten board, the ReX Pearl cover read very well in the mid-lane and gave me a predictable look I could depend on. Coming off the pattern, I was impressed with how much this ball loves friction.

It displayed a crisp turn off the pattern but was also smooth and continuous! As I moved inside, looking fifteen to eighteen, I liked how this cover allowed me to move the breakpoint. I didn’t see the “jump” or erratic movements you tend to see as conditions break down.

It’s not often a box finish works for me, but the 1500-Polish surface on the ReX Pearl suits my game quite well in various THS patterns and various houses. I am a big fan of Asymmetric Cores, and the bigger, the better.

And the RADCORE4 is just that – big and powerful! The RADCORE4 motion is well suited for a lower rev, high-speed player like me. It revs reasonably early for an asymmetric, yet it has an authoritative movement that gave me the strong impact I depend on.

I like how RADCORE4 retains its energy to the pocket. And when it unleashed its fury, the carry potential was fun to watch! It always feels good when those pins simply seem to fall! My conclusion is that the Dark Code is an effective ball for your arsenal.

The Dark Code will deliver for you night after night for speed dominant and lower rev rate players. In addition, the Dark Code will score for you on any THS pattern, especially when there is a large volume of oil! I highly recommend this ball for any player like me.

Trust me – you will enjoy the Dark Code’s benefits. So see your local Pro Shop operator today and enjoy the rewards of owning a Storm Dark Code. Rick Klimowicz Storm Products Pro Shop Staff Roll the Ball Pro shop Penndel, Pa.

The Dark Code features a brand new REX or (Reactor Extreme) Pearl reactive coverstock with the RAD4 Asymmetric Core made in the popular Code Series. The Dark Code has a low RG of 2. 50 a high differential of 0.

058 and a low intermediate differential of 0. 020. To bring this all together, the REX coverstock is a combination of the popular NEX coverstock with R2S. The NEX coverstock seen in the Axiom and Proton Physics and the R2S we have seen in the Astro Physics and IQ Emerald.

The Dark Code is going to give you a very smooth roll very clean through the midlane and save all its energy for the backend. It will allow you to get left to right very easily. The layout chosen was a 75 x 3 ¾ by 80 which will give the ball a medium entry angle to smooth out the wet/dry on a house shot that’s either seen right away on the fresh or in the transition games.

I did a ball comparison to the 900 Global Zen, Storm Code Black and Strom Trend on the 42 foot Stone Street pattern First up is the 900 Global Zen, the Zen is the hottest ball on the market for Global right now and as you can see the Zen blends the midlane very well with the S77 Response Cover, Meditate Core and reacts very strong off the spot for a symmetric ball.

The Zen is 3 & 2 stronger than the Dark Code. Next is the Code Black, the Code Black and Dark Code have the same numbers, same core but the Dark Code has a different coverstock additive. The addition of the REX with R2S really shines here because you see how the Dark Code is stronger by 1 to 2 boards then the Code Black.

The big difference you will see is how much sooner the Dark Code reads the midlane verses the Code Black. The last ball in the comparison portion of the video is the Storm Trend. The Trend has the R2S coverstock as well with a symmetric core but the Trend rolls very similar to an asymmetric core on how it changes direction very quick with the Piston core with a corkscrew type motion.

The Dark Code is at least 2 boards stronger than the Trend. In my bag, the Dark Code can be a first out the bag or at very close second to the RST X-1 when its starts to burn up and leave flat tens. A ball down to the Dark Code could be a Trend or a Hustle PBR.

The Dark Code was one of a few I was able to test out in my initial looks at the 2020-2022 Storm Products. You see it’s been 10 years since I have actually thrown the SPI products. A lot has changed but not the motion you get out of them.

They definitely react down the lane. The Dark Code included. In my first initial thoughts, I felt like it would be a great game 2 or game 3 ball when rolling it. Seemed like for me the ball was hit and miss on fresh until the lane developed more.

Like some I went into the first few fresh shots, thinking of the Code series of balls and I feel that is a slight mistake. The role of the Dark Code is to roll a bit smoother and save energy with that R2X Cover.

It’s a tad weaker cover and allows for a clean entry angle through the fronts. Leaving room for a whippy change of direction down-lane. On the fresh I found that using a 3000 abralon pad to knock the shine off the cover and it is very user friendly from game one through game 3.

For me this ball would fit in between the 900 Global Altered Reality and the Wolverine. This would be a great addition to anyone’s bag! Very Predictable.

I personally didn’t match up that well with the Jackal Flash and the Golden Jackal due to my ball roll, rev rate, and ball speed, but the Mythic Jackal took everything good about both of those balls and combined it into one.

The Flash was a bit too clean and fast for my liking and the Golden handled oil well but was too slow off the spot. The Mythic sits directly between the two balls perfectly with just as much response to friction as the Flash and more ability to recover downlane, but handles oil amazingly! I am able to open up the lane with the Mythic so much sooner than I used to be able to and allows me to get into my favorite part of the lane.

