BallReviews
Reviews => Storm => Topic started by: Ballreviews on August 25, 2014, 10:13:21 AM
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Storm Crux Ball Specs:
- Color: Purple Pearl/White Pearl/Black All colors do vary somewhat from the picture shown.
- Core: Catalyst (Asymmetrical)
- Coverstock: ERG Hybrid Reactive
- Factory Finish: 3000-grit Pad
- 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: Pomegranate
- A few tiny pit holes in the cover stock of the ball are normal
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Storm Crux
Layout: 40 X 5 X 40
Box Finish
Bowler Info:
425 Rev Rate
Speed: 17 - 18 MPH
The Crux is the strongest ball in my bag right now, but it isn't just for those heavier volumes of oil, I can get this bag out on a THS and watch it glide across the whole lane. With that being said, it is still usable on sport shot conditions because of the higher RG and higher differential of the core. It really bypasses a lot of the midland, that can get messy and save that energy for the backend to really make a strong move. This new core really keeps the ball continuing through the pins, I have to say this has been my favorite high end piece in awhile.
Video:
http://youtu.be/wZG8eXC5fws
Samuel Benifield
Bowlers Mart
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LANE CONDITION
41 ft medium volume THS
25 ml 12:1 ratio
COMMENTS
Brand new Core for Storm, the Catalyst. It’s an asymmetric weight block with an rg of 2.50, diff of .052, and intermediate diff of .017 for a 15 pound bowling ball. That's a fairly low RG which will aid in allowing the ball to naturally want to get into a roll.
ERG Hybrid is finished at a fairly aggressive 3000 out of box finish.
Out of box, we found this ball needs oil. The more oil you pushed this through, the more it hooks. It was actually one of the more interesting features of the ball. Typically with "snow tires" you can't get too deep as they quit trying to cover too many boards. With the Crux, the deeper our testers got, the more alive the reaction became.
The house we tested on floods the center of the lane which forces bowlers to play the track. This ball just absolutely chewed through the oil and made a massive move.
The bottom line is you need oil but don't be afraid to throw the Crux away from pocket as it has massive power and continuation coming back.
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
http://tamerbowling.com/storm-crux-bowling-ball-review/
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Storm Crux Ball Review By Walter McKnight
Lane Conditions: Medium-Heavy Oil
Typical Conditions: House Shot
Type of Lane: Combination
What part of the lane did you play? Third Arrow
Weight of bowling ball: 15
Surface of bowling ball: Factory/Box
What grit was the surface of the ball? 3000
Likes: This ball hooks twice! It glides down the lane perfectly and the backend reaction is devastating.
Introducing the NEW Storm Crux, a brand new heavy hitter within the Premier Line. The Crux uses the all new ERG Hybrid cover, one of the most versatile covers to date. It comes 3000 Matte finish out of the box, but can easily be shined for added length and maximum energy retention.
The Crux has been over 8 years in the making. Massive amounts of design, R & D and dedication went into creating Crux's Catalyst core. This core gives the bowler a consistent motion and tons of energy through the pins. The Catalysts Asymmetric design will create more angle towards the pocket and will increase your entry-angle optimizing your carry.
I drilled my Crux pretty standard,
40 x 3 3/4 x 40 The pin is Slightly above the middle finger and the CG in a neutral position in my palm. I find this ball works great on a heavy to medium condition. I tend to stay more behind this ball, keeping tighter angles but if I miss a few the ball still comes back and finds the pocket without a problem. The ball hits hard and drives like nothing else in my bag. I would suggest this ball for anyone. The ball is not condition specific and would match up well with a variety of styles and deliveries.
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LANE CONDITION
Modified House Shot
Length: 42ft
Volume: Medium volume
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):
COMMENTS
WOW!!! I drilled my Crux with a 60*4.5*35. I left it at out of box finish. This ball is amazingly strong. It cleared the front part of the lane with ease and go into a very heavy roll at the breakpoint. It is by far the best motion i have seen from a Storm High end asymmetrical ball. This ball can be thrown on multiple patterns, not just long oil or heavy volume patterns, and by all styles of bowlers. This is definitely a must have for all bowlers. The continuation through the pins is unbelievable!!! It hits the pins extremely hard and keeps the pins very low to the deck.
