BallReviews
Reviews => Storm => Topic started by: BallReviews-scodaddy21 on March 21, 2025, 10:11:04 AM
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The Storm !Q Tour A.I. takes the beloved performance of the original !Q Tour and pushes it to the next level with A.I. Core Technology. Retaining the proven R2S Hybrid Coverstock, this ball delivers the same legendary control and versatility that have made the !Q Tour a staple in arsenals worldwide. However, with the integration of A.I. Core Technology, it optimizes energy transfer at impact, expanding the strike window and enhancing pin carry for unmatched consistency and power. At the heart of this innovation is the upgraded C3 A.I. Core, refining the trusted low RG, medium differential design with an advanced outer core that maximizes energy efficiency. The result? Effortless revs, a smoother transition at the breakpoint, and a more effective release of stored energy—giving you greater predictability and a stronger finish on the lanes. The R2S Hybrid coverstock, a fan favorite from the !Q Tour Fusion, ensures a clean path through the heads while delivering a controlled yet powerful backend reaction. To top it off, the Power Edge Polishing Compound enhances surface longevity and performance, offering a perfect blend of traction and responsiveness. Whether you're a tournament bowler looking for a reliable benchmark reaction or a league player seeking an edge in consistency, the !Q Tour A.I. is built to elevate your game—shot after shot.
Details & Specs
Color
Emerald/Black
All colors do vary somewhat from the picture shown
Coverstock
R2S Hybrid Reactive
A few tiny pit holes in the cover stock of the ball are normal
Core
C³ A.I. Core (14-16#)
Finish
Power Edge
RG
2.48 (15# ball)
Differential
0.031 (15# ball)
Recommended Lane Condition
Medium Oil
Hook Potential
Medium
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Man oh man where to start. Went with a 60x4 1/2x40 layout and this ball succeeded my expectation( and I had very high expectations) coming from the greatest line of all time this ball is very continuous and smooth. It’s the same roll as the IQ Tour just more. This ball fits in between my Physix Blackout and my Road Warrior. My current league bag is Hyperdrive, IQ Tour AI and of course the Goat(IQ Tour) you will not be disappointed in this ball. I’m a 230 avg but I believe it will fit every game.
Details & Specs
Color
Emerald/Black
All colors do vary somewhat from the picture shown
Coverstock
R2S Hybrid Reactive
A few tiny pit holes in the cover stock of the ball are normal
Core
C³ A.I. Core (14-16#)
Finish
Power Edge
RG
2.48 (15# ball)
Differential
0.031 (15# ball)
Recommended Lane Condition
Medium Oil
Hook Potential
Medium
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LANE CONDITION
Length: 44'
Volume: 28 ml
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): THS
COMMENTS
The iQ Tour is the newest addition to receive the cutting-edge AI outer core upgrade. Storm recently retired the Ruby iQ Tour, introducing the iQ Tour AI as its successor—this time swapping out the pearl coverstock for the dynamic R2S Hybrid. Fans of the Hy-Road, a standout since 2008 and one of my personal favorites, will recognize this same R2S Hybrid coverstock. With the AI-enhanced C3 Core, the ball now boasts a slightly lower RG and a boosted differential. Paired with the hybrid coverstock and the Power Edge finish, the iQ Tour AI picks up the lane a touch earlier while delivering a smooth, powerful continuation through the back end. Whether I’m playing straight on fresh oil or swinging deeper as the lanes transition, this ball performs with impressive consistency and versatility.
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Storm IQ Tour AI Ball Review
Layout-VLS 4.5x4x2
Surface-Poweredge
RG-2.48
Diff-.031
Symmetrical Core
Storm IQ Tour AI features the C3 core with AI Technology wrapped with the R2S Hybrid coverstock.The C3 weight block has been used on all the IQ Tour series balls.So we have an IQ Tour Fusion with storm's modern technology.
Iq Tour AI will be a great ball to handle lane transistion but still have that IQ legendary control.
For me the IQ Tour AI will fit between the Phaze AI and the Road Warrior.It will be longer than Phaze AI but not as long as the Road Warrior but with a good contination on the backend.
The IQ Tour AI will be a great compliment to the OG IQ Tour Solid with more length and a sharper backend.
