BallReviews
Reviews => Storm => Topic started by: BallReviews-scodaddy21 on October 19, 2018, 10:19:03 AM
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Storm Hy-Road X
Ten years after the release of the original Hy-Road the tradition continues with the Storm Hy-Road X. This ball was designed with the modern game and conditions in mind by offering both power and reaction. This bowling ball takes the same Inverted Fe2 Technology core found in the other Hy-Road balls and pairs it with the R2X Solid Reactive coverstock. The R2X coverstock with a 1500 grit polished finish is a little more aggressive than its predecessor but it doesn't react too early or too late. This ball offers the perfect amount of power and smoothness.
Color: Midnight Black Solid
All colors do vary somewhat from the picture shown
Coverstock: R2X Solid Reactive
Core: Inverted Fe² Technology (14#-16#)
Finish: 1500-grit Polished
RG: 2.57 (for a 15# ball)
Differential: 0.046 (for a 15# ball)
Fragrance: Blackberry
Recommended Lane Condition: Medium to Light Oil
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I tested the Hy-Road X shortly after throwing the PHYSIX so there was some good transition I got to bowl on.
I was impressed with how controllable this ball is and how clean it is through the front part of the lane. I was one of the rare bowlers that wasn't in love with the original Hy-Road due to the over/under reaction I got from it so I was a little skeptical going into this demo. I, also, was skeptical going into the Hy-Road Nano, when that originally came out, and now almost 1 year later I have 4 of them and it is probably one of my favorite all time balls.
I was a big fan of what I saw from the Hy-Road X as it didn't do the negative things that the original Hy-Road did for me (over/under). This could be attributed to the solid reactive coverstock. The polish gets the ball clean through the initial part of the lane and saves energy down lane when I need angle and drive through the pins.
I already have plans for this ball and how it will be incorporated into my arsenal going forward. It will be a definite step down ball from the Nano when that begins to burn up to early and a transition ball on sport patterns when I need control and down lane angle.
For those who love the Hy-Road series this ball will be a must for you.
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The Hyroad X features the R2X Solid cover, wrapped around the proven inverted FE2 core found on all of its predecessors. For this video, I decided to use a 41 foot challenge pattern, to give everyone a little bit of a different look. For anyone that knows me, the Hyroad has been a staple in my bag for as long as I can remember now. It’s one of the most consistent higher RG balls that I’ve been able to use on a variety of conditions, that never seems to run into any over under. So naturally, when the release of the Hyroad X was announced I got excited. I ended up knocking the shine off with a fresh 2000 pad, then going back over the surface with a fresh 4000 pad to add a little more of a higher grit finish to it. This allows the ball to see the pattern a little sooner than out of box, but still retain a lot of energy down lane. When compared to the original, you can see it provides a slightly rounder shape and a few more boards overall in terms of strength. I can see myself throwing the Hyroad X as a ball down from a Phaze ll or physiX during tournament play, or the first ball out of my bag during a variety of league conditions. Remember to preorder your own at your local pro shop for the October 19th release date! #StormNation
Video Review: https://youtu.be/yiM9TPlv_Zk
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Storm HyRoad X
Layout: Pin 4 inches and below the ring finger, with a weight hole below mid-line
Rev Rate: 300 rpm, 7 degree of axis tilt, 40 degree of axis rotation
Testing information: 41 foot THS (medium to light volume)
Bowling Center: Fulton Bowling Center
Kegel Machine – Brunswick Anvilane
My most anticipated review of the year is finally here. The Storm HyRoad X didn't disappoint. The combination of R2X reactive coverstock and the Inverted Fe2 core (used in the original Hyroad) work well together. I knew the HyRoad X was going to be good when I drilled into it and the shell was almost two inches thick. Anytime the shell is that thick, the ball is going to be good (that is my rule of thumb).
The Storm HyRoad X was a stronger version of the original HyRoad. The RSX covertock provided ease through the fronts and a great continuation at the pocket. The ball exited the back of the lane to the left on most shots. The HyRoad X can be a benchmark ball.
We tested the HyRoad X along side the Storm Physix. The HyRoad X was about 5 and 3 right of the Physix. This should hold true for most of your high end balls.