Nick Smith
Storm Amateur Staff
Bowling Connection Pro Shop
Likes:
Dislikes:
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
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Storm Crux
Layout: 55 x 4 3/4 x 35
Box Finish
Bowler Info:
325 Rev Rate
Speed: 16 - 17 MPH
The Crux continues Storm's pattern of creating strong bowling balls for medium-heavy lane conditions that still maintain a strong backend reaction. Though this beast will shine on fresh or heavier patterns, it possesses plenty enough down lane motion to still be usable on almost all medium oil patterns. I was impressed with how good the pin action was with this bowling ball also, many shots that hit half pocket saw the 6 pin snap the 10 pin out with ease.
The Crux is a good 5 boards stronger than a similarly drilled Optimus. When doing the shooting for the video review, the first shot I threw with the Optimus from the same line as the Crux barely hit the head pin. A healthy 4 or 5 board move right with the Optimus got me back in the pocket. The Optimus is 4 or 5 feet further down the lane before it starts to hook, as well.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=025Vsp89a_E&feature=youtu.be
Mike LeViner
Bowlers Mart
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Storm Crux Ball Review by PJ Haggerty
The new Crux from Storm is the latest high performance ball featured in the Premier Line. Comparing the Crux to the other balls in the Storm lineup, this is by far the strongest ball in the family. I have nothing but excellent feelings about the Crux. I’ve drilled a LOT of balls in my bowling career and this ball, hands down, takes the cake for the strongest ball I have ever thrown. I have never seen a ball grab the mid-lane this hard and still provide a continuous motion.
I have drilled two Crux so far. The first one I drilled is 5.5 x 4 x 25. I wanted a ball for flatter patterns and wanted to slow the response time down. This drilling definitely provided that. Being a big cored, assymetrical ball anyway, I knew the response time was going to be slower, but I wanted to define that as much as possible. It definitely worked. This Crux is still clean through the front part of the lane, grabs the mid-lane, and provides a forward motion at the break point.
The second Crux I drilled is 5 x 4.5 x 90. My goal with this layout was still relatively strong, but wanted more pop down lane. The mass bias is just to the right of my thumb, which helps the Crux store more energy and provide a quicker response time. With still a very strong presence in the mid-lane, this drilling allows the Crux so store more energy.
Both Crux I drilled will definitely be used on all types of patterns, as long as there is enough oil on the lane! I think tournament players will love the Crux as well as the league players because of how strong the Crux is and how versatile you can drill it to achieve different motions.
Go drill a Crux!
#StormNation
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LANE CONDITION
40ft THS Med-Heavy oil
Likes: Smooth and great continuation
Comments: Really enjoying this ball. Was struggling with carry for a long time, as was everybody in the house. Brought this ball out for the senior tournament on the weekend. I looked like I was bowling in a different house. When everyone around me was struggling to carry, I was putting together the front 10 the first game and the front 8 the second game. This ball casually walked up to the pocket and greeted it with a sock in the jaw! Smooth rolling and very continuous. Used it the whole day. When I moved from swinging the 10 board to the 17, all I had to do was change me hand a little and strikes kept coming. On Friday night before the senior tournament, my 63 old wife bowled her first 300 game using her Crux! Now I can't get it out of her hand!
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LANE CONDITION
Length: Various Lengths
Volume: Various Volumes
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): Various Patterns
The newest addition to the Storm Premier Line is The Crux. The Crux has an ERG Hybrid Reactive cover stock with a new Catalyst Core. The Catalyst core has a “valley†so that when you drill the thumb you take out less core. The Crux is highly aggressive but still has continuation down the lane for maximum striking potential! The layout that I used for the Crux was 50 x 5 ½ x 45 or pin above the fingers with no hole. The pin and mass bias was not inline so I was able to use this layout without a weight hole. My numbers are: PAP 5 5/8 over and ¾ up, Ball speed around 16mph, more up the back release with a rev rate around 300 and I am right handed.
I compared the Crux to several bowling balls but mostly the Zero Gravity and the HyRoad Solid. The Crux starts up pretty quick in the mid lane and still has a lot of continuation. The longer patterns the Crux was in its element. The Crux was an easy 6 to 10 boards left with my feet compared to the Zero Gravity. If there was any oil in the front part of the lane the Crux was in play! With the Crux I could just throw it and did not have to worry as much about ball speed. The Crux opened up the lane and allowed me to have room where I normally do not! The medium patterns was where the continuation of the Crux was impressive. The Crux wanted to start up but still finished on the backend of the lane. The angles off my hand were a little too extreme for me and hitting power was going away because I was covering a lot of the lane. However, The Zero Gravity allowed me to stay in my comfort zone meaning that my launch angles were a little straighter. The HyRoad Solid also performed well. The Crux was a good 10 to 12 board difference with my feet compared to the Zero Gravity and HyRoad Solid just because of the strength of the OOB Cover stock. I believe with a slight medication to the cover stock (Polish) the Crux would be in play. Even though the Crux is an early rolling bowling ball it still has enough left in the tank to give you a powerful backend motion.