IQ Tour AI will be available on March 21st!!!!!!!!!!!
https://youtu.be/Q5_f-dx8SjY?si=dx7sEJsUKdIWXtaY
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The Storm !Q Tour A.I. continues the legacy of the revered !Q Tour series, offering bowlers a blend of control, versatility, and smooth motion. Featuring the iconic C3 A.I. Core and wrapped in the new R2S Hybrid Coverstock, this ball provides a slightly stronger and more responsive motion than the original !Q Tour Solid. It glides effortlessly through the front part of the lane while delivering a smooth yet continuous arc on the backend. Ideal for medium oil conditions, the !Q Tour A.I. excels when lanes start to transition, allowing players to stay in control without over-hooking or losing energy at the pins. Whether you're a rev-dominant player needing a smoother motion or a straighter player looking for a touch of extra backend, the !Q Tour A.I. delivers the signature predictability and performance that makes the !Q Tour line a staple in any arsenal.
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TESTING ENVIRONMENT
Length:39ft
Volume:Medium
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): Modified House (appx 6 to 1)
COMMENTS
Cover: R2S Hybrid
Core: C³ Centripetal Control + AI
Finish: Power Edge
RG: 2.48 (15)
Differential: .031 (15)
ME:
Right-Handed Tweener
Speed: 12-13 mph
Rev Rate: 315
Axis Tilt: 14°
Axis Rotation: 74°
PAP: 5 1/8 R 7/8 Up
Ball Layout: Pin over Ring 4 5/8 X 5 1/8 X 1 3/4 VLS
The new IQ Tour from Storm features the AI version of the legendary C3 core wrapped in my favorite cover to pair with this core, the R2S Hybrid. The IQ Tour Fusion was my favorite IQ and getting an updated version made my day! The Hybrid cover seems to give it the most length and snap, which puts it in play on more patterns in my opinion. The A.I. addition does skew the numbers slightly, but not much.
I tested the IQ Tour A.I. on Kegel's Middle Road Pattern. I was looking for a medium length pattern that was a small step down in volume from our house pattern. I underestimated how much friction is built into the lane surface and the pattern played much shorter, feeling more like a 36 foot pattern than a 39. However the IQ Tour A.I. still looked amazing. I could play near the friction with the speed up and my breakpoint to the right. I also felt like I could create a little miss room left by moving in and rolling it a bit more. It was still pretty speed sensitive but I never lost the look with it completely despite playing different parts of the lane.
I did also get a chance to throw the IQ Tour A.I. on our house pattern. It really showed it's versatility off here as I could really manipulate the ball to do what I wanted as I played through the transition. I could roll it more directly towards the pocket and use the hold. The ball had no problem creating the necessary angle in a smaller window down-lane. I could also play the ample friction to the right on the 44 foot 12:1 ratio pattern by getting my hand around it more and watching it scream back from the outside boards.
The IQ A.I. may be the best version of this storied ball, at least for me and people who throw it similarly. This ball doesn't feel like it demands rev-rate perform like many of the more medium pieces in the line, but it seems to roll just as good for people who have the revs. I think this ball is going to get more popular and more people see it being used in a variety of places and it's another great Storm release that seems to match up with a wide variety of styles.
See my full video review at: https://youtu.be/xILUBTIFY6c?si=NLbld49J0IL4k2ti
Lonnie Pemberton
Storm Pro Shop Staff
Vise Pro Shop Staff
Revolutions Pro Shop
Youtube Channel: https://youtube.com/@Revstormaz
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
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The IQ Tour A.I is the newest addition in the storm lineup and is already a cemented piece in my arsenal.
The new IQ gives off IQ ruby vibes with its skid through the fronts and strong backend motion down lane. I don’t normally match up with hybrids very well but any ball in the IQ line looks good in everyone’s hands. This ball will be a great staple in any bowlers tournament and league arsenal and is usable for many skill levels.
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Must have ball which will work on a variety of conditions from fresh to transition. This ball with some surface or out of box provides tons of performance. The IQ AI reads the mid lane earlier than the IQ Ruby and Emerald which allows the bowler to be in this ball sooner than the 2 aforementioned cleaner options. This ball will be great on majority of house conditions and a great step down ball off the stronger symmetrical options like the Zen 25. This ball will be the weakest in my bag for sport conditions and one of the first balls out the bag for transition on house conditions. Scuffed up it is an option on fresh house conditions. Benchmark balls like the IQ AI are imperative selections for a bowlers bag.
