Post by: admin on December 31, 1969, 06:00:00 PM
- Weight Block: Shape Lock HD (High Density) (14-16 pounds)
- Ball Color: Royal/Orange/Black All colors do vary somewhat from the picture shown.
- Fragrance: Orange Mint
- Ball Finish: 4000-grit Abralon
- RG Differential: .046 (Medium) on a scale of .000-.080 Low Flare-High Flare
- RG Average: 2.48 (Very Low) on a scale of 2.43-2.80 Very Low-High Break Point
- Flare Potential: 6" Plus (High)
- Recommended Lane Conditions: Medium to Heavy Oil
- A few tiny pit holes in the cover stock of the ball are normal
- Description: The new Virtual Gravityâ„¢ is the latest endeavor using the well received R2Xâ„¢ coverstock and the high performance Shape Lock HDâ„¢ (High Density) Core. The combination of the powerful Shape Lockâ„¢ HD Core and the gripping power of R2Xâ„¢ coverstock create a very versatile ball which suits multiple styles and games on those medium to heavy volume patterns.
Coverstock Enhancements: Wider Footprint - Increased surface friction allows the ball to roll on the heaviest oil, consistent repeatable performance, ensures a more consistent break point on the longer oil patterns, and increased entry angle to the pocket. Synchronized Porosity - Regulating oil absorption increases longevity, easily maintained, maintains the surface profile longer than other reactive coverstocks.
Shape Lockâ„¢ HD: Core Density - Denser core develops earlier ball roll and less deflection through the pin deck. Core Shape - Revs up quicker and quicker revs help bowlers manage a constant break point.
Strong Mass Bias - Allows for fine tuning ball reaction, creates a powerful steering arm, and very fast spin time.
Post by: AJSPROSHOPCOM on November 01, 2008, 02:45:09 PM
Post by: olererack on November 02, 2008, 06:21:50 AM
Wow this is something that has been Missing for a long time in Storm line-up
The ball is called
The new Virtual Gravity is the latest endeavor by Storm using the well received R2X Solid Reactive Coverstock:
Adding an Combination of the Shape Lock HD-(High Density) Core.
Gripping power of R2X Coverstock create a very versatile and user friendly ball,
Which should suits multiple styles and games on those medium to heavy volume patterns.
Storm has developed a Wider Footprint,
(Increased surface friction allows this ball to roll) With consistent reaction and truer performance,
Making for a more consistent break point on the longer oil patterns, and increased entry angle to the pocket.
Using The method of:
Synchronized Porosity - Controls oil absorption increases longevity,
maintains the surface profile longer than other reactive Coverstock.
Shape Lock HD: Core Density - Is a Denser Core developments to produce a earlier ball roll and less deflection through the pin deck. Core Shape - Revs up quicker
Ball Finish: 4000-grit Abralon keeps the earlier reaction under controlled to give you a suitable distance thru the heads,
Eradicating serious early hook
.
Hitting Power:
Is Strong and predicable with less deflection through the pin deck.
Core Shape - Revs up quicker and manage a constant break point.
I’m impressed with the ball
I give it a rating of 10
Member of Buddies Pro Shop
Member Of the Vise Grip Staff
Post by: doust on November 02, 2008, 09:43:01 PM
The Storm Virtual Gravity has the new R2X coverstock combined with the second generation Shape-Lok HD (lower RG) assymetric core. It's predecessor, the Gravity Shift was the same setup with a pearlised cover. This one is a solid reactive shell and the difference is striking. It makes a big hard move.
My Specs
I’m a RH cranker. 450+ RPM. PAP is 4½ across and 3/4 up. Ball speed is medium high at 18 mph.
LAYOUT
Nothing fancy. The ball in question had 3.4 oz Top Weight and a 4½" pin. My Virtual Gravity is laid out in a medium length, strong arc drilling. Pin was laid out 60° from the PAP with a 45° Pin to PAL Buffer, MB 65° from the PAP. This puts the pin over my bridge with the MB just right of the thumb. Remember that layouts are relative to your Positive Axis Point (PAP). PBA fans will see Chris Barnes, Tommy Jones or Wes Mallott throwing similar layouts when seeking a strong motion downlane.
Precision layout and drilling were carried out at Bowler’s Edge www.bowlersedge.com.au.
COVER
The cover stock is R2X solid, factory finished to a 2000 grit Abralon surface. Even at this level of smoothness, the movement off the break is pronounced. I haven't tampered with it yet, but may polish it up at some point.
R2X reads the midlane in an even more controlled fashion than it's predecessor (R2S). This gets the ball through the heads easily giving the Virtual Gravity ample punch in the backend. The colour is Orange, Black and Blue, which is very distinctive. (You'll love it or hate it immediately.) The orange/mint scent is quite pleasant and reminds me of something I'd like to drink on a hot summer's day.
REACTION
I've only bowled this piece on Brunswick Anvilane with a 39ft tournament pattern. Here's how it went.
This ball is clean through the heads then becomes as my friend Chris Thomas describes “the first ball I've ever described as aggressive in the midlane.†The midlane reaction is highly pronounced and is followed by a ton of backend pop. I can't wait to see higher volumes with this piece. Even on this high friction pattern, the ball did not tire as quickly as I would have expected.
CARRY
Like the Gravity Shift, the Virtual Gravity has that low RG ball strong impact. It just wallops the rack. When I get to a pattern with sufficient volume and length, I expect this ball to be just amazing.
SUMMARY
I've drilled five of these for people now and everyone agrees that this is one big bit of kit. Going hard in the midlane and strong in the backend, the Virtual Gravity is an immense piece. (Think Dimension with a big move left on the approach.) While the R2X cover can be readily tweaked with sanding or polish for fine tuning, I would recommend saving this one it for use on slick shots when you want extra boards of hook or for high volume, long tournament patterns. If you're a cranker, use a long pin to PAP and avoid an extra hole as you may flare over it. It's that dynamic.
I can't wait to get on some real soup with this beast.
Jason Doust
Storm/Vise Amateur Staff
p.s. Update!
I put a coat of polish on this beast and was able to use it to circle the lanes at a local event on day 2. All of a sudden, the ball got through the heads with great ease and turned the corner really strong. I was concerned that the ball might wiggle downlane with the polished cover. I shouldn't have been.
Even shined up, I can honestly say I have never had such faith in a ball to turn the corner. The Virtual Gravity is the most trustworthy piece I have ever thrown when I needed to cover serious boards. This ball is the nut! )It will tell you when to put it away in no uncertain terms either.)
Jason Doust
Storm/Vise Australia Amateur Staff
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Jason Doust
Storm/Vise Australia Amateur Staff
http://www.bowlersedge.com.au
Post by: stormky on November 06, 2008, 11:10:17 AM
I drilled my Virtual with the pin 5" from my PAP, the CG 4" from my PAP and the Key 1" from my VAL. I drilled a 1" extra hole near my PAP. I also polished the ball with particle polish out of the box.
The ball came in the day before I left for our KY State tournament. Both centers had a wood surface and pretty old wood surfaces at that. The track area was between 5 and 10 and I would guess the patterns were about 38ft long.
The layout is my favorite layout and I have had several balls drilled this way. The Virtual, much like the Shift, had a distinct sound when impacting the pins. This ball is the most angular solid that I have seen from Storm, even more so than the Attitude Shift. For me, it is as clean though the heads as my Dimension, but makes a stronger move at the break point. Much like my Dimension, I think the Virtual will be much more to my liking with a 2000 pad finish. That will give me more control at the breakpoint that I like.
I drilled my Hyroad with a 5 X 4 1/2 layout with a small extra hole near my PAP. I left this ball with the original out of box finish.
I have a T-Road Solid and T-Road Pearl with this same layout. Again, I took these to the KY State tournament and used them on the same condition as the Virtual.
There has never been a Storm Road ball that I did not like, and the Hyroad adds to that list of favorites. It fits perfectly between my Solid and Pearl. It is stronger off the break point than the Solid, but does not have as much jerk as the Pearl. The Hyroad allowed me to move in as the lane broke down and the Solid would just not make the turn. The Pearl wanted to over skid if I got it in and hook to hard if I got it out. The Hyroad read that over/under much better and rounded off the breakpoint to create more room on the lane. I cant wait to drill up another one of these.
I think the Virtual, with some surface adjustment will be a great ball for the Bradley Open here in KY. I can wait to try it on some other conditions once I change the surface.
The Hyroad will be added to my favorite ball collection and I cant wait to drill up another one.
Chip Aki
Storm Regional Staff Member
2007 USBC Singles Champion
Post by: bdfbadboy on November 13, 2008, 07:12:24 PM
drilled this ball 60dg 5"x60dg, box finish P3 weight hole....
ball is very early rolling, yet stores energy enough to be very angular on the backend. couldn't throw on a "house shot", but the ball performed very well on the shark pattern, great reaction with almost limitless hook potential. was 4 boards deeper with this ball then i could get with dimension, or break S75. pretty comparible with my sauce but flipped much stronger on the backend.
overall good ball for anyone looking for a ball to roll early enough for heavy oil patterns and still be strong on backends.
questions? visit GEBHARDTS in the lehigh valley, and ask for Brent, Bob, or Ed in the ball department.
Post by: arturocafe on November 16, 2008, 04:17:40 PM
On average, I would say that I need to be at least 4 or 5 boards deeper with my feet than I am with my Dimension that has a slightly stronger layout. What is most impressive about the Virtual Gravity is where it hooks. At 2,000 Abralon, this ball has no problem clearing the front part of the lane. While revving in the midlane it still appears to float down the lane before making a huge move at the breakpoint. This ball creates more angle at the breakpoint for me than just about any other ball I’ve ever thrown. This leads to a very high carry percentage of light pocket hits. Unlike a lot of other super strong, solid balls that are available today, the Virtual Gravity stores the majority of its energy for the backend where it just explodes.
Two things to be mindful of with this ball are surface maintenance and weight hole placement. Like many coverstocks, the R2X coverstock does have a tendency to shine up fairly quickly. So if you like the reaction you get at 2,000 or lower, it would be a good idea to freshen up the surface every 5 games or so. And since this ball flares a lot, you need to be careful with where you put your weight hole. Even with the weak pin position on mine, this ball flares 7+â€.
If you liked the Dimension, but are looking for something a little longer and stronger at the breakpoint, look no further. The Virtual Gravity creates more angle down the lane than just about any ball I’ve ever thrown, solid or pearlized.
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Art Brown
Storm Amateur Staff
Post by: oldschoollefty on November 18, 2008, 01:03:50 PM
Ball was drilled 4 X 4 with a 2" pin buffer (a favorite of mine with the Shift series). Pin is left and slightly above ring finger. Key is 1-1/4 inches left of thumb.
I left the box finish alone and once the ball picked up some lane shine, I got a better idea of its true potential. I was a little surprised the ball didn't hook at my feet the way I expected it to but this is a good thing. Even with all of its surface, the ball was clean through the heads as long as I didn't get too soft with the speed but at the breakpoint, WOW!!! The ball jumped off the spot and even though it looked like it had rolled out a little, the flare rings showed otherwise. This ball has a very continuous motion and sent pins flying even on some shots with poorer entry angles (due to some operator error) Even when I moved farther right, and tried to play some of the remaining fallback, this ball chewed through the oil and still made an aggressive move at the spot.
Like Riggs, this may not be a ball I can use day in and day out, but between the Virtual Gravity and the Dimension, tight house patterns and the longer Tour shots need no longer be feared.
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Change is inevitible...Resistance is futile
Storm clouds are on the horizon.
www.fastrackproshop.com
Post by: batbowler on November 19, 2008, 11:01:11 AM
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"Train a child up in the way he should go and when he is old he will "BOWL UP A STORM AND BE KING OF THEM ALL" and not turn from it."
Post by: jimmyt on November 26, 2008, 09:00:26 AM
Post by: Mike James on November 30, 2008, 05:42:59 PM
Next day bowled on synthetics normal house shot...same 2 balls...virtual was again at least 2 boards stronger with more recovery from outside shots.....ball gets through the heads rather easily then picks up a change of direction back to the pocket around 40-45 feet...you can see the swirls on the ball when this happens and then WHAM!!....keep in mind the Dimension is symetrical and the virtual asymetrical and its easily noticeable
Post by: Bigmike on December 01, 2008, 09:46:30 AM
Lay Out: 5.25" from PAP over my bridge at a 55* angle. This would be a 55/5.25/30 dual-angle drilling. I have put a 7/8" weight hole on the axis to liven up the reaction in the midlane.
Surface: I have been leaving this at 4000abr which is box.
Purpose: To give myself a ball that could be used on longer and higher volume patterns. I also have been moving left and sending it across the 'puddle' on our house shot when the lanes have been more wet/dry on league night.
Initial Observations: This ball is the REAL DEAL! Big hook and big hit. I end up as much as 5-7 boards left of where I can line up with my Dimension on our house shot. I have to keep this inside on the puddle to get it to not burn too early and half ten since it is that strong. I used this is a Mixed Team Challenge and was high male qualifier on the 'modified' house condition they used (more volume in the middle). I just kept 3 -n- 2'ing left back into the slick the moment I left any sort of half-ten and was back to striking again. I have also used this on the PBA X version of the Scorpion. The PBA X version usually puts me right between the 2nd/3rd arrow with slower ball speed. I was able to move into what is normally the OB on this pattern on Pro Anvillane and that was the gutter. This ball read the lane and was an animal on pin carry at that angle to the pocket.
Final thoughts: This ball should be one of the best sellers of the second half of the season. Players will be able to move left deeper into the puddle on league conditions and get it back with the strong motion the balls supplies. I have to stop and think sometimes that I laid this out weaker than most of stuff as pin over bridge is 5.25" from my axis. This ball also comes out of the box semi-shined as 4000abr is close to the same as a white scotch brite pad(1200 grit). I can only imagine if I drilled another with a stronger pin in the 4.5 to 5" range (stronger for me) or even hit it with a more agressive surface like 1000-2000 abralon pad.
This is a solid release for Storm and should be one of the best balls of the '08-09' season. I can only imagine what these will be like on the lane at States and Nationals this year.
Also thanks to Steve Todd and Doene Moos for all of the help you have given me in the last year or so. The fact that these guys are willing to help out a nobody like me speaks volumes about what kind of company Storm/Roto Grip is and even more about how much these guys just flat out love the game and how Storm/Roto Grip treats their customers.
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"Why don''t you call me sometime.....when you have no class" ~~Rodney Dangerfield to his college professor in Back to School ~~1986
Mike Craig-Columbus, OH
Post by: STORM CHASER on December 01, 2008, 05:29:31 PM
As a staff member I have been lucky enough to throw it for over a month. Now words like – “Wowâ€," unbelieible", are the understatement of the year.
The R2X solid reactive coverstock with the shape lock HD core makes this ball into the trademark the industry will have to follow.
Storm, a leader in the industry gets an A+ and to put this ball into the hands of the Storm Nation “The Bowlers Company†can only mean Tour wins and more strikes for the league bowler striving to be the best they can be.
I used a 3 x 4 drilling with a small hole on the pap with a 1 inch pin buffer above the ring finger.
This ball rolls early through the heads and midlane, but it doesn’t loose its’ aggressiveness as it rolls to the pocket.
I used it two weeks with its box 4000 finish the only problem was finding enough oil on the various house shots. I threw it on a couple PBA experience patterns with it and you could do nothing but love the way this ball goes through the oiland strong to the pocket.
The last two weeks I have used the ball with a slight polished finish using Storm’s Reactive Shine. This gave me more options and the ability to more of the lane without sacrificing its’ aggressive force.
This ball has made its mark in the industry in just a few weeks.
Mark Weiss
Storm Staffer
Post by: tommygn on December 03, 2008, 03:34:22 PM
Box: Clean through the heads of a freshly oiled lane with a very aggressive midlane read, and strong hard arch almost flip in the backend. Just chase the oil in, and adjust axis to make the corner, and watch the ball hook back from anywhere.
2000 abralon: I liked this finish on the Shark pattern going up second arrow. It gave me good control of the lane, and allowed me to break the pattern down, and slowly move in parallel as the heads broke down.
500 abralon: This ball became a monster!! I could only use it up five on the Shark, and only for a few frames as the ball seemed to get stronger in the backend as the cover started to get a little glazing on it.
And finally the cover I have on it now (4000 after highly shined with step 3)allows me the best reaction for the most variety of lane conditions. I can use this on league night (with volume up front), as well as go down seven on the Viper. I can chase the oil in, change to a little more axis rotation, and watch this ball corner better than any low RG solid I have ever rolled.
Virtual compared to Gravity with same drill and cover prep:
With more of an end over end roll, reads quicker and smoother than the Gravity. I was 2/1 left of Gravity (standing on 23 targeting 16 @ arrows out to 7/8). When I moved the 2/1 right to stand at the same place as the Gravity (25/17), the ball cornered a little soft, as it spent it's energy trying not to skid to the same hook spot as the gravity. After altering my release a bit, the Virtual "woke up" in this part of the lane, and obliterated the rack leaving only 1 seven pin in 3 games. Using that same release, the gravity just would not make it back to the pocket from this part of the lane ( I needed to stay behind the Gravity more to allow it to pick up and not over skid).
Also comparing the two balls, the Virtual's foot print is wider, with the flare rings increasing their distance apart.
This is an excellent match of cover and core. This is also, in my opinion, the strongest ball that Storm as ever produced. It takes surface adjustments very well, and can be played from virtually any part of the lane. I see this ball as being the best solid asymmetrical ball of the 2008/2009 bowling season.
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Tommy Gollick
Storm Regional/Pro Shop staff
Red Crown Pro Shop Harrisburg, PA
stormbowling.com
Post by: Andyman3333 on December 11, 2008, 12:45:00 PM
Anyways, this ball allows me to throw the ball the way I have always wanted to. I can keep my ball speed up and I don't have to rip the cover off to get the ball to turn the corner. With this ball, I am able to stay relaxed at the bottom of the swing and create the type of entry angle and power that I have never been able to. Un-frickin-believable!
I got mine drilled at Big D's Pro Shop in Anchorage, AK by one of their Master Blaster Ball Gurus, Dougie Fresh. Fresh and I went with a 5 inch pin just over my ring finger. Mass Bias just to the right of my thumb. I threw mine for the first time last night and shot my highest set of the year, 278, 253, 235, 766. Threw it all three games and if not for two really bad shots in the 10th frame of game 2 and the third frame of game 3, almost everything was 10 back. I left a blower 9 in the first game, a blower 7 in the 1st (fill ball), 2nd & 3rd game. My first flat 10 came in the 9th frame of game 3.
I started with my feet on 28 and my target at 14. So initially, I wasn't playing a lot of swing and I was in the heavier oiled part of the lane with a breakpoint in the dryer portion. So I anticipated plenty of energy when this ball got to the breakpoint and thats exactly what I got. Ball finished through the pins really hard. During practice, I even sent a 1 pin across the deck so fast that if you blinked you would have missed it. It was a great feeling not to have to tone down my ball speed to get the ball around the corner.
By game 2, I hadn't really moved. This was unusual. With all the high school practice, league practice and 10 righties throwing a full game, there has to be some breakdown right? And I had seen it among the other players, but it wasn't affecting me. Weird. I actually made an adjustment in the 10th to compensate for my four teamates throwing multiple strikes. That came up light, so I moved right back to where I had been all of game 1. Went front 6 AGAIN in the 2nd game until the ball finally checked up early in the 7th. By this time, I new that I could make a jump because there was a nice wall inside 3rd arrow. I invisioned that once I moved in deeper on the lane though, I would lose the entry angle and therefore, leave my first flat 10. NOPE. Moved my feet to 35 and played over 21. Ball recovered just as it had in the beginning of the night. Same power, same entry, same strikes. If not for a spinner off the hand resulting in a bucket in the 3rd, everything was really flush in the pocket. I threw 3 clean games. Two 6 counts, a 9 pin, three 7 pins, and a 10 pin.
With the Virtual Gravity, I am able to maintain my preferred ball speed without losing overall hook or entry angle. This one is a gem. I hope you can tell by my glowing review that I can't wait to hit the lanes for lunch today and on the Shark Pattern this Sunday.
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PROFILE
Medium Revs
Medium Speed
214 book on THS
194 book on PBA
PAP is 4 15/16 over and 5/8 up.
Arsenal: Twisted Fury, Complete NV, Thunderstruck Pearl, Momentum, Uprising, Swarm, NVD.
Post by: Rohde800 on December 16, 2008, 11:25:39 AM
Post by: StormN3rik on December 22, 2008, 10:00:27 PM
Erik Ramos
PBA Storm Regional Staff
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Erik Ramos
PBA Storm Regional Staff
Post by: larry m on December 26, 2008, 01:19:29 AM
Post by: David Lee Yskes on December 26, 2008, 10:37:17 PM
Wow this ball is freakin amazing. First couple of shots i was just trying to get loose so i can make a good judgement on the ball. So after a few shots during a practice game, I finally throw a good one, and the ball gets down the lanes very nice but then makes a left turn! ( standing 40 going over 20 out to 10, after the mens league was done )
So luckly I am on the left lane
and move 7 more boards left and go over 25, and out to 10, and crush the pocket. And next shot was the same, and shot after that, i hit 12 at the break point and leave a stone 7. Then the lane breaks down lol. And the black lights come on WTF!!!!So they move me to the right lane, which i didnt want in the first place, cuz i wanted to see how far left i could go. But I was still able to play 4th arrow, and send the ball out to 5 ( i think ) and it would still make the hard turn back to the pocket. Anything in the pocket besides the stone 7, was a strike.
I will say this, because of the drilling, anytime i came around the ball a bit early, or tried to get a few more revs on the ball, it would hook that extra lil bit and go high. Speed was crucial to not get slow, or the ball would hook early.
But I will say this ball is a must buy if you bowl on a longer oil pattern or heavier one too.
I will give another review this comming monday and will have video's posted too on my bowlspace site too.
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" Lift Your Skirt Grab Your Balls and Learn How to Bowl " http://coolluvr4u1976.bowlspace.com/
Post by: Dwight Albrecht on December 27, 2008, 01:52:04 PM
Ball Specs
The ball being drilled was a 3†pin out with 2.75 oz top weight.
Drilling: Dual Angle Layout MB 45 Degrees Pin 4" to my PAP and Val Line 30 Degrees from my pin. Pin is Above Ring finger. Weight Hole on a 4 o'clock angle. Factory 4000, then 2000 then rough buff.
Bowler Information:
Track diameter is 10 1/2.
PAP is measured at 5 1/4 over and 3/8" up.
Average ball speed (foul line to head pin) is 16 mph.
Axis rotation is typically 90 degrees
Initial rev rate is typically 300 rpm, "Tweener"
Lane Condition and Pattern:
AMF Bowlero HPL 9000 Panel. Oil Pattern: Medium Oil and slightly clean back ends.
REVIEW:
Again Storm continues to be the leader in cover stock technology. With that said, out of the box, 4000 abralon pad for me the ball hooked slightly early and then didn't have the back end I expected, tried the ball at 2000, that made it hook even earlier and have slightly less back end. Ready to give up on the ball, I tried taking rough buff to it and polished it up slightly more than box surface, now the ball is incredible. Clean through the fronts and strong back end reaction but still readable down lane, one of the hardest hitting balls I have thrown. I have shot 678, and 694 since taking it to rough buff. Like all the other reviewers, WHAT A BALL. A must have for everyone's game. But remember if you don't get the reaction you are looking for try changing the surface.
Drill one up you will not be disappointed.
Thanks for reading my review.
Dwight
Post by: ChrispyBrownies on January 02, 2009, 12:43:16 PM
I was looking for something to replace my twisted fury pearl. It was one of my most aggressive balls I have, but since our team is sponsored by storm, I couldnt wait to get my hands on a Virtual since all I had heard about it was good things. The ball came out doing exactly what I was hoping. This ball is a complete beast. I have NEVER thrown a ball that would turn the corner like this ball does. It also hits with tremendous power sending pins flying in every direction is the usual after every ball. It is very hard not to put this ball down on all shots...in practice we set out a long shot, and I used my Virtual with great success. Next day we lay out a shorter shot, and I couldnt help but also pull out my Virtual, and it did its job(I obviously had to make a ball change later to combat the lanes breaking down).
The first weekend into my Christmas break, entered into a Junior Gold Qualifier even though I already had my spot, just to get some practice. I used my Virtual the whole time, all 8 games, and averaged 203 on Kegel's "Highway to Hell" shot. I also shot a 289/707 for my 4,5, and 6th games. I left a 4 pin in the 289 game...Ive never had more than the front 7 on sport shot.
Simply just a great all around ball. Was exactly was I was looking and hoped for. It is now my first ball out of the bag when I hit lanes.
Maybe later on I will put a little polish on it just to see what how it reacts and to see differences from the OOB condition.
Thanks Storm, Keep up the Good Work!!!
Chrispy
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Trinity High School "A" Bowling Team
Louisville, KY
State champs- 2002, 2003, and 2008
Ten Pin Lanes Pro Shop
Louisville, KY
Morehead State University Bowling
Proudly Sponsored by Storm Bowling Products
www.StormBowling.com
Post by: The SuperHitMan on January 08, 2009, 03:18:33 PM
. The VG is another great heavy rolling ball much like its predecessors (Firepower,Double Agent,T-Road Solid) and the color scheme and smell is great. The VG is Virtually Awesome and on the right condition Virtually Unstoppable
. http://i552.photobucket.com/albums/jj344/TheSuperHitMan/Picture002-1.jpg
http://i552.photobucket.com/albums/jj344/TheSuperHitMan/Picture001-1.jpg
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Founder of H Phi H
Member of Hoss Central Inc
-Ive been called Cocky and Arrogant thorughout my career...Being humble is alright and all but I prefer to Shut my critics up and Shut''em Down and if that makes me Cocky and Arrogant then I am what I am- K.C.D
If THS is so easy why dont you have a 220+ average
BANKAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAI!!!!!!!!!!!!
I don''t care if my signature is long. Deal with it.
Post by: PremierBowlersProShop on January 14, 2009, 06:47:24 PM
Typical Conditions: House Shot
Type of Lane: Combination
What part of the lane did you play? Third Arrow
Did the ball track out? Normal
Weight of bowling ball: 15
Surface of bowling ball: Factory/Box
What grit was the surface of the ball? Grey Scotch Brite
Likes: Very strong arcing motion in the back part of the lanes
Dislikes: To much skid in the front part of the lane in oiler lane conditions
The Virtual Gravity overall is a really nice ball, out of the box it makes a strong arcing motion in the back part of the lane, when polished it becomes a little more angular down the lane. I laid the ball out with pin below both of my fingers, MB 3†right without weight hole. When I took the ball down to 1000 it burned up in the dry and still wasn’t enough in heavier oil lane conditions. Slow ball speeds or rev rate dominate bowlers will like the ball in medium heavy to heavier oil lanes. Speed dominate bowlers will like it on medium oil lanes, doesn’t match up to heavy oil lanes as well.
Compared to what’s in my bag:
Dimension drilled 3 3/8 x 3 3/8:
My Dimension is at 1000 grit abralon and gets into a roll a lot sooner than my Virtual Gravity and has a lot more angle at the break point.
Angular One drilled 4 x 3 3/8
My Angular One gets down the lane a lot better and is much sharper at the break point.
Pin Slasher pin under both fingers CG 45 DEG twist
My Pin Slasher is polished up well and gets down the lane about the same as the Virtual Gravity and it has more angle at the break point, but doesn’t cover the same amount of boards, about 5 boards less.
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"Practice doesn''t make perfect, perfect practice makes better."
Post by: jnb300 on January 22, 2009, 01:13:11 PM
Post by: BILL FONG 88 on January 24, 2009, 02:11:31 AM
Post by: Higgy on January 24, 2009, 11:32:47 AM
Post by: big B on February 03, 2009, 12:57:57 PM
I have put about 20 games on this piece and love it shot 300 with it friday night and finished with a 796 series. (fOUR NINES)
Ten pins are not a problem!!! Nine pins are...i think i have left 23 in the last two weeks with this ball.
Needless to say if you have plenty of head oil and looking for punch in the back this is the one. I have found as well that if you can keep up with the oil moving you can play this one for quite awhile before needing to put it away, it is not afraid to go right to left at all.
I am going to say this is the hardest hitting ball i have used in a long time! I mean this thing just punches the pins right in the mouth...LOVE IT!!!!!
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IT''S GOTTA FIT TO FEEL GOOD
Post by: pin-chaser on February 08, 2009, 05:54:32 PM
Drilled 5.5 x 5 (Pin up)
Wanted: A ball that reads drier boards right and more angular off the back end for a house pattern 44' (10 to 10 TOP HAT).
Comparisons:
BWB 5.5x5 (pin down) Factory Surface ... VG is MUCH stronger ... at least 5-7 with with feet. VG is much more angular off spot.
BWP 5.5x5 (Pin up) factory Surface ... VG is MUCH stronger ... at least 3-5 with feet. VG is more angular off spot.
Playmaker 5.5x5 (Pin up) factory Surface ... VG is Much stronger ... at least 2-3 with feet. VG is much more angular off spot.
What I got:
While I was not expecting this ball to flat out HOOK as much as it does, I got exactly what I was looking for. It definitely moves when it finds friction. I did not drill it for todays lane conditions and it was too strong to use much I will edit when I bowl wednesday after I see if this gives me what I wanted on the pattern I wanted it for.
Post by: tschmitt300 on February 11, 2009, 11:29:54 PM
I have found this ball to be very versatile in the dozen and a half games I've rolled with it, and the pin carry is phenomenal. My very first game practicing with the ball I left a 10-pin on the first ball (which I missed) and then struck on the next 11 shots for a 279 right out of the box. I broke the ball out in league Tuesday night and found a nice line just outside the first arrow. The ball got through the heads nice and about 45 feet down the lane made a strong left turn. The pins didn't stand a chance. My first game I tossed my first ever 300 game and followed it up with a 255 the second. The third game the right lane started to break down causing me to move some, and even despite a couple ugly splits on the right lane still pulled together a 228 to finish off a nice 783 series, my lifetime highest. Not bad for only bowling for a month after taking 4 years off from the sport!
This ball is quickly becoming my favorite. The only issues I've run into with it so far is I've left a lot of 9-pins, and once the lanes really dry out you may want to switch to a slightly less aggressive covered ball. This ball will HOOK and hook hard.
I'll write another review after another month or two of use, but my initial reaction is just plain being in awe of it. Great job Storm...I see you haven't lost your touch in the last 4 years!
Post by: greenefam on February 17, 2009, 06:31:32 PM
me - slow to medium speed tweener. PAP 4 3/4" right 1/4" up
ball - 15+ lb approx. 3.5" pin, layout 4 x 4, finish 1000 abralon
I bought this ball as soon as it was announced to be my true heavy oil ball. While the ball has turned out to be a keeper, initially it wasn't what I was expected. I drilled the ball strong - 4x4 and I immediately changed the surface to 2000 (already have a Gravity at 4000 - wanted more traction in oil).
First up, a fresh 41' house shot. I liked the look I got - more backend turn than any solid I have ever owned but not the traction in oil I was looking for. I then changed the surface to 1000 and there it was - strong traction in oil while still maintaining energy to turn the corner. I was able to play further inside the oil line than I ever have before. Beware though, at 4x4 and 1000 abralon playing up the boards is not for this ball - the angle is too steep and I left a lot of 8s and 10s.
I found the same thing on PBA shots. On a fresh Shark this ball is killer. While others are trying to play very straight I was able to move inside and swing a Virtual around 20 board. However, on Scorpion I got too steep of an angle playing the track. On this shot I am much happier with the Dimension.
If you are looking for a heavy oil ball from Storm you may want to buy 2 - the Dimension for outside angles and the Virtual for inside.
Post by: footerson on February 21, 2009, 06:15:12 PM
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Age:17
Avg:220
High Score:300(3)
High Series:766
arsenal:virtual gravity, hy-road, rapid fire, spare ball
400 revs:
power stroker
gotta hate the 9 pin
Post by: columbiactionmax on February 24, 2009, 02:19:29 PM
Left box finish
WOW! If you got some oil on the lane, this ball is amazing. I had it drilled pin on top of bridge with cg kicked a little out. I can throw this ball to the gutter with confidence and comes back and smashes the pins. I wouldn't say this ball has a skid/snap look but it doesn't arc as much as my Columbia's but is still very predictable. When it hits the pins, it demolishes it. I have missed target right and it compensates. I have missed target inside and it holds the line. But, you have to know when to put this ball away. If there's no oil, it's time to put the ball back in the bag. I would say right now that this is the best ball in my bag for the medium to heavier oil conditions next to my Columbia Resurgence. If you want a ball for the oilier conditions, get this ball.
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Right Handed Tweener
14-16 mhp - 275-325 Rev Rate
Hammer Emerald Vibe (Pin Under Ring/CG out)
Brunswick Fury (Pin Right/CG Under Ring)
Brunswick Fury Pearl (Pin Over Ring/CG Under Ring)
Columbia Resurgence (Pin Right/CG Out)
Columbia Action Max (Pin Right/CG Out)
Lane #1 Arsenal
Storm Virtual Gravity (Pin Up Inbetween Bridge/CG Out)
Ebonite The One (Pin Right of Ring/CG Out/Balance Hole)
Post by: NjrMav88 on February 24, 2009, 11:11:42 PM
http://s99.photobucket.com/albums/l308/unobowler01/?action=view¤t=Picture004.jpg
Post by: TSynowicki on February 24, 2009, 11:45:51 PM
http://s99.photobucket.com/albums/l308/unobowler01/?action=view¤t=Picture020.jpg
Post by: BILL FONG 88 on February 25, 2009, 03:00:24 AM
Post by: solid 10 on March 05, 2009, 02:23:56 PM
After practicing yesterday I've come to appreciate this ball a lot more in coming to the conclusion it's more me than it is the ball. For me this a ball I have to stop the old habit of grabbing at the bottom, turning early, and trying to create more reaction. This is a ball to relax with, trust, and just let it come off the hand, straight up the back, and look farther left then I'm used too. Just find some oil, focus on the target only, and let the ball do all the work. I've been looking for something like this for a long time. Thanks, Storm.
Post by: Wagon on March 08, 2009, 11:39:16 PM
Game 1 - 137 (just learning it)
Game 2 - 200 (I am thinking I am liking it)
Game 3 - 183 (A little too giddy and had to bear down and throw 4 strikes to end the game).
Game 4 - 255 (Career High - I am feeling like this is the ball I have been searching for my entire life).
Game 5 - 200 (I was tired and still felt like the ball was doing what I wanted at will).
My summation is that this is one heck of a ball. I can't wait for my Elks Tournament. If I can repeat what I did in practice, I will be a wicked sandbagger!
Roll on brothers!
Post by: JBBiggdogg on March 09, 2009, 11:14:19 AM
Right handed, high rev, high track with good speed. 225-230 avg
Stacked drilling with pin below and a little to the right of my ring finger.
First 6 games 1433
222-257-258-267-234-196
Could not carry on one lane the last game as the lanes got burned out after 27 games being bowled on it. During our City Tournament.
Can't wait to get to Vegas to bowl with this Beast.
Post by: ModernBowlingSolutions on March 10, 2009, 12:47:20 PM
(SURFACE) 1000 abralon
(CONDITIONS) Several THS
STORM has set the bar very high for heavy oil equipment with the VIRTUAL GRAVITY. I have drilled two for my self and many, many, many more for customers looking for something that will pull up sawdust as it get down the lane. Every response i have gotten on this ball starts off with a dropped jaw or sweaty brows because they are exhausted from trying to throw it so hard.I would normally give you an overview of what i have seen but its almost impossible to say anything other than "THIS BALL IS A MONSTER!!!" ** 1 example i have to give comes from personal experience on a regular league night. I started with my DIMENSION cause i wanted to relax and move the ball a little but not much. Well after practice and 5 frames we have some crippling carry-down and everything is going straighter faster. I pull my Virtual and it was like bowling in a different center than anyone else. It ate through the oil Godzilla at a Japanese buffet. I took that game off the sheet shot 277 second game 300 the third game finished with 833 and NEVER MOVED!!
(OVERVIEW) In conclusion if you have not had the honor of throwing one of these bad mo' fo's ......its time........its time.
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Keep Stirring up Storms!
Addison Thornton
MBS-Storm Products Inc.
Post by: BILL FONG 88 on March 25, 2009, 02:55:58 AM
Post by: poopoo44 on March 26, 2009, 01:38:30 AM
Post by: John D Davis on March 28, 2009, 10:26:12 PM
I punched my VG up by placing the Pin under the fingers. My CG was close to center palm and kicked to the right and inch or so. My Key was of course at 45* a couple inches from the thumb hole. The ball was left at box finish.
The reaction I got was amazing... The ball cleared the heads as well as my pin up second demension if you can believe that and was very predictable at the break point. The second demension is pin over middle finger and can be sometimes hard to predict off the spot, where as I know exactly what the VG is going to do as soon as it leaves my hand. The hit is amazing also along with all other storm balls, etc.
I rate this ball a perfect 10 for alot of reasons. The colors are amazing on this piece and you know what ball this is when its thrown 25 lanes down. I can use this ball on so many different patterns because it has such a nice burn rate and still clears the heads. When u have this combination you already have an advantage on the field. When the lanes do get a little dry my VG may start to burn up a little to much and hang 10 pins. But keep in mind, this is box finish... If I punched up another one and left it a maybe 2K or 4K polished I could play any pattern with these two balls! This is by far one of the best bowling balls that I have ever thrown in a long long time! Just because half of the house is throwing one doesnt mean u dont need one. A must have, thanks for reading... John Davis
Post by: OnTheFly on April 01, 2009, 02:55:35 AM
After consulting with a few other staffers I decided to drill the first Virtual weak since the cover is so strong on this ball. Went with a 5 and 3/8th pin to PAP above fingers, and mass Bias (Key) five inches from PAP, just right of thumb, no hole. My first impressions of this ball was, how am I going to control the down lane movement of this ball with the box finish. OOB this ball was too jumpy for me. Because of the weaker Pin and mass bias position, and being an asymmetrical core, this ball tends to lope and save all it's energy for the back part of the lane. After putting 2000 abralon on the surface it was better but still jumpy. 1000 abralon did the trick and now is much more controllable. With this drill I didn't get what I intended from the ball, however what I got was a great compliment to my #2 Virtual, and a ball I can use when closing down my angles on longer oil patterns when you need to get deep inside and keep it in the oil, like on PBA Shark, and heavier broken down house patterns where you need to stay in the oil.
#2 Virtual is drilled with a 5 inch pin to PAP below fingers, Mass Bias (Key) 3 inches from PAP on the VAL, and extra hole on PAP. All I can say is wow! This is what I was looking for in this ball. This is by far the strongest ball I have seen to date. What I get is a versatile ball for heavier volume oil patterns when I need a ball to roll in oil and still save energy for the back part of the lane. I like the cover best at 2000 abralon, as it digs in the oil, stays on line, and still continues through the pins. I have never seen a oil ball such as the Virtual, still save so much energy at the pins, to be able to corner like it does. Most oil balls tend to quit when they hit the dry and back end of the pattern. Not the Virtual. This ball will see a lot of play on PBA Shark and Scorpion, as well as heavier oil house patterns.
After reading some of the posts in the forum with people having trouble with their Virtuals, first off I recommend placing the mass bias (key) closer to your PAP on the VAL line, as this will make the core rev up quicker and give you a strong look on the lane as the ball was intended to. Second don't be afraid to put some surface on the ball, either 1000 or 2000 abralon. This ball was intended for oil. Polish will kill the reaction, and there are better choices for drier lanes.
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Nathan Michalowski
Storm Regional Staff
Post by: beeks1305 on April 02, 2009, 11:14:36 AM
Post by: bowlerfromwyo on April 04, 2009, 12:30:47 AM
5x5 with 4" pin buffer
Well the ball had like a 4" pin so it ended up with the pin under my middle finger and the cg is right beside my thumb about a 1/2" away. I threw it the first night in league really noticed that I had to get under it for a somewhat consistent read. So I changed it to 2000 abralon and threw it on the next league I bowl on and the first few shots in practice the ball just didnt have it, so I decided to change it again down to 500. That pretty much yielded me the same results as the last adjustment, very unpredictable with such an over under I basically had no confidence in the ball. I was browsing the Storm section here a couple days after and came across a guy that took his to 1000 abralon and some shine and had great results. So I hit it with 1000 and some step 2 polish and then proceeded to knock it down by hand with a 1000 abralon bad, not much, maybe 10 seconds or so and all I can say is the ball is sick. I could get inside and really watch the ball turn up and make the move I was originally expecting. Very predictable roll with a very strong move out back. Number two will be on its way very soon. If there are some people out there that dont want their Virtuals, send them my way if you would like. All I can say is, if you cant find the reaction your looking for with this ball, mess with the cover until you do, you will not be disappointed. Thanks Storm for a great release.
Post by: Neptune66 on April 11, 2009, 10:31:24 PM
Don't know the Pin Placement or my PAP, but I am a low rev, relatively high speed player (right-handed), and it seemed to compliment my style well. Don't know the specific layout either, but my driller said it was an advanced one, and he drilled it with an emhasis on length/backend. Left the ball's surface as OOB, and don't intend to change it. Pin is to the right of my ring finger, if that helps descrive the drilling at all.
I had shied away from this one for awhile, because I was not looking for a ball that would grab right away and lose it's energy too soon. Was torn between this ball and the 2nd Dimension, but after discussing with the Pro Shop Driller, I realized I was better off going with the VG, but drilling for length.
Lanes were medium oil, but not fresh. With I'd say the equivalent of 3 league games having been bowled, they were somewhere between Medium and Light Oil by the time I started using my Virtual Gravity.
Comparing it to recent equipment, I would say it rolls like my Ebonite Raid and Big One, but is stronger and more forgiving. Comparing to older equipment, it reminds me very much of my Storm Triple X Factor, when it was brand new back in 2003 or 2004. I'd describe it's movement (with me at the controls) as somewhere between skid-flip and a strong arc. I have both kinds or equiplent, and to me this is a perfect reaction which doesnt overlap anything else in my arsenal.
Despite my use of just laymen's terms, I am an experienced bowler and do understand how differences in ball surface and pin location and drilling affect the roll. I'm just unable to converse in those terms accurately.
So, am not sure how helpful this review will be for persons more knowledgeable in ball measurements, but hopefully will provide some means of comparing it with other balls.
Seems like a great ball so far.
Post by: RevChallenged on April 16, 2009, 01:40:18 AM
I have only so far tried this ball on a freshly oiled house shot. At 4000 grit abralon box finish the ball gave me over/under reactions. I took it down to 2000 Abralon and it reacted better. I was able to play 2nd arrow and inside of 2nd arrow with good results. The ball hits very hard and just rips the deck open, as long as you keep it in the oil. Trying to play outside 2nd arrow like I used to with other balls is not an option with this ball on a house shot because it will overhook. I will post an update once I have a chance to try this ball on the PBA shots.
Post by: Mr Straight Ball on April 20, 2009, 10:33:08 AM
Layout: 5 3/4 x 3 x 3 1/2 no X-hole
Dual layout: 5 3/4 x 45° x 45°
I finally broke down and put a blue/orange ball in my bag. Was the wait worth it? Yes it was!
Kegel Middle Road pattern (thrown OOB)
All I can say is I let practice dictate me not coming back to this ball. In practice the ball was to strong on the fresh backs and that scared me to put it up. Well, the 6th frame of the final game I pull it out. I moved 10 left of any ball in my bag, it was riiiiidiculous! I was between throwing my Gravity, Street Rod solid, Second Dimension and my 1000 abralon Special standing between 20-25. All of my balls saw their weakness as the Virtual was coming back from no mans land.
House Shot (lightly polished)
I finally used this ball on an overwall, I am talking a 44 foot pattern that has not been stripped for 3 days. Basically, a board left results in a bucket or 2-8-0. What did this ball do, to steal my uncle’s favorite saying, "Welllllllll!" The ball finally had a chance to shine as I ran my feet left and was able to eliminate the need to send the ball outside of the oil line. The “VG†just allowed for another line to be played other than playing straight up the friction zone. Personally, the most important thing I saw was the fact that pins weren’t air born around but staying low to the deck. The 6 must have been mad at the 10 the way it was cutting it down. LOL
After using this ball 3.5 games, it’s reminiscent of when the ORIGINAL Thunder Road Pearl hit the market. That one ball that had a distinct move that no other ball was able to duplicate.
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Baker...Why doesn''t my ball h
k?40 Boards & A Ball - www.40boards.com
Is your Ball ready to cross 40 Boards?
40 Boards is proudly supported by Storm Products & Stepp''s Glen Burnie Pro Shop
Post by: serious loft on April 21, 2009, 02:08:16 PM
Post by: johnnyblues on April 25, 2009, 02:36:59 PM
Post by: stopncrank on May 26, 2009, 05:13:50 PM
bowler specs: see profile.
drill pattern: 4 X 4 no weight hole, key in stront position, # 2 on drill sheet.
i finally drilled one up after reading review after review on this bad boy. i've really been needing something that will give me a good look on flatter heavier patterns, specifically for tournament shots. after i chose the layout, mr john marlow at marlow's pro shop punched it for me.
initial impressions: the lanes were freshly oiled, and no one had been on them yet. just as a side note my home house is not the great wall like alot of centers. there is a definite out of bounds 5 to the ditch, and with a full synthetic surface, the backends arent very strong either, so it makes crossing boards interesting to say the least. to put it into perspective, we had one guy in the entire center average 220 all of last year.
ok back to the virtual gravity. after throwing a few warm up shots with my paradigm, i switched to the virtual and moved about 6 boards deeper. flush pocket strike. i proceed to throw 8 strikes in a row in practice before i even started a real game. one thing in particular stood out and that was how quick this ball started up and also how continuous it is for a solid on the back. the ball is sick on the back of the pattern, very hard arc and doesnt want to stop. i was really interested in seeing how it handled transtions in the pattern. after about 6 games, i could tell the ball was losing energy, and as a result the backend tamed down alot, but still carried well considering. i had plenty of room, and it totally ignored the out of bounds normally there. and it was there, i threw a few in practice with my paradigm, and it was no mans land for it. as long as i got it out clean, it came back. i really liked how consistent this ball rolls. the core makes it start early, but it really opened up the back of the pattern, especially for a solid reactive.
final thoughts: this is a strong but controllable ball. it responds well to hand postions, and ball speed changes. i dont think ive ever thrown a ball that starts up this early and still moves a ton on the back. even though it was very strong, it was still controllable, and thats a must for me with my rev rate. overall id give it 10 out of 10. its a good 8-10 boards stronger than my paradigm, and about 5-6 stronger than my black widow bite. i can see it taming down a bit closer to the widow, but if definitely carries better than the widow with a different shape at the end of the pattern. i plan on hitting some tournament shots shortly, i'll update when i do.
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STORM:If You Hear The Thunder,Sorry,The Lightning''s Already Struck!
Post by: thesensei11 on June 05, 2009, 03:00:15 PM
I put a layout on this ball that was similar to my Black Widow, I placed the pin over the just right of the bridge over my ring finger. I had the cg out about 20 degrees and the key in line with it just right of the thumbhole, there was no x hole in the ball. I left the cover at box finish. I was rather exited to throw it in the final few collegiate bowling tournaments of my 4 year career. The first few times I threw the ball it seemed like the ball was having some issues making it back to the pocket. During the first tournament I threw it in, it had the same issue. It just didn't seem to read well in oil. (Considering I was throwing the ball in fresh oil, I found this to be quite strange.) So after the tournament I took the ball and had it sanded down to about 800 grit. This seemed to help it for about a game, but it still didn’t seem to want to make the turn on the backend. So then I decided to place a flair increasing x-hole in it. Unfortunately this ball seemed to still be resistant to flipping and struggled on the final two tournaments that I bowled in. I then decided to put some polish on it, this seemed to help smooth out the reaction, but it made to too similar to the other balls that I had in my line up. Plus it seemed to have major issues with oil. It also had some of the worst pin reaction that I have seen in a ball since the dud Track Rule GP2.
In conclusion I find this ball to be the biggest disappointment of my bowling career. It just didn’t seem to want to react consistently in either the dry or the oil. It had a very poor backend reaction. From what I have seen with this ball is that it seems to be only successful when it is drilled pin down. Because I know of three different bowlers who have purchased one and put it pin up and had the same issue I have had. I’m not trying to convince anyone of not getting this ball, I’m just warning you that its only good use is as a major hook monster with the pin below the fingers and a strong/early layout. After 40 games of using the ball I have decided to give up on it and sell it while it still has value. If you want a ball that is a more aggressive coverstock with a pin up layout, I strongly suggest you look to another ball.
If anyone has anymore questions about this ball please feel free to PM and ask me.
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Anthony "AJ" Agrusa
"Theres no shame in losing to a master" -Johnny Lang.
Post by: actsbowler21 on June 05, 2009, 03:33:15 PM
The Virtual Gravity has a lot of drive through the pin deck and I have not found any conditions yet where this layout has not served a purpose. I am able to use the Virtual Gravity on longer heavier patterns at 500 abralon surface, and at 4000 abralon I am able to control the backends on shorter patterns.
View my Virtual Gravity Video on my myspace or youtube sites for pictures. Bowl up a Storm!
--------------------
Justin Buford
Orlando, FL
2009 Storm Bowling Staff Member
Rich Gibson''s Pro Shop at Boardwalk Bowl Orlando, FL
http://www.myspace.com/wildcat300
http://www.stormbowling.com
Post by: Storm Nation on June 12, 2009, 12:18:38 PM
There is no other ball on the planet that goes through the deck as hard as this one does. If you get this ball to flush it's game over.
I had to polish mine a little with some Storm moonshine. I am a little slower with ball speed, so the polish keeps it from burning up a little quick.
I have found it best to use this ball straight up the boards, with the shorter pin it gets rolling quickly.
STORM ON!!!!!
Dan Bock
Storm Amateur Staff
Post by: Housequake on June 18, 2009, 08:14:11 AM
Post by: ccrider on June 22, 2009, 01:20:38 PM
First, the VG turned the corner harder than the cell and carried just as well if not better.
Second, once we pushed the oil from the heads and I needed to move inside, I lost carry with the VG. Ringing tens or weak tens. The ball was burning up and I could not find the right line once the heads were fried. Should have put the ball down earlier.
Third, once the heads transitioned, my brother won the last three games using his Cell OOB, shooting 267,258,224. The Cell looked good once there was a defined breakpoint, and oil in the mids, where the VG needed head oil to shine.
Last, my VG is drilled 5x4 (No. 1 drilling I believe) with the pin above the ring finger and left at OOB. My HyRoad is drilled pin under with the cg on my track (best I remember), and is at 2000 abralon polished to a nice shine with Bean's sauce. Both balls cover about the same number of boards, but the HyRoad shines when the heads are dry and the VG is losing too much energy getting down lane. I have my GS under the HyRoad at 4000 abralon polished. All and all, a pretty good 1-2-3 punch.
I shot my highest series with a Gravity Shift, 727. The VG shows much more potential. I just have to learn how to put it in the bag. This is the second time out where I have shot high games the first four or five games and then seem to lose carry as the heads dried up, so I am convinced that it needs head oil to perform.
The VG is a must by in my book.
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Those that can do. Those that can''t complain. Pimpin ain''t easy, but it''s mandatory.
Most things we like, we don''t need. Most things we need, we don''t like. Don''t confuse your likes with your needs.
Post by: Jesse James on July 08, 2009, 03:05:02 PM
right-hand drill-med. span
2.5"pin
drilling: pin 1"over ring, and .5" right of ring-mb is 1.5" right of thumbhole
This was my first time throwing a VG. First of all, this wasn't my ball. We were bowling on medium oil, and synthetic lanes. The AMF piece I was using started burning up after the first game. (202)
I went 8/, 7/, 6/ in the three successive frames of my second game, with my Triumph, when my buddy says...."Use my VG, and see how you like it."
So I did. Went X,9/, to the wall with the VG! (242)
This ball is money. Now I see why so many people have one of these pieces. The ball gets thru choppy heads rather cleanly. And it gets thru regularly oiled heads cleaner than Spic and Span.
I was able to swing this ball out to 5 and get back with no problem, while standing on 25. I could rev this ball and turn it into a friggin monster, with no problems at all either. It gave me lite strikes, but mostly Claymore bombs!
When I finally faced up to the pocket and went semi-direct with a small arc, this ball hit like a runaway, southbound train, in a SpiderMan-3 sequel movie!!!
The HIT was awesome! I know a lot of people like balls that keep the pins nice and low, but this ball blew the pocket up! The pins didn't go straight back. They didn't get tripped nice and orderly at all. These pins literally "BLEW UP" and went everywhere, including messengers like crazy!
Yes, I was impressed. The ball hits hard. I haven't been this impressed since I first threw a Cell! Needless to say, I started this game with 3 successive spares but closed it out with 8 successive strikes! And what was even better was.....we won our game against the first place team and swept them for the series!
This is a magnificent piece, that works wonderfully when there is enuff oil for it to operate. It will also let you know when to put it up, very quickly. Lite oil, or choppy lanes are not it's strong suit.
Great ball, Storm. I may have to add this to my Roto line-up. I likeee this!
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Duct tape is like ''The Force''. It has a light side and a dark side, but it still holds the universe together.
Some days you''re the bug some days you''re the windshield.
Post by: i_throw_strikes on August 08, 2009, 10:31:10 AM
4x4 1000grit
first impression:
the first on i drilled (pin over cg kicked way out)i hated it went to long no matter what i did to it and was too unpredictable when it made it's move. after toying with several drillings found the right drilling and surface to use this on heavy oil
fresh house shot:
for me has no play on a house shot dont even try. way to strong
shark pbax:
for me i use this ball to open the lanes up as much as i can tend to start off playing 20 to round 10 (if i use this ball at all depends on hwat end of the house i'm on) and create a friction zone. can't use this ball for more than a game or 2 then it starts flipping a little bit harder i usually grab my hyroad, furious or 2d
scorpion pbax:
1000 grit with moon shine
this ball with polish on this pattern plays very well can start of round 15 to 5 and keep moving in this ball actually works better for me on this pattern thatn any other pbax shot
long flat sport shot:
cant remember what one of the kegal patterns we threw on that week but nthis ball was great could play my a game for the first 2 games playing 10 to 7 going out with 248,279 before shot broke down and i grabbed a different ball but cant wait to try a toc type shot in the comming weeks
final review:
for me this ball is either a hit or a swinging miss i sold alot of these balls several didn't like it but most of the people seeing success with it were the older and low rev bowlers with a aggresive (rolly) layout on it. One older guy said he feels like a cranker with this ball he stands on 25 throws out to 5 and bam. he's 82 years old and with that ball and his agent is carrying a 183 avg. not bad in my opinion.
Post by: BrandonR on August 14, 2009, 07:11:57 PM
Specs: Right Hander
PAP: 5 over/ 1in up
Tilt: Honestly not sure LOL
Ball Speed: 17mph
Avg: 215
1st Virtural Gravity
Pic-(https://www.ballreviews.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi65.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fh228%2FCalimon08%2FNewArsenal019.jpg&hash=efd9f344f5992800b38774d2d4dc38d18d624e2a)
Layout: Pin 6in from PAP/CG 4 3/4//Hole near thumb 2in deep
Surface: Factory 4000 Abralon w/ super lite hand polish
Purpose: wanted to play up slightly heavier oil patterns w/ dry outsides
Result: This ball turned out to be very violent at the end of the pattern. More so than I originally planned for. With the surface prep the ball did hold its own.
2nd Virtual Gravity
Pic- (https://www.ballreviews.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi65.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fh228%2FCalimon08%2FNewArsenal017.jpg&hash=c0140c3f77b2c63322e65d22caec70b9b0f8520a)
Layout: 4x4
Surface: Box 4000 Abralon
Purpose: I just wanted to see just how strong over all it was
Result: Wow! The most overall aggressive ball Ive ever had! I cant wait for some of the upcoming tournaments that Ive heard place a heavy volume of oil down. For a dull ball this thing has the "Pop" of some high end pearls like my old Cell Pearl.
Grab one. Better yet 2! You cant go wrong.
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If it''s not Roto Grip, it don''t go in the bag!
Post by: Monster Stitch on August 26, 2009, 04:31:16 AM
Specs:
15.04lbs
3 inch pin
3.30 top
Layout
in under bridge, MB 2 inches right of thumb with a weight hole through the MB 1-1/2 inches deep, 5-1/2 Pin to PAP and 4-3/4 MB to PAPPic: http://img233.imageshack.us/my.php?image=26059053zm1.jpg
VG#2
Specs:
15.03lbs
3 inch pin
2.80 top
Layout: Pin over ring, MB next to thumb, Pin 5 inches from PAP and MB 4-5/8 from PAP
Pic: http://img73.imageshack.us/my.php?image=vg1.jpg
VG#1: I have this ball at 2000 abralon which i use on longer oil oil patterns or medium patterns with carry down. I've bowled at a house with older HPL lanes that were oiled 38 ft with left over dirty backends from open play all day. I had to start outside up the gutter and moved in gradually as the fronts broke down. The weakness this ball has is when there isn't enough oil.
VG#2: I have used this ball both dull and polish and have gotten the type of reaction i wanted to compliment my pin down VG. This particular ball worked well at Nationals in Vegas this year which i had at 2000 abralon surface. Ball was perfect playing up the track until the heads broke down. With having a higher pin above the fingers i get good length and a sharp backend.
Storm has created a ball with a reaction no other company has and has shown why they dominated the PBA Tour this year. The VG is hands down the best ball on the market.
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Post by: scottm1972 on August 27, 2009, 01:05:33 AM
206 right out of the gate, trying to get a feel for it...then I roll off the first 7 and shoot 267. only 2 tens away from a 300, which I've never bowled...I then finished up with a 221 for a 694 series with a brand new ball I never rolled before and the first series I've bowled in 4 plus years, my god I'm not even releasing it properly yet!!! I got a feeling I'm gonna shoot many many high series and hopefully get that elusive 300 this year, I've got so much confidence and room with this ball and the carry is amazing...I couldn't recommend it enough, I'm sold 150%.
Post by: handshake300 on August 28, 2009, 05:51:02 PM
Post by: jmannier79 on August 31, 2009, 05:06:48 PM
Post by: BILL FONG 88 on September 17, 2009, 01:53:59 AM
Post by: kwolf68 on September 21, 2009, 05:30:35 PM
Wont go into much detail, but early returns on this ball are more positive than any ball ive ever thrown. We'll see if I can keep the MO tomorrow with this piece. If I hadn't choked on 2 10 pins I'd have a 9 for 9 200+ out the box this year with this ball.
Sad thing is, these scores could be even higher excpet I still have some emotional demons creep up when I am putting together a great game/set.
The double edge sword of this ball is I don't think Im ever gonna put it down.
226
235
210
200
184
247
217
205
231
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"If sunbeams were weapons of war, we would have had solar energy centuries ago." - Sir George Porter
Post by: wldthng047 on October 12, 2009, 10:55:46 AM
Realizing this, i changed my expectations, and tried to play some straighter angles with it. A little firmer off the hand, maybe a bit more up the back of the ball, and this ball reads the midlane well, makes a predictable yet still strong move and has excellent continuation. Definatley one of my first thoughts when the backends are tighter and i want to stay out of trouble, this ball will definately serve me well!
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Right Handed
Power Stroker (400+ revs)
18-19 MPH
Post by: GodzillA on October 13, 2009, 04:11:20 PM
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William Paterson University Bowling Team Member
Storm Bowling Products
Post by: MR SOLO on October 14, 2009, 12:38:47 AM
The first one, I drilled the pin and the mass bias, 4 inches off my PAP with a 1¨ pin buffer. A 4X4 drilling from the storm key drilling guide, and hit it with a 2000 abralon pad. This ball is amazing it revs up in the mid-lane, and stores energy for a very aggressive backend reaction. This is the strongest piece I've ever thrown, no matter how deep I got it had a strong finish on 5 different oil patterns. We bowled on the Shark, Scorpion, Viper, the National pattern, and a house shot with carry down and dirty backs. This is where the new Virtual Gravity really shined. I had backend reaction that, my friends I practice with didn’t.
I took this ball with me to the Nationals in Vegas. The Virtual Gravity rolled great on the National pattern. Some of the other bowlers on my pair that weren't using Storm equipment, couldn’t get to the pocket. I could with my Virtual Gravity. After about seven or eight frames I had created some area for myself, I was able to get a better angle to the pocket. At this time some of the other equipment that was being used started to react a little better, only after I opened the lane up with my Virtual Gravity. I shot 1941 all events 254-244-179 teams, 201-162-245 doubles and 243-172-242 singles. I averaged 216 for 9 games. I made good adjustments to stay in the pocket the whole tournament. I used the Virtual Gravity the entire time, but I missed some spares in the low games. I should’ve had a better set each time.
I punched my second Virtual Gravity after we got back from Vegas. I wanted to compliment the reaction of my first one. So I drilled the ring finger thru the pin and kicked the key (mass bias) out at 50°and left the cover at 4000 grit. I was more up the back of this one so I could play down and in with it. The volume of oil was heavier on the shot we where practicing on, and the reaction on the back was stronger than I anticipated. This again helped me open up the lane. I love the fact that the Virtual Gravity revs up in the mid-lane. This helps me to get the ball rolling sooner, so my carry is better. My rev rate is around the mid 400s off my hand, my ball speed is 19 to 20 mph and I loft the ball a little
When dealing with heavier oil conditions, normally I have to adjust my ball speed and try not to loft as much. I didn't have to this time, I was able to basically use my A game, and the Virtual Gravity gave me the help my physical game was lacking. That is what we as bowlers look for in a high performance bowling ball. I’m confident that the Virtual Gravity holds its own, versus any oil ball out on the market. Like I said at the top of the review, Storm has once again, produced a bowling ball that any bowler can use. No matter what your skill level is, the Virtual Gravity is a versatile bowling ball which suits multiple styles and games. Get a Virtual Gravity and go BOWL UP A STORM......Solo Milbourne
Storm Amateur Staff Member
Bowlers Corner Pro Shop, Baltimore, MD.
stormbowling.com
Post by: brophyk2 on October 15, 2009, 08:10:40 PM
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Kevin Brophy William Paterson Bowling Team
Storm Sponsored
Post by: pbapaul2 on October 19, 2009, 07:08:34 PM
This layout places the pin above my bridge, very similar to my Energy. The mass is right of thumb and due to the high top weight to start, the fingers and thumb were taken deeper than normal. It is a great compliment on the fresh to my Furious. With the strength of the core and great traction with the cover it is strong enough to combat almost all heavy oil conditions.
I would recommend this ball to any bowler who is planning on bowling on some heavy oil conditions or for players that need an extra bit of hook on some patterns.
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Paul Link
William Paterson University
Storm Sponsored
Post by: frog169 on November 01, 2009, 07:11:53 PM
P.S. i averaged about 170 with my Ultra zone. With this ball I average about 195 (on heavy oil).
Post by: alvarezd41 on January 06, 2010, 04:39:57 PM
Post by: morgan80 on January 19, 2010, 12:11:42 AM
Post by: KRIZBA on January 29, 2010, 08:51:51 PM
Post by: Bowler103859 on February 19, 2010, 11:00:55 AM
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Jared
Wilmington, NC
Post by: tkurdt on February 20, 2010, 11:01:11 AM
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Timothy Kurdt
William Paterson Bowling Team
Storm Sponsored
Post by: Str8drvr on March 10, 2010, 09:01:12 PM
Just got one from a friend and used it once on a THS sanded, and twice in a difference house on a THS after polishing. Drilled pin under ring finger with a weight hole.
Sanded it just hooked too hard, but polished it really came to life. Shot 714 and 640. The ball hits the pins too hard at times. ( Not a bad thing ) Left multiple 7 pins (righty) because of the force of the ball hitting too hard. All were solid in the pocket. I found this ball carries light hits better than anything else I use, so I keep moving left.
Can't use it in the third game due to oil drying up, but I just switch to a harder ball to finish the night. Overall I really like the action of this ball and will continue to start the night with it and change as needed.
It just hits like a truck which makes scoring so much easier than before.
Post by: rotofan775 on May 15, 2010, 05:48:53 AM
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7-10 split converted on 01/24/08, 2nd in 5 yrs
"Do, or do not. There is no try." Yoda
(Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back)
http://members.bowl.com/FindAMember/memberView.aspx?ms=8&mp=6861&s=2005-2006
New HI game of 248 with my Roto Grip Spare Tire!!! Heck Yes!!
www.bowlingkingdom.com
Post by: CHawk15 on July 29, 2010, 04:51:16 PM
Pin / CG Distance: 3.5â€
Layout: Pin over Ring / MB @ 55-60 degrees
Surface: 4000 abralon (against grain)
Reaction: Mid Lane Roll and Aggressive Backend Reaction
Comments:
The Virtual Gravity (VG) was a little too much skid/flip for the first 5-6 games. Once broken in, it had a very nice mid lane read and a very strong backend reaction. I used it in a couple of different centers, one that had new BW Anvilanes and the other that has AMF HPLs with a lot of oil in the center of the lane. For a bowling ball cover that is supposed to be very strong and a low RG core, this ball gets through the front part of the lane extremely well. The VG had a very strong mid lane reaction, and a very hard arcing / borderline flip backend reaction. I used this ball a lot in a Saturday night league where a lot of people were using plastic / urethane and pushing oil down the lane. The VG could be used from both outside and inside angles with no loss in hitting power.
I was extremely surprised at the VG’s ability to clear the front part of the lane and how angular it was off of the spot, even with the mid lane read. I didn’t have great success with this ball on league shots unless there was a little carry down, otherwise it was just too aggressive off the spot. This ball really shined on the Viper, Chameleon, Scorpion and Shark (broken down) PBA patterns.
Post by: Gray-Wolf on August 06, 2010, 11:35:24 AM
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Gray-Wolf
Post by: BunnyBowler22 on September 21, 2010, 02:17:58 PM
Post by: catdog23 on October 05, 2010, 09:21:25 PM
Post by: browncow7 on October 05, 2010, 10:27:27 PM
Post by: Ehudakineyah on October 16, 2010, 09:56:16 AM
Average: 219
Style: 2 Handed/Right
Ball Speed: 21-22 Mph
RPM: 600-650
Layout: 30 x 4" x 50
Shots Thrown On:
Route 66
Route 66 (Shortened)
Sunset Strip
Sunset Strip (Shortened)
2010 Championship Pattern
Earl Anthony
Shark
Highway to Hell
Boardwalk
Broadway
Easy Street
Typical House Shot
(Pretty much every shot Hawaii had to offer at my house)
Got this as my second 2 Handed bowling ball when i started out. As i loved to Virtual Energy, so i told myself that i should try and give the Virtual Gravity a try.
Drilled the ball to get into a roll in the midlane and to have more of flipping action down in the backend.
The Ball was great. Did just what i expected it to do. Came off my hands smooth and had a nice side flip in the back end. Shot a 300 on the regular Route 66 shot. Ball hits very nicely and the flip in the back in very consistent and predictable. The ball just doesnt do very very on the short patterns out of the box. I gave the ball a little polish, and it pushed through the heads quite nicely.
I liked the ball better polished after i did it. So now this ball stays polished and it just looks nice spinning down the lane. Another one of those dizzying balls like my 607A SE and Mutant Cell Solid.
If you loved the Virtual Energy, Then youll love the Virtual Gravity. Just when the Energy doesnt have enough backend to finish into the pocket, pull out the gravity and it will get the job done.
The ball is just as versatile as the energy in the right hands. Hits hard. And is very consistent and very predictable ball.
Great ball "Storm".
Rating: 9.25/10
- Keene Inafuku
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Just started 2 Handed in August. (7.11.2010)
6 300 Games and 3 800 Series so far.
Current Arsenal:
Storm 2Furious (Polished)
Storm Invasion (Polished)
Storm Black Ice
Ebonite Mission 2.0
Track 607A SE
Brunswick Wild Ride
Post by: guitargirl1990 on November 01, 2010, 02:44:55 PM
Post by: golden_bear on January 17, 2011, 07:16:46 AM
LANE CONDITION
Length:38"
Volume: medium/heavy
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): THS
COMMENTS
Likes: I've had this ball for a year now and i have it drilled with pin high right of ring finger. Ball performs very well in oil for all types of shots. Looping it or straight up you can play lots of angles. Only problem is that about half way through league you need to switch balls cause this will start to die at the end when it dries. Otherwise great ball for heavier patterns that you may get at some tourneys.
Dislikes: can't throw it all of league
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
Post by: PLM on January 21, 2011, 01:31:48 PM
BALL SPECS
Pin Length: 3 inch
Starting Top Weight: Unknown
Ball Weight: 15 lbs
DRILL PATTERN
Pin to PAP: @5 inches (above bridge)
CG to PAP: @4.5 (Mass Bias is @ 1.25 inches right of thumb)
X Hole (if there is one): None
BOWLER STYLE
Rev Rate: 275
Ball Speed: 16.5 (at line)
PAP/Track: Not exactly certain, but roughly 5 over, 1/4 up
SURFACE PREP
Grit: 4000
Type: (Matte, Polish, Sanded): Matte
LANE CONDITION
Length: 38 feet
Volume: Medium to Medium Heavy
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): THS
BALL REACTION
Length: Long
Back End: Strong
Overall Hook: Moderate due to drilling
Midlane Read: Less than I would expect out of a solid
Breakpoint Shape: Angular, but very controllable
COMMENTS
Likes: A go to ball for me that fits my game very well on an early shift. Carries a lot of shots that probably should not have carried. It goes long and strong but is not unpredictable as more angular balls can be. I have about 80 games on it and have had to freshen the surface at this point, but I was able to do it easily by hand simply by purchasing some Abralon. No signs of ball death whatsoever. It is also generally easy for me to tell when to put it away. As oil depletion occurs, it will start to become more arcing in its trajectory, and this is usually the point at which I switch to a weaker ball.
Dislikes:
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS
Post by: arickdm on February 01, 2011, 06:23:39 PM
LANE CONDITION
Length: 35'
Volume: medium
Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): ths
COMMENTS
Likes: best ball i have ever seen. i have seen many people either come close or get there first 300 with this ball. i shot my 2nd 300 with this ball and also had a 299 in city with a different virtual gravity. this ball is amazing and practically carrys anything if hit the head pin
Dislikes: none
Post by: GB300 on February 25, 2011, 01:15:29 PM
BALL SPECS
Pin Length:2 3/4 in.
Starting Top Weight:2.5 oz.
Ball Weight:16
DRILL PATTERN
Pin to PAP:4 1/4 in. pin located above r.f.
CG to PAP:3 5/8
MB to PAP: 4 in. Key in strong position next to thumb.
X Hole (if there is one):On PAP
BOWLER STYLE
Rev Rate:Not sure of rev rate. I'm more of a stroker than a tweener.
Ball Speed:14.5 - 15
SURFACE PREP
Grit:4000 Ab. so far. I haven't tried any surface changes yet.
Type: OOB
LANE CONDITION
Length:Longer than average THS (45-50 ft.)
Volume:Medium
BALL REACTION
Length: Good length for such a strong ball with a strong drill layout.
Back End:Continuous for the first 1 1/2 games, then it usually gets too strong.
Overall Hook: Very strong
Midlane Read: Very good, predictable read for medium patterns. I haven't been able to use it on a very wet pattern yet. It's reads too early once the lanes break down.
Breakpoint Shape: Strong Arching hook, not quite skid / snap.
COMMENTS
Likes:I purchased the ball slightly used, polished. I had the thumb plugged and moved down. I also had it resurfaced back to OOB finish, (4000 abralon).
This is usually the first ball out of the bag for me. I prefer to throw around the 12 board at the arrows, sending it out to about 5, getting good length before it comes back. I really like way it gets into a roll early and still finishes with such a continuous back end with minimal deflection. I prefer a ball that I can throw with a resonable amount of control and consistency. This ball gives me that for about the first 1 1/2 games of league play. After that, the oil is usually pretty worn down and the ball will start to check up too soon.
This is usually the first ball out of the bag for me. I prefer to throw around the 12 board at the arrows, sending it out to about 5, getting good length before it comes back. I really like way it gets into a roll early and still finishes with such a continuous back end with minimal deflection. I prefer a ball that I can throw with a resonable amount of control and consistency. This ball gives me that for about the first 1 1/2 games of league play. After that, the oil is usually pretty worn down and the ball will start to check up too soon.
Dislikes: No real dislikes. I knew that this would be a ball for fresh oil for me. I have other equipment for the lighter, drier shots.
Edited on 3/2/2011 at 7:28 PM
Post by: UF bowling on April 12, 2011, 04:01:53 PM
My Virtual Gravity has a 2 ½ inch pin and is drilled (for a lefty) with my ring finger hole drilled where the pin had been and the CG out to the left. I had this ball drilled for heavy oil so the ball will read early and then will have a sharp turn off the break point. Compared to my Reign of Fire, this ball goes a little longer and has a sharper turn off the break point. Also like my Reign of Fire, I find that I get a better reaction playing straight up then when I try to play a swing shot. Also, this ball needs constant maintenance for continued performance.
Mike Moskowitz