Likes: Strong heavy rolling bowling ball
Dislikes:
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
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CRUX review by Storm staffer Jeff Richgels
Drilled September 12, 2014
The CRUX specs are here:
http://www.stormbowling.com/products/balls/crux
The CRUX video is here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9QSgVyO-N4
You can see a picture of it at the end of my blog here:
http://www.11thframe.com/reviews/52
The CRUX was supposed to be a ball that I would have one of the very first reviews out on, in a collaborative effort with my doubles partner Steve Richter of Elite Pro Shop in Sheboygan Falls.
I got it in a rush delivery from Storm in early September, a couple of weeks after I injured my sliding leg glute muscle on Aug. 23 at a PBA Regional.
Unfortunately for me, it would be until Oct. 23 that I was able to resume bowling and it’s only now in mid-November that I am getting close to 100 percent (by my diminished Raisin standards).
But it hasn’t taken me long to realize that all I had heard about the CRUX in the meantime was true.
The CRUX has the ERG hybrid coverstock over the brand new Catalyst core.
Storm describes the catalyst as a “dynamic asymmetrical design (that) will help you create more angle through the pocket.â€
I drilled my CRUX basically the same as my Roto Grip HYPER CELL that I like a lot, with the pin well above the fingers and about a 75-degree drilling angle so the mass bias ends up a little bit to the right of my thumb. I didn’t need a weight hole because my CG was left of the line between pin and mass bias.
(I don’t have any numerical numbers for my grip because I still haven’t re-done my PAP, and won’t until I feel like I am 100 percent, which hopefully will be in the next couple of weeks.)
I left my CRUX in the 3,000-grit box finish and first used it in our Ten Pin Alley Bullseye Masters League on the 45-foot Kegel Route 66 Challenge pattern. While it’s a long pattern, Route 66 has a moderate 23.68 mL of oil, and that was not enough for me with the CRUX with my slow ball speed and medium revs as I was first coming back from my injury.
I tried my Roto Grip SINISTER as a comparison and the CRUX was at least 3 and maybe as many as 5 boards stronger, and it was earlier AND more continuous.
“Yikes when will I ever use this ball!?†was my main thought.
During that league session, I went down and asked Derek Eoff, the best bowler in our area by far and a major speed and power player who also is a Storm staffer, and he said he also had trouble using the CRUX due to its strength.
I tried it on a medium volume house shot in our Senior City Tournament and it was comical how far left I had to get on the fresh just to keep it right of the headpin.
The most notable thing I noticed is that it wasn’t rolling out, which is what I had heard from others.
Knowing I would get little use out of my CRUX without changing it, I called Richter and he recommended roughing it with a 1,000-grit pad and then shining over that roughness.
This method provides some underlying “teeth†so even shiny a ball won’t squirt in oil, with the shine still getting it down the lane and delaying hook.
This worked perfectly for me, as I used my CRUX this way in our Senior City Tournament on the same house shot that I could barely stay on the right side of the head-pin on the weekend before.
This time I pulled it out after 8 clean frames without a double with other balls, moved a little left, swung it a little right and struck my way to a 711.
So long as I threw it decently, it skidded to the breakpoint easily when I missed a little in or short and recovered strongly when I got it right without jumping high. And it never really rolled out and quit on me.
Keep in mind, this was on a house shot.
But I have talked to other people who have used the CRUX and many said they had shined theirs and got great results.
I don’t have much use of the CRUX on Sport/challenge shots, but will update this review at my blog after I do. This review is so late due to y injury that I want to get it posted.
There are plenty of big hooking balls on the market from Storm, Roto and every other company. But I have never thrown a strong asymmetrical that is as angular and continuous as the CRUX – even when it was dull.
I really don’t know what to compare it to.
So the advice I can give is pretty clear: If you want a very strong ball with angularity and continuous motion, the CRUX is for you. I think most people would fall in that category.
However, if you are someone with more revs than balls speed, or you only bowl in a center with not much oil, I would advise you to stay away from the CRUX. Storm and Roto have plenty of great balls for those sorts of conditions!
