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Crux
« on: August 25, 2014, 10:13:21 AM »
Ball NPS Score: 100.00
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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

 

SRBenifield

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Re: Crux Review by Samuel Benifield
« Reply #1 on: October 04, 2014, 02:23:01 PM »
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

TamerBowling

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Re: Crux
« Reply #2 on: October 07, 2014, 06:46:18 AM »
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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wknight84

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Storm Crux Ball Review by Walter McKnight
« Reply #3 on: October 10, 2014, 10:52:00 AM »
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.




live2bowlgr8t

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Re: Crux
« Reply #4 on: October 24, 2014, 10:49:36 AM »
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

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hammermike2000

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Re: Crux
« Reply #5 on: November 11, 2014, 01:13:10 PM »
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

PJ Haggerty

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Re: Crux
« Reply #6 on: November 12, 2014, 02:46:22 PM »
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

dmonroe814

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Re: Crux
« Reply #7 on: November 15, 2014, 07:44:45 AM »
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!
14lb 15.5 mph at pins 325 Revs. Silver Coach, Ball Driller. In Bag:  Storm Pro-Motion, Hyroad X, Matchup, Code Red.

StoRoto2013

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Re: Crux
« Reply #8 on: November 20, 2014, 07:26:23 AM »
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
Daniel Schaden
Storm/RotoGrip Pro Shop Staff
Vise Grip Staff Member since 2002
Bowlers Corner Pro Shop since 2002

riggs

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Re: Crux
« Reply #9 on: November 23, 2014, 09:04:07 AM »
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.”

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!

GutterLine

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Crux review by Mark Tarkington
« Reply #10 on: November 24, 2014, 12:56:56 PM »
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!
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

GRstorm

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Crux review by Garrett Richardson
« Reply #11 on: November 24, 2014, 05:32:14 PM »
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
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BenLeong

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Re: Crux
« Reply #12 on: November 24, 2014, 08:47:16 PM »

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!


caseyccg

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Storm Crux Review by Staffer Casey Murphy
« Reply #13 on: November 26, 2014, 01:15:00 PM »
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.

StormRoto

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Storm Crux
« Reply #14 on: November 28, 2014, 11:34:51 PM »
  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