It’s a perfect complement to the Jackal Ghost and Jackal Legacy as it clears the fronts better but still retains that amazing Jackal shape downlane. It also works extremely well with balls like the Ripcord Velocity and Iron Forge as it gives me a perfect idea of when to switch to those balls.

This is easily the best shiny Jackal Motiv has ever made and it goes everywhere with me! Anthony E. MOTIV Staff.

I’m not a pearl type of guy, but this is the first and yet, because it is a hybrid, it is the perfect combo for a bowler like me. I have yet to be told what my style is, but this ball allows me to open up the lane in the pin down configuration.

There is so much control in that configuration and as long as you release it correctly on the bottom, it will cover the outer boards and hold the inner boards when in the heavier oil. Once it hits the break point, it’s lights out.

As for the pin up version, I tend to be backwards from others and I use it when either my line burns up when using the pin down and I do not want to move, or when the lanes are a tad bit dry. I can really hit it on the bottom and it will hold through the mids and kill the pocket upon entry.

I am so sold in this ball. Having two in the bag is such an awesome arsenal to carry/have!!! I am currently carrying a 208 average (219 highest) and these balls bring so much ease to getting the ball up to the pocket and holding line right through it.

If I leave a 9 pin, it is usually the strongest shot in the game, just because the ball hits so hard!.

I absolutely love my Jackal Legacy. I throw one-handed no thumb at about 15-16mph and this ball just gives me absolute confidence on the lane. It’s extremely strong on fresh oil but has a nice smooth motion as opposed to angular.

This gives it predictability but it doesn’t sacrifice on the power at all. This big asymmetrical ball just crushes the pins on pocket shots, whether it’s a perfect hit or light into the pocket. In situations where one of my other balls may leave a single pin this ball tends to find a way to knock them all down (especially the pesky 10 pins).

The only real downside is this ball absolutely needs oil to truly shine so I’d recommend it as your first ball out of the bag but be sure to have a lighter oil ball to back it up when the oil really starts to break down.

I’ve improved my average by about 20 pins since getting this ball (around 210 in my sanctioned league) and have had success playing more straight up the lane as well as out and in. Great addition to the Jackal line-up.

The Mythic Jackal is the newest ball added to the very popular Jackal line. It has the new strong Infusion HV 2:1 Hybrid Reactive cover and brings back the popular Predator V2 core. The Mythic Jackal creates a lot of down lane hook and is great on fresh and when the lanes start to transition.

Designed for heavy oil conditions, the Mythic Jackal is a great piece to add for anyone looking for that versatile hybrid high end piece. This piece is great when a Jackal Ghost isn’t enough ball down lane and need something thats going to save energy in the front part of the lane and be faster response option down lane.

The new Mythic Jackal is a new addition into the Jackal line that provides bowlers with something we haven’t seen. The 2 part Pearl, one part solid hybrid cover has allowed us to see a Pearl jackal, dig into the oil but maintain enough energy down lane to not be super rolly or have a mid-lane reaction.

As someone with a low-medium rev rate, the Mythic gives me a new reaction on longer oil patterns because I don’t have to worry about the ball not fighting through the oil and when a Jackal Ghost hooks too much or is too early, the Mythic gives me the down lane motion I need.

Get yours today! Motiv Staffer- DJ R.

The Reality from 900 Global is the first ball without a bolt or star on the label that I have used since 2001. That is 20 years! The Reality has a big asymmetric core called Disturbance, and is wrapped in a solid coverstock called S84 Response and comes from the factory with a 2000 grit abralon finish.

The numbers in 15lbs are 2. 49Rg, 0. 052 differential, and. 018 intermediate differential. This is the strongest ball that 900 Global has produced to date. I drilled Reality 4. 5 X 3. 5 X 2. 5. This is the same layout that I have on my pin up Rubicon.

With the out of the box finish on a freshly oiled 41 foot house shot, and comparing to a fresh 3000 surface on the Rubicon, the Reality is a little less responsive in the heads of the lane even though it has more surface, picks up in the midlane stronger, and has more forward roll through the backend of the lane.

The Reality seemed to blend the fresh pattern a little better than did Rubicon ( Rubicon was a tad flippy on the backend comparably), because Reality slowed down sooner. As the lanes break down, the lower surface grit of the Reality makes it see the transition sooner than with the Rubicon, and I have to move deeper on the lane, and make moves more frequent to keep up with the oil depletion that is taking place.

I usually only use this type of layout when bowling on house conditions that have a puddle in the middle, as it helps me blend out the pattern and keeps me inside the oil line and staying away from the dry boards, outside.

One note of interest so far is that the cover has seemed to hold the factory surface very well, and has not really lane shined too quickly. The way Reality reads the lane is different than what I have become accustomed to with my Storm and Roto Grip bowling balls, as a whole.

The fact the Reality is a little easier through the heads and picks up in the middle of the lane while not being as responsive at the breakpoint, will be a big plus to compliment what I already have in my bag, moving forward.

I definitely am looking forward to this exciting opportunity to use 900 Global bowling balls! Thank you for reading my review of the 900 Global Reality!.

