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Author Topic: Alpha Crux  (Read 34682 times)

BallReviews-scodaddy21

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Alpha Crux
« on: February 03, 2016, 12:17:01 PM »
Description: Storm is taking the success of the Crux line and continuing it with the Alpha Crux. The asymmetrical Catalyst core is paired with the GI-16 (Game Improvement 2016) solid reactive coverstock which is a follow-up to the GI-15 that was introduced on the Lock bowling ball.  This ball was designed to dominate heavy oil!

Storm Alpha Crux Ball Specs:

- Color: Black/Turquoise/Violet All colors do vary somewhat from the picture shown.
- Core: Catalyst (Asymmetrical)
- Coverstock: GI-16 (Game Improvement 2016)
- Factory Finish: 2000-grit Abralon
- Radius of Gyration (RG): 2.50
- Differential (Diff): 0.052
- ** RG and Diff are based off of 15 lb. balls
- Recommended Lane Condition: Heavy Oil
- Fragrance: Wildberry Cheesecake
- A few tiny pit holes in the cover stock of the ball are normal

 

PJ Haggerty

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Re: Alpha Crux
« Reply #16 on: June 08, 2016, 10:48:02 PM »
Alpha Crux Ball Review by PJ Haggerty

The Alpha Crux is the third Crus released domestically by Storm Products.  After the original and pearl Crux, the Alpha is definitely the strongest one.  I’ve seen it dig the hardest in the mid-lane and provide a similar motion to the Crux Pearl down lane.  Even with multiple surface adjustments, I haven’t seen this Alpha Crux slow down yet.  Out of the box, I had a tough time throwing the Alpha because it was too strong. 

After getting some lane oil in the cover, the Alpha Crux tamed out a bit and made it easier to control.  This really is the first time I’ve thrown a ball that was too strong out of the box.   I’ve drilled one Alpha so far (5 x 4.5 x 70) and have been able to throw it on medium to longer patterns.

I’ve noticed a heavy rolling motion that truly revs up in the mid lane and can have a relatively quick response time down lane.  After getting approximately 50 games on it, I hit the Alpha Crux with a 3000 pad to slow down the response time and create a smoother motion.

If you need a big cored, assymetrical monster to never slow down going through the pins, the Alpha Crux is one you need to drill!

#StormNation

ITZPS

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Alpha Crux Review by Luke Rosdahl
« Reply #17 on: June 16, 2016, 04:51:08 PM »
Alpha is a fitting designation for this ball, as it is the premier choice on the market when it comes to balls that flat out hook.  However, the Alpha gives you a look that other heavy oil balls won't or can't.  Most heavy oil balls are smooth and rolly and don't like angle, or simply burn up too much energy trying to make the turn.  The Alpha Crux is a ball that can be played from any arrow on the lane, and is a ball that won't just recover from deeper angles, it will drive through the pocket with authority.  I can't remember the last time I saw a ball hook this much and be this versatile all at the same time.  At box surface, it will hook on even the wettest lanes, but with a bit of polish, it will be in play on medium heavy to heavy house conditions.  Make no mistake, this ball still loves oil and simply will not make it down the lane on lighter conditions, but on heavy conditions when the heads start burning up and you need traction in the middle and finish on the back end, this is a ball you can chase the shot in with all day. 
Storm Amateur Staff
Turbo Regional Staff

StormRoto

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Storm Alpha Crux
« Reply #18 on: June 17, 2016, 01:34:59 PM »
  The Alpha Crux the newest release to the Premier line for Storm Bowling.  After
coming out with a Hybrid and Pearl in early releases, storm released the solid version in the Crux line.  I drilled a couple of them, one with a favorite drilling 4.5 x 4 x 3 and 2nd one with a 2 x 6 x 1 layout.   The Alpha has a heavy rolling motion, with good continuation downlane.  It rolls a little on the early side and heavy in the midlane.
With the strong core and cover I was able to handle the puddle very well and still
have energy left for the backend. This ball is one of the strongest Storm balls that
I have drilled.  But also very versatile, and adapts to surface changes very well.
The Alpha is ball for mainly medium to heavy oil house shot and the longer sport patterns.


