BallReviews
Reviews => Storm => Topic started by: BallReviews-scodaddy21 on November 09, 2015, 03:24:39 PM
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Description: Storm is celebrating their 30 year anniversary with the IQ Tour 30. This ball continues the successful line of IQ Tour balls that have a unique core that you won't find anywhere else. This Centripetal Control Core is designed with a low RG to provide midlane roll. This weight block shape helps this ball rotate quickly. The low differential helps high rev players get a smoother hooking motion. The R2S Pearl Reactive shell of this ball provides the dry lane traction that gives the backend grip Storm is known for.
Storm IQ Tour 30 Features:
- Color: Black Pearl All colors do vary somewhat from the picture shown.
- Coverstock: R2S Pearl Reactive
- Core: Centripetal Control Core (C3)
- Finish: 1500 Grit Polished
- Lane Condition: Heavy Oil
- RG: 2.49 (15# ball)
- Diff: 0.029 (15# ball)
- Fragrance: Lava Spice
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Ball Review:
Ball: IQ Tour 30th Anniversary ball
Layout: 50 x 4 ½ x 50
Surface: BOX condition
COVERSTOCK: R2Sâ„¢ Pearl Reactive
WEIGHT BLOCK: C³™ Centripetal Control Core
FACTORY FINISH: 1500-grit Polished
Ball testing results:
What I found this this ball it did not hydroplane on the ICE conditioner like the GOLD ball did for me. The Gold ball had longer skid length for me and more angle entering the pocket, almost too much at times. The IQ 30th had less hydroplaning on the ICE conditioner, and still kept A LOT of energy. The carry and the way the pins get knocked around is truly unlike I have ever seen. The closest for me was the Infinite Theory from a few years ago. The way the ball reads and reacts on different surface was also “uniqueâ€, on the harder surfaces, I usually get over under due to my tilt and release, and with this ball, and I had none. The ball is very adaptive and may be the BEST ball overall in 7 and almost 8 years as a staff member. I have talked about the Haywire being the best solid reactive ball on the market and NOW I think the IQ 30th is the BEST pearl ball on the market… Industry WIDE, when I see other companies’ staffers telling me how good the ball looks, I am quite honored and proud. Storm has definitely in Grand Slam with this ball… Please stop by your local Pro Shop that has this ball to be “test driven†and you will see what I am talking about.
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Storm’s IQ line is arguably the best line of bowling balls that have ever been released. The IQ Tour Solid, is my all-time favorite ball. I never had a chance to throw the “Gold Ballâ€, so I was very excited to drill the IQ 30. While both the IQ Pearl and the 30 have the same core and a R2S Pearl cover, I have heard and seen that the reactions between the two are noticeably different.
I drilled my IQ 30 pin down, with a 4 3/8 x 5.25 and no weight hole. The C3 core transitions quickly without forcing the ball to make a sudden change in direction, which in a nutshell is the reason I love the IQ line. The cover is very clean and makes a strong, controllable, downlane motion. I was able to play up the lane on a 43’ sport pattern, and I was able to get into 3rd arrow and give the pocket away on the house shot. As someone who loves the Sky Rocket, I have to say that the IQ 30 might be the most versatile pearl bowling ball I have ever thrown and I see drilling many more of these down the road.
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Update: Second week of league play, very slick conditions. Still played from middle/left but rolled less right, maybe a little beyond 3rd arrow, due to ultra slick lane conditions. To my surprise, pins kept falling. Rolled lifetime high 237 first game and 219 third game (with open frames in 1 & 2). Not hooking as much as some other balls I noticed but not sure I care now. Just adjusted where I threw ball. Got some good revs on ball, slowed speed down and looked like a grenade hit the pins!
Full disclosure: Haven't bowled more than 4 times in 20 years until joining league 3 weeks ago but used to ball as kid. Not up to speed on equipment nor do I have an arsenal of balls.
