Storm Level Bowling Ball

The Level is the first bowling ball in the new Lab Series by Storm Products. This bowling ball features a brand new coverstock called the RPM and the Equalizer A.I. core. The coverstock is what makes this bowling ball different – it absorbs oil faster than any previous coverstock and results in a smooth overall reaction. Since this is a lower differential core, I drilled my Level with a stronger pin-up layout: 60 x 4 ¼ x 30. Since this ball features some new technology, I didn’t set any real expectations on how this bowling ball is going to roll. After testing it out on a few patterns, I can certainly say that it creates a very smooth and controllable ball motion. The bowling ball definitely allowed me to keep my launch angles a bit more closed and keep my lines of play closer to the pocket. I did feel like I wanted to use a little more surface on my Level to make it read the mid-lane a little bit sooner, mainly because of my naturally faster ball speed. I did compare the Level to some of my urethane bowling balls and the Level certainly allows me to open up the lane a little more than any urethane bowling ball. My Level has some continuation when I open up my launch angles, but my ball speed certainly has to be slower for this ball to work. I do believe this Level creates a nice bridge between urethane bowling balls and weaker reactive bowling balls. I think this bowling ball will work well on a lot of medium patterns that range between 38 to 41 feet, especially if those patterns are a little flatter. Higher rev-rate bowlers will certainly like this bowling ball; however, it may take some surface adjustments or practice on different patterns to really figure this bowling ball.

Storm LEVEL by Roto Grip Rick Ball info and layout: Equalizer AI Core, with all RPM solid coverstock - factory finished at 1000 grit abralon, but I changed the surface to 3000 grit abralon after using it at 1000 grit and 2000 grit. Layout is: 4 x 4 x 1 which was suggested by Earl Burger at ABC North Lanes and Pro Shop. My updated specs: Rev rate 420’s, ball speed 15.3 to 15.8 mph off the hand, axis tilt of 16 degrees and axis rotation of 70 degrees, PAP is 3 15/16th up 3/16th. Tested on Pro-lane surface on a 44 ft house pattern with lower volume used for the junior and senior leagues, a 44 ft house pattern with larger volume, and patterns that ranged from 33 ft to 39 ft sport patterns. Time to see what the LEVEL is all about: When the teaser hit the Stormbowling.com website, I thought that we were just trying to recreate the wheel again. But instead, WE have completed a whole new LEVEL when it comes to ball dynamics and ball motion. I will start with the ONLY downfall to the LEVEL for me, the 1000 grit out of the box surface was too early and looked like a lane gnome would kick it sideways down between the first and second tracer boards and the ball would immediately go right on me. After playing with the surface in the pro shop on the Innovative Haus machine, I landed on 3000 grit with VISE abralon pads, which hold up very well over the course of time and usage. I found the LEVEL to be smooth like urethane on the front and mid part of the lane, but have a slightly stronger reaction and motion after the second tracer board than the !Q 78U and very predictable Roto Grip X-Ray that I LOVE LOVE LOVE so much. The LEVEL meant my expectation once I tweeted the coverstock to my game and what my “eyes” liked to see in my ball motion. The LEVEL stayed consistent for me during the course of my time on the lanes and once I was locked in, my angles and starting spot did not change much because the LEVEL stayed true to the roll and reaction, once a little carry down occurred on the 33 ft and lighter volume THS, I just need to move a closer to the 13-15 board as my starting spot and close the swing angle down a smidge so that the ball rolled more end over end to keep the energy stored a little more. LOVE the LEVEL on the shorter length patterns from 35 to 39 ft patterns where urethane is not strong enough for me and the X-Ray and even the new Tropical Surge blue/purple solid would be way too strong. On the THS, but lighter and heavier THS the ball struggled inside of the normal track area, it needed to see the friction a little bit earlier than the X-Ray, but would still recover remarkably well. If I square up with the X-Ray, the X-Ray would start its final move towards the pocket at the same point as the LEVEL but would be too strong entering the pins and would leave a bunch of 6 pins or even 4 pins. The LEVEL would stay firm and carry through the pocket and still have enough energy to kick out the corner pins. The LEVEL is NOT designed to be a BIG HOOK IT in the box piece, it was designed to absorb oil,but still be predictable, and still produce better pin carry. Over time the ball will keep the cover profile and will not need resurfacing like balls similar to surfaces. The LEVEL will be replacing my !Q 78u spot. MY ball bags will now consist of: BALL#1 - LEVEL BALL #2 - Roto Grip X-RAY BALL #3 - Storm Lighting Blackout BALL #4 - Roto Grip ROCK STAR - which is now my benchmark ball BALL #5 - Storm Equinox BALL #6 - Roto Grip Attention Star S2 My tournament balls will be: LEVEL, Hustle RIP, Physix Blackout, Zen 25, Attention Star, Idol Cosmos, Hustle X-Ray, Origin and X-Cell depending on pattern lengths. #SquadRG #3Gshoes #BeCoolCrew #ViseInserts

I am slightly speed dominant, rev challenged 220-250ish, low tilt and high rotation. The Storm Level is a symmetric reactive that has a RPM solid coverstock and medium flare potential. I drilled mine 4 x 4 x1. My axis point is 1 3/8 up and 4 1/4 right. I love this ball because it is very smooth and allows me to control the lane. Check out my video at: https://youtu.be/94pqjKyC6vk?si=1tR-wUcvk8IIWrcH #stormnation #sm2proshop

-Storm Level- Cover Stock: RPM SOLID (Regenerative Polymer Matrix) RG: 2.59 DIFFERENTIAL: .027 LAYOUT: 4X3.5X3/4 The Level is paired with the new Equalizer a.i. core with the new Regenerative Polymer Matrix cover stock (RPM). This ball is not to be confused with urethane, even though the Level has an extremely smooth reaction this ball is reactive. This ball is about 2-3 boards stronger than my IQ78 and is similar strength to my Zen U. This ball is going to be a great “out of” urethane ball or when urethane is reading the lane too early the Level should give you more length but with a smoother reaction than other bowling balls.

Layout: 30 x 4” x 40 When I first saw the review videos for the Level, I was ecstatic because this type of reaction is exactly what I need for tournaments such as USBC Nationals, where the lane patterns are more difficult. The reaction that I was looking for was an early reading ball that is very controllable, but preferably more overall hook than urethane, also without the negative aspect of pushing oil down the lane. The Level absolutely nails that, while also adding more versatility than expected. This ball will is very usable on fresh house conditions as well, provided there is enough oil in the front of the lane. Overall this ball is a few boards stronger for me than the Pitch Black is, while maintaining more continuation down lane and being much more able to chase the pattern left.

Urethane is becoming more and more pivotal in bowling and Storm continues to be a huge part of the evolution of the game. With rev-rates increasing and players wanting options that allows them to keep their angles straighter, the Storm Level was developed to provide just that. The Pitch Black and IQ 78 were some of the best urethane balls I’ve ever used so to see an upgrade from those is exciting. The Storm Level provides players with a new Equalizer AI Core which features lighter density to create more differential than normal. This allows the ball to flare more, thus hook more, which is necessary in todays game. I’ve drilled one so far and really like it. I drilled it the same way as my favorite Pitch Black which is 4 x 4 x 1. This layout has a very short pin buffer which helps the Level change direction down lane. I’ve also left the surface alone and it’s been a great addition to my bag for several types of patterns. On the shorter patterns, it blends out the friction nicely but on the longer patterns it still picks up and isn’t too quick down-lane. If you haven’t drilled a urethane ball yet, make sure you see your local Storm VIP pro shop so they can measure your specs to accurately drill your Level. Go drill one! #StormNation

Storm Level Pattern: 43ft House Layout: 30 x 3 3/4 x 30 Finish: Box (1000-grit) The Storm Level is the first among the new SPI Lab Series of performance bowling balls. Featuring the new Energizer A.I. Core, the Storm Level provides a completely new addition to their lineup. The combination of the new version of the A.I. core and the RPM solid cover-stock provides control with a smooth finish resembling a motion seen in urethane based equipment. However, the Levels cover absorbs oil much faster than most covers, allowing it to maintain its shape. Overall, the Level is a great option if you are looking for a controlled ball motion, and if you need it for heavier volume patterns, I suggest hitting it with a 800 or 500 pad to give in an earlier roll. Trevor Kopas Storm Staff Ambassador Pro Shop Operator #Bigboybowling

The all-new Storm Level is the first release in the SPI Lab series. The Level features an entirely new coverstock material called RPM (Regenerative Polymer Matrix). The Level also features a new core design with the Equalizer A.I. core. The ball comes finished at 1000 grit abralon and at 15 pounds it has a high RG of 2.59 with a differential of .027. I took the suggestion of headquarters and drilled the Level with a short pin buffer. I drilled mine at 5x5x1. The Level provides a controlled reaction similar to urethane bowling balls but with more backend motion and much better hitting power. The biggest difference between the Level and urethane bowling balls is where the ball hooks on the lane. Urethane balls are designed to hook in the front part of the lane. The Level with its high RG, provides a much later ball reaction. This ball is a great choice for shorter patterns and tougher tournament conditions where controlling the pocket is important. The Level allows me to play straight up the lane on drier, shorter conditions and the core/cover combination provides good pin carry, much more so than traditional urethane bowling balls. This ball is a niche ball, but it fills a big void in my tournament bag that I have been needing for a long time!

LANE CONDITION Length: 44ft Volume:Medium Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):THS COMMENTS Layout: 4 x 5 x 2 VLS WEbsite states: The Storm Level is a high-performance bowling ball that bridges the gap between traditional urethane and reactive resin balls. It features the innovative Equalizer™ A.I. Core, designed to provide a smooth, continuous motion on the lanes. The coverstock utilizes Storm's proprietary Regenerative Polymer Matrix (RPM) technology, which absorbs oil quickly while maintaining its surface integrity over time, ensuring consistent performance throughout a series of games. My Review: Control, Control, Control. That is my best description of The Level. Tested on a broken down THS and I was able to move further right and play the friction without the crazy bounce or hockey stick left turn. For my game its drilled strong so I can optimize the true performance of the cover/core tech and take advantange of the urethane like reaction. With my lower rev-rate I really had to roll it so it could read the midlane. For a solid you can really read the balls transition through the entire lane. Light pocket hits were average for me and will be higher for the bigger revrate players. I see the Level as a higher revrate/2hander bowler dream. I will likely only use on shorter patterns at tournament. This will be ideal to have in your tournament arsenal, because it will be a staple in mine. I did not throw the IQ Tour 78U or Pitch Black, but compared to my ZenU it maintain better oil absorbtion and maintained a cleaner cover after wiping out with a shammy. The Level fits nicely under my IQ Nano Pearl and Badger for tournament and drier conditions. In summary, The Storm Level is an innovative bowling ball that offers a controlled, urethane-like reaction with enhanced continuation, making it suitable for a wide range of bowlers. Visit your Local VIP Proshop today!

The Level is Storm’s entry into the Urethane-like category. Storm has done a great job describing the reaction of the Level without actually using the word “Urethane.” The Level is designed as a reactive control piece and it’s very good at that. It’s part of Storm’s all new SPI Lab Series of balls, with the new RPM Solid reactive coverstock and the new Equalizer core. The coverstock absorbs oil very quickly - if you go to throw a spare, you’ll still see some oil on the surface, but going back fro the next frame, it’s gone - very un-urethane like. The RG for the ball is extremely high - 2.60 in the 14 pound version I’m throwing, and a relatively low differential that sits square between the Pitch Black and the iQ Tour. Layout: 4 x 4 x 2 My Specs - Speed - 16 mph, Rev Rate - 315. PAP 5 1/8 x 7/8 Up.