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Author Topic: IQ Tour Ruby  (Read 19587 times)

BallReviews-scodaddy21

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IQ Tour Ruby
« on: February 10, 2023, 10:29:30 AM »
The Storm !Q Tour line of bowling balls is famous in the bowling world and the Storm !Q Tour Ruby will be no exception. This upper-mid performance bowling ball uses the R2S Pearl coverstock that not only looks good but performs. This coverstock allows the ball to get through the front of the lane on a variety of conditions before revving toward the pocket with plenty of pin carry. On the inside, this ball features the C3 Centripetal Control Core that provides a predictable, benchmark shape. This core assists in keeping control of the pocket without giving up hook or power.

Color: Ruby
All colors do vary somewhat from the picture shown
Coverstock: R2S Pearl Reactive
Core: C³ Centripetal Control
Finish: 1500-grit Polished
Fragrance: Berry Splash
Recommended Lane Condition: Medium Oil
RG: 2.49 (15# ball)
Differential: .029 (15# ball)

 

BSumner

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Re: IQ Tour Ruby
« Reply #16 on: March 26, 2023, 05:32:10 PM »
The !Q Tour Emerald was probably my favorite ball Storm ever made. If you’re like me and you’ve been waiting… no, praying for Storm to bring it back, you got your wish. The !Q Tour Ruby is everything the Emerald was with a significant added improvement.
The application of the Reacta-Gloss polish on the R2S makes this ball even cleaner though the heads. And while you think that would create problems at the end of the pattern, it definitely does not.

I use the same 45x4.25x35 layout that I put on the Emerald. I get that super quick response on the backend I’m looking for without the worry of an over/under reaction.
As you would expect, the ball doesn’t perform extremely well on heavy volume patterns. Like the Emerald, I’ve found this ball to be extremely dependable on higher ratio patters, low volume patterns and later on in longer squads when I need to chase the pattern in.

I don’t know who I have to hug at Storm for reincarnating this beauty, but they’ve made me so happy!

Watch my review here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76UYabAoVyY

Brian Sumner
Storm Amateur Staff
Gold Crown Lanes, St. Johnsbury, VT

TBenner300

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Re: IQ Tour Ruby
« Reply #17 on: March 27, 2023, 09:52:25 AM »
Another IQ??  More like…another IQ!!!!!  The IQ Ruby features the tried and true, highly successful C3 Centripetal Control symmetric core wrapped in the R2S Pearl reactive coverstock.  The 15 pound Ruby has a RG of 2.49 and a differential of .029.  Why mess with perfection…I drilled my Ruby with my favorite layout:  5 x 4 x2.  I’m not sure there is a better line of balls that are more predictable, controllable, and successful than the IQ’s.  On tough sport shots, burnt up house shots, and everything else, you know what the IQ is going to do.  The pearl coverstock provides the clean push through the front part of the lane, the low differential keeps the ball on line through the midlane and provides a smooth, controlled arcing backend to the pocket and through the pins.  When comparing the Ruby to the IQ solid, the Ruby goes about 3 feet longer with a more continuous backend motion.  For me the Ruby is about 3 boards overall less hook than the solid.  If you had the Emerald, it’s time for you to get the Ruby!

chasev97

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Re: IQ Tour Ruby
« Reply #18 on: March 28, 2023, 04:35:38 PM »
IQ Tour Ruby is the return of a familiar favorite: R2S Pearl paired with the Centripetal core. The shape this ball creates is unique. It revs up in the midlane because of the low RG, low diff core, but it stores energy and creates a ton of angle off the spot due to the cleaner cover. This ball compliments other pearl symmetricals in our line by being more angular than the Phaze V but overall still a step down from the Zen. If they are hooking a little bit to start, this ball always gives me a great look that I can get back from anywhere while still keeping the pins low and splitting the 8-9.

Luke Rosdahl

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Storm IQ Tour Ruby Review by Luke Rosdahl
« Reply #19 on: March 29, 2023, 09:36:34 AM »
User Specs:

Left handed, 375 rev rate, 17mph speed, 45 degree angle of rotation, 7 degrees tilt

Layout: 4 ½ x 2

Keywords: SHARP, GLOSSY, QUICK

The IQ Tour Ruby is the latest release in Storm’s Master line, and is simple math.  The Ruby is a reskin of the wildly popular IQ Tour Pearl, AKA the “gold ball.”  The coverstock is a Storm staple in R2S Pearl, polished with the new Reacta Gloss finish, and the core is the famed symmetric Centripetal C3 Control Core.  Together, they create the iconic Storm reaction: rolly and controllable but clean and firm on the backend. 

