BallReviews
Reviews => Storm => Topic started by: BallReviews-scodaddy21 on November 22, 2023, 09:20:31 AM
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As Storm embarked on their latest venture in the collaborative innovation world, they approached the legendary Jason Belmonte with a burning inquiry: Which Storm bowling ball should stand the test of time? Without hesitation, Jason's response was, “Obviously, the Phaze II. TX-16â„¢ is one of the best covers of our time.â€With unanimous agreement, Storm set forth on an exciting new endeavor. This marks a historic milestone as they introduce the TX-16â„¢ coverstock as a Pearl Reactive coverstock for the first time in the illustrious Storm bowling ball collection with the Journey high-performance ball. This exceptional creation is a true chameleon, catering to bowlers of all styles, and its primary mission is to grant bowlers absolute dominion on medium oil conditions, where lane conditions can shift rapidly.Storm can hardly contain their enthusiasm as they anticipate the moment you take this extraordinary ball along on your personal bowling Journey!
Color: Deep Indigo/Smoke/Turquoise
All colors do vary somewhat from the picture shown
Core: F-8 (14-16#)
Coverstock: TX-16 Pearl Reactive
Finish: Reacta Gloss
RG: 2.52 (based on 15# ball)
Differential: 0.053 (based on 15# ball)
Recommended Lane Condition: Medium Oil
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Orientation: Right Handed
Rev Rate: 400 RPM
Speed: 16-17 MPH
PAP: 4 ½ over and ½ up
Location: Enterprise Park Lanes, Springfield MO
Pattern: High Volume THS
VLS Layout:
Layout 1: 5 x 4 x 2 ½ (pin above bridge)
Layout 2: 4 ½ x 4 x 4 1/8 (pin below bridge)
The Journey is a new Pearl Belmo ball. Fate core and new cover, pearl version of the Phaze 2 cover! I think this makes the Journey much cleaner and smoother than the Fate. The Fate used a VERY strong version of the Rex Pearl cover and the result was honestly VERY over under for me. The mid RG core with the Rex Pearl just made it the ultimate cliff allergic ball! But the new TX-16 Pearl stays online much better and doesn’t respond to friction quite a hard as the Fate. This allows me to use slightly better angles to the pocket and use the Journey longer and more often! I can actually use the Journey when they’re fresh because it stays online and doesn’t over jerk as much. Love this new Belmo ball!
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Ben Lapointe
5.25 x 4 x 3
1 1/4'' up and 4 7/8 over
The NEW Storm Journey is Belmo’s newest addition to the signature line and MAN is this ball amazing. This is the first time we have truly seen a “pearl Phaze IIâ€. This ball provides excellent mid lane read without sacrificing all its power on the back end. I find this ball can be very good from the outside of the lane on heavier volumes but does not quit when you need to get in and sling it. I think this ball is great when the Phaze II is burning up just a little and the lanes have not broken enough for the Fate. I think this ball is going to be around and successful for a long time. Don’t forget to bowl up a Storm!!!
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Storm Journey ball review
VLS 4 1/2 x 3 7/8 x 2 7/8
This ball is one that surprised me right away. I don't normally use a ton of symmetrical pearls on house shots, especially when not burned up. This ball is stronger than I expected, making it much more versatile for me. I can use it on the fresh playing straight and keep moving left and it never loses the carry.
Compared to the Fate, the Journey is sharper off the spot and much more continuous on the back. Definitely need to be farther left. I've also found it to be a good complement to my Blackout. When the Blackout gets into that 4 pin or 10 pin type reaction, I can get the Journey to the same part of the lane and will continue through the pins better. This ball will be useful on many patterns for a variety of styles.
Dave Adams
Storm staff
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The Journey is a new symmetric ball in Storm’s Signature line, and is Belmo ball number 7. It features the TX-16 Pearl coverstock, which is the first time we’ve seen the pearl version of the Phaze 2 cover. The core is the F-8 core from the Fate, which comes in at a 2.52 RG and a .053 differential in 15 pounds. The Journey at first glance instantly reminds me of a stronger version of the Frantic or Rocket. I’ve used the Journey on several different conditions with a couple different surfaces. The factory gloss is too inconsistent and sensitive for me, so I resurfaced it down to 1000 on a resurfacing machine, then finished it lightly with Storm’s Step 2 compound. The result was a ball that’s exceptionally clean for the first 30 feet before transitioning into a sharp tumble down lane.
