Layout: 45 x 5 x 30
Surface: Reacta Gloss
The Journey brings back the F8 core found in last year's Fate but is wrapped around the brand new TX-16 Pearl coverstock. The TX-16 Solid is found on the Phaze 2 which is an incredible ball. I was so excited when I saw the TX-16 Pearl coverstock, as I am missing that "Phaze Pearl" ball reaction. This Journey did not disappoint! The F8 core makes this more naturally cleaner than the Phaze line but the strength of the core makes the midlane reaction more similar. I got to try the Journey on a 44ft typical house pattern and a 42ft high volume sport pattern.
On the house pattern, I expected the ball to be too clean for the fresh but it was actually pretty close to the reaction I want to see on the fresh. The reacta gloss factory surface makes it slightly too clean for the fresh for such long oil but a slight surface adjustment to 2000 made this ball more useful for the fresh. I was pleasently surprised how well this ball read the midlane. Its continuation was also great which allowed it roll threw the pins optimally. The Journey is a little earlier and stronger overall than the Fate when all the factors are the same. The Journey is not quite as angular but continues stronger. If you are looking for a stronger fate or looking for more a Phaze 2 type ball reaction, then I would get the Journey. The hype is definitely real with this ball.
On the 42ft High Volume Sport Pattern, I saw pretty clean through the front and strong backend motion. At the box surface, it was tough to control all the oil volume. It created too much length to be effective enough compared to a Phaze 2. The Journey would be a better first or even second transition ball on heavier volume just due to its characteristics and whatever balls you may use. I took the surface down to 2000 grit abralon to see what the stronger surface would give me. Like the house pattern, I was pleasantly surprised how much stronger it read the midlane and rolled off the end of the pattern. It gave me a much stronger overall look and made the ball react closer to the Phaze 2.
I believe this ball can be good for multiple conditions and styles. If you want the ball to roll more like the fate then keep the reacta gloss finish on. If you want it roll closer to a Phaze 2, then take off the reacta gloss and make it more smoother.
Adam Chase
Storm Staff