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Right Handed
Ball weight: 15
Rev Rate: 378
Ball Speed: 18.2
Axis Tilt: 6.67
Axis Rotation: 45*
PAP: 4 1/8 horizontal, 11/16 up
Layout: 50 x 4 x 50
I was really excited to get my hands on this one. I really like the ERG cover and the core is quite fascinating.
I decided to use the same layout I have on my 15lbs Zero Gravity, which is pretty spectacular. I was hoping to get a real idea of what this ball could do compared to the Zero.
Out of the box, this ball was so strong, it was almost unusable. On our house shot, I started around 25, rolling at about 15 at the arrows. The cover completely destroyed the pattern and I was migrating left all night. I ended up moving about 12 boards total with my feet and my target at the arrows was 19/20. It recovered from about anywhere and hits quite well. I was impressed with the overall strength of this one.
After two league nights, I had to make a cover change. I hit the ball with a 3000 pad, to try to get it to make a little bit later move. This did tame the ball a bit, but it was still really early and so very strong. It didn’t destroy the pattern as badly as it did with the oob finish. Had there been just a bit more volume on the house pattern, I believe this would have been enough, but it was still quite strong.
I used that surface for two more league nights, then proceeded to make another cover adjustment, cleaning with Reacta Scuff and lightly shining with Storm Step 2. This made the ball quite a bit longer and somewhat sharper. I was able to use for a full set without having to migrate too far left. The polish did eliminate some of the room right that the scuffed finishes had allowed. I also have a bit of over/under at the end of the pattern, but that could be due to the amount of volume we have on the inside of our house pattern.
This is the strongest ball I’ve ever rolled. I’m considering drilling a second to see how drastic I can change the reaction based strictly on the layout.
If you happen to run across a flood, this ball would really be the best option.
A great release from The Bowler’s Company: Storm!
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Hand: Left
Ball Speed: 16-17mph
Ball Weight: 15lbs
PAP: 5 left 7/16 up
Degrees of Tilt: 17
Layout: 3 ¼ x 6 ½ x 2 ½
Storm Crux for me is one of the most angular asymmetrical storm ball I have ever thrown. The pin is left of the ring finger and PSA (Preferred Spin Axis) is under the thumb with a low weight hole. With the popular ERG cover from the lucid and turned into a solid for the Crux it is for sure a ball for the sport pattern bowler! Crux gives you length yet for a solid cover it has a strong back end motion that I have not seen before of its kind for a solid.
One of my favorite surfaces on any ball is 3000 abralon so for me the out of the box surface was perfect to match with my game. Currently I am bowling in a sport league where we switch oil patterns every 4 weeks or so to get more time on many different patterns and the Crux I have not found a pattern yet that it will not work on weather it is on the fresh or game 2. So far the patterns have been 39 feet or longer and is one of the go to balls I use on oil. When the other balls don't come back strong enough I can use the Crux that will give me more down lane motions when the oil pattern is so demanding. So far my favorite pattern for this ball is kegel middle of the road with the many different lines you can play on this pattern I can pretty mcuh stay with the Crux all 3 games and just make my feet and eye adjustments when needed. For someone who uses the Crux and notices the ball is too strong you can always polish the cover and the Crux will give you the same down lane reaction on back end but with more control due to getting down lane better if the heads are a little burnt. If you Love the ERG cover technology this is for sure a ball you wanna have in your arsenal for heavy oil.
If you have any questions about the Crux email me at garrett.richardson@pinolebowlerssupply.com. I have a video of the Crux on youtube!
Garrett Richardson
Storm/Roto Grip Pro Shop Staff
Vise Inserts Amateur Staff
Pinole Bowler’s Supply
www.facebook.com/grstorm
www.facebook.com/pinolebowlerssupply
www.stormbowling.com
www.rotogrip.com
www.viseinserts.com
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Here's the latest ball review video by Advanced Bowling Solutions, with video of 5 different styles throwing the Crux on a house shot. Check it out!
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Orientation: Right Handed
Rev Rate: 375 RPM
Speed: 16-17 MPH
PAP: 4 5/8 straight across
Location: Enterprise Park Lanes, Springfield MO
Pattern: High Volume THS
Layout: 60, 4 ¾, 70
The Crux is here! It’s the first asymmetrical hybrid Storm has released since the Anarchy and Virtual Gravity!