The Journey is kind of a wild experience. Like the Fate, it doesn’t really rev much, so it gives the appearance of loping down the lane. The tumbly shape and medium high cover strength keeps it stable before then delivering a unique shape on the backend. The shape typically creates smoother and slower ball reactions, but the Journey is very sharp on the backend. However if you back your rev rate off or increase your speed slightly, you can really straighten out the ball path. Also like the Fate, the reaction is somewhat ambiguous. The Fate acted clean and sharp, but also got a lot more traction and actual hook than it looked like it was, plus could be very controllable on the backend. The Journey is a quite a bit different shape than the Fate, but retains the same jack of all trades feel, it can be both very long and sharp, but early and smooth depending on physical adjustments.
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The Storm Journey is the newest ball in the signature series line. The Journey features the same F8 core found in the Fate but is now wrapped in TX-16 pearl. The Journey for me is earlier and rounder than the Fate. I see it as being a better option after my Summit starts to straighten out too quick but my Fate and Night Road are too quick.
Review Video:
https://youtu.be/En4M__glTmM?si=K200dNaJObzhXTpD
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NEW BELMO BALL! Those that know me, know how much I have like the 2 of the last 3 Belmo Releases (Trend and Trend 2) so you can imagine how excited I was to get my hands on the newest addition to the Belmo line. The Journey did not disappoint! The Journey Features the F-8 core that was previously in the Fate with the all new TX-16 Pearl cover which is the pearl version of the Phase II cover. The Journey reminds me a lot of the Trend 2, it is a little stronger overall than the Trend 2, but it has a very similar shape. Just as all Belmo balls have done, this ball digs downlane and it is able to take surface changes very well. I have seen the most success with this ball after hitting it with a light 3000 pad (as I do on most pearls). This ball will be traveling with me for the foreseeable future! You are not going to want to miss out on this new release, head to your local SPI proshop and get yours today!
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Storm Journey Ball Review by PJ Haggerty
The newest addition to the Signature Line at Storm is the Journey. This is the latest collaboration between the masterminds in Utah and one of the best of all time to throw a ball, Jason Belmonte. After having success with the previous collaborations like the Timeless, Trend, and Fate, I was excited to see what the Journey could provide. When making the Journey, the team decided to use one of the best coverstocks the game has seen while also making it pearl. The coverstock is the same as the Phaze II (TX-16) and the core is the F-8 to help with attacking the pins from different angles. This combination has created the Journey and it’s been great so far.
I’ve drilled one and really like it. It’s mapped out as 4 ¾ x 4 x 2. This is a tall pin above my ring finger and the CG is just below my ring finger grip. I’ve noticed a ton of length with an extremely quick response time. I’ve had the most success when I’ve had to open up my angles and create a decent amount of shape with the Journey. With the layout I used and my rev-rate, I’d have a hard time keeping that ball in front of me and online. I can easily see using the Journey when the pattern stretches and bigger cored balls like the Magic Gem, DNA, and Eternity Pi get tired.
If you need a ball that creates a ton of shape down lane, compliments a bunch of other balls in the Utah lineup, and is another creation from some of the best in the game, go drill a Journey!
#StormNation
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Lane Condition
Length: 40
Volume: Medium
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): THS
Comments
The Journey is the new collaboration with Storm and Belmo. I have thrown it recently in tournaments and league with a lot of success. Multiple honor scores, multiple wins already and the ball was just released. With the TX-16 cover which has been so good in the past, I knew this ball would be good along with the compliment of the F-8 Core, makes this ball a rolling money maker! It definitely surprised me with how much it gets down the lane. But it sure boomerangs back to the pocket! Go get one today!
YouTube Review
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ko5bFFwKu-A
Social Media
Click This Link Below For All Social Media :
https://linktr.ee/ethanfiore300
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Bowler Stats
Ethan Fiore
⭐PBA Member⭐Roto Grip Staff⭐CoolWick Staff⭐Tournament Director⭐
Right 2 Handed
Rev Rate: 500
Speed: 17.5
PAP: 4 1/8 up 7/8
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Storm Journey
Cover: TX-16 Pearl Reactive Color
Core: F-8 Symmetric Core
Color: Deep Indigo/Smoke/Turquoise
Scent: Kiwi Cantaloupe
Review:
The next iteration of bowling ball in the Belmo line is the Journey. After the Fate the Journey had some big shoes to fill and in my mind the Journey filled those shoes and then some. This ball features the same core that was in the Fate wrapped with a new cover to create a new reaction that we have not seen before. The cover being the same used on the Phaze II with an additional pearl additive added to the compound to make the backend motion that so many players desire in today’s game. The thing I really like about this ball is the versatility that it offers, being that the ball can be used right out of the bag in, or when you see the lanes begin to change you will still be able to use this ball due to that pearl additive. This ball takes really well to surface adjustments as well, I have thrown it out of box, 4k fast, 2000 sanded and even at 500 grit. The ball has performed at all of the various surfaces I talked about and was still able to give me the reaction I was looking for from the ball.