Once again, I found the Reacta Gloss finish to be much too clean, also resisting oil absorption and wiping off, so I resurfaced it to 1000 on a resurfacing machine and shined it back up with Storm’s step 2 compound, which is what they used to use to get to the old 1500 grit polish, and I ended up in much better shape.  I’ve used the IQ Ruby quite a bit on several different patterns at several different centers.  The resurface/refinishing created a much more consistent and dynamic reaction that’s very reminiscent of other IQ Tour releases.

The IQ Tour Ruby is one of the best rolling balls I’ve ever thrown, unfortunately it tends to be a trap ball for me more often than not.  I’ve not had good history with low RG symmetric balls with R2S Pearl, so this was to be expected, however how good it rolls was not.  The GLOSSY finish creates a clean motion up front before a quite SHARP and QUICK finish on the backend.  It’s a very round and rolly shape, and that’s my favorite type of reaction.  However, the cover is a little clean for how strong and early rolling the core is, so it puts me into angle issues.  It either is a little too early or too long and tends to result in just enough over/under to tap/trap me too often.  However again, it rolls so good, it’s so easy to stay around the pocket with but it’s hard for me to keep from using it OR put it away when it’s not effective.  I’ll continue to use it and carry it with me because it reacts so well that there has to be a use case for it that I haven’t found yet, or some adjustment needed on my part to dial it in.  The reaction reminds me a lot of a weaker Marvel Pearl, and when it comes to the previous (stateside) IQ Tour Pearls, it rolls the most like the original “gold ball,” just not quite as sharp, more length and shape than the Emerald, and rounder than the IQ 30. 
Storm Amateur Staff
Turbo Regional Staff
www.stormbowling.com
www.turbogrips.com
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/LukeRosdahl
Twitter: @LukeRosdahl

PJ Haggerty

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Re: IQ Tour Ruby
« Reply #20 on: March 29, 2023, 03:15:13 PM »
Storm IQ Ruby Ball Review by PJ Haggerty

Another extremely useful option to the Storm line is the IQ Ruby.  Not only does this ball look great from a shelf appeal standpoint, but the performance has also been great.  The IQ series has had a bunch of home runs over the last several years and the IQ Ruby certainly fits that bill.  I’ve seen all types of styles having success with the Ruby and it should be a ball you should add to your arsenal.

I’ve drilled one so far and really like it.  I’ve mapped it out as 5.5 x 3.75 x 2.  This puts the pin in between my bridge/middle finger and a big shift of the CG toward my PAP.  Just looking at the numbers of the ball (2.49 / .029), this tells me the ball isn’t going to flare a ton, but will still dig in the mid lane.  The numbers also indicate this is a ball I’m going to use after a pattern goes through some transition, the stronger balls become too strong, and it’s time to use some shape through the pins.  I scratched the surface lightly with a 3000 pad and the Ruby continues to come off the spot nicely down lane. 

If you need a ball for older lane surfaces, lighter volumes, or something to compliment your Reality, DNA, or Gem, go drill an IQ Ruby!

#StormNation

Bigmike

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Re: IQ Tour Ruby
« Reply #21 on: March 31, 2023, 09:40:18 PM »
I drilled my !Q TOUR RUBY 5 x 3 x 2. I left this one at the box finish to see what it could do but may hit it with a 2000 pad to smooth it out some more when I got USBC Nationals.

The color is very bright but pleasing. I was more impressed by the amount of hook out of the box for a .29 differential ball. If I let off the speed any, it jumped off the friction sharply.

I compared it to the DARK CODE, REVENANT, and NIGHT ROAD. Compared to the Dark Code, it was almost an arrow less of hook. My DARK is lightly scuffed at 2000 so a polished ball is going to get a lot longer. But the RUBY is a good compliment if you are at a place that just blows up middle of game two due to higher rev players. The RUBY pushed right thru all of that burn and still had motion in the back to hit well. REVENANT was a good in between ball to the DARK CODE and RUBY. REVENANT was a little less than the DARK CODE and just slightly more than the RUBY as it started to move a little later but stronger. NIGHT ROAD was longer of course but shaped better when the dry was there and was a little more back end than the RUBY.

