BallReviews
Reviews => Storm => Topic started by: BallReviews-scodaddy21 on February 17, 2022, 11:47:56 AM
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The Storm Phaze 4 continues the success of the popular Phaze series of upper-mid performance bowling balls. This ball contains a strong Velocity Core with a low RG making it one of the most aggressive symmetrical bowling balls to date. This ball offers more revs, more power, and more control while maintaining consistency. This version targets power towards the backend, where power is most needed and is ideal on medium oil conditions.
Color: Royal Purple/Gunmetal/Medallion
All colors do vary somewhat from the picture shown
R2S Pearl Reactive
Core: Velocity Core (14#-16#), Centripetal Core (12#-13#)
Finish: 1500-grit Polished
Recommended Lane Condition: Medium Oil
RG: 2.48 (15# ball)
Differential: 0.051 (15# ball)
Fragrance: Root Beer Float
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Ball Reviews:
Nova/Phaze 4/Spectre
We have a good natural progression of the 3 new releases from Storm Bowling. From strongest to weakest would be the Nova, Phaze 4 then Spectre.
The Nova is a pretty strong bowling ball. For comparison purposes think of an Roto Grip X-1 on steroids as it is earlier and more continuous. The concept is similar in that it is a strong asymmetrical hybrid with surface. The difference would be about 2-3 boards more hook with the Nova. This would be great on the fresh and some transition on your typical house shots and on a variety of sport patterns when you want to begin opening up the lane and getting deeper into the oil.
The Phaze 4 is the newest compliment to the Phaze line; this time featuring a pearl coverstock. The Phaze 4 is pretty clean yet provides plenty of mid lane roll. The nice feature of this ball is the control element to it. It allows you to play into the oil and does not overreact when it sees friction. I drilled mine pin down to keep my angles closed. This ball will be a great ball on a multitude of patterns and/or house conditions when you begin opening up the lane. The pin down drilling allows me to use it on the fresh for THS. I, also, took the polish off and it blends the lane real well.
The Spectre is the cleanest of the 3 new releases. It will be a great step down off either of the 2 aforementioned balls. I drilled mine pin down and removed the surface to help blend the lane and keep my angles closer. When the fronts begin to really go and you need a ball that will get down lane and not labor the Spectre will be a great option to have.
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Storm Phaze 4
Coverstock: R2S Pearl Reactive
Core: Velocity
Layout: 5 x 4 x 2
Video Review Link:
https://youtu.be/625w8_4ygQE
The Storm Phaze 4 is a serious left turn in a box. With its proven Phaze Velocity core and R2S pearl cover (also found on Hy-Road Pearl), this one looks to be a keeper. I. put a 5 x 4 x 2 pin up layout on my Phaze 4 and compared it to similarly drilled Phaze 3 and Phaze 2 balls. The comparison went as expected. The Phaze 4 was very angular and strong on the backend followed by the Phaze 3 that was easily 3-5 boards right and more round on the backend. The Phaze 2 was predictably earlier and the most round of all three. For me, I see these balls as great complements to one another providing useful/unique shapes.
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Ball Specs:
Storm Phaze 4
1500-grit polished R2Sâ„¢ Pearl Reactive
Weight Block: Velocityâ„¢ Core (Symmetrical)
Color: Royal Purple/Gunmetal/Medallion
Review:
We love the Phaze line. All of the bowling balls in this line have been perfectly executed with unique and important benchmark shapes. After throwing this ball we really notice it is core dominant and wants to start up rather quickly. This ball really likes to get down the lane and create some room for you to move your feet left. The Phaze 4 would be a great ball on the burn or in the transitional period in a block where you need something a little weaker than a Spectre or something along those spec lines. Overall this ball will pair perfectly with the Phaze 2 and 3 in our bags.
