My Triple X started with 1.78 top weight and the pin about 3 3/4 out from the CG.
I put the pin over my fingers, slightly left of my span line, which gives me a 5 inch pin from PAP distance. The RAD is out to the right, about 1 1/2 right of my thumb hole, which is about a 75 degree position.
I had to use a small hole to get the ball to ABC legal, that hole is 6" over and 2" down from the center of my span. Used a 3/4 inch bit and went down about 1 1/2".
I wanted this ball to be very long, good length, even when the lanes start breaking down. (Reason for the 5" pin) I wanted a firm back end, not super snappy, but strong. With my medium ball speed, I can usually get the ball to turn the corner. (Reason for the strong mass bias and small hole)
This ball does just what I wanted to see. I used this ball on wood lanes, fresh oil, but the shot is kinda medium/dry. Pretty much a THS, just a little on the dry side. I got great length, ball was very clean through the front. When I changed hand positions, the XXX was very responsive. I could square up on the oil line, be soft with my hand, more up the back and firm with my speed and the ball would go verrrrry long, and smooth back end. No over reaction, the ball under reacted if anything.
I could also move my target closer to me and try to get a little more on the ball, more side turn (my natural release) and the ball went nicely down the lane and turned harder on the back end.
Carry was very good, most any single pins could be attributed to me not making a great shot. XXX hit pretty hard, finishing through the pins, without much deflection at all. 727 first 3 games that counted is okay with me.
I think the XXX has that "lopey" motion like the Fear Factor, but farther down the lane, and more back end. Less overall hook than the Fear Factor. XXX is longer than the original X Factor, and for me finishes much better. I had a hard time getting the original X Factor to save enough energy to finish on the back end. XXX has almost as much length as the Power Charge Pearl, but more back end.
I think the XXX will be a more versatile ball than the X Factor. X Factor seemed one dimensional. I think you will be able to do more with this ball than most of Storm's recent high end releases. I like the way this ball rolls, and like what I have seen of it in the hands of other people too.
This ball will be used on medium to some dry by most players. High speed guys will use this on dry. Only very slow ball speed players will want to use this ball on oil, as there are really better choices. This could be a bench mark ball for some people, specially with a little scotch brite to the surface for heavier oil. Storm probably has the best pearl reactive cover stocks on the market today, if you use this ball for what it was meant for, I think you will really like it.
(Bring on Reno, Think this ball could be nasty at ABC Nationals!!!!
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Mike Austin
Mike Austin's Precision Pro Shop
Houston, TX
strikes4days@sbcglobal.net
Storm Pro Shop Staff Member
Vise Grips Staff Member
Onward through the Storm!!!!
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