Storm Ion Pro Bowling Ball

Layout: 5 x 3 1/2 x 2 1/4 Surface: 4000 Abralon Rev Rate: 460 The new Ion Pro brings new technology in terms of core shape, dynamics and ball motion that hasn't been seen in the Storm lineup. The low rg of 2.47 and medium differential of .035 and PSA of 0.014 gives a new meaning to the word benchmark. Typically, we don't see asymmetrical balls considered "benchmarks" as they tend to be more responsive to friction making them not as readable as a symmetrical version. The Ion Pro changes that entirely. The Ion Pro at 4000 abralon finish gives easy length through the front part of the line but the core allows the ball to read the midlane well and have a nice continuation in the backend through the pins. I found this ball to be very predictable while still giving me enough shape to actually play the lanes both straight and left to right as the lanes broke down which isn't typical for a benchmark type ball. I was able to try this ball out on a 37ft sport pattern with medium volume. What I saw from the Ion Pro was the ability to attack the lanes several ways. The lower differential gave me that ability to play the lanes straighter on the fresh without giving up the continuation but also gave me the ability to play left to right if I saw a better option because of the hybrid coverstock. I found a ton of versatility that this ball can provide. At the factory 4000 finish, I found a little too much length for my style to be most effective for me. A quick surface change to 2000 abralon gave me a stronger and earlier motion that I like to see for my style. The 2000 finish allowed me to still play straighter while not having to be as close to the friction spot. The extra surface also allowed me to play left to right with ease as the pattern started to breakdown. Being in the Northeast, I see a lot of older lane surfaces with a lot of built in friction. The Ion Pro is clean enough to handle the extra friction while maintaining the control you look for in a benchmark ball. I can honestly see myself having this ball in the arsenal quite often especially on sport patterns. Compared to the Phaze 2, I saw a lot more length but a slightly stronger backend and compared to an IQ Tour, I saw stronger overall ball motion that read the lane a few feet sooner overall. I can see myself bringing both the Phaze 2 and the Ion Pro within the same arsenal as they can play off each other well. This ball will be able to fit most styles and lane conditions of all sorts. Adam Chase Storm Staff

Dual Angle Layout: 55 x 4 1/2 x 35 Storm Vector Layout: 4 1/2 x 4 1/2 x 2 1/4 Storm's New Benchmark Ball, the Ion Pro, is everything you want it to be.  The Ion Pro fits perfectly between the IQ Tour and the Phaze II just like the advertising states.  For me this ball starts up strong in the midlane and continues through the pins with power.  I'm excited to see how this ball rolls with some lane shine.  This is will my go to ball on medium patterns to feel out the lanes. https://youtu.be/8N_dY1b0Ahk?si=nPGaHQZkuRcOwjvW

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. Lonnie Pemberton Storm Pro Shop Staff Vise Pro Shop Staff Revolutions Pro Shop