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Author Topic: Ion Pro  (Read 8240 times)

BallReviews-scodaddy21

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Ion Pro
« on: July 05, 2024, 09:57:11 AM »
Storm has introduced a groundbreaking innovation following the success of revered models like the !Q Tour and Phaze II. Enter the Storm Ion Pro, Storm Bowling's inaugural asymmetric benchmark ball. It sets a new standard for reliability, offering balanced performance across various lane conditions. Versatile and adaptable, it empowers bowlers to fine-tune their game without the need for multiple balls. With its inclusive design catering to every style and approach, the Ion Pro is a must-have addition to any bowler's arsenal. The Element Tour A.I. Core showcases a unique stacked ellipse design, positioning smaller ellipses at the ends of the X-axis and the widest ellipse at the central point of the Y-axis. Diverging from the cavity designs seen in the Crux™ and Absolute™, this configuration amplifies the dynamic shifts between different layouts. By centralizing mass with a focus on the largest ellipse at the ball's geographic center, the Element Tour A.I. Core achieves a lower RG, making it one of Storm's most strikingly low RG asymmetrical designs to date. In contrast to typical asymmetric weight blocks, where the thinnest portion generating asymmetry lies close to the Y-Axis, the Element employs a stairstep asymmetry approach. Despite the widest part being at the Y-Axis, each subsequent ellipse, though narrower, is offset, intensifying the asymmetry with every step. Finding a coverstock as dependable and adaptable as TX-16 is a challenge in itself. Initially introduced through the Phaze™ II, TX-16 has instilled unwavering confidence in bowlers worldwide over the years. In this hybrid rendition, it combines length and durability, offering a level of versatility that's seldom matched. The Ion Pro sets out to redefine the very essence of "benchmark" in bowling.

Color: Navy/Carbon/Steel
All colors do vary somewhat from the picture shown
Core: Element Tour A.I. Core (14-16#)
Coverstock: TX-16 Hybrid Reactive
Finish: 4000-grit Abralon
RG: 2.47 (based on 15# ball)
Differential: 0.035 (based on 15# ball)
Length: Long
Hook Potential: Medium
Recommended Lane Condition: Medium to Heavy Oil
Fragrance: Kiwi Tart

 

william.tefft

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Re: Ion Pro
« Reply #16 on: August 20, 2024, 01:03:26 PM »
Ball Specs: ION Pro
Color: Navy/Carbon/Steel
Coverstock: TX-16 Hybrid
Core: Element Tour AI Core
Factory Finish: 4000 Grit
Fragrance: Kiwi Tart

Review:
The Storm Ion Pro is highly versatile, performing well on a variety of lane conditions, from medium to heavy oil. It is particularly effective for bowlers who prefer a strong mid-lane reaction with a smooth, controlled backend. The ball's hybrid coverstock allows it to adjust well to different surface preparations, making it easy to fine-tune its reaction to match specific lane conditions or a bowler's unique style. The Ion Pro is also a great option for bowlers who need a reliable benchmark ball. Its predictable motion and strong backend make it a solid choice for getting a read on the lanes and determining the best line to play. Whether you’re a competitive bowler looking for a reliable option to tackle challenging oil patterns or a league player in need of a versatile ball for different conditions, the Ion Pro offers a great balance of power, control, and versatility. Its striking appearance and reliable performance make it a valuable addition to any bowler’s arsenal, giving you the confidence to perform at your best in any situation.

Will Tefft
Storm Staff Member
will@parklanes.net
www.strombowling.com
#Stromnation

woelfelzp15

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Re: Ion Pro
« Reply #17 on: August 20, 2024, 02:19:22 PM »
The Storm Ion Pro is a fantastic addition to my bag, offering a powerful and versatile reaction that fits perfectly between my Phaze II and IQ Tour. This ball revs up quickly in the midlane, and its hybrid TX-16 coverstock, combined with the new Element Tour AI core, gives it an angular move at the backend that I haven't seen in other balls. On medium to heavy oil, the Ion Pro outshines my Phaze II with its sharper motion, yet it still delivers the same predictability that I love about the Phaze. It’s a perfect complement to the IQ Tour as well, adding more punch when I need it without sacrificing control. This ball is a must-have for anyone looking for a reliable benchmark that can handle a variety of conditions.