Drill up a !Q TOUR Ruby if you want something to have in the bag for a couple of options like just ramming it up the wet/dry line on the dryer side of that line. Or if your big balls start to go sideways too early and you want similar motion but need push thru the fronts.
 
"Tell me Cup, how does a great ball striker like you shoot an 83? Well I lipped out this putt on 18......"

Mike Craig - Storm Bowling Amateur Staff - Westerville, OH

Ben Kight

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Re: IQ Tour Ruby
« Reply #22 on: April 02, 2023, 10:44:04 PM »
I drilled an IQ Ruby before heading to a tournament competing against some pros. I have always liked this line from storm and thought it would be a great idea to punch and take. Little did I know I’d use it for the entire tournament and finish in the top 4. Since that day I’ve rolled it in league scoring 803, 748 ,752. This ball is one of the smoothest motion and hard hitting balls I’ve rolled in a very long time. Our league is bowled on wood lanes so being left is a must the way mine is drilled, 40x5x35. If you have liked the IQ line do not pass on this ball!

k1ngsizepapa

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Re: IQ Tour Ruby
« Reply #23 on: April 05, 2023, 05:44:22 PM »
LANE CONDITION

Length:43
Volume:High
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):THS

COMMENTS

Cover: R2S Pearl
Core: C³ Centripetal Control
Finish: 1500 Polish
RG: 2.54 (14lb)
Differential: .034

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 5 X 5 X 2 VLS

The Pearl IQ Tour is back! The new Storm IQ Tour Ruby brings back the legendary R2S Cover and C3 core. This combination gives you the legendary mid-lane roll and continuation of the C3 core with the QUICK change of direction and SHARP movement down-lane that makes R2S the most successful cover in the business.

I tested the IQ Tour Ruby on our house pattern. My home center uses a longer, higher volume pattern. It definitely has plenty of shape to it, but the volume of oil they need to counteract the friction in the heads is pretty substantial. This can often make transition very difficult to navigate. The fronts still open up pretty quickly but the lanes can stay pretty tight down-lane. Many weeks the balls that see the front of the lane are only in play for a game at most because they begin to read the front too much but won't recover down-lane. The bad part is going to cleaner equipment in the transition often makes the over/under down-lane hard to score on because getting it right a little too soon causes the ball to over-react and not getting it far enough right can cause the ball to skate past the breakpoint because the back-ends don't develop at the same rate. The IQ Ruby serves as a perfect transition ball because while the core will let you see some mid-lane read to avoid the Out-of-Bounds, the GLOSSY finish keeps it from hooking too early when the friction comes out. Of course the core never quits on the IQ Tour Balls so you get unrivaled continuation.

I've found the Ruby to be probably the most versatile ball in my bag and I have been throwing it on everything. It came at the perfect time to begin my tournament season and it is getting a lot of use. I recommend this ball to any and everyone and if it isn't in your tournament bag, you're leaving money on the table.


Lonnie Pemberton
Storm Pro Shop Staff
Vise Pro Shop Staff
Revolutions Pro Shop

Youtube Channel: https://youtube.com/@k1ngsizepapa


PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS

cpollentier

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Re: IQ Tour Ruby
« Reply #24 on: April 10, 2023, 10:26:25 PM »
Storm !Q Tour Ruby
Coverstock: R2S Pearl Reactive
Finish: Reacta Gloss
Core: C3 Centripetal Core
RG: 2.49, Diff: 0.029 (15 lbs)
VLS Layout: 5 x 4 x 2 1/2
Dual Angle Layout: 50 x 5 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 !Q Tour Ruby comes stateside with a bang!  The Ruby is Storm’s latest addition to the Master Line and is an updated version of the !Q Tour Emerald, and before that the !Q Tour Gold.  The Ruby features the R2S pearl reactive coverstock finished with Reacta Gloss, which has been on a number of Storm balls, and the Centripetal C3 core found throughout the !Q line.

