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- COLOR: Teal/Sky Blue/Black
- COVERSTOCK: R2X Solid Reactive
- CORE: Centripetal
- FACTORY FINISH: 2000-grit Abralon
- FRAGRANCE:Aromatherapy - Performance
- RECOMMENED LANE CONDITION: Medium-Heavy Oil
- RG: 16#-2.48, 15#-2.48, 14#-2.53, 13#-2.59, 12#-2.65
- DIFFERENTIAL: 16#-.052, 15#-.050, 14#-.049, 13#-.045, 12#-.035
- DESCRIPTION: With the next Prodigy- the Marvel, the intent is to create a motion that is more aggressive, especially in oil, than the original version. Looking at the success of the original Virtual Gravity™, it‟s clear that bowlers love to see a strong midlane roll that doesn‟t quit on the backend, so that is our goal!
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The storm marvel is a great addition to the storm line. This ball ball will be excellent on medium-heavy house patterns/ sport shots. The drilling I chose is the same layout I have on my invasion. The invasion is about 3-5 boards stronger throughout the lane. But this ball definitly is a step above the prodigy. From my great experiences with storm this ball rolls very similar to the original dimension. This ball reads the pattern early but very smooth an continuous throughout the lane. I only have a few games on the ball on a fresh house pattern 42 ft. I was able to use this ball for about 2 games until the oil got carried down and the ball started giving me over under. I will add onto this review as I roll the ball on some pba patterns and also different house shots and surface changes.
Drilling: 4 1/2 x 3 3/4 x 3 x-hole located in p2
Please check my stats in my profile
TJ TROUT
PBA EAST REGIONAL MEMBER
Vise Grip Staff "choice of champions"
thomasjtrout@yahoo.com
Keglers Pro Shop - Owner (www.keglersproshop.com)
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BALL SPECS
Pin Length:4 Inches
Starting Top Weight:3.12
Ball Weight:15
DRILL PATTERN
Pin to PAP:4
CG to PAP:3
X Hole (if there is one):Low
BOWLER STYLE
Rev Rate:High
Ball Speed:16-18
PAP/Track:5 5/8 over
SURFACE PREP
Grit:O.O.B.
Type: (Matte, Polish, Sanded):2000 grit abralon
Volume:
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):THS
BALL REACTION
Length:Reads Early
Back End:Very good back end reaction
Overall Hook: Throughout the whole lane
Midlane Read: Earlier on wood as apposed to synthetic
Breakpoint Shape:Angular
COMMENTS
Likes:I work at Tom Kelley's Bowling Pro Shop and drilled mine up with 60x4x40. I did so with the intent to conserve some of the energy for down lane, since the cover is solid. This works well for me because this drill actually kicks the cg out enough to need a hole down low. This smooths out the roll for me to see my break point easier. I have thrown the Marvel on wood and synthetic a few shots and on wood it picks up very early. I feel that a more lengthy drill would work well for wood lanes. Now for Synthetic I believe that this ball will work very well for medium to oily lane conditions. Especially for when you need to open up a tournament pattern. I can see this ball going to nationals this year with me.The THS for synthetics I believe this ball will be a great ball to throw. I only threw a few shots on both wood and synthetic. I will give it a good test this wednesday in league.
Andrew Jensen
Storm and Roto Grip Staff
stormbowlingballs.com
rotogrip.com
rotogear.com
kelleysproshop.com
Dislikes:
(AJ) Andrew Jensen
Roto Grip Staffer
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Style: Tweener
Speed: 18 mph
Rev Rate: 434 rpm
PAP: 5 3/4 right, 3/4" up
Layout: 60* 5 1/4" 25*
Surface: OOB(2000 Abralon)
Finding pieces like the Virtual Gravity and Invasion to be too strong for my game even on Sport patterns, I looked into the Master Line for just a strong enough read in true heavy oil that the thunder line could not provide for me until the lanes were breaking down. The Marvel has more than filled that gap for me. As with most house shots, stand left, throw right and watch it destroy the pins. However, getting the chance to test it out on the 41' Scorpion pattern it what made this ball a winner for me.