Will Tefft
Storm Staff Member
will@parklanes.net
www.strombowling.com
#Stromnation
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The Journey features the F-8 core from the Fate. This core creates length and responsiveness downlane. When paired with REX pearl, the result was a long and angular ball that was great on friction and across the pattern. The Journey features the TX-16 Pearl cover wrapped around this core. TX-16 has no nano additive, but is stronger overall than REX Pearl. The result is a smoother, slightly earlier cover that creates a more versatile ball overall. Journey doesn't need quite as much friction as the Fate to pick up correctly, and isn't quite as angular overall. Journey is a strong, mid-RG pearl ball that has enough teeth to use on fresh, but stores enough energy to get across the pattern.
-Chase Valenzuela
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Journey - Ball Specs
Cover Stock: TX-16 Pearl Reactive
Finish: Reacta Gloss
Core: F8 Core
RG: 2.52
Differential: 0.053
Intermediate Diff: N/A
Review
The Storm Journey is the latest Jason Belmonte signature ball. The Journey features the TX-16 Pearl Reactive combined with the proven F-8 core. To me the Journey is stronger version on the IQ pearl. The Jouney’s optimal length and backend reaction allows me to use this ball from game one to game three in league without any loss in performance due to lane transition. The high RG 2.52 and differential at 0.053 makes this ball great on typical house shot patterns and on the transition for sport patterns. The Journey is a must have for league and tournament bowlers. Order one from your local pro shop today! My ball reviews are posted on YouTube channel Stanley Waite.
Stanley Waite
900 Global Staff Member
Dover, DE
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LANE CONDITION
Length:
Volume:
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):
Length:43
Volume:High
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):THS
COMMENTS
BALL:
Core: F-8
Cover: TX-16 Pearl Reactive
Finish: Reacta Gloss
RG: 2.52 (15lbs)
Differential: 0.053 (15 lbs)
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 3/4 Pin to Pap 1 7/8 Pin Buffer
The newest signature release in collaboration with Jason Belmonte is called the Journey. It features a pearlized version of the TX-16 cover featured on the Phaze II wrapped around the F-8 core that was used in the Fate. This combination creates the most hook on a Belmo ball to date.
I tested the Journey on the house shot in my home center. The Journey surprised me a bit with how well it blended out the wet/dry. I didn't expect the pearl version of the TX-16 cover to retain so many of the characteristics that I loved about the Phaze II. The Journey sees the mid-lane without over-reading the dry but still has a very continuous roll off the back-end. It definitely creates more shape down-lane than the Phaze II but it's not a jerky motion where the ball wants to stand up all at once and get forward.
I was also very happy with how long I could stay in the Journey as the lanes transitioned. It responds very well to hand position changes, allowing you to manipulate motion of the ball down-lane. This lets you square the ball up and play closer to the friction on the fresh and when the lanes really start to hook, you can easily move in, get your hand around the ball and see it come off the friction down-lane and still get great pin action.
The Journey is one of the most versatile balls I've seen. As a Pro Shop Operator I love a ball that allows me to tailor reaction to the needs of my customer and this ball covers a wider variance of bowling styles than anything on the market.
Check out my full ball reaction video on Youtube: https://youtu.be/escoB1MIlgI?si=kk_c66ink167HLwh
Lonnie Pemberton
Storm Pro Shop Staff
Vise Pro Shop Staff
Revolutions Pro Shop
Youtube Channel: https://youtube.com/@k1ngsizepapa
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
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COMMENTS
MY SPECS:
PAP: 4 7/8 R 7/8 UP
REV: 350
MPH: 15 @PINS
LAYOUT: 5 3/8 x 4 1/4 x 2 1/4 VLS
Test Pattern: 42' THS
The Storm Journey bowling ball is a true game-changer, offering bowlers a remarkable blend of versatility and continuous performance on the lanes.
One of the standout features of the Storm Journey is its remarkable versatility. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a casual bowler, this ball adapts effortlessly to varying lane conditions. The ball's advanced core design and coverstock technology ensure that it smoothly navigates through different oil patterns, making it a reliable choice for a wide range of bowlers.
The Journey's versatility is particularly evident in its ability to handle both dry and oily lane conditions. During my testing, I was impressed by how the ball maintained its predictability and control, allowing me to make subtle adjustments without sacrificing overall performance. This adaptability makes the Storm Journey a fantastic choice for bowlers looking to enhance their skills and tackle different challenges on the lanes.