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Storm
!Q Tour A.I.
Coverstock: R2S Hybrid
Finish: Power Edge
Core: C3 A.I.
RG: 2.53
Differential: 0.036
(14pd)
Layout: 5 x 4 x 3 1/2 - 2LS
Layout Extras: 2 1/8 Finger Depth, "X" - 4 1/2 D and 1 Inch Left
Tester: PAP 6 1/2 R, 1 1/4 D
Review:
The !Q series continues on with the new !Q Tour A.I. This updated version of the !Q series features a Power Edge finish to the R2S coverstock. If you have enjoyed the !Q series this is a must have. If you are looking for a great reaction on a variety of house patterns you will want this one in the bag.
At the moment, I'm leaving the factory OOB Power Edge finish untouched. In comparison to Reacta Gloss on the !Q Ruby the Power Edge finish provides a nice balance and more controlled reaction. The !Q Ruby for me could be a bit quick off the spot down lane. The !Q Tour A.I. provides great hitting power and did not make me feel the need to get super steep with my angles.
In my opinion, the iQ Tour A.I. and the !Q Ruby are different in overall reaction. The !Q Tour A.I. is about 1-2 feet earlier and less whippy off the spot. Both balls fit nicely in the arsenal. Your !Q upgrade will not disappoint.
The !Q Tour A.I. is a nice addition for any arsenal and you'll likely find a spot in the bag for most medium/dry THS patterns. The blend of length, overall strength and control provides a lot of options for this piece. Be sure to grab one today and enjoy more information on a variety of SPI balls at https://youtube.com/channel/UC1VA-MgFBo9mIZde-G3T11A .
Michael Slatky
900 Global Staff Member
York, PA
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LANE CONDITION
Length: 42'
Volume: Medium/Heavy
Type: Broken down THS from League
My Layout: 3 3/4 x 4 3/4 x 1 15/16
Cover Prep: None - OOB Finish
COMMENTS
Storm description:
The Storm IQ Tour A.I. is the latest addition to Storm's esteemed IQ Tour series, integrating advanced A.I. Core Technology with the renowned R2S Hybrid Reactive coverstock. This combination aims to enhance energy transfer upon impact, resulting in a more consistent and powerful ball reaction.
My Review:
After 10+ games I can clearly see the difference from the R2S pearls. Stronger midlane reaction with continuation at the pins like my Ruby but with the A.I. carry. I believe its the Power Edge polish provides greater friction than Reacta Gloss. I played my usual track area with small moves left to strike with consistentcy.
As always you get the trusted shape and readability from the IQ lineup. The R2S Hybrid cover since the Fusion is a welcomed addition since the last releases were pearls. I feel you can add or replace the Ruby in your arsenal for league play. My tournament bag will include both just because I love the Ruby and has proven to be the go to low RG/low diff option when needed.
I wonder why this line has such a high retention rate for performance and reliablility on medium oil patterns. Just an overall great addition to any style of bowler in need of a true benchmark ball offering a stronger downlane motion.
Lastly:
The IQ Tour A.I. is the lastest edition in the famous IQ lineup. It will not disappoint, it successfully blends the proven performance of the IQ Tour series with innovative A.I. Core Technology, reliable reactions with enhanced energy transfer and pin carry. Its versatility makes it a valuable choice for various lane conditions.
#stormnation
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Storms newest addition to the product line is IQ AI. For the first time since the iq fusion we have another hybrid IQ. Using the R2S hybrid cover stock and AI technology wrapped this is the control of the solid with more pop down lane. I drilled mine 50x4x30 with my loft this ball is very clean and really pops off the spot. Extremely versatile and easy to read. This is a great addition to your bag. Stop into your local Storm vip pro shop and ask them about it.