#Stormnation
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If the IQ Tour is the greatest bowling ball of all-time (it is in my opinion), then the Hyroad is a close 2nd.
The Hyroad X is the latest release in the Hyroad family. It features the same Inverted Fe2 core that is known for creating effortless length and a defined down-lane shape but is wrapped in the R2X solid coverstock which is a medium strength formula cover in Storm’s current lineup.
I have thrown the ball on a 42’ house shot as well as a 40’ 2.5:1 pattern and what I see out of the X is a ball that likes to get down lane and makes a slightly aggressive move on the back. I wouldn’t say the X is skid snap or super roll-y, but somewhere in the middle.
I think the Hyroad series as a whole is one of the most versatile in our sport, so I believe the surface preparation and my layout had some to do the final shape. Speaking of versatility, the R2X solid cover really shows off what a solid cover can be. Out of box, the Hyroad X sits between an IQ Tour and the Roto Grip Hustle INK in both length and shape. I tend to matchup better to duller finishes, so it is no surprise that the X rolls better for me once the front part of the lane starts to dry up, but I can see higher rev rate or softer ball speed players loving this ball out of the gate. But I sanded the cover (I started at 500 grit then went 1000 grit, 2000 grit ABR) and the ball definitely started its hook phase sooner. With this surface prep I would almost consider the Hyroad X to fit between my IQ Tour and Hyroad Nano.
If you are looking for a benchmark ball with some versatility and a core that tends to give more than average length, you need to drill a Hyroad X
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LANE CONDITION
Length: 43'
Volume: 20 mL's
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): THS
COMMENTS
Likes: Same familiar HyRoad motion
Dislikes:
The Hyroad line pretty much sells itself. The polished R2X coverstock does give the Hyroad a new shape but the motion is somewhat familiar. The shape is cleaner through the front than the original with a stronger motion off the spot. What I have heard from many staffers is that they knocked the polish off their HyroadX with a 4000, 3000, or old 2000 pads, to make it read the midlane a little better. I really like the look and the shape it gives me with the polish on it! The center that my family owns is wood and even though our house shot is good enough that you can throw most all High End balls when they are fresh, they do tend to break down quickly on our 5 man league nights. They HyRoadX gives me a look that I can start the night with and keep chasing it left as they break down. I recently shot 807 with the HyRoadX on one of our tougher pairs in the house (1&2) and I also have shot 300 with it, just this week. All of this was within the first 10 games on the ball.
I used my go-to pin down layout of 60x5x70, no hole.
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
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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: 45, 6, 45
The HyRoad X is the modern HyRoad everyone has been waiting for. I loved the original HyRoad but with more oil and better lane surfaces in today’s game, it gets a little over/under at times. The HyRoad X solves that problem. It’s clean in the fronts, but it hits the breakpoint SUPER smooth with ultimate continuation. You already know what I’m talking about, the HyRoad X is everything you wanted it to be.
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The Hy-road X is the latest release in the thunder line. This ball celebrates the 10th anniversary of one of the best bowling balls any company has ever made: Hy-road. Out of the box the black Hy-road X with yellow letters stands out; Its factory shined solid cover is stunning. Don’t let the solid cover fool you though; For me, this ball has a stronger overall ball motion than the Hy-road Pearl and the Hy-road (OG). The Hy-road X is also stronger downlane than the previous Hy-roads in my opinion. The Hy-road Nano is by far the strongest due to the nano base cover stock. The Hy-road X comes in second in overall strength followed by the (OG) Hy-road and the Hy-road Pearl being the weakest. Do not be scared to hit this ball with surface! I have my Hy-road X at 1000 and the continuation is insane!
As you can see the Hy-road x is much stronger overall than the original Hy-road and the Hy-road pearl. This ball will be better (than the two comparisons) on the heavier volume patterns.