TBenner300

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Re: Ion Pro
« Reply #18 on: August 20, 2024, 03:27:27 PM »

The new Ion Pro is the new standard in benchmark bowling balls.  This new release features the TX-16 hybrid reactive coverstock and an all new Element Tour A.I. core.  At 15 pounds the RG is a low 2.47 with a differential of .035 and an intermediate differential of .014.  I drilled mine at 4x4x2 which puts the pin above my ring finger.  This ball is everything it was advertised to be.  The new standard for benchmark ball motion.  The Ion Pro is a little less overall hook for me than the Phaze II, but it definitely has a shaper backend motion than the Phaze II.  It is stronger than the IQ Tour but provides the same kind of predictable reaction that has made the IQ so popular among tournament bowlers.  The new Ion Pro will provide the bowler with high usability on many lane conditions, making this a must purchase for any league bowler.  The versatility of the Ion Pro is simply unmatched.

toddles822

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Ion Pro - Benchmark Redefined
« Reply #19 on: August 20, 2024, 08:17:50 PM »
Layout: 55 x 4 x 70

This ball is a staple in my tournament bag and will continue to be for the forseeable future. "Benchmark" may be a subjective term, but most bowlers will be able to get lined up off of this ball easily, no matter what pattern is in front of them.

The combination of midlane read, controllable yet hard backend motion, and versatility make the Ion Pro a must-have for all competitive tournament bowlers.

Compared to the similar Tour Dynam-X from Roto Grip, the Ion Pro features a little stronger ball motion. And with the weaker hybrid coverstock compared to the Tour Dynam-X's solid cover, gives the Ion Pro a little sharper motion downlane, and provides a more ideal motion for when the move is a little deeper than the Dynam-X. These two make a great 1-2 punch for your arsenal!

Todd Sigeti
Storm Amateur Staff   

kristisbowl

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Re: Ion Pro
« Reply #20 on: August 21, 2024, 05:55:04 AM »
LANE CONDITION

Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): Multiple patterns - sport and recreational.

COMMENTS

The Ion Pro is the next best innovation from Storm. This is the first asymmetric benchmark bowling ball ever designed by Storm Bowling. This bowling ball is designed to provide a balanced performance across different lane conditions. The Ion Pro features the Element Tour A.I. core and TX-16 coverstock. This is a bowling ball you, for sure, need to have in your arsenal.

Given the core numbers of the Ion Pro, I drilled mine with my standard pin-up layout: 65 x 4 ½ x 35. From the very first shot, this bowling ball gave me a very good impression. It is truly a benchmark bowling ball as I have been able to use it on multiple oil patterns so far. The bowling ball felt controllable and responded to release adjustments very well, which to me, those are some of the key elements that make a good benchmark bowling ball. It certainly falls very nicely between the proven IQ Tour and Phaze 2.

The IQ Tour is, by far, my favorite bowling ball, but with increasing amounts of conditioner used for today’s oil patterns, it sometimes feels a bit too weak. The Ion Pro seems to have a stronger coverstock and can battle patterns with higher volumes of conditioner much better. I have seen this ball roll very well with different layouts and the coverstock seems to take surface adjustments very well. I am fairly confident that many bowlers of different styles will find a lot of success with this bowling ball. The Ion Pro will be in my arsenal for a while, and I am also looking forward to drilling another one or two of these.

VIDEOS

Watch me throw the Ion Pro on “The Bowling Passport” YouTube channel: https://www.stormbowling.com/ion-pro-bbmvip12

BRitch14

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Re: Ion Pro
« Reply #21 on: August 21, 2024, 07:17:41 AM »
Layout: 4 3/8 x 4 ½ x 2 5/8
Pin position: Above bridge
PAP: 4.5 over x 1 up
Lane condition: THS

One of the newest releases from Storm fits right in the middle of the bag as the “benchmark reaction” that any bowler can judge ball reaction from. The TX-16 hybrid cover stock is weak enough that it won’t immediately pick up once it hits the dry, and the Element core, with it’s low RG of .035, fits perfectly giving an incredibly stable, arcing type reaction. Several centers in our area use a pretty low volume THS so the lower diff balls have been staples in my bag for years. When other balls, like an IQ RUBY, start to go a little too long before making their turn to the pocket, the ION PRO will be a nice small step up to read a little earlier read while still maintaining the controllable reaction off the breakpoint. I can certainly see this ball being a staple in the middle of the bag, replacing some of my older low diff solids (my previous “benchmark” equipment”) for a very long time.

