BallReviews
Reviews => Storm => Topic started by: BallReviews-scodaddy21 on May 31, 2018, 10:17:15 AM
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Storm has upped their game with the Storm Match Up Black Pearl bowling ball. They have changed up the core from the original Match Pearl ball to offer more flare potential and more hook with the Stinger 2.0 core. The idea behind this change was to get more entry angle and better pin carry. This core is wrapped with Storms successful Reactor coverstock. The finish from the original Match Up Pearl was adjusted to 2000-grit Abralon to allow the ball to handle more oil better.
Color: Black
Coverstock: Reactor Pearl Reactive
Core: Stinger 2.0 Core for 14#-16# (Modified Centripetal Core for 12# & 13#)
Finish: 2000-grit Abralon
Recommended Lane Condition: Dry-Medium
RG: 2.57 (15#)
Differential: 0.035 (15#)
Fragrance: Berry Splash
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Ball Review:
For those light to medium oiled conditions or lanes in transition the new Match Up Pearl will be a great option to have in your hands.
Don't let the Match Up Pearl confuse you with it's abralon finish (2000) as beneath that finish is a pearl coverstock that will get the ball clean through the fronts yet provide a smooth motion in the mid-lane.
I tested this ball on pretty beat up conditions as there was a lot of open play prior. I had to get pretty far left and throw it to the dry; roughly board 7 as my break point.
For a low end ball the Match Up Pearl hooks. This is in part to its sanded (matte) finish.
This ball will be good on the light to medium light fresher conditions or lanes transitioning when your symmetrical solid and sanded bowling balls are too aggressive for the lane conditions. The Match Up Pearl will help blend out the pattern with its 2000 grit finish and mitigate that over/under reaction.
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The Match Up Black Pearl features the same specs found in the original match up pearl, but with a few key differences. The ball comes out of the box with a 2000 grit finish, and is almost solid black. When compared to the rest of the line, this ball is much earlier and rounder overall because of the lower grit finish. For anyone that is a fan of the Rotogrip IDOL, the motion I see out of the Match Up Black Pearl is almost a carbon copy from an arrow farther right. I see myself using the Match Up Black Pearl first out of the bag in league, or changing the surface to 2000 + Polish and using it at the end of a long Tournament block. Be sure to order your own for the June 15th release! #StormNation
Review video: https://youtu.be/8sDRCMmMOgU
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Storm Match Up Black Pearl
Layout: Pin 4.5 inches and below the ring finger, with a weight hole below mid-line
Rev Rate: 300 rpm
Testing information: 41 foot THS (medium to light volume)
Bowling Center: Fulton Bowling Center
Kegel Machine – Brunswick Anvilane
Ready.Aim.Fire – the Match Up Black Pearl is here. This ball is ready to make an impact. The combination of the Reactor Pearl Coverstock, the Stinger 2.0 core, and the 2000 Matte finish is a good match. I know there are a lot of bowlers just like me that like to see a solid color ball going down the lane so the Match Up Black Pearl will fit your eye.
I drilled this ball with a pin down layout with a low weight hole. The rings on the track flare were relatively tight and the bow-tie was at the top left edge of my middle finger. The total flare was about 4 inches.
We compared the Match Up Black Pearl to the Match Up Hybrid (a very under rated ball in its own right) and my all time favorite, the Hy-Road. I could stand and play very similar lines with both Match Ups, but the Hybrid was more angular. The difference in layouts could have been part of the reason. The Match Up Black Pearl definitely had a different motion though, which was expected and a good thing. The pearl coverstock of the Match Up Black Pearl created some hold area to the left and the matte finish helped blend out the motion at the end of the pattern without losing a strong motion on my misses to the right. My Hy-Road was one and one right of the Match Up Black Pearl and more angular also.
In my opinion, a THS is not when the Match Up Black Pearl is going to shine. I can see myself using this ball when I need a ball to roll up a little sooner to create a better angle to the pocket. The Match Up Black Pearl will also be useful when the back-end of the pattern is critical.
This is another great value ball by Storm. The Match Up Black Pearl provides a good amount of hook and hitting power for the price. #Stormnation
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LANE CONDITION
Length:40'
Volume:23uL
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):THS
COMMENTS
Likes: Great low price lot of HOOK... and great smell
Dislikes:None
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
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Storm Match Up Black Pearl
With the all-new Match Up Black Pearl, we have adjusted the surface to better handle more oil in most environments. At 2000-grit Abralon, this is the first Match Up with a sanded surface. Reactor Pearl gives clean length, but still blends out the pattern with its matte finish.
