BallReviews

Equipment Boards => Storm => Topic started by: dizzyfugu on May 31, 2006, 10:11:54 PM

Title: --- 6 new balls: specs inside ---
Post by: dizzyfugu on May 31, 2006, 10:11:54 PM
Here you are... nice that Accu-Tread finds its way back into business. I wonder, with all the new lines, which are to "die" in the near future? Otherwise, this is overkill?


Storm - Double Agent
Fragrance: Butterscotch
Coverstock: Reactor Pearl Particle
Line Agent
Color Fire/Wine/Charcoal
Coverstock Particle Pearl
Core 2-piece
RG 2.457
Differential 0.052
Factory finish 1000 grit Abralon


Storm - Spit Fire
Fragrance: Apple Cinnamon
Coverstock: Reactor Pearl
Core: Inverted Twin-V
Color Green/Silver
Coverstock Reactive Pearl
Core 2-piece
RG 2.54
Differential 0.050
Factory finish 1500 grit Polished


Storm - Thunder Struck
Coverstock: Reactor Solid Reactive
Weight Block: Multi-Density with FE2 Technology
Fragrance: Grape
Line Thunder
Color Purple
Coverstock Reactive Solid
Core 2-piece
RG 2.54
Differential 0.054
Factory finish 1500 grit Polished
Cleared ABC cleared


Storm - Thunder Struck Pearl
Coverstock: Reactor Pearl Reactive
Weight Block: Mulit-Density with FE2 Technology
Fragrance: Cherry
Line Thunder
Color Red
Coverstock Reactive Pearl
Core 2-piece
RG 2.54
Differential 0.054
Factory finish 1500 grit Polished


Storm - Jolt
Coverstock: Accu-Tread Solid Reactive
Weight Block: Modified 2-Piece
Fragrance: Blueberry
Color Blue/Turquoise
Coverstock Reactive Solid
Core 2-piece
RG 2.54
Differential 0.035
Factory finish 1500 grit Polished


Storm - Jolt Pearl
Coverstock: Accu-Tread Pearl Reactive
Weight Block: Modified 2-piece
Fragrance: Fruit Slices
Line Jolt
Color Purple/Gold
Coverstock Reactive Pearl
Core 2-piece
RG 2.54
Differential 0.035
Factory finish 1500 grit Polished

--------------------

DizzyFugu - Reporting from Germany
UPDATED & NEW --- Team "X" website & more about me: http://web.mac.com/timlinked/iWeb/X/Thomas.html
"All that we see or seem, is but a dream within a dream..." - Edgar Allen Poe


Edited on 6/1/2006 6:09 AM

Edited on 6/1/2006 8:29 AM
Title: Re: --- 6 new balls: specs inside ---
Post by: nospareball on June 01, 2006, 08:54:22 AM
It looks like the Spit Fire is going to replace the Fired up, and the thunder line will replace the old master line balls.
Title: Re: --- 6 new balls: specs inside ---
Post by: dizzyfugu on June 01, 2006, 09:49:40 AM
I'd also say "goodbye" to the Banshees. I just wonder how much difference there will be between the Pyro and the Double Agent? Does not seem to be much to me. And I wonder where the Jolt line will fit? Could be just above entry level?
--------------------

DizzyFugu - Reporting from Germany
UPDATED & NEW --- Team "X" website & more about me: http://web.mac.com/timlinked/iWeb/X/Thomas.html
"All that we see or seem, is but a dream within a dream..." - Edgar Allen Poe
Title: Re: --- 6 new balls: specs inside ---
Post by: greenefam on June 01, 2006, 10:10:46 AM
Flash Line = Banshees;  I'd guess they are gone as well.

I'd expect a reasonable amont of difference between the Pyro and the Double Agent since there is about a 2-4 board(depending on condition) difference between the Fired Up and the Agent.  I am personally looking forward to this ball as an Ace replacement.

I am assuming the Spit Fire will replace the Fired Up.  These balls are way too similar to keep both in your offerings.