The term "continuous" perfectly encapsulates the performance of the Storm Journey. The ball delivers a consistent and reliable reaction from the moment it leaves your hand to its impact with the pins. This attribute is a game-changer for bowlers seeking a ball that provides a smooth and controlled hook motion throughout the entire lane.
The core design of the Storm Journey ensures a steady and predictable roll, making it easy to read the lane and adjust your game accordingly. The ball's coverstock complements its core, contributing to a strong mid-lane read and a continuous backend reaction. This combination results in a ball that doesn't quit, maintaining power and precision from the front to the back of the lane.
In conclusion, the Storm Journey bowling ball lives up to its name by taking bowlers on an incredible journey of versatility and continuous performance. Whether you're facing challenging oil patterns or striving for a consistent roll, this ball is up to the task. Its adaptability and reliable motion make it a must-have for bowlers of all skill levels. If you're searching for a ball that seamlessly transitions through different conditions while maintaining a relentless performance, the Storm Journey is your ticket.
Visit your local Storm VIP Proshop today.
#Stormnation #SquadRG #GoGlobal
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Storm Journey Specs:
Cover stock TX-16 Pearl Reactive
F-8 Core (Symmetrical)
Finish Reacta Gloss Polished
Layout 4.5 x 4.5 with 2†Pin Buffer
Bowler Specs:
Right Hand. PAP 5†Over 1/2 up
Rev Rate 300. Tilt 20.
Speed at release 17
Review:
The Storm Journey is the latest ball in the Signature line. This is a glossy beautiful ball that smells great! The scent of Kiwi Cantaloupe makes me think I’m eating a breakfast of fruit on the beach. The color of this ball is such a pretty mix of purple, smoke and turquoise. When I first tested the Journey it seemed to go a bit longer than expected. I did not alter the box finish. I kept rolling the Journey and after I guess what would be a break in period this ball just kept getting stronger and better. I see this with some covers from time to time. Now that this box finish Journey has about 30 games on it, it rolls strong and is forgiving. The Journey is a very predictable and continuous ball. For me it has become a medium to heavy condition ball. I do have to swing this ball more than my IQ Ruby or Electrify. The hit and carry of the Journey has been very good for me. I have drilled the Journey for traditional thumb in and two hand bowlers and the response has been very positive for both. I recently drilled my second Journey and dulled it to 2000 before rolling, and the ball read sooner, was just as predictable and moved a bit more in the oil. Total boards stayed about the same on both balls if I was bumping off the dry on our house shot. We used the box glossy surface for the video. I will use the Journey when I need to cover more boards than my Ruby. This ball is stronger than my IQ Ruby and under my slightly polished Magic gem in total hook. This may become the best Belmo ball yet.
Summary:
The Journey is strong and versatile.
The hit and carry is very good.
The Journey looks and smells great!
Glenn Wendel
Storm Pro Shop Staff
gwendel@comcast.net
www.stormbowling.com
Video Link:
https://youtu.be/Q7xZkH24Njg?si=VoUEtMGvDhzgTLx5
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Drilling pattern: 4 3/8 x 2.5
Pin position: Above the bridge
PAP: 4.5 over and 1 up
Test pattern: THS
This is my first foray in to the Belmo collaboration line with Storm and so far, pretty impressed. I was mostly intrigued by the TX-16 pearl coverstock due to the overwhelming success of the solid version in the PHAZE II. I drilled this ball very similar to my very first ZEN looking for something comparable. What I got was similar overall hook, but a different motion. The ZEN liked to rev up a little quicker and be a touch tamer downlane for me. The JOURNEY was quite a bit cleaner through the front/mid lane, but significantly quicker and sharper off the breakpoint. The JOURNEY gives me a different look than the other pearls in my bag as I have drilled a number of balls specific to the drier house patterns in our area but I do believe the JOURNEY will be able to be used later in blocks or on patterns with a little bit more volume where that extra pop is needed. The JOURNEY is great complimentary ball to some earlier rolling solids (XPONENT, for example) when they start to roll far too early or get lazy downlane. Looking forward to getting a lot more use from the JOURNEY now that tournament season is in full swing!
Brent Ritchie
SPI Pro Shop Staff Member
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Storm Journey
Coverstock: TX-16 Pearl Reactive
Finish: Reacta Gloss
Core: F-8 Core
RG: 2.52, Diff: 0.053 (15 lbs)
VLS Layout: 4 3/4 x 4 x 2 1/2
Dual Angle Layout: 45 x 4 3/4 x 40
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 Storm Journey is the latest collaboration between Belmo and Storm Bowling. It features the F-8 core that debuted in the very successful Storm Fate. However, what’s new for the Journey is the cover – TX-16 pearl reactive. We haven’t seen TX-16 on a ball since the Phaze II, and this is the first we’ve seen it in a pearl form. On paper, this is a ball that produces a motion that’s clean with a defined and continuous backend shape.
