BallReviews
Reviews => Storm => Topic started by: BallReviews-scodaddy21 on March 16, 2017, 01:38:35 PM
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Storm continues the success of the Lock series with the Sure Lock bowling ball. The Sure Lock combines the successful RAD-X core with their new GI-17 (Game Improvement-2017) solid reactive coverstock. This combination works to provide a unique ball motion. The core provides awesome hook and ball motion with power while the coverstock fights through heavy oil to produce mid-lane roll. This ball helps with controlling the mid-lane as well as pin carry. The Sure Lock is a sure thing!
Color: Navy/Electric/Orange
Core: RAD-X
Coverstock: GI-17 Solid Reactive
Finish: 2000-grit Abralon
RG: 2.48
Differential: 0.054
** RG and Diff are based off of 15 lb. balls
Recommended Lane Condition: Heavy Oil
Fragrance: Orange Clove
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This ball is a hook monster! I placed one of my favorite layouts, 4x4x2, on it and bowled on a fresh 42' THS (Typical House Shot).
Normally, as a stroker, I like to stand around 21/22 to start and keep my angles tight. The Sure Lock had me standing 26 to start and it was not long before I was standing board 30; around start of game 2. This ball will allow you to really open up your angles. All you have to do is stand left, throw it right and watch it come back.
As far as it's hitting power; it is similar to Lock's of the past. It has a high carry percentage when you are anywhere near the pocket.
This ball will be my go-to ball on fresh Sport Shot and heavier volume of oil patterns.
Check out my video on this new release!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79ehw_xUpYE
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When this ball was posted on the Storm page I was really excited to add this to my bag. The layout of mine is 65 x 4 7/8 x 21 and my PAP is 4 1/4 x 1/4 up. This ball does not disappoint on the lanes. Super strong just like an Alpha Crux but reads faster and soon stores energy down to drive through the pins. If you're looking to add a big ball in your bag this is a great choice in the Storm product line.
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Complete review and video:
http://tamerbowling.com/storm-sure-lock-bowling-ball-review/
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
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Ball: Storm Sure Lock
Specs: 2000 grit AB with a 40 x 4 x 40 layout
Lane info: SPL installed in early 2010’s and using KEGEL Flex with Fire conditioner w/ defense – C cleaner
What I liked: WOOHOO!! This Lock is the best of the bunch. Stronger than the Trick, Alpha, Lock in all aspects. Longer length off of the pattern, strong and very reliable angle into the pocket and very adaptable to lane and surface changes. The cover for me in the past give me mixed emotions, but pairing it with the Lock core, the pairing now works the best for me. I have a strong tilt and rev dominate and left handed, so usually solids are not too friendly to me, they tend to loss all “focus†mid lane and making change to a different ball or alter the launch angles and change the in play part of the lane that I am more suited for earlier than most lefties. The Sure Lock gives me length, controllable hook and roll and overall a very good ball for me when I am bowling on SPL or newer Brunswick lane panels.
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The Sure Lock is Storm's newest hook monster in the Premier line, and it's without doubt the strongest ball I've ever thrown across the board. It has a very heavy roll and has plenty of midlane traction but also manages to add in quite a bit on the backend. Fans of the original Virtual Gravity will get that nostalgic feeling with this one as it's quite reminiscent of the VG, just stronger in every way. Out of the box, this ball needs oil, and a lot of it. With some polish it could be in play on heavier house patterns, but this ball is going to be most at home on heavier volume sport patterns when you need traction AND backend finish. Most higher rev players won't need this much hook, but higher speeds and/or low rev players will love this ball, it will be the strongest motion they've ever had. I feel like the Sure Lock sets a new standard for heavy oil balls.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ry_bA98Uhpc
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Storm Sure Lock
Layout: pin above the bridge cg directly 2 inches below. Oob condition
Lane conditions: 40 ft ths, hpl
This ball is absolutely amazing, a hooking machine. I wanted this ball to complement the Snap Lock. It allows me a step up when the lanes are a little more oily and still be able to use a more controllable piece then going to Alpha Crux. I could play deep in the oil and the ball would still have the power to kick corners or swing it out to the dry playing the whole lane and still had no problems getting back to the pocket. This ball has tremendous shelf appeal with it blue/orange color scheme and the orange clove frangrance is delightful. This ball is available now. Go see you local pro shop operator today, you won't be disappointed. If in the Evansville, IN are go out and see Nick Austin at The Bowling Place located in Arc Lanes. Bowl Up a Storm
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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: 60, 5 ¾ , 40
The Sure Lock is strongest ball I’ve ever thrown from Storm. From the first look at the Sure Lock, it reminds you of the famous Virtual Gravity. The reaction is very similar to the VG as well. The Sure Lock is a solid but it’s surprisingly clean in the front part of the lane and generates more backend than you would expect. Like all the balls in the Lock series, the Sure Lock revs up quick, but unlike the original Lock and the Snap Lock which tended to quit on the back, the Sure Lock keeps going. If you need a ball for heavy oil, definitely get a Sure Lock.