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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: 70, 5 ½ , 40
Forget about the “GOLD BALL†aka IQ Tour Pearl, the “BRONZE BALL†aka IQ Tour 30 is here! This isn’t a remake of the original IQ Tour Pearl, it’s an overhaul. The IQ Tour 30 is noticeably earlier in the front part of the lane and much sharper down lane. I had trouble with my “Gold Ball†being too clean in the oil and not tipping enough down lane. The “Bronze Ball†takes care of that problem. While this ball is smooth enough to be used on the fresh, it excels late during transition. I can use this ball to control the puddle in the middle, but count on it to backend and keep on moving. It’s an instant classic!
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Right Handed
Rev Rate -400
Speed - 17
PAP - 4 up 1 1/4
Pattern - House and Kegel Sport 40 ft
Layout - 60 x 5 1/4 x 50 -- 5 1/4 x 5 x 3 1/2
The IQ Tour Pearl "Gold Ball" is one my favorite balls of all time. So when Storm decided to make the IQ Tour 30th , I couldn't wait to drill one up. I drilled mine with the same layout as my Gold Ball so I could see the difference between the 2.
The differences that I see with the 30th is it can handle the puddle a lot better than Gold Ball and is sharper off the spot. The 30th has the same great roll of IQ series but handles the midlane so much better than gold. The 30th didn't over skid through the breakpoint as where the gold sometimes would. Very good 2 ball combo.
Pro Shop Staff
Brian Watson
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Staffer: Keven Williams
Speed: 18mph
Rev Rate: 450rpm
Hand: Left
Pattern: Typical House Shot
Volume: Medium
The new Storm IQ Tour 30 is everything you loved about the IQ Pearl and then some! Compared to the IQ Pearl the new IQ 30 is stronger/sharper down lane.
With that pearl coverstock this ball retains all the engery you need downlane, but still getting into a roll at the same time. This balls versatility is going to be unmatched on the market.
The low RG this ball has will allow you to throw it on the Fresh, but with that coverstock you can also throw it on the burn/late in the day. The new Storm IQ Tour 30 is a MUST HAVE in your bags for both league and tournament play. 5 out of 5 ratings!
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LANE CONDITION
Length:
Volume:
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): THS (shorter and longer)
COMMENTS
Right Handed
52-year-old PBA50 member
PAP:3 3/8 over, 3/8 down
Speed: 15 mph
Rev Rate: 300
Likes:
The IQ Tour Solid and IQ Tour Nano provide me with two great pieces for a variety of med. to drier conditions. Seems the block/core characteristics of the Centripital Control Core really agree with my roll and rev rate. The 30th is exactly what one would expect from a ball which is, by definition, a pearl IQ Tour. I drilled the one I like 5.25x4.75x3 (along the recommendation of Timmy Mack). I also took the surface to a wet 4000 on high speed on the spinner (box shiny pearls never seem to work for me). The result was a perfect "goto" down from my Tour Solid but above my Skyrocket. The reaction can be described as more blended than the Gold Pearl but just as strong and continuous through the pins. Unless you have a lot of hand, I believe breaking the shine is a must for this ball. 3000 or 4000 wet. I am excited for the potential this piece may provide on Viper and later Chameleon at the upcoming WSOB.
Make sure to utilize a layout which complements the native characteristics of the ball. A layout which is too jerky or too "lay-off-ish" would probably yield a pretty looking "rap machine". All factors considered, the IQ Tour 30 is a very nice fit in the IQ Tour line and very complementary of other balls in the Storm/Roto line.
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
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Layout = 65 x 5 x 35 - one of my favorite layouts. This layout gets me a decent amount of flare potential with the weight block at a good versatile angle with potential to weight hole it for more flare if needed.