I asked this on the other thread and got no answer so I'll ask again.  Any ideas on release dates?  I am primarily interested in the Double Agent.
Title: Re: --- 6 new balls: specs inside ---
Post by: DP3 on June 01, 2006, 11:03:15 AM
Hot Rod Series is being replaced by the Jolts.  That's what I heard yesterday.
--------------------
-DP3
Respect the Game
Title: Re: --- 6 new balls: specs inside ---
Post by: Fluff E Bunnie on June 01, 2006, 11:59:35 AM
quote:
Hot Rod Series is being replaced by the Jolts.  That's what I heard yesterday.
--------------------
-DP3
Respect the Game


I could see that.
--------------------
Current Arsenal:
Parker Bohn III
Title: Re: --- 6 new balls: specs inside ---
Post by: bowler0821 on June 01, 2006, 03:31:44 PM
Can any one say  maybe a remake of the trauma er or deuce or maybe a hot wire with the jolts which were all good balls.
--------------------
Mike

A Bowlers Life-
To bowl is to live. To live is to bowl.
Title: Re: --- 6 new balls: specs inside ---
Post by: thehurricane on June 01, 2006, 03:42:24 PM
Yay, Accu-tread is back!
Title: Re: --- 6 new balls: specs inside ---
Post by: LuckyLefty on June 01, 2006, 03:46:58 PM
Boy that Fired up/spit fire is gonna be really different with that .001 diff difference!

REgards,

Luckylefty
--------------------
Open the door...see what's possible...and just walk right on through...that's how easy success feels..
Title: Re: --- 6 new balls: specs inside ---
Post by: nospareball on June 01, 2006, 10:03:26 PM
quote:
HOTRODS Are leaving There closing them out at distributors.......
and I would think the thunderstrucks will replace The banshee's.......since they have been around awhile now......Anyone know when these r coming out?Im assuming bowl expo time......
--------------------
Precision ProShop
Norcross GA


Damn, I liked the Hot Rods too!  I guess I'll have to pick up another one from that line before they are all gone.
Title: Re: --- 6 new balls: specs inside ---
Post by: baldmancj on June 01, 2006, 10:36:15 PM
Yeah from my source with Storm they recieved a little letter from a certain magazine(hot rod) about a copyright infrigement of the name usage. so the Jolt is there replacement. Basically the same balls.
Title: Re: --- 6 new balls: specs inside ---
Post by: Fluff E Bunnie on June 02, 2006, 07:54:58 AM
I shall be refreshing buddies until they appear.  Starting now.
--------------------
Current Arsenal:
Parker Bohn III
Title: Re: --- 6 new balls: specs inside ---
Post by: greenefam on June 02, 2006, 09:03:20 AM
I'm sorry to sound dense, but does this mean Storm is releasing these balls basically simultaneously?  If so has any ball company released 6 new balls and 2 new colors of an existing ball this way?
Title: Re: --- 6 new balls: specs inside ---
Post by: BallsDeep on June 02, 2006, 10:11:42 AM
quote:
I'd also say "goodbye" to the Banshees. I just wonder how much difference there will be between the Pyro and the Double Agent? Does not seem to be much to me. And I wonder where the Jolt line will fit? Could be just above entry level?


I agree with everything, but the statement about the Pyro and Double Agent.  The fired up and Agent only differed in the core not at all in the cover, the same applies for the Double Agent and the Pyro.  The Agent series is just earlier rolling cores with the Reactor cover, something new please?

If the spit fire and fired up are so similar, then why even release the spit fire.  Just continue making the fired up.

Storm is filtering down some decent technology and they are making balls that will work, but where's the innovation.  They promised innovation and to an extent delivered with the Paradigms, but now they seem to be afraid of trying something new.
--------------------
four fried chickens and a coke[/size=4]
Title: Re: --- 6 new balls: specs inside ---
Post by: Fluff E Bunnie on June 02, 2006, 10:45:34 AM
quote:
quote:
I'd also say "goodbye" to the Banshees. I just wonder how much difference there will be between the Pyro and the Double Agent? Does not seem to be much to me. And I wonder where the Jolt line will fit? Could be just above entry level?