With the previously mentioned Gravity and Invasion, I was 5-7 boards left and had to make faster, deeper moves to keep it inline. However, with the Marvel, I was able to square up substantially (feet-22, eyes-12, breakpoint 8-10) and make slower, more subtle movements left. In short, I was able to use this ball alot longer. For the higher rev/heavy handed bowlers, if the top of the line equipment is just too much for you regardless of adjustments, then give the Marvel a try!
I stone 8s and 9s like its cool...
www.youtube.com/c6evolution2008
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v690/Phoenix_RsX/Arsenal/
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MARVEL review by Storm Staffer Jeff Richgels
Here is the data on the MARVEL from Storm:
http://stormbowling.com/products/balls/marvel
The MARVEL uses the R2X coverstock, the strong solid reactive that has been so successful in the VIRTUAL GRAVITY, one of my all-time favorites. The box finish is 2,000 Abralon. The Centripetal core is a low RG fast-revving design. Storm says "pro shops love the fact that this core produces similar motion with a variety of layouts."
One of the things missing from my arsenal at the start of 2011 was a rough surface power ball with a control drilling. So when I got my MARVEL, I e-mailed Storm tour rep Chris Schlemer for advice on control drillings.
He agreed with my idea for the MARVEL: Drilling the pin out with my ring finger and putting the CG near my grip center — a drilling I had a lot of success with a few years ago with a SURE FIRE, including winning a PBA Regional.
I ended up with the pin between my grip center and thumb. The pin to PAP is 4 1/4 inches. The unmarked "mass bias" (it's a symmetrical ball) to PAP is 7 inches. The pin buffer is 4 inches.
I've used the MARVEL for two nights of our Sport league on the PBA Earl Anthony pattern at a center with very hooking synthetics; in a singles tournament on the 2010 USBC Open Championships pattern at the same center; and in our City Tournament team event on the USBC White 1 pattern at a center with middling synthetics.
The MARVEL has excelled on the Anthony pattern in our Sport league, delivering series of 761 and 730 when my previous high all season was 680! It allowed me to go fairly direct just to the right of second arrow to start, then move in slowly, with a smooth move off the oil line and a controlled but strong move to the pocket. I had a touch of push and swing to start and as we bowled my swing area increased (with proper speed control). I had 19 of the first 20 strikes the first week and the front eight twice in the two weeks.
More details and a picture of my MARVEL are in my blog here.
http://host.madison.com/sports/recreation/bowling/article_bf33dff0-1ffe-11e0-b5a4-001cc4c002e0.html
The MARVEL also provided me a decent look on the 2010 Open Championships pattern, although my carry was not good. My first game of 203 included a pair of light 7-pins and consecutive solid 8s. I think a stronger drilling in a MARVEL would have been perfect for the pattern, considering that last year in the team event in Reno I rolled 16 strikes in a row with an INVASION with a strong, high-pin drilling. For the record, my carry did not improve with the other nuggets I tried and I missed cut of 841 by about 35 pins in a very frustrating day.
I threw the MARVEL for two shots on USBC White 1, but with just 17 mls of oil (39 feet) a 2,000 Ab surface ball was not the best look – even with a control drilling!
The move at the breakpoint was quick but not snappy and definitely controllable. For such a strong ball, the MARVEL was fairly forgiving of release inconsistencies.
I would like to throw a MARVEL with a stronger drilling and also on a heavy oil house shot before making definitive conclusions, but so far I would say the MARVEL is a great benchmark ball for medium to heavy oil. It seems to be a smoother and slightly weaker than both the INVASION and VIRTUAL GRAVITY and for those folks who want a strong, rough surface ball but found either or both of the INV and VG to be too much, the MARVEL should be perfect.
It's going to be first out of my bag on everything but drier shots like USBC White 1.
