Storm Ion Pro Bowling Ball

Layout: 55 x 4 x 70 This ball is a staple in my tournament bag and will continue to be for the forseeable future. "Benchmark" may be a subjective term, but most bowlers will be able to get lined up off of this ball easily, no matter what pattern is in front of them. The combination of midlane read, controllable yet hard backend motion, and versatility make the Ion Pro a must-have for all competitive tournament bowlers. Compared to the similar Tour Dynam-X from Roto Grip, the Ion Pro features a little stronger ball motion. And with the weaker hybrid coverstock compared to the Tour Dynam-X's solid cover, gives the Ion Pro a little sharper motion downlane, and provides a more ideal motion for when the move is a little deeper than the Dynam-X. These two make a great 1-2 punch for your arsenal! Todd Sigeti Storm Amateur Staff

The new Ion Pro is the new standard in benchmark bowling balls. This new release features the TX-16 hybrid reactive coverstock and an all new Element Tour A.I. core. At 15 pounds the RG is a low 2.47 with a differential of .035 and an intermediate differential of .014. I drilled mine at 4x4x2 which puts the pin above my ring finger. This ball is everything it was advertised to be. The new standard for benchmark ball motion. The Ion Pro is a little less overall hook for me than the Phaze II, but it definitely has a shaper backend motion than the Phaze II. It is stronger than the IQ Tour but provides the same kind of predictable reaction that has made the IQ so popular among tournament bowlers. The new Ion Pro will provide the bowler with high usability on many lane conditions, making this a must purchase for any league bowler. The versatility of the Ion Pro is simply unmatched.

The Storm Ion Pro is a fantastic addition to my bag, offering a powerful and versatile reaction that fits perfectly between my Phaze II and IQ Tour. This ball revs up quickly in the midlane, and its hybrid TX-16 coverstock, combined with the new Element Tour AI core, gives it an angular move at the backend that I haven't seen in other balls. On medium to heavy oil, the Ion Pro outshines my Phaze II with its sharper motion, yet it still delivers the same predictability that I love about the Phaze. It’s a perfect complement to the IQ Tour as well, adding more punch when I need it without sacrificing control. This ball is a must-have for anyone looking for a reliable benchmark that can handle a variety of conditions.

Ball Specs: ION Pro Color: Navy/Carbon/Steel Coverstock: TX-16 Hybrid Core: Element Tour AI Core Factory Finish: 4000 Grit Fragrance: Kiwi Tart Review: The Storm Ion Pro is highly versatile, performing well on a variety of lane conditions, from medium to heavy oil. It is particularly effective for bowlers who prefer a strong mid-lane reaction with a smooth, controlled backend. The ball's hybrid coverstock allows it to adjust well to different surface preparations, making it easy to fine-tune its reaction to match specific lane conditions or a bowler's unique style. The Ion Pro is also a great option for bowlers who need a reliable benchmark ball. Its predictable motion and strong backend make it a solid choice for getting a read on the lanes and determining the best line to play. Whether you’re a competitive bowler looking for a reliable option to tackle challenging oil patterns or a league player in need of a versatile ball for different conditions, the Ion Pro offers a great balance of power, control, and versatility. Its striking appearance and reliable performance make it a valuable addition to any bowler’s arsenal, giving you the confidence to perform at your best in any situation. Will Tefft Storm Staff Member will@parklanes.net www.strombowling.com #Stromnation

The Ion Pro delivers a superb blend of length and strength, making it a versatile choice for various lane conditions. Drilled with a 5 x 4 x 2 ½ layout, this ball has consistently performed well for me, adapting seamlessly from standard house shots to more challenging tournament patterns. Its ability to maintain a steady trajectory through the front part of the lane while retaining energy for the backend is impressive. The Ion Pro’s smooth transition as it exits the pattern provides a controllable and predictable reaction, which is especially beneficial on tougher conditions. Featuring the Element Tour A.I. Core and TX-16 hybrid coverstock, the Ion Pro offers excellent performance across a range of bowling styles and lane conditions. Whether you're facing a typical house shot or a more demanding pattern, this ball’s combination of length, strength, and forgiveness makes it a reliable and effective choice.

I drilled up my ION PRO with my standard 4.5 x 4 x 2 layout that I use on lower diff balls. I have tweaked the surface at 1500 to 3000. The ION PRO is a good piece for the center that I bowl at with their 20+ year old synthetic panels. With the 1500 surface, the ION PRO is just under my THE ROAD & it might have just a little more pick up than my IQ TOUR RUBY. The ION PRO is one that I can keep in front of me and still get good roll off the medium/dryer patterns when they get a little wet/dry. I can also ball up to THE ROAD when I get pushed left or ball down to the IQ RUBY when I need to open up the lane to the right. Put this one in your bag if you are bowling on worn surfaces and your IQ Ruby is still not enough off the spot to carry with. This is also a good one to put in between your PHAZE II and IQ TOUR.