I agree with everything, but the statement about the Pyro and Double Agent.  The fired up and Agent only differed in the core not at all in the cover, the same applies for the Double Agent and the Pyro.  The Agent series is just earlier rolling cores with the Reactor cover, something new please?

If the spit fire and fired up are so similar, then why even release the spit fire.  Just continue making the fired up.

Storm is filtering down some decent technology and they are making balls that will work, but where's the innovation.  They promised innovation and to an extent delivered with the Paradigms, but now they seem to be afraid of trying something new.
--------------------
four fried chickens and a coke[/size=4]


I am sure the new high end stuff is coming.  I like the rotation they are doing on the mid-level stuff.
--------------------
Current Arsenal:
Parker Bohn III
Title: Re: --- 6 new balls: specs inside ---
Post by: Noy on June 02, 2006, 10:58:40 AM
Not to say that Storm isn't releasing new balls to our benefit, but its also marketing.  Also, new balls are being released with the Reactor cover because people have seemed to praise it soo much since its release.  I have the Agent and wouldnt trade it for anything.  Can't wait to see the Double Agent and Spit Fire in action.
--------------------
Bowling Since March 2006

Arsenal:
Storm Agent
Doom Raw Hammer
House Ball (spares)
Average: 130-160

See my bowling scores online here:
http://www.allbowling.com/journal/public.php?uid=2038&leagueid=808
Turkey Adobo (Me and my friends' bowling site)
http://turkeyadobo.multiply.com
Title: Re: --- 6 new balls: specs inside ---
Post by: Platinum Bowler on June 02, 2006, 11:00:45 AM
I cant believe that they are already coming out with new stuff. And at 6 balls at that. I heard because of Bowl Expo coming up, but still. The lower end stuff to switch it over does make sense, and I guess there hasnt been a new ball in the Fire Line in a while (the Pyro being the last ball). My main concern I guess would be, is that already another Agent is coming out? Are you kidding me? The Agent is barely a month old, if that, and I am still trying to get use to mine. Oh well, I guess they know what they are doing...
--------------------
Farewell Tour 05'-06'

This is ten percent luck, twenty percent skill...
Fifteen percent concentrated power of will...
Five percent pleasure, fifty percent pain...
And a hundred percent reason to remember the name...

B-Car
Title: Re: --- 6 new balls: specs inside ---
Post by: Fluff E Bunnie on June 02, 2006, 11:01:22 AM
quote:
Not to say that Storm isn't releasing new balls to our benefit, but its also marketing.  Also, new balls are being released with the Reactor cover because people have seemed to praise it soo much since its release.  I have the Agent and wouldnt trade it for anything.  Can't wait to see the Double Agent and Spit Fire in action.


That's what I'm saying.  Why not cycle some older stuff out and throw a new cover on it?
--------------------
Current Arsenal:
Parker Bohn III
Title: Re: --- 6 new balls: specs inside ---
Post by: Noy on June 02, 2006, 11:26:57 AM
quote:
quote:
Not to say that Storm isn't releasing new balls to our benefit, but its also marketing.  Also, new balls are being released with the Reactor cover because people have seemed to praise it soo much since its release.  I have the Agent and wouldnt trade it for anything.  Can't wait to see the Double Agent and Spit Fire in action.


That's what I'm saying.  Why not cycle some older stuff out and throw a new cover on it?
--------------------
Current Arsenal:
Parker Bohn III


beats me bro, but Im always one to get excited whenever new stuff comes out.  I do agree that wrapping different cores around the same cover may seem boring or redundant and unnecessary.  Just gotta trust that they're doin it for a good reason.
--------------------
Bowling Since March 2006

Arsenal:
Storm Agent
Doom Raw Hammer
House Ball (spares)
Average: 130-160

See my bowling scores online here:
http://www.allbowling.com/journal/public.php?uid=2038&leagueid=808
Turkey Adobo (Me and my friends' bowling site)
http://turkeyadobo.multiply.com
Title: Re: --- 6 new balls: specs inside ---
Post by: BallsDeep on June 02, 2006, 02:58:40 PM
I think to a great extent they were scared off by the Paradigm series.  The cracking problems certainly hurt their profits as well as their reputation.  Best cenario, they are going to make sure all problems are worked out and there are going to be lags in their new eox stuff.  Worst case cenario, they are going to abandon the eox all together, and take a long time coming up with something new.
--------------------
four fried chickens and a coke[/size=4]
Title: Re: --- 6 new balls: specs inside ---
Post by: Fluff E Bunnie on June 02, 2006, 03:47:07 PM
I thought the cracking problem thing was taken care of by now.
--------------------
Current Arsenal:
Parker Bohn III
Title: Re: --- 6 new balls: specs inside ---
Post by: greenefam on June 02, 2006, 04:10:28 PM
Ultimately a bowling ball company has two things they can change with a ball - coverstock and core.  I'd agree that Storm's management may be a bit gunshy based on the whole EOX cracking problems they had - but I don't think that will drive their product strategy.  It will just be one of those 'let's not have the same mistake twice' conversations that happen during normal product definition meetings.

Personally I have no problem with what Storm is doing right now.  It is my impression that over the past year or so they have lost some marketshare ground to Ebonite and Brunswick (I don't have any data to back that up - just a gut feeling).  Assuming my feeling is correct the logical move is to seriously shake up the product line in order to have a whole new look heading into next year's league season.  The best way to do that is leverage what is working (Reactor) and come up with some new uses (the new Master-Agent line) in order to reinvigorate sales.

Let's look at some of the logic so far:

1.  A new-look Master line that doesn't directly compete with the Paradigm balls but is clearly the highest end non-Paradigm ball.  BTW, I don't buy the Agent is too close to the Fired Up comments.  I've thrown both and I can tell you the Agent is much stronger.  I'd say the Agent is the same amount stronger than the Fired Up as the Fired Up is stronger than the Screamin Banshee.  All the same cover but with progressively stronger cores.

2.  The Dark Thunder has been a great underground success - so why not capitalize on it by building a new line of balls using the same core?

3.  Update the reactive pearl ball in the Fire Line.  Primarily a marketing move to introduce a 'new' ball.

4.   New releases in the sucessful Hot Line.  To me the best of these balls since the original Hot Rod was the Hot Rod Hybrid - so why not refresh that ball with a solid and pearl version (Jolt)?

5.  Build out the sucessful lower end balls with some new colors.

These all seem like reasonable product decisions to me.  Are they 'innovative'?  Not really.  Can they help Storm sales?  The next 6 months will tell.  Would I like to see some new coverstocks?  Sure!  But there is only so much you can do with urethane.  I'd bet there will be 1 or two Paradigm-based EOX balls released between now and next fall.
Title: Re: --- 6 new balls: specs inside ---
Post by: cnimsk on June 02, 2006, 04:24:23 PM
I find it interesting that, with the notable exception of the Double Agent, all the new releases are 1500 grit polish. Neither good, nor bad, just interesting. As for me, I think that there is so little difference between the Fired Up and the Spit Fire as to make that a wash, so much so that it seems almost a waste of resources to put out the Spit Fire. However...and this is a big however, Storm usually knows what it's doing and I don't know what their master plan is so I assume that there is good reason for doing so.

Chuck
Title: Re: --- 6 new balls: specs inside ---
Post by: Jeff Carter on June 03, 2006, 03:40:22 PM
Let me try and clear a few of these things up

Storm is currently streamling the entire product line. In some instances there are just too many balls in a line to keep in the catalog. Also its time to do away with a few lines and start over. When all of you complain about companies "flooding" the market, you have to take into consideration what the market demands. Just because you may like a ball, doesnt mean that it translates into sales nationwide. That means that your favorite ball may get discontinued from time to time. There are a lot of very intelligent people working for every ball company, and they spent a lot of time and resources to bring to market what the customers are asking for. With that being said, here is whats going on :

The Jolt line will be replacing the Hot Rod Line. Very simple, 1 solid reactive, i pearl reactive

The Thunderstruck Line will be replacing the Banshee Line. Again very simple

The Fired-Up is not leaving the line, but the Spit Fire is a compliment to it. The difference being the inverted core has been lengthened, changing the dynamics. The Spit Fire should be a little stronger than the Fired-Up

The Agent Line has replaced the X-Factor Line. The Double Agent will be coming factory dull and even though it is a pearl, this ball should be a good replacment for the Trifecta. There just isnt much demand for solid particle balls anymore

I hope this answers some of your questions and helps to avoid anymore confusion
--------------------
Bowl up a Storm,
Jeff Carter
www.stormbowling.com
www.jeffcarterbowling.com ( coming soon )
Title: Re: --- 6 new balls: specs inside ---
Post by: greenefam on June 03, 2006, 04:05:24 PM
Thanks for the clarification Jeff.  It doesn't sound that far off of some of the assumptions being made here - but its nice to hear the plan clearly laid out for the Storm faithful.

Any chance we can get a hint as to when the new balls will be available?  I have been extremely happy with the Agent, and I am holding off replacing my worn out Ace with another Ace in hopes that the Double Agent will be available soon.
Title: Re: --- 6 new balls: specs inside ---
Post by: Jeff Carter on June 03, 2006, 04:08:02 PM
I'm assuming that most of the new stuff will be out around Bowl Expo / Trade Show time ( end of june - early july ). I dont think the Spit Fire will be out until fall though. Again, i'm just assuming. I dont know the release schedule
--------------------
Bowl up a Storm,
Jeff Carter
www.stormbowling.com
www.jeffcarterbowling.com ( coming soon )
Title: Re: --- 6 new balls: specs inside ---
Post by: LuvThatWhiteDot on June 03, 2006, 06:26:22 PM
I want a Thunder Struck just because the name's cool

/chick mode off
--------------------
White Dot
Where am I going and why am I in this basket?
"I wish I was in Tijuana...eating barbequed iguana..."
GO LEAFS GO!!
Title: Re: --- 6 new balls: specs inside ---
Post by: CHawk15 on June 04, 2006, 03:27:48 AM
I might have to try a Double Agent, I've been looking around for a low RG / Hi Diff Pearl Particle to help with a house that likes to flood the lanes.
Title: Re: --- 6 new balls: specs inside ---
Post by: TheDude on June 04, 2006, 12:31:06 PM
I'm looking forward to the return of accu-tread, and the new jolt series. But just incase i got my hands on the last two NIB Super Sport Solids my distributor had.
--------------------
Timothy @Juniors Pro-Shop
Staff Writer 7-10 Split Magazine,EGO Communications
Montreal, Quebec.
Title: Re: --- 6 new balls: specs inside ---
Post by: BallsDeep on June 04, 2006, 04:58:04 PM
As far as the Eox cracking problems, they may have been cleared up finally.  I haven't heard about any cracks recently, however it seems as though the coverstock may be difficult to predict.  The origional Paradigm came out and had moderate cracking problems, above average # but not extreme.  Teh Passion comes out with just a solid version of the Eox and all of a sudden its a huge problem that calls for a recall of the unsold Passions.  

I to think that they will just make sure that whatever variation of the Eox they use has been thoroughly tested.  However it may be the reason that they are taking a bit of time before releasing another.

I to an extent understand their marketing strategy, but Ebonite and Brunswick have the two of the most well known and best coverstocks on the market and proven core designs.  They are firmly at the fore front of the market.  More than just the direct effect of having such good stuff is the fact that they seem to not have such a fear of innovation.  Brunswick has developed numerous versions of the Activator recently, and more so than Big B, Ebonite seems to develop a new cover with each release they dish out.  

Storm has to stabilize their company, and in the short term they should focus on this, but for the long haul, nothing can replace innovation.

--------------------
four fried chickens and a coke[/size=4]
Title: Re: --- 6 new balls: specs inside ---
Post by: themagician on June 04, 2006, 05:15:30 PM
yes the new agent is drawing agent around my area as people <3 pearl particles and storm really is popular, and with the heads i've turned with my agent everyone seemingly is coming back to storm (they are typical brunswickers) but are really now looking at storm again

i am getting a trifecta but will have a little disposable income later in the year and i just might have to pick up another agent, which agent, i don't know but i am very interested and am liking the way they are cycling the reactor cover (one of the strongest i've throw) and bringing back the accu-tread it will make for some really big differences and a lot of great reaction possiblities to fit almost anyones game


go storm!
--------------------
Current Average 177


Current Balls:
Storm Hot Rod Hybrid 15lb
STORM AGENT 15LB
Title: Re: --- 6 new balls: specs inside ---
Post by: Platinum Bowler on June 06, 2006, 10:57:30 PM
The Spit Fire pretty much looks like an X-Factor Reloaded.
--------------------
Farewell Tour 05'-06'

This is ten percent luck, twenty percent skill...
Fifteen percent concentrated power of will...
Five percent pleasure, fifty percent pain...
And a hundred percent reason to remember the name...

B-Car
Title: Re: --- 6 new balls: specs inside ---
Post by: ShermDawg on June 07, 2006, 01:25:28 AM
reloaded had blue in it... was an assymetrical ball... did not have the twin V core or the reactor pearl cover... and it was a particle pearl... how is it a reloaded huh Brian HUH!!!!!!!!!!!!!????????!!!!!!!!!!!!

u know ur gonna get one anyways as much as u love ur fired up... fruity pants
--------------------
"2 Hours Sleep + A Couple Beers = Good Bowling"
Bowl to Win
Sherman
Title: Re: --- 6 new balls: specs inside ---
Post by: Platinum Bowler on June 07, 2006, 09:13:59 AM
Mase, learn to read. I said it looks kind of like a Reloaded, same colors and such. Not that it basically is a Reloaded. Joel told me. He saw all the balls yesterday, when Ricky came in to his shop.

And you know I will get one. Joel already said I will get one, because its supposed to be even better then the Fired Up!!!
--------------------
Farewell Tour 05'-06'

This is ten percent luck, twenty percent skill...
Fifteen percent concentrated power of will...
Five percent pleasure, fifty percent pain...
And a hundred percent reason to remember the name...

B-Car
Title: Re: --- 6 new balls: specs inside ---
Post by: Fluff E Bunnie on June 07, 2006, 09:19:56 AM
quote:
Mase, learn to read. I said it looks kind of like a Reloaded, same colors and such. Not that it basically is a Reloaded. Joel told me. He saw all the balls yesterday, when Ricky came in to his shop.

And you know I will get one. Joel already said I will get one, because its supposed to be even better then the Fired Up!!!


After everyone saying the Fired Up was THE skid/flip ball would you say that this will be the NEW THE skid/flip ball?
--------------------
Current Arsenal:
Parker Bohn III
Bohn up a Storm!!!
Title: Re: --- 6 new balls: specs inside ---
Post by: only storm 4 me on June 07, 2006, 09:26:00 AM
We need some pictures of the new balls.Who will do this for us?
Title: Re: --- 6 new balls: specs inside ---
Post by: ShermDawg on June 07, 2006, 11:37:15 AM
i would say with the inverted core it is still going to be skid flip for sure but probably a tad bit more predictable... should be a great addition to the storm line up... all the balls look like they are going to be great...

Storm is definitely going in the right direction with everything...
--------------------
"2 Hours Sleep + A Couple Beers = Good Bowling"
Bowl to Win
Sherman
Title: Re: --- 6 new balls: specs inside ---
Post by: KingCranker on June 07, 2006, 01:24:35 PM
secret agent,
undercover agent or business agent...I look for those in the near future.


--------------------

Rockin The Game,One Frame At A Time!



my Email and PayPal : Crazy.Hoops5@verizon.net
Title: Re: --- 6 new balls: specs inside ---
Post by: Fluff E Bunnie on June 07, 2006, 03:46:09 PM
quote:
secret agent,
undercover agent or business agent...I look for those in the near future.


I want a totally black Secret Agent.  All black.  The logo does not have to be black of course.
--------------------
Current Arsenal:
Parker Bohn III
Bohn up a Storm!!!