I’ve been waiting for Storm to bring back a lower RG hybrid asym. The Crux did not disappoint. This ball hooks. It’s early and angular and super continuous. It’s clean enough through the heads to use on almost any pattern, but it’s going to roll heavy and hook. The Crux will definitely excel on heavy oil as well as house patterns.
The Crux is the new standard for aggressive asymmetricals.
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The Crux is Storm's newest addition to the premier line. The Crux has an ERG Hybrid Reactive cover stock with a new Catalyst Core. I drilled mine very similar to my Zero Gravity, 4.5 x 4.5 x 2 or 45 x 4.5 x 35. The Crux was a too strong with the 3000 factory finish, so I applied Storm Step 2. The Cruz has a stronger ball motion than Zero, still pretty clean through fronts for an asymmetrical. But has lot more backend motion as where the Zero was pretty smooth. Plus the Crux has very good continuation through the pins. I have thrown the Crux on house shots, but only able to use it for about a game. Used it on Kegel's 45 foot RT 66 and it rolled great. Gave me the very predictable midlane roll and good continuation off of the break-point.
The Crux was a very popular choice at a couple Storm Matchmaker events. All styles of bowlers really liked the Crux.
Right Handed
PAP - 4 up 1 1/4
Rev rate - 400
Tilt - 15
Speed -17
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My Crux Layouts: 45º x 3 3/4" x 65º (favorite)
The first time I threw the Crux, to shoot the ball demo video, I was impressed with its smooth roll and strong backend and continuation. Once I was lined up with the Crux I pulled out the Zero Gravity (with the same exact layout), same line, the Zero Gravity barely hit the 3-pin. I had to move my feet 8 boards right to get to the pocket. I expected the Crux to be a few boards stronger but 8 was shocking and impressive.
Conditions I have used the Crux on: Mostly house shots, 41' to 43' in length with the occasional modified house shot or challenge shot.
Where the Crux fits in my bag: The Crux is the strongest overall ball in my bag. A bit more overall hook than the Marvel-S with a slightly more angular backend reaction as well. For the most part I have preferred to keep my Crux with box finish since I have other options to use when I need less overall hook. If the Crux is a primary part of your arsenal and the cover is too much for your league or typical condition you bowl on, it polishes up nicely.
When I use the Crux: I have used the Crux almost exclusively since drilling it. It has been a versatile ball for me, more than just a ball that hooks a lot. I've been able to use the same Crux for 3-5 game sets very consistently without reaching a point where I was too far left. When the Crux is a bit too much ball I step down to the Optimus.
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Layout: pin above bridge, cg kicked to the right 2.5 inches, used same layout on my sinister, but on the the crux I wanted to see what a little polish would do for the reaction.
Condition: 41 ft THS
I warmed up with my sinister just to give myself the an idea of where to to line up, i was pretty deep around 5th arrow, medium ball speed, i switched to the crux in the 5th frame of the game, moved 3 boards right with my feet and starting point, and went light on the first shot but still struck. Made another small adjustment and went off the sheet. This ball is simply is stunning, keeps the pins low, for a higher striking percentage, but seems to speed up as it go thru the pins also. This ball is technological marvel, just a genius release from the team at storm.
This is a must have, go to you local pro shop today, makes a great Christmas present.
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Lay Out 4.5" from PAP at 75* PAP angle and 35* VAL angle. Dual angle measurement would be 75/4.5/35. The pin ended up about 1/2 above my ring finger with the CG close to my center of grip. No weight hole as I wanted the direction change to be smooth. After throwing it some more, I may add one.
Surface: I left it box which is 3000 abralon.
Purpose: I wanted a strong hybrid piece in my bag since I have had good reactions from Storm balls that use ERG cover-stocks. Seeing how this is Storm's first foray into a high end hybrid, I was all ears.
Observations: The Crux is a good looking piece. I got to throw it on a 45' flat sport shot left over from a local college teams practice session the night before (Go Bucks!). I also got to put my IQ Tour Nano into play side by side with it along with a Marvel S, Zero Gravity, Lucid, IQ Tour Fusion with surface, IQ Tour Fusion-box finish, and a Prodigy that is at 2000. The Crux was stronger than the IQ Fusions easily by 3-4 boards for the 1000 abr one and 6-8 boards for the box finish one. The comparison to the Zero was the one I had the most interest in since they share the same cover-stock. The Zero just doesn't have the motor the Crux has to get thru the deck with the authority the Crux does. I also wanted to see it side by side with the two NRG cover balls in the Marvel S and IQ Tour Nano. The Tour Nano and Marvel S could match it in hook maybe even hooking a little sooner than the Crux. Hitting power was the difference as the Crux just seemed like it split the 8-9 in half on well thrown and some weaker throws.