The No. 1 source for bowling news, analysis and opinion is my blog, The 11th Frame, which is here:
http://host.madison.com/sports/recreation/bowling/
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LANE CONDITION
Volume: Heavy
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): House Shot (in Vegas)
Likes: smooth transition in the midlane on heavy oil. While others struggled with over under the Marvel had a smooth arc
Dislikes: With how much I loved the Virtual Gravity I really wanted to get this ball since they have the same cover. However it did not come close to anything the Gravity would do. The rev rate just seems alot slower. I put a lot of hand in the ball and I really had to hit the ball to get it to move at all. The carry is excellent but the ball movement isnt what I expected at all. It had no recovery when the spot was missed into the sauce.
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BALL SPECS
Pin Length: 3 1/2
Starting Top Weight: 3oz
Ball Weight: 15lb
DRILL PATTERN
Pin to PAP: 3 3/8
CG to PAP:
X Hole (if there is one): p2.5
BOWLER STYLE
Rev Rate: 275
Ball Speed: 16mph
PAP/Track: high
SURFACE PREP
Grit: OOB 2000
Type: (Matte, Polish, Sanded): Matte
LANE CONDITION
Length: 42-46
Volume: 40-50 ul
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): sport
BALL REACTION
Length: med
Back End: fast action and strong
Overall Hook:
Midlane Read: late
Breakpoint Shape: storng arc
COMMENTS
Likes: great revving ball for my style. I drilled it with a 3 3/8" pin 35 deg to val wth a 1 3/4 pin buffer.
it reacts sweet to heavier ol and due to my lack of revs, the pin placement give me a great quick backend reaction that i need to drive the deck. greaat ball, very versatile.
Dislikes: none
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
Edited on 1/25/2011 at 12:09 PM
Edited on 1/25/2011 at 12:12 PM
Edited on 1/25/2011 at 12:13 PM
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LANE CONDITION
Volume:24.25
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): Kegel Challenge Series: Beaten Path
Likes:
Dislikes:
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLXJPlyCc7Q
Pepe
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Hand: Left
Ball Speed: 16-17mph
Ball Weight: 15lbs
PAP: 5 left 7/16 up
Degrees of Tilt: 17
Layout: 3 x 5 x 1
The Marvel is a stronger version of the Prodigy. They both have the same core but the Marvel has the old Virtual Gravity cover which makes the Marvel much stronger. It has a smooth look down lane but has a strong finish at the end. It gets through the heads well with the 2000 abralon surface and reads the mid lane pretty fast but still has a continuous motion on the backend. It is a good ball for the fresh for league or a tournament. It reminds me of the Virtual Gravity but smoother because of the core dynamic. I bowled in Dublin for the Earl Anthony PBA tour stop and use the Marvel on certain pairs when I needed a smoother look down lane. It’s a MARVELOUS ball!
I have a video on facebook and youtube. If you have any questions about the Marvel email me at grichardson7716@aol.com.
Garrett Richardson
Storm/Vise Inserts Amateur Staff
Al Louie's Pinole/Diablo Valley Pro Shop
www.facebook.com/grstorm
www.stormbowling.com
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LANE CONDITION
Volume: THS - heavy in the mids.
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):
Likes: The midlane and backend.
Dislikes: None.
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
I picked this ball up yesterday and threw it in a couples league. This ball gave me look, that I have not had in sometime. I had the Virtual Gravity and Invasion and really didn't like them. I live in the Cleveland Ohio area and the Virtual seemed to be the ball to have the past few years for many bowlers. The Invasion, just about everyone I spoke with said, it was too weak and didn't live up to it's expectations. My driller said the test ball hooked more than the one's he sold, he said it was 50 + and many of his customers had the same issues and complaints.
The Marvel, it gave me great mid-lane with a continuous backend. The entry angle was outstanding, it had a look/move that I have not seen/thrown in sometime. There was no stop to it, the motion and drive when it entering the pocket was excellent. The pins not only exploded, but get pushed down and around, I was simply amazed. I just wished the pattern would of been a little heavier and flatter, so I would really know. After the second game, I went to my Rip-r and it was about three boards weaker, compared to the Marvel. I just wanted to compare it to something else.