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The new IQ Tour A.I. features the R2S Hybrid coverstock and the C3 Centripetal Control Core with A.I. technology. At 15 pounds the RG is low at 2.48 with a differential of .031. This ball comes with the Power Edge factory finish. I must admit, I was very eager to drill this new release, and it did not disappoint! I drilled it with my standard 5 x 5 x 4 drilling which puts the pin right above my bridge. This ball was much more responsive on the backend than I thought it would be. This was a pleasant surprise. This is the most response on the backend of any IQ ball I have ever thrown. It has a much more continuous backend motion than the original IQ Tour. The factory finish makes the IQ Tour AI very clean through the front part of the lane. If it encounters oil too long, it does tend to slide past the breakpoint just a bit, but the backend motion makes up for this in a big way. This is one IQ I can send to the right and not be worried about whether it will make it back to the pocket. I ended up shooting 857 the first set with this ball. I will be getting another one and scuffing the surface just to get it to be a little more controlled and not quite as sensitive to oil. This ball is an absolute beast and a must have in anyone’s bag!
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Ball Specs:
Storm IQ Tour A.I.
Coverstock: R2S™ Hybrid Reactive Power Edge
Core: C3™ A.I. Core (Symmetrical)
Color: Emerald/Black
Scent: Apple Cider Donut
Review:
This release is going to be a big one for many reasons. Bringing back arguably one of the most popular IQ balls of all time in the fusion and wrapping the AI core around it is the main one, but the colors and the smell is out of this world. This ball has some major shelf appeal. We drilled this ball with our normal layout: tweener, 350-375 revs, 16.5mph, layout of choice is 4x4x2 (pin is above bridge). This ball is going to be great for later in blocks or if you love that weak cover/strong core reactions. The IQ tour AI is incredibly smooth down lane (as expected). We bowl back to back leagues with no re-oil so this ball will for sure come into play on that second block when the lanes get a little toasty. This piece will also be great for people with lower ball speed or if you like playing straight up the lane. This ball really fits in any tournament/league arsenal. A must have.
Kyle, Joel, & Dean Johnson
SPI Pro Shop Staff Members
kyle@parklanes.net
joel@parklanes.net
dean@parklanes.net
www.stormbowling.com
#StormNation #GoGlobal #SquadRG
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Well...I wasn't really into the IQ line that Storm had. I had to try this one though! a..n..d.....I'm glad I did! I did hit it with a 4000 pad after leaving a lot of 10 pins out of the box my 1st set. Then I go bowl a tournament, and 290 out of the gate. This ball with the new AI core, (I love the color and the smell!!! lol) It fits right into my bag. Mine is drilled pin down, im a tweener one handed guy. It fits for me, a little more back end then the Zen25, and a little less that the Equinox. So if were playing "pearls" Harsh reality pearl - Origin - Equinox - IQaI - Zen25 - Road warrior - Lightning blackout. So It fits SO good my the line up for me that I have. I love the way it rolls, I love the way it reads the lane. With the new AI core, you couldn't ask for a great bowling ball to have in your bag. It's a great benchmark ball for me because you see where it fits and...if you need to change balls, then you know.
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Ball Specs: IQ AI
Cover: RS2 Hybrid Reactive
Core: C3 AI
Finish: Power Edge
Scent: Apple Cider Donut
Review:
The Storm IQ Tour A.I. is a fresh take on a fan-favorite line, combining the classic C3 Centripetal Control Core with cutting-edge A.I. Core Technology to enhance energy transfer and increase pin carry. Wrapped in the reliable R2S Hybrid Reactive coverstock and finished with Power Edge polish, this ball delivers a cleaner look through the front with a stronger, more defined backend motion than the original IQ Tour. It thrives on medium to longer oil patterns, giving bowlers added versatility and confidence in a variety of lane conditions. Visually striking in emerald and black and infused with a unique apple cider donut scent, the IQ Tour A.I. is both a performance upgrade and a sensory experience, making it a strong contender for a benchmark spot in any serious bowler’s arsenal.
Will Tefft
Storm Staff Member
will@parklanes.net
www.strombowling.com
#Stromnation
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Owen Farish (right handed)
Storm Staff Member
PAP - 5 5/8 over 1 1/8 up
RPM - 475
MPH - 16.5
Brunswick Pro Anvilane
43ft House Shot
The new IQ AI is Storm's newest addition in the famous IQ line of bowling balls featuring the new C3 AI core and trusty R2S Hybrid Reactive coverstock with the Power Edge Polish on top. I have left the Power Edge shine on my IQ to gain an understanding of how this ball was supposed to roll out of the box. I can confidently say that the IQ AI is one of the more versatile pieces in my arsenal even with the shine. True to the IQ name, I can very easily manipulate the IQ Ai's shape with my hand and ball speed. I am able to play up the lane with a more rolly hand position, and I am also able to shape the lane with a little softer speed and aggressive hand position. The ball responds to both lines beautifully and maintains energy through the pin deck from all angles. I have also drilled this IQ with a slightly weaker than normal 5 inch pin, and I am still thoroughly impressed with the continuation of the IQ AI. This would be a piece to slot right underneath your benchmark solid piece (Phaze ll for example).