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Color: Midnight Black
Coverstock: R2X Solid Reactive Core: Inverted Fe² Technology (14#-16#)
Finish: 1500-grit Polished RG: 2.57 (for a 15# ball)
Differential: 0.046 (for a 15# ball)
Fragrance: Blackberry
Recommended Lane Condition: Medium to Light Oil
The Hy-RoadX is the is the newest ball in the thunder line and joins the long Hy-Road line. This piece comes at 1500 grit polished and the R2X solid reactive cover stock is easy and responds to different surfaces meaning that this ball can be used by players with a lot of hand and like to hook it to guys that may not have as much. This was a fun ball to test and with the box finish I was able to stay right of where I was while throwing the PhysiX on a “THB†typical house shot, but the ball was still responsive.
For anyone that has thrown a Hy-Road you will see the same shape that has made this ball last X “ten years†in the market.
Go get the new Storm Intense Fire and #BowlaSTORM!
BOWLER STYLE: RH - Stroker Rev Rate: 320 - 350 Ball Speed: 15-16 PAP: 4 7/8 right 5/8 up.
Storm - Roto Grip - VISE - Logo Infusion Staff Member
Brian Hirsch
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Weight: 14 lbs.
Pin Length: 3-1/2-4â€
Drilling: 45 x 3-1/2 x 25
Pattern Length: 40 ft.
Pattern Volume: Medium
Pattern Type: THS
Right Handed
The HyRoad X has the symmetrical, proven, Inverted Fe2 weight block from theHyRoad series, wrapped in the R2X Solid reactive cover stock, similar to the CodeX. The box finish is 1500 grit, polished. It is a Solid Midnight Black color with a 5-6†flare potential. The 14 lb. has an RG of 2.58, and a differential of 0.037.
I have used the HyRoadX on a 40 ft., and a 39 ft.house pattern, each on a different lane surface. I’ve also used it at different houses in State tournaments. I used the HyRoadX at box finish and haven’t needed to try any surface changes to date. This ball gets through the heads and mid lane and makes a super strong turn coming off the pattern. It is very angular on the back ends and continues right through the pin deck.
This ball is more aggressive down lane than I expected it to be, and hits much harder than I expected. Being a lower rev player, I’ve been able to use the HyRoadX on a variety of conditions in different houses. For a first game ball, I have used speed control to help my carry, and just get firmer with it as the lanes break down. It’s a perfect mid range ball for any arsenal. For the price point, you are getting A LOT of ball. You will see very angular motions from the HyRoadX coming off the oil pattern. This is in my bag, right beside the Halo and Idol, wherever I’m headed.
Carol Teel
Roto Grip Amateur Staff Member
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Storm HYROAD X
As we couldn't for this release the HYROAD X has lived up to its hype. As with all the Hyroads, this ball is very predictable with its reaction, yet this one adds a little more punch. With the RG being 2.57, this ball for me gets down lane a bit more than I thought it would for a solid coverstock. But when it makes its move left it doesn't disappoint. I have drilled 2 of these balls with the following layouts. 4 1/4" x 45 and 3 1/2" x 35. The 4 1/4" ball I left the stock polished finish, and the 3 1/2" I have brought down to 2000 grit. With the 3 1/2" layout and the coverstock at 2000, this gets the ball to start up earlier to create a smoother move to the pocket in oil. My specs are 6 1/8 x 1" up, 300 rpm with 75 deg axis angle and 10 deg of tilt. I have used on multiple patterns and this is a great bench mark ball to help with getting a read on the lanes for your first couple shots, and then go up or down in strength of ball from there. This ball along with all the Hyroads is a must have in the bag. Whether you play once in a while on house shots or your tournament enthusiast, you will love this ball!
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The Hyroad X uses the classic inverted Fe2 core from the original Hyroad, with a polished R2X solid cover. The result is a ball that feels like a stronger Hyroad Pearl across the board to me, and a great compliment to the original. The original feels a little sharper to me, and is a little straighter on the backend, where the X is still quick, but blends the back end of the lane a bit more, and is a rounder shape. The original for me is best from straighter angles, while this one is good from anywhere on the lane I want to use it. It’s great on the fresh going straight, but also very good in garbage time when the track gets beat up and you need to get inside. Due to the polish and super high RG, it gets down the lane easier than most balls on the market, but the medium-high differential helps it gain traction down the lane, and remember that despite being polished, it’s still a solid cover and also responds well to surface changes. You could really have a case of these with different layouts and surface preps and cover 90% of the conditions that you see on a regular basis.