Kyle, Joel, & Dean Johnson
Storm Pro Shop Staffers
joel@parklanes.net
kyle@parklanes.net
dean@frontierfuncenter.net
www.stormbowling.com
#StormNation
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LANE CONDITION
Length: THS
Volume: THS
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): THS
The Storm Phase 4 is the newest entry into the master line. The Phase 4 uses the same proven Velocity Core used in the previous Phase releases. The difference is the shell is the R2S Pearl Reactive which is my favorite reactive pearl blend. The use of proven technologies usually means a quality bowling ball which is both versatile and reliable. The Phase 4 is about an arrow more than my Phase 3 because of the recovery down lane. The layout I used was 4 X 4 X 1.5 which is very similar to the Phase 3. The Phase 3 was good but for me lacked the pop down lane especially when I had to move left. My rev rate on a good day is around 300, my tilt is not much but working on it and my pap is 5 5/8 over and ¾ up. I went with a stronger layout because honestly, I have not drilled a pearl bowling ball strong in a minute. This layout is a winner for me because it blends the wet / dry out enough on fresh and still has enough power to get around the corner on the carry down. I had a chance to throw the Wolverine and the Phase 4 on the same condition. The Wolverine is drilled to enhance the backend and the Phase 4 is drilled strong. The Wolverine’s backend is predictable, but I had to open my angles up too much on the fresh. I like a smooth arching motion and being able to play straighter whenever possible, the Phase 4 gave me that. I really thought the Wolverine would run circles around the Phase 4 on the carry down. The two big reasons were the layouts and the strength of the shells. The Wolverine is the bowling ball for carry down, but the Phase 4 held its ground and got the job done. I was surprised by the Phase 4 on how it goes through the pins even at open angles. The Phase 4 is the most consistent Pearl Bowling that I have thrown this year. Predictability mixed with power is the Phase 4.
If you liked the Phase 3 or looking to purchase a pearl bowling ball the Phase 4 should be your choice. Or if you like Root Beer, the Phase 4 has you covered!
COMMENTS
Likes: All Around Good Product
Dislikes:
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
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LANE CONDITION
Storm
Phaze 4
Coverstock: R2S Pearl Reactive
Finish: 1500 Grit Polished
Core: Velocity
RG: 2.48
Differential: 0.051
Layout: 5 1/4 x 5 x 2 1/2 - 2LS
Layout Extras: 2 1/8 Finger Depth, "X" - 4 1/2 D and 1 Inch Left
Tester: PAP 6 1/2 R, 1 1/4 D
Review:
The Phaze series continues on with the new Phaze 4. Originally established as an overseas release this one is now available in the states with a R2S coverstock. If you have enjoyed the Phaze series this is a must have. If you are looking for a great reaction on your medium type house patterns the Phaze 4 is sure to be a winner for most styles of bowling.
I've enjoyed the oob finish on this ball. For me, cleaner through the fronts and maximizing control is key. The Phaze 4 provides the best of both worlds. As I always recommend, if you feel on your pearl pieces you see over/under start off by knocking the shine down with a 3K pad then evaluate what the lanes are telling you. For your sport shot scenarios the Phaze 4 will more likely be used after the lanes breakdown a bit and you desire to take advantage of the oob finish or slightly modified finish.
The Phase 4 is a nice addition for any arsenal and you'll likely find a spot in the bag for most medium and THS patterns. The blend of length, overall strength and control provides a lot of options for this piece. I truly recommend this one for your THS conditions where you desire to move easy with the transition. It's quickly becoming one of my favorite balls in the bag. Grab one today!
Michael Slatky
900 Global Staff Member
York, PA
Length:
Volume:
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):
COMMENTS
Likes:
Dislikes:
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
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Storm Phase 4 Ball Specs:
Coverstock R2S Pearl Reactive
Velocity Core (Symmetrical)
Finish 1500 Polished
Bowler Specs:
Right Hand. PAP 5†Over 1/2 up
Rev Rate 300. Tilt 20.
Speed at release 17
Review:
The Storm Phase 4 gives plenty of motion and the back end most bowlers are looking for. Who doesn’t like to move in, corner hard and throw pins around? Even me with my lower rev rate can move deeper and trust this ball. I have used this ball on medium to oily lanes and have had a very nice look. I would put it between my Spectre and Altered Reality in total hook. The phase 4 is another fun ball to roll. The ball gets through the front nicely then makes a hard angular turn when it encounters friction. The Phase 4 corners harder than my Trend 2. The total hook of this ball is much more than I expected. Strong and angular symmetric balls are nice to have in your bag. The symmetric core gives angular balls more lane time before you need to adjust in my opinion. The strength of this ball combined with the entry angle it creates gives it excellent hit and carry. The Phase 4 seems to work well on multiple patterns. This is another fan favorite from our last ball Demo. The current lineup of the Storm, Roto and Global family of balls is the best I have ever seen.