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LANE CONDITION
Length:41
Volume:Med-High
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): THS
COMMENTS
Core: RAD-X
Coverstock: GI-17 Solid Reactive
Finish: 2000
RG: 2.48
Differential: 0.054
Me:
Right-Handed Tweener
Speed: 12-13 mph
Rev Rate: 315
PAP: 4 7/8 Right 3/8 Up
Ball Layout: Pin under Middle Finger 65 X 5 1/2 X 60
The new Storm Sure Lock is a mid-lane MONSTER. The GI-!7 cover matches up so well with the RAD-X core featured in the Lock and Snap Lock, that this ball grabs the midlane and keeps coming.
I starting hearing the hype about the strength of this ball pretty early. With my lower ball speed I went in with the fear that using a common layout might make the ball too strong for me to use on anything but high-volume patterns. I decided to use a weaker layout on this ball in case it was too much. The ball is definitely strong, and my fears were somewhat unfounded as the ball doesn't roll out like I was afraid of.
My first impression of the ball was definitely relief at how well it continues downlane. Balls that read the midlane as hard as this one usually are very conditional for me and I can't open up and cover boards with them. With the Sure Lock I am able to get my angle steeper through the front of the lane and stick with it into the transition and still see excellent ball reaction and carry. That being said my second impression was, YEAH, THIS THING SEES THE MID-LANE! I love this ball on higher volume because I don't feel like I have to slow down because I know it will make the move I need every time.
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
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The Storm Sure Lock might be the most aggressive ball I have ever thrown. Most people would call this ball the second coming of the Virtual Gravity. The Sure Lock needs oil in order to store some of its energy and prevent it from burning up but if your looking for a ball for longer patterns or just a ball that can eat up the oil this is your ball. I put a 45 x 5 x 35 layout on my Sure Lock and the ball worked great as long as there was oil in the front part of the lane. When the fronts tend to dry up the ball hooked a little to much. Overall I think this ball is great for anyone looking for a ton of hook.
COMMENTS
Likes:
Dislikes:
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
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The Storm SureLock was the Premier Line March release which featured the GI-17 Solid Reactive cover and the Rad-X Core. I'm a huge fan of the SnapLock, so when I heard about the solid release, I was stoked. I'm speed dominant with lower than average tilt and solid covers tend to burn up on me. I used a big drilling angle and a high rg pin out to get the ball some help down lane. At first I wasn't too happy with the look from the SureLock...It was too smooth and did not hit very hard. I didn't give up on it and I'm happy about that choice because, after three or so games, with a bit of glaze on the cover...bang! It's like it came to life! I tossed a 289 the first game in league, left a weak ten, operator error, finished with a decent seven set. Next time out I rolled a clean 720 with a few corner pins sprinkled in...just so you know, I'm a ball driller and I've never claimed to be a super star on the lanes. This rock makes me look pretty darn good! I highly suggest drilling one up, it suits more speed dominant players and heavier volume patterns. Beware of the cover strength, she really hooks a bunch out of the box. All in all another solid release from Team Utah!!! #stormnation
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I found this ball one of the most hooking balls that I have ever thrown. It handles heavy oil very well. On lighter volume conditions, this ball wouldn’t be ideal since it wants to start hooking very quickly. I like to use this ball on the fresh and on heavier volume lane conditions. For people with a higher rev rate and a slower ball speed, I would recommend adjusting the surface to a 4k or even polished if you see the ball not retaining enough energy.
This is definitely one of my favorite asymmetrical balls. Everyone should have one in their bag!
-Joshua Tajiri
Storm/Roto Staff
Vise Staff
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Storm Sure Lock Ball Review by PJ Haggerty
The Storm Sure Lock is the newest addition to the Premier Line and man, does it hook! I believe the Sure Lock is the strongest ball in my bag and I’ve had the most success with it on medium and longer patterns. Before I drilled it, I felt like I needed to drill a strong ball with a strong layout for those types of patterns and it’s perfect for them. I mapped out my Sure Lock as: 4 x 4 x 70 with no weight hole. The pin, cg, and mass bias are all stacked starting under my ring finger.
From a surface standpoint, I left it as is out of the box, but have put 1000 by hand on it a few times to use on longer patterns or create a hook spot on the lane if I’m trying to do so. With the RG at 2.48 and Diff at .54, the Sure Lock is meant to hook early and often. If you are looking to replace the strongest ball in your bag, I’d put the Sure Lock up against anything out there. For folks going to USBC Nationals, I could definitely see this ball being used in the Singles & Doubles portion of the event.
Go Drill One!
