Today we are pleased to introduce the new “Aion Max” from STORM.
Ball Performance
The specifications are as follows.
| Specification | ION MAX | ION PRO |
|---|---|---|
| Coverstock | NRG™ Solid Reactive | TX-16™ Hybrid Reactive |
| Core | Element™ A.I. Core | Element™ Tour A.I. Core |
| RG | 2.470 (15lbs) | 2.470 (15lbs) |
| Differential | 0.055 (15lbs) | 0.035 (15lbs) |
| Mass Bias | 0.014 (15lbs) | 0.014 (15lbs) |
| Flare | High | Medium-High |
| Hardness | 73-75 | 73-75 |
| Color | Neon Pink + Indigo + White | Navy + Carbon + Steel |
| Surface Finish | 2000 Grit Abralon | 4000 Grit Abralon |
| Available Weight | 12-16 lbs | 12-16 lbs |
| Fragrance | Strawberry Milkshake | Kiwi Tart |
The “Eye On MAX” is made of NRG solid reactive coverstock, which is one of the strongest covers in the middle to upper class of Storm’s lineup.This cover provides very strong performance against oil.The weight block features the Element AI Core, which has been improved from the Tour AI Core of the previous Aion Pro, increasing the delta RG from 0.035 to 0.059.This is expected to result in stronger rolling and sustained bending.The finish is finished with a 2000 grid Abralon, with an RG of 2.47 and a mass bias of .014, resulting in a strong responsive ball.
Impression at the time of pitching
My impression from actual throwing is that the coverstock is outstandingly strong, and it catches and maintains its bend even in oily conditions.It has a particularly strong rolling feel and flares out well from the start of the throw, giving the impression of sustained bending.However, it does not cut off abruptly, but gives the impression of a gradual arc-like bend.Also, due to the characteristics of the NRG cover, the ball catches and keeps moving even in areas with a lot of oil, giving the impression of a never-ending bend.This sustained feel is a feature not often seen in other balls.
Difference from Comparison Ball
Comparison with ION PRO
Compared to its predecessor “Aion Pro,” this “Aion MAX” has a more powerful core, but moves more slowly.While the “Aion Pro” is more maneuverable as a benchmark ball, and less likely to stand up too quickly, the “Aion MAX” is a more aggressive ball with the addition of a flip block, which adds to its cutting ability.In addition, the ball’s strength against oil has been clearly improved, and it can be expected to be stable even in oily conditions.In particular, when comparing throws, the movement after the rod starts to bend is very different between “AION PRO” and “AION MAX,” with MAX moving more gently.
summary
The “Aion MAX” is an exceptionally well balanced ball that shows its true value in oily conditions, especially with its strong cover and core.It combines a continuous bending motion and high maneuverability, and its great appeal is that it is easy to pocket no matter how you throw it.Compared to its predecessor, the Aion Pro, the Aion Pro inherits the same maneuverability, but adds a more aggressive motion, which is expected to make it more effective in matches.Furthermore, the addition of a flip block makes the difference clearly felt, making it ideal for use in particularly oily situations.It is so complete that we describe it as the best ball of the year and suitable for many bowlers, both pro and amateurs.