I have been able to use the !QT-30 on a couple of league conditions and side by side with a couple of recent releases. On my normal house pattern, it is long and strong. Good push thru the front with a sneaky strong back end reaction. Putting it side by side with the Sky Rocket, a similar type release, and it gets a little more length but comparable back end. The energy at the break point is where I see a difference in the !Q30. The Sky Rocket has a higher diff and can use that energy earlier to make the turn where as the !QT-30 still have that energy at the pins. For me to get better staging of these 2 balls, I'm going to have to put the SR at 3000 and leave the !QT-30 at box. This will separate the energy at the break point where they will be sequenced perfectly in my line up. I also put it up against the !Q Tour Fusion (!QF). As expected the !QF is much earlier on the lane at the break point. It is at least a 4 n 2 or 6 n 3 move left compared to the !QT-30. They do both have the same motion at the pins so another ball that can be sequenced into an arsenal. Drill one of these up and it should fit perfectly into how you sequence your arsenal. And also don't be afraid to use the abralon pads to get you separation in your arsenals.
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Layout : 60 x 5 x 30
(Pin above the bridge with the cg kicked out)
This ball is just impressive. I have used this on a variety of patterns, and just love how clean this ball is through the front, while still being able to make a hard move to the pocket and not become to "flippy". This make this ball perfect anytime you want length with control.
The closest thing I can compare this to is my Marvel Pearl. The Marvel is a bit earlier and faster off the spot than the Tour 30. This is the perfect ball to use as a step down from an IQ Nano or Tour when they no longer get down the lane.
I was able to use this ball on the Bear pattern last week. The heads were gone, due to everyone using surface, and my skyrocket would just not make the move I needed. The Lock was able to get down the lane and still make a much strong move, allowing me to get back to the pocket.
On the house shot, the iQ 30 allowed me to play multiple angles and still carry from anywhere on the lane. That was one thing that impressed me the most about this new IQ when using it on the house shot.
If your looking for a versatile ball, that can be used on a variety of patterns, this is definitely one to consider. The reputation of the previous IQ's speak for themselves and this one will be no different.
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LANE CONDITION
Length: Various Lengths
Volume: Various Volumes
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): Sport and THS
The newest Storm release in the Master Line is the IQ Tour 30. The IQ Tour 30 utilizes the same proven weight block that is in all the IQ Tour bowling balls the Centripetal Control Core. The IQ Tour 30 shell is the proven R2S Pearl Reactive. What all this means is that the IQ Tour 30 is going to be a mainstay in your bag. The layout that I used for the IQ Tour 30 was pin over the fingers with a slight kick out of the cg or for the Numbers people 45 X 5 ½ X 75. My PAP is 5 5/8 over and ¾ up and my rev rate is around 300. My ball speed is roughly around 15 to 16 mph depending on how I feel that day and I am right handed.
The IQ Tour 30 being a pearlized ball and the first thought was another Gold IQ Tour but different color… The IQ Tour 30 is stronger and more predictable than the Gold IQ Tour on whatever pattern you would bowl on. I was able to throw the IQ Tour 30 on numerous patterns and also was able to throw the Gold IQ Tour and the other IQ Tours. I am going to state the obvious before going any farther the IQ Tour 30 gets down the lane and makes a more drastic move on the backend compared to the IQ Tour and the IQ Tour Nano… especially OBO and also polished! There is no comparison. The IQ Tour 30 fills a gap in the Master line that originally was filled by the Gold IQ Tour. The IQ Tour 30 is not a remake of the Gold but an improvement on that ball motion. The IQ Tour 30 does not get down the lane as long as the Gold IQ Tour. However, the IQ Tour 30 is more predictable in the mid lane and not as flippy on the backend but a strong distinct move. That distinct backend motion will help bowlers line up whether they throw it straight or curve it. The IQ Tour 30 is a very versatile pearlized ball that should be in your bag… The IQ Tour 30 is not a dust collector but a rack destroyer!
Likes: Versatility and Power
Dislikes:
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
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LANE CONDITION
Length:40ft
Volume:medium/low
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): THS
COMMENTS
Likes:I drilled my IQ30 50*4.75*70, pin down with a hole straight across the midline on my VAL
I gave this ball almost the identical layout as my first "gold ball" and the biggest difference I saw from shot 1 was the different shape it made down lane. The tour 30 responds much harder at the break point then my tour prl did. The overall hook for the tour 30 is more than my tour prl as well. They both clear the fronts very well, like a pearl ball should.
I went over the cover of the tour 30 with a 2000 pad by hand to help it smooth out the motion just alittle bit. This ball is great for league patterns and sport conditions.
