Sam Cooper Roto Grip Amateur Staff. Layout 45x5.5x45.  The new Roto Grip Optimum Idol is the return of the Ikon Core that was found in the original Idol. The twist is that the Ikon core is wrapped with the AI Technology to help the hitting power at the pins.  The Optimum also has the original Micro-Trax Solid cover from the original. This proven benchmark combination is back with more power at the pins.

In my opinion comparison to the OG Idol. The Optimum Idol feels slightly cleaner and smoother (yes I know that usually is not the case). The OG for me was strong mid-lane roll but felt “quick” it may have been the layout that I had on the OG compared to the Optimum. Regardless, this ball will give you a great reaction for fresh conditions or even cliffed house patterns. I will say that on the higher friction surfaces that I bowl on I have let the cover lane shine but then I do have to scuff it with a 2000 pad to get that strong smooth reaction back. It is a strong bowling ball. When lane shined it is usable across a variety of conditions. If you are bowling on a lighter volume pattern or something with lots of friction. You may want to use the Optimum to kind of set the lanes up and then ball down to a phase two or something cleaner. The versatility of this ball is for sure to make it a staple in your league bag or tournament bag!

Storm Summit Peak
Coverstock: TX-23 Pearl Reactive
Finish: Reacta Gloss
Core: Centripetal HD – A.I.
RG: 2.46, Diff: 0.056 (15 lb.)
VLS Layout: 4-1/2 x 5-3/4 x 2
Dual Angle Layout: 75 x 4-1/2 x 30
PAP: 5 3/16” right x 5/8” up
Rev rate: 400 rpm
Average speed: 16.5 mph
Location: Prairie Lanes, Sun Prairie WI
Pattern: Medium volume THS

The Summit Peak is Storm’s follow-up in the master line to the original Summit.  The new Summit Peak features the same Centripetal HD core paired with the Amplified Inertia (A.I.) outer core. However, the difference between these two balls is in the cover – the Peak features the pearl version of the TX-23 coverstock, which is a modernized variation of the TX-16 cover found on the Phaze II. This new core/cover combo creates a fast-revving ball designed to produce a clean and responsive backend motion compared to the original Summit.

I’ve had the Summit Peak in my bag for a couple of months now, and it has become my go-to symmetric pearl when I’m in need of a medium-strong ball that easily clears the front part of the lane but maintains a strong roll with a defined backend reaction. The Peak is much cleaner than the original Summit and would be a great ball to switch to after the lanes start to transition.  In some ways, the Summit Peak reminds me of another Storm symmetric pearl ball from yesteryear – the Axiom Pearl. Even though the core and cover of the Peak and Axiom Pearl are very different, the overall reaction shape feels similar to me. 

On the fresh or starting out the league night, the Summit Peak may be a little too clean and angular to be the first ball out-of-the-bag.  However, I think the Peak will shine as a transition ball for most bowlers after a couple games of play from balls like the DNA, Summit and Phaze II. Storm has done it again and released a great follow-up to the original as the Summit Peak is a fantastic compliment to the Summit.

Chris Pollentier
Storm Products Pro Shop Staff
#StormNation

The Hustle line is one of the best values for your dollar.  The Hustle BRY is no exception to that.  If you’re looking for a ball for lower volume conditions or your new to the game this is the ball for you.  The Hustle BRY is super clean and long, then reads the dry with enough energy to carry all day.

Has anyone tried drilling an old urethane (80's-90's) with 2 -3 ounces of side weight. Just found a.Black U Dot.with the old pancake weight.block and was thinking about drilling it with a ton of side weight. How much hook will that add? Also, was thinking of flipping the ball upside down so the label.is backwards. That would give me a fresh track correct? I remember I had the BUD 2 drilled that way. Any thoughts.would be appreciated.

900 Global Sublime Ball Review

Bowler Stats:
Speed: 15.5 MPH
Rev Rate: 250 RPM
Tilt: 6.6 degrees
Axis Rotation: 80 degrees
PAP: 4 5/8 over 1 5/8 up

Layout: 5 X 4 X 3 ½  VLS

Video Ball Review:  https://youtu.be/fV0X8xFob7k

With the release of the new Sublime and the removal of the original Zen from the line I was expecting this ball to replace it. The new A.I. technology has been added to the core to have a lower RG and a higher Diff. For my rev rate category the balls are usually earlier and slower down the lane. I decided to try a new layout to help build an arsenal for the PBA 50 patterns so the higher pin buffer lowers the pin to a pin down type of layout for my axis rotation.

The 802 hybrid cover stock with the Reacta Gloss finish made the ball very clean and not as smooth off the dry as I would have liked. I removed the polish with a 2000 abralon to smooth out the shape. Due to the design of the core and the layout I used, the ball seemed confused the more I rolled it. The stronger core made the ball read the lane earlier than I would have liked and the cover looked too weak to play in the oil but too strong to stay in the dry.

I’m noticing with my rev rate category and balls with A.I. core tech I have to use higher pin placements (lower pin buffer) to help the balls get down the lane and react properly off the end of the patterns.

Pete Dohan
Storm Bowling Amateur Staff
#StormNation