Cover: S84 Response Solid Core: Disturbance Asymmetric Finish: 2000 RG: 2. 49 Diff: 0. 052 ME: Right-Handed Tweener Speed: 12-13 mph Rev Rate: 315 PAP: 4 7/8 Right 3/8 Up Ball Layout: Pin over ring 60 X 5 1/4 X 30 900 Global’s new 900 series release is called the REALITY.

It features a powerful asymmetric core with the new S84 Response cover. Response is a great name for this type of cover. This ball digs in immediately and keeps coming. I made two attempts at using the REALITY in my normal league, but I didn’t want to play 5th arrow on the fresh so I put it away and waited.

There’s a pattern league that bowls in the middle of the week and I used their open pair so I could throw the Reality on the 45 ft PBA Dragon Pattern. I spent a little time watching the league bowlers get the ball right and take 3 off the right.

I threw my first couple shots from in trying to trap it from getting right of 12 down-lane. Then a funny thing happened, the ball went high. I got the next one out to 9/10 and struck. I was surprised to say the least.

I decided to see if I could play straighter close to the Out of bounds area. I had to up my speed a little but It was fantastic. I had miss room on both sides thanks to the strength of the ball when I got it right and the length of the pattern when I missed in.

Once I had a chance to see the strength of this core on a higher volume pattern I decided to adjust the cover so I could try using the Reality again in league. I took the cover up to 5000 and took it back out game 1 of league that week.

The ball would clear the front but that core strength still kept the ball hooking. I was able to use the ball the first two games and actually shot my high series of the year. The ball keeps its rounder, controlled motion off the back but still continues and hits like it did with the duller cover.

The 5k cover just allows the ball to clear the fronts where there isn’t as much oil.

Love this ball, I purchased this ball back in September 2019 and series out I subbed on a league and had a 600 plus series. The next day in my doubles league, I threw another 600 plus series with a high in the 260’s.

I loved the ball so much that I got another one and had it drilled with the layout that I’ve used since 1997. I threw it in league the following week and first game out of the box was a game in the 240’s.

This ball is flat out amazing,! My arsenal consists of (2) Phase 2’s, a Physix, Hammer Pink Blackwidow, Pitch Black, and Hammer Blackwidow spare ball and suffice to say, I use my Phase 2’s about 75% of the time.

If you have a chance to get one, get this ball it’s a must have.

If you can loft this ball out in your 3rd game of league bowling, you can stay on the outside and this ball hits hard with little deflection. You can move inside as well an slow it down or use more fingers.

Versatile ball. If you throw real slow, not for you.

Very consistent reaction which is the Phaze II’s biggest strong point. Once you find the break point and are consistent with your release and speed this ball delivers strikes. Requires heavy to medium oil, good choice for a lead off ball during league play.

Another thing I like about the Phaze II is that it will let you know once the lanes are breaking down, it’s easy to read.

Roto Grip Idol Helios Coverstock – Xtreme Trax Finish – 2000 grit Abralon Core – Ikon Core RG – 2. 49 Diff-. 052 Layout – 45×3 3/8’’x45 PAP 4 ½’’x ½’’ up Speed 17-18mph Rev 425 Roto Grip continues the greatness of the Idol series with Idol Helios.

This is the first time for me throwing a ball in the Idol line, but with the success of original Idol and Idol Pearl, I felt the need to have the Idol Helios in my bag. The Idol Helios features the Ikon core, which is found in the original Idol and is wrapped with the new Xtreme Trax coverstock.

This new coverstock creates the highest amount of responsiveness to friction, which provides more change in direction then the original Idol. I was very impressed with how versatile the Idol Helios is.

The layout I chose was a 45×3 3/8’’x 45. The layout will allow me to blend out a lot of patterns and have a controllable motion. I tested the Idol Helios on the 36’ PBA Viper, the 42’ PBA Scorpion, and a 42’ 12:1 house pattern.

I found using the Idol Helios on the Viper very interesting. I normally can’t use stronger equipment on short oil. However, when urethane became trapped, the Idol Helios helped blend the “cliffed” pattern and actually started to open up the pattern.

On the 42’ Scorpion, I was able to play around the track area playing 20 at the arrows and 10 at the break point. I Idol Helios had a predicable motion with a lot of down lane pop. On the 42’ house pattern, I could play any line I wanted and had no issues hitting the pocket or having carry issues.

The Idol Helios will probably be the first ball out of my bag on most patterns. Stop in your local pro shop and see how the Idol Helios will fit your game. Sammy Shaffer 900 Global Staff member.

Layout: 60 x 5. 5″ x 70 Box Surface The Idol Helios reminds me of a slightly stronger and a little smoother Original Idol but with more continuation. I went with the longer pin to PAP distance due to my more forward release and lower tilt.

With the amount of higher friction lane surfaces I bowl on, my ball tends to read the front part of the lane sooner than desired. The 5. 5″ pin on this Helios does exactly what I expected. Cleaner through the front with a smoother and more continuous backend to bowl well on the fresh on my typical house shot and on medium to longer sport patterns.

For this review, I have tried the Helios on both my Typical House Shot and the 42′ PBA Scorpion Pattern. For the typical house shot, I was able to play more in the track area where the heavier oil is.