Summary:
The Phase 4 is strong and angular.
The hit and carry is excellent.
The Root Beer Float smell is a treat!
Glenn Wendel
PBA Member
Storm Pro Shop Staff
gwendel@comcast.net
www.stormbowling.com
Video Link:
https://youtu.be/hdXXRkng6n0
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The Phaze 4 features a combination of two of the most successful components in bowling history with the R2S Pearl cover and symmetric Velocity core. R2S Pearl has been around for 15 years and is still performing well on recent balls like the Astro PhysiX, IQ Emerald, Trend and the Hyroad Pearl that’s still in the current lineup. The Velocity core at a 2.48 RG and .051 differential was introduced in the Phaze and made popular in the Phaze 2 which is still in production, and the combination of this cover and core creates a strong rolling but clean and sharp reaction that’s a perfect step down from the Phaze 2 when it gets too strong, early, or smooth. Out of the box, it’s best used as a transition ball behind something else, but with surface added, it becomes strong and controllable enough to be the first ball out of the bag. The Phaze 4 doesn’t replace the Phaze 3, though it does compliment it. The cover on the Phaze 3 is a decent amount stronger, so if the Phaze 4 looks good but is a little too long or over under, the P3 gives you a similar shape with more strength, and if the P3 is a little too strong, the P4 gives you the same look in a cleaner and weaker package.
Phaze 4 Review: https://youtu.be/xaU6Bv7iZCE
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LANE CONDITION
Length: 43'
Volume: 21.5 mLs
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): THS
COMMENTS
Likes: EVERYTHING
Dislikes: Not quite the ball to use on the fresh
BEST PHAZE YET!!
Yes, I said it. The Phaze4 is the best Phaze yet! The combination of the R2S pearl cover with the Velocity core is a masterpiece. I instantly was enamored with the motion that this ball gave me. I have needed this motion! The Zen for me was good, but I didn’t see it as a world beater like a lot of people did. I couldn’t get the recovery down lane. The Trend2 is closer. The Spectre is good but closer to a stronger HyRoad pearl…
But the Phaze4 gives big motion down lane, creating more angle than the Zen does. I have only bowled about 10 games with it but those 10 games include 2, 300’s and an 800.
I just groove with this ball, and I think most people will too. I have already bought one for my wife and daughter!
Other balls getting a lot of play:
Dark Code-4x6x2
UFO Alert-4.5x5x3.75
Altered Reality-4.25x5.25x2
Wolverine-4.25x5.25x2
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
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Storm Phaze 4 Review
Rev Rate: 375
Ball Speed: 15-16 mph
PAP: 5 inches over, 1/2 inch up
Layout: 50x5x35
(I have attached a link to the Phaze 4 Ball Review that I did on YouTube. Feel free to check it out!)
https://youtu.be/3xfrYrqferU
Welcome to one of the best combinations to date: the Phaze core with the R2S coverstock. It can be a benchmark ball in your league conditions. Lots of friction? Leave it in the out of box finish. A little oily? Touch it with a little surface and let the ball go to work.
I compared the Phaze 4 with the Spectre and they are very complimentary of each other. The Phaze 4 core is stronger, which helps it pick up sooner downlane. Once it starts to get lazy, then the Spectre comes into play with its weaker core. The Spectre retains more energy which gives it a better roll during transition.
The Phaze 4…a gotta have!!!