Color: Black Pearl
Coverstock: Reactor Pearl Reactive
Weight Block: Stinger 2.0
Factory Finish: 2000 Abralon
Flare Potential: High
Radius of Gyration (RG): 2.57
Differential (Diff): 0.035
Intermediate Differential (Diff): N/A
Fragrance: Berry Splash
Since joining the #StormNation I have been focusing on the bigger balls. Since it's the summertime I am getting my bag fully stocked for the upcoming season. I am a player that can stay in bigger balls longer, but even that will not hold up 100% of the time. What I really like about this ball is how well the midlane is read due to the surface of the ball. My “A-Game†is when I can see the ball rolly and this is a big rolling ball ball. I can still stay near the track even when guys are balling down and jumping a zone or two left of me. This ball reminds me of the Torrent which is another favorite of mine.
Do not miss out on getting this one as this ball has much more bang for the price point.
Go get the new Storm Match Up Black Pearl and Bowl up a STORM!
BOWLER STYLE: RH - Stroker Rev Rate: 320 - 350 Ball Speed: 15-16 PAP: 4 7/8 right 5/8 up.
Storm - Roto Grip - VISE - Logo Infusion Staff Member
Brian Hirsch
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I'v had the chance to drill up all four balls in the Match Up line and Storm hit a home run with this ball. It's a really great ball when you like what you see from your IQ Solid but need a little bit less in your hand. For the price point you can't beat this ball. Compared to the Match Up solid this ball reads faster and you can play more angels with this ball. A ball to add to your bag for the new season.
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LANE CONDITION
Length:40
Volume:Med-High
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): THS
COMMENTS
Cover: Reactor Pearl Reactive
Weightblock: Stinger 2.0
Finish: 2000
RG: 2.57
Differential: 0.035
Me:
Right-Handed Tweener
Speed: 12-13 mph
Rev Rate: 315
PAP: 4 7/8 Right 3/8 Up
Ball Layout: Pin Over Ring 60 X 4 7/8 X 30
Storm's new Hot line release may be their best to date. The Match Up Black Pearl adds a sanded pearl to the line. Don't let the word Pearl fool you this is the smoothest Match Up that has been released and the strongest.
The Stinger 2.0 core was modified from the core featured in the original match line to provide more flare. The combination of the smooth reacting cover with the 2000 grit finish on the Reactor cover gives you a great benchmark reaction. The ball rolls evenly remains continuous and is in play on a variety of conditions.
I threw my Match Up Black Pearl for the first time on the Don Carter pattern in my summer challenge league. The lane topography of this particular center had caused most of the higher rev players on the league to gravitate to urethane. My own rev rate being more in the medium range I needed a bit of help to stay in the part of the lane that seemed most conducive to scoring. i decided to try a shot in practice with the Black Pearl Match Up and i struck every shot in practice and the first 8 in the game. Starting a difficult pattern with a 260 game is definitely not the norm for me as i usually struggle until I see more friction but the motion of the Match-Up was perfect.
I've also found it to be particularly useful on the High Volume House Pattern in my home center. The Match Up is strong enough to not miss the spot but a step down from my stronger balls like the Idol. This allows me to stay right longer which is a great strategy with the lane play in this center. The high volume usually moves people into the center of the lane right away as misses right of the track tend to really labor downlane. Most people find that playing in the middle of the lane and throwing to the track gives them move forgiveness on the fresh condition. As a result the inside part of the lane breaks down quickly. Being able to stay closer to the track keeps me away from the rapid transition in the middle of the lane and makes the lanes better for my teammates by creating the friction further right.
I recently returned from Syracuse and I used my MUBP more than any other ball during the USBC Open Championships. In Doubles particularly I had a great look playing out with the Match Up. It tends to keep me in the same part of the lane the higher rev players are with their stronger urethane releases, but of course helps me avoid "urethaning" the pattern(yes I invented a word lol). Using urethane on tougher tighter patterns like this one seems to me to create friction at the front of your line and tighten up the back of your line which generally causes a great look with urethane to not only deteriorate after a couple games but make it more difficult to transition to a reactive ball because of the carry down. Next time you want to play in the track but not adversely affect the pattern by using urethane, give the Match Up Black Pearl a try.