This ball not only read the oil well but it blended the dry parts of the lane very well. What was also great about this ball was how well it continued even after I moved left with my feet (righty). I was able to use this for almost the full 3 games in my league which is almost unheard of considering my 450 Rev Rate.

I am truly impressed with how this ball rolls and believe it will be great for a wide range of bowlers. On the Scorpion pattern, I saw a lot of control and continuation again when this pattern was fresh.

I had a little bit of area left and right of my target but tended to leave 4 or 9 pins more often when missing left due to its continuation. Being an avid tournament player, I think that I would have this in my bag for a majority of tournaments.

The smooth nature of the coverstock will all it to be more effective across many different lengths of oil. Certainly, feel free to add more surface on this ball for higher volumes of oil or if you want more overall hook.

Adam Chase Storm Staff.

The Omega Crux is a factory sanded pearl ball with a cover called GI-20 in the premier line of Storm bowling balls. The Omega comes from the factory at a 3000 grit abralon finish, and has a color combination of white, copper, and graphite.

The numbers in 15 lb weighted balls are 2. 50 Rg, 0. 052 diff, with an intermediate diff of 0. 017. The Catalyst core is the same core used in all the previous Crux balls. I drilled the Omega Curx with a layout of 5 x 3.

5 x 2. 5. This layout creates a lot of motion in the late mid-lane, toward the end of the oil pattern. I went with this layout to use this ball to open up softer backends, and lanes that aren’t really crisp at the breakpoint.

Comparing the Omega Crux with my 4 x 4 x 2. 5 Crux Prime, the Omega is a lot more defined through the back part of the lane. The Prime is good when the backends are fresh, and the Omega is great to go to when the backends tighten up.

The Omega starts up a few feet later than the Prime. Both of these layouts seem to work a little better when there is some built in area in the pattern. So far, the Omega has been really good on 41-43 foot patterns, with a nice crown shape built in.

The GI-20 cover on the Omega seems to hold the surface fairly well. I like the Omega Crux. I can see this ball as being user friendly for most any bowler, provided they use the right layout and the ball on the right pattern.

Rev dominant bowlers will get use from this ball on heavier volumes of oil and won’t need super strong layouts to get motion. Matched rev rate to ball speed players will be able to use this ball on the widest range of patterns, just drill to flare accordingly.

Speed dominant players will want to use stronger layouts, and should see a ball that still has some change of direction for them. Thank you for reading my review of the Omega.

Storm Omega CruxLayout: 4 X 4 X 2 Storm Vector LayoutRev Rate: 325 rpm, 7 degree of axis tilt, 40 degree of axis rotationTesting Information: 41-foot THS (medium to light volume)Kegel Machine – Brunswick AnvilaneThe Storm Omega Crux (OC) is a new release in the Premier line.

The Premier line has a long history of producing some of the best releases to date. The OC fits the bill. The OC utilizes the Catalyst Core, the same core used throughout the Crux series. The Catalyst Core is wrapped in the new GI-20 pearl reactivecoverstock.

I have been able to use the OC on some senior house pattern tournaments and have been impressed. The recovery and carry have been the two most impressive features. A lot of balls have the recovery but don’t carry.

The OC possesses both qualities. During one recent senior tournament, I had 5 different instances when the messenger flew across the pin deck in the air and took out the 10-pin. Wow! I am not even a high rpm guy.

The OC will be able to be used as your 1A or 1B tournament ball. I don’t see it being effective late in a tournament unless you shine it, which I have seen and it looks good shined. The OC is a longer, stronger version of the Crux Prime in my opinion.

Continue to bowl up a Storm!Visit your local Storm VIP Pro Shop to order yours. #Stormnation.

I was skeptical of this ball due to the Pearl cover but it was a great amount of traction and control on the heaviest volumes I see. I am a speed dominant lefty and have no problem throwing this ball on heavier sport patterns or fresh league conditions.

On a THS it does start to burn up after about a game or so even on the left side but works as a great 1,2 punch with my Iq Nano Pearl.

Here is my take on the new Hammer Obsession. The new Obsession features a large, asymmetric core wrapped by the Envy Solid CFI reactive cover. Box surface is 1500 Siaair and the Obsession has a bright Black/Pink/Burgundy cover.

My “vitals” are a 405 rev rate with a PAP of 5 9/16 over and 1/8 up. I drilled a Hammer Obsession with a 60 x 5 ½ x 70 layout. I have used this ball at factory finish on multiple THS. The new Hammer Obsession will handle the highest volumes of oil…the Obsession just flat out hooks.

The Obsession reminds me of a Redemption Solid from last year but with a little more backend motion. Even with the weaker layout, the Obsession reads very aggressively in the oil at box surface. The Hammer Obsession will require a high volume of oil and order longer pattern distance in order to be most effective.

Bowlers will higher ball speeds or lower rev rates will find lots of success with the Obsession. This new release has already made a splash on the PBA Players Championship Central Regional telecast with Zach Weidman using the ball in a fine 2nd place finish.

See your local proshop for more information about the new Hammer Obsession!.