Sam Cooper. Roto Grip Amateur Staffer. The ION Pro impressed me right from the start. The newest benchmark reaction from Storm is a different combination than we have seen in the past. We have the TX-16 hybrid cover stock. Paired with the new Element Tour A.I. Core which gives this ball a differential of .035 and intermediate differential of .014(15lbs). This combination gives you the confidence that this ball will consistently read the lanes and tell you what the lane is doing. In terms of my bag it is a step down from a Summit or a Optimum Idol, but stronger than a IQ Tour solid. I would like Storm to give us another ball with a similar combination already. The first night I tested this ball was on the 37’ Viper pattern. I was impressed the first game I threw the ION. This was after 3 games of qualifying I decided to try it out. I hit the ball with a 2000 abralon pad. This surface also seems to be where it works best for me if I am going to throw it on fresh (4000 can be too over under for me). A lot of urethane was being used and the ION Pro ignored the urethane carry down on the lanes and gave me a consistent reaction to get to the pocket. Next night was on 42’ Mark Roth pattern. There was a lot of friction to the right and a puddle in the middle of the lane. I could throw the ION to the friction, and it would do the right thing every time (as long as the operator threw it correctly). It just gives you a smooth reaction that you can use on a variety of patterns. Any tournament bowler should have this ball in the bag no matter what condition you are bowling on. This ball would also be good for anyone that likes to see a smooth consistent reaction.

Storm Ion Pro Core and cover: Element Tour core with A.I. technology with TX-16 HYBRID coverstock Box finish: 4000 grit abralon --- Tested: at box condition and with Storm Rough Edge finishing product Layout: 5 ½ x 5 x 5 – tested on 44ft house pattern and a 50ft USBC Junior Gold pattern What I liked and found about the all new Ion Pro is the ball was very STABLE on both patterns I bowled on, may it have been the house pattern or the tougher 50ft USBC Junior Gold pattern. On the house pattern, the Ion Pro reacted similar to my Roto Grip Tour Dynam-X with a little extra “kick” on the back part of the pattern and onto the dry part of the lane. Adding Storm’s Rough Edge finishing product to the coverstock calmed the backend down to where it was not over reacting on the dry part of the lane. It basically promoted the surface to looking like “lane shine” condition without wearing down the peaks and valleys on the TX-16 HYBRID coverstock. Which brings me to the next topic: TX-16 has been a major player in the coverstock game for years, and NOW, for the first time ever Storm made it into a HYBRID coverstock, which is ESSENTIAL for today’s playing conditions and having TX-16 Hybrid on an asymmetrical core is UNIQUE for a “benchmark” ball. My SPI arsenal has changed a little bit this summer with SPI adding the Ion Pro and Roto Grip X-Cell to the line-up. My current arsenal is from weaker to stronger is: Roto Grip X-Ray at box finish with a super smooth 5” pin to pap layout, Roto Grip X-Ray with Rough Edge on it with a strong 4” pin to pap layout, Storm Lighting Blackout, Storm Ion Pro, Roto Grip Attention Star, Roto Grip X-Cell. That is one of the BEST summer arsenals I can remember having in the past 5 years at least. The Ion Pro is readily available at your local pro shops and watch for more SPI Matchmaker Live! Events coming to a bowling center near you. Check out my YouTube channel for my Ion Pro: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISymRjy-IW0. Thanks to my sponsors and partners: Roto Grip, Storm and 900 Global, Vise Inserts, Coolwick, Bowlers’ Supply and ABC North Lanes and Lounge.

LANE CONDITION Length: 41' Volume: Medium-Heavy Pattern: THS Layout: 4 3/4 x 3 1/4 x 1 COMMENTS: The Storm Ion Pro has been generating quite a buzz among bowlers for its impressive performance, balance and versatility. The Benchmark Asymmetrical a first for Storm. Features the TX-16 Hybrid Reactive coverstock and the Element Tour AI core. This combination provides a unique blend of control and power, making it a great benchmark ball for many bowlers. The TX-16 Hybrid coverstock is finished at 4000 Abralon, offering a good balance between traction and smoothness, while the Element Tour AI core is a low RG, low differential asymmetrical design, which helps the ball rev up quickly and provides strong midlane traction, a strong move at the breakpoint with a surprising amount of angularity, providing a consistent and reliable reaction. Compared to my Roto Grip X-Cell, the Ion Pro has a bit more total hook and a stronger move at the breakpoint. It is also more angular off the spot compared to the Storm Phaze ll and IQ Tour, making it a versatile option. For Tweeners and Strokers like myself the ball's versatility makes it suitable for different styles, with users appreciating its ability to handle various conditions without losing its effectiveness. I can stay in my comfort zones longer which boost the confidence in game usage The Storm Ion Pro is a solid choice for bowlers looking for a reliable benchmark ball. Its combination of the TX-16 Hybrid Reactive coverstock and Element Tour AI core provides a versatile and powerful reaction that can adapt to different lane conditions. Whether you're a cranker, tweener, or stroker, the Ion Pro offers a consistent and strong performance that can help elevate your game Visit your local VIP Pro-Shop today

I'll admit, I have been a huge advocate of both the iQ tour & phaze 2 for a long, long time. When I saw a new asymetric ball that was supposed to take its place.. I was skeptical. After drilling this up, I will say, I wish I didn't have my initial thoughts. With the ability to drill this with more of the bowler in mind, it can give you the exact benchmark ball motion you are looking for. For me, it is stronger than the iQ and phaze 2, but closer to the phaze 2 shape wise. It is a bit longer for me, but still covers the same amount of boards, making it a little sharper on the backend, helping my carry. I've found success on both league shots and sport shots. Very, very happy I drilled this up. You probably should too.