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
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LANE CONDITION
Length: 42ft and 45ft
Volume: Medium
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): Sport
COMMENTS
Likes: Let me just say this first, out the box this ball is one of the strongest midline balls I have ever thrown!!! Right off the press with now surface tweak this ball read the lane very early and never laid off. It was more overall than my Idol. I put favorite layout on it, pin up no weight hole 65*5*40, and was shocked with how aggressive this ball was. I immediately hit the surface with 4000 just to give a little bit of sheen to help it push through the front part of the lane better. It helped but still not enough. I put the surface at 1500 and put some factory polish on it and it made a huge difference. Actually, after putting the shine on it the ball looks a lot like my original Hyroad, color wise and shape. Made this ball very usable in my bag. I still have this ball alittle earlier than my Hustle Ink and not quite as angular off the spot and cleaner than the hustle HYB. I like what I see from this ball at this surface compared to the oob finish.
Dislikes:
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
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For full review, video, multiple testers and patterns:
http://tamerbowling.com/storm-match-up-black-pearl-bowling-ball-review/
Excerpt:
I want to say “Wow†upon seeing the Match Up Black Pearl’s motion. The other part of me wants to say why give me so much in the lower end, making me get in and then finding the weak link which is the weaker core. Again, this is definitely going to be someone’s cup of tea and not so much for others. Sean had an absolutely perfect look with the Match Up Black Pearl. The ball has backend for days while still having surface. That’s a rare combination. For me, I did like the Black Pearl. The shot I would personally look for is the fall back shot, where I need to be pretty deep but also don’t want to give away the pocket. Think 20 at the arrows to 12 at the breakpoint. That will take advantage of the strong backend without asking the ball to come back from no-man’s land. In that regard, it’s almost a step down to the Roto Grip Idol. For bowlers closer to Bryan’s rev rate, it’s a bit hard to see this coming into play too often other than a step down to the surfaced big asyms where you still need surface but you want to ball down and go straighter. All in all, I think this ball offers a lot of performance for the money. If you are a beginner to intermediate bowler, this will be a good step up ball. For the experienced bowler, the review gives you a better idea of where it fits in your arsenal.
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The Match Up Black Pearl was a real surprise for me, I didn’t like the original Match Up Pearl, and had fairly low expectations but the Black Pearl is nothing like the original for me. First of all, the out of box 2000 grit finish makes it stronger, earlier, and smoother, but it feels more like a Thunder line ball than a Hot line ball. If they’d made a sanded pearl version of the Torrent or Rocket Ship, this ball is what I would have expected to get. It’s very controllable, very readable, and predictable. For a full and detailed review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrSYjmdcf04
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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: 45, 4 ¾ , 70
The Match Up Black Pearl is a great ball for me. I haven’t been a huge fan of the Match Up series because they’re too clean for me. The Match Up Black Pearl catches just enough midlane that I can use it on a lot more conditions. If I find a pattern that’s pretty dry right out of the gate on the fresh, I can actually use this ball. It’s also really good on the transition on most patterns. The Match Up Black Pearl is a great value and a lot more versatility than previous Match Ups.
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LANE CONDITION
Length: Medium with breakdown
Volume: medium to light
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): THS with moderate play
The Match Up Black Pearl is the newest release in Storm’s Hot Line of bowling balls. The combination of the Reactor Pearl shell and the Stinger 2.0 core creates a blend of control with aggression. I was surprised by how much and how early the Match Up Black Pearl hooked out of the box. The out of the box finish is 2000 grit. The surface created a smooth and controllable mid lane motion but was a little lacking on recovery down lane. I believe what cause this motion was that I was only able to bowl on breakdown and nothing that was fresh. The Match Up Black Pearl just lost too much energy in the front part of the lane. Now if you were bowling on a normal condition the 2000 grit surface would be perfect. To liven up the reaction I just polished it with Reacta Shine. Instantly the Match Up Black Pearl was gliding through the chopped up, dry and not conditioned heads and ripping on the backend. The Match Up Black Pearl is far more aggressive in the mid lane than the Match Up Black Yellow Royal or the Match Up Black Orange Silver. The layout I used was 4X4X2 with an extra hole down at 6 inches. I believe the numbers for dual angle is 50X4X30 or somewhere around that. The layout was based off my pap (5 5/8 over ¾ up), Rev Rate (approx. 300) and my ball speed is medium (15 to 16mph). The Match Black Pearl will be in my tournament bag for those shorter patterns with over hooking backend. The power and control is a huge bonus with the Match Up Black Pearl!
The Match Up Black Pearl will be a great bowling ball for those that do not want to spend a lot but want performance!
Likes:
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PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
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My stats: 16.5 mph ball speed, 285-315 rev rate, up the back type release with a high track. To summarize, medium speed - forward roll type of release with moderate revs.
