Ball NPS Score: 100.00
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Check out the Storm Virtual Energy Blackout Bowling Ball – A Fusion of Power and Precision! Step onto the lanes with confidence, armed with the cutting-edge performance of the Virtual Energy Blackout. This remarkable bowling ball takes the renowned foundation established by the Shape-Lock HD Core and elevates it to new heights of sleek sophistication. The Virtual Energy Blackout seizes control with its captivating tour-inspired 1-tone design, a testament to its dominance on the lane. Rekindle your passion for the game, as this ball brings back a shape that you didn't realize was missing until now. Unleash the true potential of your game with the Virtual Energy Blackout's groundbreaking features. The "HD" in the core's name stands for high density, a quality that works in tandem to enhance the ball's performance. By lowering the RG and boosting the weight block's differential, this ball is primed for extraordinary flare potential. With each rotation, this ball exposes a fresh section of its coverstock to the oil, ensuring consistent and dynamic gameplay that adapts to every lane condition. Traditionally, a "hybrid" coverstock implies a combination of solid and pearl components. However, Storm's pursuit of excellence led them to redefine the hybrid concept entirely. Enter the revolutionary pairing of R2S and NeX in their state-of-the-art laboratory. The outcome surpassed even Storm's loftiest expectations. Rigorous testing revealed that the NeX foundation yielded backend and entry angle figures akin to those of R2S, with a unique twist. The slight compactness of R2S's chemical porosity compared to NeX forged a new frontier of performance. Thus, the birth of ReX, aptly known as "Reactor Extreme," emerged as a testament to Storm's unwavering commitment to innovation. The Virtual Energy Blackout Bowling Ball is more than just a bowling ball – it's a game-changer that reshapes your approach to the sport. Dominate the lanes with unparalleled power, finesse, and control. Experience the fusion of cutting-edge technology and expert craftsmanship!

Color: Blackout
All colors do vary somewhat from the picture shown
Core: Shape-Lock HD (14#-16#)
Coverstock: ReX Pearl Reactive
Finish: Reacta Gloss
RG: 2.48 (15# ball)
Differential: 0.052 (15# ball)
Recommended Lane Condition: Medium-Heavy Oil
Fragrance: Orange Pop

League Average:225 PAP:5 3/8" over 1/2 ^Ball Speed:Fast Style:Cranker Bowling Hand: Right Handed Sport Shot Average:210

The newest release to the Storm line the Virtual Energy Blackout. Shape Lock HD Core that was in the old Virtual Gravity and Virtual Energy paired with the REX coverstock. I am a big fan of the REX cover from the Infinite and the Fate. When I received word that this ball was coming out I was beyond excited!

Layout 45x5x35. I feel like we have not had a ball do what this ball does for a while. With the REX cover this time around I feel that this ball is cleaner down lane and really pops off the back end. REX has always been clean and smooth but there is a difference here with the Blackout. You can tell it has that get up and go of the Virtual Gravity. I have only had this ball for a little bit and it is hard to take out of my hands.

This time around I left the reacta gloss on for now. I was impressed this ball gave me length, pop, and control. Not to mention power at the pins. This ball I feel is always hunting the 8 pin when it turns for home. For reaction shape I would say it is smooth yet “whippy”. Comparing it to other balls in the line I would say it is not as clean as an Absolute but similar for house shots. Sport shots between the Black out and the Absolute, the black out is going to read it earlier and be the smoother option(imo.). I highly recommend this one for all bowlers to try you do not want to miss out on this one!

Dual Angle Layout: 55 x 4 1/2 x 25
Storm Vector Layout: 4 ½ x 4 ½ x 1 5/8

This ball has quickly become my go to ball when the lanes hook early.  The clean cover does require some friction for this ball to really shine.  This ball is super clean through the front of the lane and reads the back end extremely well. 

Let's welcome back the Virtual Gravity series with the brand new Virtual Energy Blackout! The same core found in all the Virtual Gravity Balls with the Dark Code Cover REX! When I saw this ball coming out, I couldn't wait to get my hands on it. Anything with the REX cover on it has never let me down and I have never thrown the Virtual Energy and I am very excited to throw a pearl Virtual Gravity ball.
If you're looking for something to replace your beloved Dark Code, this is the ball. This ball is earlier and shapes just as much as a dark code would. This is the perfect step down from something like a Clone or your asym solid that you're throwing for the first transition. When was the last time you saw a black bowling ball roll bad?! Well, it doesn't start today! Go get yours now at your local Storm VIP Pro Shop.

Virtual Energy Blackout - Ball Specs
Cover Stock: Rex Pearl Coverstock
Finish: Reacta Gloss
Core: Shape-Lock HD Core
Layout: 55 x 5 x 40
RG: 2.48
Differential: 0.052
Intermediate Diff: .020

Review
Storm has added a new addition to the Virtual series the Virtual Energy Blackout. This is my first ball in the Virtual series. My first impression was this ball reminds me of the Dark Code, probably because it has proven the Rex cover. The REX cover stock, which is a combination of the R2S and NeX cover stocks wrapped around the Shape-Lock HD Core. The Virtual Energy Blackout is clean through the mid lane with a very strong backend reaction and goes through the pins extremely well. As a mid to low rev player, I was able to stand 20 to 30 deep inside without any loss of ball reaction or pin carry. This ball will be great on medium oil patterns. This is a great ball for all levels of bowlers. Order one from your local pro shop today! My ball review videos are posted on YouTube channel Stanley Waite.


Stanley Waite
900 Global Staff Member
Dover, DE

Storm Virtual Energy Blackout - Premier Line
Coverstock: ReX Pearl - Reacta Gloss
Core: Shape-Lock HD
RG: 2.48   Differential: .052 (15 lbs)   PSA: .020
Layout: 5 x 5 x 2
PAP: 6" Right, 1 3/8" Up
Axis Tilt: 16°
Rotation: 51°
Rev Rate: 450-500
Speed: 17-18 mph
Location: Vista Lanes - Yorkville, NY
Pattern: 2022 Kegel House Pattern
Lane Surface: HPL

The Virtual Energy Blackout brings back the proven Shape-Lock HD Core with a new sharp, elegant, glossy look! The Blackout has the same ReX Pearl cover as the Fate which has been one of my favorite transition balls. I can see the Blackout fitting in the same slot, but with more “orange pop” in the back because of the asymmetric core. The Blackout gave me a good look sliding on 28, looking 17 at the arrows with my breakpoint around 8-9. I was able to move left as the lanes broke down and the Blackout had no trouble making the corner.. The Fate was earlier and rounder than the Blackout, but was very close in overall hook potential. After the big solid asymmetric balls start to burn up, the Blackout will be an excellent step down without sacrificing down lane strength. Stop by your local Storm VIP pro shop to check it out!

Dave Jecko
Storm Amateur Staff Member
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@maximumpotentialbowlerssho7625

Virtual Energy Blackout •Storm • Signature Series
Core • Shape-Lock HD
Weight • 15 lbs. RG • 2.48 Differential •.052 Intermediate Diff•.017
Coverstock • ReX Pearl Reactive Finish • Reacta Gloss
Layout • 4 ¼x 4 ½ x 2 ¼
Tester PAP • 5” R, 5/8” D Tester Axis Tilt • 11° Tester Rev Rate • 300
Test Pattern • 42' THS (Typical House Shot) • Modified, Kegel Stone Street

The Virtual Energy Blackout is a sharp and powerful new release from Storm. And for a straighter player like me, it will open a new dimension to your game. The strong asymmetrical Shape-Lock HD core combined with the ReX Pearl coverstock makes the Virtual Energy Blackout a superior choice to add to your arsenal. So, let's take a closer look at what makes the Virtual Energy Blackout so good!

The tenacious asymmetrical Shape-Lock HD core is the heart of the Virtual Energy Blackout. And being a straighter player, I liked the security the Shape-Lock HD provided throughout the night. With its well-defined and relentless motion, I could count on the Virtual Energy Blackout to stand up off the pattern and turn with authority as it heads to the pocket. The Shape-Lock HD is far from lazy, and you can count on its energy to deliver a strong punch at the pins, especially if you are a low-rev player like me. I believe the "HD" or high density of the Shape-Lock HD core gives the Virtual Energy Blackout plenty of early energy to grab the lane while creating a strong momentum at the pins, making the Shape-Lock HD core an excellent choice for straighter players like me.

When you find the right surface combination to fit your game, the ReX Pearl reactive coverstock can be a straighter player's best friend. And I hit my Virtual Energy Blackout spot-on!  I took my Virtual Energy Blackout to 1500-grit Abralon, followed by Storm's new Rough Edge Polish. And I was amazed at the ReX Pearl's traction throughout the lane. Further, I enjoyed how the ReX Pearl bites into the front part of the lane and was still smooth and predictable through the mid-lane. And the best result I saw with the ReX Pearl was it made my Virtual Energy Blackout very stable off the pattern. Unlike other Pearls that will jump on me or have a flutter in the back end, especially later in the night, I could count on the ReX Pearl to produce a smooth and stable motion that my lower rev rate game depends on. And for me, this makes the ReX Pearl an excellent choice for any straighter player.

In conclusion, Storm Virtual Energy Blackout is a powerful new release by Storm. And don't let that elegant appeal fool you. Because for straighter players like me, the winning combination of Sure-Lock HD core and Rex Pearl coverstock makes the Virtual Energy Blackout a great ball to add to your arsenal. So, if you are looking for a ball that gives you skid, hook, and roll when you need it, stop by your local Storm VIP Pro Shop today and have your Virtual Energy Blackout ready for competition. Your scores and your team will thank you!


Rick Klimowicz
Storm Products Pro Shop Staff
Roll the Ball Pro Shop
Penndel, PA

Storm Virtual Energy Black Out Ball Review by PJ Haggerty

Has there ever been a black ball that hasn’t been great?  There have been so many produced by every company out there and I’ve noticed a common denominator… darker colored balls tend to roll extremely well.  The new Virtual Energy Black Out from Storm fits that bill too.  Several years ago, the Virtual Gravity line was produced and they were extremely successful.  The masterminds at Storm decided to re-create one of the balls and created the Black Out. 

I’ve drilled two so far and have had success with both.  The first one I drilled is a pretty standard layout of mine.  It maps out as 5.5 x 4.5 x 75.  This puts the pin above my bridge and mass bias just to the right of my thumb.  I cracked the surface with a 3000 pad just to take the shine off.  I’ve been able to go the Black Out after my DNA and Magic Gem do their jobs.  It’s been a perfect ball to stand left, throw right, and create angle down lane. 

The second one I drilled is 5 x 3.5 x 40.  This puts the pin under my bridge with a decent sized shift and the mass bias closer to my CG.  I decided to put more surface on this one to try and use it earlier in blocks before the pattern blends.  This has a surface of 1000 and it’s significantly earlier than the other one I drilled.  It’s more forward down lane but still rolls great.  This one doesn’t change direction as hard down-lane, but is very usable on multiple types of patterns.

If you need an extremely reliable ball that can be used on different patterns, surface, and can handle different layouts, go drill the Virtual Energy Black Out!

#StormNation