I’ve been able to throw the Journey on several league conditions and a couple tournaments. The Reacta Gloss finish has been pretty inconsistent for me on most of the releases to date, so as often the case I hit the surface with worn 2000-grit Abralon pad by hand just to get a few scratches on the surface and tame down how quickly the ball responds to friction. The Journey retained its overall clean ball motion even with a touch of surface, but the core/cover combo creates a tumbly and loping shape in the midlane. Even so, the Journey still remains stable and when it hits friction at the end of the pattern it makes a defined motion toward the pocket. The backend motion isn’t as sharp as the Virtual Energy Blackout, but it’s certainly more defined than the Fate. The Journey does seem to fair well to different hand positions and adjustments – you can take hand out and play straighter or use a stronger position to create more hook.
Given the tumbly midlane roll, the Journey is best used for when I want to play the track area or in toward third arrow. It doesn’t feel like a pearl ball that I can move way left with, however, and create really big angles – I think there are better options for that like the Blackout. By comparison, the Fate creates a stronger midlane read and a more rounded backend motion; the Journey is sharper on the backend. The Journey is a great compliment to stronger balls like the DNA or even the Phaze II, and is a good step up from the !Q Tour Ruby. The Journey fits nicely in the middle of Storm’s catalog and certainly carries the torch as the next Belmo ball.
Chris Pollentier
Storm Pro Shop Staff
#StormNation
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I drilled up my STORM JOURNEY with a layout of 4.5 x 5 x 1.5. This puts the pin about an inch above my ring finger with the CG towards the thumb. Before I even put holes in it, I took it down with a 1000 pad and then went over it with Storm Rough Edge as me and Reacta Gloss do not get along very well on longer pieces.
I put this one up with my pearl balls that I use when I see a medium to medium dry pattern or house on burnt panels. I threw it against my EXOTIC GEM, BURNER SOLID, and VIRTUAL ENERGY BLACKOUT. Compared right away to these, the JOURNEY was longer thru the fronts other than the BURNER SOLID which was close to the same length. The EXOTIC and VEB were too much ball compared to the JOURNEY but the JOURNEY with just a little more surface would be the ball down option. The JOURNEY and BURNER SOLID had similar motions and will play well off each other. The motion on the JOURNEY was smooth but playable. It let me get closer to the dry and didn't overreact off of it and still rolled well enough to carry well.
Put this one in your bag if your looking for a smoother piece that clears the fronts better than the bigger pearls but are not ready to get to the lower end balls like HUSTLES or ELECTRIFYS yet.
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Journey • Storm • Signature
Core • F-8 Core
Coverstock • TX-16 Pearl Reactive Finish •Reacta Gloss
Weight • 15 lbs. RG • 2.52 Differential • .053
Layout • 4 3/8 x 4 3/4 x 1 5/8
Tester PAP • 5†R, 5/8†D Tester Axis Tilt • 9° Testers Rev Rate • 250
Test Pattern • 42' THS (Typical House Shot) • Modified, Kegel Stone Street
Storm and Jason Belmonte have once again redefined innovation by releasing The Journey. The Journey is an excellent combination of the F-8 Core and the TX-16 Pearl reactive coverstock. And when the time is right, the Journey proved to be a striking success that scores results. So, let's take a closer look at the new Storm -Signature Series -Journey.
The F-8 Core was designed for control and adaptability, so I put this F-8 Core to the test as a straighter, low-rev player. I found the F-8 Core to have a smooth, well-balanced roll like you would see with a benchmark-type look. However, the F-8 Core also had a good amount of bite and snap off the pattern. And I was surprised at the amount of angularity the F-8 Core produced even with my down and in style. Lastly, the F-8 core rolls vigorously through the pins and has a strong continuation that straighter players like me depend on. So, it is safe to say the F-8 passed my test quite well.
Now, the TX-16 Pearl Reactive took me a bit to adjust to. Being a high-speed player, I struggle with out-of-the-box Reacta Gloss finishes, which was my initial reaction to the Journey. However, I liked that the TX-16 Pearl cover takes surface adjustments well and brings results with it. I sanded my TX-16 Pearl with 2000-grit Abralon. And I followed that up with Storm's Rough Edge Polish, which opened a whole new dimension to my Journey. The TX-16 read the mid-part of the lane with a fluently smooth traction and had a clean and predictable motion off the pattern. And as the THS conditions started breaking down, I could trust the TX-16 Pearl to blend out the spotty and over–under conditions we tend to see late at night. So, it is clear to me that with the correct surface to fit your game, the TX-16 Pearl Coverstock will deliver results you can trust.
