BallReviews
Reviews => Storm => Topic started by: Ballreviews on May 12, 2014, 09:18:41 AM
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Description: The Storm Optimus was inspired by the success of the Marvel Pearl. This powerful ball is highly polished so it glides through the head area of the lane. The Tri-Sphere Core and R2X reactive cover also combine to produce a powerful backend motion. Optimize your game with the Storm Optimus Pearl! - Coverstock: R2X Pearl Reactive
- Weight Block: Tri-Sphere Core (Light Weight Block: Modified Centripetal Core)
- Factory Finish: 1500 grit Polished
- Color: Red/White/Blue
- RG: 2.48 (15# ball)
- Diff.: 0.048 (15# ball)
- Fragrance: Berries N Cream
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LANE CONDITION
Test Patterns:
41 ft higher volume THS
Scorpion Pattern
COMMENTS
Yeah, first to review! :D
Anyway, long story short, if you like the Marvel Pearl, this is definitely going to fit the bill. It rolls so much like it. Low RG core with a fairly aggressive pearl coverstock. When I say aggressive, I mean it's a grittier coverstock with more surface friction than previous generation Reactor covers which helps make it smooth but strong. Allows for decent length while still saving that smooth and strong backend.
Check out the review and video here. Digitrax analysis will be added soon.
http://tamerbowling.com/index.php/new-storm-equipment-optimus-hy-road-solid/
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
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LANE CONDITION
Length:42ft
Volume:High Volume
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):Moodified House Shot
COMMENTS
The Optimus by Storm is yet another Gem from Utah!!!! This ball gives you great length with excellent recovery. This ball will be great for players that like to throw it straight and guys that like to hook it.
I put a 50*4.5*45 layout on mine. Its a similar layout that I put on my Marvel Pearl. The ball motions are similar for me but I get more overall hook from my Optimus than my Marvel Pearl. I really like strong Pearl equipment and this one is no different. I get great length and an awesome change of direction on the backend. I can play up the lane with this ball on higher volume patterns which is a big plus for me and my game.
Likes: i like everything abut this ball
Dislikes: nothing
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
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LANE CONDITION
Length:43ft
Volume: High
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): 2014 USBC OC Team Event
COMMENTS
I think Storm has finally found a replacement to the Marvel Pearl. I’m proud to introduce the latest pearl ball in the Master Line, “Optimus.†Using the same coverstock as the Marvel Pearl, the Optimus has a R2x Pearl Coverstock with a Tri-Sphere Core on the inside. This ball comes at a 1500 grit polished factory finish. I drilled this ball with a 5″ x 5″ pin down layout with a p2 weight hole.
I first tested this ball on the 2014 USBC Open Championships Team Event Pattern. This lane pattern has a good amount of oil with a long length. The Optimus gave me a great read through the fronts but still responding to the friction in the midlane with a strong backend motion. This ball never pushed past the breakpoint. I had lightly hand sanded this to a 2000 grit abralon finish to see a better smoother read at the breakpoint. This ball is very comparable to the every popular Marvel Pearl. The difference between the two is the Optimus is overall much stronger than the Marvel Pearl. I would have to say about 3-4 boards stronger.
On house conditions, this ball gave me great length through the fronts with a strong backend motion. I found it very easy to just stand left and throw it right while watching the ball scream back to the pocket. There is no doubt about this ball storing energy.
Based off performance, I’ll give this ball a solid “A-.†Everyone is going to love this ball and will probably be a very big seller for Storm. Based off the cosmetics of the ball, I will give it an “A.†I love the colors with the red, white, and blue with the very appealing logo but not to large in size, and the awesome smelling berries n’ cream fragrance. This is a must have in every bowlers bag from a tournament bowler to a typical league bowler. The Optimus a ball for everyone!!
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
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By STORM staff: Dan Higgins
Right Handed
PAP 5 1/8 up 3/8
Rev rate 380-415
STORM Optimus link:
http://stormbowling.com/products/balls/optimus
I have drilled 2 Optimus:
1 - Pin Up 60 x 5 ½ x 15 no hole
2 - Pin Down 60 x 5 1/8 x 45 weight hole 6 ¾ from pin through cg
I drilled both of these like the Marvel Pearl that I get quite a bit of use out of. Well looks like Storm out did the popular Marvel Pearl. The Optimus rolls a bit earlier and has a very strong continuous motion through the pins. I have shot a couple honor scores with the pin up Optimus and really like how much stronger than the Marvel Pearl is. This symmetric Tri-Sphereâ„¢ Core rolls as strong as asymmetrical core. The pin up is more for length and stronger back-end and the pin down is for earlier roll and controllable back-end reaction.
The Optimus is a must have pearl you need in your bag come 7/1/14!!! Get yourself One!! Or 2, or 3…
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OPTIMUS review by Storm staffer Jeff Richgels
Drilled June 2, 2014
The OPTIMUS specs are here:
http://www.stormbowling.com/products/balls/optimus
The OPTIMUS video is here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1MmfPXoqWs
You can see a picture of it in my blog here:
http://www.11thframe.com/reviews/37
The striking thing (pun intended) about the new OPTIMUS, which will be released July 1, is the interesting new Tri-Sphere core, which Storm says “brings new meaning to the term 'power personified.' "
The RG for the Tri-Sphere core is in line with the Centripetal core of the Master line, while the differential is greater than the IQ TOUR but under the MARVEL PEARL.
The coverstock is the strong R2X pearl found in the MARVEL PEARL.
My first experience with the OPTIMUS was at the PBA Senior U.S. Open at Suncoast in Las Vegas the first week of June. After a brutal first round, Storm rep Jim Callahan mapped out an OPTIMUS with the pin under my bridge and CG kicked right at about a 60-degree drilling angle. It has a medium weight hole kicked to the right in line with my thumb. I hesitate to give the numbers because I’ve been messing with my grip and am not sure what my PAP is. The ball is pictured with this blog — sorry for it being a side view ... trying to figure out why it's square on my desktop but shows up in side view in this review.
I bowled on the fresh in the second round of the Senior Open so we hit my OPTIMUS with Turbo sandbagger 1,500 and then a 1,000 Abralon pad by hand.
I quickly noticed two things about the OPTIMUS: it gave me reaction no other ball in my bag gave me and it lane shined quickly. The lane shining may have been due to the heavy, nearly flat Senior Open pattern with Brunswick’s thickest oil. (I also saw this in the USBC Senior Masters with Kegel Ice oil.)
Regardless, the OPTIMUS got into a strong roll AND made a very strong back-end move, which was something I saw with no other ball in my bag in the Senior Open. My first two games of the second round with the OPTIMUS were 233 and 224, which were easily my two best of the tournament. (Yes, I struggled!)
I have since bowled with the OPTIMUS at the USBC Senior Masters, on a transitioned house shot, and on the fresh USBC Open Championships team pattern.
And I can unequivocally say that the OPTIMUS rolls like no other ball I’ve ever thrown, which makes sense since this is an entirely new weight block.
It rolls quickly and strongly similar to the SYNC, but not so early like the SYNC that it demands a ton of head oil, which probably is due to the R2X Pearl cover. Even with that quick and strong roll, the OPTIMUS makes a ridiculously strong move in the back. The move is more smooth than it is angular, however.
And likely because it’s “rolly,†it doesn’t seem to over-react on misses to the dry — a valuable trait for balls on house shots or transitioned non-house shots. I would think this would make the OPTIMUS a great ball for high-rev players who hate seeing their ball hit the dry, check up and jump high. It looks to me like the OPTIMUS will be forgiving on balls grabbed a little or sent wide early for all players.
As I said, the OPTIMUS was the only ball I had that got into a roll and consistently turned the corner for me at the Senior Open, and on more forgiving conditions it provides a ridiculous amount of miss room to the right. In fact, it took me a while to not be surprised by shots I thought were out the window turning the corner and coming back to the pocket — even on non-house shots.
The one negative I’ve seen with my OPTIMUS is that it provides me little miss area on shots cut short or pulled, which is logical considering its quick and strong roll. This does NOT mean I haven’t seen hold with it on good shots when properly lined up; it means bad shots are going high. And needless to say, this characteristic was more pronounced the rougher the surface of the ball.
The bottom line is that the miss room with the OPTIMUS definitely is to the outside!
The other notable thing about the OPTIMUS is that it keeps the pins low, which I believe generally makes for better carry. I may have a few more weak 10s with the OPTIMUS, but I’ve also seen fewer solid 9s, ring 10s, and blower/mixer 7s.
The OPTIMUS comes 1,500-grit polished but works well with rougher surfaces, though as I said it does lane shine quickly.
I am looking forward to the Tri-Sphere core with a solid coverstock, which should be a monster of a ball for oil. I would think that ball would have me retiring my SYNC.
I do like my OPTIMUS best with shine and actually plan to plug it and re-drill it with a pin over the bridge to get it down the lane easier and take advantage of its strength of providing generous swing area.
With the proper surface, I can’t think of any condition the OPTIMUS couldn’t handle, although slow speed and rev-dominant players likely would need a weaker piece for hooking conditions.
I can’t think of any style of bowler who I wouldn’t recommend the OPTIMUS to — it’s that good and versatile.
And the red, white and blue colors make it perfect for a Fourth of July purchase!
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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: 70, 5 1/2, 35
The Optimus is the Low RG/High Diff pearl I was looking for. For me the Marvel Pearl, and all the Marvel series balls, seemed to hit the friction really hard which caused a lot of over under on a majority of patterns. The new Tri-Sphere core solves that issue. There’s still a strong mid lane reaction combined with a strong backend, but the transition is much more consistent. The Optimus is slightly earlier than the Marvel pearl, making it overall more aggressive.
I drilled mine to be clean through the fronts and generate angle. That puts the pin above my bridge and fingers and the CG stacked. The Optimus gets clean through the heads and starts to pick up a very heavy roll. I think I’ll like this ball best on a little more volume, but overall the Optimus is a must have from Storm.
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Storm Optimus Ball Review by PJ Haggerty
All good things must come to an end, right? Not true. The Marvel Pearl has had a tremendous run. It’s been a ball that goes with me everywhere. The new Storm Optimus is a very close replacement to the Marvel Pearl. Looking at the numbers, core, and cover, it won’t be exact. But this will be a very versatile ball for all types of players. My initial feeling on the Optimus is a quicker response time than the Marvel Pearl.
The layout I went with is one of my favorites. The pin is approximately 5 ¾ x 4 ½ with a small hole two inches below my axis. I also knocked the shine off a bit with a used 2000 pad. This slowed the response time down and created a smoother, more predictable motion. For high rev players, I think they will find more success taking the shine off and for the lower rev players, they should be able to leave it shiny and they will appreciate a faster response time.
Comparing the Optimus to the Marvel Pearl, I think they are close. I feel like Optimus reads the mid-lane a touch harder and continues a bit more, but when we have to say goodbye to the MP, the Optimus will be the next best bet. I will use this piece on all types of conditions and it will go with me everywhere. I can see using it on longer patterns because the cover/core combination is very strong. It will also come in play on shorter patterns because the core will help slow down energy off of the friction. If you are missing that benchmark/go to/most reliable reaction ball in your bag, the Optimus is the one for you.
Go drill one!!!
#StormNation
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Layout - 60° x 4 5/8 x 70° (Pin below the fingers in the bridge with the CG kicked out 35°)
After hearing that this ball would offer me a Marvel Pearl type of reaction I went ahead and matched the Optimus to my old Marvel Pearl. After throwing the new Optimus what comes to mind is a Marvel Pearl on Steroids. This ball with OOB surface easily read the midlane and still retained a ton of energy on the back end when it made the turn.
Compared to the Marvel pearl the Optimus is for sure a step up in performance. The ball seems to do the impossible by reading the midlane even earlier than the Marvel Series but retaining angularity and hit power that we sometimes lose with this Low RG blocks when we move left. If you have ever been a fan of any of the Marvel Series bowling balls, especially the Marvel Pearl you cannot miss out on this release.
On a Side Note: Yesterday we drilled an Optimus for one of our senior bowlers. He has a ball speed of about 11-12 MPH with a fairly low rev rate. This customer has never been able to drill any stronger balls and be able to get them down the lane and also have a reaction he can control. The first night out he was able to use this ball for the entire league session and this ball gave him a ton of miss room. The reason I put this in here is to show that this ball can work for a variety of styles. Hopefully some of you senior bowlers or shops looking for an idea see this and know that this can definitely be a ball that works for everyone.
Add to this the fact that the R2X cover can handle many different surface changes and what we have here is another great release from Storm!!
See My video below !!
Louis Narvaez Jr.
Storm / Roto Grip Staff Member
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My Initial Optimus Layout: 45 degrees x 3 3/4" X 65 degrees or 3 3/4" x 4 3/4" x 3 1/4"
The Storm Optimus combines a strong R2X cover with the all new Tri-Sphere Core. The Tri-Sphere Core is the first new weight block shape in the Master line since the introduction of the Centripetal core in the Marvel. I will not be surprised if the Tri-Sphere has the same staying power.
The Optimus, as laid out above, has a very strong roll but that strong roll does not take away from the backend reaction/motion. This combination makes the Optimus a very good choice on heavier volume and longer patterns and less so on medium to lighter volume patterns. I have bowled on a couple of modified house shots that just didn't have enough volume to let me start with the Optimus. Can't say I've had that happen with too many pearl balls in the past.
The closest ball to compare to the Optimus is the Marvel Pearl but the Optimus is much stronger in every way. It reads the midlane earlier/stronger and also has a more violent reaction to dry than the Marvel Pearl does (more angular). The two balls can complement each other quite well in that regard.
Conditions I have used the Optimus on: I have used the Optimus mostly on the 42' Kegel Autobahn and 41' Kegel Turnpike patterns during a summer sport shot league. I have tried it on a couple of house/modified house shots. The best reaction was when bowling on patterns with more volume and struggled when there was a little extra friction.
Where the Optimus fits in my bag: My pin-down Optimus is the first ball out of my bag on the heavier/longer patterns at the moment because of it's ability to handle volume, provide a solid midlane read and strong backend reaction. It sits just below my pin down Marvel-S in overall aggressiveness and is a step up from IQ Tour Pearl, IQ Tour Solid or Marvel Pearl (whichever I might have with me).
When I use the Optimus: Whenever there is enough volume and/or length to get the Optimus down the lane. When I need/want an aggressive reaction down lane. It gives me confidence to stay aggressive because I know it can recover if I miss a little right down lane even on flatter sport shot patterns.
Overall the Optimus is a great choice if you're looking for an aggressive pearl ball, especially if you tend to stay away from high end solids but still need a ball for heavier oil.
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LANE CONDITION
Length: Various
Volume: Various
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): Various
The Storm Optimus was released in July 2014 and has generated a lot of static because of the name and the eye catching colors and motion. The Optimus is super clean through the front with a drastic motion on the backend. The R2X Pearl Reactive Shell provides the length and the Tri-Sphere Core generates the strength and the combination of the two provides a different motion that was missing in the Master Line.
The layout that I used for the Optimus is a favorite of mine pin below fingers with the cg down and kicked out with an x-hole on my VAL or 55 X 5 ½ X 75. My coordinates are as follows: PAP is 5 5/8 over and ¾ up, Rev Rate around 300, Ball Speed is around 15mph, more up the back of the ball release and I am right handed. I used the Optimus on various patterns and tested it against a Fusion, Just because I do not have a Marvel Pearl.
The first thing that I noticed was how clean the Optimus was through the heads, easily a couple feet longer than the Fusion. That is either a benefit or an issue. On the longer patterns (42ft and 44ft), the Optimus wanted to push way too much early and if I squared up it jumped at the break point compared to the Fusion. However, when the carry down occurred and a dry spot was generated the Optimus made the pattern look easy. The medium patterns (38ft to 40ft), the Optimus was pretty good from start to finish. The backend motion was a touch strong with the box finish/polish so a hit the cover with a 2000 pad and smoothed the reaction out enough. The Optimus’ backend motion is stronger than the fusion but being a straighter player that might not always be good. T times, I had some wet dry problems. Finally on the shorter patterns (33ft and 35ft), both balls were just too much at the break point and I had to open up my angles a lot. However, The Optimus was in play as soon as I was able to move left and throw it right. The recovery of the Optimus was scary good and motion through the pins was fantastic! If you are looking for that strong ball that gets down the lane and turns over this is your ball.
Likes: Length and Recovery
Dislikes:
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
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40ft THS
layout:5x4x3
Extremely clean through the heads and middle of the lane. stores energy extremely well and keeps the pins low. had plenty of room to the right and was the perfect ball choice for this pattern, where other balls seemed to roll thru the breakpoint and make sudden left turn, the optimus has a very consistent and even roll on a very challenging house pattern. As the fall leagues begin very shortly, this is a must have for your bag, storm fans or not, u will not be disappointed. this ball is available now, go to your local pro shop and pick one up today.
bowl up a storm
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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 ¾ x 5 7/8 x 2 ½
The Optimus not only has a cool color scheme but has the best name out there (me being a huge transformers fan). The Optimus is pin to the left side of the ring finger and cg out with no hole. The optimus is the newer version of the Marvel pearl with a whole new completely different weight block that looks asymmetrical but it is symmetric and with an oldie but a goody R2X cover stock you can't go wrong.
With the out of box finish of 1500 polished I get great length with a hard back end that I did not expect like a lot of the other balls like it in the master line. I did not have a Marvel pearl to compare with it currently but from what I remember with the Marvel pearl the Optimus is stronger and I believe I would have to stand further right because of that. Also with the IQ tour pearl I did not have one to compare but from when I had one the Optimus is way stronger by at least 4 boards in my eyes. With the Optimus being strong on the back end I used a 3000 pad to knock off the shine and tame the back end down just a little bit and it did the trick. I can stand a little more left when I need to but still stand right also and can play the inside where the oil which makes it even more versatile. I have started liking more of the smoother reactions but I am also not a fan of not changing a balls personality completely because what ever the ball is meant to be for or do that is what it should be for. But with the Optimus I still get the back end as if it was polished it is just a little calmer.
On a house shot I have a long and controllable reaction standing around 20 to 23 and once the shot dries up I can actually move left to about 15 or so and can go up the boards where there is more oil and not give the pocket up too much or standing too far right and swinging and potentially leaving corners or wash outs. On sport patterns the best reaction I have seen was on like PBA Bear or patterns around 40 ft or less. With my speed I can get away with it compared to anything longer than 40 ft the ball tends to slide too long and cannot recover.
If you have a marvel pearl and need something a little stronger to fill that gap or for people who even have the IQ tour pearl and need that extra recovery on more oil the Optimus will be a great choice
If you have any questions about the Optimus email me at garrett.richardson@pinolebowlerssupply.com
Garrett Richardson
Storm/Roto Grip Pro Shop Staff
Vise Inserts Amateur Staff
Pinole Bowler’s Supply
www.facebook.com/grstorm
www.facebook.com/pinolebowlerssupply
www.stormbowling.com
www.rotogrip.com
www.viseinserts.com
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Optimus review by Storm staffer Tony Marino
I drilled the Optimus, with a 4.5" pin and a 2 1/4" pin buffer (Pin above ring finger). The Dual Angle numbers on this layout are 45° x 4 1/2 x 35° with a P2 weight hole, which is slightly under my PAP.
It took me a few games (and a few tournaments) to really figure out the strengths and weaknesses of this ball. I have thrown my Optimus on a few 3:1 ratio sport patterns as well as several different modified house patterns. From the beginning I was impressed with how clean the R2X pearl cover was. It is noticeably cleaner than the IQ Tour Fusion (R2S Hybrid cover), but never got “sideways†the way I expect pearl balls to roll for me. The new Tri-Sphere core truly makes the Optimus a unique rolling pearl ball that was missing in my arsenal. It makes a strong, almost arcing, move down lane, but doesn’t overreact off the dry. The best way for me to describe it is that it rolls like a strong even motion ball (I.E. Zero Gravity), but it doesn’t pick up the front part of the lanes nearly as quick.
This ball has earned a spot in my bag for every tournament and league night! The Optimus is a great fit if you love the Zero Gravity, but need a ball doesn’t read the lanes as quickly. I also see this ball being great for high rev players that want a stronger ball that will “clear the front,†and won't overreact on the backend.
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Optimus
Right Handed
Ball weight: 14
Rev Rate: 378
Ball Speed: 18.2
Axis Tilt: 6.67
Axis Rotation: 45*
PAP: 4 1/2 horizontal, 1 5/8 up
Layout: 60 x 3 3/8 x 35
Going in, I was of the understanding that the Optimus was going to be a slightly stronger version of the Marvel Pearl, thus, I planned on making it a ball down from my Marvel S or Hyper Cell. I can’t say I have been disappointed. The motion of this ball is downright amazing!
I have used it on a couple of house patterns on AMF synthetics with good results. The Optimus gets through the heads with relative ease and likes to make a definitive move when it encounters friction. That said, on a THS wall, bouncing this one out early will cause it to go LEFT. It doesn’t really have any issues with oil in the middle. A major flaw in my game is pulling the ball. I can get away with this on the THS because it will just roll until it finds the friction at the end of the pattern. Even with a tug through the oil, there is no loss of carry. This ball hits hard and keeps the pins low.
The most success I’ve found with the Optimus was in a PBA regional event, on the Dick Weber pattern. After getting out to a pretty good start with the Marvel S, playing around 7-8 with a small bump, the outside started to burn up, so it was time for a ball change. After struggling game 4 with a bad ball change, I pulled out the Optimus and it came out of the bag ready! I was able to move inside where my previous ball change was getting horrendous over/under and this ball rolled through the middles and made a decisive move that was quite controllable and allowed me to keep pace with the cash line. I was fortunate enough to cash, but not make match play. I move to the Optimus game 4; I have no doubt that I would have made match play. This ball did exactly what I needed when it was time to put the Marvel S away. I can’t say it is a ball down, more of a ball lateral.
I have been very impressed with the Optimus on a variety of conditions. The overall motion I get is predictable and impressive. As advertised, it is a stronger version of the Marvel Pearl and could compliment any arsenal. I would recommend this ball to anyone. I can’t imagine any bowler not having a use for this piece.
Another great release from Utah!
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The Optimus is the latest ball in the Master line of Storm products. The Optimus has the R2X pearl cover wrapped around a new weight block called Tri-Sphere. The unusual shape of this core has an Rg of 2.48 and a differential of 0.048 in 15lb balls. The Optimus is red, white and blue, and smells like berries and cream.
I drilled my Optimus 5x5x2. This is the same layout that I have on the comp ball, the Marvel pearl. The Optimus reads the front of the lane almost identically to the Marvel pearl. The middle of the lane is where you start seeing a difference between the two balls. The Optimus rolls about one to two feet longer than the Marvel pearl, and has a more defined change of direction on the backend. The overall board coverage of the Optimus and the Marvel pearl is about the same, but the later move and stronger change of direction from the Optimus, helps this ball have a steeper entry angle into the pocket. The difference of the Optimus and the Marvel pearl is slight on house conditions, but really shows through on flatter sport patterns. The more defined shape is better for me when I bowl on tougher patterns, because I can go straighter to my hook spot with the Optimus, compared to the Marvel pearl. Because of my softer ball speed, I have to give the Marvel pearl a little more head belly, thus throwing it away from the pattern, and this can sometimes get me in trouble when I really want to keep my angles in front of me as much as possible, on flatter patterns. As successful as the Marvel pearl has been so far, I feel the Optimus has potential to be even better.
The Optimus will be a fit for most styles of bowlers, who would be looking for a ball for medium to medium heavy lane conditions, and some heavy oil patterns. To be more specific, speed dominate players would be able to use the Optimus on medium conditions and some medium heavy conditions with the addition of a little surface to the cover. High rev players will like the Optimus on medium heavy conditions, as well as have good success on heavier oiled lanes with the addition of a little surface to the cover. If you see only dry lane conditions, I would suggest trying a different ball other than the Optimus.
The Optimus is a great addition to the already stellar line up that Storm has to offer. As technology evolves with everything, the Optimus is the evolution of a strong pearl bowling ball. See your local VIP pro shop today and optimize your striking potential with the new Storm Optimus.
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Ball: Storm Optimus
PAP: 5â€x1†up
Ball Speed: 17.5 mph
Rev Rate: 325
Right Handed
Layout: 4.5x4.5x4
Surface Preparation: 1500 Polish
The Optimus is Storm’s latest pearl release in the Master Line and showcases a brand new core, the Tri-Sphere, which is the first new core in the Master Line since the Centripedal Core was brought on in the release of the Marvel.
My thought when drilling this ball up, 4.5x4.5x4, was to give myself a replacement for the Marvel Pearl in my bag, and give me something with similar length but a little more change of direction down lane in comparison. With the Optimus that is exactly what I got. The ball easily clears the heads but once it experiences friction it makes a very quick and deliberate move towards the pocket, something I felt the Marvel Pearl didn’t do straight out of the box.
I compared my Optimus in my video review, which you can find on my YouTube Channel sk8sbowlingreviews, to the Punch Out and also the Fusion. The reason I chose those two is that in most cases those will be my ball change options from the Optimus during competition. The Fusion gives me a very slightly stronger overall movement but is definitely changing directions earlier and more smoothly. The Punch Out is a very similar shape to the Optimus with a much weaker core and cover combination so it is a great step down when the Optimus starts over-reacting later in a squad.
Michael Bauer
Sk8sbowlingreviews
Storm Amateur Staff Member
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If you are a fan of the Marvel Pearl this is a great one to put in the bag. This ball gives you the clean skid through the fronts and tons of hook in the back. Just one good all around pearl that gets to see some use at almost every night of league and most tournaments for myself. It picks up and comes off the pattern a little earlier than most of the pearls in the past for me. This works out well in my case having a lower rev rate, a slightly earlier pearl gives me less half pocket hits and ten pin leaves.
If you prefer a strong later reaction this cover reacts great to polish and can also offer you that look.
Overall this is a great stronger pearl that offers versatility in cover changes
Layout:50x4-1/4x75
Ball Speed 16mph
Rev Rate:250-300
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The Storm Optimus is the new ball in the Master Line. Optimus uses the Tri-Sphereâ„¢ Core with the successful Pearlized R2Xâ„¢ coverstock. This is great combination with core and cover. It has similar ball motion to the Marvel pearl, but with a stronger midlane and continues a little more. I drilled mine 4 1/2 x 4 1/2 x 2 1/4 or 50 x 4 1/2 x 35. With this drilling it gives me descent length with a strong continuous arc motion on backend. I have used it on sport and house conditions with good success. I think the Optimus is going to be one those balls that fits everyone's game and style. The carry has been outstanding with this ball. The Optimus is not flippy on the back even with the pearl cover, it has a strong continuous motion. Very readable and predictable ball motion.
Brian Watson
Pro Shop Staff
PAP 4 up 1 1/4
Rev Rate - 400
Axis tilt - 15
Speed - 16-17
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LANE CONDITION
Length:
Volume:
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):
COMMENTS
Likes:
Ball review of the Storm Optimus
World Wide Release Date: July 1, 2014
Scent: Berries 'n Cream
Surface: 1500 polished (out of box)
Bowler info: Michelle Crews (female)
PAP: 5" right and 1 1/2" up
Ball Speed: 16 mph
Rev Rate: 250 rpm
Axis Tilt: 15
Axis Rotation: 50
Ball info
Layout: pin above bridge and cg stack right beneath it in the center of the palm
Pattern: Various
I must say that this ball is a home run! Not just a home run but a grand slam. Not only because of the catchy name, but because of the way the core and coverstock compliment each other all around. Being a female with higher ball speed and not a ton of hand, where I struggle with lane play is that when a pattern forces me left I don't always have enough hand for my equipment to make the corner. However, with this ball I can just slow down and let the ball do the work for me and strike all day. We decided to drill this ball neutral (pin above my bridge, CG stack in the middle of the palm), so that we could let the natural characteristics of the ball to take over. I loved it out of box, but I loved it even more when I got on sport patterns and put 2000 on the cover. The Tri-sphere core just revs up in the midlane and then has continuous motion off the breakpoint. I'm expecting to see some big numbers this season from the Optimus. This is a must have for everyone this year! Science fiction is becoming science fact!
#stormbowling #optimus #smellsgoodtoo #thebowlerscompany
Michelle Crews
Storm Amateur Staff
Boom Apparel Staff
McCorvey's Bowling World Staff
NCAA Bowling Head Coach
Dislikes:
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
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Hand: Right
Rev Rate: Medium/High
The Storm Optimus... Another home run of a ball from Storm products. A symmetrical masterpiece in the Storm Master Line of equipment, with similar price points as for example the IQ Tour and Marvel Pearl. With the R2X pearl cover and Tri-Sphere Core, this combination is the perfect marriage for ideal mid lane, yet super clean and continuous ball reaction. This combination of cover and core allows more versatility than the traditional bowling ball. This ball can be thrown straight out of the box, comes with 1500 grit polished finish, with a beautiful color scheme of red, white, and blue swirl.
This ball became an immediate favorite of mine, within the first week shooting 300, and multiple 300 games within a few weeks. This is a great first ball out of the bag for almost any lane condition I bowl on, and because of its versatility, can be used for most of the night on most league nights. There is no doubt that this ball will be in my bag for a long time to come, a must have for any player of any style. Get yours
Michael Herring
Staff Player
South Region
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I used my standard layout on the Optimus, Pin above middle finger, CG kicked out 45 degrees with a hole on my axis.
The Optimus has quickly become one of my favorite bowling balls. I love my Marvel Pearl and when I saw the Optimus was coming out, I was hoping it would be a upgraded version of the Marvel Pearl.
The Optimus reminds me of the Agent when it first came out. For a pearl it still handles oil really well and doesn't snap down lane. I have used the Optimus on a house shot, WTBA London (On syntetic and wood) and the Open CHamp. pattern.
Comparing the Optimus to my Marvel pearl, the optimus has more overall hook. The Optimus was a little earlier and smoother and was at least 2 boards stronger than the Marvel Pearl.
The optimus was great on the house shot and London when it was fresh. I could move deeper, but eventually I had a better look going to something more angular like my Hyroad pearl as I got deeper than 5th arrow. It was still good from deep inside, but had trouble kicking out the flat 10 pins.
The Optimus is one of the few pearls that can handle oil. Mine had no problem picking up where my Marvel pearl and hyroad pearl would skid too far.
The optimus will be best used on longer and medium to heavier patterns. Lower rev rates may be able to use it on shorter patterns.
Those looking for a strong pearl will love this ball. This ball will be great on most house patterns and longer/heavier sport/PBA patterns.
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Ball: Storm Optimus
PAP: 5 5/16â€x1/4†up
Ball Speed: 17 mph
Rev Rate: 425
Right Handed
Layout: 30x5x70
Surface Preparation: OOB
The Optimus is Storm’s latest pearl release in the Master Line and showcases a brand new core, the Tri-Sphere.
My thought when drilling this ball up, 30x5x70, was to give myself a transition piece to really carry on once my duller balls stopped making the corner, I needed this ball to come off the spot with enough momentum to carry those pesky corner pin. And I hit a home run, with my bit of extra rev I often get balls that come off the spot too hard, by mellowing the Optimus out just a bit, I've still got plenty of controllable backend to play with. Once the Optimus clears the head I know it's making that move toward the pocket.
Samuel "Richard" Benifield
BowlersMart Buford
Storm Pro-Shop Staff Member
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COVERSTOCK: R2Xâ„¢ Pearl Reactive
WEIGHT BLOCK: Tri-Sphereâ„¢ Core
LIGHT WEIGHT BLOCK: Modified Centripetalâ„¢ Core
FACTORY FINISH: 1500-grit Polished
BALL COLOR: Red/White/Blue
DUROMETER: 74-76 Rex D-scale
FLARE POTENTIAL: 5†- 6†(High)
FRAGRANCE: Berries N Cream
WEIGHTS: 12-16 lbs.
SKU: TUT
My layout: 4 x 4 5/8 x 2 1/4
My PAP: 4 1/2 over 1 1/4 up
The Optimus is a pearl ball from Storm. I have both a pin up and a pin down Optimus that roll very well for me. I found like most pearl balls the Optimus has no problem guiding through the fronts. The big difference is the Optimus reads the mid lane better than most pearls without sacrificing the sharp backend reaction. This late power gives the pins little chance when the Optimus comes charging in.
Even though the Optimus rolls very well for it isn’t my go to ball, and it isn’t the first ball out of my bag. The Optimus’s role in my bag is the first step down when my solid is starting to burn up. The fact that is reads the mid lane so well, makes it a good choice for me when I need more length, but still need a strong bowling ball.
I am going to rate the ball an 8, not based on my opinion alone, but watching others throw it, and open up the lane. Even though the ball is now 4 months old now I still see plenty of them being used in my travels. That is usually a sign of a very good ball! In short I think the Optimus earns the right for many tournament bags even though it may not be the first ball out of the bag especially now that the Crux has hit the market.