The Reacta Gloss finish has been pretty hit or miss for me. With the !Q Ruby, I found the finish was a bit too clean, so I scuffed the surface with a 3000 Abralon pad by hand as I’ve done on most balls that come with a shiny finish.  I’ve been really impressed with what I’ve seen out of this ball.  The !Q Ruby is one of the best (if not THE best) rolling balls I’ve thrown in a long time. Even after touching the surface with an Abralon pad, the Ruby is still quite clean thanks to the glossy finish but reads the midlane extremely well and is sharp and quick on the backend. It’s a reaction shape that my eye really likes – slightly heavy rolling with some pop on the backend that helps it to drive through the pins.  Compared to the !Q Emerald, the Ruby feels a bit stronger both in overall hook and downlane motion.  Unfortunately, I never had the Gold ball, but I’ve heard from others that the Ruby is close in overall reaction.  In my arsenal, the !Q Ruby slots right below balls like the Storm Fate, Revenant, or Phaze V. 

It’s very much a go-to for me on the medium oil house patterns with older lane surfaces.  For tournaments, the Ruby is a ball that’s in play after the lanes have gone through some transition and I need a ball that clean with some shape going through the pins.  I’ve been thoroughly impressed with the Ruby; for a low diff, higher RG ball, it just does the right thing in the right part of the lane.  Slow speed, fast speed, low revs, high revs - anyone looking to add a new pearl to their arsenal should strongly consider an !Q Ruby. Red ball good!!

Chris Pollentier
Storm Products Pro Shop Staff
#StormNation

AlexThomes619

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Storm IQ Tour Ruby
« Reply #25 on: April 11, 2023, 06:59:35 PM »
Ball Specs: Storm !Q Tour Ruby
Coverstock R2Sâ„¢ Pearl Reactive
Weight Block C³™ Centripetal Control Core
Color Ruby
Finish Reacta Glossâ„¢
Layout 50x4 1/4x35 or 4 1/4x4 5/16x2 1/8
Bowler Specs:
Right Hand. PAP 3 1/2 Over 5/8 up
Rev Rate 400
Speed at release 17.5
Review:
The !Q Tour Ruby is the newest iteration of a pearl !Q tour. If you were a fan of any of the previous pearl !Q’s then this will be the ball for you. This features the R2S pearl cover which will be cleaner and produce a sharper motion downlane compared to R2S solid featured on the !Q Tour Solid. This is going to be a great ball for high friction house shots and lighter volume sport shots in transition. For me this is a great ball for when I want to play on top of the friction and be able to stay right longer with my higher speed and rev rate. This is going to be great for all players if you are looking for something that is going to be used on beat up lanes. This ball is going to read earlier than a Hyroad pearl but allows you to have more control because of the lower diff. Get yours now at your local Storm VIP pro shop.
Alex Thomes
#StormNation #StrikingWorldwide #SquadRG #Driven2Bowl

Tarik.joyner.85@gmail.com

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Re: IQ Tour Ruby
« Reply #26 on: April 17, 2023, 10:18:29 AM »
       Plan on seeing this ball everywhere you go!!!!  This has to be one of the smoothest bowling balls I’ve seen going down the lane.   With some surface on the ball i can see it being a first ball out the bag possibly, I’ve used it after throwing my DNA, and this ball lets me get left and really open up the lane without any effort.  This one i drilled the pin out in the ring finger and it gave me a smooth down lane and a strong back end finishing through the pins hard.   This ball is gonna be a big compliment to the original iq tour, me myself it compliments my DNA very much so.   This ball I believe is gonna be everywhere from league to tournament bowler,   Like I said not first ball out the bag maybe but definitely later in the the blocks or on a longer pattern with adding some surface to it possibly 2000-3000 grit to take the shine off the ball.  I’m giving this ball a 5 star.  For everyone that Loved the IQ emerald mixed with the power of the gold IQ this is a perfect mix of it. 

Tarik Joyner
900 Global staffer
17.5 MPH
400 rev rate

cmattingly

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Re: IQ Tour Ruby
« Reply #27 on: May 03, 2023, 09:24:15 AM »
LANE CONDITION

Length: 43'

Volume: 22.5 mLs

Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): THS


COMMENTS

Likes: R2S pearl

Dislikes: NOTHING

She’s back and she’s perfect! 