Dislikes:
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
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I'm a 56 year old male who carries a 210 average. I still have the gold ball and decided to upgrade to the 30. Used it for the first time last night in the 3rd game. The house where I bowl is having trouble getting enough oil on the lanes and many bowlers are complaining that the alleys are too dry even in the first game. Given that I decided to use my tame Hammer Viral to begin the night. Kept hanging ten pins and playing 9 pin no tap. After the first two games with lower than average scores I figured trying the new ball couldn't be any worse than what I was doing. I moved 6 boards left with the feet and 2 left with the mark and started striking almost immediately. On a burned out shot this ball really excelled. As long as I kept the speed up this ball crushed the rack. Finished with a 246 and saved what was looking to be a mediocre night. Normally I cannot go way left and still carry ten pins. Don't have the speed or revs anymore to be able to "send it and bend it". But this ball opens a new window to my shotmaking abilities. Can't wait for the next time out!
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The IQ line of bowling balls is perhaps the most successful current line of bowling balls in the entire industry – and the IQ Tour 30 will only continue this trend. Using the vaunted C3 Centripetal Control Core and an amped up RS2 pearl reactive coverstock, the IQ 30 is a very versatile bowling ball. While the ball has easy length through the front portion of the lane, is has an assertive midlane read and a strong but smooth backend reaction. Because of this, with proper surface management, the IQ Tour 30 can be used on anything from fresh house or sport lane conditions, all the way down to dry and broken down patterns. Kept at box finish, I have been able to use it with great success on a second shift league; sanded to 3000 abralon, I used the IQ30 on a fresh pattern and had an equally good look with it.
The IQ 30 has a similar roll to that of the IQ Tour Solid, but is simply a few feet further down the lane and has a slightly more angular backend due to the different coverstock. The IQ Tour Solid has a few boards more overall hook, as well. Due to this, these two balls are a deadly combination to conquer almost any lane condition. The Joy Ride is easily 3-4 boards less overall hook than the IQ Tour 30, and is an excellent choice for drier lanes.
Video - https://youtu.be/pVLjo119f_Y
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Storm IQ Tour 30 Review by Storm Staffer Joshua Tajiri
Back and better than ever, Storm introduces the IQ Tour 30 duplicated from the IQ Tour Pearl. Utilizing the same coverstock and core combination as the IQ Tour Pearl, they changed the color to a bronze/black pearl color which actually changes the reaction for you. The IQ Tour 30 because of the change in the color pigment reads the mid-lane and has a strong reaction in the backend. Much more angular than the IQ Tour Pearl for me.
I drilled mines pin under the ring making the pin 4.5″ from my PAP and 5.5″ from PSA to
PAP with a 4 1/2″ pin buffer. The reaction I see with the layout and ball combination is a smooth continuous read off the breakpoint. Very controllable and still able to clear the heads from the pearl coverstock and 1500 grit polished finish.
This ball works particularly well on your normal typical house shots. For sport patterns, I found good use of this ball on medium patterns when knocking off the shine a little to allow the ball to not push past the breakpoint or leave it at the boxed finish for later blocks.
Based on performance, I will give this ball an “A.†Based on shelf appeal, I give it a “A+.†I love the bronze pearl color on the ball with the sparkling gold fillings.
Thank you for reading this blog and hope you stay tuned for future blogs,
Joshua Tajiri
Storm/ Roto Grip Amateur Staff
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BALL SPECS
Pin Length: 3.5"
Starting Top Weight: 3oz.
Ball Weight: 15lbs.
