BallReviews

Reviews => Storm => Topic started by: BallReviews-scodaddy21 on June 22, 2017, 10:25:49 AM

Title: Match Up Pearl
Post by: BallReviews-scodaddy21 on June 22, 2017, 10:25:49 AM
Storm has upped their game with the Storm Match Up 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.

Color: Black / Orange / Silver
Coverstock: Reactor Pearl Reactive
Core: Stinger 2.0 Core for 14#-16# (Modified Centripetal Core for 12# & 13#)
Finish: 1500-grit Polished
Recommended Lane Condition: Dry-Medium
RG: 2.57 (15#)
Differential: 0.035 (15#)
Fragrance: Papaya Splash
Title: Re: Match Up Pearl
Post by: TamerBowling on June 24, 2017, 11:47:06 AM
See full review here:

http://tamerbowling.com/storm-match-up-match-up-pearl-bowling-ball-review/

Excerpt:
These two Storm balls (Match Up and Match Up Pearl) sum up what entry level balls can be. Ultimately, they may be a bit much for a true novice but fit the bill nicely for more experienced bowlers when you want step down balls or if dealing with medium/lower volume patterns. What Storm did was release this ball with the 1500-grit polished out of box finish. This offers a nice shelf appeal, but ultimately completely distinguishes this Match Up from the previous Match with its 2000 grit sanded OOB finish. The Match was kind of a specialty ball for tournament bowlers because it offered the rare ball that offered great front to back control reaction. The Match Up finish makes it more of a side to side ball. I don't honestly know if you sanded the Match Up if it would turn into the Match but this is one that will be easier to throw for many people on your typical house shots. It will obviously store more energy and have a nice readable but strong motion down lane.

For the Match Up Pearl, I loved the fact that this is the first Storm ball since the Lights Out that I can personally control front to back rather than side to side. I was able to more or less keep the ball in front of me with a simple 12 at the arrows to 7 at the breakpoint look. When I can be there, my life is good. Don't be deceived. Many video reviews cut out the bad shots. I threw 8 of 9 strikes straight out of the gate on this fresh shot, it was so easy to throw. It has easy length as you would expect with a nice muted but strong arc to the pocket. I totally loved it because I carried everything. I had an opportunity to test it on a lower volume pattern with wood backends and it reminded me how aggressive Storm covers are. This thing moved more than I thought it would.

The Storm Match Up and Match Up Pearl sell themselves. They are inexpensive, high performing, and easily could suffice as a 1-2 punch for most THS conditions. Both Guy and I would prefer to knock that polish off with maybe a light 4000 grit pad to get rid of some of that over/under but we could easily see these balls are a nice addition to the lineup.
Title: Re: Match Up Pearl
Post by: StoRoto2013 on June 29, 2017, 11:13:18 AM
LANE CONDITION

Length: Various Short to medium

Volume: Various

Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): Various


The Match UP Pearl is one of the newest release in Storm’s Hot Line.  The combination of the Reactor Pearl Reactive Shell and the Stinger 2.0 Core is a highly responsive bowling ball for your buck.  The Match UP Pearl generates generous length with a very powerful backend motion.  I did have a Match Pearl and it was very over under and I had some issues with continuation through the pins.  However, the Match UP Pearl seems to have corrected that!  The Match UP Pearl’s response to the dry is very distinct and powerful through the pin deck.  The pleasant surprise was how it handled the over under of a freshly laid house pattern.  The Match UP Pearl has really good length and I was able to play right almost on top of the friction with no issues.  When the pattern started to break down and had some carry down the Match UP Pearl still went through the pins as I moved left.  The layout that I used was pin over the fingers with the CG kicked out with an extra hole at 7 inches through the cg.  The Angles are 45 X 5.5 X 45 and that is based off my PAP which is 5 5/8 over and ¾ up.  I am right handed with a rev rate around 300 with medium ball speed (approx. 15 mph).

I can see the Match UP Pearl being used by beginner bowlers or experienced players looking for that strong but not too strong bowling ball.  The Match UP Pearl will be in my bag for the burn squads or shorter patterns, so I can stay right and play my A game! 


Likes: Length and backend motion

Dislikes:


PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
Title: Re: Match Up Pearl
Post by: StormAndrew on July 14, 2017, 03:55:49 PM
Storm Bowling Match Up Video; Check It Out!
https://youtu.be/fj9FMkcMAZM
Review:
I was very surprised at how much I like both these balls. Typically low end equipment, I feel, does not suit me well given the type of style I am (in between stroker-tweeter). In the past I would have a lot of over/under with low-end equipment although both these balls provided very consistent ball motion. When I threw it I knew whether it was going to be good or bad and I had more margin of error than I did from low end equipment of past years.
The Match Up Solid (Layout - 55 x 4 x 80) was very smooth for me. I bowled on very dry lanes and the reaction I got from this ball was exceptional. It reminded me of an IQ tour on stronger conditions (Smooth arc with control).
The Match Up Pearl (Layout - 80 x4 1/2 x 45) was very angular. I waited for the lanes to break down further when I was using my Marvel and Match Up Solid earlier. About 9-10 games in I started using the Match Up Pearl and it reminded me of one of my all time favorite balls that recently got discontinued, the Hectic. This ball goes long and is angular in the back end. This is going to be in my bag for sport shots when the lanes really break down. It gets real clean through the fronts and has a discernible break in the back end.
Title: Re: Match Up Pearl
Post by: Mr Straight Ball on July 18, 2017, 10:09:04 PM
I am a big believer in the Match balls, the predecessors to the new Match Up series, so I needed to see something to be sold! Storm went back to the lab with the Stinger core and when the door opened, out popped the Stinger 2.0. The Stinger 2.0 adds a little muscle under the cover to increase the ball motion, that’s the basic premise.

The color scheme is “Sunday church sharp” and thankfully the performance is a match! I used this ball in box finish and no practice on a relatively flat 41’ pattern hosting 22.96 mils on a HPL surface. I will say this; the cover gave me the right amount of length and recovery and the difference from the Match to this ball is strictly the core and the upgraded core gave that little extra going through the pins to keep snapping the 10-pin into submission. Every review for every ball will swear to “it was easy to get down the lane and it recovered nice” but for me, I want to see how the ball creates the look through the pins needed to score. I did try other balls on the fill and they were not dancing through the 1-3-5-9 right so I was forced back to the Match Up Pearl.

My 2¢ is this is going to be a solid pick for the average bowler who is bowling on a budget as it will handle the average league condition. For those that bowl competitively, the Match Up line will be your wolf in sheep’s clothing. You should expect a motion off of the breakpoint that is not so sharp that you can’t control it and enough recovery that you will not have to throw it perfectly to score.


Title: Re: Match Up Pearl Review by Lonnie Pemberton
Post by: k1ngsizepapa on July 23, 2017, 12:48:41 PM
LANE CONDITION

Length: 40 Ft

Volume:Med-High

Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):THS


COMMENTS

Coverstock: Reactor Pearl Reactive
Core: Stinger 2.0
Finish: 1500 Polish
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 Bridge 70 x 5 x 23

Storm decided to increase hook in their Hot line. The result are the Matchup balls. These balls are going to be great value purchases. If you have that customer who wants one ball that will give them plenty of hook and they don't want to spend alot, these balls are perfect.

The Pearl version of the Matchup is a big step up in hook from the previous Match balls. Compared to all previous releases in the hot line you should see a minimum of 3 to 5 boards more overall hook. I have personally found the Match Up Pearl to be much stronger in the midlane than any Hot line release to date.

I was a bit surprised at how smooth the Match Up pearl is. This ball comes into play so much sooner than other balls in it's price point it's not even close. Even on fresh oil, my angles through the front of the lane have to be steeper because the stronger Stinger 2.0 core creates midlane roll that exceeds all expectations. I had expected a cleaner reaction, but even with the earlier roll, you don't stop seeing down-lane motion. Strong and continuous at an unbelievable price for the performance.

This release is going to be a big seller for those of us in Pro Shops. I'm excited about having a big performer to steer my customers toward. If they want one ball to do it all, this is your go to.

PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
Title: Re: Match Up Pearl
Post by: PJ Haggerty on August 06, 2017, 11:23:13 PM
Storm Match Up Pearl Ball Review by PJ Haggerty

Before I drilled the new Match Up, I felt like I was missing a ball under the HyRoad, but stronger than the Tropical Storm line.  The new Match Up was a perfect fit.  This ball is definitely meant for friction or folks who are looking for a very quick response time.  This Match Up is a great addition to the Storm line and should be added in bags across the country.

Mine is drilled as 4 x 4 with no hole.  I also knocked the surface down to 4000.  I will be using this ball when I need to ‘stand left & throw right.’  I don’t believe this ball is made for fresh conditions, but for when the lanes have blown open and you need something to easily get to a spot down-lane. 

I’ve noticed the Match Up solid is an earlier, smoother version of this one, providing two perfect compliments at a great price point with stellar performance.  I can also see newer folks to the sport using either of these as a great entry ball to get into the game.

In summary, if you’re looking for a ball when the lanes hook or are just getting into the game, the performance is extremely nice for the price point.
Go drill one!

#StormNation
Title: Storm Match Up Pearl Review by Casey Murphy
Post by: caseyccg on August 19, 2017, 01:40:51 PM
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:  40, 4 ¾   , 70

The Match Up Pearl is a great update from the original Match Pearl.  Storm updated the core to be a little higher RG and Diff.  So that means the Match Up Pearl is longer and flippier than the original Match Pearl.  I liked the original Match Pearl but there were times where I couldn’t use it later in the day because it didn’t go long enough.  The Match Up Pearl solves that problem.  It’s clean enough and flippy enough on the back to be used later in the day when the lanes dry out.  The Match Up Pearl is a great ball for light oil or transition.
Title: Matched Up Pearl by Matthew Kemper
Post by: bowlerman147 on August 30, 2017, 11:43:18 PM
Storm Matched UP Pearl Review:
LANE CONDITION
Lane Type: Wood

Length: 41ft

Volume: 21ml

Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): THS


COMMENTS

Likes:  Smooth ball motion and strong move off the breakpoint.  Great ball house shots and shorter oil patterns 
Dislikes: none
The Storm Matched Up Solid is Storms newest Hot Line ball.  The solid contains the Stinger 2.0 core and is surrounded with the Reactor Pearl cover stock and is finished at 1500 grit polish. 
I drilled mine with the pin above my bridge and the Mass Bias kicked out a bit to the right of my thumb.  I put my favorite layout on this ball which gives me length and a smooth yet strong overall reaction from the ball.  Compared to the solid the Pearl version has a much stronger backed reaction and reacts better from deeper angles left of third arrow.  Much like the solid, the Pearl is good for drier lanes and broken down lanes on longer formatted tournaments.  Too much oil on the lane makes the pearl go too long so lanes with fresh backends will be much better for the Pearl.
The Matched Up Pearl is a great ball for learning bowlers or bowlers who are looking for a low end reactive for drier lanes.  It’s also a perfect fit for bowlers looking for length and good pop on the backend. 
Title: Re: Match Up Pearl
Post by: Bigmike on August 31, 2017, 10:23:17 AM
I drilled up my MATCH UP PEARL to be my burnt before urethane ball which was pin straight over the fingers, no CG swing and no weight hole. I wanted this one to let the friction on the lane take charge of the shape. I got to use this one on some shorter and more hooking patterns. Our house pattern is shorter than most at around 38-39' so it worked as long as it got fed into the dryer part of the lane. When I kept it inside of the oil line, it just didn't get into a strong enough roll to knock out the corners plus it was touchy if I missed it at the bottom. Now on shorter and more friction, this one was in play. I used it on a very hooking 39' pattern and it was almost too much ball as it turned left pretty hard. I would recommend this one to the players who need length but don't have the rev rate to make the TROPICAL STORM line hit hard enough and if they pattern is not short enough or dry enough yet for urethane.
Title: Re: Match Up Pearl
Post by: hammermike2000 on September 08, 2017, 08:23:05 PM
Storm Match Up Pearl

Layout: 60 x 4 1/2 x 40

Surface: 4000

I absolutely loved the Match pearl, and the Match Up Pearl gives a very similar motion, but with a few boards more hook overall.  The Match Up Pearl gets through the heads very easily, and has a smoother backend that is perfect on medium to medium-dry lanes.  I hit the surface with a 4000 pad, as I often do with any polished ball, just to slightly round out the ball reaction and give more predictability.  This certainly helped it be less allergic to oil. One a medium oil house shot, it was good on fresh but rolled even better once the pattern broke down. The Match Up Pearl is an easy 2-3 feet further down the lane versus a Match Up Solid, with a similar motion, and is 5-6 boards less hook than a Code Red.

Mike LeViner
BowlersMart
Title: Re: Match Up Pearl
Post by: TonyMarino on September 29, 2017, 04:14:16 PM
The new Storm Match Up Solid and Pearl are new and improved versions of the original Match Solid and Pearl. The Match Up cores features a higher RG and Diff. This lends itself to storing energy a little longer, leading to more shape down-lane. I liked the original Match Solid but the dull cover and low RG seemed to always give it a short shelf life on the lanes for me. And the original Match Pearl went through the fronts super clean but didn’t quite have the strength on the back I needed.

The new Match Up Solid and Match Up Pearl are much better at “Match-ing Up” to medium/medium-dry lanes. Even the solid cover is clean enough through the front to use later in blocks and stores enough energy to not give me an over/under shape.

I think these will be great on drier house patterns or for lighter oil volume patterns where you need a little help getting through the fronts. Plus the value and shelf appeal alone on these balls is a homerun!
Title: Re: Match Up Pearl
Post by: rotogrip_rick on October 04, 2017, 11:28:42 AM
Storm Match Up Pearl
45 x 5 x 45
44ft THS on Kegel Ice oil on older HPL surface – fresh and burned THS
Ball at BOX surface – 1500 grit polished
What I like: The ball worked really well inside of the worn track area and also outside the track area. The ball was less over under then the original Match Up for me on the fresh but just as predictable when and as the pattern broke down. In the hands of another lane hander, that is more direct player then I am with the same speed and less rev rate, it really worked well for him over his current mid performance pearl ball. It stored energy quite well through the pocket and did not leave corner pins as much as he was getting with his other ball. His other ball, on “good” shots, 6 out of 10 left a 7 pins and with the Match Up Pearl, it was cut down to 2 out of 10 left 7 pins. Pin carry was greatly increased for him and me with this Match Up Pearl. Better ball for slower ball speed people that are matched with their rev rate. I found that I had to change my hand position to help the ball recover in the backend on the burn when playing my normal shot in the track area. I felt more comfortable using the ball inside of 13 at the arrows and keeping the ball speed around 15 -15.4… Great ball for mid performance ball for the money.
 Roto_Schlem#StormNation #IAmStormProud
Title: Re: Match Up Pearl
Post by: mmichalek07 on October 07, 2017, 02:49:27 PM
Match Up Pearl Ball Review by Mark Michalek

The new Match Up Pearl has been a great addition to my arsenal. This ball is perfect for shorter patterns or patterns that have been blown open and require you to move deeper and open up the lane. I have mine drilled 55x4x35 with a p3 hole and on your typical house pattern it has been perfect for game 3. With my high ball speed and rev rate the stronger equipment is either to early or to strong on the backend. With the Matchup it blends and is able to get through the front part of the lane and still strong enough on the backend to get around the corner. This ball is perfect for advanced bowlers looking for a late tournament/league ball or for beginning bowlers looking for something that is above your entry level lines.
Title: Match Up Pearl by Luke Rosdahl
Post by: Luke Rosdahl on October 09, 2017, 07:25:45 AM
The Match Up Pearl is the latest of two new releases in the Hot Line.  It has the same coverstock as the original Match Pearl, Reactor Pearl, but the core has been adjusted to both increase the RG and differential, theoretically creating a longer and stronger motion.  Mine however is fairly heavy rolling and smooth, but it’s very close to the hook potential I was hoping for.  A lot of lower end balls on the market end up being much stronger than they’re supposed to be, but this one to me fits the price point.  With the higher RG, it doesn’t rev very strongly, so it’s not something that’s going to hit friction and take off, it has a nice slow transition on the dry boards that will enable you to play straighter on the lane without worrying about it jumping.  This also makes it very controllable.  This ball motion will allow you to be able to stay in the same place on the lane for a very long time without having to adjust much.  I found that it was more difficult to play deeper angles with this ball however, for me the straighter I played, the better it looked.  I feel that the Match Up Pearl is one of the better light to medium oil balls out there because it does what a weaker ball is supposed to do, it controls the pocket well and keeps you out of trouble. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-92Q8ZGrHh8&t=3s
Title: Re: Match Up Pearl
Post by: fjcallahan on October 10, 2017, 12:52:05 PM
The MatchUps are Storm's newest releases in the Hot Performance line. We have the Reactor Cover in a solid polished and pearl variation, wrapped around the new Stinger 2.0 core. Both these balls do what one would expect in this price range, the pearl has some kick on the back and the solid has a bit different shape with the solid cover. I have too much ball speed and our center does not shy away from the conditioner on our lanes, with that said, I didn't get a good opportunity to use my MatchUp in competition. However, I had fun rolling it in practice and for the video I put out on YouTube. I've drilled a bunch for my customers and all were satisfied. Great colors, shelf appeal and excellent punch for your purse!!! If you have a big wheeler or someone with a bit lower ball speed, these are the rocks for them. Two more solid releases from Storm! #stormnation
Title: Re: Match Up Pearl
Post by: tommyzero on October 10, 2017, 09:23:58 PM
Ball Motion Analysis Video:
Title: Re: Match Up Pearl
Post by: tommygn on October 13, 2017, 02:54:02 PM
The Match Up pearl is an updated version of the Match pearl in the Hot line of bowling balls from Storm, with a change of core from the Stinger to the Stinger 2.0. The core numbers of the Stinger 2.0 are 2.57 rg and 0.035 diff. The Match Up pearl has a cool color combination of black, orange, and silver, and is scented with papaya splash. The Reactor cover of the Match Up is cleaner through the front of the lane then most of today’s current highly porous, strong cover stocks.

I drilled the Match Up the same as my Match, 5.25 x 5.25 x 2. The Match Up seems to have a more rounded continuous motion through the backend, compared to a more defined “hockey stick” shape of the Match. The Match Up covers about the same amount of boards as the Match. It is a medium-light to light oil ball, that saves energy for burnt up lanes that you need to get in, and still get recovery from the ball.

The Match Up is a good tournament ball for bowlers that see long blocks of competition, or bowl in events that don’t re-oil for semi’s and finals. The Match Up will  also work well for second shift, used, league conditions that have had a lot of games already rolled on them. If you feel the need to replace your aging Match pearl or never drilled one in the first place, the Match Up 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.