The Obsession is Hammer’s heavy oil ball. It goes a little longer than the Redemption Solid, but has more overall hook. Compared to the Obsession Tour, the Obsession had a stronger response to friction.

On a typical house shot, I was about 2 to 3 boards left of where I was with the Obsession Tour. I also felt more confident playing a tighter inside line with the regular Obsession as it made the corner in the oil and carried despite my average rev rate.

If you are rev-challenged and dealing with medium to heavy oil, this ball would be an excellent addition to your arsenal because of its hook potential.

Works well on very little oil. My high performance ball designed for oily lanes was not working well and finished up with this ball on lanes with a lot of oil and I was impressed. If I got near the headpin–the ball blew them out.

Even got strikes by hitting direct on head pin. Very pleased–only regrets are that I did not get a 14 lb ball and that the first time it was drilled that it was done wrong. As it is I am dong well with a redrilled ball.

Also I don’t have a lot of rev but I cant complain with this ball.

I am a two handed bowler with a 215 average and I had issues adapting to my sport shot leagues lane conditions, but no more. The Storm Pitch Black rolls like a monster. I had it drilled pin up to the right of center with the CG kicked out about an inch to give some added length to a ball that is known to hook early.

I then sanded it to 1000 grit so it could still bite and wouldn’t go too long. I would recommend this ball to anyone who needed a versatile ball that could be a combo for a spare and Strike ball.

I purchased this ball as an upgrade to my old (20 years) Columbia 300 Shadow. It is a definite improvement over my older ball. While it is stronger than my Shadow it finishes MUCH better which is what I was looking for in this ball.

I no longer leave 5-7’s or just 5’s on a worn out THS. It can cover more boards at times, but it is just as smooth and controllable as my Shadow.

5 Stars isn’t enough for this ball Cover: R3S Hybrid Core: Velocity Finish: 1500 Polish RG: 2. 48 Differential: 0. 051 Me: Right-Handed Tweener Speed: 12-13 mph Rev Rate: 315 PAP: 4 7/8 Right 3/8 Up Ball Layout: Pin Over Ring 60 X 5 X 30 The long awaited Storm Phaze III is now available! The Phaze II has been the most successful ball released since the Hy-Road and there’s a reason you keep seeing it pop-up in PBA competition.

The Phaze III is the cleaner version of the Phaze II that every has been waiting for. The Phaze II was relatively clean and incredibly continuous for a solid cover ball, but the Phaze III is exactly what so many had hoped for; a ball that gives you the same motion on less oil.

I threw the Phaze III for the first time in a house where the backends tend to be very dry, most cleaner balls require so much angle through the front to create hold that I often have to trick the drilling to smooth them out for this house.

The Phaze III was certainly strong enough to use more angle through the front, the difference was that it opened up so much area for me down-lane that I felt like as long as I got it right of the headpin I could throw it almost anywhere and it would still go through the pins.

My second outing with it was in a house which has alot of friction in the front of the lane. This house slows down higher performance balls so much that I almost always opt for entry-level equipment to get my ball to retain energy.

Because of these differences I’ve never had one ball that looked good in both houses. The Phaze III defies this difference and again I felt like it opened up an unpresidented amount of area for me down-lane.

It’s predictable move is usually counter to a ball that will still retain energy when the fronts hook, but this ball isn’t like any other I’ve thrown. I also had the opportunity to throw the Phaze III in a tournament that used much more volume in the front of the lane.

I opted to start with my Phaze II the first few games of the block since there was so much oil in the front. Because of the varying transition that you see when moving lanes during tournaments like this one when the head oil goes its usually a guessing game with what ball is going to shape well enough without over-reading the heads.

I was grateful to see that going to the Phaze III let me keep an identical ball motion on this condition to the Phaze II. It was literally the easiest move to combat early friction I’ve ever made. The Phaze III is probably the most versatile ball I’ve ever thrown and everyone I’ve drilled for a customer has been critiqued the same way, regardless of style.

This ball would easily be my choice for the best ball released this year and I only see more and more of them on the lanes since their release.

When the Phaze III came out, everyone who loved the Phaze II and wanted something that was a little a bit cleaner with more pop rejoiced. The Phaze III combines R3S hybrid previously seen on the Intense Fire and the Velocity core.

I drilled mine with a 5. 5” pin distance and 35* VAL angle because I have zero axis tilt and a higher rev rate ~480rpm. With those stats being two handed, my ball has a larger footprint on the lane, so I went with the longer pin because I don’t need any extra help with flare potential, and the smaller val to keep the transition from hook phase to roll phases on the quicker side.

That allows me to use this piece to open up my angles and the backend later into blocks on medium to longer sport and recreational conditions. Once I threw the Phaze III at box for a few shots, I did what I do to almost every pearl/clean ball ball I own and I hit it with a light 3000, just enough to where it was still shiny but most of the factory polish luster itself was gone.

This brought the ball to life for me as far as usability. Since changing the surface, I’ve thrown it on 36’ Viper at 3000 just as an option to open angles up and throw it at the gutter if urethane creates hang left and it’s a fantastic option for that games 6-7-8.