Video Review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypkyVS9SObY&t=37s
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LANE CONDITION
Length: Medium
Volume: Medium
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): THS
Storm wanted to celebrate the HyRoad’s 10th year in the Thunder Line… So they released the HyRoad X! The HyRoad X has the R2X solid reaction coverstock with the Inverted Fe2 Technology core. However, the difference is that the weight block lacks core material and has a thicker shell. That means more power through the pins and less deflection. What I noticed while throwing the HyRoad X was how smooth and predictable it was. The layout is nothing fancy just Pin and CG kicked 1 ½ from midline. Roughly 60 X 4.5 X 40 for Dual Angle people and 4.5 X 4.5 X 2 for storm coordinates. These are based off my Axis Point which 5 5/8 over and ¾ up with a 300 Rev Rate and medium ball speed. The HyRoad X is the first HyRoad that I feel comfortable throwing. The Original HyRoad would give me good length but I had no idea where or when it was going to hook. The HyRoad X is extremely predictable at the breakpoint and is still aggressive enough to throw some pins. I did not have an opportunity to throw the HyRoad X on anything tough just House Patterns. The HyRoad X made the Great Wall of China look blended there was no over under even with the factory polish. To test a theory, I took the shine off with a 2000 pad and it still generated generous length with a more distinct break point. The first time I can say this about a bowling ball in the Thunder Line… The HyRoad X is going to be a mainstay in my league and tournament bags. I will not leave home without it!
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PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
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Storm Hyroad X Ball Review by PJ Haggerty
Anniversaries are something to celebrate. The Hyroad has been one of, if not, the most popular bowling balls in the industry the last 10 years and Storm decided to make a Hyroad X, representing a 10 year anniversary of the ball. We’ve seen several different versions of the Hyroad and from what I’ve seen, this one is as close to the original in 2008 as we’ve seen. The engine is the same as it’s always been, but this one has the R2X solid coverstock.
I’ve drilled two Hyroad X’s thus far. The first one is mapped out as 5.5 x 5 which puts the pin above my middle finger. This is my standard layout on most balls and I’m seeing a good amount of length and a pretty quick response time. I’ve been using this one when there’s a good amount of friction on the lane and I need to open my angles.
The other one I drilled is mapped out as 4 x 4 with a taller pin above my ring finger. I changed the surface to 2000 by hand and this gives me a completely different motion than the first one I drilled. This one provides an earlier and smoother motion. The response time is slower down lane and I’ve been able to use this one earlier in blocks as opposed to the 5.5 x 5 Hyroad X.
If you’ve been a Hyroad fan over the last 10 years, the hype is still real and the Hyroad X is as close to the original as I’ve seen since then. I’m a big fan and am bringing two of them everywhere I go!
Go drill one!
#StormNation
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The new Storm Thunder line ball is the Hyroad X. The original Hyroad has been in our line for 10 years so to have a newer version is pretty exciting. I personally drilled around 4-5 Hyroads and had good success with them. The only downfall I had with the original was the over/under reaction that I got. The Hyroad X took care of that reaction for me. I drilled mine 4.5 x 4.5 x 4.5 pin down no hole. I also hit the cover with a 3000 pad. The reaction that I get from the RSX cover is skid/snap. I got a ton of length and strong back motion. I have no problem getting it back if I miss right of target. For a polished solid coverstock I am surprised with how much downlane motion I get from the Hyroad X. In our Storm matchmakers the Hyroad X has been a big hit with all styles of bowlers.
Brian Watson
PAP - 3 5/8 up 1 1/4
RPM - 400
Speed - 16-17
Tilt 17
Storm Pro Shop Staff
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Hy-Road X
The 10 Year Anniversary of the Original Hy-Road! The Hy-Road name will sell itself and will be in the Storm line for many years to come.
An Inverted Fe2 Core to go along with the 1500 Grit Polished R2X Solid Reactive Cover. To me it’s the perfect ball for Light to Medium Oil patterns. I think the Hy-Road X fits perfect between an IQ Tour and the Hustle ink (a modern day Hy-Road). This will be a must have ball for anyone’s arsenal (tournaments and or leagues).
Another Great Scent-Blackberry!