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The Phaze 4 (like the name insinuates) is the 4th generation Phaze ball. It features the same velocity core as the previous 3 domestically produced Phaze balls but is now wrapped in R2S pearl. I personally was a huge fan of the original Phaze. It offered a very heavy rolling and controllable medium friction option that rolled like nothing else we had in the line at that time. The second run of original Phaze were darker and more vibrant and were cleaner and faster downlane which seemed to fit more peoples eyes. Even so, I feel like it was very underutilized at the time. The Phaze 4 is a slightly catchier color scheme and is wrapped in our most responsive cover to date which will provide yet another very unique motion. The velocity core likes to stabilize extremely fast for a symmetrical core but since it’s wrapped in such a clean cover, it still wants to get farther downlane before using friction to slow down. This combo I believe will roll extremely well on lots of higher ratio conditions as well as games 5-8 in longer tournament blocks. When compared to the Dark Code, the Phaze 4 is much cleaner, weaker and more responsive off of friction. When compared to the Original Hyroad, the Phaze 4 is a touch earlier, stronger and slower to respond to friction downlane. Be sure to head into your local Storm VIP pro shop to pre order your very own Phaze 4 for the February 11th release!
Review Video: https://youtu.be/iradOPG9HYY
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LANE CONDITION
Length:43
Volume:High
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):THS
COMMENTS
Cover: R2S Pearl
Core: Velocity
Finish: 1500 Polish
RG: 2.48
Diff: 0.051
Me:
Right-Handed Tweener
Speed: 12-13 mph
Rev Rate: 315
PAP: 4 7/8 Right 3/8 Up
Ball Layout: Pin over Bridge 5 1/8 pin to pap 2 1/2 inch pin buffer
The next Phaze in the Storm Master line is the strongest one to date. The all new Phaze 4 continues the amazing success of the line by giving you the quickest reaction yet. Like alot of people I was waiting for the team up of this super successful core with perhaps the most successful cover ever... storms R2S Pearl.
If the Phaze III lacked anything it was shape. I loved the cleaner rounder shape that I felt was perfect compliment to the phaze II. The phaze 4 gives you something none of the others did, a quick response to friction. I think my favorite part about the motion of this ball is that it doesn't jump and then stop, its very continuous and this core and cover combo can stay useful through so many different patterns and states of transition.
I've used my phaze 4 pretty often since it joined my bag. I like to give precedence to the newer balls but anytime I have felt like I'm losing angle, I've gone back to the phaze 4. Our house pattern is very high volume but like most house patterns there is alot of shape (12-1) I can throw the phaze 4 on the fresh by simply getting it into the friction earlier. It uses the hold almost as well as it uses the hook so I only ever feel like i have to make angle changes with it as opposed to looking for another ball to create a different shape.
I've said this about the last two phaze releases and I'm going to say it again. This is a special piece. It's versatility makes it useful for so many different styles and conditions that I can't think of someone I wouldn't recommend this ball to.
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
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This core/cover combo has been long-anticipated. R2S Pearl is one of Storm's most popular coverstock formulas to date. Featured on pieces like the AstroPhysix, The IQ Emerald and the original Trend, you can't argue with how good this cover is for all different styles. The Velocity core makes this ball slow down in the mids and allows you to control the lane front to back without sacrificing carry. Finally, a pearl Phaze is here! And it might have even exceeded expectations...
-Chase Valenzuela
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In my opinion this is the best phaze to date on house! The all new phaze 4 gives you the length you need and stores plenty of energy for the ball to get through the pins. If you're looking for a new middle of the road or first ball out of the bag ball, the Phaze 4 is definitely the right ball for you. Storm out did there self with this gem. The R2S pearl cover on this ball paired with the velocity core is the best one two punch storm has to offer. Get down to your local pro shop and put some holes in this ball, You won't be disappointed!
Anthony Wiegand
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This is a good piece for Medium-Heavy Oil patterns. This piece gets down the lane on fried fronts with continuous backend. The 4 gets more length and backend motion than the 3.
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The new Phaze bowling ball is the Phaze 4! Storm put one their best covers ever in the R2S pearl. Storm has had huge success of the phaze 2 and Velocity core. So adding a ball with the R2S pearl I was pretty excited. I drilled mine 5 x 4 x 2 pin up. I'd agree with fellow staffers that the Phaze 4 isn't a ball that you would use on the fresh. Its just too clean for the fresh. I actually hit mine with a light 2000. But when the phaze 2 starts to labor a little, the next ball is the phaze 4. Very good 2 ball combo. The Phaze 4 still has the good Phaze midlane roll but with the cleaner cover it does have touch more response to friction. I'd the Phaze 4 is below the Idol Helios but above the wolverine and hyroad pearl group. Plus the Phaze 4 has great root beer float smell and is very good looking ball.