It also looks really good on long length but medium volume like the WTBA Paris pattern, specifically when it’s laid out over a high friction lane surface. In those instances the Phaze III is actually in play earlier in the block because the front goes away so fast.

Generally for me the Phaze III has been a go-to ball once the lanes have defined a bit, the fronts have gone away, and I need free shim but not as much shim as say a hy-Road or hy-Road pearl. As far as where the Phaze III sits in comparison to other clean balls in the Storm/Roto family, for me it offers similar length and a much sharper shape than the Idol Pearl, but is earlier than the Emerald !Q and the Road series, while also being a faster response to friction as those as well.

Comparing to the MVP, visually the Phaze III shapes similarly to it, but is a few feet sooner in the midlane. If you’re looking for a clean ball to go to from a Phaze II, Idol series solid, or any other symmetric solid, you’re going to be hard pressed to find a better choice than the Phaze III because it’s so versatile, especially for bowlers who aren’t afraid to do slight surface tweaks here and there.

The Phaze III is the latest Master Line release from Storm. This version uses the R3S Hybrid cover, which we first saw on the Intense Fire from last year. The Phaze III has great shelf appeal with the combination of Obsidian, Jade, and Orchid.

The Phaze III uses the same core as the two previous releases called Velocity. This core has a low Rg of 2. 48 and a differential of 0. 051 in 15lbs. I drilled my Phaze III with a 4. 5” pin, and a 2.

5” pin buffer. The Phaze III with the out of the box finish of 1500 polish, is very clean to the spot, with a strong backend move. Compared to a Phaze II with a 4” pin and 2. 5” pin buffer, the III takes much longer to slow down, and is sharper off the spot.

I used a grey scotch brite pad to break in the surface and get the III to slow down a little more. Surprisingly, even with more surface, this didn’t really take anything away from the backends, but did make the III much more manageable through the front of the lane.

The added surface allowed me to keep the ball on line better, and not over squirt through the front of the lane. The Phaze III will be useful on lane conditions that are a bit more blended left to right, as the strong move at the breakpoint could get unpredictable on very wet dry patterns.

This will be a useful ball for players that need to chase a pattern in, but still need a strong core to help the ball spin up quickly. The Phaze III is different enough from the II to have both balls in a bowlers bag.

The two compliment each other very well, with the III being better suited for medium conditions. Thank you for taking the time to read my review of the Phaze III from Storm.

The Brunswick Quantum is synonymous with bowling ball greatness and since the launch of the new Quantum Evo Line, the bowling industry is once again introduced to bowling ball greatness. The new Brunswick Quantum Evo Hybrid is an incredible addition to the already successful Quantum Evo line.

The new Quantum Evo Hybrid is the perfect blend of continuous ball motion and hitting power. This ball gives you a bit more length than the original Quantum Evo Solid, but retains its energy and incredible hitting power.

As a hybrid fan, this ball performs as most hybrids do…VERY predictable and controllable. The Quantum Evo Hybrid is drilled just above the ring finger to allow the ball to give me just a little more length and store its energy better, so when the ball hits friction, it makes a strong continuous move through the pins.

This ball is the perfect fit into the Evo line and is a great fit for any league or tournament bowler. The new Quantum Evo Hybrid is a definite must have in your bag.

The Quantum name has been associated with Brunswick for decades. However, the new Quantum EVO Pearl is an entirely different bowling ball. With Dynamicore 2. 0 and a new core design, the Quantum EVO Pearl will give you more shape, more versatility, and faster response on the backend.

I sometimes have trouble with pearl equipment with my lower rev rate and ball speed because the ball always seems to burn up its energy before hitting the pins. However, with the Quantum EVO Pearl, I can stay in the same part of the lane or square up and still stay in my comfort zone on the lane.

Whenever possible, I will switch balls as my second move after making a 1-2 board adjustment. I would rather see the same shape with a different ball than move to a completely different part of the lane or create a different shape.

The Quantum EVO Pearl will allow me to do that, and that’s a great piece of versatility in my arsenal I’ve been looking for because I haven’t always been able to use a pearl piece that I like as much as this new Quantum EVO Pearl.

BALL SPECS Ball Weight: 15 lbs DRILL PATTERN Ball: 45 x 4. 5 x 35 X Hole (if there is one): none BOWLER STYLE Rev Rate: 375 rpms Ball Speed:17. 5 mph off hand PAP/Track: 4 5/8 over 3/4 up SURFACE PREP Grit: 2000 Siaair BALL REACTION Length: Back End: Angular COMMENTS The Quantum Evo Hybrid is an earlier rolling version of the previous released Quantum Evo Pearl.

This one has a different version of the EVO core combined with a newer cover formulation. It fits in right between the Quantum Evo Solid and Pearl. The Quantum Evo Hybrid has good traction in the oil and is very responsive down lane without being too early.

This one is going to be a great ball for those bowling on medium to heavier volumes and or those with higher ball speed. This one should be the most popular of the EVOs. If your looking for an angular ball that reacts well on oilier lanes check out the Quantum EVO Hybrid.