Bowler Info: PAP 4 9/16 x 1 3/16 up; Ball Speed 18mph; Rev Rate 620 RPM
#rotogrip
#squadrg
Keith DeMaine
Storm/Roto Grip Amateur Staff
Connecticut State & County HOF
www.stormbowling.com
www.rotogrip.com
Storm Hy-Road X Ball Review by Keith DeMaine
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My specs are 16.5 mph ball speed with about 285-315 RPM rev rate. New axis pts are 4 1/2 > 1/2 ^. I need my tilt and rotation checked but it used to be around 15* tilt with 35* rotation. Tweener with softer speed is my style.
I drilled the HYROAD X up with a benchmark layout for me of 65/4.5/35. This puts the pin above my bridge with the cg kicked just slightly right of my grip middle. No weight hole, but took the cover down to 1500/3000 to get the shine off but not too textured.
I have thrown this one on a couple of different patterns. We bowl on a Challenge League pattern and usually I can stay right of everyone when they transition in the middle of game 2. The HYROAD X let me do just that. I had good push thru the chopped up fronts but enough recovery downlane not to miss the breakpoint and wash out. I then used this on a league pattern that seems in the medium range but stronger stuff just pings off the pocket. The HYROAD X was at home on this pattern with good length and even some hold when I got my feet more left and separated my target a little more.
I did get to use the HYROAD X against some other balls in my arsenal. Compared to my PHYSIX, the HYROAD X is about 4 and 2 less ball. I also put a WINNER in the mix and the HYROAD X is about 4 and 2 more ball. I can honestly see the HYROAD X being a great 1-2 punch with the new PHYSIX on the stronger side and the WINNER on the lower side.
Drill a HYROAD X to get a ball that can be tweaked to use when you need to ball down from the stronger cover/big core balls or even to use a read ball with a benchmark layout.
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With the 10th anniversary of the orginal Hy-Road, Storm announced another addition to the legendary Hy-Road line with the Hy-Road X. I drilled mine 5 x 6 x 2 and left it with the out of the box finish. My first impression when throwing this ball was that Storm has done it again, they made the Hy-Road line even better. Compared to the Hy-Road Nano the X is a little cleaner and harder off the spot. This is going to be the ball I can see myself using after the first couple of games because it will be clean enough throughout the front part of the lane and with the solid cover it will not go completely sideways off the end of the pattern.
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Storm Hy-Road X
Core: Inverted Fe²
Cover: RX2 Solid
Storm Hy-Road line...easy to assume it's going to be a nice piece.
Plays a bit stronger than my original H-Road, which will work out well for me on a THS.
Out of box the ball is long and angular for me. Adjusted the cover to 2000 and it was as much smoother. I have that reaction covered with other pieces in my arsenal so I went back to 1500 polished and it will most likely stay that way.
I can see myself using a combo of this and my Winner Solid a lot on my medium oil, wood lane league shot.
Nice addition to the Hy-Road line.
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LANE CONDITION
Length:40
Volume:Med-High
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): THS
COMMENTS
Cover: R2X Solid
Weightblock: Inverted Fe2
Finish: 1500 Polished
RG: 2.57
Differential: 0.046
Me:
Right-Handed Tweener
Speed: 12-13 mph
Rev Rate: 315
PAP: 4 7/8 Right 3/8 Up
Ball Layout: Pin In Ring 65 X 4 1/2 X 55
To celebrate the 10 year anniversary of the Storm Hy-Road, Storm decided to release a juiced up version called the Hy-Road X. The X features the legendary Inverted Fe2 Core that has been the base for the successful Thunder Line. Per the website "A higher energy transfer to the pins with less deflection upon impact is what can be expected with this design."
The Hy-Road X features a solid version of the R2X coverstock. This is a more aggressive formulation. The factory finish of 1500 polish takes that aggression and unleashes it in the back-end. This version couldn't be more dissimilar to the motion of the Hy-Road Solid. I chose a pretty aggressive, smoother layout for this ball. I was pretty blown away when I threw it the first time, saw it sail through the front of the lane and hockey-stick off the back of the pattern.