I usually play outside, up the track, but with the Marvel, I had to move in a little and play a little deeper. This ball never gave up on me, if anything it was too powerful, started to leave a couple four pins.
I was very leary getting another Storm Ball, but initially this changed my mind. If the cover lasts and doesn't get ball death, this would be a good ball for all types of bowlers.
It was drilled 4 x 4 of my pap, pin slightly below ring finger, used a double weight hole.
Hope this helps.
Edited on 1/31/2011 at 5:29 AM
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The latest release in Storm's Master line is the Marvel. The Marvel is a solid version of the Prodigy. The Marvel uses the same core as the Prodigy with the R2X cover that was used on the Virtual Gravity.
The Marvel that I'm reviewing was drilled while I was competing in the PBA Tournament of Champions. I had a Prodigy that really came in to play around game 3 or 4 after the lanes had broken down. I drilled the Marvel exactly like the Prodigy hoping to be able to use it for the first couple of games and then switch to the Prodigy.
It is drilled with a 5" pin to pap distance with a 2 1/2" pin buffer. This puts the pin directly above my ring finger. The cg is 1" from my grip center line and required no hole.
I did get the reaction I was looking for. It hooked about 2' sooner and about 3 more boards for me and that was my intent. The ball motion was similar, a nice even arc, but the Marvel is stronger throughout the entire lane.
If you are a fan of the Prodigy and would like a ball that reads the midlane sooner with more total hook the Marvel is the ball for you.
Tom Hess
Storm Regional Staff
Vise Staff
Etonic Staff
Edited on 2/3/2011 at 9:14 AM
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Using the dual angle layout, I drilled the Marvel 50/5/70. This layout places the pin under my middle finger. I placed the weight hole in the P2 position.
So far I've only seen great things from this ball. When using it on a fresh pattern, the Marvel gets through the heads well, reads the midlane great, and then with the 5" pin to PAP still gives me great movement on the backend. I am very impressed with the way it goes through the pins. It seems like everytime I get to the pocket I carry, but you know sometimes that is the hard part.
The use of the R2X coverstock, from the Virtual Gravity, with the Centripetal core is a great pair.
I can't wait to use it more often.
Rob Haverstock
Storm/Roto Grip Pro Shop Staff
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LANE CONDITION
Volume:Med to Heavy
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): Scorpion and Shark
Likes: The New Storm Marvel compliments the Prodigy to a tee. With the R2X solid cover wrapped over the centripetal core, the marvel definitely picks up a lot sooner then the Prodigy. When the prodigy seems to be a hair to long, the marvel will take care of that problem. My axis is 4 3/4, and 1 inch up. I put my favorite layout on this ball just like I did on my prodigy which was a 45x4x45. I kept it out of the box and this ball is definitely a beast. I highly recommend it for the medium to longer pba or sport patterns. Bowl Up A Storm!!!
Dislikes: None
Erik Ramos
PBA Storm Regional Staff
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Storm Marvel
Pin 5” from PAP (Under fingers)
CG 5” from PAP. (just below midline)
Box finish with slight polish
This ball is made for the fresh! It reads the transition from oil to dry perfectly without the super aggression you might expect from a heavy oil ball. This is essentially a Prodigy with a solid R2X coverstock and the Centripetal core, a fast revving low rg symmetrical core with a pretty good flare potential. I tried this ball on about 4 different conditions and had the most success and comfort on the shorter to mid-length patterns with a decent volume in the heads. I was somewhat limited in the layout I could use in this ball but decided to go with a stacked 5 X 5 under the fingers (No extra hole). Whenever possible, I prefer to try balls without extra holes first and then fine tune them with extra holes as needed. I slightly polished the box 2000 Abralon surface with Reacta-Shine to give me just a little extra smoothness in the front part of the lane. My initial thoughts were that this ball doesn’t hook as much as I thought. HOWEVER, and this is a big HOWEVER, the Marvel does exactly what it was designed to do…it reads the transition and it focuses on the midlane more than the backend. This is key, because it is a great ball to start the block with while the backends calm down some and the heads are juiced up. I’m typically seeing the Marvel lose some steam on the backends around the end of the second game and have been able to go right to a Prodigy or a Reign Supreme and stay in the same part of the lane. I recommend this ball for the fresh, with a decent amount of oil in the front part of the lane. Early friction will cause this ball to check up too soon. This is a proven coverstock (Virtual Gravity) and a pretty high energy core, so it does need some help getting down the lane. This is not the strongest ball Storm makes (Virtual Gravity Nano), so don’t be fooled into thinking this ball is going to tear through the oil. But, that is exactly why this ball was designed. It does what it is supposed to do.