Conclusion: The Crux looks like a good stronger ball to have in the bag. If you do not frequent heavy tournament type patterns, you may even have to shine it a little. I am going to pop some holes in another with a stronger layout to see if it can replace a couple of balls in my line up for slicker patterns.
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This ball is probably the strongest ball i ever thrown from storm.I have to say that storm is right this ball will hook in anything and everything.I drilled mine 55x4x35.Ball gives me good length doesnt roll to early for me but has amazing backend on those long patterns that im looking for,plus this ball has crazy carry threw the pins like there is no other.
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When it comes to the Crux its got a pretty awesome wow factor.
If you have ever told yourself or heard "I don't like asymmetrical equipment" "Asym Equipment rolls to early" "Asym equipment doesn't roll good for me"
"I can get Asym equipment through the mids without it rolling out"
Than this ball could be the game changer for you.
I also have never been a big fan of the earlier rolling smoother equipment. I have a lack of revs and getting the corners out is a issue.
But taking a box finish crux and putting a little polish on it had become one of my favorite balls.
Its amazing how much angle it can make and continue through the pins being a Asym piece. Its really amazing at blending out over under conditions and keeping the lanes more controlled. The energy at the pins isn't given up at all and overall is a useful tool on many occasions.
Oh.. And its great to look at!
There is so much technology and research in this core its almost a unfair advantage against the competition.
When your ready to see a lot of strikes and run the pins over. Its time to put a Crux in your bag :)
Box finish with Polish
Layout: 60X4/5-8X30
Speed 15-16mph
Rev rate 250
Christina Hardee
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The Storm Crux is the latest premier line bowling ball from Storm. This ball has a new core called the Catalyst core, that has been years in the making. The Crux uses the ERG Hybrid reactive cover and has a factory finish of 3000 grit pad. The Crux has an RG of 2.50, a diff of 0.052, and an intermediate diff of 0.017. The Crux has great shelf appeal with the purple and white pearl, and black solid with Pomegranate fragrance.
I had the opportunity to drill 2 different Crux, thanks to Ryan Shafer for sending me a “lefty friendly PSA ballâ€. I drilled #1 Crux with a layout of 4 ¼ x 6 x 2 ½, and the #2 Crux with a layout of 4 x 5 x 2 ¾. Crux #1 needed a small hole to keep legal that I placed on my VAL, 2†down from PAP. I polished Crux #1 and left Crux #2 at the box finish. I am able to use Crux #1 on our house shot as well as USBC White pattern. I posted an 804 while subbing in our Wednesday night four person team league with games of 259 276 and 269. This drilling and surface is great for medium volumes of oil and lighter volumes with longer distances of pattern length due to the long PSA placement and polished finish. Once the volume gets a little higher in the middle of the lane, I need to go to Crux #2 with the box finish, as it can handle the higher volume of oil, without being over/under off the dry/wet boards. Crux #2 although drilled stronger, does not need an extra hole (hence the lefty friendly remark earlier). I bowled an Over/under 50 doubles tournament with a good friend and was able to use the #2 Crux from start to finish, going 200+ over through my 6 games of qualifying. By today’s scoring standards, that isn’t super high, but what is great about it is the fact that I was able to stay in the same place for all 6 games, only adjusting my roll based on how much backend reaction I needed, and that it was on WOOD. This particular wood house has it’s characteristics of being very different from pair to pair and lane to lane, on the same pair. Being able to stay put, and only adjust the shape of the backend reaction based on the topography of the current lane in play is a huge advantage to allowing any bowler to repeat their shot, frame after frame. I have also been able to use #2 Crux on the 36 foot Los Angeles pattern. It was smooth enough, and earlier enough to blend out the pattern, and hook the ball a little on a pattern that you generally want to go a little straighter on.
Often times, if I hit on the first of a new ball I drill, I won’t drill a second one because I figure why mess with success, but the Crux was good enough for me to want to drill a second one, and having the opportunity to drill a strong layout asymmetrical without an extra hole is a huge bonus. I can use #1 Crux when I need some skid and backend reaction, and use #2 Crux when I need the ball to slow down earlier, and blend the reaction more. Either way, the Crux seems like a “can’t miss†bowling ball. I have watched a lot of these balls going down the lane many a variety of bowling styles, and this ball can fit in anyone’s arsenal, that is if they use it in the proper environment. Heavier handed players will have great use on heavy oil, and lower rev rate players can use this ball on medium patterns, and heavier patterns with surface adjustments.