Brent Ritchie
Storm Pro Shop Staff Member

Ben Lapointe

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Re: Ion Pro
« Reply #22 on: August 22, 2024, 09:54:41 AM »
Ben Lapointe
PAP: 4 7/8 over and 1 1/4 up
Layout: 45 x 4 1/2 x 75

The best word to use to describe this new Storm Ion Pro truly is "benchmark". It very much bridges the gap between the trusty Storm Phaze 2 and IQ Tour solid. I find when the Phaze 2 starts to endure too much early friction, and the IQ Tour is still a little too clean for the situation, this Ion Pro really shines, getting through the fronts just a touch earlier than the Phaze 2 and making a stronger mid lane move than the IQ. With my pin down layout on this one, it comes off the end of the pattern even smoother, allowing me to throw it on fresher conditions as well.

caseyccg

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Storm Ion Pro by Casey Murphy
« Reply #23 on: August 31, 2024, 09:07:57 AM »
Orientation:  Right Handed
Rev Rate:  400 RPM
Speed:  16-17 MPH
PAP:  4 ½ over and 1 1/8 up

Location:  Enterprise Park Lanes, Springfield MO
Pattern:  High Volume THS
VLS Layout:
Layout 1:  4 5/8 x 4 x 2 ½ (Pin above bridge)
Layout 2:  4 ¼ x 4 x 4 (pin below bridge)
 
The ION Pro is the ball I’ve been waiting for!  I wanted a lower diff/Int diff ball forever!  The Tour DynamX was really close but it is a little too slow due to the differential being 0.026.  It was hard to get that ball into the roll phase if there was too much oil or with too much ball speed.  The ION PRO solves that problem!  It always gets into a roll.  It’s not too strong, or weak, it’s the perfect benchmark ball. I can throw it harder and I can get real straight, or slow down and really send the ball right and it will recover.  That’s how I measure my benchmark balls, how many zones can I play!  Tour Dynam-X was limited, the ION PRO built on that ball and can do ANYTHING and the carry is vastly improved.  Pick one up today!

Kyle.Johnson88

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Re: Ion Pro
« Reply #24 on: September 06, 2024, 06:16:39 PM »
Ball Specs:
Storm Ion Pro
Coverstock: 4000 Grit TX-16™ Hybrid Reactive
Weight Block: Element™ Tour A.I. Core (Asymmetrical)
Color: Navy/Carbon/Steel

Review:
Game changer! This ball shape and reaction is best described as all the GOATs combined. We are seeing OG Hyroad, Phaze 2, IQ Solid vibes but in an asymmetrical piece. We drilled this ball with our normal layout: tweener, 350-375 revs, 16.5mph, layout of choice is 4x4x2 (pin is above bridge). It is hard, and also very early, to say this could take the Phaze 2 to its grave but it may do so. The versatility of this ball and the way it reacts to surface changes makes it very dynamic, and backs up the slightly high “benchmark” price tag. You can expect to use this ball pretty much the way you find yourself using a Phaze 2. It looks good on the fresh, it looks great moving left, and it looks even better on sport patterns. This is a ball that you keep multiples drilled with maybe two different coverstock variations to use in a tournament. It is that good.

Kyle, Joel, & Dean Johnson
Storm Pro Shop Staff Members
kyle@parklanes.net
joel@parklanes.net
dean@frontierfuncenter.net
www.stormbowling.com
#StormNation

cpollentier

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Re: Ion Pro
« Reply #25 on: September 09, 2024, 01:22:20 PM »
Storm Ion Pro
Coverstock: TX-16 Hybrid Reactive
Finish: 4000-grit Abralon
Core: Element Tour A.I. Core
RG: 2.47, Diff: 0.035, PSA: 0.014 (15lbs)
VLS Layout: 4 1/2 x 4 x 2 1/4
Dual Angle Layout: 45 x 4 1/2 x 35
PAP: 5 3/16” right x 5/8” up
Rev rate: 400 rpm
Average speed: 16.5 mph
Location: Prairie Lanes, Sun Prairie WI
Pattern: Medium volume THS

The new Storm Ion Pro is an impressive addition to the Storm lineup, designed to serve as a versatile ball that redefines the meaning of “benchmark”. It features the TX-16 Hybrid Reactive coverstock, first seen on the Phaze II as a solid cover, and the newly developed Element Tour A.I. asymmetric core which offers a lower RG of 2.47 and a medium-strength differential of 0.035 in 15lbs. This core and cover combination gives the Ion Pro the ability to rev up quickly, providing strong midlane traction and a sharp but controllable backend finish.