I put the MATCH UP BLACK PEARL at 50 x 4.375 x 30. This layout ended up with close to 2 oz of side weight which now doesn't require a weight hole as of August 1, 2018.
I have used my MATCH UP BLACK PEARL on many house and some on longer sport conditions. On the longer sport, it was not enough ball in box finish. It took a few games to get it to read enough to carry the corners. With that being said, this is not the pattern the ball was designed for. I got it on some sport that was in the 39-41 foot range and more reaction. It let me keep closed angles compared to other stronger pieces in my bag like the RG HALO, SURE FIRE, and INTENSE FIRE. It was also weaker than my IQ TOUR which is expected since we are talking a much weaker coverstock than R2S.
Compared to other piece in my bag and progression: This is going to be on some sport where I need early enough read to miss downlane hang but not over reaction off the friction in the back. I throw an IQ TOUR a lot on shorter patterns and when it starts to check early or really ping tens, the MATCH UP BLACK PEARL is going to be in play big time. I also may add a RG HOT CELL to my tournament arsenal. I can imagine the MATCH UP BLACK PEARL will be in play before I progress to the HOT CELL.
I think that straigher/tweener players may pass on this one, at least for general house conditions. Avid tournament players should put this in the bag as a ball up option from urethane. Heavy handed players will like this one as it will lay off for them in the back but get rolling strong enough to merit putting in play.
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The Match Up Black Pearl is Storm’s new Hot line bowling ball. It has the Reactor Pearl cover at 2000 grit out of the box. The goal with this Match Up is to provide a moderately aggressive cover with clean length while blending out the pattern. The core is the Stinger 2.0 which is designed to offer more flare and hook than the original version of the Match. I loved my original Match so I expect a lot from this upgraded version.
I went with a 60 x 4 x 45 pin up on my Match Up Black Pearl. On our 46 foot typically wet dry house pattern, this ball was super early and highly susceptible to flat 10s. I had a feeling it was due to the pretty aggressive 2000 box surface. I was hopeful after a few shots that the super early motion would calm a bit and it did. In fact, I started to see exactly what this ball is meant to do - blend out a pattern. Shots in the oil hooked and shots right too quick didn’t overreact. It provides such a good read it is actually becoming a benchmark type piece or me. I can’t wait to see what this does as league season kicks up. It could be a house-pattern killer!
Normally, the hot line is useful for high rev or low ball speed bowlers that need help getting the ball down the lane. I feel like the upgrades in cover and core with this Match Up will open the market up to a much wider range of bowlers/styles.
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The Storm Match Up Black Pearl
***Stinger 2.0 Core***
***2000-grit Reactor Pearl coverstock***
The Storm Match Up Black Pearl was the first ball added to my arsenal since going exclusively Storm/Roto Grip.
Set up with one of my go to layouts, 65x5x40.
The plan for this ball is to be my workhorse for my wood lane house that plays a bit dry, with snappy back ends.
So far, it is exactly what I am looking for. Ball is very smooth, especially for a pearl.
I expect it will be a nice piece for later into tournament blocks and ligher patterns I run into.
I am very happy with this as the first piece of my new Storm/Roto Grip arsenal.
#StormNation
About Me:
Cooper Mathewson, Storm Amateur Staff
Right handed, I'd call myself a weak cranker. Average speed about 16mph.
PAP 5 3/8>, 7/8^
8* axis tilt, 66* axis rotation, rev rate is right about 400.
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The Storm Match Up Black Pearl is the new addition to the Hot line at Storm. I have found the Match series for me were just okay and they did their job on the lanes. But the Black Pearl is the best one yet out of the Match Up series. With the low end Storm releases I tend to drill them with strong pins. So laid mine out 4.5x4.5x4.5 pin down.
I also applied Storm step 2 on the ball. My first impressions were real good on how smooth and controllable the Black pearl is. I'm a big fan of black coverstocks. The Black Pearl with the Reactor pearl cover fits the core real well. This ball will be great for the wet/dry lane conditions as it does blend out the lane. Even with the storm step 2 on the ball the Black Pearl still was able to read midlane real well to take that over under reaction that I usually get with the low end balls. This is the best Match up in the line in my opinion.