Thank you for taking the time to read my review of the Storm Crux; and as always don’t forget to bowl up a Storm!
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Lane Conditions: Medium-Heavy Oil
Typical Conditions: Variety of Shots
Type of Lane: All Synthetic
What part of the lane did you play? Third Arrow
Weight of bowling ball: 15
Surface of bowling ball: Factory/Box
What grit was the surface of the ball? 3000
Likes: - Versatile - Conserves energy well for an aggressive ball - Blends the pattern well
Dislikes:
The Storm Crux is the latest release in Storm's Premiere Line and they definitely hit a home run with this ball. The all new Catalyst core allows the design intent of the ball to remain intact after drilling because it has a unique pocket in the core which keeps the thumb hole from taking out a large chunk of the weight block. Pairing the innovative core with the ERG Hybrid coverstock, the first hybrid coverstock in the Premiere Line since the Virtual Energy, was a great choice and allows the bowler to adapt the ball to the conditions they see most often qucikly and easily.
The first thing I noticed with this ball was how much the drilling angles and surface changes modified the shape of the ball motion, which makes this ball very versatile out on the lanes. Because the core didn't get modified with drilling it also allowed the migration paths (flare rings) to be more consistent, even on shots that I didn't get my hand into quite the position I wanted to.
Putting a 1000 grit pad to one of my Crux as a test made this ball really stand out against even the most aggressive equipment on the market. I had to take a big (6-3 move) step to the left in order to keep the ball on line in comparing it to the box condition. This was something I loved with the ball, I could modify it right before a block to get exactly the reaction I was looking for.
I would definitely recommend getting a Crux in your bag, I have three of them in mine and am not disappointed in any of them! If you would like more information on the Storm Crux feel free to check out my video ball review on my YouTube Channel (sk8sbowlingreviews).
Michael Bauer
PBA Member
Storm Amateur Staff Member
Logo Infusion Staff Member
BowlersMart Staff Member
www.youtube.com/sk8sbowlingreviews
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Ball: Crux
Layout: 60 x 2 1/2 x 50 - box condition
Test pattern: 41ft THS and 39ft sport pattern high volume - HPL lane surface with Kegel FLEX machine using fire and ice oil.
Results: I had a little trouble adjusting to this ball, it was really nice rolling until it got to the pins and it hit kinda like a marshmallow. After moving outside the track area and where it was a little less traffic on the test patterns, I started to like the ball a little more, it started to hook a little early for the first couple of shots, once the ball got a little sheen on it the ball just went a little farther off of the pattern and then the ball "awoke" and ever since then that ball has been a primary piece for me on the lanes on the 2nd squard or later games of a tournament. Very trust worthy ball. If I could change one thing, it would be making the pin buffer longer then 2 1/2 maybe a 3 1/2 to 4.
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When I first got the Storm Crux, I was anxious to see how much oil this ball would cut through and needless to say I was impressed. The Crux has a 2.50 RG and a .052 Diff and has the Catalyst Core. If you are somebody like me who occasionally struggles on the fresh on longer sport patterns, then I think this ball will help you. In my arsenal, the Crux is a ball I will use when there is a flood for medium/longer patterns. One reason I really like this ball is because it is a great complement to my IQ Nano. If I were to encounter a 44' pattern with high volume, the Crux would be the first ball in my hand with the nano being right behind it. This is because as the lanes transition, the Crux tends to overreact because it is strong, so I find myself needing to ball down. When the lanes are tight, this should be the ball in your hands. I consider myself a tweener and typically throw the ball around 15.5. If you have medium ball speed like myself, I do think this is a good ball choice for you. Good luck, bowl well!
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LANE CONDITION
Length: long
Volume: medium
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): THS
COMMENTS
Likes: ball starts up into a roll very early, great for heavier oil patterns
Dislikes: doesn't do a lot in the back end, can't give it to much room, can't seem to make it's way back form an outside angle
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
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PAP: 3 7/8 Across x 3/4 Up
Rev Rate: 325-350 RPM
Crux #1
Layout: 40 x 3 3/4 x 75
Finish: 2000
With this layout on my Crux, I get a early rolling predictable reaction that is ideal for fresh and longer patterns. This ball is the first ball out of my bag, and it let's me know when it is time to put it away. The Crux with this layout can be a candidate for a benchmark ball out of your bag.