This is the first ball that I have really liked with the new ReactaGloss finish.  Ruby is obviously the Same IQ Tour Pearl core and cover.  We’ve had Gold, Emerald, and now Ruby.  It’s hard for me to compare this to the Emerald as I drilled all of my Emeralds pin down.  My Golds were all drilled pin up, same layout as the Ruby.  This really does remind me of the Gold ball.  I just have to say it…nothing beats R2S.  It’s my ALL TIME FAVORITE!!

The motion of the R2S Pearl iQ’s are just a staple in the bag.  Clean and control. 

Layout: 5x4x2

Balls getting a lot of play
Infinite Physix: 5x4x2
Eternity: 5x4x2
Phaze4: 5x4x2
Fate: 5x4x2


PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
Casey Mattingly
Storm/RotoGrip Staff
Turbo Regional Staff
Coach's Corner Pro Shop
Alexandria, IN

GRstorm

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IQ Tour Ruby review by Storm Staffer Garrett Richardson
« Reply #28 on: May 03, 2023, 01:49:21 PM »
The Storm IQ tour Ruby is a great piece! Super excited to have another IQ tour pearl back in the bag! Its been long overdue but worth the wait! I did something different layout wise with this one. All my past IQ tour pearls were mostly pin up over the bridge or ring finger but for the Ruby I went pin down under my ring finger. I wanted to try to getting the ball to slow down based on my ball roll with pin down and it probably made it even stronger down lane! I went ahead and change the surface to 3000 abralon to knock off the factory finish to help calm it down and it was too calm so brought it back to factory finish for now.

Out the box I was getting a very strong almost angular back end motion much more than expected for a IQ. Comparing to the IQ tour solid its around 5 boards stronger that I have to move right to keep it in line. But I have noticed even though its strong but if you miss your mark or off your hand it will show on the lanes and can leave wash outs like crazy. During league I am able to bring it out game 2 after using once the lanes transition and can usually stand in the same spot (standing 23) from game 1 due to using a stronger ball which can be a Storm infinite physix or Storm absolute. Gets down further being much cleaner and seeing it strong motion on the back end and keeping the pins low once its hit which is nice!

Garrett Richardson
Storm Amateur Staff

Johnquack

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Re: IQ Tour Ruby
« Reply #29 on: May 09, 2023, 07:29:46 PM »



LAYOUT

50x5x50

Surface: hit with 3000 abralon pad


BOWLER STYLE

Rev Rate: 425

Ball Speed: 16mph

PAP/Track: 5 7/8 right, 2 5/16 down

Two Hander No Thumb


LANE CONDITION

Length: 40

Volume: 20ml

Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): ths


BALL REACTION

Length: 7/10

Back End: 7/10

Overall Hook: 6.5/10

Midlane Read: 8/10

Breakpoint Shape: 6/10


COMMENTS

My absolute favorite ball right now! I loved the IQ emerald as well as the IQ Tour Solids and just cannot put this IQ Ruby down! Its amazing on house shots and looked pretty decent on the few sport shots Ive thrown it on. Its a great blend of control, hook, and length. I am also a fan of anything with R2S on it. For me, its a step down from the stronger or more angular balls like a Phaze 2 or Absolute, but still a step above something like a Hy-Road or Electrify. Obviously it makes a great 1-2 punch with the IQ tour solid, but is just an amazing ball overall and recommend it to everyone whether they are high rev or high speed or both or neither.

hammermike2000

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Re: IQ Tour Ruby
« Reply #30 on: May 14, 2023, 02:31:54 PM »
Layout: 45 x 4 3/8 x 40
The IQ Tour Ruby mimics the reactions of the IQ tour pearls before it, but in the Ruby color and with Reacta Gloss, it has a cleaner and quicker backend reaction.  The Ruby, for me, is the flippiest ball in the Storm lineup currently. It is very clean in the front part of the lane, and turns quickly and sharply when it sees friction. With that comes some positives and some negatives; this ball is amazing when the lanes break down and circling the lane becomes necessary. When the lanes are fresh or the pattern is long, however, this ball can skid too far and become unpredictable. That's when equipment such as the Phaze II or DNA would be better suited.

Mike LeViner