DRILL PATTERN
Pin to PAP: 4"
PSA to PAP: 5"
Pin Buffer: 3"
BOWLER STYLE
Rev Rate: 430rmp
Ball Speed: 16mph
PAP/Track: 4 1/2" x 1/2" up
SURFACE PREP
Grit: Box Finish
LANE CONDITION
Length: Various
Volume: Med/Light-Med/Heavy
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): Various
COMMENTS
The much anticipated return of the IQ Tour Pearl certainly interests the vast majority of bowlers who either used or saw the "gold ball" in action when it was in production. However, the IQ Tour 30 only resembles the original IQ Tour Pearl in the sense that they share the same core. While some will argue the differences between dyes and colors and optical illusions, the truth is, the IQ Tour 30 is not the original gold ball....it's better. Having thrown both balls, the Tour 30 is noticeably stronger in the oil and seems to have more teeth in the middle part of the lane that doesn't make the ball "squirty". As a driller, there's no need to accentuate length and flip, simply because this ball has plenty of that already. I used a strong pin placement matched with a fairly smooth PSA & Buffer and it resulted in a superb shape with plenty of devastating power downlane. I've thrown it on various patterns and am a fan on all but the heaviest or driest conditions. It's a versatile ball with a proven cover/core combo that sums up what Storm is all about...easy length, great read, incredible downlane movement, and all the pin spraying ridiculousness you could ask for!
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Storm IQ Tour 30 Ball Review by PJ Haggerty
The IQ Tour 30 is the latest addition not only to the IQ family, but to the Master line. We have heard the IQ 30 was made to replace the IQ Tour Gold, and I would agree it’s close, but there are definitely some differences. Although, if you liked the IQ Tour Gold, the IQ Tour 30 is a close replacement. Similar to the IQ Tour Gold, the IQ Tour 30 has a very quick response time. With a pretty low RG (2.49) as well as a lower diff (.029), this creates a good amount of length with a sharp response time.
I’ve drilled one IQ Tour 30 so far – and it fits very nicely in my bag. It’s drilled as follows: 5x3.5 with a 7/8 hole on my axis. I also adjusted the surface to get the ball to read the lane sooner, and slow down the response time. Out of the box, the surface is 1500-Grit with polish. After a few games, I hit my IQ Tour 30 with a 3000 pad. This really smoothed out the motion and created a more predictable shape.
I think the IQ Tour 30 can be used for all types of players. The straight players can use it to stay farther right than the big rev rates, and the higher rev players can use this ball to play deeper and create more shape down-lane. I think the IQ Tour 30 is still a lot stronger than the Tropical Storm line, but definitely weaker and cleaner than the rest of the IQ family.
I hope this helps you decide to drill an IQ Tour 30 and gives a good idea of where it fits!
#StormNation
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When I heard they were making the IQ Tour 30, I was really excited. The Gold ball was my favorite ball, my go to ball. I was excited to see what the IQ 30 would do.
With the Gold ball and the IQ 30 having the same cover and core, I noticed significant difference between the two. For me the IQ 30 is a lot stronger down lane. The reason I liked the Gold ball so much is that it was clean through the front, but didn't over hook down lane. It gave me a controllable snap, if that makes sense.
After throwing the IQ 30 and not being able to throw it much because it hooks way too much down lane for me, I hit it with a 500 abralon pad. This smoothed out the backend reaction and has allowed me to use this ball on a variety of patterns.
The IQ 30 is definitely stronger than the gold ball. If you are looking for a ball that creates angle down lane, the IQ 30 may be the most angular ball on the market. The surface adjusts easily if you want to smooth it out. While the IQ 30 is stronger than the gold ball, it still has a place in my bag and can be used on a variety of patterns. I have had the most success on house shots and on challenge patterns when they start to break down and I need angle down lane.
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Christina Hardee Review
This is one of my favorites!
The new IQ30 is everything you would expect out of mid-high performance pearl from Storm.
This ball gets through the fronts EFFORTLESSLY while maintaining all of its energy for a quick down
lane transition and a strong hard turn towards the pocket.
The IQ30 is plenty strong enough to handle heavier oil and yet also clean and angular enough to move left when the lanes start to break down.
I'm a lower rev player and love the fact the IQ30 offers me a strong angular look down lane like no other ball.
This ball is the perfect compliment to the IQ TOUR and I find it to be useful in just about every league or tournament I bowl in.