Brian Watson
Storm Pro Shop Staff
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Here’s my intentionally delayed review of the Storm Phaze 4. I generally have a good idea of what a ball is going to do within a few shots off the press. Lately, I’ve noticed some of my initial reviews don’t age well… for good or bad. So, the 2-week review of the Phaze 4 will feel more accurate.
35x4.25x55 put the pin in my ring finger and it’s quickly becoming one of my favorite layouts. Knowing how hyper responsive the R2S can be on the friction, I wanted to control what I knew would be an angular core/surface combo by nature.
What I’ve noticed… I’ve been able to attack the friction of the walled up, 43 foot house pattern I bowl on. I’ve created more miss room front to back than I am used to seeing with other symmetrical pearls sporting smaller drill angles. Simple hand changes have allowed me to square up my angle in the beginning of the night and slowly migrate in without losing reaction or carry.
I’m expecting this to be my benchmark ball going forward. With such a clean read of the patter, even if the Phaze 4 isn’t the ball for the shot, you should be able to tell within a few shots what the lane is giving you with a high degree of accuracy.
Brian Sumner
Storm Amateur Staff
Gold Crown Lanes – St. Johnsbury, VT
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Storm Phaze 4 Ball Review by PJ Haggerty
The newest addition to the Master line at Storm is the Phaze 4. After an extremely successful history of the Phaze, Phaze II, and Phaze III, the Phaze 4 is a rock star. The previous three versions of the Phaze provided bowlers with different ball shapes and motions, and the Phaze 4 is definitely the most responsive downlane. I’ve had a lot of success with the Phaze II and noticed that the Phaze 4 is a perfect compliment to it.
I’ve drilled one Phaze 4 so far and really like it. I mapped it out with the intention to use it in the following situations: when there’s friction down lane after a pattern blends out, when my Reality or Altered Reality is just too much ball for a given pattern, or to be used on normal house patterns. I drilled it with the following specs: 5 x 4 and a surface of 3000. This provides a nice amount of length that most bowlers look for with a quick response time down lane. I’ve had no trouble continuing to move left, open my angles, and watch the Phaze 4 continue to run over
the 8-pin.
If you need a ball that can be used on multiple patterns and that can also compliment several types of balls in your arsenal, you should drill a Phaze 4!
#StormNation
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I drilled up my PHAZE 4 with a 5.5 x 28 lay out. This was an experiment layout to see if I could get something that ignored slightly burnt fronts and save energy for the back. I have lightly touched the surface with a used 2000 pad after trying at box surface the first night out.
The PHAZE 4 didn't disappoint. I have used this one after my ALTERED REALITY starts to go sideways on the back ends. I can also play tighter right up the oil line at the edge of the wet/dry which lightly touching the surface helped to smooth out. The colors are a little tough for me to pick up axis precession but that will come as it is a different look.
Compared to some other pearls, the PHAZE 4 is smoother than my RST-X2 and longer than my ZEN but not by much. I would rate these two closer in motion and where they start up. My DARK CODE is much longer and more violent on the back end than the PHAZE 4.
Grab this one if you like to keep tighter angles on wet/dry or league patterns that cliff up Adjust the surface lightly if you are getting too late of a break and leaving flat corners.
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LANE CONDITION
Length: 41ft
Volume: medium
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): Modified THS
COMMENTS
Likes: The newest entry in the Phaze series has quickly become a favorite for me. The Phaze4 is the perfect compliment to the Phaze2. Same smooth shape just further down the lane. The Phaze2 is the ultimate benchmark ball due to its smooth predictable shape, allowing bowlers to really read the lanes. Well the Phaze4 is just a cleaner version!! I went with a 4in pin to PAP and 35 degree back angle and i get fantastic length with a forward continuous motion down lane. It reminds me of the Axiom Pearl with the way it shapes the lane its just alittle cleaner and stronger. Ive used this ball in league and on acouple different patterns varying from 39ft to 42ft. It is impressive on everyone of them. This is going to be the ultimate league ball for the 2022 season.
