BallReviews
Reviews => Storm => Topic started by: BallReviews-scodaddy21 on September 21, 2015, 11:39:35 AM
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Description: This bowling ball is a lock, Storm Lock! The Storm Lock is nearly lethal with the combination of the RAD-X Core and GI-15 hybrid reactive coverstock. The RAD-X is dynamically designed to create extreme hook and ball motion with it's super-dense materials. This ball will Rev! The GI-15 hybrid reactive coverstock was made for heavy oil. The texture of this ball grips the lane and performs well on heavy oil.
Storm Lock Ball Specs:
- Color: Black Pearl/White Pearl/Crimson All colors do vary somewhat from the picture shown.
- Core: RAD-X
- Coverstock: GI-15 Hybrid Reactive
- Factory Finish: 3000-grit Abralon
- Radius of Gyration (RG): 2.48
- Differential (Diff): 0.054
- ** RG and Diff are based off of 15 lb. balls
- Recommended Lane Condition: Heavy Oil
- Fragrance: Ginger Snap
- A few tiny pit holes in the cover stock of the ball are normal
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LANE CONDITION
Length: 39 Ft and 43 ft
Volume:
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): Sport USBC Nationals and PBA Shark
COMMENTS
Likes: Oh my God! Unquestionably the strongest ball I have ever thrown! I have thrown Nano's, Virtual Gravity Nano, IQ Nano and about all of the other strong balls. I drilled my Lock 3-7/8 x 4-5/8 x 2. With my PAP/speed/revs this was designed to make a strong turn at the break point. It make the turn alright and looked like a bulldozer turning left. It then continued through the pins with an action that I have never seen before. When it hit the pins, it looked like the sweep was pushing them off. I am not easily impressed with bowling balls, but this one blew me away. You gotta get one to experience it for yourself. It is like a whole new evolution!
Dislikes: NONE!
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
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Storm Lock Review by Storm Staffer Joshua Tajiri
Introducing the newest addition to the premier line from Storm, the LOCK! The Lock features a brand new core design derived from a very successful core technology previously used, RAD-X Core featuring RAD (Radial Acceleration Disk) Design. The coverstock used in this ball is brand new designed to grip the lanes. The GI-15, Game Improvement 2015, hybrid reactive coverstock is capable of handling heavy oil very well.
I drilled my lock with a 45° x 5" x 40° Dual angle layout placing the pin above my ring fingers. This is my favorite layout on Asymmetrical balls. The layout will provide me great length with a strong and continuous backend motion.
The Lock rolls best on longer patterns and heavier volume lane conditions. The motion of this ball reminds of my all time favorite Virtual Gravity. I'm able to get the ball to tip even from the oiliest lane conditions.
Based on performance, I give this ball an A+. Based on shelf appeal, the Lock deserves an A+. Great colors and smell and the swirls look good when rolling down lane. The colors remind of me a critical theory.
LOCK yourself into competition!
Thank you for reading this blog and hope you stay tuned for future blogs,
Joshua Tajiri
BowlersDeals.com
Storm/ Roto Grip Amateur Staff
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LANE CONDITION
Length:
Volume:
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):
COMMENTS
Right Handed
52-year-old PBA50 member
PAP:3 3/8 over, 3/8 down
Speed: 15 mph
Rev Rate: 300
Being an asymmetrical hybrid, I was expecting to see a reaction similar to the Sinister (never a favorite) or Crux (very condition specific), only more aggressive due to the improved cover stock. I chose to drill The Lock with a layout similar to two other hybrids, my Crux (asymmetrical) and Asylum (symmetrical). The layout was 5 x 5 x 3 which, given my low PAP (3 3/8 over, 3/8 down), provides ample length and major late recovery.
I left the Lock at box surface, 3000, and prepped my Crux and Asylum back to a fresh 3000 for a true three-way comparison. All three were thrown on a fresh THS (Stone Street) on 15-year-old Anvilane. As one might expect, the smoothest, biggest arc came from the symmetrical Asylum. The Crux gave a clearly longer and stronger read. It had the same hook amount as the Asylum but picked up in the late mid-lane and reacted much more angularly than the Asylum (no surprise there). Now it was time for the Lock. Based on expectations, I moved left 4 and 2. It actually went longer than I expected and then boomeranged hard. A little more length (unexpected) than however much, much more angular than the Crux. It was the total antithesis of the Asylum.
The RAD core created a drastic change of direction but not a short transition, yielding great continuation and energy release through the pins. I was throwing pins around which I don’t do usually. Also had a few messengers. The combination of cover and core surprisingly allows the Lock to read in the midlane but continue to store energy until it comes off the pattern. This piece definitely should be used only with decent volume and/or a longer pattern. I believe the Lock will fit very nicely between its cousins, Roto's Hyper Cell and Hyper Cell Skid. It should also be very complementary to its brother from another mother, the IQ Nano. Side note-This ball did not lane shine much at all. Given my modest speed of 15 mph and previously mentioned low PAP, I have had minimal success with asymmetric balls (with the exception of Hyper Cells) however I really like this piece. I hesitate to think of the shot shape possibilities (can you say "hockey stick?") with something like a 4 x 4 x 1/2 layout. Maybe the next one.
Overall, I would highly recommend the new Storm Lock if you are looking for a very angular, aggressive hybrid ball.
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
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Storm Lock
Layout: 40 X 4 1/4 X 65
Box Finish
Bowler Info:
325 Rev Rate
Speed: 16 - 17 MPH
Pap - 4 7/16 over, 3/8 up
The Storm Lock adds it's name to the list of some of the strongest balls in the market, though it does it with a bit more energy retention downlane than the heavy oil balls of the past. The new Rad X core revs up very strongly in the midlane, but saves plenty of energy to go through the pins the right way. The Lock can easily handle any amount of oil you can throw at it, especially with any surface changes. I would not recommend this ball for lighter oil conditions, though as seen in my review video, the Sky Rocket (which is 4-5 boards weaker overall) is better suited for those conditions anyways.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wf56i1j1dVM&feature=youtu.be
Mike LeViner
Bowlers Mart
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Storm Lock Ball Review by PJ Haggerty
The Storm Lock is the latest addition to the Premier line and features a brand new core and coverstock that’s never been seen before. After drilling two Locks, I’m very impressed so far. A high performance ball that still goes through the pins properly. I’ll discuss the two I drilled below.
The first Lock I drilled is as follows: 5 ½ x 4 ½ x 35 with a hole two inches under my axis. This gives me a strong, but controllable motion. I haven’t been able to use this one when there is a lot of friction, but it’s a great ball to use on fresh conditions or lanes with heavy volume. I’d recommend leaving this one around 2000 or lower to be one of the strongest balls in your bag.
The second one I drilled is one of my favorite house pattern drillings. This one is drilled at 5 x 4 x 70 which puts the mass bias just to the right of my thumb. Right out of the box, I put it on the haus machine @ 3000 with water to create a bit of shine but still keep the initial teeth in the cover. Comparing this to the first one, this Lock is much cleaner and more responsive down lane. I’ve been able to use this one on more lane conditions, including Cheetah as well as house patterns. As I continue to move left, this Lock doesn’t quit which is great.
Go drill one!
#StormNation
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Layout = 65 x 5.25 x 35
I have been throwing the Lock on mostly house conditions but also go to test is out on a 45' Mexico City pattern. Man does this ball remind me of the original Virtual Gravity. Very continuous threw the pins for a dull/strong ball. On the sport pattern, the Lock still had good teeth and got thru the pins very well. Mexico City plays shorter because the volume is lower, but as I kept tweaking across the lane the Lock didn't give up energy and got thru the pins well. The cover does lane shine a little but that only helps to tame the early burn potential down. Finally an aggressive ball that can be thrown on the puddle!
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LANE CONDITION
Length: 42ft and 46ft
Volume: medium and High
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): 42ft house pattern and 46ft sport pattern
COMMENTS
Likes: I like everything I see from the Storm Lock. I put a 65*5*35 layout on it. This ball is very strong in the midlane. It gets through the heads really well and has great continuation down lane and through the pins. On the longer sport pattern it made it very easy to open the lane up with very little effort. On the house shot it just hooks!!!! It was too soon and burning up and it also wasn't too late creating too much entry angle to the pocket. It's very versatile and a great addition to any style bowlers arsenal.
Nick Smith
Storm/Roto Grip Amateur staff member
#stormnation
Dislikes:
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
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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: 50, 5 ½ , 40
The Storm Lock is my new favorite asymmetrical of all time. It’s a clear throwback to Storm’s classic asyms. It revs up very fast and makes a strong backend move. Reminds me a lot of the original Virtual Gravity, so I guess you could say it’s a modern version of the Virtual Gravity.
The Lock is cleaner through the front than balls with the NRG (nano) cover, but with its fast rev’ing RAD-X core, it has no problem picking up in the midlane. The Lock also has a strong backend move. This ball is so strong that it tries to rollout and “lock†up to the pocket on even the most heavy oil patterns. It was easy to keep it going through the pins though. I just had to make sure I kept it in the oil or adjust my speed.