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The Marvel is one of the lastest releases in the Master line from Storm Bowling Products.
The Marvel has the R2x coverstock used in the Virtual Gravity and the same core as in the Prodigy.
A winning combination for the bowler who wants the ball to roll sooner in the midlane with more controllable hook on medium to heavy oil patterns.
I have used my Marvel on various conditions and lane surfaces and have found it to be very bowler friendly until
the lane conditions no longer support its superior talent.
My Marvel was 15' 3oz with a top weight of 2.5 and a pin of 3 to 3.5. I used a drilling of 3.5 by 4 with the pin about 1 inch below my ring finger. The cg is kicked out slight and is located just above the thumb. An extra hole was needed.
This drilling gave me everything that all the ad's had promised.. Another benchmark ball from Storm..
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Hello all, thanks for reading and as always, please feel free to ask questions and comment back. Today we are reviewing the new Storm Marvel. A great addition to the Storm family re-introducing the Virtual Gravity Coverstock on the same proven core that was a part of the engine for the Prodigy. What does this mean for you????? The power of the Virtual Gravity in a no quit early rolling continuous symmetrical core. This review is based on the video here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oblg5iCDjpc
The layout we used was 55 x 4.25 x 45 which is also the layout we have in the Prodigy shown in the video as well. As you can see from the video the Marvel starts out with a great mid-lane roll in the heaviest oiled part of the lane. If you plan on a tighter line this ball reads the end of the pattern easily without skidding through the breakpoint. As you push the ball further outside you can see the ball is much smoother around the corner but its tendency to continue through the breakpoint and through the pins is second to none. This ball is 4 to 6 boards stronger down lane than the Prodigy. The Prodigy gets through the front part of the lane much straighter and also maintains a strong backend arc. My overall move (feet and target) is 5 and 2 to the left when taking out the Marvel allowing me to open up the lane pattern.
Even though the video is show on a THS, the best Sport Patterns for this ball for me is the Chameleon, Scorpion and Viper. This ball allows me to maintain my ball speed on those patterns and not have to tweak speeds too much. I prefer throwing the ball harder and this ball allows me to do so. A great addition to my arsenal and it will be for you as well.
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LANE CONDITION
Volume:
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):Kegel Main Street
Likes:Very strong even rolling ball with great continuation through the pin deck! It reads the midlane well and isn't a skid/flip reaction, but very smooth throughtout the entire lane!
Dislikes: none
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOSI used the dual angle layout of 50deg x 3-7/8" x 35deg. This placed the pin above and right of my ring finger. The ball came with a 3 to 3.5" pin and I placed a weight hole on the P2 location. This ball reminds me of another Storm ball that I really liked, the Dimension only a little stronger. I love the smooth even roll of the Marvel and it's very controllable. It has great hit and pin carry. I used this ball tonight in league and with 3 open frames I still managed a 695 series! Another great release from the people in Utah! Thanks for reading, Bruce
"Train a child up in the way they should go and when they are old they will "Bowl Globally", "Bowl the world over", be "King OF THEM ALL" and not turn from it!
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Storm Marvel Review by staff member Billy Trudell.