Summary The Black Widow Ghost features the original Gas Mask core shape the bowling world knows and loves and is combined with a Carbon Fiber outer core for durability and power. This familiar core system is wrapped with the Aggression Pearl and has a 500, 1000, 1500 Siaair/ Crown Factory Compound finish.

BALL SPECS Pin Length: 3-4 Ball Weight: 15lb DRILL PATTERN Layout: Pin up with everything stacked half inch to the right BOWLER STYLE Rev Rate: 400 Ball Speed: 15 mph PAP/Track: 4 inches over SURFACE PREP Finish: 500,1000,1500 Siaair/Crown Factory Compound LANE CONDITION Length: 40ft Volume: 45 UL Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): THS BALL REACTION On a scale of 1-10 ( 1=Low, 10 = High ) Length: 7 Back End: 7.

5 Overall Hook: 8 Midlane Read: 3 Breakpoint Shape: Aggressive Midlane and backend COMMENTS Likes: This ball is a can’t miss piece. The original widows were the balls that got me on the Hammer team nearly 15 years ago now.

The Ghost is very clean through the heads and is snappy off the spot. Once it touches the friction it will make a strong move to the pocket. I am able to the loop the lane with less speed and get up the lane with some speed and bounce it off the friction.

This ball is just a touch weaker than my Obsession Tour Pearl with the pin up drill. This ball is a very bright White, if you’re into shelf appeal this one does have it, but will get dirty easily, so pick up some Hammer Tough Scrub too.

This ball would make a great addition to anyone’s bag. Go out and see your local Pro Shop operator Today, you won’t be disappointed. Nothing Hits Like a Hammer.

Here is my take on the new Hammer Black Widow 2. 0. The Hammer Black Widow 2. 0 features the well-known, proven Gas Mask core wrapped by the Aggression Solid cover. The Black Widow 2. 0 is Black/Red in color and factory finish is 2000 Siaair.

My “vitals” are a 405 rev rate with a PAP of 5 9/16 over and 1/8 up. I drilled the Black Widow 2. 0 with a 55 x 5 ½ x 28 layout and have used on both fresh and leftover THS, a left over medium distance challenge pattern and fresh Kegel Tungsten.

I have thrown it at factory finish and 4000 Abralon. The purpose of the Black Widow 2. 0 was to recreate the original ball motion of the 2006 original Black Widow, but for today’s slicker oils/higher volumes etc.

Over the years, I have had good success with Gas Mask core equipment because they always seem to clear the fronts and retain energy to show strong continuous back end motion. After working with the new Widow 2.

0 for several days in different environments, the stated objective of the Widow 2. 0 was achieved. Notwithstanding the aggressive cover and surface preparation, the Widow 2. 0 did clear the fronts with ease.

The backend motion is best described as strong/continuous. Compared to a similarly drilled Redemption Solid (which shares a similar cover/surface prep) the Widow 2. 0 is definitely cleaner through the front and stronger in the back.

When prepped with 4000 Abralon, the ball shows even greater length but I preferred the box surface as I felt the more aggressive surface was a little less sensitive to transition. My experience with the Gas Mask core has shown that different ball motions can easily be achieved with different layouts.

From what I have seen, this ball should be very versatile for a number of different bowlers in many environments. The Widow 2. 0 ideally should excel on medium to heavy volume patterns with medium to longer distances.

See your local proshop for more on the Hammer Black Widow 2. 0.

Beautiful and Deadly. With the combination of the trusty Gas Mask Core, and wrapped in the ectoplasmic white Aggression Pearl coverstock and finished at 500/1000/1500 Siaair polished with Crown Factory Compound, this ball will provide length on the lanes for every bowler.

Lower rev rates get the benefits of the torque of the gas mask cores, and higher rev rates get to take advantage of the length of the cover te get the power to the pins. The perfect combination to please all styles.

The Ghost allows me to keep my hand out of the ball on lower volumes and not sacrifice the recovery down lane, thank you Gas Mask Core. It also lets me hit the ball a little harder when I’m playing aggressive and still get through the fronts, thank you pearl coverstock.

The best of both worlds. Nothing Hits Like A Hammer.

When we were informed of the Pride, we were told that it would be a new, mid-level benchmark ball. I was a little unsure at first based on the core numbers since it is asymmetric. I was COMPLETELY proved wrong.

The Pride is of the utmost benchmark shapes. Controllable, smooth, continuous, and all of the words that are synonymous with the idea of a benchmark ball. To have a ball that for me, bridges the gap perfectly between balls like the Venom Shock and Venom Recoil, to the Jackal Ghost, Trident Horizon, and Forge Flare.

This is a ball I have wanted for quite a while and I definitely think any player could use this piece in their bag. Layout: 50x5x70 MOTIV Staffer.

The new Motiv Pride does everything you’d want with a benchmark ball. It’s very versatile and has amazing continuation. The Pride has brand new core(Dominion core) and cover stock. This Pride was designed to be the perfect benchmark piece and it’s exactly that! Unique from anything currently in the Motiv line.