Storm Pro Shop Staff
Brian Watson
Speed - 16-17
Tilt - 17
RPM - 400
PAP - 3 5/8 up 1 1/4
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BALL SPECS
Pin Length: 3- 4
Starting Top Weight: 2.8 oz
Ball Weight: 15
DRILL PATTERN
Pin buffer 3 inches
Pin under the ring
BOWLER STYLE: RH - Stroker
Rev Rate: 380-420
Ball Speed: 15-16
PAP/Track: PAP: 5 13/16†and 1/2" up
SURFACE PREP
Box Finish: 2000 Abrilon
BALL MOTION
The match up black pearl. Reactor Pearl gives clean length, but still blends out the pattern with its matte finish.
COMMENTS
I bought this ball to fit in on the lower end of my arsenal. To straighten my angles. I drilled it pin down so it still picks up the roll when I get a little firmer with my speed. This ball works really great on an over under house pattern and lets me stay right longer.
Mike Sipple
Storm/Roto Grip/Amateur Staff
www.stormbowling.com
www.rotogrip.com
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The MatchUp Pearl is the latest edition to the MatchUp Line. It's a pearl but, it's sanded....so, it is the smoothest MatchUP that I've rolled. I drilled it pin up, which is my go to symmetric layout and it reacted like I assumed it would. Honestly, it's a weird release for me...I didn't love the Match or MatchUp line. They are not bad bowling balls but, I just didn't have a spot for them. The MatchUp Hybrid was my favorite one by far, I made a video on that ball and it was fun to roll. The "pearl" just doesn't fit anywhere...it's too early to stay in the track and the cover is too lazy to move in. Just my opinion but, if you have to drastically change surfaces on a ball to get a comfortable look, it's not the right ball for me. I have to mention that I did not get a ton of reps with this ball, maybe on shorter, lighter and/or sport patterns it would be stellar. Maybe I don't get around it enough...probably. It smells really good, so there is that. If you need something smooth and stable for lighter conditions, go grab one and let me know how wrong I am. Thank you for reading. #stormnation
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The Match Up Black Pearl is an updated version of the Match Up pearl but with a 2000 grit Abralon finish. The core numbers of the Stinger 2.0 are 2.57 rg and 0.035 diff in 15lb balls. The Match Up Black Pearl has a cool pearl black color, just as the name would suggest. The Reactor cover of the Black Pearl is cleaner through the front of the lane then most of today’s current highly porous, strong cover stocks, even with the 2000 grit finish.
I drilled the Black Pearl the same as my Match Up, 5.25 x 5.25 x 2. The Match Up has more length compared to the earlier reading sanded Black Pearl. The Black Pearl covers about the same amount of boards and has similar hook shapes as the Match Up, but on higher volume oil patterns, and more viscous oils. The Black Pearl is more of a medium oil ball, that still saves energy for lighter oiled lanes that you need to get in, and still get recovery from the ball. I have also polished the Black Pearl, and get a closer reaction to the orange/silver/black, but with a little more rounded shape through the backend.
The Black Pearl is a good budget ball for league bowlers not wanting to break the bank, and still get some decent hook on medium conditions. The Black Pearl will also work well for tournament conditions that has the Match Up pearl pushing too long and not slowing down enough to generate roll through the pins . If you feel the need to replace your aging Match Up pearl or never drilled one in the first place, the Match Up Black pearl will fit right in. Thank you for taking the time to read my review of the Match Up from Storm, the Bowler’s company.
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LANE CONDITION
I drilled a Match Up Black Pearl with about a 5 1/2 pin and around 2 inch pin buffer. This equates to a quicker response layout that won't flare a ton. The Torrent is one of my favorite balls of all time and I still use it a lot on anything with enough volume. That ball is great for keeping it in front of me. When I need to migrate left, the Torrent isn't great for bumping the friction (5 1/2 pin to pap, 4.5 inch pin buffer). I also have a Rocketship with around a 5 3/4 pin to PAP and a 3 inch pin buffer. It rolls great, but turned out to be better for more tournamwnt shots when I need shape on the fresh. The Match Up Black Pearl flares a little less than the Rocketship and the read isn't quite as strong front to back (good thing). This allows me to play the lane rather than jump zones during the transition while still having tons of motion down the lane. Since I use my equipment based on response time, I go about 4 and 2 left with the Match Up Black Pearl on flatter patterns and around 3 left and 1 on house like patterns. As a comparison, this ball rolls a lot like the Hy-Roads from 2008 and 2009. It has a true read with a smooth booming move. Really hard to lose the pocket, but easy to carry the corners as long as you're not asking the ball to do too much. I feel like this ball compliments the IQ Tour and Winner Solid really well. It offers a cleaner look than those two, but not jerky off the friction like other balls in this realm of ball strength
COMMENTS
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PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS