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Author Topic: Virtual Energy Black Out  (Read 19002 times)

BallReviews-scodaddy21

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Virtual Energy Black Out
« on: September 22, 2023, 12:53:46 PM »
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

 

william.tefft

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Re: Virtual Energy Black Out
« Reply #31 on: November 29, 2023, 08:18:11 PM »
Storm Virtual Energy Blackout
Cover: ReXâ„¢ Pearl Reacta Gloss Reactive
Weight Block: Shape-Lockâ„¢ HD Core (Asymmetrical)
Color: Blackout

Review:
If you are a fan of the Dark Code and the Virtual series look no further than Virtual Energy Blackout which combines the best of both worlds. The shape-lock core wrapped with the ReX Pearl cover stock is something that will create a new reaction that people are looking for. This ball is clean through the fronts before it makes a backend motion like no other. The clean black color of this ball gives you an old school feel with new school technology. This ball really is great for when the lanes begin to change and that strong asymmetric solid has become just to much for the lanes. The Virtual Energy Blackout continues to add to the very well respected line that is the Virtual Line.
Will Tefft
Storm Staff Member
will@parklanes.net
www.strombowling.com
#Stromnation

chasev97

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Re: Virtual Energy Black Out
« Reply #32 on: December 02, 2023, 01:39:54 PM »
The Blackout is the newest big asym to feature the REX Pearl cover. This cover has quickly become a staple in the storm family becasue of its unique ability to create midlane traction and backend motion. In this iteration, the cover feels cleaner and more responsive than the previous asym balls that featured this cover. On the lanes, this ball is the perfect first ball out of the bag. Its clean and quick enough to get the ten out, but strong enough that you can throw it on the fresh and still get it to pick up. This is gonna be one of the best balls of the year. If anyone knows how to do big pearl asyms, it's Storm!

-Chase Valenzuela

Sappman069

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Re: Virtual Energy Black Out
« Reply #33 on: December 10, 2023, 10:53:58 PM »
LANE CONDITION

Length:44

Volume:25ml THS
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):


COMMENTS

Likes:I was so excited when Storm announced this ball.  I never got the chance to throw a Virtual Energy but I did really like the Dark Code which has the same ReX Coverstock.  I decided to drill this ball 4x3.5x1 since I throw 14lbs and balls tend to get down lane easier than the 15lb counterparts for me.  I wasn't disappointed at all.  With the ReX Coverstock the Virtual Energy Blackout really gives me a sharp backend angle once the lanes open up to help carry the corners out.  On a typical league night I start with a Storm Summit and once the front of the lane fries out, I switch to the Blackout.  I would not recommend this ball for heavy long oil patterns until the heads burn out or if you are bowling on a high friction surface.  My normal house shot is 44ft on a brand new synthetic surface.  This is another homerun from Storm Bowling.

Dislikes:Not a ball designed for heavy, long patterns


PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS

Jdonner111

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Virtual Energy Black Out
« Reply #34 on: December 13, 2023, 06:31:07 PM »
About Me
900 Global Staff
Left Handed: High Rev High Speed Player
Pap: - 47/8   +1
Rev Rate: +-500
Speed 17-18mph

Layout: 5 X 3 ½ X 2

Ball Video: https://youtu.be/ALE_1nqX45A

The Storm Virtual Energy Blackout is long and strong. Even though this is long and has a strong backend the Blackout is very predictable and controllable. The backend is not a check mark but more rounded of the spot and then turns into a strong rollie finish. This is something I haven't had, and it seems to help throw the pins around quite a bit. I believe that the Blackout is a ball that you can get to the outside with to start the night with and migrate to the middle or jump into the middle without sacrificing ball motion or carry. I also think with dryer patterns this may be a little too much and will lose its predictability and control. This Virtual Energy Blackout is something different and should be in most people’s bags if not everyone's. Go talk to your local pro shop for more details.

Joel Donner
900 Global Staff Member
Cedar Rapids, IA

#StormNation
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Chicago972

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Re: Virtual Energy Black Out Ball Review
« Reply #35 on: December 18, 2023, 12:24:26 PM »
The Blackout has a low RG value of 2.48 a medium differential of 0.052 and a high intermediate differential of 0.020. 
Storm combined the ever so popular Shape Lock HD Core with the Reactor Extreme (REX) Coverstock.  The REX coverstock is the combination of the NEX coverstock that we have seen in a numerous amount of releases such as the Storm Super Nova and Proton Phyisics and the R2S coverstock that we have seen on the Astro Physics and Hyroad Pearl.
As per the Shape Lock HD core, this core we have seen in the Virtual Gravity line which creates a fast revving reaction that helps bowlers of all types looking for a stronger change of direction on the backend.  The high density core lowers the RG and raises the differential which creates more flare potential. 
I did a ball comparison to the Storm Dark Code and the 900 Global Zen Gold Label at 42 ft house shot, 25 ml of oil.  The layout chosen 55 x 5 x 35. 3000 Grit used for review.
In comparison to the Storm Dark Code, the Dark Code starts up a tad quicker because its pin down but the Blackout is sharper on the backend due to having a stronger weight block and being pin up.  In addition, the Dark Code has a RG of 2.50 with a differential of 0.058 verses the Blackout having a RG of 2.48 and differential of 0.052 which in theory is not much of a disparity per the RG’s but the differential which is your backend motion is a decent amount.
In comparison to the 900 Global Zen Gold Label, The Blackout goes longer and is pinch sharper due the core being asymmetric, but the ZGL starts up quicker and has better traction in the oil.  These two balls can be a one two punch in the bag on the transition/burn on a sport pattern or for game 2 and 3 of league.
As per the surface adjustments, the Blackout’s box surface is Reacta Gloss which is 500>2,000>4000, reacta gloss which will go really long but will be great on the medium to dry conditions.
For me, I put on a 3000 over the reacta Gloss to give the ball a matte finish which rounds off the ball on the backend so its not as sharp off the spot and blends out the pattern.
In the bag, will be the Eternity Pi, Eternity, Xponent, Zen Gold Label and Storm Virtual Gravity Blackout
Please pick up a Storm Virtual Energy Blackout at a Striking Results Proshop near you and please like and subscribe to my page Beyond the Arrows Ball reviews.  Use my coupon code Patrick300 on your first purchase of a Bowlifi jersey and get $5.00 off or $5.00 off a $50.00 or more purchase.

Bigmike

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Re: Virtual Energy Black Out
« Reply #36 on: December 19, 2023, 10:32:07 AM »
I drilled up my VIRTUAL ENERGY BLACKOUT with a 4 x 2 x 3.5 layout. This put the pin in my ring finger. This is a layout I prefer when I need to blend patterns that have became wet/dry and my bigger balls are standing up too soon and shiny options are too long off the pattern. In essence, this is my version of a pin under layout with a weight hole down. I slightly have glazed the cover with a 3000 CTD pad which is almost like 2000 SiaAir pads.

I have put this up against my EXOTIC GEM, CLONE, & ZEN GOLD LABEL which are a couple of my shinier choices for most medium/slightly wetter conditions. The BLACKOUT did exactly what I needed in that it can hug the oil line much easier than the EXOTIC GEM and CLONE. My GOLD LABEL was the same length thru the fronts but a slower move in the back compared to the VE BLACKOUT and was weaker hitting. It could also blow thru the backend and miss the headpin right completely. On slightly slicker patterns, the CLONE and EXOTIC GEM were slightly better looks. I did get the impression that I could hit the VIRTUAL ENERGY BLACKOUT with a 1000 pad and get a much earlier read to put it on par with those quicker reading shiny balls. One thing with this layout was I had to keep my speed up or the ball would get forward too quickly and stop.

Drill this one up if you want something to have when you encounter your first transition from slightly slicker to more medium slick. Also don't be afraid to hit it with surface to get it to read quicker if you are leaving flat corner pins.
« Last Edit: December 19, 2023, 10:34:38 AM by Bigmike »
"Tell me Cup, how does a great ball striker like you shoot an 83? Well I lipped out this putt on 18......"

Mike Craig - Storm Bowling Amateur Staff - Westerville, OH

TBSS

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Re: Virtual Energy Black Out
« Reply #37 on: December 21, 2023, 07:53:35 AM »
My initial impression of the virtual energy blackout is that this ball is so much fun to throw! I drilled mine 70 x 5 1/4 x 35.

Fresh off the press I took it out on a 41 foot 28 mL house shot.  With my iPhone video recording I threw it for 258. The video can be found here… https://youtu.be/FxJ6MnNAEu8?feature=shared.   Go see it yourself.

A solid black cover says it all. Everyone knows solid black balls typically step up to the plate performance wise and this one is no exception. Performance wise, it glided easily down the lane, and when it made its move, it was a strong continuous arc through the pin deck.

All I can say is, if you don’t have this ball in your bag, you are truly missing out on something special.

Oliver Lawson

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Re: Virtual Energy Black Out
« Reply #38 on: December 23, 2023, 10:11:23 PM »
The Virtual Energy Blackout (VEBO) is the newest asymmetric pearl in SPI's lineup. I drilled my VEBO 5x4x3.5 to keep the ball clean through the heads and mid part of the lane and create a strong but rounded shape off the back. When Storm paired the proven Shapelock HD Core with the REX Pearl coverstock, they managed to bring back that incredibly strong ball motion that we saw out of some of the equipment in the late 2000s and early 2010s. The VEBO is the ball you are looking for if you need a long and strong shape in your bag!

Detailed review on my YouTube channel!

https://youtu.be/aYkuSKhr67s

Gil B

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Re: Virtual Energy Black Out
« Reply #39 on: December 28, 2023, 03:10:26 PM »
Black Out……Pearl Asymmetrical…yes I like.. The Shapelock core is back and ooh yeah wrapped in the rex pearl coverstock. How can this be bad. Drilled mine with the go to 5x4x4..This ball is clean in the fronts reads the midlane well not aggressive and for me is pretty continuous and smooth in the back end. This ball has been great in league for me. Easy to migrate left with the break down and still carry as the ball retains so much energy for downlane

Rev_O

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Re: Virtual Energy Black Out
« Reply #40 on: January 04, 2024, 01:34:43 PM »
Dark Code on steroids
Layout 4x4x2
Surfaced changed to 2000 wet sand
Ball speed 17-18 mph
Tweener

Of you liked the Dark Code performance, but were looking for a little more length and backend reaction with continuation thru the pins,  then the VEBO is a must have for your bag. Very clean thru the fronts with minimal effort to obtain length, and still get that great backend motion  and continuation thru the pins. Drilled 4x4x2, I made a slight surface adjustment with 2000 wet sand, which for me controls the backend a little bit easier. A definite go to piece for when you need to move left and get the ball down the lane.

danaausec

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Re: Virtual Energy Black Out - LET THE WINNING BEGIN!
« Reply #41 on: January 23, 2024, 01:50:01 PM »
I love bowling balls that allow me to stay in them from fresh to transition to burn and the Storm Virtual Energy Blackout (VEBO) is exactly that!! This ball is without a doubt one of the most versatile bowling balls I have ever seen. Out of the box this elegant, glossy looking beauty provides the predictable sharp motion that you expect from an asymmetrical ball with a Reacta Gloss finish, but it went through the pins even better than expected. When I took a little of the gloss off with a used 2000 abralon pad, it gave me a little earlier reaction with that same strong finish. The best part was I could now play multiple angles with the same ball and continue to strike. To me, the VEBO has the characteristics of a hybrid with the new REX coverstock but stores a lot of energy down lane like an asymmetrical pearl…giving the best of both worlds. I drilled this ball at 45 x 4.5 x 40, a very typical layout but this ball is ANYTHING BUT TYPICAL! Medium or heavy oil, the VEBO will not disappoint and will become a benchmark ball in your arsenal. It is a must for any bowler and especially for those that like to strike A LOT!! Dana Ausec – Storm Amateur Staff Member; Senior Team USA Member #StormNation

peterdohanjr

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Re: Virtual Energy Black Out
« Reply #42 on: January 24, 2024, 11:40:09 AM »
Bowler Stats:
Speed: 15.5 MPH
Rev Rate: 275 RPM
Tilt: 3-5 degrees
Axis Rotation: 60 degrees
PAP: 5 ⅜ over 1 ¼ up

Layout: 5 X 51/4 X 23/4 VLS

Video Review: https://youtu.be/whrHpeXjuWc


With the Storm Infinite Physix being one of my favorite balls and it being discontinued I was excited about the release of the Virtual Energy Blackout since it was using the REX Pearl coverstock. The core in the Virtual Energy is slightly stronger than the core featured in the Physix line so I decided to drill it to a little weaker than Infinite Physix.

The Infinite Physix is clean but smoother off the dry for me than the Virtual Energy. The Blackout is noticeably a few feet longer and quicker off the dry than the Infinite Physix. I am not a fan of the Reacta Gloss polish with my lower rev rate so I changed the surface to 2000 abralon. I use 1000 on the Infinite Physix and having the added length on the Virtual Energy I didn’t want the two to be the same. I’m able to use the Infinite when the patterns are fresher and then as they change I can use the Virtual Energy and not have to ball down.

If you liked the Infinite Physix the Virtual Energy Blackout is a good replacement for the Infinite in your arsenal.

Pete Dohan
Storm Bowling Amateur Staff
#StormNation


hammermike2000

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Re: Virtual Energy Black Out
« Reply #43 on: January 28, 2024, 02:49:17 PM »
Layout: 45 x 4 ½ x 35

From the previous releases that the NEX coverstock was featured on, it has shown itself to have a massive amount of traction, and that is no different on the Virtual Energy Blackout (Vebo). Even with the out-of-box shine, the Vebo has a smooth reaction that can handle a good bit of oil. I have seen this ball have a slightly flippier reaction for others, but for myself it is strictly smooth arcing. It is best at home on medium-heavy to medium oil conditions.  The Vebo fits perfectly between the stronger sanded balls such as the Summit or Absolute Power, and the weaker symmetric-cored balls such as a Journey or TNT Infused.

Mike LeViner

solid9proshop

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Re: Virtual Energy Black Out
« Reply #44 on: February 06, 2024, 10:09:28 AM »
        The new Ve Blackout is a very clean through the fronts and responsive down lane ball.  It is a nice kickdown from the Roto Grip Exotic Gem and a step up from the Journey and the Iq Ruby.  I mostly use it during transition games or the end of a tournament to give me some pop on the back end after the heads go away and the back ends become tight. 

I have a 375 rpm rev rate with a 5 5/8 right pap, Low tilt at 35 degrees.

I punched this up with a 4x4x4 drilling that I have on 3 balls in my bag.  I bowl league on a 50/50 - plastic/wood lanes, on a THS with a mid to heavy oil pattern.

#stormnation #solid9proshop

crasnic2012

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Re: Virtual Energy Black Out
« Reply #45 on: February 07, 2024, 01:32:44 PM »
Core - Shape-Lock HD

Coverstock - ReX Pearl Reactive

RG - 2.48

Differential - 052

Intermediate Diff - .017

Finish - Reacta Gloss

Layout - 4 ¼x 4  x 3

 

First off let me say that the ReX Pearl coverstock has been one of the favorites released in quite some time. Once I saw that it was being paired with a core from one of favorite balls of all time (Virtual Gravity), I knew it would be good.

 

The VG Blackout it such a strong, sharp ball and goes through the pins so well. This ball is one of the strongest pearl balls, I have ever thrown, and be thrown on multiple patterns. When the lanes start to break down, and you need to start moving left is really when this ball shines. This is my favorite ball to use when I have to get inside and loop it, because is it so strong off the friction but also will pick up in the middle of the lane still. This ball has become a staple in my bag and has lived up to the Virtual Energy name well.