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LANE CONDITION
Length:42 foot
Volume:42 mils
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): house
COMMENTS
Likes: The ball makes it down lane before snapping. It smell amazing.
Dislikes: nothing at this time do I dislike about it.
The IQ AI is a great ball. When throwing it down the lane, it makes it down lane before it starts doing anything. The ball is able to be use for a full three games with out having to change bowling balls.
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!Q Tour AI - Ball Specs
Cover Stock: R2S Hybrid Cover
Finish: Power Edge
Core: C3 AI Core
RG: 2.49
Differential: 0.029
Storms newest IQ brings back the Centripetal Control Core now with A.I. Wrapped with the R2S Hybrid coverstock, which makes this ball more than I ever expected. I was expecting this back to be a little on the smoother side with a controlled backend reaction and I was dead wrong. This ball is very clean through the front part of the lane, but really grabs in the mids, much more than I expected. Where it really shines is its pop on the end, its backend motion is one on of the strongest, if not the strongest, I have in my bag currently. On a house shot, because it can pick up in the mid lane so well, I can throw it games 1and just continue to move left all the way through game 3. This ball will be a great addition to anyone’s bag, so do not wait to get one.
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The new IQ tour AI is everything you want out of an IQ Tour and more. The core starts up early and provides a strong smooth motion coming out of a shiny ball. Prior to drilling I expected it to be more jumpy, but to my surprise it was a much more rounded shape than I expected. I really like the shape and the motion through the pins. The continuation this ball has, allows me to get left as the lanes break down and not sacrifice carry. This ball is making it into the Nationals bag for sure.
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Ball Specs:
Storm IQ Tour AI
R2S Hybrid Reactive Cover
Power Edge Polished
C3 AI Core (Symmetric)
Layout 4 x 4.5 with 1.5” Pin Buffer
Bowler Specs:
Right Hand. PAP 5” Over 1/2 up
Rev Rate 300. Tilt 20. Rotation 50.
Speed at release 17
Review:
The IQ Tour AI is another entry into the very popular IQ line for Storm fans. This ball is different than any IQ I have rolled to date. The IQ Tour AI is stronger and rolls smoother than the Ruby and seems to carry very well due to the AI core even though I am not seeing big backend angles. I think the AI core is helping the carry in this ball. This ball covers more boards than I expected and I have had customers tell me the same thing. The IQ Tour AI does not go too long and has a nice smooth shape on various patterns and responds nice with predictability when it sees the friction. I would put this ball above my Road Warrior and below my Phase AI in total hook. I do like the emerald green color of this ball. I did leave the box surface on my IQ Tour AI and it works very well. I did not need to alter the surface on this ball but it does take adjustments easily if required. I would recommend this ball to anyone who wants a medium to strong benchmark ball. I am pretty sure we will see plenty of IQ Tour AI balls on the lanes. I look forward to rolling this ball much more in the future.
Summary:
The IQ Tour AI is a good benchmark addition to the Storm Line.
The ball has just the right amount of strength and predictability.
This will be a versatile benchmark ball that shapes nicely on the lane.
Glenn Wendel
Storm Pro Shop Staff
gwendel@comcast.net
www.stormbowling.com
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Storm !Q tour A.I.
I am slightly speed dominant, rev challenged 220-250ish, low tilt and high rotation. The Storm !Q Tour A.I. is a strong symmetrical hybrid reactive with medium flare potential.
I drilled mine 35 x 4 7/8 x 30. My axis point is 4 3/8 over 1 3/8 up. I love this ball for light and medium oil conditions. It gets down-lane creating predictable and controllable ball motion when theres not much oil . This is the perfect league shot ball that allows you to stay right once all the friction starts to develop.
Check out my video at: https://youtu.be/5BmTVoAknPc?si=V61qE4xOz6ZpEpNs
#sm2proshop
#StormNation