Brian Watson
PAP    - 3  up 1 1/2
Speed - 16-17
Rev Rate -380-400
Tilt   - 17




GutterLine

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Alpha Crux review by Mark Tarkington
« Reply #19 on: June 21, 2016, 12:49:48 PM »
Right Handed
Ball weight:  15
Rev Rate:  400
Ball Speed:  17.3
Axis Tilt:  7
Axis Rotation:  45*
PAP:  3 3/4 horizontal, 7/8 up
Layout:  35 x 2 x 65

The Alpha Crux is good!

I’ve had a good amount of success with this ball and layout on both house and sport patterns.

I get a nice smooth motion down lane and it doesn’t tend to jump at the end of the pattern.  It reads the lane really well with the box surface, but tends to get a touch long as it acquires lane shine.  That said, I’ve been maintaining the cover to keep it as close to box as I can.

It also will open up a house pattern fairly quickly.  I can normally use it for about 2 games max in league before I have to ball down, but I really enjoy using it while the lanes allow it.

I’m quickly becoming a fan of the Catalyst core.  I find that the lower drill angles and closer pin to pap really complement my release and it never burns up or loses energy.  If I can keep it in the pocket, it always hits well.

This is a great asymmetrical release that would compliment any bowler’s arsenal.
Mark Tarkington
Storm Pro Shop Staff Member
Roto Grip Pro Shop Staff Member
Turbo Pro Shop Staff Member
Manager, GutterLine Pro Shop
gutterline@gmail.com

Bigmike

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Re: Alpha Crux
« Reply #20 on: June 23, 2016, 12:53:50 PM »
I drilled my Alpha Crux up with the same specs as a Pearl Crux that I drilled last season. This made it 50 x 5 x 40 or pin up. I left it box finish to start which is 2000 abralon.

The Alpha is a beast. Good finish on longer patterns and really strong on house patterns coming out of the puddle in the middle. I did notice that once I got some "lane shine" the ball tamed down and was in play more on house patterns. But the good thing is the minute I touched it with a 2000 pad it was back to it's out of box hook.

Compared to the Pearl Crux it definitely picks up earlier and is still strong at the break point. I threw it some side by side with a Lock that I keep around 3000 and it is earlier and little smoother than the Lock. My Lock tends to want to get a later/stronger move towards the pocket.

Put this one in your bag if your looking for your "big hitter" in your arsenal.
"Tell me Cup, how does a great ball striker like you shoot an 83? Well I lipped out this putt on 18......"

Mike Craig - Storm Bowling Amateur Staff - Westerville, OH

dcutler

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Re: Alpha Crux
« Reply #21 on: June 26, 2016, 02:14:27 PM »
My name is Doug Cutler and I am Storm/Roto Grip Staffer. I am left handed and I throw between 15-16 MPH. My Alpa Crux I drilled it 45 x 4 1/2 x 70. The surface I have on it is Out Of Box 2000 Grit. I am new to the Storm Staff and all I can say about this Alpah Crux is WOW!!  This ball hooks and I am able to move inside and open the lane up and it won't burn up and lose hitting power if I miss left with it, or if I pull it in the oil it digs in the oil and still hits hard. The is the strongest Asymmetrical ball that I have ever had from any company.  I have used this on our Typical House shot 41 Foot, and I have also used this on PBA Shark pattern. This ball is great on Heavy Oil Patterns, but could also us it on Medium Oil Pattern with some surface change.  I have used this ball the last 2 weeks in league and have not shot under 760 series and had a 289, and 279 game. One week I had 2 other lefties on my pair and were playing around 10 and I wanted to keep away from them so I was able to use the Alpha Crux and move in around 15 and kept it in the oil and had a better look and carried more and they tried to move in but could not carry like I did because they did not have a strong enough ball. When I start with this ball and if the Alpha Crux starts to read the lanes to early then I go to the Lock and the Alpa Crux and the Lock are a good 1 to 2 punch. If you are on a short pattern then this ball is not for you. If you are looking for a really strong ball that will let you move in the oil and if you miss the ball either in our out you won't lose carry, then this is the ball for you. I am really impressed with this ball so far and I am going to drill another one up and drill it pin up. This ball is the Real Deal, and has been one of the most popular balls on the market for a few months and are still selling a lot of them.  So get to your Local Pro Shop today and purchase a Alpha Crux. You will not be disappointed!! Bowl Up A Storm! #alphacrux #stormnation