I’ve found that the Ion Pro does not disappoint when it comes to versatility, especially on medium volume oil patterns. It has offered a solid balance between control and power, and for me it fits somewhere between the !Q Tour and Phaze II. The Ion Pro’s smooth yet angular backend reaction makes it an ideal ball given the number of centers with older lane surfaces in my area – it’s clean enough to handle the extra friction while still being able to provide good down-lane continuation. By comparison, the Phaze II is stronger in the midlane and not as sharp on the backend thanks to the solid cover; and the !Q Tour is a step down from the Ion Pro.

I see this as a very versatile ball that deserves a spot in every bowler’s bag. The Ion Pro can be used on house patterns as well as sport conditions delivering a consistent and predictable reaction. From everything I’ve seen, the Storm Ion Pro lives up to the hype of redefining the definition of a “benchmark” ball.

Chris Pollentier
Storm Products Pro Shop Staff
#StormNation

rodbowler75

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Re: Ion Pro
« Reply #26 on: September 11, 2024, 03:09:53 PM »
The Storm Ion Pro the new benchmark in the Storm product line. The Ion Pro is wrapped in the TX-16 hybrid and the use of AI Technology. This lives up to the hype, after getting a chance to get on the lanes with the Ion pro I really impressed with what seen. Very smooth controllable ball that continues through the pocket. I put one of my favorite layouts on it 40x5x45. This ball is one of my favorites in the bag and anytime I go to a tournament it’s the first choice to come out.

Rick K

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Re: Ion Pro
« Reply #27 on: September 11, 2024, 10:17:40 PM »
Ion Pro • Storm • Premier
Core • Element Tour A.I. Core
Coverstock • TX-16 Hybrid Reactive Finish • 4000-grit Abralon
Weight • 15 lbs. RG • 2.47 Differential • .035 PSA •.014
Layout • 4 ¼ x 4 x 2 ¼
Tester PAP • 5” R, 5/8” D Tester Axis Tilt • 11° Tester Rev Rate • 300
Test Pattern • 42' THS (Typical House Shot) • Modified, Kegel Stone Street

Storm has created another striking success with the all-new Ion Pro! And what makes the Ion Pro such a success is that Storm has developed something every straighter player like me has been waiting for – an asymmetrical benchmark ball that delivers enormous results! The Ion Pro combines the Element Tour A.I. Core with the TX-16 Hybrid Reactive coverstock. And together they make the Ion Pro a ball that belongs in any serious bowler's arsenal! So, let's take a closer look at The Ion Pro.

The Element Tour A.I. Core asymmetric design leaves plenty of room for any pro shop operator to tweak a layout to get the most out of the Ion Pro. And with that tweaking ability, I found the Element Tour A.I. core to be stable and consistent. I liked how the Element Tour core revs smoothly through the mid-lane without sacrificing the energy at the exit of the pattern. Further, I found the Element Tour A.I. Core crisp and vibrant as it heads to the pins without being overly aggressive. And because of its uniquely smooth asymmetrical design, the Element Tour A.I. Core strikes the pins with the precision of a symmetrical core but with the power of its asymmetrical design! Lastly, the Element Tour A.I. Core is far from lazy! So, if you are a straighter player like me, you will appreciate the Element A.I. Core's ability to stand up and roll with authority even when you know you missed! You can trust the Element A.I. Core to fight for you every shot!

When it comes to coverstocks – you can't get any more consistent than the TX-16 Hybrid! The solid version of the TX-16 was on the Phaze II, and how long has the Phaze II been around? Exactly! So, it's no wonder Storm used a Hybrid Version of the TX-16 on the Ion Pro – it is that good! The TX-16 Hybrid at the factory 4000-grit surface is ideal for straighter players like me. You can count on the TX-16 Hybrid to be clean through the front part of the lane. And I loved how the TX-16 Hybrid had smooth traction in the mid-lane, giving me the predictable motion I needed to see as my Ion Pro made its way down the lane. And what I loved most about the TX-16 Hybrid is its ability to be consistent through an entire night of league conditions. The TX-16 bites crisply on fresh oil but also blends the broken-down pattern equally as well making the TX-16 the benchmark skid, hook and roll you can depend on!

In closing, Storm has done an outstanding job creating the Ion Pro! And I will boldly say the Ion Pro delivers what Storm claimed it would -the Asymmetrical benchmark ball that sets the new standard in reliability! And if you are a straighter player like me, that reliability belongs in your arsenal! So, stop into your local Strom VIP Pro Shop and have our Ion Pro ready to roll. And be prepared for that asymmetrical benchmark reliability you have been waiting for! The Ion Pro is well worth the investment!


Rick Klimowicz
Storm Products Pro Shop Staff
Roll the Ball Pro Shop
Penndel, PA