The Marvel is Storms newest master line release using the 2.48 RG, 0.050 differential Centripetal core found originally in the Prodigy. Wrapped around the Centripetal core is the same successful coverstock that was found on the original Virtual Gravity, the R2X solid. Storms overall intent of this ball was to give the driller a very user friendly design, which maintained reaction and consistency into the pocket at a variety of layout options in heavier volumes of oil. This in turn is great for all bowlers. The centripetal revs up strong nice and early and mixed with the R2X coverstock delivers a strong midlane read and a smooth controllable ball reaction at the break point.
The bowling ball that I received came with a 4 inch pin to cg. The ball also had 3.38 ounces of top weight as well. The lay out I decided to go with was a 5x4 lay out. The pin sits about an inch above my ring finger and the CG is sitting about an inch and a half or so from my mid line. I weighed the ball and realized I was going to need a hole. There was about 1.5 ounces of side weight. So after drilling I went and threw it on a fresh house shot. I have not drilled the weight hole yet how ever. After a few shots and seeing how the ball was reacting and knowing I needed the hole I came to the decision to use a hole on my axis point. The hole size I went with was an inch wide. I found after the hole my Marvel handled the mid lane strong and gave me a strong controlled breakpoint that constantly got to pocket and hit the pins back, the ball didn’t deflect pins all through the air.
Overall the marvel is a perfect ball for all types of bowlers who are looking for a ball that can handle medium to heavy volumes of oil.
My specs-
Hand- right
Rev rate- 300
speed- 16mph
PAP 5 ¼ right by ½ inch up.
Billy Trudell
Storm PBA regional staff
Drilling Tech Next Level Proshop
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See profile for stats.
Lay Out: 5 1/4" from PAP at 45* PAP angle and 70* VAL angle. Dual angle measurement would be 45/5.25/70. The pin ended up below my fingers on my center line and there is a weight hole in the P3 position (about 2 1/2") down the VAL off my axis point measurement.
Surface: I have left it at box finish which is 2000 abralon. I just drilled it so the only surface change will be to clean the cover and then 2000 abralon to touch up the surface.
Purpose: I was trying to duplicate a reaction that I previously had in a pin-down Dimension. I like a stronger asymmetric ball on flatter/sport patterns in the medium to longer range and especially playing towards the outside part of the lane. The Marvel's reaction was very close to what I had in that Dimension. This will be nice for me to have as an heavy oil-control ball and may end up being a go-to ball at this years USBC's in the team event since the posted pattern looks to have more volume up front (> 27 ml) this year and is also in the 41' range.
Lane Condition Observations: I have mainly thrown this on our house shot. I got a pair on the fresh and had to stay inside of the oil line by 4-6 boards and not get this into the dry too early or puff tens would occur. This is no surprise as the Dimension that I wanted to replace, did this on our house shot also. I went deeper and went to a stronger hand position for me to play and this ball turned into an animal. I could get it back from the third arrow to the first arrow and just blew up pins when it hit flush
Other Ball Comparisions: I also put a couple of other balls in play to compare it to. I pulled out a Nomad and Theory that I have drilled in the last 30 days to compare to. The Nomad has been a go-to league ball lately as it matches up well at our center. The Theory is something I drilled to duplicate a reaction in an Invasion that I had. Compared to the Theory, the Marvel was definitely earlier for me. The Theory was more controlled off the spot and very smooth.
Final Thoughts: If someone is looking for a more aggressive control type ball, this should fit the bill. The motion is very controlled which is typical for an asymmetric. This would also be a nice step up for a player with a Storm Prodigy that liked that controlled move it made and needed a little more teeth on slightly oilier conditions.
"Tell me Cup, how does a great ball striker like you shoot an 82? Well I lipped out this putt on 18......"