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Storm IQ 30 Review:
LANE CONDITION
Lane Type: Wood
Length: 41ft
Volume: 21ml
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): THS
COMMENTS
Likes: Strong reaction off the breakpoint, ball motion is smooth and easy to read. Strong power through the pins from multiple angles.
Dislikes: none
The Storm IQ 30th Anniversary Special is Storms newest Master Line release. The IQ 30 is surrounded by the R2S Pearl Reactive Cover and boasts the C3 Centripetal Control Core. The ball is finished with 1500 grit abralon polished finish.
I drilled my Storm Lock with a 32x5.5x32. This Layout is one of my favorites which give me a strong reaction from multiple areas of the lane depending on conditions. The IQ 30 is real clean through the front part of the lane with a strong reaction off the breakpoint. The ball has great carry potential from many parts of the lane. I have bowled on a few different house shots and a couple sport patterns and have had great reaction from 2nd arrow to 5th arrow. The best look I have with this ball is between 3rd and 4th arrow. I like this ball a lot because of its predictability and versatility.
I would recommend this ball to everyone and anyone. The IQ 30 is great for any style of bowlers. It works best if you like to open up the lanes and really let the ball hook. The combination of cover stock and core gives it the strength to help lower rev players see more hook with better hitting power. It’s a great benchmark ball for league bowlers as well.
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Right Handed
Ball weight: 15
Rev Rate: 400
Ball Speed: 17.3
Axis Tilt: 7
Axis Rotation: 45*
PAP: 3 3/4 horizontal, 7/8 up
Layout: 80 x 3 x 20
After the first series of reviews, I understood that this !Q is significantly sharper than the original gold pearl. They are not wrong! This ball skates through the fronts and corners like none of the previous !Qs have before. I am thoroughly impressed with the motion of this ball.
I have only had the opportunity to use the new Pearl !Q on local THS, but it has been quite fun watching it just jump left when it encounters friction. Our house shot tends to have a significant amount of volume in the middle, thus this ball will skate and sometimes glide through the breakpoint, so speed is very important to keeping it on line.
The motion I am seeing with the Pearl !Q should do well when I encounter some broken down or burned up sport patterns. I look forward to using it during the later games of tournaments with longer patterns.
Fans of the !Q series should like the different motion this ball creates, especially those that thought the gold pearl was a bit too early, or ‘banana-shaped.’
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The IQ Tour 30 celebrates 30 years of bowling industry success from Storm, The Bowler's Company. IQ 30 has the same pearl R2S cover but has slightly different characteristics than that of the IQ Tour pearl which has been nicknamed the “gold ballâ€. The “30†has the same C3 centripetal core as the previous tour balls (rg of 2.49 and a very low differential of 0.029 in 15lb balls). The 30 has a black pearl color, and is scented with Lava Spice.
I drilled my Tour 30 with a 5x5x2.5 layout, which is my favorite layout for pearlized bowling balls. When comparing the 30 to the gold ball, they both cover about the same number of boards, they just go about it a little differently. The IQ Tour 30 goes a touch longer and has more backend continuation for me, than IQ Tour pearl. For me, the gold ball rolls earlier, and has more of a hook set motion that is a great step down from the Tour Fusion. Also, the 30 has closer characteristics to the solid IQ Tour, which is more continuous through the backend of the lane, for me, than what the Fusion or the gold ball is. Basically the IQ Tour 30 shapes the way I originally expected the gold ball to shape. I like using the 30 on wood lanes, and broken down house shots, that started with a nice blend. Anytime I want to open up a pattern that started out with a reasonable blend, the 30 is my go to ball.
I personally struggle a bit with the Tour 30 on those over walled, super wet dry house conditions, as I see too much jump off the dry, and too much skid in the oil. I personally always reach for something that has more flare to blend out those kind of conditions.
As a whole, I really like my IQ Tour 30. When I use it as a step down, cleaner reacting IQ Tour Solid, or a ball to open up a broken down blended pattern, it is a great piece in my arsenal. If I’m only seeing real wet dry conditions, then I rely on something else that will blend out the reaction for me. Thank you for taking the time to read my review of the IQ Tour 30. As always, remember to bowl up a Storm!!