In conclusion, the Journey by Storm and Jason Belmonte is another Signature Series winner. And with the Journey, you won't need five hundred plus revs or bowl like Jason to score with it. The Journey was built for adaptability to fit many styles of bowlers. So, stop in your local Storm VIP Pro Shop today and have your Journey drilled up and surfaced to match your game. Then, be ready to light it up in tonight's league! Your scores will thank you!
Rick Klimowicz
Storm Products Pro Shop Staff
Roll the Ball Pro Shop
Penndel, PA
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I realllllyy like the new Journey. It's a perfect house shot ball. With the combination of the symetrical weightbloc, TX-16 coverstock and the reacta gloss finish, this ball give a great lenght and a big angle at the end. I drill mine with pins over my finger.
It's the first ball that I try during league night. This way, I can know if I need to go for a stronger ball like Virtual Energy Blackout or the 900 Global Sublime. Also, if there is too strong, I can go down with the IQ tour ruby or 900G Zen Gold Label. This ball is versatile for most of the bowlers and many different style. The Journey give lot of control on medium conditions and it's really easy to go left (for right hander) more and more and the ball continu to enter on the pins with the right angle and a big hit !! It's maybe not the perfect choice for heavy oil condition for me but for sure, a trustable choice for all other conditions !! I will never hesited to have this ball on my tournament arsenal. #stormnation
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LANE CONDITION
Length: 42 Feet
Volume: 26 ml
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): THS
COMMENTS
Layout: 5 x 3 x 2 VLS
Let’s get this out of the way first - the best smelling ball ever released by Storm and it’s not even close! I didn’t have any idea what kiwi-cantaloupe would smell like… but it is AMAZING! The Journey is a new collaboration between Storm and Belmo matching the F8 core from the Fate with a pearlized version of the TX-16 overstock from the Phaze 2. The ball is very glossy out of the box and looks as great as it smells. I have thrown the fate with box surface, 1000 then Reacta-Skuff (about 3000 grit), and 1000 then a light coat of new Rough Edge compound. I’ve found that the 1000-Rough Edge finish gives me the best blend of length and responsiveness from the ball and makes it much more versatile and forgiving. It’s not going to be the first ball out of my bag, but it has done an excellent job as a mid-to-late game 2 and game 3 ball.
My Specs -
Speed - 16 mph,
Rev Rate - 315.
PAP 5 1/8 x 7/8 Up.
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
Youtube Link: https://youtu.be/LU_UgwCKdH8
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Journey. The new Belmo Ball. Journey features the F8 core. The Proven F8 core feture in the Phaze and Fate. Honestly out of the box I was not happy it was way too long and way too flippy for me. Did not really have a spot for me. I decided to hit it with a 2000pad and wow this is what I was looking for length aggressive and continuous on the breakpoint. This ball like the original Phaze seems to get better and better with more games. This is def the best Belmo ball to date and will get a lot of play in league and sport shot later in the transition.
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Ball Specs:
Storm Journey
Reacta Gloss TX-16â„¢ Pearl Reactive
Weight Block: F-8â„¢ Core (Symmetrical)
Color: Deep Indigo/Smoke/Turquoise
Review:
We have been big fans of all the signature releases from Storm. They should be appreciated well beyond just the Belmo name being slapped on the ball. The Journey is wrapped with the same core as the Fate but what really excites us is the new cover. The TX-16, as seen in solid form on the Phaze 2, is a benchmark shape that really suites many bowlers and styles very well. We drilled this ball with our normal layout: tweener, 350-375 revs, 16.5mph, layout of choice is 4x4x2 (pin is above bridge). Compared to the Fate, you can expect the Journey to be cleaner in the front and store more energy towards the back. To us the Fate was more rounded and much earlier. There seems to be a bit more continuation in the Journey for that reason. The Journey is that first out of bag benchmark shape that most people look for. It also smells incredible and the colors really pop on the wall. Check out your local pro shop today and don’t forget to bowl up a Storm!
Kyle, Joel, & Dean Johnson
Storm Pro Shop Staffers
joel@parklanes.net
kyle@parklanes.net
dean@frontierfuncenter.net
www.stormbowling.com
#StormNation
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Layout 4x3x2
17-18 mph tweener
THS 43ft
Out of box surface
What an amazing piece! Fate core with the pearl Phaze II cover, this ball is a winner from the get go. Amazing shelf appearance as well.