The Lock is the strongest asym on the market, without a doubt. But despite its strength, it’s also the most versatile. It’s the best heavy oil ball you can buy.
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Lock Review:
Layout: 50 x 3 1/2x 60
Surface: 2000Ab with Storm Factory Polish
Lane condition: 41ft THS with ICE oil using the latest FLEX machine and older HPL lanes.
Started with out of box surface and the ball was reacting early and strong in the mid lane, I hand polished it and what a difference that way. The ball read the front and mid part of the excellently, and the reaction off of the pattern was still strong and still produced completely AWSEOME pin carry and keep the pins jumping from side to side. I was able to play pretty straight inside of the track area on the left side of the lane and was able to still get great carry and the ball never labored even with the super heavy volume of conditioner between 15l and 15r that my center uses on the house pattern. This ball takes service adjustment really well and for an asymmetrical ball it is not “over†powering like most of them on the market. I like the color combination because it is easy to see the ball transition of the lanes VERY well. If you need that ball that is strong but steady, then get “LOCKED IN†with the LOCK.
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When the lanes are tight, the LOCK will definitely hook through the high volume of oil! This ball is incredibly strong and continuous through the pins. I started out throwing the ball with the box surface to get a read on how this ball will roll. I found that it has a strong midlane reaction and is very continuous through the pins. The ball is very strong, so I tried putting polish on it to see how it would change. I found that once I did that, I was able to throw the LOCK much longer through the day. Recently, while bowling on Chameleon, I started playing up the track and as the lanes broke down, I found myself still throwing the LOCK while being left of 4th arrow at the arrows. This a very versatile asymmetric bowling ball. If you combine this ball with the Haywire, I think you have a perfect setup for longer oil patterns!!
Go get #LOCKedIn today!!
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Introducing the newest addition to the premier line from Storm, the LOCK! The Lock features a brand new core design derived from a very successful core technology previously used, RAD-X Core featuring RAD (Radial Acceleration Disk) Design. The coverstock used in this ball is brand new designed to grip the lanes. The GI-15, Game Improvement 2015, hybrid reactive coverstock is capable of handling heavy oil very well.
I drilled my Lock 4.25 x 5.25 with a 4†pin buffer, which put the pin in my ring finger. This ball gives me a lot of hook down lane with a great amount of continuation for an asymmetric. The first ball that came to mind when I threw the Lock was the X-Factor, only MUCH STRONGER. If you have an average to above average rev rate, you will need to find some oil for this ball. On house shots, I can get in and hook it in the puddle and not worry about leaving corner pins. The Lock rolls the best for me with the coverstock finish at 1,000 grit with a light coat of polish over the top.
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Right Handed
Ball weight: 15
Rev Rate: 378
Ball Speed: 18.2
Axis Tilt: 7
Axis Rotation: 45*
PAP: 3 3/4 horizontal, 7/8 up
Layout: 40 x 4 1/2 x 35
I decided to drill my Lock for our house shot, hoping to advertise the strength of the ball.
I wasn’t wrong, everyone noticed how strong this ball is. Problem is, it’s too strong for our house shot. The first few nights I rolled it, I had to put it away. I couldn’t move enough to keep it around the pocket.
One league night, I fought with the ball for the entire first game, managing a weak 194. I was fighting with the Lock the whole time. Before the second game, I decided to change balls, but first, I figured, ‘Let’s see what happens if I just dive left and send it as far right as I can…’. First frame, game 2, targeting around 18, I over throw it right into the gutter. Go figure, I hit the puddle we have inside 15 and nothing wants to recover. I figured that frame was toast, so I tried it again, but took my speed down a bit and, using the width of the lane, crushed the spare. After that, I decided to stay with it and try to see how much room that look gave me. After 11 in a row, I realized this ball gave me a tremendous amount of area. I hadn’t modified the cover, so this was the box finish with about 9 games of lane shine.
I have not had an opportunity to use it on any true sport patterns. It is my understanding that the strength of this ball is really on sport patterns where you don’t have to be concerned about the huge puddle in the middle of a THS. I’m really hoping to use the Lock on some holiday tournaments coming up.
This is really more of a first impression, but I like what I see thus far. I’m really excited to try it on a medium-long sport pattern to see what it can do. For the time being, I’ll have to settle for what I’m seeing on our THS.
Anyone looking for something strong that has no issue finishing at the end of the patterns, this ball is it.