#StormNation
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Storm Sure Lock
Layout: 60 X 1 1/2 X 30
Surface: Box
With the anticipated strength of the Sure Lock, and the (at best) medium volume oil at my home center, I used a very weak pin to help calm down the overall hook of the ball, and to attempt to conserve more energy through the front part of the lane. The result was that the Sure Lock was *still* quite strong, but had a definite arc motion that continued down lane very well. It did not burn up in the fronts. With a more normal 4"-5" pin, the Sure Lock will be the strongest ball in almost anyone's bag. Compared to a Storm Torrent, which was drilled with a more normal 5" pin, it was still an easy 3-4 boards stronger, a complement to the strong cover of the Sure Lock.
https://youtu.be/3a25Skc9vc0
Mike LeViner
BowlersMart.com
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I’m a 60 year old right handed bowler. I have medium speed with 255 RPM Rev rate. I prefer to use same layouts on every bowling ball. I drilled the sure lock pin up 50 x 4-1/2 x 35. This ball likes a lot of oil. I roll up 5-10 and the ball moves down the lane good and makes a hard turn off the spot. I have shot 751 with games: 279, 240, and 232 out of box. This ball for me is a step up from Phase II.
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Right Handed
Ball weight: 15
Rev Rate: 400
Ball Speed: 17.3
Axis Tilt: 7
Axis Rotation: 45*
PAP: 3 3/4 horizontal, 7/8 up
Layout: 50 x 4 ½ x 50
This ball is strong. For me, it’s too strong for a THS. I’ve tried using it with the oob finish and had very little success on any THS leagues. However; instead of tweaking the surface, I decided to try it on some sport patterns. I had the chance to roll it on both regional & tour chameleon patterns and that’s where it shined.
On the regional pattern, I was able to play a bit straighter and had to ball down quite sooner, but while it worked, it worked quite well.
On the tour pattern, with about 10 games on it (slight lane shine), the Sure Lock was awesome for the first 3 games. Just making minor adjustments from pair to pair. I really liked what I saw and plan to keep this ball in the bag for higher volume/longer pattern tourneys.
For anyone looking for a stronger ball, something that could be at the top of the bag, you need look no further than the Sure Lock.
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The new ball from Storm is the Sure Lock. The Sure Lock is the solid cover version of the original Lock. I was a huge fan of the Lock, but the Sure Lock may be the strongest ball I've thrown for awhile. It has great overall hook, but the Sure Lock has more backend motion even for a strong asymmetrical core. At the last couple tournaments that I've bowled lately there was a lot of the Sure Lock on several pairs. The interesting thing was that there was several different styles throwing the Sure Lock. Bowlers were playing out around the track and some playing the deep inside line, all with great success. Very good addition to the Storm Premier Line.
PAP- 3 5/8 up 1 1/4
Speed - 16-17
Rev rate - 400
Tilt - 17
Layout - 5 x 4.5 x 4.5
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The Sure Lock is the solid covered version of the Lock and Snap Lock, in the premier line of balls from Storm. This solid cover is called GI-17. The Sure Lock uses the same RAD-X core as the previous two releases. The Sure Lock color combination of orange, electric and Navy, is sure to remind bowlers of the Virtual Gravity Nano. The Sure Lock comes from the factory sanded with a 2000 grit abralon finish. The core numbers of the Sure Lock are 2.48 Rg, .054 diff, and .018 intermediate diff, in 15 lb balls.
I used a very strong layout of 3.75 x 5.5 x 2.5 on the Sure Lock, to compliment my Snap Lock drilled 3.75 x 6 x 2.5. I decided to go with this strong of a layout, because many of the current oils today give me an over under reaction, if I'm not using a higher flare drilling, as I don’t have an ultra high rev rate. Long pin distance drillings with more surface on the ball become too speed sensitive for me, and often times cover too many boards. A stronger layout like this, for me, tends to reduce the overall board coverage because the core finds it’s prefered spin axis quicker and I don’t need to use as much surface to get the ball to read the lane the right way. When bowling in centers with either a flatter pattern, or using older technology oil that isn’t as “slick†as the new stuff, I use more traditional layouts and or would gravitate more towards the Snap Lock. My Sure Lock in the box finish had good motion, but was too big of a gap from my Snap Lock. I lightly smoothed out the cover on all four quadrants with Storm step #1 compound. With this finish, the Sure Lock gives me that earlier and stronger reacting version of my Snap Lock. The Sure Lock has a more defined motion than the Alpha Crux, which it replaced in the line-up. The Alpha Crux is more rounded through the backend, where the Sure Lock is a more defined shape.
The Sure Lock is a big hooking ball, that will cover some boards depending on your layout choice. The defined shape through the backend is more ideal for slick lane surfaces, and not real squeaky clean backends. If you are looking for a big ball motion with change of direction, look into a Sure Lock. Thank you for taking the time to read my review of the Storm Sure Lock. Now go Bowl up a Storm!