A great ball for length with stronger back end motion, I had no trouble getting the Journey down lane on our 43ft house pattern. I do have to play a little deeper at the arrow (18) than I do with say my TNT Infused (15) but overall very easy length with continuation thru the pins. Shot 300 out of the box the 1st night with it. If your Fate isnt quite enough, the Journey should be the move to make to get the ball around the corner. This is another fine addition to the Belmo line.
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Layout: 45 x 4 1/2” x 40
I really liked the versatility and predictability of the Fate, the previous ball in the Belmo line, and the Journey takes that overall motion and increases it. The Journey slides through the fronts easily, but has enough midlane roll for it to be able to handle a decent bit of oil. The down lane motion can be described as a hard arc, but not quite flippy. It is a newer iteration of the classic “Storm ball motion” - strong backend, but user friendly. I love where the ball fits in the overall SPI lineup – the 900 Global Sublime has more mid lane and is overall stronger, but the Summit Peak is cleaner and flippier. Those three balls cover everything from medium-heavy to to medium-lighter oil conditions.
Mike LeViner
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I'm a two handed 17.5-18.5 MPH 450-500 RPM bowler. Jason Belmonte's new ball the Storm Journey is a really great addition to the Storm family. Its very clean through the fronts but still reads the mid-lane very very well for a symmetrical pearl. I personally drilled this ball to be used when the lanes dry up and I need to move far left. It works amazing for me later in the block. I will definitely be using this ball for a while. Definitely recommend getting you one TODAY!
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Storm Journey
Cover: TX-16 Pearl Reactive Color
Core: F-8 Symmetric Core
Color: Deep Indigo/Smoke/Turquoise
Scent: Kiwi Cantaloupe
Layout: 4 3/4 x 4 1/2 x 2
The newest addition to the signature line is the Storm Journey. A product of the most recent collaboration with Jason Belmonte and Storm. The thing that stood out the most to me with the announcement of this ball was the cover. They took one of the best coverstocks they have created in the TX-16 (Phaze II), and made it pearl. With this coverstock and the F-8 core (Fate), they have created a monster.
I knew this ball would have a pretty strong backend reaction and it did not disappoint with that. However where this ball surprised me most was the midlane response. Bowling on a lot of wet/dry conditions in my area, it is tough to get ball motion from a pearl ball in the middle of the lane. The Journey has no issues with this and started to roll up before have plenty down lane to still carry a corner pin. Even when missing right a little early, the ball would pick up but not overreact off the dry. For me this ball is slight ball down from the Virtual Energy Blackout, as it does get down the lane slightly more before it starts to hook.
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The new Belmonte ball in his signature line is the Storm Journey.
I drilled mine with a 4 1/2 x 5 x 2 Pin Up. I hit the surface with 1000 pad and added Storm Step 2. The Journey uses the same core in the Storm Fate, but with a new cover
TX-16 Pearl Reactive. The TX-16 is used on the Phaze 2. Man does a coverstock make a difference, the Fate uses the REX Pearl which is real clean and long, versus the TX-16 pearl is a little early and digs in the midlane. I can see me using the Journey when I want to control the pocket, as its a ball to keep in front of you. For i couldnt open the lane up with the Journey as it was just a little too early for my roll.
When i bowled on a couple sport patterns with more volume the Journey provided a much better ball reaction. To me the Journey is probably the strongest Belmo ball released yet.
Brian Watson
PAP - 3 7/8 up 1 1/4
MPH - 16-17
RPM - 400
TILT - 17
Storm Pro Shop Staff
Brunswick Pro Anvil lane
House and Sport pattern 45ft
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Journey
Cover: TX-16 Pearl Reactive
Core: F-8
RG: 2.52 RG
Diff: 0.053
My layout: 4.25 x 2
The Journey is a Pearl symmetrical ball that I see working best on medium to med-dry conditions. The pearl TX-16 cover is definitely clean. It does a great job of getting through early friction without getting off line too quickly. The high rg 2.52 core compliments the clean cover very well. The length of the cover and the taller core translates to a medium-quick response motion down lane. I have found that the Journey is best when the lanes transition past big or medium solid balls like the Phase 2 or Tour Dynamix. It allows me to get more shape without seeing the early friction.
Bowler stats:
Left handed
PAP: 5 x 1/4up
Rev rate: 400
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LANE CONDITION
Type: Various Sport and House Patterns
COMMENTS
The Storm Journey is another collaboration between Storm and Jason Belmonte. The Journey features F-8 Core that results in a medium RG value which isn’t offered very often within high performance bowling balls. The pearlized TX-16 coverstocks add to the versatility of this bowling ball. For those who liked the Trend 2, I think this ball might be a good replacement.
Historically, I didn’t have much success with bowling balls with Jason’s logo on them, so I drilled my Journey with my usual, higher flaring pin-up layout: 65 x 5 x 30. Even with the cleaner version of this coverstock, it seems to me that the Journey “read” the lane quite early and strong. This earlier “read” does result in a smoother, less angular motion when the bowling ball encounters friction. For my liking, the Journey feels a little bit “in-between”, meaning that it won’t stay on-line easy because of the layout and the coverstock, but it isn’t angular enough for more open angles.
I do believe that this bowling ball can serve higher rev-rate bowlers or bowlers that tend to have higher axis of rotation very well. I will definitely bring the Journey with me next time I bowl in league because I think wet/dry conditions is where this ball would work the best. If I was to drill another Journey, I would try a slightly weaker layout that produces a little less flare so that that bowling ball could stay on-line a little easier.
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Bowler Stats:
Speed: 15.5 MPH
Rev Rate: 275 RPM
Tilt: 3-5 degrees
Axis Rotation: 60 degrees
PAP: 5 ⅜ over 1 ¼ up
Layout: 5 X 3 X 3 VLS
Video Review: https://youtu.be/VQ886Xb8VBw
The Journey is the latest release in the Signature series and features the same F-8 that was in the previous Jason Belmonte release the Fate. This time the ball features a new cover, the TX-16 Pearl. It is the first time Storm has used this cover and is formulated from the TX-16 solid which is on the fan favorite the Phaze II.
I decided to try a new layout on this ball to find a truer pin down layout I can use on patterns. By having this layout the ball is earlier and smoother in the front of the lane and has a nice continuous motion off the dry. I am able to play to the right on the house shot longer but once the heads begin to go and I have to move into more oil the ball becomes too clean and angular.
In my arsenal this ball fits in between the Sublime and the Summit Peak. As the PBA 50 begins I will be planning to use the Journey on shorter patterns (36’-39’).
Pete Dohan
Storm Bowling Amateur Staff
#StormNation
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LANE CONDITION
Length: 43'
Volume: 22.5 mLs
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): THS
COMMENTS
Likes: CLEAN- best scented ball EVER
Dislikes: none, really!
CLEAN!
The Journey is a ball that absolutely glides through the front part of the lane. With the Pearl version of the Phase 2 cover, TX-16, This thing creates unique motion from the brands of Storm. I really see this ball being a difference maker as the fronts go away. I don’t ever see the early friction with the Journey and to be honest I didn’t with the FATE either. That may be a characteristic of the F-8 core, found in both, but the pearl TX-16 will get after it down lane and easily get the corner’s out! We own a wood lane center and this ball has become a staple in not only my bag, but A LOT of my customer’s bags as well!! I can’t forget the scent of the Journey…it’s my new favorite: Kiwi Cantaloupe!!
My Layout is: 5x5x2
Balls Currently getting play:
Absolute Power: 5x4x2
Summit Peak: 5x4x2
Zen Gold Label- 5x5x2 (pin up) box surface
Zen Gold Label- 4.5x4.5x3.75 (pin down) 3k surface
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
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The newest collaboration between Storm and Jason Belmonte is Journey. This ball features the TX-16 coverstock in a pearl version for the first time ever. The core is the F-8 Symmetric core. The RG is 2.52 and the differential is .053 at 15 pounds. I drilled mine with my usual pin above the bride (5x4x2). This ball is a great medium oil volume ball. The pearlized TX-16 coverstock finished with Reacta Gloss, provides easy push through the front part of the lane. The core provides the strong Storm backend finish that you are accustomed to. When compared to the last Signature release, the Fate, the Journey starts up about a foot or two sooner and has a stronger backend reaction. The Fate was a great ball, but for me on some shots it seems to wiggle and miss the spot a bit, you don’t see that with Journey. So if you were a fan of the Fate, but would like to see a ball that hooks a little earlier and little stronger backend finish, Journey is the ball you are looking for. This ball will be great on house shots, and a good tournament ball when there is a little friction to the right. It will allow you to open your angles and feed it to the dry with confidence that it will get back to the pocket
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I am a higher speed, rev challenged 220-250ish, high tilt, high rotation, and super low track player. I drilled my Storm Journey 5.5 x 3x 1.75 using Storm VLS and my axis point is 3 ¼ right and 7/8 up. The Storm Journey is a symmetric pearl reactive piece that I really like medium volume patterns. The medium RG and big diff gives this ball medium to high flare potential when I need something to give me more motion control down lane. Overall, this ball is very versatile and pairs well with the Phaze II when you need a pearl coverstock.
My YouTube video of the ball can be found at: https://youtu.be/9GswFi8FtI4?si=uCtpovZ8myDvTh7q