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Right Handed
REv Rate - 400
Ball Speed - 17
Axis Tilt - 20
PAP - 4 up 1 1/4
The New Addition to the Storm Premier line is the Lock. The Lock has a new Core design called RAD-X and is wrapped with a new Gl-15 Hybird coverstock.
Thanks to Steve Kloempken for giving me a Layout - 5.25 x 4 x 3.5. The Lock is a very strong asymmetrical ball. Reminds me a little of the Virtual Gravity, with the Lock being a little cleaner through the fronts, thus giving me a little more kick downlane. The Lock is the first Asymmetrical from storm that I am able to use all all 3 games on our league pattern. As long as you keep it in the oil early you will see very good continuation through the pins. Even with the strength of the Lock it is very versatile on all type of oil patterns. Looking forward to using the Lock on Sport and Kegel patterns. Get # LOCKedin
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Layout: 60 x 4 3/4 x 35
This is one of the strongest balls I have ever drilled up. What immediately impressed me about this ball is the move it makes off the spot. When the lock is ready to go left, it is not a subtle move by any means. Not only does this ball read the mid lane, but it still retains enough energy to "snap" off the spot down lane.
The Lock allows me to get left and still retain energy at the pins. This has now become my go to ball for longer or high volume patterns.
For anyone who may have a higher ball speed, or a lower rev rate, this is something you have to consider. For those of you with higher rev rates, or slower speed, this may be better suited for use on longer or heavier volume patterns.
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LANE CONDITION
Length:
Volume:
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):THS
COMMENTS
Likes:First ball out of my bag. I love how smooth and controlled this ball is. It picks up in the midlane and rolls strong and continuous. It does not jump at the break point, just rolls smooth and strong right through the pin deck. If you are like me and do not have allot of hand, this is the ball for you.
Dislikes:I did not like the cover OOB -- I had to take it down to 2k then I added polish. After I did this to the cover, it is perfect.
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
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The Storm Lock is the latest release from Storm, The Bowlers Company. This premier line release has a brand new cover stock called G1-15, which is a hybrid reactive. The core is a new shape also, and it is called the RAD-X core. The numbers on this new core is Rg of 2.48, a differential of 0.054 and an intermediate differential of 0.018. The black pearl/white pearl/crimson color has an attractive look when sitting on the ball rack.
I drilled my Lock with a 3.5x5x2.5 layout. I have used my Lock on heavy longer patterns with good success. My Lock reads the lane earlier and has a stronger hook set motion than a Crux that I have drilled with the same layout. The cover rolls through the front about the same as ERG hybrid on the Crux, but doesn’t seem to lane shine as fast. I have applied as much as 1000 grit abralon to my Lock for the long PBA Badger pattern. The Lock was easier to the spot than my Hyper Cell with the same cover preparation, and didn’t break down the pattern as quick.
I haven’t had many opportunities to use my Lock, as I drilled for a specific purpose, but the times I have been able to use it, it gave me the reaction I needed to stay within my game and repeat shots to make a regional final, and post our league high series on Badger pattern.
The Lock is a strong ball for longer patterns. I would suggest using it for such, or you will have to really polish the ball and probably want to go with a weaker layout than what I chose for my Lock. The Lock will be good for bowlers that have high ball speeds and lower rev rates, or bowlers looking for a true heavy oil ball, that doesn’t hook all in the first 10 feet, even with surface on it.
Update:
Since originally writing this review, I have polished my Lock so I can use it more often. I hit it with Storm step #1, on all four sides. This ball stills digs in, and changes direction with a strong heavy roll toward the pins; but now it does it on less volume of oil. The Lock is a really nice ball that with cover adjustments, can be used on medium to heavily oiled lanes; so much so, I ordered a second one so that I can keep one shined, and have one dull. Thank you for taking some time and reading my review of the Storm Lock. As always, bowl up a Storm!
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I drilled my Lock with my standard layout, pin above my middle finger and CG kicked out 45 degrees.
I can't believe how Strong this ball is. Definitely the strongest ball Storm has ever made. The way it rolls and goes through the pins reminds me of the original Virtual Gravity. Because the Lock is so strong, I can only use it on heavier patterns. I have had success with it on longer patterns similar to the Shark and on house shots or challenge patterns that get real wet/dry. The Lock cuts through the oil and still has enough hitting power to not leave weak 10's.
If you are looking for something strong, the Lock is the strongest ball on the market.
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Lock and load,when i first saw the release of the LOCK storms newest ball to the premier line,i couldnt wait to get my hands on it. Just seeing a pic of it made me think how great this ball would be down the lane with the new cover stock that storm is using, G1-15 one word Amazing,then the Rad-x core. So after drilling this ball and making it part of the new arsenal in my bag, i know now for a fact that i dont have to worry about those tuffer and heavier volume patterns. The Lock hits like a loaded gun and throws pins like no other. I decided to drill the ball using the layout 55x4x45 and wow, love at first site. love this ball and the look it gives me. Left the box finish on it. Dont wait for someone to tell you about it, be the first one to get it and be the one to tell them. Storm LOCK
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Lane Conditions: Heavy Oil
Typical Conditions: Variety of Shots
Type of Lane: All Synthetic
What part of the lane did you play? Third Arrow
Did the ball track out? Normal
Weight of bowling ball: 15
Surface of bowling ball: Factory/Box
What grit was the surface of the ball? 3000
Likes: Easily clears the fronts, retains energy well, low deflection.
Dislikes: None as of now.
Speed: 17.5 mph (off hand)
Rev Rate: 325
Axis Rotation: 75 Degrees
Axis Tilt: 3 Degrees
PAP: 5.25x1 up
Layout: 65x3.75x40
The Storm Lock features a brand new core and coverstock combination and they definitely work together well. The new Rad-X Core is wrapped within the brand new GI-15 Hybrid Cover and together they create a motion Storm has not had in their Premiere Line since the original Virtual Gravity.
Typically these high-end asymmetric bowling balls roll early for me (low tilt bowler) so it makes it more difficult to keep the ball from losing too much energy in the fronts and leaving me shooting corner pins the entire set.
The Lock is definitely different. I cannot believe how easily this ball clears the fronts and retains energy, and then creates enough angle at the break point to drive through the pins well. I haven't been more impressed with a Premiere Line ball in years!
I find the Lock is very versatile with surface changes. With a simple polish right over the box surface I was able to play medium and even some burn squads with my Lock and never had issues with it rolling out. Being able to manipulate the ball so easy with surface adjustments has made the Lock a staple in my bag for tournament play. Its a ball I know I can create the shape I am looking for each and every week.
If you would like to see this ball in action you can see a video on my Youtube Channel:
www.youtube.com/sk8sbowlingreviews
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First off I am not a staffer. I throw what works for my Game, which for the last 10 years has been Roto Grip. I am a Mid rev tweener with slower speed. My PAP is R 4 1/2 ^ 1 1/2 and the layout we chose for this ball is a 4x4 with a 3" pin Buffer which places the pin over the ring finger and MB 3 in r of thumb. I have thrown a number of strong balls in my 25+ years of bowling but I was really impressed with the move the Lock makes, reminds me of a strong Angry Arc. I usually do not like Asymmetric balls but the Lock is the exception. I threw it last night after getting the ball drilled Saturday. Keep in mind I was not throwing the ball like I normally do due to I had a bad blister on my thumb from bowling Sat night. Still managed to put up games of 241, 211, and 196 for a 648. I am starting to really like Storm equipment with throwing 16 due to , unlike other manufactures they keep the differential high in the 16lbs.
Ball Weight: 16 lb
Pin 3 1/2"
Length:38-40 FT
Volume:Med-Heavy
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):THS
Likes: Carry and Strength. I really like the fact that this ball does not seem to burn up like other strong balls do. It continues to turn the corner.
Dislikes: Cant throw all the time
I think this one is a keeper!!! Get Locked in and Bowl up a Storm
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LANE CONDITION
Length: 37-45
Volume: 22-30.9
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): THS, variety of sport patterns
COMMENTS
Likes: Virtual Gravity shape. Keeps the pins low. Very forgiving in the midlane.
Dislikes:
Layout: 60x5x65 (pin under ring, mass bias about 2-2.5 from thumb)
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
I got this ball mostly to use as my strongest ball in college. Seeing a lot of heavy volumes (27+mils), even with a high rev rate, I need free hook from core and cover. The Lock offers me a motion similar to what I got from the Virtual Gravity. The ball revs up fast, but it doesn't hook at my toes. In the midlane, you can see the core fransition as it begins to grab. Downlane, you get the distinct Gravity-type flip. The major differene I see in the Lock compared to the VG is how clean the cover is. GI-15 still tractions in oil, but it is much more usable for my game. The Alpha Crux rolls like a beefy IQ Tour in my opinion. While I like the IQ Tour a lot, having only four balls to use at tier 1 events requires more downlane motion from my strongest ball instead of even more traction up front.