Doug Cutler
Storm/Roto Grip Staffer
PBA Regional Champion

TonyMarino

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Re: Alpha Crux
« Reply #22 on: June 28, 2016, 09:11:25 AM »
The Alpha Crux is the newest ball in the storm line with the catalyst Core. The new GI-16 solid reactive that provides extreme traction in the oil and an aggressive move when it hits the dry.  The layout I choose for the Alpha Crux was pin above the middle finger with Mass Bias just inside of my thumb with no extra hole. My PAP is 5 over and ¼ up.
 
I compared the Alpha Crux to the LOCK and the Crux Pearl on the house pattern as well as the 2016 USBC team pattern. The biggest difference was the Alpha Crux started up quicker and was much smoother at the break point than the LOCK than both other balls. The Alpha responds to friction slowly compared to the other balls, so on the house shot it created a smooth predictable shape to the pattern and I could play just inside the oil line. Once I moved to the USBC pattern, the Alpha was just too much ball. It was still slower and smoother than the other two pieces, but the cover was just too strong and forced me too far in on the fresh.

The Alpha is great ball to use as the first ball out of the bag. The only time I have to put the ball down was when the cover was just too strong for the pattern. So short-to-medium sport patterns and light volume house patterns may not match up the best for the Alpha Crux. But if you have the oil, or need a little more ball, the Alpha Crux is a must have! It has earned a spot in my bag for the foreseeable future.

tommygn

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Re: Alpha Crux
« Reply #23 on: June 28, 2016, 01:18:45 PM »
The Alpha Crux is the third ball released by Storm in the premier line that has the Catalyst core. What separates the Alpha Crux, from the previous two balls, is the new solid GI-16 cover. This is the first ball released with this solid GI-16 cover. The box finish is 2000 grit Abralon. The black/turquoise/violet color combination reminds me of the X Factor Deuce. The Catalyst Core has an Rg of 2.50, a differential of 0.052, and an intermediate differential of 0.017.

I drilled my Alpha Crux really strong. I went with a 3½ x3⅜ x2⅛  layout. I wanted a ball that was drilled for flooded lanes, knowing that I would only be using it sparingly. What I got, is a ball that I can use more often than I had originally anticipated. The Alpha Crux reads the lane really well on most patterns of a medium, to heavy and long variety, provided I have the surface prepared properly. I used the Alpha Crux at the box finish on PBA Shark pattern, and allowed it to lane shine over the few weeks of league on that pattern. I was able to cover more boards and have great ball motion, even when moving inside of fourth, and as deep as fifth arrow. It was really impressive to see a ball not dart of the spot, but hook through the pin deck, from this far inside on the lane. Now, back to the previously mentioned lane shine; the Alpha Crux didn’t hook too earlier when I would bowl on medium conditions. When I bowl on true heavy oil, I just need to retouch the surface with some fresh abralon, and the ball wakes back up, and gives me that super strong mid-lane read and hook that is needed to get the correct entry angle through the pins. The most crucial aspect of getting this new Alpha Crux to read the lane the correct way, is with the surface preparation. I was also able to use the Alpha Crux on some very demanding sport patterns, because of the controllable hook shape that this combination of cover and core yields.

The Alpha Crux is truly a heavy oil ball, that with surface adjustments, can be used on conditions as far down as medium. This strong cover will eat the oil off the lane, if you have it dull, no question about it; but, with some lane shine, or polish, this ball will also read medium condition patterns really well. Comparing my Alpha Crux to the original Crux, both with the same surface and slightly stronger PSA placement on the Alpha, the Alpha is more controllable off the spot than the original Crux. They work really well together, just using the one that gives me the proper shape through the backend of the lane.

Thank you for taking a few minutes out of your busy day to read my review of the Alpha Crux. Always remember to Bowl up a Storm!
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