Mike Craig - Storm Products Pro-Shop staff -Columbus, OH
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LANE CONDITION
Volume:
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): USBC Blue #3 pattern (longer & tighter)
Likes: As a fan of the prodigy, I could not wait to receive the solid version- Marvel!!!! Just like the Prodigy, this ball rolls and with the change in cover from pearl to solid- I LIKE!!! As a bowler firm with my speed, the Marvel handles oil without a fear. The core and cover combo not only handle more oil up front but the ball is not giving up the backend motion needed to create the angle to carry. On USBC blue #3 pattern on Brunswick Pro-Lane this ball really shined. While many of my competitors were fighting for reaction, the Marvel came out with the strike light "on". I went on to lead the 6 game qualifier as the lone bowler in a field of 80 breaking the 220 average mark and I won the final match without incident.
The Marvel is simply MARVELOUS!!!!!!
Dislikes:
Chris Johnson
Storm Amateur Staffer
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The Marvel utilizes the same cover found on the Virtual Gravity, R2X solid. The color of the ball has a nice blend of teal, sky blue, and black. The core has a very similar shape to the Agent line of bowling balls, and yields numbers of 2.48 Rg, and .50 diff, in 15lbs. This is the same centripetal core found in the Prodigy.
The 2 Marvels I am going to review both have found homes in my regular arsenal. The first Marvel has the pin under ring at 5”, with a 25 degree angle from PAP. This layout allowed for a 1” balance hole, 2” deep. The idea behind this drilling was to give me a ball that spins up really fast, so as to control the change of direction on short higher volume oil patterns. The Marvel did not disappoint. As a matter of fact, I have been able to use this ball on league conditions with very fresh back ends, the USBC nationals pattern (2010 and 2011 versions), and also the scorpion pattern from out. Leaving the ball at its 2000 grit abralon finish allows for the perfect complement of heavy roll in the front of the lane, as well as controlled motion down lane.
The second Marvel has the pin over ring (5 ¼”) with a 45 degree angle from PAP. I placed a ¾” balance hole 2 ½” down the VAL from PAP, drilled 2 ½” deep. I have also kept this ball at its box finish. This Marvel still produces plenty of roll throughout the lane, but has a much more defined backend move. The great thing about this Marvel is the amount of flare produced. A high flaring ball will allow for fresh cover stock to be meeting the lane, thus increasing the longevity of the surface prep applied to the ball. A bowling ball with tighter, fewer flare rings, will lower in RA values quicker, because the same surface of the bowling ball is coming into contact with the lane surface more often.
Using this ball on a heavily oiled top hat house condition proved to be no problem for the Marvel to pick up, and go through the pins the right way and carry. As the oil broke down, I simply chased the shot in, with no worries of the ball quitting too early. This Marvel was about 4 boards stronger ( most of which was in the backend of the lane) than a Prodigy sharing the same drilling.
The Marvel is a great addition to the master line of bowling balls from Storm. It gives the consumer a great fit between the asymmetrical ball motion of the solid cover stock, premier line of balls, and the symmetrical Prodigy and Reign of Fire bowling balls.
Tommy Gollick
Storm Regional/Pro Shop staff
Red Crown Pro Shop Harrisburg, PA
stormbowling.com
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LANE CONDITION
Length: 39 ft
Volume: 29 ml
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): THS
COMMENTS Dual angle layout on my Marvel is 50 x 5 x 50 with a P2 hole. I have taken it to a 4000 abralon finish and have found it to be a perfect balance of power and control for me on our house shot. The ball has a tremendous read of the midlane as advertised and is very consistent without much over/under even as the shot dries up. I feel this is one of the better symmetrical cored balls available right now.
You will find this cover to be very versatile as well as you experiment with surface changes. This is definitely my favorite ball right now and I have seen my average creep up little by little since purchasing the Marvel. Way to go Storm!
Likes: Power, control, surface versatility, midlane read, continuous backend, pin action
Dislikes: None
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With only a 2Fast and 2Furious, I was a sinking ship drowning on the heavier oil patterns. I was called the after-lunch specialist at tournaments since I was great on drier patterns once the oil had broken down, while everyone else was struggling to get their balls to push down the lane. But before lunch with a heavy, fresh layer of oil, my balls were the equivalent of spare balls. So I got a Marvel to change that, which it certainly did.