Nick Smith
Striking Results Pro Shop
Storm/Roto Grip/900 Global staff
Dislikes:
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
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Phaze 4: R2S Pearl Cover
Core: Velocity Core
RG: 2.48 Dif: 0.51
Layout: 45 x 4 x 30, Speed Dominant, Rev Rate 275-325 PAP: 5 ¾ over 1†up.
The long-awaited Pearl Phaze has arrived. The New Phaze 4 by Storm. I was very excited and had high hopes for this ball and boy it has not disappointed. The Phaze 2 goes with me everywhere it is a staple in my big and has been ever since I switched to SPI equipment. One of my favorite benchmark balls since release has been the Zen. The Phaze 4 is very similar in a lot of ways and is again another ball that is smooth with a nice strong angular motion on the backend. The R2S cover likes the friction picks up and really gets going. It has great continuation through the pins. Bowlers might find the Phaze 4 a little more difficult to move in on fresh and get it to turn the corner due to the weaker cover, but it is one you can ball down to and move in and play the angles. The Phaze 4 is good for just about any style of play and is a great compliment to any arsenal.
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The new Storm Phaze 4 features the R2S Pearl Reactive coverstock wrapped around the highly successful Velocity Core found in the Phaze 2 and 3. The RG at 15lbs is 2.48 and the differential is .051. I wasn’t really sure as to what to expect the first time I threw this ball, I mean how much different could it really be from its predecessors. Well this ball complements the others quite well. For me, the 4 is longest and strongest of the Phazes. The all pearl coverstock gets this ball down the lane even further than the Phaze 3 and the backend is definitely more angular than the other Phazes as well. The Phaze 4 allowed me to stay closer to the friction all night and to my surprise did not overhook when I missed to the friction early. This ball is actually a little longer than I expected and was looking for so I hit the ball with a used 3000 abralon pad just to get the box finish off and the result was exactly what I was looking for. It started up about a foot sooner and smoothed out the backend reaction. The Phaze line has produced another winner with the release of the Phaze 4.
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Another winner in the Phaze line. The Phaze 4 offers a clean motion threw the front the slows down enough in the midlane for control and still allows for plenty of backend to go threw the pins from all angles. The fantastic color scheme makes the motion easy to read and likable to throw by almost everyone.
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The Phaze 4 for me is unexpectedly strong in the mid lane and rolly down the lane, for a pearl cover. It absolutely does not miss the mids. I drilled mine 55 x 4.5 x 30 and it's a fantastic piece for the middle of the bag. It fits right under the benchmarks like the Phaze II. For me, the ball likes straighter angles and more direct angles, but when the pattern is developed enough, it will boom down the lane and have no problem continuing from steep angles. It's not as quick as a Wolverine or Hyroad, but definitely not as early as some of the stronger syms like a Phaze II or Zen Master.
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Storm Phaze 4
R2S Pearl cover
symmetric Velocity core
I had waited for this ball since I got my hands on the Phaze 3. The P3 was my favorite Storm ball to date and was so happy to see the pearl compliment.
R2S Pearl helps the ball get down lane, everyone knows that (see the hyroad pearl, astro physiX, and countless others). The core cover combo gets me a longer/angular/weaker drop down from my Phaze 3.
Partially banned by usbc today (nothing better than having a ball they deem legal and illegal at the same time :) ), I will definitely be holding onto my Phaze 4 for any local leagues and tourneys that I can use it.
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The Phase series has been one of my favorite lines on the market in recent years. The new Phase 4 is nothing different, this all-new piece features the Velocity Core, this time Storm has wrapped it in one of the best covers on the market, R2S Pearl. The Phase 4 is a great option when the Phase II starts to burn up a little early. This ball is clean through the front part of the lane, has a good midlane roll, then really pops downlane to give bowlers an ideal reaction through the pins. The Phase 4 will be a stable in my bag for the foreseeable future, make sure you go out and get yours today!
Layout: 40 x 5 ⅜ x 25