The Pride fits right into the medium oil/smooth position of the ball guide. I can see this ball being used on a lot of various oil patterns.

Rolled this thing an a 8 gamer scratch tournament on a red square pattern. Oil from one to one 41 feet down the lane. The ball tracked the middle of the lane perfectly. What I will say is this ball needs oil.

Dry lanes will chew the surface of this ball up. I don’t recommend this ball for standard house/league patterns. You will be lucky if you are able to keep this thing on the lane in that condition. If you are a tournament bowler that bowls on PBA/ patterns.

then get this thing ASAP!.

Another Choice, Wow! This is a good one. The Ebonite Choice Pearl give you a clean look through the heads with a really strong midlane and backend. The hitting power and carry is incredible. My friends always ask me “what ball is that” when I use my Choice Pearl.

If you need a ball that will allow you to open up your angles and never be afraid to get the ball out, this is it! The ball also takes to cover changes which make it very flexible to use on many types of conditions.

Don’t delay, you won’t be disappointed.

The Polaris Hybrid is Ebonite’s latest release in their Pro Performance line up. I was a fan of the original Polaris, but I am a bigger fan of the hybrid version. Ebonite described this beauty as cleaner and more angular ball motion than the original.

Yes, it is. After a few games and with my ball speed, I adjusted the surface down to 2000 and got much more out of the ball. It picks up a little sooner and has a much stronger motion at the end of the pattern.

Don’t sleep on this one! It’s a keeper.

If you are looking for a ball to make tracks in oil, then look no further than the Ebonite Polaris. Out of the box, this ball looks like a hooking machine! I’m a lefty, so I drilled mine with the pin just above my ring finger.

I bowled on a traditional house pattern, and this ball was too much. Bowling on a heavier oil pattern, this ball was more into play for me. IF you are looking for a high end piece for those really tight lane conditions, the Polaris will fit nicely into your arsenal.

If you need to dig in a track the Polaris is your ball. Surface doesn’t shine up easily. Usually, solids with this much surface tend shine up pretty quick. This is not that case. Tested on higher volumes and this ball is a beast.

It’s an Aero solid on steroids. This ball for sure needs oil. Lots of hook and hitting power. Not uncontrollable. Very strong overall motion.

Radical Informer Layout: 45 x 4. 5” x 70 Surface: Box finish I have thrown the Radical Informer on (3) different oil patterns and really like the motion it gives me for a strong, asymmetrical solid. This ball has an updated Incognito core, and enhanced TS-1 additive to the cover for more bite in the oil, and DynamiCore for increased durability and hitting power! On a typical house shot, I was able to move inside and keep the ball in the oil longer, taking advantage of the strong cover/core combo.

Pin carry was excellent even with the lower angle playing inside, from 21-13. On a medium sport pattern (2014 Norwegian Open), I was able to play in around 14-15 and migrate further in as the pattern broke down.

I also used it on a short, heavier sport pattern (Stockholm), and had great success playing around 4-5 and letting that big weight block tip the ball into the pocket, as the aggressive cover allowed the ball to roll early and set up perfectly.

This ball is a necessary part of your bag for sport patterns, and if you like to play inside on heavier blend house shots, let her rip! The Radical Informer is available now from Moore’s Pro Shop, and pro shops everywhere!.

The Radical Informer has the TS-1 cover that make the Maximum Results a must have. By tweaking the OG Incognito Core the total diff is slightly lower and they raised the intermediate diff Creating a larger differential ratio thereby making the Informer a stronger asymmetrical ball.

This along with the TS-1 coverstock make this ball a MONSTER. It is a zoner stronger than the OG Incognito. This ball requires oil to use effectively. If you need help when they are heavily oiled this is the ball for you!.

Informer I’m a left handed bowler with a ball speed around 14 mph. My Rev rate is around 275 rpms. I recently punched up the radical bowling technologies Informer. The layout I put on this ball is 60 x 5 x 75.

I must say this ball is very aggressive. It comes with a 1500 grit finish. I wasn’t able to use that finished. So I put a 3000 grit finish on it. I believe this ball is a great addition to the radical bowling technologies line.

It’s like a incognito on steroids. Robert way.

A ball name that has great retro vibes, but this ball is anything but old. The all new ERT Solid reactive coverstock finished at 500/2000 Siaair Micro Pad can tackle medium to heavy lanes with a continuous backend motion.

What that means to us as bowlers is, a fantastic benchmark solid. This ball is the first out of my bag on my house condition. The ball reads the friction like a map. Clean through the fronts and not shy on the backs.

The Power Torq creates great angles when I need to move left and still plays with control. The cover contains a light load of traction-enhancing sparkle that helps it dig in without fizzling out too early.

Maverick said it best I feel the need the need for Speed. Columbia has outdone themselves with the speed. This is going to be your strong hybrid asymmetrical ball. Because it’s a hybrid it also responds very well to surface change you can add lots of surface or take lots of surface away.

Is Ball really loves the oil. I drilled mine 45×4. 25×35. I use mine as a first ball out of the bag on heavy oil or longer patterns. I like it the most because it’s easy to get a good read of the pattern making it easy to make adjustments.