The ball really shined on the very tight house-shot that I bowl league on every week. I normally have to throw the most aggressive equipment because the ball labors so badly down-lane that medium or light oil balls are simply not in play. The Hy-road X gives you so much back-end that not only would it recover but it gave me better angle into the pins than many of the High Performance pieces that I normally favor in that house. For me the Hy-Road X is even more angular and continuous than the Hy-Road Pearl. It's also definitely a step up in over-all strength from the other Hy-Road releases.
I had the opportunity to throw the ball in a scratch tournament on a much higher friction surface and I have to say that my favorite look with the Hy-Road X is when your angles need to be steep. The condition was very cliffed and with the lower volume the only way to create hold was to really open up your angles. I started with a ball that was more aggressive in the front end hoping to control the back-end. This worked well until the front went away. I felt trapped because I couldn't get the aggressive equipment through the heads but when I balled down the weaker equipment couldn't turn the corner hard enough go through the pins. Fortunately I had packed the freshly drilled Hy-Road X with me on a whim, not really planning to throw a ball I hadn't practiced with yet. Since I couldn't find a look with anything else I gave it a try. The first shot cleared the front of the lane so quickly I gave up on it recovering when all of a sudden it went sideways and smashed ten off the deck.
The Hy-Road X will be your new favorite ball when you are looking for a strong move down-lane. The cover upgrade makes it useful on a wider range of conditions compared to the original Hy-Road.
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
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I’m 62 years old. I like rolling up the outside around the 5-10 board. I have average revs and ball speed around 15.4, my average is 210-220. I decide to start drilling my bowling ball without weigh holes before next year’s rule change. I laid the Hy-Road C out 55 x 4 ¾ x 35 with no weigh hole. I like this ball because it is clean threw the front of lane and it stores a lot of energy to the pocket. It hits the pins hard. I start out with the Hy-Road nano when the lanes started to break down or start to dry up. The I start using the Hy-road X, roll the same line. This ball allows me to move and be comfortable. The first set out of the box was 735 with games of 279, 246 and 210.
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I have had the chance to throw this ball on a couple different surfaces and conditions now and I am thrilled with how this ball handles the different factors. On a THS on old wood lanes, this ball still manages to get through the middle of the lane and makes a strong motion downlane. Because of the surface, it hooks in the oil and still makes the corner with ease. It can be a little fierce off the drier boards, but that means just getting to move left further!
At a recent tournament on Pro Anvil with 40’ and a pretty flat pattern, this Hyroad X was able to let me move left and get the ball to the end of the pattern and still have enough energy to cover the boards to get back to the pocket and carry more so than not.
To me the Hyroad X is a Hyroad built for 2018 and beyond. If you like the original Hyroad, this ball will not disappoint you.
#stormnation
Jason Hollingsworth
Storm Amateur Staff
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To celebrate 10 years of the Hyroad Storm has come out with a newer version the Hyroad X.Getting a chance to drill this ball and see the performance has really impressed me. It's a great choice when you start to see the lanes change and what something to move left with. I drilled mine 5.5 x 35 gives me the length i need and still make the corner. If you're looking for a mid range ball this is a great ball for the price.
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LANE CONDITION
Length:
Volume:
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):
COMMENTS
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PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
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The Storm Hy-Road X is Storm’s newest Thunder Line release. The Hy-Road X is the next great addition to the longest best line of bowling balls in history. The Hy-Road X is covered with the R2X Solid Reactive Cover that is factory finished at 1500 grit polish. The core is once again the Inverted Fe2 Technology core that is found in all of the Hy-Roads. The Hy-Road X has quickly become one of my favorite balls in my bag. I drilled it with my old favorite layout which is the pin above my middle finger with the CG kicked to the right. This gives me a 5.5†pin to PAP. My all time favorite bowling balls have been factory polished solid covers. The Hy-Road X is no exception. With my layout the Hy-Road X has given me a clean look through the front part of the lane and a strong reaction off the break point. I have been able to play straighter on longer patterns and play deeper closer to Fourth arrow when the lanes break down. The combination of solid and polish gives me a great mid lane read when playing the lanes deeper that gives me a much higher carry percentage compared to other balls. I recommend this ball for anyone looking for a great all around ball. The Hy-Road X fits the bill for any and all lane conditions except for Long and Heavy oiled patterns.
