TESTING ENVIRONMENT:

Length:43

Volume:Med-High

Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):THS 12:1 Ratio

BALL:
Coverstock: : TX-16™ Hybrid Reactive
Core: : Element™ Tour A.I. Core
Finish: 4000 Abralon
RG: 2.47 (15lb)
DIFF: .035 (15lb)
PSA: 0.014 (15lb)
Storm has created some of the greatest benchmark pieces in industry history and now they are reinventing that benchmark. The Phaze II and !Q Tour have been staples for many years and have stood the test of time because of their amazing versatility. Storm is now introducing the new Ion Pro. The Ion Pro features a hybrid version of the Tx-16 cover featured on the Phaze II wrapped around a new Assym core called Element Tour A.I. The Element Tour A.I. has a diff number closer to the IQ range so you get the tour shape, with a great cover to give it a little more power.

I tested the Ion Pro on a freshly conditioned lane which had sat for a few hours. I lined up where I would expect to throw my Phaze II, expecting that I would move right to compensate for the weaker core. Instead I watch the Ion split the 8-9. Surprised I tried changing my angle through the front a few different ways to see how the ball responded. When I pushed the ball further right, the Ion Pro had no issues getting back. On the 12 to 1 house pattern most things will recover on shots missed right. The biggest surprise came next when I intentionally pulled the ball into the soup just inside the track and watching it recover and split the 8-9 again.  After throwing a dozen or so more shots intentionally changing up my angles and speed to see how the ball reacted I began to wonder if I had misjudged the lane condition so I brought out my Phaze II, threw it on the same line I had started on and saw exactly what I expected. It was a bit smoother motion but an identical line to the Ion Pro. I then closed the angle to get the Phaze II into the heavier oil zone, watched it hit the same spot the Ion Pro had come off of, and leave the bucket.

I'm probably the biggest cheerleader for the Phaze II ever, (except maybe Verity Crawley) and I never thought I would see a ball compete for the benchmark spot in my bag. This Ion Pro isn't just hype it's the real deal.

I also decided to see how it would respond if I got in deep and tried to slow hook it. The deep inside line is usually where my Phaze II goes out of play. Ion Pro has so much continuation that even though the difference in shape was imperceptible, the ball had no issues going through the pins no matter how deep I got.

I would recommend this ball to literally everyone. A statement I've only ever made about the phaze II but can happily add here is everyone should have this ball in their bag.

See my full ball Reaction Video at: https://youtu.be/lMjIfIueUQ4?si=QAwijzztMDhcTorU
Lonnie Pemberton
Storm Pro Shop Staff
Vise Pro Shop Staff
Revolutions Pro Shop

Youtube Channel: https://youtube.com/@k1ngsizepapa