Since this is only a spare ball and actually the third reincarnation of the Ice Storm (after the pretty initial light blue one and a black successor), I will only post a short list of impressions I had and have with my blue specimen.
This ball's selling point is its hardness: it's Sur-D rating is in the 85-85 range, while normal polyester pieces are in the 78-80 range (reactive stuff is normally around 74-76). The result is a ball with VERY little traction, which is furthermore increased by the OOB finish of 3.500 grit plus polish. If you want a spare ball that really goes straight for a reasonable price, this one is the ticket.
The hardness has its drawbacks, though. The cover is brittle, and you quickly see hair cracks around the thumb and finger holes. On my ball, this happened pretty quickly (after 1 year, I think), and through 3 years of use now even some broken bits around the finger inserts came lose and fell apart. The damage could be repaired by drilling the damaged areas out with a Dremel Tool and filling the gap with 2C putty, though. But while the surface itself lasts very well, the material in itself is not flexible at all, so that a normal polyester ball will certainly last longer. It is a trade-off: this one is not a ball that will last for eternity, rather a ball for one season. And after that, it might need repair or replacement - be warned.
Anyway, if you are fed up with spare balls hooking at the back end (those nasty 2 boards too much, esp. in late games...), this is the ball for you. BTW: if you add some car polish (with wax) upon surface refreshments from time to time, this one becomes a hard and slick marble with almost no movement at all!
COMMENTS
Likes:
- Dead straight, probably one of the ball with the smallest traction potential even on totally toasted lanes right now.
- Easy to polish up, keeps the shine very well/long.
Dislikes:
- Straightness comes at a price - the hard coverstock is brittle and prone to cracks.
- Does not last as long as a normal (and recognizably softer) polyester ball.
DizzyFugu - Reporting from Germany
2010/11 Benrather BC Club Champion
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Edited on 26.09.2011 at 7:30 AM