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LANE CONDITION
Length:39ft-42ft
Volume: Medium
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): THS
COMMENTS
Likes:
This ball is the first ball out of my bag everywhere I go, especially if I don't know what I'm bowling on. The Hyroad line has been a hit or miss for me. I didn't like the original, the pearl was too skid flippy for me, I liked the solid, and the Nano was ok just very conditional. This one intrigued me with the stronger cover than the original Hyroad Solid and coming polished. I went with a 80*5.5*75 layout and am a huge fan of this ball. It is much stronger than I anticipated. I really like the factory shine it comes with, gives me a different look in that middle of the road ball range. I can attack the lanes from multiple angles with this ball. It doesnt matter if the lanes are hooking and I have to move in or if they are alittle tighter and I can start it alittle straighter, the shape and motion of this ball is the same. It goes through the pins great. This ball is a homerun for Storm in my opinion. All styles of bowlers can benefit from this ball on multiple lane conditions.
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PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
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The Hy-Road X uses the familiar Hy-Road family inverted Fe2 core but the X is paired with a polished R2X solid cover. This ball celebrates the original Hy-Road’s 10th year of service, but it’s pretty phenomenal in its own right. It has length, backend, and hit that is truly worthy of the Hy-Road line.
I have a Hy-Road Nano, Hy-Road Pearl, and now a Hy-Road X with a pin under 50 x 5 x 60 layout. I find that this layout allows me to see everything I need out of this core and the different covers provide all of the separation I need to address a wide variety of conditions. The Pearl is super clean/flippy and the Nano is a much earlier option for those higher volume/longer patterns. The Hy-Road X fits right in between.
I really like the out of box polished finish on medium volume/length patterns. I find it a bit earlier and definitely stronger than the Hy-Road Pearl. I tested it a couple weeks at 2000 and it’s easily an arrow or so less than the Hy-Road Nano. It is the perfect transitional ball when the Nano cover starts to burn up a bit and you need more continuation.
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The HyroadX is a celebration of the OG Hyroad and In the current, “drop a ball every month†type market, it’s amazing that the hyroad has hung in for this long. It says a lot about how good people think this ball is…The X uses the Inverted FE2 block with no outer core material, this increases the restitution which makes the ball deflect less when it hits the pocket. Storm wrapped it up with the R2X solid cover finished with 1500 grit and some polish.
The shelf appeal is great…a solid color and some gold in the logo keep the look clean, simple and classic.
After having this ball for two months and having used it during league and the filming of my video review. I can say that the X, for me at least, does not like oil…at all. I understand that price point and design intent will govern the final ball reaction. So, for my less rev and tilt style, I had to get it right, sometimes uncomfortably right…it was a leap of faith sending the X to the five board but, I was rewarded for my risks. The X is a boomerang coming off the pattern. I drilled a bunch of HyroadX’s for other customers and had the same conversation with them all….you need to get it right…once they listened, they saw what this ball is capable of. So, I suppose that is the upside and now for the downside. It was near impossible for me to use the X right out of the gate during my weekly league. This ball was a better late option for me, rather than a first choice. With that in mind, I’ve seen a bunch of stronger players successfully use it during the first game and on more volume. I don’t bowl on sport conditions often, especially during the winter, but I can see the HyroadX working pretty well on moderate length sport patterns.
Overall the HyroadX is near the MatchUp Hybrid for me as far as strength is concerned. Which makes sense due to the closeness of the cost, about 25 dollars different between the two depending where look. I think it would have been fun to see the original hybrid cover on the X, kind of a relaunch or reboot of the classic but, since the classic Hyroad is still being made, I suppose that would’ve been a waste. I see where it fits in with the other Hyroad releases and it’s reasonable to think you could have a spot for each in your bag.
In closing…The HyroadX is a slick looking release, it loves to bounce off the dry boards and if you get on it pretty good or you’re a bit slower with your speed you will put a lot of X’s on the monitor.
Thank you again for your time. I am Fred Callahan of Callahan’s Performance Bowling and Bowl-O-Rama in Connecticut
Go to your local Storm VIP ProShop and grab an X!!!