All the way to the midlane, the Marvel would react a bit like my 2Furious, moving a smidge, showing it's chomping at the bit to carry to the pocket in the back end. But on the heavier patterns, my 2Furious just wouldn't be able to reach the pocket. The Marvel fits this heavy-oil niche perfectly, snapping to the pocket beautifully. Often I throw a little too far right of my mark. If I were throwing my 2Furious, it would be a goner. But somehow, the Marvel manages to find enough energy to make it back to the pocket, surprising me every time. My pro shop actually told me that I'm “not allowed” to use it on lighter oil patterns because of the hook potential it keeps stored up. Thanks to the Marvel (combined with the 2Furious), I can compete on any oil pattern.
Josh Longerbeam
UF Bowling
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The Marvel is the first upper level ball that I have ever purchased. It was absolutely the best decision and choice of ball that I could have made. Taking 2 years off, getting back into bowling is difficult. With the addition of the Marvel to my collection, I have been able to improve to a level higher than I was before my time off. I have been able to experiment with hand positions, target lines, and use of the ball for a strike/spare. The Marvel is a wonderful ball for any bowler looking to improve their game to a more constant level. As I am still learning how the ball works and reacts, I can’t exactly pinpoint where my game has improved, but I can tell that I am becoming more consistent by learning the read the ball on the lanes. I would definitely recommend the Marvel if anyone asked, and am beyond grateful to Storm for the opportunity to purchase and use the equipment that I have gotten.
Tera Demkowicz
UF Bowling
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I purchased this ball to use out of the bag for heavier oil. I’m a
left-handed bowler throwing 14 pounds at about 13 mph and was drilled
pin up. I've consistently designated it's use to go long with smooth
arc on the back end and is used almost always as my morning ball. This
ball goes pretty cleanly midlane, with swift back end reaction. I've
never used a ball that has been able to easily be switched from my
comfort zone (2nd arrow) to farther outside if the situation called for
it, always coming back. By far one of the best investments in Storm
equipment I have made.
Melanie Gonzalez
UF Bowling
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Location: Enterprise Park Lanes
Pattern: Modified House Pattern, Oil to 38 feet, buff to 43, Approx. Ratio 6:1
Surface: Brunswick Pro Anvilane
Bowler Stats: PAP 4 5/8 straight across, 375-400 RPM,16 MPH
Layout: Dual Angle Layout 50, 5 ½, 35 (pin above and between fingers, MB out from thumb 1 inch, hole on the axis)
The Marvel is an early rolling, smooth, strong ball from Storm. I bowled on a very flat house pattern and the Marvel got to the breakpoint with ease and made a very predictable move. Compared to the Prodigy the Marvel rolls considerably sooner and creates more roll off the breakpoint. I was able to play 15 to 8 with a very predictable and continuous motion at the breakpoint. Where the Prodigy has a tendency to go past the breakpoint and come in behind the headpin, the Marvel will blend out. The Marvel cover is very strong and should handle a large to medium volume of oil. On some medium or broken down patterns the Marvel might roll too strong in the front part of the lane and will lose energy in the back. On longer patterns, flatter patterns, or high volume patterns, the Marvel will be a great match for a strong and predictable motion.
Casey Murphy
Storm Staffer
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LANE CONDITION
Volume: Heavy
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): THS
Likes: Hooks a lot!
Dislikes: hooks to much lol
The marvel is a lot stronger that the Prodigy I drilled mine the same as my prodigy with a 5” low pin close to a Rico Drilling and this ball hooks at my feet, I still have not found enough oil for this ball, however it is great for a lower rev rate player.
Thomas Bosquez
Storm Southern Regional Staffer
PBA Member
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I purchased the Marvel so that I would have an aggressive ball that hooks early. It appealed to me because I thought it would have smooth roll at the break point, something that I’ve been looking for in a bowling ball. The ball still seems to save more energy than I wanted on the backend. I’ve also noticed that it doesn’t seem to have much drive through the pins and I have to be very accurate with the ball, even on a house shot. Still a good ball but I would not suggest the drilling pattern that I have.