Crux #2
Layout: 50 x 5 1/2 x 40
Finish: Polish over Box
I was looking for a ball to replace my Defiant Soul. After a little bit of discussion with my Pro Shop and a few other people, I decided to get a second Crux and put the same exact layout on it. This might have been of the best decisions I have made with bowling ball selection. After having the holes punched I put on a little polish over the box finish to help it get down the lane more.
Having both Crux in my bag, I have already had success using them both. I shot 837 using both Crux in my set. I bowled just over a game and a half with Crux #1 (40 x 3 3/4 x 75 layout) managing a 258 with the last 9 in game one. Game two I had the first seven and left a light four pin due to the ball wasting too much energy in the front part of the lane during transition, which is my cue to go grab Crux #2. Without having to move my feet, Crux #2 made it a lot cleaner down the lane with the back-end reaction needed to drive through the pins. I was able to finish off game two with a 279, and follow it up with a 300.
Layouts do make a difference, but, this goes to show how versatile the Crux can be. I have seen success with a Crux on league shots and on tournament shots. This is a ball I would strongly consider for your next purchase if you do not have one in your bag yet.
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Storm Crux
PAP-5 over and ½ up
Ball Speed: 15-17mph
Rev Rate: 300-500
Right Handed
Layout: 4x4x2
Surface Preparation: OTB
Bowling Hand Right Handed
Experience Advanced (I have bowled in a league and PBA)
League Average 220
Ball Speed Medium
Style Cranker
What I wanted from this ball: A strong reaction for sloppy to oil lane conditions and a wider entry angle to hopefully carry out
those corner pins when my angle isnt right.
Result: The catalyst asymmetrical core allowed me to have much more entry angle with a result of more angle through the pocket and
actually opened up the pocket for me. The ERG hybrid coverstock simply added to the hitting power. Oil isnt a problem for this bal.
I tested this ball on the house pattern that we use at SuperBowl, the new center located in Metropolis Illinois where my pro shop is
also located. Our shot is a modified version of the crown jewel shot. Heavy in the middle and 42ft in length. the outside portion
of the shot falls off to 5 units downlane. Out of the box this ball was a monster. I dont have the speed I used to have so I moved
left immediately and played deep inside swinging the bad boy to the gutter. I was quite surprised at the hitting power and
continuation through the pins. I contined to roll several games playing deep and scored quit well. Once my shot started to dry up
somewhat, I moved even deeper and found success. Eventually the shot became much too much for this ball and I started getting bit of
a roll out but that is expected with my slower ball speed. I polished the Crux up and bowled several more games playing right of
where I started and still had success. Polished allowed me to get the ball much more farther down the lane than I expected this ball
to do and still have a strong continuation through the pins.
To sum this ball up: Simply one mean ball! The Crux does exactly what it is designed to do. The ball hits hard and has an awesome
continuation through the pins. A great ball for anyone from a beginner to a pro.
Pro Shop Reaction: Outstanding! I sell this ball to anybody and everybody. The slow rev players love this ball for the added
hitting power and ability to open up there shot. The advanced player loves the hitting power and angle this ball creates for them.
Recommendations: I recommend this ball to everyone. Mainly my customers wanting a big ball that will carry and customers that have
less revs wanting something strong.
Storm/Roto Grip Staff
Sean Baker
Bowl Like a Pro Shop
1107 E. 8th Street
Metropolis, Illinois 62960
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Storm Crux
Layout - 65 x 5 x 30
Ball speed 17 MPH
Rev Rate - 360 RPM
The Crux is unlike any most Asymmetric equipment I have thrown. Where it differs from the rest is in its ability to get through the front part of the lane and allow me to move left without sacrificing carry.
I rarely throw strong asymmetric equipment once I have to move left. My low tilt already causes me some problems getting balls down the lane so strong equipment like this is normally a no go for me. This ball separates itself immediately by allowing me to go left to right and still maintain energy when it hits the pins.
The Video link below compares this to an IQ Tour Solid.
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The Crux is objectively the greatest ball to ever exists in the entire history of ten pin bowling. First I will start off with the obvious and that is the BIG WHEEL. This ball is the BIG WHEEL machine!!! It don't matter how far out you throw this thing will wheel itself right back in FOR THAT JUICY BROOKLYN. BEST BALL EVER I R8 THIS BAD BOY A GOOD OLE 9/-11.