I’ll see you all soon….bowl up a storm.
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Bowlers Info: RH tweener, PAP 4-1/2 x 7/8 up, 365 RPM, 17* of Axis tilt, 60* of Axis Rotation
Ball Layout: 35 x 3-3/8 x 40
Finish: OOB with light 4000 by hand
When the Hyroad X was announced for release, I was going to pass on it as for some reason my game and the Hyroad series just didn't match up. But then I worked a Storm MatchMaker event and really liked what I saw, especially how it matched up to a variety of different bowling styles. I punched one up with a 3-3/8" pin so the pin was just to the right of my ring finger and left it OOB. Went to throw it and noticed how super clean it was...almost too clean. Decide to hit it with 4000 abralon by hand and that did the trick! I have played anywhere from up the boards to deep inside angles and the ball just hit hard and carries with predictability! When the lanes get really burnt, I have confidence I can move deep left and this ball will clear those burnt fronts and recover with enough energy to kick out the 10pin. In relation to the Idol Pearl, this ball is longer and bigger on the backend for me. I punched up another one with a high pin and took it down to 3000 to use when there is more oil. I can see this one lasting 10 years in the market just like the original! Go get one and bowl up a Storm!
Chris Martinez
Storm Amateur Staff
www.stormbowling.com
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The Hyroad X is the latest edition of bowling balls in the Thunder line of balls from Storm. Hyroad X uses the R2X solid cover, which is the first time we have seen this cover/core combination in the US. The Hyroad X is solid black with gold labels, and celebrates the 10th consecutive year that there has been a Hyroad in the Storm catalog, an unparalleled feat in today’s bowling industry. The 15lb Hyroad X has an Rg of 2.57 and diff. of 0.046.
Anyone who knows me, knows that I haven’t had the great success with the Hyroad or Hyroad solid, compared to the rest of bowling mankind. The original Hyroad was very condition specific for me. I do like the Hyroad pearl, however. With all that said, I REALLY like the Hyroad X! It doesn’t bog down as fast as the Hyroad Nano or Hyroad solid, and I don’t see the drastic over/under like I had with the original Hyroad. I drilled the Hyroad X with a 4 x 2 (pin/buffer). Utilizing the availability of the new no balance hole rule, the virtual MB number is now rendered unnecessary when laying out the ball (extreme amounts of top weight or extreme cg placement do need to be weighed to stay under 3oz., though). The X reads the backend of the pattern very well with continuation through the pocket and off the pin deck, with virtually no early hook.The 2†pin buffer seems to be the ticket for me, when dealing with this weight block shape. I like using the Hyroad X when I want to open up a pattern and wheel on it, especially on medium volume house patterns, and USBC white pattern #1 and #3.
I usually change surfaces around for testing, but I have decided to not adjust the surface on the Hyroad X, as I really like the way this ball shapes. I’m very pleased with the fact that I finally have a “Hyroad look†on the lanes, and am able to use this core shape for more than just burn, which is when I use the Pearl Hyroad. Thank you for taking the time to read my review of the Hyroad X. Bowl up a Storm!
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LANE CONDITION
Length: 41ft
Volume: med
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): THS
COMMENTS
I have had the original Hyroad for a couple of years. I love it, but I didn't buy the Nano because I thought it would be too agressive for me. I thought the HyRoad X would be great for me.
I drilled it 4.5 x 5 x 3 the same as my original HyRoad. I was hoping it would be good in a little more oil, but it may as well be plastic. Figuring it may be the OOB surface, I resurfaced it worth a worn 360, 1000, polish. It helped a little, but going cross lane at spares, it looked like a plastic ball. Going to resurface it 500, 1000, 3000 with no polish. If this doesn't work I will redrill it. Pin on my original is above an between the fingers. The X is above the middle finger
Update: Resurfaced to 500, 1000, 3000 with no polish. Ball tried to bite in the midlanes, but when it got to about 45 feet, it straightened out and died. Going to try another drill next.
Update 2: Redrilled. Corrected a mistake I made in the original drilling. Resurfaced to OOB. Ball works exactly as I had hoped. Same general shape as my Original HyRoad, but smoother and a little stronger. Very Happy with it.
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS