BallReviews
Reviews => Storm => Topic started by: BallReviews-scodaddy21 on May 06, 2015, 10:47:40 AM
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Description: The Storm Optimus Solid was designed to handle oil. The superb traction provided by the 2000-grit R2X shell help bite through the oil and paired with the Tri-Sphere core this ball offers the reaction that the Optimus is known for.
- Coverstock: R2X Solid Reactive
- Weight Block: Tri-Sphere Core (Light Weight Block: Modified Centripetal Core)
- Factory Finish: 2000 grit Pad
- Color: Red/Navy/Yellow
- RG: 2.48 (15# ball)
- Diff.: 0.048 (15# ball)
- Recommended Lane Condition: Medium-Heavy Oil
- Fragrance: Cranberry Craze
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LANE CONDITION
Length: 43 ft
Volume: Medium
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): Sport Shark Pattern
For my speed and revs (16 mph, 290 revs), it is a very strong ball.
I drilled it 4 x 4 x 2 for the general strong house shot. Our house tends to have more oil than other houses in the area.
COMMENTS
Likes: It started up in the mid lane and kept going through the pins. This was very important on this pattern. I was able to play around the third arrow and move in as it broke down. The ball kept moving like it was designed to and was everything I hoped it would be. On the house shot in practice, I am only able to use it for one or two games before it overwhelms the oil pattern.
Dislikes: Ball does what I want it to. What is not to like?
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
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LANE CONDITION
Length: Various Lengths
Volume: Various Volumes
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): Longer Sports patterns and THS
The newest addition to the Master Line is the Optimus Solid. The Optimus Solid is wrapped in the R2X Solid Reactive shell and the power comes from the Tri Sphere core. The Tri Sphere core should sound familiar because it was used in the Original Optimus. The unique yet heavy rolling ball motion of the Optimus Solid will give the bowlers another choice in the Master Line.
I drilled my Optimus Solid pin in the grip with cg down and kicked out with a larger weight hole. I am not going to give the coordinates for dual angle on this ball. My coordinates are PAP 5 5/8 by ¾, Rev Rate around 300, more up the back release and my balls speed is around 15mph. I like to go straighter if possible.
I threw the Optimus Solid on numerous medium and longer patterns and also the good old house pattern. What I noticed with Optimus Solid is its heavy roll which is very similar to the Marvel or Marvel S but it seemed to retain more energy for the backend. The Scorpion Pattern and a modified Shark like pattern saw me use the Optimus Solid and the IQ Tour Nano. Both balls rolled well but the biggest difference was how much stronger the Optimus Solid was compared to the IQ Tour Nano. It was a good 5 boards left with my feet and was continuous on the backend and through the pins. This motion reminds me of the Marvel S. The next pattern was the good old House Shot. I used the Optimus Solid and the Optimus. The Optimus Solid was golden at the beginning because it was strong enough to handle the Great Wall of China and retained enough energy to bounce off the bumper guards. As the session continued the angles were too drastic for me because of how strong the Optimus Solid was. I went to the Optimus and moved right a little or a lot and was back striking. The Optimus Solid and the Optimus was a good one two punch. If you liked the motion of the Optimus but just need some earlier hook on the tighter patterns than the Optimus Solid is your ball.
The Optimus Solid gives the bowler another quality option in the Storm Master Line.
Likes: Heavy Rolling bowling ball with power
Dislikes:
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
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Optimusâ„¢ Solid
Lbs.
RG
Diff.
Weight Block
16
2.47
0.048
15
2.48
0.048
14
2.53
0.046
13
2.59
0.045
12
2.65
0.035
Coverstock: R2Xâ„¢ Solid Reactive
Weight Block: Tri-Sphereâ„¢ Core
Factory Finish: 2000-grit Pad
Ball Color: Red/Navy/Yellow
Flare Potential: 5†- 6†(High)
Fragrance: Cranberry Craze
Layout: 60 x 3 ½ x 40
THS: 41ft with KEGEL FLEX with Fire and Ice oil on older HPL panels.
I really like that when the ball changes direction, its stronger then a typical solid and sanded ball, I can see the orange pin quite well and when the block stands up and changes directions, it’s amazing. I can play up the track with less hand and just watch the ball enter the pocket at an unusual stronger angle, that I would normally see when I am “hooking†the lane. A much better cover for me than the original Optimus with this core.
Thanks to Shorty at Bowlers Supply and the staff @ Colony Park Lanes.
My new THS bags consist of this ball, Hysteria, iQ Tour, Unhinged, Sinister, and Outcry.
I hope you like what you read and check my video out for this ball on my facebook page: Roto Grip Rick.
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Optimus Solid review by Storm staffer Tony Marino
Science and engineering has brought us some of the most powerful yet forgiving core designs of the modern era. The dynamically charged Tri-Sphere™ Core brings new meaning to the term ‘Power Personified.’ As launched in the original Optimus, this shape is unique and powerful, aggressive yet predictable. And it has the added benefit of simplicity of drilling layouts.
Bowlers everywhere are loving this design and choosing the Optimus for a clean skid-flip reaction. But when it seems like there is an entire barrel of oil on your lane, you now have an even better option with the Optimus Solid thanks to the superior traction of its 2000-grit R2Xâ„¢ shell. This core and shell are a striking combination!
I have average to above average ball speed (~17MPH) which tends to balance out my rev rate. I drilled my Optimus Solid with the pin above the ring finger (4.5â€) with the CG kicked out and neutral weight hole.
I have thrown the Optimus Solid on a couple of house patterns, as well as a 37-foot Kegel pattern and a VERY flat 39’ oil pattern. The first thing I noticed about this ball is the backend it has. By far the most movement at the end of a pattern I’ve ever seen for a ball with a solid coverstock. The Tri-Sphere core retains a lot of energy in the mids which translates to powerful motion downlane. I am very excited to use it on some longer or heavier volume patterns. As is, this ball is a monster on house shots. If you bowl in a center that puts what seems to be the standard puddle in the middle this ball has the potential to strike a ton! Because of my speed and roll, I tend to use a lot of solid covers, and the Optimus Solid gives me the entry angle and motion on the back of a pearl ball without getting out of my “A†game. When my IQ Nano just doesn’t have enough on the back, and the lanes haven’t transitioned yet to move to a cleaner cover, the Optimus Solid is THE best option. Truly a unique ball roll that I am happy to have in my bag.
If you have high ball speed, don’t generate much shape downlane or just have a hard time getting a ball to make a move in heavier oil, I would highly recommend the Optimus Solid.
Want to see what I am talking about? Click this link to see my videos on this ball as well as other Storm and Roto Grip ball releases.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmF_YLyuxJgnUTufguTB86w/videos
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LANE CONDITION
Length: 41'
Volume: Heavy-Medium during competition. Noticed with movement, ball can still be used on dry (however it breaks to no avail)
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): THS 41'; USBC Red #2, Amateur Bowlers Tour Pattern #3, US Open 2014 (we set it up via Kegel's site after hours)
COMMENTS
Likes: I'm writing this review with one night of league, one tournament and a few games at a friends house who has a built in 4 lane center in his house. I will edit/write up longer review after I get the usual 20-30 games on the ball.
First and foremost, my style of play is like Norm Duke and Walter Ray; I don't throw a crazy hook, more of a straight up and in. When my local Pro Shop expert; Eric Kattenhorn returned from Las Vegas (he went for the expo) I told him that I wanted this ball. He informed me that it would be a great ball and we went for it. I throw around 350 rpms at 16.7-17.8 mph so I wanted something that would give me a smooth line through the mids then make the strong turn in the back while retaining strength through the pins. We drilled this ball like my Crux and VG Nano with the pin up but kicked out a bit.
This ball does everything it's supposed to do and then some. When thrown the right way, this ball absolutely destroys the pocket. Pins stay low but scatter; which results in great action. I haven't had a night of clean games yet this summer until this ball came in my arsenal. All 3 games were clean and when I bowled in the tournament this weekend, I came in 4th out of 75 registered and every game was clean. Few 10 pins though, but that's my fault as I have a habit of running through my approach. As the lanes transition from heavy to mid, I just move a board or 2, slow down a hair and still keep going or if need be, then I'll switch to the Crux but I don't plan on having to do that too much.
If you love Storm bowling balls, or even looking for a great first ball when there's puddles on the lanes, this ball is a sure fit.
Dislikes: A few people that I've talked to about the ball said they don't like dull balls, me on the other hand...I have no complaints. If you want a shiner, get the pearl, but this ball out shines the rest through it's performance.
Rate this ball 10/10.
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
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Orientation: Right Handed
Rev Rate: 375 RPM
Speed: 16-17 MPH
PAP: 4 5/8 straight across
Location: Enterprise Park Lanes, Springfield MO
Pattern: High Volume THS
Layout: 55, 5 1/2, 40
The Optimus Solid is finally here. I loved my original Optimus, but I needed something with a little more teeth for oil. The Optimus Solid is that bowling ball. Same Optimus roll, but with a solid sanded cover for more traction. Storm has been missing a low RG, high Diff non-Nano solid. This ball is early, smooth and keeps going on the back. It should handle as much oil as you need, but it’s versatile to get back from anywhere without much trouble.
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My first thoughts of the Optimus Solid....YES!!
The Optimus Solid comes with a Tri-Sphere Core with the R2X Solid Reactive cover. It has an RG of 2.48 and a Diff of .048. Historically, on the fresh oil on long patterns I have had a tendency to grind. I consider myself a tweener but have had issues to get a ball to go through the pins the way I'd like (on longer oil patterns)... until now. The Optimus Solid gave me a heavy, early hook that is able to cut through that oil and kick the 10-pin out. The nice part is that in my experience I've been able to stick with this ball even when the lanes break down and it doesn't burn up. It continues to drive through the pins. I think this is a ball that a lot of lower rev players (and even high rev) will like on fresh because of the motion this ball has. If you bowl on a lot of oil, you should get this ball. Period.
#NeverLoseIntensity
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Storm’s latest ball in the Master Line, “Optimus Solid,†is a proven winner. It combines the tri-sphere core found in the original Optimus and the solid version of the R2X coverstock. With this core and coverstock combination, the first characteristics you will see is a early mid-lane read with a smooth controllable motion off the breakpoint. This ball fits right in between the IQ Nano and IQ Tour Solid based on hook rating.
I drilled my Optimus Solid with a Pin Up layout with the pin 4.5″ and cg 5″ from my axis. I really liked how this ball encountered heavy oil. It didn’t skate right in the heads, but it still allowed the ball to have recovery off the spot.
I found this ball best used on medium-oily lane conditions at a 2k hand sanded abralon finish. This ball also worked well when there was lots of head oil.
This a really good benchmark ball for everyone to have in their bag. For drier lane conditions or higher friction lane surface, you can change the surface to 1500 polish.
Thank you for reading this blog and hope you stay tuned for future blogs,
Joshua Tajiri
BowlersDeals.com Technician
Storm/Roto Grip Amateur Staff
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Optimus Solid Ball Review by PJ Haggerty
After hearing the Marvel-S was going to be discontinued, I was curious as to what Storm would come out with. I was a HUGE fan of the Marvel-S and after drilling two Optimus Solids, this is definitely a similar shape. With a low RG (2.48) and low diff (.48), this Optimus Solid wants to hook early and often. But with a touch of polish, it has the ability to clear the front part of the lane pretty easily. The Optimus Solid will definitely read the mid-lane and is one of the strongest balls in my bag!
I have drilled two so far. The first one I drilled is 5 ¾ x 5. This puts the pin above my middle finger and the CG in the center of my grip. I’ve noticed a very forward motion. I put just a splash of polish on the Optimus Solid and this truly helped it get down the lane easier. Even though the polish helped it get through the front part of the lane, the response time was still on the slower side, which was nice. I have been able to use this one on flatter patterns where I still need a cleaner motion with a slower response time.
The other Optimus Solid I drilled has a rico layout on it. For anyone who doesn’t know what that is, this puts the pin in the middle of my grip, with a big shift and a 63/64 hole two inches under my PAP. I knew the shape was going to be forward regardless of how I drilled it, but I wanted a shape that was smooth. I polished this Optimus Solid as well. Out of the two I drilled, this one is my favorite. I’ve used it on harder lane conditions and when the lanes are easy. It provides a smooth motion when the lanes are flat or cliffed.
If you are missing a slower responsive piece in your bag, the Optimus Solid will certainly provide that. Go drill one!!
#StormNation
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Lay Out: 4.5" from PAP at 65* PAP angle and 35* VAL angle. Dual angle measurement would be 65/4.5/35 & no weight hole.
Surface: Box which is 2000 abralon.
Purpose: I wanted a strong symmetrical piece to fill the gap between my Sinister and IQ Nano.
Observations: The Optimus Solid is a great looking ball. I threw this side by side with the Sinister and IQ Nano. The Optimus gets into a roll quickly just like the Sinister and IQ Nano. The continuation in the back end is where this ball separates itself from those two as the Optimus is very rolly to me and keeps on coming in the back. My IQ Nano is surfaced at 2000 which slows it down in the fronts more. If I need a strong read but with continued motion, I throw the Optimus Solid.
Conclusions: The Optimus Solid fills that gap between the high end strong balls and the hybrid-solid releases in both lines. I have seen a couple of high end players throw it polished and it gets the same downlane look with just a little more scoot thru the fronts first.
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Luke Rosdahl
Storm Advisory Staff
Lefthanded
PAP - 5 left, 1 up
Rev Rate: 325
Speed: 17mph
Angle of rotation: 45 degrees
Tilt: 7 degrees
The Optimus Solid is a great benchmark ball for heavier conditions. As far as reaction shape and hook potential, it fits directly in between the Marvel S and IQ Tour Nano. It's very consistent and predictable, and easy to keep in and around the pocket. Unfortunately, I don't find myself being able to use it very often because for me it doesn't seem to have a real identity. It's not as early and rolly as the Marvel S, and it's not as long and strong as the Nano, however that's really the definition of a benchmark ball. It's a great first ball out of the bag, and if nothing else seems to be working, this is definitely a go-to ball. If you bowl on heavier conditions and need something that's just going to keep it simple and get to the pocket, this is a great choice.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EocIV1BxBjA
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LANE CONDITION
Length:44ft
Volume:medium
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): Modified House Shot
COMMENTS
Likes: I drilled my Optimus Solid 65*5*35. I found this ball to be much better for me than the original optimus. The solid is so much more predictable and controllable. It is very smooth and heavy rolling. It reads the heads very well. On the longer flatter patterns I was able to control the pocket very well with this ball. It allowed me to play the part of the lane I wanted to and open the lane up a bit. Great benchmark ball. I hit the surface with 4000 and threw it in league and it still was very smooth but now cleared the front part of the lane much easier, which is what I wanted for league play. Great ball for all tournament bowlers!!!
Dislikes:
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
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The Optimus solid is the latest release in the Master line of bowling balls from Storm, the bowler’s company. Optimus solid has the same Tri-Sphere core as the first Optimus (Rg of 2.48 and differential of 0.048), but is now wrapped with the solid R2X cover that was on balls like the Marvel solid and Virtual Gravity. This cover has proven itself over time, always offering a reliable predictable ball motion on medium-heavy to heavy oil lane conditions. The match of cover and core allows the ball to rev up and have a nice consistent arch to the pocket.
I used a very strong drilling on my Optimus solid, 3 ¾ x 4 x 2. I drilled the solid Optimus with the idea of using it on very heavy oil up front with clean backends. The Optimus solid has replaced the Marvel S as the new solid covered ball in the master line. The Optimus is cleaner through the front of the lane and has a more even arch on the backend of the lane than the Marvel S. I can start with the Optimus solid on fresh heavy oil; and as I see carry-down, and the Optimus is too soft through the backend of the lane, I will switch to either my Marvel S if I still need lots of traction, or my Crux, if I need more length with backend reaction.
The R2X cover on the Optimus solid can be polished for some additional length, or scuffed to create more traction. I recommend drilling and using the Optimus solid for heavier conditions, as that is what the ball is designed for. I personally like the shape the Optimus solid gives me through the backend of the lane, as it isn’t too jumpy when the ball comes out of the oil. I understand that many bowlers like seeing a strong change of direction, but that isn’t always going to give you the best ball reaction on heavier oil. The Optimus solid might not have that big backend motion as some other balls Storm offers, but definitely is a ball motion that bowlers should have in their arsenal, especially when encountering tougher, heavier patterns. The predictable motion will keep you out of trouble. Also, having the proper angle through the pins is what will allow you to strike more often on those less than perfect shots, and having too much angle can leave splits, while a smooth motion, like the Optimus solid offers, can either strike or have a tendency to leave the bowler a more make-able spare leave.
Thank you for taking the time to read my review of Storm’s Optimus solid. as always, bowl up a STORM!
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Right Handed
Ball weight: 15
Rev Rate: 378
Ball Speed: 18.2
Axis Tilt: 7
Axis Rotation: 45*
PAP: 3 3/4 horizontal, 7/8 up
Layout: Rico
I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with this one, but with many bowlers using and liking Rico, I decided to give it a try on the Optimus Solid.
At the box finish (2000), it read at my toes on our house pattern. I fought with it through one game during league and just couldn’t get a consistent reaction. It flared a lot and just wanted to go left. Before my next use, I used one application of Storm Step 1 compound just to add a bit of length. This allowed the ball to get enough length to shape down lane instead of at the arrows.
With the surface change, I tried it again during league and was able to use it for the series. The ball shape is very even and continuous. If I pulled the ball, it would hold on the puddle in the middle, but if I missed right, it would bounce right back. There really didn’t seem to be any over/under with this ball.
With this ball trying to roll so early, especially because of the Rico, I haven’t rolled it on any sport patterns. I believe it will make me start much deeper than needed on most medium and longer patterns.
I am going to have to put more games on this ball and get it on some sport patterns to really get an idea of what it can do. My next step is to add another layer of shine to see how the shape down lane changes.
The Optimus Solid is a very good heavy oil option and, with some surface changes, would be very good on most medium patterns.
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Optimus Solid
The Optimus Solid is the new solid bowling ball from the Master Line by Storm. If you are expecting the ball to roll similar to the Marvel ‘s, then you will be in for a shock. I felt that the R2X™ Solid Reactive used on the Optimus Solid is very clean and not as responsive to the front part of the lane. I would compare this ball to a Disturbed as the balls are slower response down lane and don’t make a hockey stick shape. Also, I found that the Optimus Solid picked up very well in the midlane and didn’t immediately hook when it saw friction down lane which benefits me on many sport compliant patterns especially later in the day.
During many tournaments, I always brought the Sky Rocket and Optimus Solid because I felt the Optimus Solid was a ball up from the Sky Rocket. I also used the Optimus Solid as a benchmark ball because I believed that it always gave me a controllable read when I wanted to see the general starting point on the lane. I also brought this ball with me to the PABCON Youth Championships and found great success with this ball on the fresh and burn. When I was attempting to control my angle through the front part of the lane I tended to use the Optimus Solid and when the lanes opened up just a little bit I was still able to jump inside and still get the ball to pick up in the midlane without splitting or go to high.
For all bowlers I feel like the Optimus Solid will be a great benchmark ball when they want to get a feel for what the lanes are showing them. It will be better for many bowlers on medium to long length patterns and medium to heavier oiled patterns. For myself I would give this ball a 9/10 as I felt it was very similar to my Disturbed but didn’t completely match the ball but it served its purpose very well. For the average bowler definitely a must have especially for bowlers with a heavier hand on the ball.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCeS5TGZErY
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LANE CONDITION
Length: 43’ house shot
Volume: Medium-high
LAYOUT
The pin is on the centerline above the fingers with the cg kicked out 45°.
COMMENTS
The worse thing about the Optimus Solid so far has been the amount of people missing out on a gem. I call this ball a gem because for a solid it is usable without Lake Sapphire having to be down. Like any resin ball, you can wait for the oil to shine the cover or do it yourself. I DIY’d mine with a very light coat of Storm Step One and off I went.
The Optimus Solid is a great compliment of course to its big brother. The Optimus is a great ball wrapped in a pearl so for some it could be prone to going to long or reacting to the dry to hard. The Optimus Solid has no problem getting down the lane and solid cover keeps it from jerking on the dry. This has been the first ball out of my bag at league thanks to being able to handle the fresh oil and possesses the strength to continue on the backend. The funny thing, it got damaged and has been even meaner! I guess it does not appreciate having a gash in it but it is just a beauty mark now.
What should you expect? Expect the Optimus Solid to handle a medium to medium-high oil volume and oh yeah it does continue off of the midlane move it makes. I have used it on sport patterns too as it has not put me in jail yet.
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1) Optimus Solid by Storm
2) Ball Specifications:
-R2X Solid Cover Stock
-Tri-sphere core
-Finished at 2000 grit
3) Drilling Layout
- pin beside the ring finger
4) Bowler Specifications
a) Right handed
b) Stroker
c) 18 mph (est)
d) 300 rev rate (est)
e) Positive Axis Point: 5 1/2", up 1"
i) If not known use high track, low track, full roller, 3/4 roller or spinner.
5) Lanes
a) Synthetic lane
b) 41'
c) Typical house shot
6) Ball Reaction Characteristics
With this layout, I was aiming for a very strong ball for pattern play and was not disappointed. This thing grabs the midland and hooks on anything.
7) Comparison
Compared to the original Optimus, this Optimus is much smoother as expected, but surprisingly it still has plenty of pop on the back end. The solid version can handle much more oil than the shiny Pearl version from before.
8) Summary
This ball seems more suited for higher oil patterns and I wouldn't expect much success on a typical house shot found in most leagues. With the mid lane this ball has, it can waste all of its energy and hit weak without an abundance of oil.